Karib stares at the man for a moment, a vein pulsing redly at his temple. After a moment he lowers his gaze and speaks loudly to the man for all to hear. "Thank you for the gift," he says. Then he turns to the onlookers. "All saw that the horse was freely released. It is now under our protection."
Moving closer to the horse he nods to his companions and then examines the wounds more closely. "Abuse of the weak by the powerful is a terrible thing indeed," he says.
His hands gently move over the wounds as the worst of them seem to heal just as a result of his poximity. He makes soothing sounds to the horse as he has seen other do many times in the past, looking to his companions who obviously seem to be more familiar with animals than he. "Rest a little, and we'll see what we can do for you," he says.
With the worst of the wounds at least partially healed, Karib knows that the animal needs time and more than just a topical treatment, but that would have to wait another day.
Assuming that the horse is able to be coaxed up, Karib asks the others if they can check if there is spare food on any of their wagons, and asks the same of his own employer.
Heal: 9 pts
Karib will swap in Lesser Restoration after a long rest -- if it is likely to help?
The sudden burst of healing causes the old horse to whinny and stand; shakily at first, but it pulls its front legs up first, then stands to its full height. The horse follows Karib over to Beyd's wagon, much to the delight of chuckling onlookers, though Cromwell and his companions seem to be content to ignore anything else occurring with the horse.
Beyd gives Karib an understanding nod, saying, "Provided we continue with our current pace, there's plenty of feed to spare. As long as the ale keeps selling, it will be no trouble to restock at the next roadside inn as well."
OOC: Each character has earned 300 XP for resolving the issues with Cromwell and his horse.
Pausing briefly to allow any conclusion from the characters here before the caravan continues.
The atmosphere calms somewhat from the strained interaction, but the tension is replaced by one of a different sort. The road twists through hills dotted with ancient battlefields, dolmens, and barrow mounds. The night seems to carry with it an unnatural chill as the caravan comes to a halt for the day, and without the warmth of fires it seems that everyone is on edge - guards, merchants, and travelers alike.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Merric approaches Karib shortly after the caravan resumes travel “That was well done back there. Thanks for stepping in and taking care of the horse. I tried to warn Cromwell, but some people never learn.”He shakes his head sadly. “Let me know if you need any help with it. What brings you to the caravan? Do you travel with this group often?”
As the surrounding countryside changes and nerves become frayed, Merric watches for any sign of trouble along the path, or from the lead wagons. Perception: 22.
Karib smiles warmly and thanks Beyd for his offer.
"Some people will be reborn as fleas," he says. "Always destined to be parasites."
He sighs and glances back at the horse. "I'm not sure I have much use for a horse, you know. Not in my line of work. This one just needs to spend it's life in a good pasture with more of its kind; I think it's wagon-drawing days look to be over."
He spends the rest of the day watching the road warily and, like everyone else, becoming more pensive as the day progresses. As they start to make camp he turns again to Beyd, nodding at their forbidding setting.
"Been here before? This is not the kind of place where I would normally choose to make camp."
He makes sure that the horses are well constrained, suggesting that he and his companions wagons form a tight circle to coral the horses should they become skittish in the night.
Merric approaches Karib shortly after the caravan resumes travel “That was well done back there. Thanks for stepping in and taking care of the horse. I tried to warn Cromwell, but some people never learn.”He shakes his head sadly. “Let me know if you need any help with it. What brings you to the caravan? Do you travel with this group often?”
Karib smiles, "You too -- a sad business. Gond gives us gifts and we so often misuse them. Some would say 'to the knackery, let it be useful', but others...those who I admire...would say 'it has served well, let it rest'."
He gaze shifts to the horse, "I hope -- when my time comes -- that I too get sent to pasture and not the recycler!"
"As to my travels...well...I think I owe my life to the lad -- Rogram -- and his friends." His smile breaks into a broad grin, "The lad is impulsive, but a good heart and a true soul. If there were more like him in the world it would be a happier and better place."
As if summoned, Rogram appears at Karib's side. The half-dwarf nods at Merric. "Rogram," he says, extending a thick arm. "I'm glad that worked out," he says of the confrontation. He looks up at Karib, at the horse, and back at the elf before addressing Karib. "I wasn't ready to stick my neck out, but you didn't need my help. You're lucky you run the ale. They won't hold a grudge at you for very long," he says with a smile.
