Hearing Isani - Khromm will not wait.
If Clari wishes to examine the bodies - she can catch up. As for him, he will ride north through the gorge quickly. Clari can catch up - or not... But he will no longer wait here.
Isani follows Khromm on her horse, hoping Clari and Lazurien soon follow. She scans her eyes around the gorge, up to the clifftops and sky. In Osiriani she speaks calm, encouraging words to Sadiki as he rides hard through the gorge. Blessed Everlight protect us, she prays.
Lazurien feels refreshed, the wind upon her cheek, whipping through her hair. Circling higher and higher upon uprising thermals, she looks around at her surroundings.
As Khromm had taken the jewels and such, the whole time she was concious and mobile, as well as during Isani's trip to get a horse, and while Lazurien is out scouting, Clari has been taking weapons, no armor, simply drawing blades, glancing at them to determine if they are more that just a hammered piece of metal, and tossing them into a pile while she waited for the witch to come back with a horse for her. So she's had a bit of time to work without Khrom getting impatient. SHe'll hastily roll and bind the blades to the horse, at Khromm's comment when Lazurien returns.
pulling off full quivers, if she notices any. that's more like 3 to 5 seconds a body, and about half a minute to roll ghe blades into a blanket, and lash them to the horse, although lifting them is taxing of the poor thing...
Only goes for the odd bracer if it looks like it may be magic, and visible.
Turning in her saddle, Isani watches as Clari struggles with the spoils she has collected but relieved to see she manages well enough and is quickly seated on her horse and ready to ride.
Facing forward again and kicking Sadiki to stride faster, she calls out to Mister Khromm, "How long do we ride, Mister Khromm?"
She suddenly hears a disembodied voice, taunting, by her ear, "They believe you witch. Now that is amusing, isn't it..."
"Not now, Eirene! Leave me be", Isani says in low, harsh whisper, careful not to allow her voice to carry on the winds and give some of her new companions more pause to distrust her. They talk about this nation of acceptance as if it is a beacon and yet ... they judge me for my appearance. It is the same, everywhere, it would seem. Isani is saddened by this yet pushes her feelings aside. I have known worse in Sothis. She spurs Sadiki on, waiting to hear from the loquacious half-dwarf riding before her.
1d20+5
Re: Perception Check
With this check you are able to see that the gorge/canyon travels north for some time – you’d guess about four or five miles – maybe. At which point the wall of the canyon begin to become smaller – and, gradually – break up into open country.
There you can see some low lying mud-flats and some ponds or still mires – nothing of note, you’d think… Beyond that, you are not sure, the country becomes rocky again, with a criss-crossing of streams and grasses.
At this time you see no enemies – or anyone for some time – but, if you are not mistaken – you see large expanses of plains and forests to the north – possibly miles of them – they are to the west of where the riders will travel. If there is a path under their leafy canopy – you cannot see one now. As for the plains themselves?
You see miles of them – but these plains have heavy and wide rivers in the distance. You think that you none of your companions could swim these rivers – with the horses – for they look far too large – if there was a bridge, perhaps – but you can see none from here – and in any case – the eastern side’s rivers spill into the mouth of a huge lake.
Between river-covered plains and the heavy western forests you see the convergence of many waters that lead to a massive lake – and in the center of the lake you think you spy a tower, though that island is many miles your south! It also seems that there is a wide river that runs south and connects these two lakes…
Yet, this is all the news you are able to spy at this time…
<Hmmm, does your new friend has a clandestine have a clandestine companion like myself, Clari? She speaks to no one but the air, unless it is to one we do not see...>
As she finishes tying down whatever spoils she managed to locate, Clari looks up at Isani, and Khromm. Hand on the hilt of her blade as she starts riding, <What are you talking about Keravel. Nobody's talking to the air. Sheesh. Sometimes i wonder about you.>
<The woman, you fool. Watch her closely. She is of a strange sort, not quite human, ...not that that really matters...>
<Anything but an elf, eh, Keravel?> Clari chuckles at the blade. While she may not care for outsiders particularly, Keravel is a source of almost constant ammusement.
Clari rides hard to catch up to the others. So, what particular business brings you to the north. Anything in particular, or just a notion that it may be a nice place? she asks Isani.
Regarding Loot
You are quite correct – in the time it took Isani to travel south, gather the horses, and return – you could have collected a heap of daggers and such. But – as stated – other then the odd short spear – they are mainly daggers, knives and stilettos. Regarding value – of that you will need to toss up “Appraise” – but, in this case – it seems you are just bundling all of them in bulk – and can sort that out later.
