This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Merric steps forward as they recover the spellbook from the teen’s pack “Young man, do you want to tell us what happened here? How did that book make its way into your pack?” Merric asks the boy gently, watching his body language and expressions to determine if he is hiding anything in his answers. Insight: 14.
Karib nods and sighs audibly as Akira finds the book, then nods even more vigorously at Merric's words. "Aye lad, stolen knowledge can be a dangerous thing...and this book is much more valuable..and dangerous...than your average book. They are often protected with all sorts of spells, that can curse you or kill a fully grown man."
Karib scowls at Aldor, the veins in his temples pulsing redly, then moves to place himself to block the teen's view of the odd man. "I'm glad this trouble is all resolved peacefully, but...I'd suggest you answer the question to avoid any future problems. How did it end up in your pack, eh?"
The boy glances around as if to escape, but his shoulders slump in defeat when his father clamps a vice-like grip on his shoulder. "Answer them," he says gruffly. His son sighs, eyes facing the ground as he answers, "I heard that guy trying to buy it from the guard lady yesterday. It sounded really cool, so I wanted to see it for myself. I was going to give it back though! I just wanted to read it while we walked today."
For Merric:
You don't detect any outright lies in the boy's answer.
“As I explained to the obstinate fellow you heard me talking to, spellcraft is a journey not a destination. The words written there do no good to those not taught to read and decipher them. It is a discipline my child. However the sense of reward reaped from study and practice is utterly worth the work. I raised children of my own into this world and taught them that the short and easy way seldom offers the same benefits and usually fraught with its own perils. If the appeal of magic calls to you as it did me, …” and uses Minor Illusion to create a light source behind Akira, “then begin your studies at the academy and you will learn how brilliant the road becomes.”
"Well ... " Rogram says, smiling, "you don't have to go to school to use magic." He waves a hand, and sparks fly out of it. "My mom went to school to learn magic, but I have never been formally trained. Sure, she — and probably you, Akira — know more about magic than me, but I can still use it." He leans in toward the boy conspiratorially. "I can even turn invisible," he says in a loud whisper.
Karib laughs, "It's not all about magic; sometimes learning about the world, and trying to understand it, is enough. But whatever you do, be very careful around things that you don't understand."
"But enough of this, have barrels to secure!"
With a bow to the parents, Karib turns away and starts the short walk back to his cart
The boy seems overwhelmed, stuck between the scolding of Akira, the lightheartedness of Rogram and the nonchalance of Karib. His parents, however, seem to know exactly how they feel about the situation.
"Please go easy on him," his mother says to Akira. "We're so close to our destination in Daggerford. We don't want any trouble, and you won't have to worry about him trying anything else. We'll keep a close eye on him."
"A very close eye," the boy's father reiterates, glaring daggers at his son.
Rogram turns and almost runs into Aldor. "Oh!" the half-dwarf says, stepping back. "So, I guess you're off the hook," he says with a shrug. "But try to not bother Akira so much in the future. I'd hate to have to rough you up." He lifts both arms forward and makes a shooing motion with the fingers of both hands at the man as if to encourage his retreat back toward the main caravan.
Karib smiles as he walks away. He remembers the antics he got up to as a child and is relieved that it was nothing more sinister than a childish prank. He is almost back at his wagon when he pauses and looks back. He was so caught up in the relief of finding the book without conflict that he happily accepted the child's tale. Closing his eyes, he reruns the conversation in his mind, just to be sure.
Any signs of deception or misdiection, especially relating to Aldor and child connections: (Insight: 17; passive 18)
Aldor narrows his eyes back at Rogram and Akira. "Should you find yourselves in legal trouble, rest assured that I will not be there to defend you," he says before stomping away.
With Akira's spellbook back in hand, and a teenager admonished, the caravan sets off with only a slight delay. During the first rest stop, the merchants gather to pay their guards. "We'd be remiss if we reached Daggerford before we pay you for your third tenday," Nyerhite chuckles. "Plenty of ways to entertain yourself when we arrive, just be sure to report before we leave on the following day."
Throughout the day, excitement builds as the wagons roll past outlying hamlets, farms, and estates surrounding Daggerford. In the afternoon, parts of the town can be seen as you walk up and down rolling hills. As evening sets in, the town's walls beckon, framed by the setting sun. The town is modest, with a moat surrounding the wall and its three gates, but it bustles with an activity that can't be matched by simple roadside inns. Sitting atop a hill in the center of it all is the grand Ducal Castle, the talk of much of the caravan's travelers over the last few days.
