Rictor seems to be on board with Ravoskan's story and the plan to defeat this strange beast, nodding along as he devours his meal. The last bit made him scowl again, but he made no comment about it out loud. "Yeah, well, the people out here have done right by me. Better than any two-timin' city-slicker ever treated me, anyhow. I'll tag along," he says with a shrug, trying not to see like too much of a do-gooder.
(It seems the conversation among the group at breakfast has ended? Unless you wish to post something else I will move the game along in a couple hours)
With nothing more for the day and sleep nagging at each of you, the group heads for the bunkhouse for a long-needed nap. Each of you lay down in your respective bunks and sleep takes you, though, for those of you who drank coffee, sleep doesn't take you for 4 more hours.
To you, the day is uneventful as well as the night. No one comes in to disturb you and you sleep deeply, so much so that each of you is awakened by the crow of a rooster. It's approximately 5 am the next morning. Each of you awakens, rubbing sore limbs and the sleep from your eyes but refreshed. It has been a long time since you could sleep so long, the road to this point had been hard and fraught with dangers.
Breakfast is served an hour later. You devour it like some ravenous beast that has not had a meal in some days. Cookie doesn't say much. He seems preoccupied with something.
The other ranch hands come in eat and leave here and there and have little to say. By your count, there were about 20 men working the ranch when you arrived. now there only seems to be 14, not counting the party.
Boss Bennett finally arrives. He looks a bit haggard and his clothing is covered in dust and sweat. "I am so glad you each were able to sleep almost an entire day away. Do ya'll feel rested?" he asks in a sarcastic tone. "I'd had ya'll working the back 40 but, Mr. Henry has another task fer ya. Ya'll are gonna escort the supply wagon and Cookie to Old Bull. There, Mr. Henry had a shipment come in of supplies, including winter clothing for the lot of us. Ya'll will also be picking up as many new recruits as ya can find. We need 5, and that's the same number as extra sets of winter clothing ya'll are gonna bring back as well so, I expect ya to find at least 1 person and convince them to come to join our little affair up here."
Boss Bennett pulls his hat back and runs his gloved hand through his thinning hair. "Cookie is gonna leave pert' near 15 minutes so, get off yer arses and go get ready. Get yer gear, we got horses saddled for ya in the stables."
boss Bennett goes silent watching the group for a response.
Ravoskan bows slightly, "Of course, Boss Bennett. Sorry for sleeping so long, but I'm still new and was waiting for instructions on what to do. But don't worry, I assure you, we'll carry out this task to the best of our abilities!" And he'll back out in case Boss Bennett has any response and then go get ready to go.
Rictor doesn't bother trying to display his obedience to Boss Bennett any longer; the ordeal thus far turned his mood sour of late. He scoffs and says, "I got a tongue more silver than your belt buckle, Boss. Anything else you want I should get for the new recruit after I rope 'em in? New pair of boots, maybe?" He smirks, bending down so he can use his hat to brush the dirt off of his magic boots which certainly looked anything but new.
"Don't you worry, Boss. We'll get it done," he says with a wink and a nod.
Bill just nods as Bennett tells them their task "Got it." with that he makes his way back to his gear grabbing it before making his way to the horse they set aside for him.
Keth was concerned for Cookie but was all business as they began to pack up. He looks to Val, "You are right. Have you noticed how distracted Cookie was this morning? There is something much more to this trip. I only hope we can proceed with as little confrontation as possible."
Boss Bennett pauses and looks the party over for a moment. 'Val," Boss Bennett says. "You're the most level headed one of ya so, you're in charge.' Bennett says with a nod. "The rest of ya follow what Val says and keep yer noses clean. I hear tell there's a new Cavalry Commander at the Fort and he seems to be a bit of a hard arse. It's because the high muckedy mucks at the territory capital has sent out word that Montana is working to be a State so them soldiers will take any chance to make ya'll, or anyone else fer that matter, an example so in they can use you to show Washington how upstanding, decent, and law-abiding folks in Montana are." Boss Bennet turns and goes.
You all gather at the stable. It appears Val and Keth have gotten things ready along with Pedro, the stable boy. There is a horse for each of you and a large farm wagon with buckboard, drawn by 2 draft horses. There is a large canvas tarp in the back of the wagon along with a small tent and supplies. You figure the tent and supplies are Cookie's. A couple of minutes later Cookie comes out dressed for travel and carrying a rifle and has a pistol strapped to his side. "Well, come on, let's get this done." he says as he climbs into the wagon and flicks the reins, getting the horse team to respond and start pulling out.
