Desert Of Fate

Game Master Michael Talley 759

The Caravan made it's trek through the desert slowly. The winds having blown harshly the last few days, at one point they had whipped themselves into a storm, and while the Caravan drivers and workers had been most effective at keeping their fellow travelers safe, they had not been so effective at keeping their traveling water safe.

As such they had made a slight detour to the Oasis protected by Sheik Jubair, and have arrived swiftly showing that fate is indeed with you this day.

However because it is late in the day the caravan leader has decided to accept Jubair's invitation to enjoy the night around the Oasis after hearing of your ill-fortunes in traveling.

The people that live about the Oasis seem friendly, but strangely, solem compared to Jubair. What do you wish to do?

Gloin will take a break from caravan duty and will ask around the people of the Oasis (in a friendly manner / +3 diplomacy skill / +7 Sense Motive to see if anyone is either lying, holding back ...) for the lastest news from the area ahead of the caravan. Of course he will ask if anyone has seen any dwarves around these parts of the desert.

He will ask ask politly about the personality of the shiek.

While looking around the oasis, he will make a mental note of its military might (aka armed / armored people walking around).

Posting to gain 'Dot'

As the caravan settles in at this small detour for the night, the red robbed and armored Elven woman helps see to the caravan and its cargo.

Once this is done she moves to calmly walk amongst the people and places of the oasis.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Utarah checks with the Caravan leader then mingles with the crowds to investigate any news circulating, especially about bandits or dangers in the region. Working the crowd he tells a few stories, looking to entertain the people interested in the new arrivals.

(Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21)
(Performance 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20)

Sunset definitely watches the performance by the (Exotic looking?) fellow...

Utarah did get a '20' for their performance, after all...

The people of the Oasis listen to Utarah's stories with interest and when it comes to talking about his own stories of bandits a few children reveal they have some strange dog people that have been stealing from their parents and wonder if the story man has any idea what do with them. Parents so distracted by the stories don't seem to notice the children talking about their own problems.

However even while distracted, Gloin takes easy notice of several armed individuals around the Oasis whom seem be trying to hide the fact they're
watching the hills more than the Caravan members. People do state that the Shiek is a honorable man that has always helped others.

Sunset you do take notice that many of the Oasis people are indeed Solem but there are also some destroyed tents that are currently being burned with something else unidentifiable.

Akaash stares out into the sunset, taking a glance over the lands. trying to get a sense if the storms would continue. Despite the safe area they were in, all signs seemed to suggest that there things making the Oasis more on edge. With as cruel and unforgiving as the desert was, maybe there were signs among the winds, the sands, or among the Oasis itself. Even when filled with fear, he was sure even intelligent beings had the same base instincts. He listens, from time to time to the stranger with the...exotic stories, just to keep from growing too deep into his own mind.

Knowledge (Geography) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

As the sun continues to set, he heads himself over towards the tents and structures being destroyed by the force most exemplified by the heat of the day. Clearing his throat briefly, he looks from the burning tents to those nearby, his voice raspy like the dust storms that overtook the caravan earlier. "What are you returning to the land?"

Those near the fires burning look towards Akkash as he speaks.
"We are..merely returning a few things that had been destroyed by the recent storms."

However despite that, due to Akaash's knowledge of the desert he could tell from the parts unburnt by the fire that the damage was not done by the desert winds. In fact it looked to be animalistic. In fact from his knowledge of the lands, they where close to the desert that housed a few wandering Gnoll tribes.

"Oh? So the storms are stealing the life breath from the beast man tribes?" He smirks draws closer to warm his hands over the fire, taking in a deep breath of what must be ash-filled air.

"When?"

He knows it is an obvious question, and as such, he keeps the words just above the crackle of the fire, so as not alarm the rest of the Oasis. The tone of his voice retains that grit, that winding whisper of night air falling, crisp and dangerous.

After hearing the children's responses and the question of the Sylph, Utarah moves to have a word with Jubair "We appreciate your hospitality good sir, might you say that we are in for inclement conditions this evening? My associate is good at sensing storms... And perhaps we could help with weathering any problems?"

Just trying to build off Akaash's observations to get things moving a little.

