Vamik Sheeves |
Vamik awakes to the smell of delicious stew. He quickly devours a bowl and begins to work on his magical preparation for the day. He is impatient to get moving and hopes to get to civilization by the end of the day. While he studies his spellbook, he peers down at the valley below looking for any signs of activity as the morning unfolds.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Quercus Robar |
Quercus moves from his dormancy as the light begins to shine. As the group readies for the day and some indicate they may hunt, Quercus pulls several berries from his branches and adds them to the food collection.
Goodberries: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
Each one counts as a meal, not sure how that is handled in terms of daily total meals (1/3?)
As the morning sun beams down, he prays for his divine abilities and pulls out his spellbook and begins reciting some of the complex formulas within, committing them to memory.
He passes a goodberry to Mr. Gibbons who busies himself with whatever it is that monkeys do.
After spell recitation, Quercus will practice his martial arts to limber up and get the sap flowing.
CaveToad |
Vamik awakes to the smell of delicious stew. He quickly devours a bowl and begins to work on his magical preparation for the day. He is impatient to get moving and hopes to get to civilization by the end of the day. While he studies his spellbook, he peers down at the valley below looking for any signs of activity as the morning unfolds.
[Dice=Perception]1d20+6
Vamik you are sure you can see wisps of smoke at various locations in the distance. Possibly camps of loggers, or perhaps cottages. You are far enough yet from the border of the dwarf and human lands that it might be a bit of a stretch to see smoke from them. You do believe you see the distance glint of water though, likely from the lake the river spills into.
Goggh |
I won't delay us anymore, then - if I feel we're running low on supplies, then I'll hunt :)
Goggh looks at the horizon and whatever Vamik points out. He grunts, for a moment, then scratches his shoulder.
If there are smokes, we should push it. Maybe by the end of the day we might see some civilization. - grunts again - But at least we could try to get to the lake. Carefully.
Vamik Sheeves |
"If those are loggers down there we shouldn't have too much trouble finding work. Jobs like that always need more strong backs." Vamik shoots a mischievous grin over toward Goggh. "I'm sure they would hire ME on the spot, but finding YOU work at a logging camp might be a bit more tricky. Maybe there's some clerical work that needs to be done. Or maybe they need someone to look after the children. Don't worry Goggh. I'm sure we can find something suited to your disposition."
Vamik then calls Snow's attention to the dots smoke below. "I don't suppose you and Aurora could get a closer look of the area down there could you?" Can you ride on your bird now? It wasn't clear to me from the carrying capacity discussion?
Lady Zarrisa Ollron |
"Yes, where they is smoke there is fire, so heading that way seems like a good idea in my view"
Follows the group if and when they head that way.
Snow Icescale |
"It would be easiest if I used a bit of magic to do so, Aurora is still a bit young to do prolonged flight with me on her back, but the magic involved lasts pretty long so it should be fine." Snow says brushing a hand down Aurora's flank before clambing atop the large bird of prey.
"If I see anything dangerous I will head back immedietly, otherwise I will try to get a good look before we return"
If necessary I will cast Ant Haul on Aurora and then take off in order to check things out from above, otherwise so long as a heavy load does not reduce Aurora's speed below the general speed of the party I will stick with that and simply use height and what extra speed I do have to get a good look at things
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Goggh |
Yes! Goggh can look after tiny frail humanlings! Or carry wood. - he says, smiling gently and innocently.
The ogre proceeds to march towards the smoke. He won't approach much without hearing back from the scouts first, but doesn't seem to want to lose much time. He misses the mentor.
CaveToad |
Snow you can fly on Aurora, but your speed will be slowed somewhat, but not less than that of the party walking. Aurora's fly skill checks will suffer some signifcant penalties, but should be able to manage just flying around.
You take to the air and fly towards the smoke, which appear to be logging camps. The camps appear to be a smattering of buildings largely barracks for the loggers and a central office building, the rest is for horses and equipment. Most of the logs appear to be brought from the forest buy horse teams and deposited in the river, where the logs are sent downriver. Nimble teams of halflings appear to be in charge of making sure the logs don't jam up and can occasionally be seen, running on the logs to investigate some problem. As you approach you see quite a few loggers pointing up into the sky at you, talking amongst each other and some of them running for cover. You wheel about slowly, and fly back to the group to report what you have seen.