Karib nods and glances in the direction of Cromwell's wagon, "Such men can be fickle in their anger, or they can wait and seek revenge. Let's hope he's the former."
With a resigned sigh he pats the ale barrels, "I'll be on my best behaviour tonight though. All smiles. Even so it might be wise to drink a little less, eh?"
"Also...I fear the night may bring all manner of surprises, so we should circle some wagons -- keep the horses in and anything unpleasant at a distance."
Another night in the Fields of the Dead passes uncomfortably, but without event. Cromwell and his companions seem content to continue without having to battle their horse, and without any fires the travelers rely once more on ale to keep them warm throughout the night.
The next day brings a deep chill and a cold and windy rain that continues from the afternoon all throughout the night. The pace is slow as wagons need freed from muddy ground at times when traveling uphill, and the night is miserable. The next morning brings no reprieve, as the temperature drops even further and the rain continues unabated, never quite becoming a downpour but never ceasing.
As you near the opposite end of the Fields of the Dead, a roadside inn comes into view. Despite the afternoon hour, the caravan is called to a halt while the merchants and teamsters discuss their options, calling their guards to join the discussion.
"Well, what do you all think? The inn ahead seems large enough to house a caravan of our size. I know we aren't making the pace we'd all prefer, but this weather is positively dreadful. We can at least spend the rest of the day dry and warm before we continue," Nyerhite offers.
Lai scoffs, responding with typical dwarven bravado. "Bah, this weather can't last forever. I'd rather be warm and dry and closer to Waterdeep - in a tenday ye all won't even be thinkin' about how cold ye are."
The teamsters driving the Cult's assumed wagons lend their support to the dwarf, but Edhelri puts her foot down.
"You all aren't pulling your own wagons," Edhelri scolds them. "Another day in this weather will be hard on us, but it will be misery for the horses and mules. They are unprotected by day and by night and deserving of a dry night in the inn's stables themselves. Without them we don't make it to Waterdeep, let alone get closer."
Karib was already thinking he would gladly give up a days pay for the prospect of a fire, walls and a roof over his head. When Edhelri mentions the horses he nods his head vigorously, the feather in his hat now a comical stain draped over the brim.
"The animals are the life-blood of this venture," he says. "If they fail us, then we all fail, and if we face dangers ahead, then we want them as fit as they can be.
"I say a short respite will do us all some good." He looks around at the group to see if there are many in agreement, and at his own employer who probably stands to lose the most.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Merric takes Rogram’s hand, his own hand nearly engulfed in the meaty handshake, “Merric Greenleaf, at your service. You are well thought of among your friends. It speaks much of you.” He turns back to Karib “Ah, you are with the ale wagon, then. I will have to stop by, it is a good place to meet our fellow travelers and hear their stories.”
As they approach the inn, Merric fully supports his employer’s decision. “A wise choice, Edhelri, and Karib is right, we should all be as fit as we can for the journey ahead.” He turns to Edhelri “I will check out the stables to see if they are fit for the whole caravan.” Merric pushes ahead as the others continue to discuss the decision and gets a better look at the inn and stables, looking for any sign of other guests or anything out of the ordinary. Perception: 22.
Akira and Merric's surveilance, limited slightly by the misty rain, reveals nothing out of the ordinary. The inn looks to be active, with appealing firelight keeping the inside warm. The stables look to be almost entirely empty, which is to be expected at such an early hour of the afternoon, and are large enough to hold all of the pack animals of the caravan.
The outcome decided and the more stubborn merchants and teamsters outvoted, a cheer arises from the travelers on the caravan when the plan is announced. A short time later, the wagons come to a stop again, a short distance from the inn's main building.
When Karib shares a glance with Beyd, the half-elf offers no objection. "At the worst, we get a warm and dry night's sleep and I get to restock what's already been sold," he says. "Could you grab a couple of the other guards and go make arrangements? Best to not swarm the common room with an entire caravan in situations like these."
