Samnell |
** spoiler omitted **
Hearing the pious story Bolkvar fought back the urge to grumble. The way his clan told it, it was one of their own who slew the dragon. But he was wise enough to know that everyone was the hero of their own story, and that arguing wouldn't do anything but result in hard feelings. Instead he thought of ways to be actually useful.
Bolkvar knows that Auvandell has a human village now and has been for come centuries, though a small number of dwarves live within or nearby. The human who owns the foundry, Geth Turnskull, is a hard but fair bargainer.
Bolkvar is also convinced he would have no trouble finding the village. The snows might make following the road difficult, but striking generally to the northwest should bring the company to Auvandell in three day's time, weather permitting.
The story of Auvandell doesn't properly belong to a human hero. Everyone knows that Auvan Stonebeam was a dwarf of the Northkingdom. After he slew the dragon, using sacred hammers quenched in the heartsblood of five dragons, the Stonebeams claimed the place for their own and enlarged the dragon's lair into a small hold. They built a tower and small works above the ground, for all to see as was the fashion in those happier times. The weight of years and orcs scattered the clan long before humans settled there. He's unsure what the dark fate that befell the town centuries ago could be, as neither those who endured it nor the adventurers -not dwarves with that name!- who ended it left behind any records he knows of. His best guess is a wizard, but it might be dark elves or something worse.
Bolkvar Stonebeam |
Bolkvar coughed, to break the chill moment. "tis a three day journey, weather permitting. We should bring supplies for more due to the weather. Might I suggest we all leave in the morning? I, for one, would like to spend the rest of the day preparing for the journey, and perhaps in the temple archives so I might research this artifact further."
Marcus of Torm |
Marcus nodded at the wisdom of Bolivar's words, "That seems prudent, the weather in these parts can be unpredictable. Perhaps a week's hard tack."
In truth Marcus thought the weather in the North was entirely predictable. It would be bad. Saying so would needlessly upset the locals so he kept quiet. Besides if it really came to it, the grace of Torm had always seen him through the worst of the weather. Marcus can cast endure elements.
While preparations were being discussed, Marcus considered the Hammer Lord's words and wondered about the High Sheriff and the Battle Lady. Would they likely help or hinder their quest?
Kn:Nobles: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Kn:Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Thurvek Noclan |
Thurvek leaves with Bolkvar, as they discuss provisions for the journey.
Ariyana Dawn |
Ari was a bit disconcerted at the Hammer Lord's response and her interactions with other members of the group.
Huh, I'm already thinking of us as a group, Ari muses.
She turns to the dwarf as he speaks. He is one of the others who appears to be a monk, so she is eager to hear his wisdom.
After he speaks, Ari says,"Leaving tomorrow would be wise. I should inform the other Ilmatari that I will be away indefinitely. I would rather start our journey at the dawn of a new day, anyway."
Ari walks over to where she dropped her bow and once again places it over her shoulder. She surprised herself when she let it fall like that, but Brother Bardeid's distress provided an appropriate catalyst.
"I will see everyone in the morrow, then. I'll be outside on the steps of the Hall at first light."
With that, Ari nods to each person in the room and takes her leave. As she leaves, she reflects on the meeting. It wasn't at all what she expected it to be. And yet, it was so much more important than she had expected it to be. It seemed that Ilmater's plans for Ari were becoming clearer with each passing day. If she had to go to the frozen north to fulfill those plans, that was an inconvenience well worth enduring for the sake of doing The Broken God's will.
Lightfooted Barra |
"Welcome may prove hard to come by - regardless of our mission, a varied group like ours would look much like a bandits. Probably be best to arrive at noon, and let the Broken One take the lead." He said, nodding at Ari.
"I agree with the less-dour dwarf, and with Marcus. This looks to be a weighty thing best started in the morning. Sleep well, all! Ms. Ari, would you like to borrow my cloak for the walk back? I've lived here all my life; I'm well used to the cold."
Ariyana Dawn |
Just as Ari is exiting the study, the relaxed half-elf suggests she be the one to take the lead.
How is it that everyone seems to find me qualified to lead but me? Maybe Ilmater's trying to give me a sign...
