Kevros nods, "Quince, are you all done marking and making notes on the map? If so, we should depart before the mites or the kobolds suck us into another tangent."
"I am set."
Alright lets see if we can find this place.
Tristan looks at the map then looks around where they are and decides on the best direction to go.
Angeus looks over Tristan's shoulder, looking from the map to their surroundings as well.
Survival, Aid another
Kevros walks over to where Angeus and Tristan are looking over the map to listened in. Although, it sounds like they don't need his help with land navigation.
Kevros interjects, "So Tristan and Angeus which way are we heading?
Between the two of them they think South is the best bet, and soon find less signs of the war between mite and kobold.
A traveling wizard is seen up ahead. An image of a giant horned demon glows with flames and smoke above his head. Welcome travelers, the image is merely that it keeps the superstitious away. For a few gold coins I would put on a show for you, and perhaps lead you towards your destination. After all today is a day of celebration, the day liberation of my home country." He winks a knowing wink as if to tell you the loss of a few gold coins will bring great help.
Angeus reins her mount up in front of the wizard, "You are well met! A diversion as well as information....a bargain I think."
With a smile, she tosses the man 3 gold pieces from her belt pouch.
He catches them with ease and begins to blow more into his pipe. Smoke begins to surround him and sticks appear in the air before each of you.
Once you grab the tiny stick a flame bursts on the top of it then sparkles.
Several fires seem to start up behind the smoke their light projecting the wizards form onto the smoke. Up a streak of light goes up into the air and the demon face does not look amused. The white light that goes up explodes in silver and white with a unicorn coming out of it.
"What do you seek?" Comes the wizards kindly voice.
The unicorn comes down becoming more substantial it charges the demon and pops him. A red and orange explosion of light comes and the unicorn goes back into the sky.
"Any requests of what to see next or what creatures to involve?" He asks.
Three leather bags land before you...
Twenty long wirily sticks, a box of a dozen tinder twigs, five pint glasses, a jug of wine, and a small cask of ale.
A half wheel of cheese, a salted ham, two loaves of bread, a knife, seven thunderstones, two sunrods, and a bottle of sauces.
Five foot long card board tubes which smell of burning powder each are 2 inches in diameter, three boxes with fuses that come out at one of the corners each has an arrow on the side and instructions that say, 'arrow aimed at the sky then light the fuse', and a 10 foot long hemp rope with extra small cardboard tubes tied to the side of it back and forth with a fuse that comes out on either end of the rope.
Kevros nods to the wizard, "Well met and a good day to you too. My request is are we on the right path continuing our mission to the monastery while mapping out the region or any information you can provide that will help us?" Kevros rides up to him and gives him a platinum piece.
"Enjoy the show any threat should be scared off, your course will lead you to what you search for... a building of ruins I do see though monks have not lived there for years, it is the place you search for but will find another target as well." He says and lets small fiery balls whirl around his head and fizzle out to simple firecrackers on the ground between him and your group.
The wizard continues to let flames fly from him. A wave of green flames jet from behind him and they go into the air about 80 feet then explode into hundreds of blue dots. Three red orbs scream into the sky exploding into hundreds of purple dots. He lets his pyrotechnics stop and rest for a while to see if there are any requests or other questions.
"I am really hopimg everyone else sees this. After the whole dragon fighting giant thing."
The wizard smiles and chuckles to himself. He frowns as Quince makes a strange unpleasant face. Fog billows up from the wizard blocking him from the group again lights begin to emerge and streak into the sky. A large man, a giant, in shining silver armor of lights starts to charge across the sky then a red fireball starts from opposite the silver giant. The fireball breaks apart to become a dragon, they keep charging each other missing each other exchanging blows as they go. Then on the return they slam into each other silver and red dominates the sky as hundreds of tiny sparks of those colors fall.
The wizard appears
Nightwing and the mons have their weapons ready but wait for the group or the wizard to take offensive actions.
