Intrigue in Taldor - Pathfinder Core -- DMs as players? (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

Taldor is beset by invaders from the south as all is quiet on the Eastern Front. What do the enemies of Taldor have in mind next?

Their latest plot takes aim at the very heart of Taldor. What starts out as a simple border watch assignment for the adventurers turns into a story of war, espionage and intrigue that will shake the nation to its foundation.
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For your own reasons, you have journeyed to the frontier in search of adventure. The depth of your loyalty to Taldor is your own business, but you all realize the danger of the Worldwound. The outpost of Greatwall was a solid fortification in the crucial line of defense.

You sit at the Behir and Beholder, the only tavern in Greatwall, taking the chill off the autumn night. Suddenly the front door opens, and three soldiers enter--you recognize them as the sergeant of the guard and two men-at-arms. As they approach you, you see another three guard enter through the rear door and approach your table.

As they approach, the sergeant of the guard, a slightly corpulent man with a dangerous-looking scar running down the left side of his face, points his finger in your direction.

"YOU...YOU...YOU....YOU...and...YOU!!" He indicates each of you in turn. "You are all wanted by the Captain of the Greatwall Guard."


Dwarven Druid ~ HP 13/17 ~ AC16, tch 12, ff 15 ~ Fort+6, Ref+4, Will+7 ~ CMD 14 ~ Init+2 , Per+7 , Darkvision 60'

Dolleen holds up a finger to finish her story "... so I say to the guy, 'Just cuz you can't handle yourself in the wild doesn't make this some kinda epic quest! Yer no adventurer just an unskilled courier!' Ha ha... that ticked him off. Started conjurin' up something... dunno what. Knocked him out the second he got to 'auccieri'"
She strokes a slender ash-grey cougar licking "outdoor matter" from her boots, then smacks him on the flank. "Duty calls, Jimbli." Her stiff hide armor creaks as she stands, and kicks in the bench.

She slurps the swill from her mug, and heads toward the sergeant "Dolleen Mullick, sir.".. with a crisp nod. "What's the good word?"


Grendolynn looks up from her whiskey with look of surprise on her face. Wanted by the Greatwall Guard!? What did I do now? She slides her hand surreptitiously (she hopes) down to the hilt of her dagger. Standing slowly, she turns to the sergeant. "What's this about?"


Greatwall was the name used to describe the eastern border keep placed strategically in the eastern edge of the Whistling Plains. The popularity of the current ruler of Taldar is waning, and the use of Greatwall to describe the border fort of four thousand was a stark indicator of this.

But it is the 14th day of Rova in AR4090 (middle fall), and talk of The Battle of the Ford is everywhere. The battered survivor with a hacking cough had described the ambush of the Taldan forces in detail to an attentive room in the tavern. He detailed the defeat of the main body, and finally, the use of the auxiliaries and common foot soldiers to cover the retreat of the nobles and the Taldan Phalanx with some disgust as only one who had been there could.

A glance at the stubble growing on the soldier's face, dangerously close to the beard forbidden to all but the Taldan royalty, said much for his thoughts on Taldan nobility.

Taldor continues to fight the Qadirans in the south. The war has been going on for just over ten years, and the news had been anything but good. The post of Greatwall seems to be a collecting point for the old and incompetent as the best of the nation is sent south.

You think of your future in Greatwall, and before your summons, it was fairly bleak. Perhaps you were one of the original farmers and watched it transform into a war-forged stronghold. Maybe you were a deserter or soldier who spent his term and ended up here. Maybe you arrived on one of the major merchant caravans that still passed through the trade routes to the east. Although war makes trading dangerous, it also makes it profitable.


The sergeant escorts you, under guard, into the main hall of Greatwall Keep itself, a giant pillared room containing a massive, wall-length heart. A raging fire warms the barren marble walls and floor, and illuminates a long and wide oaken table covered with parchment and maps.

After about ten minutes the guards snap to attention as double doors at the end of the hall swing open. In strides Gillmore, Captain of the Greatwall guard, a well-built man with a war-hardened face but a manner more cordial than the sergeant with the scar who escorted you here.