Not really 'Catching the hint', Sunset follows those of the caravan she's been journeying with for the past few days.

Irathi wanders around the Oasis, eager to learn of any stories of lore or otherwise. He eaves drops on a few conversations, and seems to get a little emotional about the mention of gnoll attacks.

Gloin will walk next to one of the guards that is watching the desert. After a minute of silence he will take out his water skin, drink a bit and pass it to the guard saying:

Wish it was dwarven ale, but unfortunately it is just water, if you want some. I kinda miss them little fellas, they maybe all grumbling in their beards, have short tempers but are great in a fight and their beer songs are the funniest. Have you seen any of their drinking contest? Well if any armed trouble should come here tonight from the desert the caravan will stand too.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sense Motive1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Gloin will keep watching the desert until he sees Sunset around at which point he will hail her.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Sunset notes the 'wave' from the shaggy human male and walks over.

"Greetings..." She replies with a slight polite bow of her head to her fellow caravan traveler.

Akkash- They watch him as he breaths deeply the ashen air "They attacked the other evening."

UTarah- The looks at you firmly for a moment but relaxes a bit as the caravan nods at him. "Yes, perhaps you and your friend can help us weather this dark storm. Gather your friends and meet me at my tent and we can speak of your help to us."

IRATHI - The children continue to speak of the Gnolls and the scary one with strange magic.

Gloin/sunset- "Yes dwarven brew would be most... useful to have." They watch the elf with some fascination "Are you an elf? Are you out of your home element?"

To the guard: I supose that none have stopped here in the time past?

While looking at the sun setting in the desert: the Notherland dwarves usually drink too much, sing too much, eat too much, brawl too much, and chase available woman too much. And i am one of them. Fortunately Sunset will... eerr keep me out of trouble won't you? This heat is unbearable, i shall welcome the cold of the night.

As he turn toward the out lining sun he whispers into sunset's ear:

Warn the other's to keep the rounds and their wits tonight. there is danger in the outside desert befalling the oasis. the guards are on high alert

Utarah murmurs a few words and signals the others, then heads to Jubair's tent.

Woo info time!

Sunset smiles in response to the local's initial question. Though Gloin's comment about "Being a Dwarf" causes her to arch an eyebrow.

(Unless I've missed something...Your tag says 'Human'..?)

"Elves are people of the world as much as any one else." She does reply to the point of her being 'Out of her element'. "Though it is true that I was raised in a temple..." She finishes.

Akaash remains neutral in his reaction to the unsettled guards, nodding briefly. "The desert holds many surprises and prefers to be undisturbed. Maybe tonight will be in your favor."

Seeing the motioning of Utarah, he turns from the fires with no other word and heads towards the small gathering that is beginning to form.

Jubair sit's within his tent on a set of soft cushions, while his tent at first glance does seem to be originally with only one way in and one way out a recent rip to the back of it that appears to have been caused by a bladed weapon is a recent addition. The tent also appears to be slightly fought in as though a struggle took place within it.

"I am sorry I cannot be more of a host to you and your friends." he watches as Utarah's companions enter's as they must even as he speaks.

"However a recent attack by some...surprising dog men, although their ilk are often called Gnolls, the bottom feeders of the desert as far as I am concerned, and this...Tribe if it is one, is worse than their race. Normally these beastmen wait at least feed on just the dead and slain of other races. This tribe actively attacked us within the morning. They had taken a few of my people and only when your Caravan showed up had we finished taking note of what all was done. I had sent out a small search party as well after them, some of my bravest men. However since I cannot under order leave the Oasis unguarded I must remain. I fear the worst as these mongrel creatures had not only surprise but weapons as well, and their pets fought with some level of control as though trained."

He would appear to be holding back some level of information, but it obvious that he dislikes the Gnolls
-----------------------------------------

Sunset/Gloin- The guards look at you both, each of course having their own questions appearing in their minds and almost being read in their faces.
(Guard 1)-"I have never seen a Dwarf your size before...but I have seen dwarves drink several drinks that are strong, however in the desert we generally reserve those for at night."
(Guard 2)- "I see." He seems to look between you and the 'dwarf human' and speaks at you again. "But it is surprising to see a woman elf at all, as I myself Have not heard tell of an elf within the desert that didn't have skin to match the night. But I believed too that elves have been a story parents told their children about to give them wonder. Seem's I was wrong twice this day."