"If the others would also have me lead, then I will do so. I must warn you, though, that my tongue often trips me up, so it's probably best for others to do the talking."
The half-elf also offers his cloak. She didn't need it. In truth, she was coming to accept the cold as a way of life while dwelling in the north.
Still, she didn't want to be rude and the man seemed to be offering it out of genuine concern. "Please, just Ari is fine. I'm pretty sure I'm younger than you anyway. If you're sure you don't need it, then I don't see how I can refuse your kind offer. I'll try to find some more suitable clothes for the journey before tomorrow. You'll have your cloak back first thing tomorrow, I promise."
Ari turns to leave but then remembers something at the last minute. "I don't think I caught your name." She turns to the rest of the group and says, "In fact, I don't think I caught most of your names. Perhaps we should formally introduce ourselves before parting ways for the day?"
Marcus of Torm |
Slightly mortified by the bad manners of not having done so before, Marcus hastily adds, "Mi'lady is correct, we should introduce ourselves. I am Marcus. I serve Torm with my heart and soul. Like several here," he smiled at Ranek, "I grew up in Waterdeep and spent much time in the south. I remember how much of a shock the northern weather was. If anyone needs it, I can prey for the blessing of warmth from Torm to ease this burden."
Thurvek Noclan |
"The 'dour' dwarf is named Thurvek Noclan, alaghor of Clangeddin Silverbeard, and member of The Vigilant Eye", pronounces Thurvek, shooting daggers with his eyes at the half-elf.
Ranek Clifton |
"Many caravans use Auvandell as a waypoint to rest in their travels to and from Sundabar, due to its location at the foot of Silverymoon Pass. It brings in a good amount of coin for the town. Should any caravans be headed that way, offering to assist them with protection in exchange for accompanying them may provide us a more acceptable means of entry into the town, if it is felt we need it. The terrain around Auvandell is quite rocky, so should we find ourselves needing to journey out of the town, equipment for climbing may be useful as well." Here Ranek looks at Bolkvar and says, "Given your familiarity with the distance and the area, perhaps we could sit down and determine what supplies we will need?"
For introductions, he says, "My name is Ranek Clifton. I am originally from Waterdeep, as well, and have only been in the city for a short while." He returns Marcus's smile, pleased his old friend had remembered him.
Lightfooted Barra |
"My name is Barra; it's a pleasure to know who we're traveling with. Also, I'm afraid I've no idea what an 'alaghor' is, though it sounds *delicious*."
Outwardly, Barra's all enthusiastic smiles while inwardly his brain ties itself into knots. The Vigilant were little known, but the subject of more than a few tavern rumors. Trying to reconcile them with the dwarf (or dwarves?) standing in front of him left him torn halfway between bursting out laughing and bolting for the exits - neither of which seemed like good ideas. This was going to be a very interesting trip.
Aldondrick Volharan |
Aldon grins at being asked to introduce himself once more, "For the benefit of our half-elven friend, I shall introduce myself once more. I am Aldondrick Volharan, humble seeker of knowledge and soon to be ex-member of the Sundabar City Guard".
As his new companions begin to take their leave Aldon approaches Bardeid, "I have spent much time at the Edificant Library and Candlekeep, I can sit with you and regale with a few such tales if you wish to ease your current pains. When we return, I can also write you letters of introduction to ease your visit to these learned places if you so desire".
If asked to stay, Aldon will give Bardeid at least an hour.
Thereafter he will head to the Captain of the Guard to give his resignation citing this quest as the reason for his leaving. He will also question the Captain, fellow guardsmen, and any citizens he knows well as to their thoughts and experience, if any, with Auvandell.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Finally, before the light fades, Aldon will acquire heavier clothing and travel boots for the trip.
Samnell |
Marcus nodded at the wisdom of Bolivar's words, "That seems prudent, the weather in these parts can be unpredictable. Perhaps a week's hard tack."
In truth Marcus thought the weather in the North was entirely predictable. It would be bad. Saying so would needlessly upset the locals so he kept quiet. Besides if it really came to it, the grace of Torm had always seen him through the worst of the weather. Marcus can cast endure elements.