"I must apologize for the manner in which Sergeant Krayquer has brought you here. But our time grows short. Please sit down and relax as I have something which I need to discuss with you."
He claps his hands twice and two servers appear with jugs of wine and begin serving you. Then he orders all but you and Sergeant Krayquer out of the room.

When all have left, he continues..."As you are aware, Kelesh continues to pressure us, despite the appearance of a stalemate here in the east. They would like nothing better than to take a bit out of us in the east here while our forces fight their satrapy of Qadira. This jeapordizes our strategic position as we rely almost entirely on outside sources for supplies, and the raids and violence have made the journey here too unprofitable for most merchants. Even our traditional trading partners in Willip now refuse to take the risk. I need to prove to them they can make the trip safely and profitably, and this is where you come in."

"I wish you to escort a caravan of three merchant wagons to Willip and back. The caravan leaves tomorrow at dawn and must return as quickly as possible to avoid the winter snows. The wagons carry traditional trade goods to be exchanged for the food and supplies we need to survive the oncoming winter. Keleshian raids have occupied my forces so completely that I must turn to you."

"You must use the old Grabford-Critwall-Willip trail to resupply the border posts and show Willip merchants that it can be navigated safely. I understand this puts you near the Veng, a stone's throw from Kelesh. Fear not--border patrols guard us from the incursions of Kelesh."

"For you heroic service to Greatwall, I will award you 1000gp each upon your return."

After he claps his hands again, the sergeant departs and returns with sacks of 250gp that are placed in front of you.
"This additional payment should cover incidental expenses before you leave."

He looks at you confidently, not really expecting you to decline.
"Well, what do you say?"


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

The quiet fellow who had been sitting alone in the tavern and had merely nodded when ‘summoned’ by Sergeant Krayquer, finally smiles when he sips at the offered wine, ”Finally….I knew that there would be a vintage worth drinking somewhere in Greatwall…I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised you keep your only treasure locked up in the Keep”. Whether the comment was meant to antagonise or not, is impossible to tell, as the man returns to sipping on his wine…a wry smile across his lips.

Whilst the captain sets forth his plan, the fellow appears a little distracted…his attention more on the maps laid out before them than on the whys and wherefores of Taldan trade routes. Realising that the captain has stopped talking, he replies, ”A simple escort job then? Well, for my part Greatwall did not hold what I was looking for…maybe I would have more luck in Willip”.

With a final draught of his wine, ”I believe I will take this mission…although one thing bothers me, why me? I’ve not been here so long as you would know me…and”, gesturing at the others sat around the table, ”Who are these folk? Have any of them navigated ancient trails whilst the wind cuts them to the bone? Have any of them marched through the depths of winter closer to death than to life? Have any of them been forced to decide who will die so some may live? …I trust you have considered these things before throwing us to the wolves and the winter storms…”

Kaelaah, Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Sense Motive DC10:
The man, for all of his posturing and bravado, appears a little anxious …and is clearly over-compensating


Dwarven Druid ~ HP 13/17 ~ AC16, tch 12, ff 15 ~ Fort+6, Ref+4, Will+7 ~ CMD 14 ~ Init+2 , Per+7 , Darkvision 60'

"Come to mama." Dolleen snatches up one of the bags of gold, then raises a glass. "Count me in." She throws it back, then slaps Kaelaah fraternally on the shoulder. "Man said time is short. We won't have time for the scenic route through any ancient windy trails.... As far as wolves... just don't go off on your own. When you go off to water the roadside, I wanna see you boys all go together like ladies at a social."

She runs her thumb along a gold piece, and admires the sheen. "Will say... here's to hoping any trouble we come across, is more the variety which has got pockets... and purses of coin. Gold coins off any 'leshies from Veng spends just as well... don't matter how ugly the mug on it."

Dolleen nudges her sleepy grey cougar in the rib, and cocks her thumb to indicate Kaelaah.
"He's coming with us, Jimbli... get a good whiff. These folk too."
Jimbli lazily sniffs at Kaelaah's ankles.