There are about 30 arrows that are still “usable” – however – they are meant for the “Short Bow” – favored by riders of horses in the deserts. If you possess a short bow – they will be useful to you – if you posses a long bow – they are at a -1 to hit and damage (you can’t draw the shaft far enough back) – however, you easily find two serviceable short bows in the remains, and three short spears as well – if you want them.
Finally – you have found several “flasks” filled with a sloshing liquid. What it is – you don’t know – but it is clear that the items are not magical – and radiate no magical aura. You are free to take these flasks as well – or attempt to use a Skill and determine what is inside (there are 4 flasks).
Despite the fact that you move quickly and efficiently – this has not deterred Khromm’s looks and comments.
Finally – you would be able to see (at least, on him) that, at the least – his belt, ring, bracers, and short swords are magical. More then that – you can’t be sure – unless he will let you see them.
As for Isani and Laz – you are free to examine them too – though they will be able to see what you are doing – and if they make their Spellcraft roll to identify the spell cast.
Finally – still waiting on Character Sheets/Survey for new Alt characters from some. Thanks!
Turning in her saddle, Isani watches as Clari struggles with the spoils she has collected but relieved to see she manages well enough and is quickly seated on her horse and ready to ride.
Facing forward again and kicking Sadiki to stride faster, she calls out to Mister Khromm, "How long do we ride, Mister Khromm?"
She suddenly hears a disembodied voice, taunting, by her ear, "They believe you witch. Now that is amusing, isn't it..."
"Not now, Eirene! Leave me be", Isani says in low, harsh whisper, careful not to allow her voice to carry on the winds and give some of her new companions more pause to distrust her. They talk about this nation of acceptance as if it is a beacon and yet ... they judge me for my appearance. It is the same, everywhere, it would seem. Isani is saddened by this yet pushes her feelings aside. I have known worse in Sothis. She spurs Sadiki on, waiting to hear from the loquacious half-dwarf riding before her.
”Hard to say, woman – I don’t know the range of these gorges – I say we ride on until either night fall – or until we break free – then, explore our surroundings. If there’s a good place to camp – then I say we find one for the night – from what I’ve seen of this country – it’s been bad… Bad thing to ride horses in the night – liable to break a leg – and then what’re they good for? Other then eating – not much!” he adds with a grunt.
Glancing upward through the narrow ravines, he squints somewhat.
”Now – if that flying thing ever returns to report what it’s found – then we may have some news. Until then – I say we ride on – this path is straight, true and level – the longer we delay – the more light we lose when we exit it – if we exit it – we may ride long and discover this ends at a flat wall… gods know! At which point, we grab our gear and climb out of here and proceed on foot,” he adds the last – looking up for Laz – wondering where she is, and what she sees.
Realising Clari had caught up to them, upon hearing her voice from behind, Isani pulled back on the reins and slows down her horse, allowing the Elven female to catch up so they may ride side by side.
Thinking over the question and unwilling to disclose her entire story at this time, Isani responds, "The situation in Sothis, in Osirion, was precarious at best. I was raised within the Temple of the Eternal Sun, where my father was a high-ranking priest. As I grew older, my appearance seemed to concern some in the temple but more so those outside the walls of the temple. I was drawing unwanted attention. My father, through his sources, became aware of a new land in the River Kingdoms seeking clerics well versed in healing. Since I had spent a large portion of my life studying as a healer, and having useful magic, thanks to the grace of Sarenrae, we decided it would be best if I were to travel to this new land. On the way, however, I discovered the people who promised me safe passage where in fact slave traders and the compassionate initiative had simply been a ploy to trap unsuspecting Osirions into slavery. With my wits, I managed to escape and now I have a secondary quest, upon finding this Saravale and offering my services as a priestess healer, I will work alongside them to uncover and remove the slave trade across the land. The advancement of this Black Koda cult is worrisome and something must be done to stop them." Isani looks directly at Clari, one pale blue eye and one amber eye taking in the Elven female whole. The look is unnerving and curious at best but not ominous or threatening.
Pausing briefly, lost momentarily in private thoughts, then speaking,"What is your goal now we are headed, north east, Miss Clari? What do you hope to accomplish?"
Lazurien folds her wings and goes into a steep dive after her quick survey of the surrounding area. She reports to the group what she has seen.
Lazurien folds her wings and goes into a steep dive after her quick survey of the surrounding area. She reports to the group what she has seen.
Khromm listens to Laz's briefing as she has returned.
"Hmph! Well - at least there's no enemies about - that's good enough..." he adds, though he does not seem to relax. Of course - that may be how he usually carries himself...