The weather was dreadful. Rogram wasn't used to it, and it was really weighing on him. He longed for his home in Greenest. The oppressive heat of the forge would feel like a warm hug after this trek. When the team pulled over and began discussing staying in the inn, he immediately felt hope. He wanted to cheer at Nyerhite's words. But then when Lai chimed in, Rogram felt almost ashamed. His face dropped, and he knew he should stand with his employer and fellow dwarf. Edhelri's words once again gave Rogram hope, but he didn't dare show it. After Karib spoke up, the half-dwarf turned to look at Lai and shrugged as if to say, "I guess we lost this battle." But he quickly turned away again lest he give away his true feelings. They were getting out of the rain and cold. How wonderful.
Karib nods then turns to Rogram, Merric and...if in sight...one of the cult guards. "You, you and you. Lets see what can be arranged."
He pats Rogram on the shoulder, "Are you up to doing the talking lad? I know you have a silver tongue at need." Those nearby will hear Karib appealing for Gond's guidance for the young half-dwarf.
He exchanges glances with Akira, hoping that they will keep an eye on the outside.
(( If cultist guard not in sight, then choose another guard at random ))
Akira nods in understanding. She will telepathically relay a message to her familiar to keep an eye out for anything unusual and to let her know. Akira pulls up her cloak in defense of the weather, keeping eyes and ears open for anything untoward.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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)
Merric nods his head at Karib, grabs his bow and joins the others as they move to enter the inn. He glances over at Rogram “A silver tongue, eh? Let’s see if it will get us out of this rain and maybe something to eat.” He stands ready to [action]help[action] with a well placed word or two with the innkeepers as needed, but otherwise steps back.
He keeps an eye on the cultist guard and tries to make small talk if one is present. “Not in the mood to stop, your team wanted to push on? What’s the big hurry anyway?”.
Rogram raises his eyebrows in response to Karib's comment about his tongue, but doesn't object. He allows the cleric to steer him toward the inn, looking over his shoulder to make eye contact with Lai, Leda, or The Pole to make sure they know where he's disappeared to. Upon entering the inn, the half-dwarf takes a look around. While doing so, he takes off his hat and wrings it out, then puts it back on.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Karib stares at the man for a moment, a vein pulsing redly at his temple. After a moment he lowers his gaze and speaks loudly to the man for all to hear. "Thank you for the gift," he says. Then he turns to the onlookers. "All saw that the horse was freely released. It is now under our protection."
Moving closer to the horse he nods to his companions and then examines the wounds more closely. "Abuse of the weak by the powerful is a terrible thing indeed," he says.
His hands gently move over the wounds as the worst of them seem to heal just as a result of his poximity. He makes soothing sounds to the horse as he has seen other do many times in the past, looking to his companions who obviously seem to be more familiar with animals than he. "Rest a little, and we'll see what we can do for you," he says.
With the worst of the wounds at least partially healed, Karib knows that the animal needs time and more than just a topical treatment, but that would have to wait another day.
Assuming that the horse is able to be coaxed up, Karib asks the others if they can check if there is spare food on any of their wagons, and asks the same of his own employer.
Heal: 9 pts
Karib will swap in Lesser Restoration after a long rest -- if it is likely to help?
The sudden burst of healing causes the old horse to whinny and stand; shakily at first, but it pulls its front legs up first, then stands to its full height. The horse follows Karib over to Beyd's wagon, much to the delight of chuckling onlookers, though Cromwell and his companions seem to be content to ignore anything else occurring with the horse.
Beyd gives Karib an understanding nod, saying, "Provided we continue with our current pace, there's plenty of feed to spare. As long as the ale keeps selling, it will be no trouble to restock at the next roadside inn as well."
OOC: Each character has earned 300 XP for resolving the issues with Cromwell and his horse.
Pausing briefly to allow any conclusion from the characters here before the caravan continues.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Akira looks around at each of her companions and smiles broadly. “Well done all.”
With the mage hand, she will fling the switch off the path as a show of solidarity.
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)
The atmosphere calms somewhat from the strained interaction, but the tension is replaced by one of a different sort. The road twists through hills dotted with ancient battlefields, dolmens, and barrow mounds. The night seems to carry with it an unnatural chill as the caravan comes to a halt for the day, and without the warmth of fires it seems that everyone is on edge - guards, merchants, and travelers alike.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Akira will telepathically request her owl familiar to fly over the surrounding areas, staying within communication range and report back any concerns.