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19


Grendolynn nods. "Not sure why you picked me, sir, but I'm always willing to do a job for Taldor. Pay ain't half bad either..." she says, grabbing her own sack of "incidental" money. Incidental!? I've never had this much money in my hand at once before. Gozreh's hermaphroditic nethers! Its makes a body worry just to to feel the weight. Her expression is one of poorly contained surprise and worry as she looks down at the bag. Clearing her mind, she tucks the purse away. Then Gren looks to her new companions. "My name's Grendolynn, folks, I'm a wilderness guide. How about y'all?"


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

"Kaelaah...the name's Kaelaah", the man's accent is difficult to place but his features suggest he is of Shaonti lineage...although he shares none of the facial tattooing so venerated by those people. "I am naught but a traveller here, like I said, I haven't been here long enough to call the place home nor to have upset or otherwise attracted the attention of the military...still, here we are...and", taking the gold with a smile, "my folks always said 'if there's coin on the table, don't ask so many questions that you scare it off"

When the cougar sniffs at his ankles, Kaelaah places his hand alongside his shin and if the animal rubs against it, gently strokes behind it's ears...

Noticing his glass has emptied, Kaelaah pours himself another drink...


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

With the rest of his unit scattered, Fernand was down to his last few silvers, and was stuck in Greatwall without a commission to keep him warm and fed. Times were tight for Fernand's family, as the first few years of the war led to harvesting blackwood from the Verduran Forest as quickly as possible to bolster the Imperial Navy, and unless negotiations with the druids changed course soon, there would be little more blackwood for years, keeping the Apcher family incomes low.

A place in the Phalanx would mean that Fernand could both help his family and let him do something to help crush the Kelish menace. But when the Battle of the Ford broke the Empire's momentum, the remainder of Fernand's unit were cut off from sea passage and joined the first caravan they could find heading north. Their spirits broken, one by one the defeated soldiers scattered along the way. Some returned to their families, while others settled down in villages with not enough farmers to complete the harvest, preferring a widow's embrace to starvation along the road. Fernand just wanted to get home, and as the last ranking officer of the group, he did nothing to oppose their disbanding.

But to do that, he needed money and passage. Greatwall seemed to have plenty of gold in its stores, and a job as a caravan escort would earn him more than enough to return to his family. With enough money, passage would soon be offered. Then, he would take his father's advice and join the Navy.

"I am Fernand d'Apcher," he adds to the conversation, a half-empty cup of wine in his hand. "It'll be a pleasure to work with you fine folks. Do any of you know the trail?" he asks.


Dwarven Druid ~ HP 13/17 ~ AC16, tch 12, ff 15 ~ Fort+6, Ref+4, Will+7 ~ CMD 14 ~ Init+2 , Per+7 , Darkvision 60'

"Good to meet ya" She nods to everyone - with a bit of a nervous 'heh' to the half-orc Grendolynn.
"Dolleen Mullick... nature wrangler... me kin's been keeping folk safe round Egelsee for years."
"And this is Jimbli." She shoves the cougar in the flank with her staff enough to scoot him a bit across the floor. He turns and growls, then bites and paws at her staff.
"Don't know the trail... never been to Willip either. Should be alright. I believe we're just guard dogs.. there for our bark and bite."


"I've never been this way before either," Grendolynn admits. She shrugs. "As Dolleen says, I'm sure finding our way will be the least of our worries."


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

"For my part, I have only been in Taldor for the last few months...I have not yet walked the trail to Willip although I have heard tell of the trade route drying up of late", taking a sip of wine, Kaelaah looks to the captain, "These Caravans? I trust they are experienced in navigating this route?"


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

"I would imagine that the caravan would know where it's going and how it's going to get there," Fernand comments. "Else we'd have been asked be guides as well. If we run into any snags, how are the rest of you at finding us a new path?"


"I've never been lost yet!" Grendolynn boasts. She grins proudly at her proclamation. Clearly she considers herself a skilled survivalist. "Got Boneslicer here if any of them snags happen to be the sort what walk on two legs," she adds as an afterthought, patting her falchion.


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

"A named sword?" he asks. "The confidence there makes me feeling better already. What about things on four legs, though?"