"Well - if we tack course east we're likely to move to the large lake - good place for a city - but I doubt our zealot friends would journey to a lake in which there is no town... If we journey too far west we wander into the wooded areas - again, doesn't sound like much of a town either... But if we stay straight - the lake to our east - and the forests to our west - we should be able to eventually move north for a good distance..."
Khromm looks upward - it is now - roughly - four PM by the time you exit the gorge.
Based on Laz's observations - you would guess you can ride north for about ten or twelve miles before you reach a large river - which seems to run for a long distance to both east, and west - you suspect you should be able to reach this river by about five PM.
You have some time to prepare for the river - for now it is mostly plains with some occasional rocks and crags - nothing to difficult - provided you aren't galloping, but maintaining a quick trot.
As you know you are approaching a wide river - what is your next move - you have time to prepare...
Working out Clari's final spell selection, but I think i got it.
Today she's got Lv2: Cat's Grace, Brow Gasher, and Blur, Lv1: Shocking Grasp, 2 Frostbites, and a grease. Cantrips: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Ghost sounds.
Clari listens to Isani, intently, nodding as she speaks, "What about yor appearance was so concerning. You do seem inhuman, but i don't really see what that has to do with anything..."
<It's not like humans are any better than whatever she is.> Clari smiles slightly, almost a chuckle at an unheard joke.
"Anyway, destruction of the slave trade is a noble goal, tearing apart lives and families for profit. The only thing worse is doing it for fun. That's why I am traveling. I aim to kill the man what slaughtered my whole family, but I've lost track of him. So i'm heading north to find his son. I have heard rumor that a member of the council matches the boy's description and disposition"
Working out Clari's final spell selection, but I think i got it.
Today she's got Lv2: Cat's Grace, Brow Gasher, and Blur, Lv1: Shocking Grasp, 2 Frostbites, and a grease. Cantrips: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Ghost sounds.Clari listens to Isani, intently, nodding as she speaks, "What about yor appearance was so concerning. You do seem inhuman, but i don't really see what that has to do with anything..."
<It's not like humans are any better than whatever she is.> Clari smiles slightly, almost a chuckle at an unheard joke."Anyway, destruction of the slave trade is a noble goal, tearing apart lives and families for profit. The only thing worse is doing it for fun. That's why I am traveling. I aim to kill the man what slaughtered my whole family, but I've lost track of him. So i'm heading north to find his son. I have heard rumor that a member of the council matches the boy's description and disposition"
Khromm perks up at this information - though for him, that basically means he scowls less.
"Down south I met some Dune Runnners - that's what we call the elf folk there - they ain't as pretty as you northern types - darker in skin, rougher - hair long and in kinky strands - but those basterds can run! They normally can run about twenty miles in an hour - every hour - for about five or six hours before they need to stop! Of course - they're taller then you - same body size, but their legs are a hell of a lot longer - we just adapt better to the desert in the southlands I guess.. Anyhow - they're a different breed down south," he continue as his horse trots on.
"They're cunning in magic - most elf types are - but they also know magic in way of song and story... Their bards are a hell of a lot different then you northern types - they don't sing or fiddle - or whatever it is you folk do - they tell stories; they inspire folk with their tales of glory and honor - that kind of thing... Good minds to - a southern bard is a dangerous thing - they learn a hell of a lot more then you northern types, that's for damn sure - not so much on the ways of magic - they're more like rogues - less spells - but more tricksy in ways of poisons, hell - they know a lot about poison - more then any I know of... But they also know lore - and they're cunning of the ways of loot - it's said there isn't an elf alive who can't tell the value of something worth selling!
"But..." and here Khromm's voice lowers, almost conspiratorially, "they also know clever ways to kill a man - painful ways - and their poisons are real nasty - very nasty... Anyhow - when you said you were looking for the son of the man you wanted to kill - I just figured you'd want to kill the son for what the father did to you - and, being that I don't know many northern elves - I wondered how you plan on doing the killing? You don't have much meat on you - I doubt much you're good in a fight - that is, toe-to-toe fighting - but now I'm wondering if you can't use poisons like they do in the south - and if so - what type do you plan on using?" he asks.
This is the first time Khromm has shown any interest in things - since you've seen him - and the fist time he's talked at length. Apparently he is very familiar with the unique differences of the Southern Bards - not like the northern kindred - but now he wonders what the difference is; as in, how many skills do you posses regarding poisons - how do you plan on doing your killing - short or slow - clean or messy...
Any in earshot can guess that Khromm is not only interested in cultural differences - but he is also interested in new methods of death and destruction - and he wondering what your preferred method is...