_______________________________________________
((Wow didn't notice how sleepy I was when I wrote this so, I'll redo this post for you))

IRATHI - The children continue to speak of the Gnolls and the scary one with strange magic.

(Child 1)- "He made Sulma burn without burning them it was so strange to see my friend covered in fire and as she ran into her father's tent they ripped open the back to steal her away."

(Child 2)- "Are you also a Magic man?"

You are correct Sunset, Gloin is indeed a 6ft tall Ulfen (norse type) Human. But if you character has some knowledge of dwarves, she will recognize the fact that Gloin is a very dwarvish name.

Looking at sunset: Elf,dwarves,human, gnomes, haflings and other races have woman, some prettier than others but how else would anyone have any offspring's? With a big grin on his face he continues. Gods sure love them woman's...

then facing the guard: indeed we do drink those heavy mead type beer or other strong alcohol maybe we can share a drink a two by the fire. Its rather unfortunate for me that no dwarves have been seeing in the region lately, they sure come handy with all that heavy armor and those sturdy warhammers, if there is fighting to be done. I will thank you for the kind word and Bid you a safe shift.

Turning toward the middle of the camp Gloin motion's to sunset: looks like us caravans guards were called to the sheiks tent. Shall we go Sunset or wait for the boys to give us the details? I am not sure that we should all crowd inside?

"That seems like an odd behavior for scavengers. I do not know much about gnolls, but I have traveled these lands and seen caravans recovering from attacks before. Is that all there is to it? If the matter is dear to you perhaps we could assist in recovering them?"

Appropriate diplomacy roll to get him to explain the situation and take our help. He seems like a nice guy, why not? 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28. Edit: Aww yeah, the dice roller loves me!

The wild man of the winds nods along with his more well spoken traveler. "They're as much scavengers as the hyenas of the savannah, but they are not mindless, these dog men. Bottom feeders, maybe, but even the bottom feeder finds prey for something." He picks the sand from under his nails while they speak.

Sunset nods thoughtfully at the fellow's words (She will keep in mind her possible cousin's differences for a later date when she might meet them) but other wise declines to openly comment as to why she herself is traveling in the desert.

At Gloin's words she nod acquiescence and follow him to said tent to at least try and show respect for the hospitality of those whose place they have come into.

It's not the name, but the 6' tall bit which is causing the dissonance. (^_~)

Jubair sighs heavily as he seems to relax a bit more into his cushions as Utarah and Akaash speak.

"I would be very grateful as my men have not returned as of yet and after my own child was taken I am at a loss for what I can do. However... there was something curious that was said by one of the dog men." he looked at Akaash as he spoke."They said they where helping the new Dragon King. However, to my knowledge magic has been a lost art among the Gnolls in the desert, but one of them was able to cause, very magical effects, but every once an awhile it's form would shift as if it was not really the correct form."

gloin/sunset-

The guard goes back to his task as the two of them move towards the Shiek's tent.

Arriving at the tent Gloin open's a flap and says: Beauty before brawls

After Sunset walk's in, Gloin enters. Makes a light bow to the shiek.

Sorry we are a bit late Utarah, but you missed a good oasis sunset. as he looks for a place to sit. Once gain Shiek Jubair, thank you and your people for letting us stay the night.

he walks over to a big cushion and has to re-position it a few time in order to fit comfortably his weight.

I hope we haven't missed anything of importance, we were just telling your guards that we would also post sentries in order to help with watch duties.As the oasis seems to be a little short staffed at the moment.

Sunset nods in recognition to Gloin's 'chivalry', stepping gracefully into the Shiek's tent. She bows formally to the leader of this place before sitting demurely upon an available cushion.

Irathi addresses Jubair, "I certainly have no patience for those that would prey off the vulnerable. I would be more than happy to assist in dealing with your gnoll troubles. I hear there was one gnoll which used magic. What types of spell effects did you see it creating, and did it wear any types of symbols?"