While preparations were being discussed, Marcus considered the Hammer Lord's words and wondered about the High Sheriff and the Battle Lady. Would they likely help or hinder their quest?
[Dice=Kn:Nobles]1d20+7
[Dice=Kn:Religion]1d20+7
Marcus is vaguely aware of some bad blood between the two, but no one ever seems to know the specifics. They went out of their ways to avoid one another even before the Sheriff received her post last summer.
Samnell |
Thereafter he will head to the Captain of the Guard to give his resignation citing this quest as the reason for his leaving. He will also question the Captain, fellow guardsmen, and any citizens he knows well as to their thoughts and experience, if any, with Auvandell.
Bardeid eagerly bid Aldondrick stay and tell his tales. He sat rapt, asking many questions, but the effort clearly tired him as it went on. Whatever his sufferings, taking his seat had not eased them all. Mostly he asked about the sense of the places: how they looked, how the tomes and scrolls were stored, if any spells guarded them from time, pests, and water, how quiet they were.
Aldondrick's captain was not best pleased to see him go, but accepted it. Asking around, he learned that many people had gone to Auvandell once or twice in their patrols, or when guarding caravans, but most thought of it just as one of those flyspeck villages in the wild. It had a fine inn, a busy foundry, and abundant apples and cherries in the summer. The mines sprawled beneath a nearby mountain they called the Spire for its steep slopes. They had claimed many lives, which taught the youths long ago not to dare one another to climb it.
Samnell |
"My name is Barra; it's a pleasure to know who we're traveling with. Also, I'm afraid I've no idea what an 'alaghor' is, though it sounds *delicious*."
Outwardly, Barra's all enthusiastic smiles while inwardly his brain ties itself into knots. The Vigilant were little known, but the subject of more than a few tavern rumors. Trying to reconcile them with the dwarf (or dwarves?) standing in front of him left him torn halfway between bursting out laughing and bolting for the exits - neither of which seemed like good ideas. This was going to be a very interesting trip.
Don't taste the dwarf; they don't like it unless you do it in a special way.
Ariyana Dawn |
After the others make introductions, Ari says, "And I'm Ariyana Dawn for those that might not have caught my full name. I prefer just Ari, though. I come from near Almraiven in Calimshan."
Once everyone formally introduces themselves, Ari leaves to make final preparations for the coming journey.
Bolkvar Stonebeam |
No longer bothering with introductions, Bolkvar exits with Thurvek, talking with him in dwarven about what supplies they will need to buy for the road. He will return later to the temple, to ask for permission to look through their archives in preparation for the journey.
Diplomacy to get access to the archives: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
If allowed access:
Knowledge Religion with his books as reference on Bhaelros and Loviatar. Specifically, what their servants are like and their weaknesses. Ex...are either well known for using swarms? Would help us in buying goods: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Knowledge History with his books as reference for information about known Bhaelros and Loviatar cults in the region: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Knowledge Religion with his books as reference on what the ashes of Bakau might be used for. Would help on knowing the purpose of the cults we may or may not be fighting: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
I really don't recommend tasting either dwarf. I just don't see how that could end up well for any of the parties involved.
Thurvek Noclan |
Thurvek descends into The Undercity Market and buys a 50 ft. silk rope, a whetstone, and 11 more dwarven trail rations for 32gp, adding 21.5 pounds to his medium load.
Marcus of Torm |
Once the round of introductions was over, Marcus walked to Ranenk and clapped him lightly on the back. "It's good to see you again old friend!" he grinned, "How long has it been? No don't tell me, you'll make me feel old. I have a modest suggestion, I seem to remember I owe you a drink. A chance to reminisce about old times. Baldiver's? Or would you prefer something quieter like Malshym's House... Have you met Hakon? He might want to come too - he has some remarkable stories."
Ranek Clifton |
Ranek frowns as the Dwarf seems to not even acknowledge his question about working together to create a list of supplies. I know I'm not a Dwarf, but that was still rather rude.
Turning to Marcus as he comes over, he shakes off the Dwarf's rudeness and says, "It is good to see you, as well. You do indeed still owe me a drink from that bet about who could climb Melarn Felbrooks wall and swipe one of his prized apples without getting caught. He chased you a good four or five blocks before you got away, didn't he? I am fine with whichever drinking house you like - I'm not exactly familiar with the city. I don't believe I have met Hakon, but I would enjoy doing so, especially if we will be working together."