You see he is acting polite now - and willing to listen. Indeed - Khromm seems so intent on your tale of vengeance that he has not even mentioned the fact that you are fast approaching a cross-roads - according to your avian friend - and there is a wide river you will need to cross in which none seem to be preparing for...
"Well - what's the plan, then - how do you plan on killing this basterd - or are you going to send the father just pieces of the son? If so - I know a few good way to torture a man - you just let me know..." he adds with a disarming frankness and gesture that seems to say - eh, don't mention it!
Clari snorts slightly "Honestly, if it is Malas'rae that i've heard of, I doubt that killing him would do any good. His father left before Kyavia'wyn even knew she was with child, doubt he knows he even has a son. Then again, the little brute may need to be put down. especially if he's become more like his father since I knew him."
Clari then draws her blade. "I don't fight tow to toe. I dance with my blade, my Keravel, and into the dance I weave my magic, frost, electricity, curses. So, If Malas'rae does indeed deserve death, then if he is foolish enough to come to me, every elegant slash will cut more deeply than he could expect. But your talents may merit use depending on his crimes..."
"Lazurien, will we need to cross the river that you mentioned to get to the city? You said you saw no bridges? How wide was the river?
Clari listens to Isani, intently, nodding as she speaks, "What about your appearance was so concerning. You do seem inhuman, but I don't really see what that has to do with anything..."
<It's not like humans are any better than whatever she is.> Clari smiles slightly, almost a chuckle at an unheard joke."Anyway, destruction of the slave trade is a noble goal, tearing apart lives and families for profit. The only thing worse is doing it for fun. That's why I am traveling. I aim to kill the man what slaughtered my whole family, but I've lost track of him. So I'm heading north to find his son. I have heard rumor that a member of the council matches the boy's description and disposition."
Isani listens to the elf and holds her tongue until Clari has spoken with Khromm.
"My eyes generally unsettle people. The different coloured irises set me apart from pure blood humans, make it all the more noticeable that I have Other blood flowing through my veins. It is the unknown element, the unfamiliar that often strikes a discordance in others."
"This Malas'rae boy, he cannot be held to account for his father's crimes. An evil parent does not mean an evil offspring, especially so if the child was not raised by said parent. And, if you believe you can walk into a capital city and kill one of its Councilman without repercussion then I believe you are misguided, no matter the justification." Isani's look is intense as she is focused on Clari, gauging her character, trying to capture it.
Lazurien is listening to the conversation from about 20 feet above and slightly behind the group, gliding on outstretched wings. She gives a laugh when Isani mentions her eyes and says Forgive me I did not mean to laugh but I think betwixt the four of us, your different colored eyes may be not so noticeable. She motions to herself and her dark skin and black wings Out of all of us, you are going to have by far the easiest time assimilating into the humans. It is nice to be in such company, yes? She says exuberantly, a large smile playing across her face. You get the impression that Lazurien is a woman who likes to laugh and you aren't sure but may be quite young for her race.
As far as the river goes, I am not sure exactly how wide it is, nor the strength of the current. I did not see a bridge anywhere nearby so you may need to swim across. I could carry you each over, one at a time but I am not strong enough to take the horses.
When the conversation turns to killing, Lazurien's says I've always found an arrow to the heart does the job most effectively. Quick, clean, and efficient. We Strix do not make it a habit to enjoy killing overmuch, we do not cringe from it either but do it because it is necessary. Of course there are exceptions to every rule I suppose.
She cocks her head like a bird at this point and says Isani? Who is this Sarenrae you keep speaking of? I have heard the name but I confess I know little of humans...or whatever it is that you are. I mean no disrespect of course. She adds hastily at her comment that came out more offensive than intended.
Clari snorts slightly "Honestly, if it is Malas'rae that i've heard of, I doubt that killing him would do any good. His father left before Kyavia'wyn even knew she was with child, doubt he knows he even has a son. Then again, the little brute may need to be put down. especially if he's become more like his father since I knew him."
Clari then draws her blade. "I don't fight tow to toe. I dance with my blade, my Keravel, and into the dance I weave my magic, frost, electricity, curses. So, If Malas'rae does indeed deserve death, then if he is foolish enough to come to me, every elegant slash will cut more deeply than he could expect. But your talents may merit use depending on his crimes..."
"Lazurien, will we need to cross the river that you mentioned to get to the city? You said you saw no bridges? How wide was the river?