The Show
They settle down and enjoy the show. Knowing that their question has been answered and care not to interfere with the wonderful show.
The Night
The monks keep one of their number on watch as the others sleep. This works well since Nightwing and another of his brothers are elves.
The Morning
Nightwing has helped Katrina with the preparation of food, his dour demeanor seems to be much lighter as he actually laughs some at what they whisper to each other as they work. The other monks stretch and begin their exercises nodding to the others before doing their own thing.
The wizard appears
Katrina is on the back of the dragon behind Saren. They seem to have caught up quickly on the ride for the day. She was shocked at seeing the wizard and did not know what to do.
The Show
She sets her furs on the ground making a nest of sorts for herself. She is fascinated by all the lights and colors, so much she doesn't say a peep. Absentmindedly she strokes the dragon's head and neck as she watches the show.
The Night
Once the show is over she twists and her furs cover her, letting her sleep soundly and warm. She seems as if she is perfectly safe.
The Morning
Katrina is awake again before anyone else, she sends the dragon out to collect some meat for breakfast. She thanks Nightwing for helping her with the preparation of food, she teases and flirts with him some to lift his spirits, whispering with him to learn more about him.
She will ride with Saren again unless someone offers for her to ride with them.
"Nightwing seems to have some history like myself, a death of a loved one. He is also in a better mood when entertaining a female, I am sure his men will appreciate my efforts."
The wizard appears
Saren drew his blade at the sight of an unknown. But sensed that the wizard would not be a threat quickly.
The Show
He watched for a few minutes enjoying all the colors. He had seen similar shows but nothing so grand for so few. He pulled out his bedroll and with his dragon beside him just enjoyed the show leaving the bags for the others. He fell asleep half way through the hour show.
The Night
Zzzzzzzzz...
The Morning
He woke to the lick of his dragon friend. He went out with him to find some meat for the group. They found several hares, but after the eighth one he was able to collect it from being eaten by the dragon. 'They were going to need to find some bigger game,' he thought to himself then said it aloud to the dragon who nodded in agreement. The stew was ready when they arrived. After some dragon fire the hares were gutted and diced then thrown in.
Quince seemed curious as the traveling wizard appeared.
He smiled at first with the show but he grow uncomfortable as he worries about the visions he had. When he sees the wizard annoyed with him goes to apologize, "I'm sorry . . . wow."
Before turning in he addresses those around the fire. "Something is troubling me. Saren perhaps you will know more about the vision I saw while trying to tend to you." He recounts the vision with the giant and dragon and symbol on Saren's chest. "Also when the wizard worked his wiz poppers I felt a presence try to enter my mind. I can't say it was the wizard but it was strange."
==The Show==
Kevros watches the show but also keeps watch of the surroundings with his crossbow in his hands, and at the end, he claps and shouts, "Bravo, that was a great show!"
==The Night==
Kevros takes last night watch and pretty much keeps to himself unless someone talks to him. He remains vigilant for the remainder of the night and during his watch.
==The Morning==
While the food is being cooked and people are waking up, Kevros remains vigilant but packs his things up. Then sees what Nightwing and Katrina are cooking, "Good morning Katrina and Nightwing, what tasty food is on the menu this morning?"
The Wizard Appears
Tristan rides up with the group. He displays caution at first, but soon becomes curious.
The Show
He joing Saren on the ground looking up to the sky. He claps and shouts for each explosion waiting to see how the next one will top it.
The Night
Normal routine, sit around and talk a bit sharing stories before going to bed.[/b]
The Morning
He wakes and packs up making ready before joinging the others for breakfest.
When Quince talks to the group Saren is fast asleep.
The monks do have a seperate fire but it is about 20 feet from yours, much closer than the normal 100 foot gap.
The Wizard bows to the group once he is done and thanks Kevros for the applause. He rests with your group for the night.