The scarred sergeant enters with a scowl.
"I wasn't sure all you layabouts would sign on, but you need to listen to me if you want your mission to succeed. Taldor depends on you following all my instructions to the letter."

"First, kill any lizardmen on sight. We are sure they are agents for our enemies, and they cannot be allowed to escape and give word of any of your movements. They are conniving and cunning--do not allow them to mess with your heads."

"Next, the orcs will be a threat. They prefer the open ground where no one can take cover. Orcs prefer to fight in a single group rather than small bands, so where there is one orc, there will be the rest."

He thinks before adding: "You should find the travel between the forts rather routine until you reach the eastern border. The advances in gold should help. Unfortunately we have little in the way of magic to provide, potions, scrolls and wands are being used for the war effort."

He looks at you with a scowl. "Did you get that? No lizardmen live!!"

"Anyway, find the merchants at the tavern I found you sots at. They should be ready to leave first thing tomorrow."

Knowledge Local DC20, favored enemy orcs +2:
You feel the advice on orcish tactics is wrong. You think orcs favor broken terrain and small group tactics.


Fernand d'Apcher wrote:
"A named sword?" he asks. "The confidence there makes me feeling better already. What about things on four legs, though?"

"I reckon them kinda things don't usually bother a body unless you go about botherin' them first," Grendolynn replies to Fernand. After the sergeant's exhortation to genocide she simply nods. "Got it."


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

Kaelaah has travelled far enough and wide enough to realise that different folks have different strengths of opinions of the more monstrous races, there are cultures that can’t abide troglodytes, tribes that hate goblins and grindylows….Kaelaah for his part, detests gnolls (although he has his own reasons for that)…but the strength of the sergeant’s words about the lizardfolk takes him aback somewhat…

Kaelaah, Sense Motive (anything ‘off’ about the Sergeant): 1d20 ⇒ 12

…if it’s all the same, I’ll make my own decisions as to whether someone or something is deserving of summary execution…

”If there is nothing further?”, Kaelaah takes a final draught of wine, stands and suggests returning to the tavern…

I am assuming from the GM post that there aren’t any handy potions, scrolls or wands of CLW available for purchase? Do you want us to RP buying stuff or just use the 250GP in the background?


Dwarven Druid ~ HP 13/17 ~ AC16, tch 12, ff 15 ~ Fort+6, Ref+4, Will+7 ~ CMD 14 ~ Init+2 , Per+7 , Darkvision 60'

Dolleen swabs her glass with a hunk of roll from her pack, and pops it in her mouth. "No wiwarfolf" she swallows her mouthful "... are getting away from us. Jimbli'll chase down anything that runs."
"Throw in th'fact they're dragging a stinkin' chew toy behind 'em. Ha... not a chance."

After its clear there is not another bottle to be uncorked and offered, Dolleen nods.
"Aye. Best lighten this purse with haste... the seams seem to be under fare bit of stress."


Fernand meets up with an associate of his on the way back to the tavern. Jasper introduces himself to the group with a bow. An elf with common attire, a rakish smile, and the look of one well informed, he quickly speaks to you on the way to the tavern. His exotic crimson eyes twinkle below his close cropped golden hair.
"I am sure you got the spiel about magic being hard to find. It is, but for the right price, you can get some help."

Looking around, Jasper produces five rolls of parchment in cloth tubes. A quick look at them shows they are scrolls with four spells penned on each.

Scroll 1 = Enlarge Person, Mage Armor, Shield, Protection from Evil
Scroll 2 = Bless, Protection from Evil, Cure light wounds, Shield of Faith
Scroll 3 = Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Magic Weapon, Expeditious Retreat
Scroll 4 = 4 Cure Light Wounds
Scroll 5 = Speak with Animals, Shillelagh, Magic Fang, Cure light wounds

"One twenty five gold for a scroll, and you never got them from me." Jasper looks anxiously around after making his pitch


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

Fernand considers the elf and his offer for a long moment. "I'll take the healing scroll," he says, opening the pouch given to him and counting out the coins. "You people wouldn't happen to have access to any other magic items, would you?" he asks as he counts.