"Through the Caravan Gate to the west!" Beyd calls from his wagon in the lead spot, directing the caravan around the outskirts of the town and through the open gates, leading the wagons through a strategically placed market and into a wide stable holding ground. The arrival of the caravan seems to bring the town to life, as the weary travelers who have been on their feet or sleeping aside the road for thirty two days seek the comfort of a bed or the entertainment of a tavern. For some, Daggerford is their final destination. For many in Daggerford, the arrival of a caravan creates an opportunity to join and venture the shorter journey north to Waterdeep. To make time for new arrivals, and to enjoy the spoils of city life for a day, the caravan calls for a full day's rest the following day before picking the rest of the journey back up the day after that.
OOC: Added guard payment to character inventories (10 gp for Karib, 8 gp for Akira, 5 gp for Merric). We can spend as much time as we'd like RPing in Daggerford if you'd like. When you're ready to resume the journey, let me know and I'll advance us to that point!
Each character has gained 300 XP for resolving the theft of Akira's spellbook.
OOC: Don't worry, DM, I don't hold it against you that you stole all of Rogram's money and then had him fired shortly after. Not at all.
Rogram runs a finger through the five pieces of gold in his purse and decides it might be a good idea to save them — just in case. He can sleep with the wagons in town just as he has on the road. Before she can dissolve into one of the buildings, Rogram looks for the cult woman, deciding he should make contact again to show her he is insistent.
As he begins to look for the woman he assumes to be associated with the cult, he sees her just as the door to the back of the cult wagon she is entering closes, along with a flash of red. Likely further cementing her association with the Cult of the Dragon, this is the first that Rogram has seen her visibly associate with them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Merric enjoyed the remaining walk to Daggerford, light on his feet after the group’s success of recovering Akira’s spellbook and imparting an important lesson learned to the young teen who took it. Upon entering Daggerford, Merric helps Edhelri tend to the animals and set up the wagon before taking advantage of his free time to explore. He is drawn to the market, curious to see what goods have made their way to town, but his mission remains at the front of his mind and he discreetly keeps an eye on the suspected Cult of the Dragon wagons for any comings or goings. He is especially interested in learning if they have any contacts in Daggerford, either among the locals or other travelers. Perception: 18.
Karib feels a surge of relief as his wagon moves slowly through the gates. He had expected an uneventful journey. This had been anything but. Taking his hat off he stares at it like it is something new. Dust, blood, water stains, and a bedraggled feather. He sighs.
"I shall probably need a new feather," he says, before looking up at Carlon. "So what are you plans now? Seems like a safe place to reassess your life choices, eh?"
As the wagons move through the market area he looks for any stalls or shops that might trade in the more expensive arcane components. While he can not afford the diamonds required for returning the recently dead to life, he suspects that a jewelled horn and a glass eye would come in useful. Sadly his purse is somewhat lacking and he may need to seek assistance from the harpers of the temple.
As the horses are stabled and the wagons parked, he approaches each of his companions if he can find them. "Best be wary," he says. "I fear that the cult may now know that some of us have an interest in their ... ah ... activities."
After a long while, Rogram finally sees the back of the wagon open, and the woman of interest exit along with a peculiar bald-headed human in red robes and a couple of other travelers. Making brief eye contact with Rogram, she hurriedly looks away, frowning and grumbling something under her breath, walking further into the market district.
Night has fallen in full at this point, but Karib still sees an active marketplace full of stalls and shops. Most anything you could find in a city could likely be found here in Daggerford, including spellcasting materials.
Taking note of the wagons and guards thought to belong to the Cult of the Dragon, Merric sees them performing activity similar to the other merchants; holding discussions with travelers wishing to pay for an easier trip riding in the wagon than walking along the road, unhitching animals and moving them to the stables, and locking down the wagons for the night.
Rogram hurries to find Karib, Merric or Akira. Whoever he finds first, he lays a hand on their shoulder and says quietly, "I need you now." The half-dwarf casts invisibility at 2nd level (using a 3rd level slot) to turn them both invisible. Grabbing their forearm, Rogram leads them, hurrying toward where he saw the woman and her companions in an attempt to follow them.
Merric watches the suspected cultists interact with various merchants and travelers, but doesn’t spot anything out of the ordinary. Nothing obvious anyway. He does notice Rogram, and sees that the young lady he was following noticed him too. With a small grimace, Merric makes his way to Rogram. “Watch out, I think she knows you are paying a little too much attention to her.”
Merric is surprised as Rogram calls out “I need you now” and with a touch turns invisible. Merric hurries along with Rogram, whispering “Where are we going? And what do you think you are doing?”
Karib converses with Carlon for a time while then helps unloading the cart before scanning the market while he mulls over the best way forward.
When he goes looking for the others but fails to find any sign of Rogram, his shoulders slump. "The lad will get himself killed," he mutters.
Fearing the worst, he redoubles his efforts to find the others, and if he manages to spot Akira he walks up quickly. "I don't suppose you or your feathered friend know where Rogram has gone?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Merric steps forward as they recover the spellbook from the teen’s pack “Young man, do you want to tell us what happened here? How did that book make its way into your pack?” Merric asks the boy gently, watching his body language and expressions to determine if he is hiding anything in his answers. Insight: 14.