Shiek Jubair bows his head as Sunset and Gloin "I thank you, however it seems your friends have made a request which shall see me owing your company a very large favor." he looks to Irathi as he asked about the magic using Gnoll.
"It wore very little clothing, but one of my men had seen it casting spells has sworn that he saw it briefly flicker in form, much like a flame, when it cast a spell. He described it's other appearances to be more foreign like your friend Gloin here. It projected a strange halo of light as it performed it's magic. However the only spell I had seen it perform myself was to engulf my daughter in strange fire that thankfully didn't seem to harm her. Sadly I had told her to take safety in our tent."

He gestures behind him. "During the battle, she was taken from me. I am not a rich man, but I can offer your Caravan much water and future safety along this route. I also have a map of the region if it would be of help to you."

"What a strange description. Cold fire that does not harm those it engulfs, and a mage who possibly has some illusion. Either way, Gnoll or not, no man deserves to have his daughter ripped from his arms. If my companions here are game for a little hunting expedition, we shall be taking that map and see her brought back to you safely."

Utarah turns to Irathi and Akaash and asks "Have either of you ever heard of such magic? It sounds like some illusion to me, but changing forms is far from my specialty. Well, I heard a story once... but that's another time"

Spellcraft check (+6), 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22. Maybe... faerie fire from the description?

"A map would give us at least basic directions and landmarks. The desert can only hide so much of itself in the sands. I have no knowledge of such magics. They are not mere beasts if they are creating things like that." He strokes his chin slowly, wiping away a single grain of sand that still clung there.

"A very strange dog man. We would be willing to return her to you, especially with such an exchange. Have you and them always been at war like this? It seems like a real surprise to you."

Before deciding anythings irathi, you might want to check with the caravan master's, as their plan's is to leave in the morning. And if the caravan does leave who knows when is the next one passing.

Addressing the sheik, slowly giving time for him to ponder on the answers to his questions: so from what i have heard gnolls came crashing down this morning was that their only recent attack? how many are we talking? Equipment? how far are their known camps if you know of any? How many of them in the region in about 10 days march?

Gloin appears to be familiar with standard nomadic raids tactics, and would ask more and details questions about fighting style of the raiders, and their operation / travelling habits.

Utarah- ((indeed on a 22 and from the description you can accurately determine it was Faerie Fire))

Akaash- Jubair nods "Our tribes have never been ...friendly to one another, but we tolerated one another. This faerie tale the gnolls follow called a new Dragon King seems to have stirred them up. Why they needed my daughter I do not know."

Gloin- He again nods to your statement "I will indeed speak with the Caravan master, I am certain he will allow himself to remain for some time for your return for helping me. It is a common belief within the desert for those to tempt ill-fate ignore the ill-fortune of others. It is a test some say of the very desert to see if one deserves good fortune."

Akaash looks down for a moment, scrunching his lips up and trying to remember anything more about these beastial skirmishers. "So they never directly attacked? They simply took their space, you took yours, and struggled to secure resources in the area? And I can only guess that there's a sacrifice of some sort." He shrugs slowly. "It would be a big gamble for them, either way, so it would have to be more than a faerie tale to them, Shiek."

"Sounds like all the more reason to investigate. Knowledge of someone instigating a rise of the tribes in this area could be valuable to the merchants where we are heading. I would personally prefer to wait until morning, but I don't know if that would give them a better headstart. Suggestions?" He looks around to the others.

"Yes Utarah, my best guess would be faerie fire as well."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"I am ready to leave at any time, and I find I can see quite well at night. I would certainly understand if others would prefer a good rest first though."

Actually our whole party besides gloin has darkvision, oddly enough. Then again, so do gnolls, IIRC.

Akaash shakes his head slowly. "The longer we wait, the more of the path the sands will steal." He strokes his chin, thinking on how long it would take for the sands to leave them with no clues, factoring in weather, the lands, and when the gnolls left.

Knowledge (Geography) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Survival 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Points out that Sunset doesn't actually have 'Dark vision', just very good 'Low light vision'... :)

Sunset sits quietly, listening to every one.