-Posted with Wayfinder


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

"I have searched high and low through Greatwall for someone who sells reliable quality arcana...to no avail. This 'Jasper' has been keeping a low profile...", Kaelaah nods at the elf, "And for good reason...if the military found out about his 'business', they'd seize his goods for sure.". Kaelaah grins at his new 'friends', "Better in our hands than out on the frontline I say..."

Kaelaah offers 125GP for the second scroll, a little bit of protection for the unknown ahead of him...


Jasper laughs: "What fool would sell magic items? They are hard to come by and quite precious. And the Taldane soldiers tend to grab them up for the greater good. When the garrison cleaned out Malick's magic emporium and gave him rock bottom prices, they seem surprised all the other purveyors of magic disappeared."

Arriving at the tavern, you meet the trio of merchants.

Malin is a boisterous man 5' 9" and carries at least an extra fifty points. His full brown beard and mustache frame a fun-lowing face with a double chin, but grey has begun to streak his chestnut brown hair. He seem to be a little grumpy, maybe due to waiting for his 'escorts'.

Emerald is a beautiful, poised half elf of less than ninety founds and stands less than five feet. She is less than 24 and she seems to hold an unusually responsible position as the number two and chief of logistics for the caravan.

Jasmalus, another human in mid fifties, stands a full 6'1" weighing about a buck fifty (150#) giving him a frail and tired look. His solid white hair tapers into a nicely trimmed beard/moustache combo, but his clothing looks like that of a ragged beggar.

As Malin engages you in conversation, he quickly seems to take in the group and sighs.

sense motive DC 20:
He is disappointed in the experience of the party
Malin explains: "We move out tomorrow. I know you have an advance. I would buy some horses for mobility and the deterrence that mounted men tend to provide. You can ride on our wagons, but disembarking from them is not easy in a crisis."


"Is there a stables in Greatwall? I'd love to purchase a warhorse. Anything not trained for combat is more of a liability than an asset in my experience," Grendolynn asks the plump merchant.


Malin looks at your group. "About five gold each should cover supplies for you. You won't get any weapons from the armory, but I can find access to some well made and sturdy weapons and armor. Just let me know what you need, and I'll send Emerald for it."

Malin indicates he can obtain up to masterwork armor and weapons of standard materials. He also informs the ranger that combat trained mounts are hard to find, but for 125gp each he can provide light riding horses already trained. The military saddle, bit and bridle, and saddle bags run 26 gold pieces. You can save 10 gp taking a standard saddle instead.

Jasper plops down 250 gold pieces. "I need a shirt of the chain, well made to keep the hindrance down. I also need this Taldan crest place on it if you can."

Know Nobility DC15:
The crest is that of the Count of Taldor to the north, the richest man in the area.


Female Human Cleric of Serenrae 2; AC 15/17, T 11/13, FF 15/17; HP 16

It has been a difficult walk on the road to Greatwall, but I have finally arrived. I look around the post, and think that this might be a place to bring the holy word of Serenrae to those who have drifted from the path of goodness.

Entering the gate, I ask the guards as to the location of someplace to obtain food and drink, and am directed to apparently the only tavern in the area.

As I make my way down the dirt street, it appears this post is definitely for military purposes. I eventually locate the tavern and enter, just in time to hear Malin talking about leaving on a trip...

Greetings, sir...I hear you are going traveling on the morrow. Would you allow me to accompany the group? I am new to this area, but am looking for the opportunity to see new sights and meet the people here. I am skilled in the healing arts, and don't mind riding in a wagon in the least!


"I'll take a horse and kit. Normal saddle is fine for me though," Grendolynn says. She gives the merchant 141 gold pieces.


Malin shrugs and sighs: "I can get some vials of acid, but that is about it. The rest of the alchemy stuff are 'strategic materials'."

Malin uses his hands to provide air quotes for the words strategic materials.

Jasper laughs. "Strategic materials my a$$--I can get the good fire, but it is expensive. Twice normal rates. Nothing that smokes though. Acid works well on locks and the like." he says the last hopefully. The elf seems to be above using air quotes. You also note he has moved next to Emerald and has managed to touch her on the sleeve, whisper in her ear, and make her blush a pretty crimson all within the span of five minutes while downing a full tankard of ale and started on a second one. He gestures to Malin with the tankard.

