A day north of the village of Maskyr's Eye, a team of merchants, travelers, and guards, with assorted oxen, wagons, and wares, gathers for the evening. As Letráne, the caravan lead, checks the maps with Kyrell, the guide, they check their location. Skirting the eastern edge of the vast Cormanthor forest and the western reaches of the Earthspur mountains, the land shatters into a series of narrow ravines heading north. These are the landmarks.
The caravan hosts about thirty people, from guards, a noble, a small band of elves from Cormanthor, a number of merchants, and sundry travelers who all know of the safety in numbers. There have been rumors of a new goblin tribe calling themselves the Screeching Owls surfacing in the badlands south of Mulmaster.
But with a blessing from the gods, this will not be an issue. For tomorrow, the caravan will be in Mulmaster!
One of the travelers, a young woman dressed in bright red under a dark red leather armour, is scanning the terrain with only a hint of worry. Her rose quartz disk amulet and her sunburst shield proclaims her a priestess of Lathander, the god of new beginnings. Despite her smile and open face, her hand is on the hilt of the large mace hanging from her belt.
She has been with the caravan since it passed the road to Tantras a few days ago. Each morning sees her get up before the sun touches the horizon, to pray as the landscape awakes. Quietly, so as not to disturb anyone.
Another traveler, a dark haired elf in a large cloak, sits atop a wagon conversing with the guards below. Every once in a while when he shifts position, one might be able to catch a glance of a scabbard.
He has been with the caravan only recently as he exchanged a few coins for passage to Mulmaster. The only thing that seems different is that he pulls out a book every once in a while, reciting strange words almost chanting the words under his breath. Seeming to memorize the words.
An average sized man wearing nothing fancier than a dark-blue cloak with a weathered cap sitting upon long brown hair directs his trusty steed near one of the wagons. With a wry smile on his face he says, "I have spent a great deal of time over the last year traveling these lands, and of all the wondrous experiences my travels have wrought, none will be more memorable than the aches on my backside."
Dlatha approaches the argument between the caravan master and guide and clears her throat gently so as not to intrude too much.
"Excuse me, is something the matter?"
Sydney had recently joined the caravan at its last major stop. She was recruited to fill in the shoes of a rather sick guard, he heavy armor and twin axes showed that she meant business.
A rather cheerful person at first, she polity speaks to anyone who goes to talk to her, but she isn't a very active socialize, preferring to be rather left alone.
Once she rather got angry when she over heard a comment by one of the guard that soldering wasn't a woman's job and that they should take care of homes of making food and making some improper sexual references.
She got up to him and a head butt later the guard was seeing a great many stars and no one ever made any more comments within ear shot.
Marroar's lightweight frame, distinct facial features, and slightly pointed ears betray the fact that he is not entirely human. His long white hair lays in stark contrast to his black tented studded leather armor. Hearing of the dangers of this route caused Marroar to join the caravan, but he is not confident in the safety of numbers and the loaded crossbow in his hands is visible proof of that.
Marroar notices a passionate discussion brewing and goes to investigate, keeping mind to never point the business end of his crossbow at anything but the ground.
I wonder what this caravan is moving. Aside from normal trade goods, it is almost necessary to have something of worth to require this many guards.
Hopping down from the caravan, Rission jogs up towards the dwarf woman the guards seem to stay away from.
"Excuse me miss," he calls out. "Weather sure is nice today, isn't it? Name's Rission. I travel around the region doing various jobs. By the way, what is this caravan moving to Mulmaster? I know trade goods, but this sure is a lot of guards."
It is not really what this caravan is moving but then i wouldn't know i am no merchant Rission but the fact that most merchants are nervous about: There have been rumors of a new goblin tribe calling themselves the Screeching Owls surfacing in the badlands south of Mulmaster. And so all these people have traveled up to this point relieved to find strengths in numbers he nods toward the other band of elves and then to the noble
But gods willing you will all be behind the city walls same time tomorrow
"The caravan makes the trek from Mulmaster to Procampur," explains Letráne, as people start heading off to sleep. "It crosses the Vast and makes stops at Calaunt, Tantras, and Tsurlagol. Many people just go by ship to all these places, but there are a few small villages like Maskyr's Eye that you don't reach if you just sail past."
He looks out to the west and the rapidly fading dusk. The trees of Cormanthor put on a display of reds and yellows. "This will be the last caravan before the snows set in," Letráne adds. "Mulmaster's a forbidding place in the winter, but everyone knows how to survive it. Some years, if it gets too cold for snow, you can cross the Moonsea on foot. Got to be quick, though. You wouldn't want to be caught in the middle of the meltwater come spring."
Pointing a thumb to Dlatha, he finishes, "And if you ever need work as a guard, I usually hire four for the travels. Some go part way, some finish the trip. Kyrell, here, he's been with the caravan for years. Knows the Vast like the back of his hand, he does."
i'll take the last watch as usual
Rission finds a comfortable pace along the caravan.