Nightwing looks to Katrina to answer Kevros about breakfast.
"Hare stew with carrots, tators, and dumplings." Katrina says with a fine smile on her face, to answer Kevros' question.
Quince quietly stops talking when he realizes Saren is asleep. He looks annoied at himself at how foolish he looks. He heads to bed waking for his watch.
With the wizard still with the group as you eat breakfast it is an opportunity to ask him any more questions, extend your thanks, or even see if he has anything to sell, among other options.
"This is very good stew, my thanks go to the chef!" The kindly old human wizened wizard says as his beard stays over his shoulder to stay out of the food. Once he finishes the bowl of stew, he pulls out his pipe and lights it up.
"What's the plan for today keep heading South? Uh, wizard would you suggest that course?" Saren asks the group then the wiz.
When Saren is awake and standing. Quince approaches him. "Hey I wanted to ask you something. Maybe this will mean something to you. While you were injured I saw a . . . vision or something. A dragon and a giant fighting, later just over your chest while you were unconscious there was a mark." He draws the mark in the sand. "I do not mean to pry but I wondered if you had any insight to the matter."
Not everyone needs to post that way, I thought it might instill some creativity and RP. :) I do want to thank you all for being so loyal to the game and sticking with it!
Kevros returns a smile to Katrina, "I bet it is even better than your last meal!" Kevros graciously receives a bowl and takes a bite, "This is really good! We are definitelly not letting you go! Not only can you heal us but you are also healing our food palate with this scrumptous food!"
Kevros nods to the wizard as he approaches but he is talking to Katrina at this time.
I guess this could go for more than just you but you pointed it out. ;)
Saren winks at Quince and puts him in a light headlock. He whispers to him.
She smiles at all the praise, "I am glad you all enjoy it, it warms my heart you will be full and ready to face the day with the promise of more good food once your work is done."
Quince taken a little by surprise. Does he knew my secret? Is he referring to my affinity for the fey?
He lets it end there releasing Quince smiling at anyone that was watching them.
He then goes for a run, shouting back as he goes, "Whenever y'all are ready, just let Katrina know and they will pick me up."
Angeus is delighted with the wizard's performance clapping and hooting appreciatively.
Afterward however she becomes quiet and thoughtful, going about her camp duties and getting her gear ready for departure and her time at watch.
Rising in the morning to Katrina stew Angeus smiles and says "With food like this every morning, Katrina, I soon won't fit in these leathers!" then further conversation is prevented by a mouth stuffed full of stew.
As she eats, Angeus casts a curious eye at the hushed conversation between Quince and Saren, then shrugs and continues to enjoy her breakfast.
Once ready to continue, Angeus mounts and addresses the Wizard "Well met, I'm sure that you'd be quite welcome at Oleg's. I for one found our meeting you to be a great boon! " she says
Kevros shouts out a little but nothing too startling, Huzzah! More good food to come. Luckily we are in the field or we would expand our waistline!" Kevros looks to the wizard, "Good morning Sir, I did not catch your name last night?" My name is Kevros and I have to say that was an outstanding performance last night!"
The old wizard continues to smoke his pipe and remove it to address any compliments or questions, in a soothing soft tone he responds, "I am sure many places would be glad to have my prescence and abilities, though I prefer the road. Why thank you young lady. I never said my name but you may call me Oth Gray."
Tristan finishes packing up, whistleing as he goes not caring to listen in on any conversations. He then has some breakfast and thanks Katrina again for her cooking.
It seems like the next step is to decide which direction to take. The wizard thanks you for the meal and begins to head west by North west.
Katrina finishes collecting her cooking gear and loads it into the dragon's saddlebag.
The monks get set ready to start their runs and searching in tandom with your group.
Kevros was already packed before breakfast, "I will help you pack Katrina unless of course, you are against that?", Kevros says with a smile. Later, Kevros waves goodbye to Oth, "Thank you Oth for the great show and company!"