"I need that crest. I do admit my royal bloodline is still being checked, but rest assured, I am worthy of all the honors given me."


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

Fernand sighs at the realization that by acquiring a horse, he'll be down to his last few silvers once more. C'est la vie.

But he was a bit short. He could afford the horse, but not the saddle. He gently squishes the pouch in his hand as he considers a solution...

"Greetings, my lady of the cloth," Fernand says as he approaches Amarisa. "I believe I have something you'll find rather useful along the way," he continues, handing her the scroll with four cure light wounds castings on it. "Might I ask, though, that you perhaps help me with acquiring a horse and saddle?"


Female Human Cleric of Serenrae 2; AC 15/17, T 11/13, FF 15/17; HP 16

To Fernand: Greetings to you as well! I am Amarisa Desini, and the Dawnflower is my deity. Such a gift that you present to me is gratefully accepted! My skills include those of the blessing of crops, healing the sick, and reforming criminals and evil doers. Any assistance in healing is most welcome.

I take the scroll and place it among the pages of my holy book, The Birth of Light and Truth, for safekeeping.

Alas, I have arrived here with only a handful of gold pieces, perhaps enough to purchase food and drink. Otherwise, I would be able to provide meaningful assistance to you. If my fortunes change, I shall be certain to aid you as best I can. If we are provided an advance, you are welcome to my share - I do not require much in the way of material things....


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

Fernand appears a bit surprised when Amarisa mentions Sarenrae, the patron goddess of the Satrapy of Qadira. Had they been in the south, she would likely have never entered the fort.

"Advances are being provided," he replies, quickly regaining his composure. "Shall we secure yours? We could also acquire more protective magic for you."


Female Human Cleric of Serenrae 2; AC 15/17, T 11/13, FF 15/17; HP 16

To Fernand: Your assistance in securing more funds would be very helpful.


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

Whatever the corpulent trader thought about his new 'escorts', Kaelaah remained blissfully ignorant or uninterested in...

Kaelaah, Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 12

He is however slightly confused as to the suggestion that they should pay for their own provisions whilst guarding the caravan and, worse still, the price that is being proposed, "I am intrigued, what will we get for our five gold pieces? Do not confuse us for mere passengers on this journey...we have sworn to protect this expedition from all manner of horrors that apparently stalk this trail...I will stick to that bargain yet I do not plan to be fleeced whilst doing so"

No Bluff or Diplomacy check...just Indignation!

...I'm not sure what games are being played here...but, for now, I'll play along...an early night then, for tomorrow's early start...

GM, what is the time of day? Kaelaah is of a mind to get some sleep and see what the morning brings...but if the night is young, he'll stick around...


Dwarven Druid ~ HP 13/17 ~ AC16, tch 12, ff 15 ~ Fort+6, Ref+4, Will+7 ~ CMD 14 ~ Init+2 , Per+7 , Darkvision 60'

Dolleen groans at the mention of mounts.
"Blargh... din't think about needin to ride a horse. Heh.. I'll pony up fer one though."
"A skinny one, mind ya. Big ol' girthy horses make me feel like I'm just propped up on top doin the splits."
sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Dolleen nods to Amarisa.
"Hope yer gonna be alright if we get ta needin to teach some Q-dars a lesson."
spending 156 on light riding horse, slick saddle, and munchies.


As the evening sun sets in the tavern after an evening meal of generous proportions, the leader of the merchants sighs and waves Emerald over. The half elven female sits down and steeples her hands together.
"It seems we are not getting off on the right foot. The taxes we pay to Taldor to keep safe have only increased since the war. So you think we are fleecing you by asking for recompense to provision your group in the field at a hand of gold sovereigns each for what would be a month trip at the very least? Very well, I will pay the gold out of my share. All prices, though, from here on out, will be at the normal going rate in Greatwall."