"Tomorrow huh? I wonder if I'll be able to find work for the winter in Mulmaster then. I can forge a blade for any warrior to test their skill. That and repair any weapons given a forge and some time. Luckily I have enough spare time in my travels to stop for the winter and settle in if I have to. I can stay up a bit later on the first watch. Let's hope the goblins and other creatures of the night stay away."
you can do that, or sell your sword to one of the Nobles in need of a bodyguard. There is employment to be found for one of many skills and is accomplished in the way of the Blade
Hmmmm working for a noble doesn't sound bad.
"Cities are cities, aren't they? So many people, so many poor, and all of them need hope. I'll see if the Lathanderites in Mulmaster need my help."
Dlatha makes a short pause, then looks to the others.
"Do you really think we'll be attacked tonight? Goblins are dreadful critters... Anything I should keep in mind if we have to fight them?"
IThey might, I just like to be ready. As for the rest easy, don't let yourself get surrounded, wear the heavyest armor possible. Aime either for the strongest or the weakest of the bunch. Goblin find comfort in numbers so if you remove that advantage or their leader they will flee.
Lucien rides up to Dlatha and Sydney, "Trust in in the words of our dwarven companion, for Dwarves know of goblin-kind well." Looking at Dlatha, Lucien says, "Greetings and well met, indeed, help is always welcome from the servants of Lathander." Lucien greets Sydney in her own tongue, "We are fortunate and honored to have one of the noble dwarves accompanying us on our journey to Mulmaster."
Looking again to both, "I am Lucien Malgus, son of Hadrius, and should either of you have any questions regarding Mulmaster, I will answer what I can."
Our kind has been at state of wars for thousands of years with the greenskins.
she says crossing her arms
Acknowledging Sydney's response to his greeting with a slight bow, Lucien says, "We have a fairly large caravan, hopefully we can pass through to Mulmaster without incident. Should fortune be against us this day, we do boast a certain strength in numbers ourselves. I have no appreciable skill at arms, but I do have....other methods at my disposal."
"Thank you for your advice. I shall keep it in mind. My name is Dlatha Shaertree, a humble servant of the Morninglord. My skill in combat could admittedly be better, but I know a thing or two of the art of healing. Just one question, if any of you know... what is the goblin word for 'flee'?"
You should start with better armor she says looking up and down the cleric
Your fighting skills will improved with experience and lots of fights if you go down that path. And the word you are looking for is "Greitcha"
"Well, we all have to start somewhere, don't we? Funds... were a problem. Hopefully I will be in a position to purchase better gear in not too long. As it is, I will just have to trust in mobility. Greitcha. Got it."
She turns to Malgus.
"On the topic of Mulmaster, it has a dark reputation indeed. I find that I need to seek out someone there... I would happily listen if you'd tell me a little about it. Especially the... ummm... things everyone knows about it."
Scoffing at the proposal to work for a noble in Mulmaster, Rission responds to the dwarf.
"Sell my sword to a noble in Mulmaster? I will do that the day Elminster starts working for the Zhentarim. No, I am a gentle soul at heart, I would rather work as a blacksmith."
Rission takes a sip of water from his waterskin before continuing with the conversation.
"Ah, then well met Ms. Shaertree. While a city may be a city, Mulmaster is far from anything you've every experienced if you lived your entire life in the Dales. Now then, as for the goblin word for flee, let me think."
"Regarding Mulmaster, Dlatha, its reputation is due in no small part to the existing laws that govern the use of magic within the city walls and its proximity to Zhentil Keep. Bear in mind that all things can be said to be the product of their environment, and cities are no different in that regard. The current leadership has a certain...ruthlessness when it comes to protecting its borders and resisting the influences of Zhentil Keep. Not everyone is an enemy, and not every enemy is necessarily your enemy. In my short years, that is probably the best perspective I can offer you, granted, I have been away for a year and I am not up on current events."
Looking over to the elf, Lucien states, "There are two types of Nobles in the world my dear sir, ones who consider it a title as a means to power, and those who, by example, adhere to the spirit and ideals of nobility for the betterment of society. You scoff at the idea of selling your sword arm to a noble; I truly hope that as time goes on, you will be able to recognize the differences I mentioned earlier, lest it cloud your objectivity regarding such matters in the future."
"Oh, I am not of the Dalesfolk, but from Tantras. Cormanthor is lovely, so large and majestic. It would be wonderful to see the Dalelands."
She ponders Malgus' words.
"Sounds like they have been hurt too many times. Eventually you start seeing enemies where none exist. When all you would need to do is raise your eyes and dare to hope. What are their rules on magic, if I may ask?"
"Please don't misunderstand me, I do not endorse some of their methods. As long as Zhentil keep remains a threat, promoting change in Mulmaster will not come easily, nor swiftly. As to your question of magic use, only the Cloaks of Mulmaster can openly use magic, everyone else is forbidden to do so. They will seek out those who show a certain aptitude and skill in order to recruit them, at which time the restriction will no longer apply. Violation of that law is not...recommended, though, in the case of self defense, they may make allowances based upon evidence. I cannot say for certain however."
"Does this apply even to the power of the Gods?"