You travel about 30 ft. before you see the front door to the main house open and who you believe to be Mr. Henry walks out. He appears to be a man in his 40's with long salt & pepper hair, and victorian style mutton chops. He is wearing boots, tan pants, a white shirt with a dark jacket over it. Mr. Henry puts up his hand and Cookie pulls on the reins and the wagon comes to a halt. Mr. Henry walks straight to the group and starts speaking: "Afternoon boys. So glad ya'll can take this little trip and pick up those supplies we need. Boss Bennett recommended each of ya and after bringing back those heads of cattle I can see why he did." Mr. Henry says slowly. He has a distinct southern accent but it is hard to place (History check to do so). If ya'll indulge me a moment I'd like to have a word with Rictor.." Mr. Henry walks from the group and motions Rictor to follow. (going to assume he does)
Rictor returns to the group. Cookie eyes him suspiciously a bit but says nothing. he slaps the horses with the reins and yells "Giddy Up!" The horses respond and start heading back out.
Each of you remembers the trip to the ranch. it was 4 days in the back of a wagon over rough uneven terrain so you settle in for a long trip.
The first day passes uneventfully. You end the day by setting up camp near an old patch of woods just off the trail. Cookie doesn't set up a tent. He says he plans to sleep in the back of the wagon. He does help set up camp and produces a pot, beans, beef, and a little coffee and a coffee pot. He adds a few spices while cooking and it smells good and tastes even better. Cookie doesn't speak much outside of small talk and says nothing about the ranch, its occupants, or any of the goings-on. He does seem uneasy though. Evening sets in and the air is brisk and cool. Cookie doesn't bother with anything else and climbs into the back of the wagon and within minutes you hear his snoring.
(need a marching order and guard order if there will be one and any PC interactions)
Val will be leading the party with Keth, I assume. The two manage to keep their eyes out for trouble, and give each other short breaks to keep either from getting fatigued.
Rictor takes up the rearguard; it was natural for him to be constantly looking over his shoulder, after all, and passes out promptly as soon as they make camp, clearly not interested in keeping watch. Before he lays down for the night he groggily informs Val or Ravoskan to wake him to take a turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The night is uneventful. Cookie wakes, gets up grumbling a bit then goes about making a small breakfast. The party eats, he packs up and starts out once move, with each of you riding along.
Travel is slow and the coolness of the day gives way to a much warmer afternoon. It's one of those rare warm days that hit ever so often in the autumn months. The terrain is a bit smoother and consists of rolling hills, and forest to your right and a valley of prairie land, and a small river to the left. From your vantage point, you can tell the river is about 1/2 mile away`.
You hear what sounds like thunder in the distance, coming from the direction of the prairie. You look at the sky and see no clouds. It is actually a clear day. Then, across the prairie, each of you sees what looks like a dust storm coming in your direction. It takes a little time to make out but, as it comes closer you can tell the cause of the storm. A vast Buffalo Herd is making its way across the prairie to the river. The herd slows as it nears the water and eventually stops. You watch as the mass of great beasts mill about grazing, and drinking from the river.
Cookie is the first to speak up. "They ain't much to look at and are dumber than a box of rocks but they is good eatin'," he says as he smacks his lips. "If they're here when we come back through I say we get a couple to take back to the ranch." he smiles and looks to the rest of you for confirmation.
The day passes as you travel on and nightfall comes on the second day of travel. You set up camp and go about your normal routine. Then, just before sunset, there is something going on but you just can't place it. There is a faint odor on the wind, a rustle in the trees of the forest you are camping near, you can't tell right away but, something is afoot.
Bill is alerted to the rest of the group's reaction: As a group, can make out movement among the trees. With this, each of you draws your perspective weapons and look for the danger. Erupting from the woodline you see an Orc Hunting Party. Dressed in leathers, carrying hand axes, spears and bows the band of Orcs see the camp and are set to attack;
Orc Initiative: 4
You count 9 Orcs in total. 1 orc stands out a bit and is wielding a great club.
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Rictor seems to be on board with Ravoskan's story and the plan to defeat this strange beast, nodding along as he devours his meal. The last bit made him scowl again, but he made no comment about it out loud. "Yeah, well, the people out here have done right by me. Better than any two-timin' city-slicker ever treated me, anyhow. I'll tag along," he says with a shrug, trying not to see like too much of a do-gooder.