Jasper shakes his head about going for another advance. "Asking for an advance for the priestess of our enemy's religion seems quite bold. The advances may have been out of a set budget."

He bows to the Amarisa: "I bear you no ill will and find the conflicts of nations often akin to unruly boys in the farmyard."

Malin adds: "We will leave at first light. I am turning in."

Jasper bids his goodbye to the lady and promises to see her in the morning. As Dolleen takes one final drink from her tankard, she sees the bill for dinner and drinks under her tankard. It amounts to about 6 gold pieces.

sleight of hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Perception DC 26 Dolleen 28 all others:
You thought you saw Jasper's hands by her tankard.


Dwarven Druid ~ HP 13/17 ~ AC16, tch 12, ff 15 ~ Fort+6, Ref+4, Will+7 ~ CMD 14 ~ Init+2 , Per+7 , Darkvision 60'

"Oy! What's his name? Jasper? What're you doing there with me mug?" Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
"You lookin to get thumped?"


Jasper looks sheepishly at Emerald and Fernand.
"I guess I'm picking up this tab." The elf pays and seems to be settling a larger tab than just tonight's expenses.

You awake early to make it to the stables where the wagons are getting outfitted. The three large wagons are each being hooked to a pair of strong horses. Each carries a rough looking teamster and one of the merchants. The three wagons are being loaded with a variety of goods and boxes by Taldan soldiers.

Perception DC 25:
Part of the cargo the soldiers seem to be taking extra care with. An iron strong box among the many trade goods.

The rutted and ill-used road to the east beckons.


Those of you who purchased horse, see that they are being readied for travel. A blacksmith is checking the equipment, a groomsman is finishing up feeding the horses, and Emerald is checking each of the light riding horses. She looks up as you approach.

"These horses should do nicely. They are the same Taldan couriers ride in war."


Male Human Fighter 1 Current Hps 13/13, AC 21, T 13, FF 18, CMD 17, Saves: F +5, R +3, W +1, Init +2, Per +0

You all see an armored man already with the horses. He sees you approach he turns and says with a big grin, "Hello I am Halvor Lumbar and I am heading out with all of you. Sorry I didn't make it last night, but I got held up."


Female Human Cleric of Serenrae 2; AC 15/17, T 11/13, FF 15/17; HP 16

I slept well last night, and the lack of a monetary advance is of no concern. My deity provides for my needs when the occasion arises...

Greetings, Halvor, welcome to our group. It is good to see someone of martial prowess joining us.

To whoever is listening...I am riding on one of these wagons. Would someone please direct me to which one of them I am assigned to?


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

After a fitful nights sleep, Kaelaah wakes well rested and keen to leave the cloying atmosphere of Greatwall. Packing his meagre belongings, he grabs his longspear (normally used as a hiking stick) and makes his way to the stables...

...standing back for a while, he nods at the new faces whilst assessing the best place to ride. Keen to steer well clear of Malin for the time being, he saunters over to Jasmalus' wagon and, with a smile, "Mind if I ride up here with yourself?"


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

With not quite enough gold left for a horse, saddle, and provisions, Fernand was holding off feelings of regret for purchasing that healing scroll and then giving it away. He would have to somehow change his situation along the road. Or perhaps in the last moment...

Maybe there's somebody else around town this morning with a decent mount they wouldn't mind parting with? Fernand's not one to steal, of course, but maybe he can get a horse at a wee bit less than 125gp from the right person.


Grendolynn rides along at the front of the group on her new horse, trying to get to know it. She keeps alert for danger, but doesn't spend a lot of time socializing with the others unless they approach her first.


A troop of ten Taldan medium cavalry approach and salute Malin. The leader speaks after lowering his visor and exposing his noble beard.

"We will be escorting you for a day. Our patrol coincides with your route."

Malin informs you "I have vouched for our two new additions and secured an advance for them." He hands two letters of credit signed by the Taldan captain of Greatwall each good for 250 gp to Halvor and Amarisa, and urges them to make some last minute purchases if they need them.

Masterwork Armor is available too

The first days journey begins with a surprise. Jasper waves the group down, and seeing the troop of cavalrymen, smiles and asks for a ride. "You appear to be going the same way as I am." he adds.