”An arrow may be faster – but not better. And if you can’t enjoy killing – maybe it’s because you’ve got no passion. Killing is like anything else that stirs the blood – drinking, dice, whoring – and killing – all of it gets you hot, makes your heart throb – there’s nothing greater in life then the feeling that ripples down your arm from your sword as you slice it into the flesh of an enemy… Aye! Especially an enemy…”
”Everyone kills now and again by necessity, and you can still enjoy it – but when it is an enemy – and you look into his eyes as they get all cloudy – or you watch his mouth flap open like a frog as you choke his last breath out… Well – what’s wrong with that?” Khromm says with a hearty grin.
”Now,” he says, suddenly downshifting into a no-nonsense “business” tone ”you got an enemy in the man who harmed you – if you want to harm him – harm his seed. There’s nothing worse for a man then to see his child taken - but, if you have no stomach for the deed – stiffen your spine! Take the child – hold him ransom, but do nothing to the child – let the father fear your rage… If you’re afraid of torture – who cares for that? So don't torture the child, if you'd rather not - but, the father doesn't have to know about it – but he’ll fear you! Unless he doesn't love his own child - then devise a new plan - turn the child against his father - and now you have a real power of vengeance!”
Khromm pauses to glance around the terrain for a bit, checking for signs of a possible enemy.
”Now – what can you tell me about poisons, elf? Your kind is handy with them in the south – what of you northern types? Can you create poisons – are you skilled in lore – can you infiltrate a court of kings and stand before them, even as you plot their murder?”
Khromm adds the last with a harsh bark of laughter.
”Don’t mistake me, friend! I have no such aspirations, yet... But – I just never met a northern elf – and am curious to know what type of creature you are…”
You notice Khromm seems somewhat hesitant to talk to Isani – whether it is because he is afraid of her potential “Witchcraft” – or powers to “Summon Demons” – which her mysterious eyes are clear evidence of, you don't know...
Oddly, he seems fairly undisturbed by Laz –perhaps this because Laz is flying behind the party and is not noticed so easily, unless she speaks directly to the group – but you all start to wonder if it is also because Laz is not as mysterious to the half-dwarf as you other races are. Yet if this is true – what does that say about Khromm’s history? Has he seen races like Laz before - and if so - what does he know them?
Hmmm...
Who knows his true motives? But – for now – he seems merely curious to know what northern elves are like.
Even so – you are now all able to see the silver vein of the river in the distance. Perhaps a mile or two from you – it stretches the entire horizon – at this point you can see the massive lake to your east – but between you and the lake is heavy cracked muddy flats, soggy marshes, and boggy ground – steams and vapors rise from cracks – and occasional bubbly pools of mud splatter in the distance.
However – to your west is a massive forest that covers your entire flank. You cannot see much into it – but farther into the greenery you see (miles away) what looks like mists and fogs in the forests – they stretch for miles on lower valleys which you are able to look down on. You believe the rivers may spill down into these valleys farther to the west.
”Well – what’s the plan?” Khromm growls at the river which dominates your path.
You think the river may be about seventy or eighty yards wide – you are not sure – and you certainly don’t know the depth. But Khromm’s question about the river is more relevant.
If there is a caravan that is heading north – then it seems likely that the caravan would need some sort of crossing, if they are able to make it to this mysterious northern town. There must be some way to cross – but you cannot see one from here. Is the mysterious crossing to the west, hidden under the trees? Or is it to the east – a straight and true path through the bogs?
At this time you don’t know – perhaps you could look for one, if you don’t want to swim the river and its mysterious depths.
"We of the north are no so skilled with poisons, as a race. There are silent hunters nd trackers among us, shadows in the trees. Many of our kind, due to long life, are paragons of knowledge, incredibly wise and experienced, but we care not for the lives and histories of outsiders. We keep to ourselves, unless there is pressing reason to venture forth, invasion or some threat like that, some trade... As a clan we care not for kings and conquerors, they come and go, generations of them within a single lifetime."
"Sorry i can't teach you anything of poison, my studies took me elsewhere."
Clari too looks upon the river before them, "Lazurien, can you look to the east, attempt to discern a crossing there, from the skies? We shall have to investigate the forests on foot to find a crossing, perhaps fell a tree within... But you can observe from the air, No?"
Lazurien is listening to the conversation from about 20 feet above and slightly behind the group, gliding on outstretched wings. She gives a laugh when Isani mentions her eyes and says Forgive me I did not mean to laugh but I think betwixt the four of us, your different colored eyes may be not so noticeable. She motions to herself and her dark skin and black wings Out of all of us, you are going to have by far the easiest time assimilating into the humans. It is nice to be in such company, yes? She says exuberantly, a large smile playing across her face. You get the impression that Lazurien is a woman who likes to laugh and you aren't sure but may be quite young for her race.