.
Karib nods and sighs audibly as Akira finds the book, then nods even more vigorously at Merric's words. "Aye lad, stolen knowledge can be a dangerous thing...and this book is much more valuable..and dangerous...than your average book. They are often protected with all sorts of spells, that can curse you or kill a fully grown man."
Karib scowls at Aldor, the veins in his temples pulsing redly, then moves to place himself to block the teen's view of the odd man. "I'm glad this trouble is all resolved peacefully, but...I'd suggest you answer the question to avoid any future problems. How did it end up in your pack, eh?"
The boy glances around as if to escape, but his shoulders slump in defeat when his father clamps a vice-like grip on his shoulder. "Answer them," he says gruffly. His son sighs, eyes facing the ground as he answers, "I heard that guy trying to buy it from the guard lady yesterday. It sounded really cool, so I wanted to see it for myself. I was going to give it back though! I just wanted to read it while we walked today."
For Merric:
You don't detect any outright lies in the boy's answer.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Akira measures the boy’s words.
“As I explained to the obstinate fellow you heard me talking to, spellcraft is a journey not a destination. The words written there do no good to those not taught to read and decipher them. It is a discipline my child. However the sense of reward reaped from study and practice is utterly worth the work. I raised children of my own into this world and taught them that the short and easy way seldom offers the same benefits and usually fraught with its own perils. If the appeal of magic calls to you as it did me, …” and uses Minor Illusion to create a light source behind Akira, “then begin your studies at the academy and you will learn how brilliant the road becomes.”
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"Well ... " Rogram says, smiling, "you don't have to go to school to use magic." He waves a hand, and sparks fly out of it. "My mom went to school to learn magic, but I have never been formally trained. Sure, she — and probably you, Akira — know more about magic than me, but I can still use it." He leans in toward the boy conspiratorially. "I can even turn invisible," he says in a loud whisper.
Karib laughs, "It's not all about magic; sometimes learning about the world, and trying to understand it, is enough. But whatever you do, be very careful around things that you don't understand."
"But enough of this, have barrels to secure!"
With a bow to the parents, Karib turns away and starts the short walk back to his cart
The boy seems overwhelmed, stuck between the scolding of Akira, the lightheartedness of Rogram and the nonchalance of Karib. His parents, however, seem to know exactly how they feel about the situation.
"Please go easy on him," his mother says to Akira. "We're so close to our destination in Daggerford. We don't want any trouble, and you won't have to worry about him trying anything else. We'll keep a close eye on him."
"A very close eye," the boy's father reiterates, glaring daggers at his son.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram turns and almost runs into Aldor. "Oh!" the half-dwarf says, stepping back. "So, I guess you're off the hook," he says with a shrug. "But try to not bother Akira so much in the future. I'd hate to have to rough you up." He lifts both arms forward and makes a shooing motion with the fingers of both hands at the man as if to encourage his retreat back toward the main caravan.
Karib smiles as he walks away. He remembers the antics he got up to as a child and is relieved that it was nothing more sinister than a childish prank. He is almost back at his wagon when he pauses and looks back. He was so caught up in the relief of finding the book without conflict that he happily accepted the child's tale. Closing his eyes, he reruns the conversation in his mind, just to be sure.
Any signs of deception or misdiection, especially relating to Aldor and child connections: (Insight: 17; passive 18)
Aldor narrows his eyes back at Rogram and Akira. "Should you find yourselves in legal trouble, rest assured that I will not be there to defend you," he says before stomping away.
With Akira's spellbook back in hand, and a teenager admonished, the caravan sets off with only a slight delay. During the first rest stop, the merchants gather to pay their guards. "We'd be remiss if we reached Daggerford before we pay you for your third tenday," Nyerhite chuckles. "Plenty of ways to entertain yourself when we arrive, just be sure to report before we leave on the following day."
Throughout the day, excitement builds as the wagons roll past outlying hamlets, farms, and estates surrounding Daggerford. In the afternoon, parts of the town can be seen as you walk up and down rolling hills. As evening sets in, the town's walls beckon, framed by the setting sun. The town is modest, with a moat surrounding the wall and its three gates, but it bustles with an activity that can't be matched by simple roadside inns. Sitting atop a hill in the center of it all is the grand Ducal Castle, the talk of much of the caravan's travelers over the last few days.
"Through the Caravan Gate to the west!" Beyd calls from his wagon in the lead spot, directing the caravan around the outskirts of the town and through the open gates, leading the wagons through a strategically placed market and into a wide stable holding ground. The arrival of the caravan seems to bring the town to life, as the weary travelers who have been on their feet or sleeping aside the road for thirty two days seek the comfort of a bed or the entertainment of a tavern. For some, Daggerford is their final destination. For many in Daggerford, the arrival of a caravan creates an opportunity to join and venture the shorter journey north to Waterdeep. To make time for new arrivals, and to enjoy the spoils of city life for a day, the caravan calls for a full day's rest the following day before picking the rest of the journey back up the day after that.