Quince leaves his conversation with Saren and checks on the horses. Grabs some breakfast, "Thank you Katrina."
He finds a seat to finish breakfast next to Angeus. "Good moring." He nudges her shoulder with his careful not to spill his breakfast. He turns his general attention to those around. "I hope everyone slept alright."
At breakfast, Angeus smiles at Quince's nudge, turning to face him , "Good morning to you" she says, a little laughter in her voice. A stray lock of hair dangles in front of her face, daring the kitsune to brush it back, but she absent-mindedly tosses her head, removing the opportunity.
Gulping down her own breakfast, she answers Quince "I think so. Oth's entertainment and Katrina's food, the perfect recipe for a nice slumber." she says, wistfully thinking back to last night's excellent sleep.
Levering herself up using Quince's shoulder, Angeus smiles down at him before bounding off to deal with her gear and mount.
After her farewell to the wizard, Angeus looks about at her friends and says "Well, let's see to these ruins of Nightwing's!"
Quince turns to Oth, "I would love to hear your insights on our map. Any land marks or areas of interest or concern would be invaluable."
Quince looks to Angeus almost mesmerized by a lock of her hair dangling by her face. He watches her bound off with a wistful look. He whispers to himself, "They don't make them like that at home."
She smiles and accepts Kevros's help gladly.
The wizard suggests that when they have time the mites are a pain but the kobolds could be persuaded to be neutral towards you, they are all near the Sycamore you passed last night. There are many beasts in the woods but a temple is in there somewhere. The Bogarde and animals will all be a problem. Yes there are some ruins, to the South that are already marked on your map, a walled compound in disrepair.
Likely with that information the group mobilizes pretty quickly. Soon finding themselves at a river nearly 300 feet across and moving at a steady pace.
At Camp
Kevros lifts all of the heavy items on to the dragon and even outs the weight. Then he assists her with the smaller items until everything is fully packed and secure, "Well I hope that is everything and is evenly packed the way you want." Later, Kevros nods his head to the wizard's information, "Thank you Oth for everything including the important information you have given us." Kevros then turns to the group, "This area is turning out to be a diamond in the rough, we definitely need to quickly take advantage of what we have discovered in the general area. We can discuss the details later."
At the River
Kevros looks at the water, "Well we can go around, make a raft, look for a shallow area, or let the horses swim-pull us if the current is not too swift which it does not look like it unless there is a faster current below the surface? What do you survivalist think?
Katrina lets Kevros do the heavy lifting, she keeps smiling at all the attention she has been getting. Her cooking supplies and equipment stack into each other rather well, considering they were originally made to be that way. She thanks Kevros with a few squeezes on his hands seeing if he holds his stress in them. "Thank you Kevros, I am sure it is well balanced," She says with warmth and genuine thanks, Saren normally did such things and she didn't even think about it until he was already doing it.
At the river, she has no clue what should be done. She frowns looking at the water thinking about swimming and needing to dry out her fur. Then again she is sure someone would help her, she smiles looking over at Kevros.
Quince frowns "That's a steady pace we may not end up straight across if we make a raft." He pulls out his map to check if the river is on it. If this river is on the map won't I feel stupid.
Quince looks up from the map, "Nightwing is this river a landmark you are aware of? Are we getting nearer the monastery?"
No ford or crossing is in sight.
Nightwing comes over, with a clam voice he reminds Quince and the others, "We know not where it is nor did we have any directions other than South of the Outpost. I believe the report had something to do with rivers, but the paper we had got lost in a storm and the original is back at our home Monastery."
Seems like there should be crossing either up or down stream. If we are going to travel away from here should we not go ahead and secure this area and deal with the mites and kolbolds?
Question: If its the Shrike flowing east west (west to east makes sense figuring its flowing out of the mountains to the lake to the south) then the map marks a crossing west of us.
"Tristan is right there should be a crossing my guess is east of us."