She cocks her head like a bird at this point and says Isani? Who is this Sarenrae you keep speaking of? I have heard the name but I confess I know little of humans...or whatever it is that you are. I mean no disrespect of course. She adds hastily at her comment that came out more offensive than intended.
Awkwardly turning and looking up at Lazurien who was at least 20 feet above them, "Miss Lazurien, you may be right about our party's appearances and drawing the attention of the humans. I can fit into human society well enough unless someone looks too intently upon my form and features. That, in conjunction with my magic, can draw suspicions and produce fear. I am the offspring of a human male and a sea hag. Their short-lived union created my kind, changeling, a race separate and distinct from either ancestral tree." She did no know how much Lazurien knew of hags or how they tricked their lovers in order to conceive children. And, she took no offense to Lazurien's question, preferring people who asked than presumed the worst. Khromm on the otherhand seemed to view her with some hesitancy and she wondered at it, for if she were indeed intent of bespelling him or killing him, she would have tried so already. Superstition and ignorance are a disastrous union. If only he could have faith... or at least believe in my actions and not my general appearance. She mentally shakes herself out of her reverie.
At the winged-creature's question regarding her patron god, she smiles tenderly and answers,
"Sarenrae is known by a number of names: The Dawnflower, The Everlight and The Healing Flame. The doctrine of Sarenrae's faith tells how the Dawnflower brought light to the world and with it came truth and honesty.
Sarenrae is a kind and loving goddess, a caring mother and sister to all in need. She revels in healing the sick, lifting up the fallen and shining a guiding light into the darkest hearts and lands. Compassion and peace are her greatest virtues and if enemies of the faith can be redeemed, they should be. She is no victim, however, and once it is clear that her words and power are wasted on those who refuse to listen, believe and be redeemed, she responds to violence in kind, with swift metal and scorching light. She dislikes cruelty, lies, quenching darkness, needless suffering, and thoughtless destruction. I am sworn to uphold her tenets."
"Yet you are strangely open about your perverse heredity."
Clari again turns away from Isani, slightly as she was speaking the words Filthy blood mixed with other filth creates only a different filth. It matters not from whence such taint comes, if it's impure to begin with> sound in her head.
<But if it brings me closer to my goal, it matters not.> Clari returns her attention to Isani, saying to her, "I find you goddess soft. Past ills mark a being, and while facing death a creature will beg forgiveness and mercy when it is death they deserve, not a chance to maybe attempt to mend their ways. Even if they do, they leave a mark on the lives of those they harm, and no personal change on their part can heal the wounds they have caused,"
"I will not be ashamed of my origins. My father is a good man and I am his daughter. I have never known my ... mother, and I am at peace with the estrangement."
Watching the elven female with an indecipherable look,
"You judge with such ease things you do not understand. Therefore I ask you, what is it that you believe in, Miss Clari? Where does your faith lie?" Her voice has remained steady and the accent richer with every word she utters.
"Do not trust that one", she says in Ancient Osiriani, standing near Isani, waving her hand indifferently, motioning toward the elf. Only Isani can hear her.
"The elf has an agenda and she will not hesitate to eliminate you if you get in her way."
Giving her attention back to Lazurien, "If you would be kind enough to make another scouting flight for a bridge crossing it will be most useful. I have a modest talent for swimming although I am better at holding my breath beneath water. However, I would not risk my Sadiki or any of the other horses if the river is too high for the animals to cross successfully. We require them unharmed on this journey."
Lazurien "leaps" at the chance to get away, the conversation having turned a bit uncomfortable for her. Of course. I can also fly out and see what the current and depth is like.
With that she swoops down and picks up a small rock, and pulling a length of rope from her pack she flies out over the river and drops the rope with the rock attached in, seeing how hard the current pulls the rope.
Clari looks down at her horse, at Isani's comment about swimming across, and gives it a pat on the side of its neck "I for one would hate to have to walk all the way and carry all this stuff. Anyway, most of my people are asthetics worshiping Shaylen, but I am among those that venerate the Unquenchable Fire, rather than your 'healing flame' as others of my clan, although I care not for lust and will pay treachery with vengance. What is the form of your Sarernrae? She's no elven diety, is she?" cocking her head to the side, wondring.
"I have read about the goddess Calistria, The Unquenchable Fire. So, you with your vengeance and I with my compassion - a curious duo we make." Isani bows her head, composed, riding on her horse.