OOC: Added guard payment to character inventories (10 gp for Karib, 8 gp for Akira, 5 gp for Merric). We can spend as much time as we'd like RPing in Daggerford if you'd like. When you're ready to resume the journey, let me know and I'll advance us to that point!
Each character has gained 300 XP for resolving the theft of Akira's spellbook.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: Don't worry, DM, I don't hold it against you that you stole all of Rogram's money and then had him fired shortly after. Not at all.
Rogram runs a finger through the five pieces of gold in his purse and decides it might be a good idea to save them — just in case. He can sleep with the wagons in town just as he has on the road. Before she can dissolve into one of the buildings, Rogram looks for the cult woman, deciding he should make contact again to show her he is insistent.
As he begins to look for the woman he assumes to be associated with the cult, he sees her just as the door to the back of the cult wagon she is entering closes, along with a flash of red. Likely further cementing her association with the Cult of the Dragon, this is the first that Rogram has seen her visibly associate with them.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Merric enjoyed the remaining walk to Daggerford, light on his feet after the group’s success of recovering Akira’s spellbook and imparting an important lesson learned to the young teen who took it. Upon entering Daggerford, Merric helps Edhelri tend to the animals and set up the wagon before taking advantage of his free time to explore. He is drawn to the market, curious to see what goods have made their way to town, but his mission remains at the front of his mind and he discreetly keeps an eye on the suspected Cult of the Dragon wagons for any comings or goings. He is especially interested in learning if they have any contacts in Daggerford, either among the locals or other travelers. Perception: 18.
.
Rogram decides to hang around and wait for the woman to exit the wagon.
Karib feels a surge of relief as his wagon moves slowly through the gates. He had expected an uneventful journey. This had been anything but. Taking his hat off he stares at it like it is something new. Dust, blood, water stains, and a bedraggled feather. He sighs.
"I shall probably need a new feather," he says, before looking up at Carlon. "So what are you plans now? Seems like a safe place to reassess your life choices, eh?"
As the wagons move through the market area he looks for any stalls or shops that might trade in the more expensive arcane components. While he can not afford the diamonds required for returning the recently dead to life, he suspects that a jewelled horn and a glass eye would come in useful. Sadly his purse is somewhat lacking and he may need to seek assistance from the harpers of the temple.
As the horses are stabled and the wagons parked, he approaches each of his companions if he can find them. "Best be wary," he says. "I fear that the cult may now know that some of us have an interest in their ... ah ... activities."
After a long while, Rogram finally sees the back of the wagon open, and the woman of interest exit along with a peculiar bald-headed human in red robes and a couple of other travelers. Making brief eye contact with Rogram, she hurriedly looks away, frowning and grumbling something under her breath, walking further into the market district.
Night has fallen in full at this point, but Karib still sees an active marketplace full of stalls and shops. Most anything you could find in a city could likely be found here in Daggerford, including spellcasting materials.
Taking note of the wagons and guards thought to belong to the Cult of the Dragon, Merric sees them performing activity similar to the other merchants; holding discussions with travelers wishing to pay for an easier trip riding in the wagon than walking along the road, unhitching animals and moving them to the stables, and locking down the wagons for the night.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Once the wagons are secured, Akira will let her guards and Karib know that she’s planning to shop around for spell components.
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Rogram hurries to find Karib, Merric or Akira. Whoever he finds first, he lays a hand on their shoulder and says quietly, "I need you now." The half-dwarf casts invisibility at 2nd level (using a 3rd level slot) to turn them both invisible. Grabbing their forearm, Rogram leads them, hurrying toward where he saw the woman and her companions in an attempt to follow them.
Merric watches the suspected cultists interact with various merchants and travelers, but doesn’t spot anything out of the ordinary. Nothing obvious anyway. He does notice Rogram, and sees that the young lady he was following noticed him too. With a small grimace, Merric makes his way to Rogram. “Watch out, I think she knows you are paying a little too much attention to her.”
Merric is surprised as Rogram calls out “I need you now” and with a touch turns invisible. Merric hurries along with Rogram, whispering “Where are we going? And what do you think you are doing?”
Karib converses with Carlon for a time while then helps unloading the cart before scanning the market while he mulls over the best way forward.
When he goes looking for the others but fails to find any sign of Rogram, his shoulders slump. "The lad will get himself killed," he mutters.
Fearing the worst, he redoubles his efforts to find the others, and if he manages to spot Akira he walks up quickly. "I don't suppose you or your feathered friend know where Rogram has gone?"