Zarr you could have swam downstream quickly and easily, but at this part the river is quite quick, almost treacherous rapids, you could be dashed against rocks, and swimming back upstream would be dangerous for a few miles until the river evened out and became more gentle.
Vamik Sheeves |
Vamik will gather his few belongings and scurry after them, hoping they have work, or at least can point them in the direction of a decent sized city.
Snow Icescale |
sorry had a bit of an off day today, had to stat longer at work than anticipated
Mounting Aurora and taking off in the direction indicated by Vamik Snow hums quietly for herself and Aurora more than a little worried about what she might find, she knew vaguely from the others assumptions that there was a good chance this was a human settlement that she would be encountering. Her exposure to Humans before Goodwin had been very minimal, mostly just through those who had attacked the tribe and who the tribe attacked. She had never developed a particularly strong feeling about them outside of a a nagging fear as they had always been the big terrifying warriors capable of taking down numerous Kobolds.
She had learned through Father that this was not precisely the case, just as all of her siblings and she herself were not beholden to being monstrous, humans were also not always viscous hunters out to kill and take.
Snow's jaw dropped a bit as she flew over the town. It was rather remarkable to see a real live thriving town in person, she could see numerous people dotting the land below her, some even noticed her and while some looked a bit fearful others looked just as curious of her as she was of them. Snow was rather tempted to just land right then or at the very least swoop in closer but with some of them clearly fearful she thought it best to return to the others.
Once Snow caught back up with the group she landed close enough to hop off Aurora her expression clearly excited as she rushed to them "Theres people! A lot of them, some of them were a bit scared of Aurora but they did not attack, maybe they will be friendly!"
Vamik Sheeves |
"We can hope they will be friendly. Usually humans are the least friendly when they first meet you, so if they don't shoot us on sight, that's a good sign. I forget that some of you have not dealt with humans and their ilk very much. Humans are generally weak minded and easy to manipulate. But if spooked, they will attack. I believe our best course of action will be to approach, let them know we mean them no harm, and offer them assistance in exchange for information about the region. They will probably not trust us at first, so make sure to turn on your charm when speaking with them. Let's see all your smiles. No, no Goggh. That looks like you want to eat them. Try smiling with your lips sealed like this." Vamik demonstrates with a pleasant smile and low bow.
Goggh |
Goggh tries to give the best of his smiles, putting the arms up and trying to murmur "Goggh means no harm!". His difficulties are obvious, but even in all his ugliness his innocence is so charismatic that he can't resist but laugh right after his friend's remarks.
Hah! Hah! Goggh doesn't want to eat humans. Goggh likes deers, horses... And sometimes rats for dessert! - laughs again, tapping Vamik's back as delicately as he can - Hah! Hah! Just kidding. Rats are too small. Goggh never eats small friends!
Lady Zarrisa Ollron |
When they get close, Heads to the water and takes her Marform, she slips into the water, and heads to the camp but under the water.
Vamik Sheeves |
Vamik has prepared an alter self extract and two cure light wounds extracts. He has a feeling it's going to be one of those days.
CaveToad |
"Day 3 Mid-Day
After traveling most of the morning slowly and doing some hunting, the group has spotted the logging camp and is proceeding there. Snow and Aurora by air, Zarrisa by water and the others by land. It takes a bit to get there, but not too long.
As Zarrisa approaches via the water she sees a team of loggers move a load of logs to the river via a team of horses and they dump the logs in the river and they begin to move downstream quickly.
She is able to see Aurora and Snow above moving slowly, and creating somewhat of a commotion as people are shouting and wondering what is going on.
You all went slow enough so the land walkers can keep pace. You swim back up stream to find them and Snow wheels out of view to land with the group as well so you can decide what to do now that the loggers have spotted Snow.
Lady Zarrisa Ollron |
"I think if we wait in plan sight and see who comes out to talk to us, that why we show we are no danger to them"
She says from the water.