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)
Merric approaches Karib shortly after the caravan resumes travel “That was well done back there. Thanks for stepping in and taking care of the horse. I tried to warn Cromwell, but some people never learn.” He shakes his head sadly. “Let me know if you need any help with it. What brings you to the caravan? Do you travel with this group often?”
As the surrounding countryside changes and nerves become frayed, Merric watches for any sign of trouble along the path, or from the lead wagons. Perception: 22.
.
Karib smiles warmly and thanks Beyd for his offer.
"Some people will be reborn as fleas," he says. "Always destined to be parasites."
He sighs and glances back at the horse. "I'm not sure I have much use for a horse, you know. Not in my line of work. This one just needs to spend it's life in a good pasture with more of its kind; I think it's wagon-drawing days look to be over."
He spends the rest of the day watching the road warily and, like everyone else, becoming more pensive as the day progresses. As they start to make camp he turns again to Beyd, nodding at their forbidding setting.
"Been here before? This is not the kind of place where I would normally choose to make camp."
He makes sure that the horses are well constrained, suggesting that he and his companions wagons form a tight circle to coral the horses should they become skittish in the night.
Karib smiles, "You too -- a sad business. Gond gives us gifts and we so often misuse them. Some would say 'to the knackery, let it be useful', but others...those who I admire...would say 'it has served well, let it rest'."
He gaze shifts to the horse, "I hope -- when my time comes -- that I too get sent to pasture and not the recycler!"
"As to my travels...well...I think I owe my life to the lad -- Rogram -- and his friends." His smile breaks into a broad grin, "The lad is impulsive, but a good heart and a true soul. If there were more like him in the world it would be a happier and better place."
As if summoned, Rogram appears at Karib's side. The half-dwarf nods at Merric. "Rogram," he says, extending a thick arm. "I'm glad that worked out," he says of the confrontation. He looks up at Karib, at the horse, and back at the elf before addressing Karib. "I wasn't ready to stick my neck out, but you didn't need my help. You're lucky you run the ale. They won't hold a grudge at you for very long," he says with a smile.
Karib nods and glances in the direction of Cromwell's wagon, "Such men can be fickle in their anger, or they can wait and seek revenge. Let's hope he's the former."
With a resigned sigh he pats the ale barrels, "I'll be on my best behaviour tonight though. All smiles. Even so it might be wise to drink a little less, eh?"
"Also...I fear the night may bring all manner of surprises, so we should circle some wagons -- keep the horses in and anything unpleasant at a distance."
Another night in the Fields of the Dead passes uncomfortably, but without event. Cromwell and his companions seem content to continue without having to battle their horse, and without any fires the travelers rely once more on ale to keep them warm throughout the night.
The next day brings a deep chill and a cold and windy rain that continues from the afternoon all throughout the night. The pace is slow as wagons need freed from muddy ground at times when traveling uphill, and the night is miserable. The next morning brings no reprieve, as the temperature drops even further and the rain continues unabated, never quite becoming a downpour but never ceasing.
As you near the opposite end of the Fields of the Dead, a roadside inn comes into view. Despite the afternoon hour, the caravan is called to a halt while the merchants and teamsters discuss their options, calling their guards to join the discussion.
"Well, what do you all think? The inn ahead seems large enough to house a caravan of our size. I know we aren't making the pace we'd all prefer, but this weather is positively dreadful. We can at least spend the rest of the day dry and warm before we continue," Nyerhite offers.
Lai scoffs, responding with typical dwarven bravado. "Bah, this weather can't last forever. I'd rather be warm and dry and closer to Waterdeep - in a tenday ye all won't even be thinkin' about how cold ye are."
The teamsters driving the Cult's assumed wagons lend their support to the dwarf, but Edhelri puts her foot down.
"You all aren't pulling your own wagons," Edhelri scolds them. "Another day in this weather will be hard on us, but it will be misery for the horses and mules. They are unprotected by day and by night and deserving of a dry night in the inn's stables themselves. Without them we don't make it to Waterdeep, let alone get closer."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Karib was already thinking he would gladly give up a days pay for the prospect of a fire, walls and a roof over his head. When Edhelri mentions the horses he nods his head vigorously, the feather in his hat now a comical stain draped over the brim.