"Sarenrae takes the form a bronze angelic beauty, with golden hair of flowing flame. One hand holds holy light and the other a flaming scimitar. The holy light provides healing and sustenance while the scimitar creates gusts of winds to remove disease and fear. I have not heard of a centre of worship for The Everlight in Kyonin, Ascarer. Sarenrae is in main worshipped by humans and from what I have studied about the Elves, your kind do not possess a formal relationship with your deities, choosing based on interest struck and not on particular dogma. Is this correct?" One pale blue eye and one amber eye study Clari. Isani's demeanour is calm, her attention studious like an academic applying theory in a practical world.
"For the most part, that is correct, although there are some that prefer deities like Calystria cause she looks like an elf."
<Like a god should>
"Aye, interesting. Whelp, where we agree, we can smite and punish, and where we dont, you do with yours and i'll do with mine, in terms of wrongdoing. make sure we don't go butting heads.
Isani once again bows her head in compliance. "We shall find our way together, Ascarer. And when the time comes when we cannot, then fate shall dictate the path."
She raises her head up toward the sky, using her hand to shade her eyes from the afternoon sun. Lazurien had sought to the skies so their party could better prepare for the river passing. Blessed Everlight, may there be a safe passage across the river. She touches the silver ankh around her neck. She closes her eyes for a moment, allowing the sun to slide across her upturned face, drinking in its warmth.
Turning back to Clari, "I hope Miss Lazurien is successful in locating a sturdy river crossing. We are fortunate to have such a vantage point through her natural ability."
Lazurien "leaps" at the chance to get away, the conversation having turned a bit uncomfortable for her. Of course. I can also fly out and see what the current and depth is like.
With that she swoops down and picks up a small rock, and pulling a length of rope from her pack she flies out over the river and drops the rope with the rock attached in, seeing how hard the current pulls the rope.
1d20+13
Though you were checking the current - you can see that it is not too strong - but, as you are now "hovering" over the river you are able to see that the water looks very deep - it is wide as well - roughly about 150 feet... roughly... but you seem to think that as the river gets toward the center - perhaps ten or twenty yards from the coast - it starts to get very deep...
How deep you don't know... but you wouldn't want to wade across it...
Isani once again bows her head in compliance. "We shall find our way together, Ascarer. And when the time comes when we cannot, then fate shall dictate the path."
She raises her head up toward the sky, using her hand to shade her eyes from the afternoon sun. Lazurien had sought to the skies so their party could better prepare for the river passing. Blessed Everlight, may there be a safe passage across the river. She touches the silver ankh around her neck. She closes her eyes for a moment, allowing the sun to slide across her upturned face, drinking in its warmth.
Turning back to Clari, "I hope Miss Lazurien is successful in locating a sturdy river crossing. We are fortunate to have such a vantage point through her natural ability."
"She better," Khromm grunts in disgust - but you sense it is not about Laz - but something else is troubling him.
Seeing your look, he shakes his head and answers with a growl...
"It doesn't make any god's damned sense is all! You can't tell me that a god's damned caravan is stabbing south over the grass - and the tracks are simple enough for any to read - you can't have missed them..." he adds, shaking his head.
"So - how do you get a caravan of men moving north - with horses, gear, and so on - to a town to the north - when there's clearly a river the size of my... well, the point is - there's a huge damned river to cross - and if we ride east to avoid it - then we're hip deep in mud and filth!"
You see now Khromm is more annoyed that he can't find the answer to this mysterious riddle.
Naturally, though - it seems likely that the rest of you all already know the answer - but, if you wouldn't mind sharing it with Khromm, it will probably lesson his tension a bit...
"This land is both new and strange to me, Mister Khromm. I have only heard secondhand stories of it. Yet, I wonder, could there be a bridge which is magically made invisible to the naked eye? Perhaps, even a powerful magic portal to move people, animals and gear, such as the one in Osirion? Or could a system of hidden, underground tunnels have been constructed to transport a force safely beneath the waters of the river ... What do you think?" Isani looks between the elf and the half dwarf. The bird-like Lazurien was somewhere ahead of them scanning the landscape. Isani wondered if she could hear their conversation.
Lazurien swoops back towards the group and reports what she found. The current seems to be slow moving but the water is quite deep, definitely too deep to wade across. I would say it is a bout 150 feet to the other side as well. If you will wait here I can fly up and see if I can spot a crossing. If one of you wishes, I can take you up with me and perhaps your eyes can help mine.
"Miss Lazurien, I shall go up with you and lend my sight to the task. How will we accomplish this so I do not fall and I do not take you tumbling through the skies with me?"
Lazurien smiles and says It will not be a problem. I can carry you with ease Miss Isani. Lazurien will land and grasp Isani under her arms, gripping her tightly before leaping into the air and pulling higher with each thrust of her powerful wings. Please let me know if you wish to descend for any reason but you need not fear I will drop you.