Vamik Sheeves |
"Just in case we get split up" Vamik says as he scurries over to Zarrisa casting magic, "I'm casting message on you Zarrisa. That way you can still hear what's going on if you need to retreat to the water for any reason. Also, it seems wise if you remain in the water, at least for now. You may not know this Zarrisa, but you are very beautiful by human standards. I prefer a bit more fur on my females personally, but that is neither here nor there. My point is, that human men are suckers when it comes to beautiful women. When I was in the port district of Sothis, sailors always talked fondly of mermaids, and it was considered good luck to see one. Presenting yourself as a magical lady of the water may help soothe their fears of our party's more intimidating members. Goggh, I'm lookin' at you."
"For my part, I prepared an extract this morning that will widen my eyes, and fluff up my fur, making me look slightly more young and cute. Can't hurt right?"
Vamik readies his extract of 'disguise self' for when a stranger approaches
Snow Icescale |
"Should I stay down here with everyone else? They seem to be getting a bit more anxious when I made a second fly by and I do not want to scare them any more" Snow questioned lauhing at the thought of a young fluffy Vamik.
"I really hope they are friendly, I do not want to fight unless we need to, it will just be less time we are spending searching for Father." Snow says with a heavy sigh.
Quercus Robar |
"I don't think I look too intimidating. I have participated in diplomatic proceedings before. I may be able to win them over."
Goggh |
Goggh crosses his arms.
Goggh can be cute too! - he smiles innocently. He is in fact charismatic, but can't avoid his ogre looks.
Shark girl and plant boy should try to initiate the diplomatic proceedings. Goggh could help, but they might be afraid of Goggh.
Vamik Sheeves |
"Coming through loud and clear Zarrisa. I agree with Goggh. Zarrisa and Quercus have probably have the best chance to win them over. Although, are you sure you're comfortable talking to a bunch of lumberjacks Quercus. You look like you would make a very nice cabinet to me. I can only imagine what they will think when they see you."
I'm ok waiting in the wings as we try to razzle dazzle these folks into helping us. What's our goal though? To get jobs? Information? Lodging? Safe passage? All of the above?
Snow Icescale |
I figure all of the above is the most logical way to go about things, see what we can get and hope its not 'arrows to the face'
Snow chuckles at Vamik's suggestion that Quercus would make a nice cabinet picturing the treeman as a particularly well crafted Cabinet but retaining his face bearing a friendly smile on the door choosing to ignore the fact that the construction of such a cabinet would not involve Quercus to no longer be alive.
"I'm not very good with other people so I guess I'll stay back" Snow said quietly, she generally prefereed the company of animals such as Aurora and had spent more time learning her skills as a hunter and developing her bond with Aurora then bothering to learn how to properly negotiate with others, now she was beginning to regret that as it was apparent that such skills would be the ones most necessary for the search for Father.
Quercus Robar |
"Zarr and I will approach the loggers and try to engage a small group to prevent mass hysteria. I believe we look innocuous enough to prevent panic. If they aim to take their axes to my trunk, I will flee rather than retaliate."
CaveToad |
Quercus and Zarrisa approach the logging camp from separate directions. Quercus tries to coordinate the approach with the mermaid. As Zarrisa reaches the shore line she waits for a moment to safely approach shore, as a team of loggers is transferring some logs to the river. As they finish, Zarrisa slips up to the water's edge. Quercus, watching from a distance in the trees, moves to the area as well stepping from the forest.
Please advise as to your final approach and method of appearance.
Goggh, Snow and Zamik wait upstream several hundred feet, concealed in some foliage.
Lady Zarrisa Ollron |
She lets her tail stay in the water,
"Sirs may I have a word, I am but a poor traveler, with my friends we are lost in these parts, we seek help could you offer any?"
Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
CaveToad |
Are you wearing clothing? Not sure based on your description and going somewhat on pics you supplied which may not be factually accurate.
The men come over from their horse teams seemingly startled.
They are talking among each other, but you do not understand them, nor do they seem to understand you.
Quercus Robar |
I will approach the people as soon as I see Zarr engage them from the water. I will call out cheerily and in a friendly manner. I have no weapons and I have a comedy relief monkey.
Vamik Sheeves |
I will remain hiding in the bushes with Goggh, and drink my extract of disguise self to make myself look slightly cuter, fluffier, and fatter.
Goggh |
Goggh hides the best he can. He scratches his big head, looking at his companions as they approach the humans. The Ogre doesn't particularly understand what's being said, but if anyone looks closely, one might say he was even a little afraid of them at the moment. At very least, uncomfortable...