"The animals are the life-blood of this venture," he says. "If they fail us, then we all fail, and if we face dangers ahead, then we want them as fit as they can be.
"I say a short respite will do us all some good." He looks around at the group to see if there are many in agreement, and at his own employer who probably stands to lose the most.
Merric takes Rogram’s hand, his own hand nearly engulfed in the meaty handshake, “Merric Greenleaf, at your service. You are well thought of among your friends. It speaks much of you.” He turns back to Karib “Ah, you are with the ale wagon, then. I will have to stop by, it is a good place to meet our fellow travelers and hear their stories.”
As they approach the inn, Merric fully supports his employer’s decision. “A wise choice, Edhelri, and Karib is right, we should all be as fit as we can for the journey ahead.” He turns to Edhelri “I will check out the stables to see if they are fit for the whole caravan.” Merric pushes ahead as the others continue to discuss the decision and gets a better look at the inn and stables, looking for any sign of other guests or anything out of the ordinary. Perception: 22.
.
Akira surveils the surroundings just beyond the caravan to see if there is anything is amiss or generally concerning.
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)
Akira and Merric's surveilance, limited slightly by the misty rain, reveals nothing out of the ordinary. The inn looks to be active, with appealing firelight keeping the inside warm. The stables look to be almost entirely empty, which is to be expected at such an early hour of the afternoon, and are large enough to hold all of the pack animals of the caravan.
The outcome decided and the more stubborn merchants and teamsters outvoted, a cheer arises from the travelers on the caravan when the plan is announced. A short time later, the wagons come to a stop again, a short distance from the inn's main building.
When Karib shares a glance with Beyd, the half-elf offers no objection. "At the worst, we get a warm and dry night's sleep and I get to restock what's already been sold," he says. "Could you grab a couple of the other guards and go make arrangements? Best to not swarm the common room with an entire caravan in situations like these."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
The weather was dreadful. Rogram wasn't used to it, and it was really weighing on him. He longed for his home in Greenest. The oppressive heat of the forge would feel like a warm hug after this trek. When the team pulled over and began discussing staying in the inn, he immediately felt hope. He wanted to cheer at Nyerhite's words. But then when Lai chimed in, Rogram felt almost ashamed. His face dropped, and he knew he should stand with his employer and fellow dwarf. Edhelri's words once again gave Rogram hope, but he didn't dare show it. After Karib spoke up, the half-dwarf turned to look at Lai and shrugged as if to say, "I guess we lost this battle." But he quickly turned away again lest he give away his true feelings. They were getting out of the rain and cold. How wonderful.
Karib nods then turns to Rogram, Merric and...if in sight...one of the cult guards. "You, you and you. Lets see what can be arranged."
He pats Rogram on the shoulder, "Are you up to doing the talking lad? I know you have a silver tongue at need." Those nearby will hear Karib appealing for Gond's guidance for the young half-dwarf.
He exchanges glances with Akira, hoping that they will keep an eye on the outside.
(( If cultist guard not in sight, then choose another guard at random ))
Akira nods in understanding. She will telepathically relay a message to her familiar to keep an eye out for anything unusual and to let her know. Akira pulls up her cloak in defense of the weather, keeping eyes and ears open for anything untoward.
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)
Merric nods his head at Karib, grabs his bow and joins the others as they move to enter the inn. He glances over at Rogram “A silver tongue, eh? Let’s see if it will get us out of this rain and maybe something to eat.” He stands ready to [action]help[action] with a well placed word or two with the innkeepers as needed, but otherwise steps back.
He keeps an eye on the cultist guard and tries to make small talk if one is present. “Not in the mood to stop, your team wanted to push on? What’s the big hurry anyway?”.
.
Rogram raises his eyebrows in response to Karib's comment about his tongue, but doesn't object. He allows the cleric to steer him toward the inn, looking over his shoulder to make eye contact with Lai, Leda, or The Pole to make sure they know where he's disappeared to. Upon entering the inn, the half-dwarf takes a look around. While doing so, he takes off his hat and wrings it out, then puts it back on.