With the desert weather the way it was recently the winds in this region would likely remove any trace of a trail by morning. Thankfully with the clear sky and the full moonlight night even the human might be able to follow a trail if it was good enough. While it was not a good thought by some, if the tribesmen whom went ahead didn't return, then they would at least give a measure of direction if found during the night search.

The Shiek had his map brought to the group of you, as well as fresh provisions of water and food in case any of you got lost in the desert at night.

Well utarah, assuming we have a few days's permission from the caravan master, we have a few options: Either the raiding party is far from its home territories, and this raid is just one raid among other. and they would have established a base camp not to far from here as to be within reasonable striking distance of multiple targets. Or they just wanted to raid this specific oasis and are on their way back home as we speak who could well be farther away then a few days march. And don't think for one second that you can track their passing as the sands keeps no foot print of any passing. Either we know before be head out where they will go home or someone prays to the gods that they are withing less than a day of forced march area around the oasis. And in that case, if they raided on specific orders and objectifs and their home is more then 6 days away. Our only chance to get the survivor is the leave now while there is still some daylight available. But if we are wrong about this and the Beasts are still on raiding they might be back tomorrow or the next day at the oasis while we are not here to defend the caravan who would make a good plunder.

Gloin will then ask detailed question about the raid in order to get a sens of its objectifs. (where the Gnoll here on a general raid to grab anything of values or did the raid suddenly stop when they go to a specific target?

the shiek didn't answer any of Gloin's question about gnolls number's, equipment etc. Is it an oversight of he just deliberately not answering

Sunset goes to her gear and sorts through some things before getting ready that which she will take on the groups expedition.

"How long to we plan on being away?" She would ask, before working out how much she should have to carry.

So...Sunset has Adventurer's Sash(X2), her Elven Curved-blade, Back-pack, Sun-rod(X20), Rope(Silk)50'(X2), Chain(Mstwk)10'(X2), Manacle(Mstwk)(X2) That she can bring along. How much food and water should the party bring?

((Sorry about that, it was an oversight))

"It seemed they stopped after they made off with my daughter and a few provisions. They did come with a rather impressive tribe, but it was only a force of 10 maybe 12 beast men with 3 of their devil dogs. It was their leader that did the most damage to me emotionally. I am not certain how he was not only alive but as youthful as I remembered him when I fought for this Oasis the first time. Hukar was one of the most sword talented of the Gnolls I have seen. But by the way the mongrels age, he should be much like ones Grandfathers, ready to rest and sleep, not be able to fight with those whom are ...." he stops himself from saying something he likely truly believes. "Youthful." he finally spits out.

"I will worry about the Oasis and it's defenses, if you need to hunt by night, then hunt them down my friends."

No worries

looking at the map and with the instructions we have, can we determin how far away is their home?

Muttering to himself: so its 15 to us 5. if we don't use the element of surprise and archery range, i am not sure all will come back. Well i sure hope everyone is as god as they say they are.

To everyone: well i sure hope the night won't be too cold for everyone, now where did I put that stone of light. looks like i am going to be needing it. No one has a composite longbow made for strengh by any chance?

item taken on the pursuit: Backpack, tent, bedroll, 5 torches, flint and steel, Rope 50ft knotted, grappling hook, water skin (full). Trail rations 4 days, desert clothing, Quiver (20 arrows), bandages*2, Pouch with 5 stones, Longbow, Darwen Warhammer (weapon cord attached), Buckler (strapped on left arm),

Sunset would hand Gloin (The tall) one of her Sun-rods...;)

taking the rod from Sunset and sticks it the bag: Thank you for the guizmo i'll try not to use it and return it to you.

Paranoid of dying of thirst, Irathi takes 4 waterskins full of water.

Utarah grabs his armor, pack, and crossbow, and two waterskins as well. "Very well then. If we take advantage of the cool night we should be able to get good ground covered." He looks around to the others preparing and steels himself for the long night ahead.

Gloin- you're an inquisitor, right? I didn't see a spell list, but I was wondering if you had create water, seeing as that would be amazing since we're in a desert campaign. Figured it would be better to ask now before it came up.

Utarash has seen Gloin's waterskin never empty during the days prior. And he didn't seamed to restrain his use of it, to wash his face or his hair under his turban. You can deduce the things you want until you directly ask