CaveToad |
Quercus steps from the underbrush as soon as the loggers approach Zarrisa. He waves and the loggers pause for a moment, some of them have axes, but most have hooks and other tools for moving logs easily. They don't brandish them, but they seem concerned and not sure what to make of the two creatures. This is coupled with them seeing Snow flying around previously.
The people speak but none of you understand them.
Lady Zarrisa Ollron |
Linguistics(Int)____+5{+0rank,+5Int} 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Trys to work out what they are saying.
she trys Common, Aqua, Celestial, Draconic, Sea-Elf.
Snow Icescale |
Snow watches from behind Goggh using her larger sibling as cover clinging slightly to his leg as she watches "Can anyone understand them?" Snow questions worried now that perhaps with all the time that had passed that what they all knew as a common language might very well be a dead language at this point.
Snow probably does not have much in the way of clothing currently since reptilians have less they need to cover up
CaveToad |
Linguistics(Int)____+5{+0rank,+5Int} 1d20+5
Trys to work out what they are saying.
she trys Common, Aqua, Celestial, Draconic, Sea-Elf.
You haven't the foggiest idea. It has been 10,000 years and their languages have changed completely.
They approach closer, and they seem to be calling out to you, or trying to shoo you off Zarrisa. Quercus, they also seem to be doing the same to you. They sort of have their hands up defensively, perhaps thinking you are there to punish them for logging trees.
So far, things are not going well. But, they haven't tried to kill you yet.
Goggh |
The wise Goggh, worried with what he's seeing, decides to try a different approach. It's not working... - he thinks - ... Goggh might be able to help...
I don't remember if we have Hero Points here, but I'm "spending one" in this roll... Please reduce 8 accordingly in case we don't. :)
Goggh gets out of his hiding and advances slowly towards the men. His head is facing down, humbly, the most non-violently as he can. Finally, he puts his hand gently on the ground, and with the other he pulls a flower from a bush.
Finally, still kneeing down, he tries to smile without showing his teeth - like his friend Vamik showed him to - and extends the flower as a gift to the men.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Goggh |
I did the RP part already... As for diplomacy, it was poetic justice, but ok... Let's go with pure RP of my action. I'm trying to impress them with gestures, similarly to when human cultures encountered others with different languages in the past
CaveToad |
As Goggh comes lumbering and crashing slowly through the underbrush to help his comrades, the people start screaming and yelling something probably along the lines of "OGRE!!" although it sounds more like "AAAAAGAAAABLAKAFRAGGGAHAG" Goggh kneels to pick a flower, while most have run off, two of the loggers stand firm with their woodaxes. Goggh tears his flower from the bush and offers it to the men. Both of them pause "Uhhh..." They slowly back away and get to their horse team. One of the men leads the team off while the other keeps guard with a strange look on his face. He seems to be looking at Goggh, but shrugs unknowingly.
GM Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Vamik Sheeves |
Vamik comes strolling out of the bushes as the loggers flee. "Well, that went better than I expected. Nice touch with the flower Goggh. You know, you are a natural statesman. Have you considered a career in politics? I think you'd make a fine mayor."
Vamik takes the flower from Goggh, walks over to the man still staring at Goggh, and places the flower in the axe head, wedging it into a crack in the wood. Then he gives the most distinguished bow he can, hoping his extra fluffiness will help to calm the man even more. Then, he turns his back and walks to Goggh, patting him on the leg when he arrives. "Again, I say, stroke of genius with the flower. Well done. I think they are warming up to us."
Lady Zarrisa Ollron |
Gets out of the water and summons her surface body.
"Yes well done, I was getting no where with them"
yes in the water she has the bear minimum but on land her edlan body covers her modesty as shown
Snow Icescale |
Following Goggh as he approaches Snow frowns at the humans do not take particularly kindly to the arrival of the Ogre with the bulk of them fleeing leaving just a single human behind, the only one that seemed to understand Goggh meant no harm. Peeking out from behind Goggh again Snow takes a moment to look the remaining human over giving him her best smile and a small wave, Aurora remains stationed protectively near Snow mostly indifferent to the whole situation. "Does anyone have magic that can help him understand us or us understand him?" Snow questions looking to the other spellcasters in the group.