Upon Lazurien's assurances, she asks Clari to look after her horse, Sadiki, handing the elf the reins.
The immediate gust of air from Lazurien's wings and the general air around them makes her draw a surprised breath. She had not flown before and the experience so far was both unusual and exhilarating.
And when she is able to speak, she responds in her rich accent, somewhat distorted by the wind around them, "I have faith in your expertise, Miss Lazurien."
"This land is both new and strange to me, Mister Khromm. I have only heard secondhand stories of it. Yet, I wonder, could there be a bridge which is magically made invisible to the naked eye? Perhaps, even a powerful magic portal to move people, animals and gear, such as the one in Osirion? Or could a system of hidden, underground tunnels have been constructed to transport a force safely beneath the waters of the river ... What do you think?" Isani looks between the elf and the half dwarf. The bird-like Lazurien was somewhere ahead of them scanning the landscape. Isani wondered if she could hear their conversation.
Isani – searching your mind you recall many spells that can be used to do this easily – but, as Khromm points out – this would (likely) necessitate a spellcaster to move a party over the water.
Even a magic wand or staff – to do this, would be useful only if someone in the caravan could use the wand or staff – again, this would mean a spellcaster would be needed.
A mundane method could be used – and probably would be used – unless each caravan had the resources for a spellcaster – because getting horses on the other side would be both useful and necessary for the rest of the journey.
If Khromm is right and there is a chance there may be a way across, for horses and such, your knowledge does not reveal it at this time – you have good guesses, but nothing but theories – and of those theories, nothing definitive.
Lazurien swoops back towards the group and reports what she found. The current seems to be slow moving but the water is quite deep, definitely too deep to wade across. I would say it is a bout 150 feet to the other side as well. If you will wait here I can fly up and see if I can spot a crossing. If one of you wishes, I can take you up with me and perhaps your eyes can help mine.
Remember – the real problem here is that you don’t know what you are actually looking for – if you actually saw a solid bridge – you may be able to identify it 1,000 feet away – but that is fairly doubtful. It would just like a splash of color on the water; assuming you are actually looking for a bridge. And Isani wondered if it was a tunnel (possible, though difficult to construct safe engineering works under a heavy river which could erode into the tunnel and destroy everything easily) or even an invisible bridge... It is hard to say, again, as you don't know what you are looking for in particular.
Also – what direction are you heading, east or west (this is pretty important) and how far away from the others are you going?
Remember – to the east was heavy boggy mud where various tributaries seem to be forming from a deluge from the north – through here you may find a path to pick in the mud flats, but you would probably need to be standing on top of the path for that to work, or at least right up next to the ground to search, even then it could be tricky.
To the west, where you may hope a bridge is – heavy thick trees slow descend downhill into a valley miles away – there is heavy mists and fogs in that direction, however.
What is your direction, and distance then? And are you still remaining at 1,000 feet?
Oh yeah - you never answered my questions.
What direction do you fly - where are you "perceiving" - and how long/far do you fly?
Just let me know...
Lazurien realizes that she is not going to be able to make out a ford from this height and therefore swoops down to about 200 feet and wings off to the west to see if she can find a crossing.
While she's waiting, Clari takes a moment and asks Krohmm, "What was this caravan of which you spoke. I remember the dead slavers, was it them going north, and where are they headed? It took her a moment to think of Khromm's words on the matter, simply concerning herself with moving north, but in hind-sight perhaps there were marks left by the caravan... Perhaps this is why she could not find her target. Pitty she had no huntsmen in her service
Survival check to look around for tracks of this "Caravan"
survival
Lazurien realizes that she is not going to be able to make out a ford from this height and therefore swoops down to about 200 feet and wings off to the west to see if she can find a crossing.
"LAAAAAZ!"
how far you go down west
Where do you try to look for a crossing - north side or south side (yes, it matters, you will see)
And to save time - when you answer these questions, toss up a perception check!
Perception,
I'd say Lax should search the north side, as she can fly, and Clari and Khromm look on the south side Laz can easily fly back if there's trouble.
Riding, with Khromm, asking "I mean, sure it's transporting supplies, but where? Think it's Saravale, or somewhere else that they're going?"
She won't move too far, making sure she can keep an eye on Laz. and when she has a chance to communicate with the flyer, SHe'll indicate that she'll be moving west on the south side of the river, so that they don't get split up.
I'd say Lax should search the north side, as she can fly, and Clari and Khromm look on the south side Laz can easily fly back if there's trouble.