Just stay away from meddling into politics and temple affairs and you should be find she simply added
"All non-Cloak mages is what was specified, a priest or priestess operating within the guidelines of their faith are generally left alone, at least with regard to the faiths within Mulmaster. I think it's safe to say that if one were to go rogue and threaten life or property, they would be dealt with like anyone else."
Looking out into the forest a fire might make an easy mark.
"But the city is tomorrow, let's focus on the here and now. We might want to camp cold tonight if a goblin tribe is on the loose. No fires, keep your lights as dim as possible. Depending on how dangerous these Screeching Owl's are, if the threat of attack is minimal we can brave a fire."
Looking now towards the forest, then back to the elf, Lucien says, "Your concerns are valid, but so were Dlatha's questions, if you feel that strongly about the risk then perhaps both you and Sydney should bring your concerns to Letrane to discuss tactics. Forgive me my lack of manners and not greeting you first. I am Lucien Malgus, son of Hadrius, I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"All right. Perhaps it's time to make ready for sleep? It's dark enough now that going further will be complicated anyway. Questions about Mulmaster can wait till the morning. It sounds cold to sleep without a fire, but if that's how it's done, I suppose it's worth it."
Tomorrow night you can sleep in a warm bed if you can pay for it she simply says getting herself ready for sleep
"We may want fire so the humans here can see if there is an attack."
Marroar also volunteers to take first watch.
"He has a point."
Lucien says, "Rission recommended running a cold camp, and I see the wisdom in those words. I defer to those of you with experience in such matters."
Looking over at the half-blood with a raised eyebrow, Rission keeps his calm attitude in his response.
I always forget, the N'Tel'Quess are unable to see in the dark. Well, luckily I always carry some form of lighting just in case.
"If you need to see, you can probably use a hooded lantern. Preferably a bulls-eye lantern. I know I have one attached to my pack, and some lantern oil for those who need it. A large fire could draw unwanted attention."
"I am not the one who would need light. But there are those among us who would. I think it is better to prepare for danger than try to avoid it. But I differ to the judgement of others on this."
"We won't be extinguishing our fires," Letráne explains. "Most of us are human, we'll want the light, it will be chilly tonight, and our greatest defense is not hiding, but our numbers. Goblins can see the heat of our skin and horses anyway, thanks to their infravision. Dousing the fire won't solve that problem."
Looking around, he finishes, "Looks like it's time to settle in, then. Marroar, thank you, you're welcome to help with evening watch. Kyrell will manage the midnight watch, and Sydney, you have morning. Rest well, and wish us a clear path tomorrow."
"Good night everyone."
Tries to fall asleep, hand on the hilt of her mace and trying to cover herself with her shield. This won't be an easy night, and it wasn't a long time since she was sleeping in her bed at the temple in Tantras. Oh well.
Safety in numbers huh, I guess it's worth a shot.
Rission finds a place to lean against a wagon and have a clear view of the road.
"Who has the next shift? I'd rather not wake everybody up figuring it out.
Sydney will taks Kyrell to wake her up halfway trough his watch, thanks to her endurance (skill) she will manages with only 4h of sleep
Lucien says "good night" as he lays down next to one of the wagons.
Marroar finds himself awake and energetic as the sun sets below the horizon. He looks out into the forest. He sees a bear who followed the scents to the camp, but the bear turns around and leaves when he sees the level of activity around the caravan. There's nothing much to notice, and his watch ends peacefully.
Kyrell wakes Sydney up for her watch, not long after midnight, and leaves her on lookout. Soon after midnight, she notices some movement to the north, still far from the caravan. From this distance, she can see what looks like a small head peeking up above a rock outcropping near the trail ahead.
Sysdney will wake Rission: [b] i think there is a goblin scout that is watching our camp. I woke you up just to be on the safe side [/]
Sydney will use the cover of darkness and try to get closer with stealh, drawing one weapon as she moves.
Rission stirs, and before Sydney can get too far he grabs her by the collar.
Whenever there's a problem, well it is my job.
In a loud whisper he talks to the dwarf.
"Not a good idea, they can sense your body heat. If it was raining sure, but as it stands sneaking around is useless if they have someone watching. The best we could do is catch him off guard with fire, but I don't think throwing a torch at a goblin is a smart idea."
Peering into the darkness looking for signs of movement, Rission motions Sydney to get a guard.
"If they know that we know they are watching us the little things might leave us alone. Bring another guard over here, like Kyrell said, safety in numbers. So we'll try that first. If they keep coming closer then we will resort to violence."
With the last sentence, Rission takes a seat on a rock and draws his blade. Positioning the tip into the dirt he rests his hands on the hilt. A simple blade, but well used, and to the trained eye, well maintained. He sits there, quietly, trying to hear anything.
whispering back it is just one scout i'll be fine and if he can see me that means i can see them. That is exactly what i want do know is it just a few goblin or the attack squad. If it is just a few there is no reason to wake everyone up. Now you would be well advice to take your hand of my collar. Do what you wish i am going to confirm is this is spying or an all out assault
She says heading out