(It seems the conversation among the group at breakfast has ended? Unless you wish to post something else I will move the game along in a couple hours)
(Good to go)
(Yep, I think that little scene is resolved)
Each of eats the rest of your meal in silence.
With nothing more for the day and sleep nagging at each of you, the group heads for the bunkhouse for a long-needed nap. Each of you lay down in your respective bunks and sleep takes you, though, for those of you who drank coffee, sleep doesn't take you for 4 more hours.
To you, the day is uneventful as well as the night. No one comes in to disturb you and you sleep deeply, so much so that each of you is awakened by the crow of a rooster. It's approximately 5 am the next morning. Each of you awakens, rubbing sore limbs and the sleep from your eyes but refreshed. It has been a long time since you could sleep so long, the road to this point had been hard and fraught with dangers.
Breakfast is served an hour later. You devour it like some ravenous beast that has not had a meal in some days. Cookie doesn't say much. He seems preoccupied with something.
The other ranch hands come in eat and leave here and there and have little to say. By your count, there were about 20 men working the ranch when you arrived. now there only seems to be 14, not counting the party.
Boss Bennett finally arrives. He looks a bit haggard and his clothing is covered in dust and sweat. "I am so glad you each were able to sleep almost an entire day away. Do ya'll feel rested?" he asks in a sarcastic tone. "I'd had ya'll working the back 40 but, Mr. Henry has another task fer ya. Ya'll are gonna escort the supply wagon and Cookie to Old Bull. There, Mr. Henry had a shipment come in of supplies, including winter clothing for the lot of us. Ya'll will also be picking up as many new recruits as ya can find. We need 5, and that's the same number as extra sets of winter clothing ya'll are gonna bring back as well so, I expect ya to find at least 1 person and convince them to come to join our little affair up here."
Boss Bennett pulls his hat back and runs his gloved hand through his thinning hair. "Cookie is gonna leave pert' near 15 minutes so, get off yer arses and go get ready. Get yer gear, we got horses saddled for ya in the stables."
boss Bennett goes silent watching the group for a response.
Ravoskan bows slightly, "Of course, Boss Bennett. Sorry for sleeping so long, but I'm still new and was waiting for instructions on what to do. But don't worry, I assure you, we'll carry out this task to the best of our abilities!" And he'll back out in case Boss Bennett has any response and then go get ready to go.
Flynn smiles a bit at Ravoskan's speech "Sure thing sir. Any certain type of person? I am assuming you don't want a clerk."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Rictor doesn't bother trying to display his obedience to Boss Bennett any longer; the ordeal thus far turned his mood sour of late. He scoffs and says, "I got a tongue more silver than your belt buckle, Boss. Anything else you want I should get for the new recruit after I rope 'em in? New pair of boots, maybe?" He smirks, bending down so he can use his hat to brush the dirt off of his magic boots which certainly looked anything but new.
"Don't you worry, Boss. We'll get it done," he says with a wink and a nod.
Val gathers horses and starts getting them settled.
He’ll look to Keth “Big escort for a trip for winter clothes.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Bill just nods as Bennett tells them their task "Got it." with that he makes his way back to his gear grabbing it before making his way to the horse they set aside for him.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Keth was concerned for Cookie but was all business as they began to pack up. He looks to Val, "You are right. Have you noticed how distracted Cookie was this morning? There is something much more to this trip. I only hope we can proceed with as little confrontation as possible."
Boss Bennett pauses and looks the party over for a moment. 'Val," Boss Bennett says. "You're the most level headed one of ya so, you're in charge.' Bennett says with a nod.
"The rest of ya follow what Val says and keep yer noses clean. I hear tell there's a new Cavalry Commander at the Fort and he seems to be a bit of a hard arse. It's because the high muckedy mucks at the territory capital has sent out word that Montana is working to be a State so them soldiers will take any chance to make ya'll, or anyone else fer that matter, an example so in they can use you to show Washington how upstanding, decent, and law-abiding folks in Montana are."
Boss Bennet turns and goes.
You all gather at the stable. It appears Val and Keth have gotten things ready along with Pedro, the stable boy. There is a horse for each of you and a large farm wagon with buckboard, drawn by 2 draft horses. There is a large canvas tarp in the back of the wagon along with a small tent and supplies. You figure the tent and supplies are Cookie's. A couple of minutes later Cookie comes out dressed for travel and carrying a rifle and has a pistol strapped to his side. "Well, come on, let's get this done." he says as he climbs into the wagon and flicks the reins, getting the horse team to respond and start pulling out.