Camping for the night, a roaring fire and a large field kitchen is set up. A roast pig is cooked stuffed with flavorful nuts as Emerald supervisors two teamsters as they turn the pig.

The cavalrymen share some of the pig and continue their patrol eager to get free of the caravan. The Taldans salute and depart, having said no more than ten words between them.

Emerald takes out a thin flute, and begins to play a haunting melody as the teamsters clean up after the evening meal. The ride on the wagons has been quite comfortable, and their are actually well made springs to keep the wagon ride from being bouncy.

Malin jokes as he gestures with a sweeping arm movement to the group naturally gathered around the fire. "This is where we bond and cry and form a lasting friendship over emotional stories of our lives. Or not." He laughs with a deep baritone laugh.


Male Taldan Rogue2 hp 15 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | F+2 R+7 W+0 | Init +3 | Perception +6

"It's my experience that a bit of fine drink is required first," Fernand comments. "The crying comes after." His tone and posture seem to indicate that he has done this sort of thing more than once before.

With Amarisa's permission, Fernand would like to use a chunk of her advance to acquire a horse and saddle, since he's a bit short after the healing scroll. Will that work out?


Female Human Cleric of Serenrae 2; AC 15/17, T 11/13, FF 15/17; HP 16
Fernand d'Apcher wrote:
With Amarisa's permission, Fernand would like to use a chunk of her advance to acquire a horse and saddle, since he's a bit short after the healing scroll. Will that work out?

Take what you need, let me know what is left over for me to keep.


Shoanti Marked of Sarenrae; HP 40/40 4NL, AC16 T13 FF13, Saves: F+9, R+8, W+4, Initiative +3, Perception +9

Kaelaah nods at the cavalry as they depart...

...Guess this is where our paths go their separate ways...

...and takes a seat next to the fire, watching the sun slip over the horizon whilst listening to the melodies fill the evening air Kaelaah reflects on how far away from the rest of the world life on the open road can sometimes seem. Extending a hand of friendship to Halvor, "The name's Kaelaah by the way, seems our journey is the same for the foreseeable future...are you Taldan? What do you make of our little journey?"


Malin waits expectantly and, it seems he may have been truly waiting for a story of note.

Sense Motive DC 15:
Malin seems to have reconsidered sharing something of what he thought was of significance, but probably painful.

The party continues the journey to Morsten and makes great time, cutting the seven day trip to six and coasting into the town of Morsten as night is falling. Heading straight for an inn and stable, you have the opportunity to sleep in comfortable beds with a roof rather than outside. Unfortunately you don't get to experience much of the town as you are out the other side of the town at first light.

Malin mentions his delight in the pace of the trip, and hopes to make Fort Belvor in eight days--the next stop on the journey. This trip skirts the river border between Taldor and Kelesh. You are wound tightly as the river boundary seems not so secure at times, especially when you observe Keleshians on the other side of the river at times.

It is the eighth day out of Morsten (the fourteenth day out of Greatwall) and sleeping outside and traveling in light rain of the last few days hasn't been pleasant. When Emerald's wagon throws a wheel and it takes four hours for the teamsters to fix it, Malik curses and drives the group even faster. He hopes to reach Fort Belvor by nightfall, but seems resigned to some night travel.

Tensions run high as dusk begins to fall, and you plainly see fires burning in the distance on the Keleshian side. Then you realize that one of the fires isn't from across the river, but on the winding trail up ahead. When the trail straightens out, the source of the fire comes into view; a bruning wagon, on its side in the middle of the road, part of an ambushed three-wagon train like yours.

You see that the middle of the three wagons lays overturned and virtually demolished on the road. To the right lies the charred wagon still smoldering. To the left stands a third wagon, apparently undamaged but awash with blood. Large spots of blood also dot the surrounding area, but you see no sign of the bodies anywhere. Cargo from the three wagons lies ransacked and scattered across the roadway, but little appears taken. You note numerous arrows lying among the cargo, several charred near the arrowheads.


Grendolynn draws her sword, and rides forward, scanning the night for hidden threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

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