You travel about 30 ft. before you see the front door to the main house open and who you believe to be Mr. Henry walks out. He appears to be a man in his 40's with long salt & pepper hair, and victorian style mutton chops. He is wearing boots, tan pants, a white shirt with a dark jacket over it. Mr. Henry puts up his hand and Cookie pulls on the reins and the wagon comes to a halt. Mr. Henry walks straight to the group and starts speaking:
"Afternoon boys. So glad ya'll can take this little trip and pick up those supplies we need. Boss Bennett recommended each of ya and after bringing back those heads of cattle I can see why he did." Mr. Henry says slowly. He has a distinct southern accent but it is hard to place (History check to do so). If ya'll indulge me a moment I'd like to have a word with Rictor.." Mr. Henry walks from the group and motions Rictor to follow. (going to assume he does)
(part 2 in a few)
Val history 12
Paladin - warforged - orange
Ravoskan history: 19
History: 21
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Rictor returns to the group. Cookie eyes him suspiciously a bit but says nothing. he slaps the horses with the reins and yells "Giddy Up!" The horses respond and start heading back out.
Each of you remembers the trip to the ranch. it was 4 days in the back of a wagon over rough uneven terrain so you settle in for a long trip.
The first day passes uneventfully. You end the day by setting up camp near an old patch of woods just off the trail. Cookie doesn't set up a tent. He says he plans to sleep in the back of the wagon. He does help set up camp and produces a pot, beans, beef, and a little coffee and a coffee pot. He adds a few spices while cooking and it smells good and tastes even better. Cookie doesn't speak much outside of small talk and says nothing about the ranch, its occupants, or any of the goings-on. He does seem uneasy though.
Evening sets in and the air is brisk and cool. Cookie doesn't bother with anything else and climbs into the back of the wagon and within minutes you hear his snoring.
(need a marching order and guard order if there will be one and any PC interactions)
Ravoskan will offer to take second or third watch for the night. In the morning, he'd ride near the wagon, to one side.
Val will be leading the party with Keth, I assume. The two manage to keep their eyes out for trouble, and give each other short breaks to keep either from getting fatigued.
Val will take the last watch for the night.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Rictor takes up the rearguard; it was natural for him to be constantly looking over his shoulder, after all, and passes out promptly as soon as they make camp, clearly not interested in keeping watch. Before he lays down for the night he groggily informs Val or Ravoskan to wake him to take a turn.
The night is uneventful. Cookie wakes, gets up grumbling a bit then goes about making a small breakfast. The party eats, he packs up and starts out once move, with each of you riding along.
Travel is slow and the coolness of the day gives way to a much warmer afternoon. It's one of those rare warm days that hit ever so often in the autumn months. The terrain is a bit smoother and consists of rolling hills, and forest to your right and a valley of prairie land, and a small river to the left. From your vantage point, you can tell the river is about 1/2 mile away`.
You hear what sounds like thunder in the distance, coming from the direction of the prairie. You look at the sky and see no clouds. It is actually a clear day. Then, across the prairie, each of you sees what looks like a dust storm coming in your direction. It takes a little time to make out but, as it comes closer you can tell the cause of the storm. A vast Buffalo Herd is making its way across the prairie to the river. The herd slows as it nears the water and eventually stops. You watch as the mass of great beasts mill about grazing, and drinking from the river.
Cookie is the first to speak up. "They ain't much to look at and are dumber than a box of rocks but they is good eatin'," he says as he smacks his lips. "If they're here when we come back through I say we get a couple to take back to the ranch." he smiles and looks to the rest of you for confirmation.
The day passes as you travel on and nightfall comes on the second day of travel. You set up camp and go about your normal routine. Then, just before sunset, there is something going on but you just can't place it. There is a faint odor on the wind, a rustle in the trees of the forest you are camping near, you can't tell right away but, something is afoot.
Keth: Passive Perception: 17
Flynn Passive perception: 18
Ravoskan Passive perception: 17
BIll Passive Perception: 8
Val Passive perception: 19
Rictor Passive Perception: 12
Bill is alerted to the rest of the group's reaction: As a group, can make out movement among the trees. With this, each of you draws your perspective weapons and look for the danger. Erupting from the woodline you see an Orc Hunting Party. Dressed in leathers, carrying hand axes, spears and bows the band of Orcs see the camp and are set to attack;
Orc Initiative: 4
You count 9 Orcs in total. 1 orc stands out a bit and is wielding a great club.