Samnell |
No longer bothering with introductions, Bolkvar exits with Thurvek, talking with him in dwarven about what supplies they will need to buy for the road. He will return later to the temple, to ask for permission to look through their archives in preparation for the journey.
** spoiler omitted **
I really don't recommend tasting either dwarf. I just don't see how that could end up well for any of the parties involved.
Bolkvar learns that Bhaelros is a southern god. His turban is wound lightning and his robes are a sandstorm. No water may touch him. He may be some relation to the northern human god Talos Stormlord or the Underdark god Malyk, Lord of the Earthshakings. Most of the information he finds concerns Talos and Malyk. His servants include the spirits of storms and earthquakes evil elementals, quasits, and the like, but his faith is not known for the use of hordes of crawling and biting things.
Loviatar is the human god of torture, glad of pain and glad to inflict it. Her church and Ilmater's are forever at war. Her faith often employs exiled devils, imps, people twisted by the nether planes tieflings who are often veteran adventurers, nightmares, and hell hounds. She sometimes sends, or her faithful keep as tools and guardians, hordes of black rats and poisonous spiders.
Bolkvar can't find any mention of Bhaelros activity in the region, unless he also counts Talos and Malyk. If they are the same, then he learns that none of these gods has a strongly organized religion. They tend more to marauding cults and lone mystics that occasionally gather to revel or conjure natural fury. All destruction is sacred to them, so they often plot the overthrow of civilization. The best chance, outside of coming on a wandering band, to find them would be to seek out the Stormkeep, a fang-shaped tower near to the Sand Sea from which lightnings flash into the air. Most believe it the work of human wizardry, but Talossans may have made pilgrimages there or taken the site as their own.
Researching Loviatan activity in the North is more profitable. Somewhere in the southeastern Nether Mountains, thought to be reasonably near either Everlund or Silverymoon, stands the Ladypeak. Those who draw too close to it never return, but may live on for years in unceasing agony until their minds or bodies break. Some end their lives begging to be let join the tortures. Others have their wishes granted. The Ladypeak is a fortified temple, probably not dwarf work, with caverns beneath. Its devotees, perhaps a few hundred, travel in secret to gather supplies and victims. Any lost in the wild might have become their prey. Persistent rumors also place Loviatans among the elite of the North's cities, especially Silverymoon's. (Less commonly, these cults are also put in Sundabar.) They enact their rites, so the stories go, in spell-muffled cellars or isolated hunting lodges.
It's hard to say what the ashes of a human saint might be used for. The mortal remains of those powerful in life have many rumored applications to works of magic, usually to increase their power or bend them in certain ways. It's possible that using them, a foe could drag back the potent soul of the saint and make him into a powerful undead slave. This may even lessen the god in some way, though Bolkvar's sources are much less sure of that. If nothing else, seizing the relics of an enemy faith and bending them to one's own ends would be a fine way to make one's own Power smile upon you and grant special boons.
Bolkvar Stonebeam |
Bolkvar takes detailed notes, and makes sure to share his findings with the party upon the morrow. Everyone, feel free to take the above as IC knowledge, which Bolkvar will share as they march.
Bolkvar further buys 10 dwarven train rations, along with five crowns worth of dwarven stout for the road and cold weather clothing.
Lightfooted Barra |
Already having his gear set thanks to his wise and ever-patient relatives, Barra spends the night enjoying a hot meal with friends before dropping early. It wouldn't do to be late tomorrow.
Ariyana Dawn |
Ari returns to the other Ilmatari and informs Mirala of her coming journey.
"I don't know how long we'll be away. If we find what we're looking for shortly after we arrive, we could be gone less than two weeks. Given the nature of the quest, I dare not hope that we'll actually be back that quickly. Regardless, I am confident the Ilmatari are in good hands with your leadership.
"The Ilmatari on whose behalf we're journeying is Brother Bardeid. I think you and he would get along well. Once this is all over I would like you and the other Ilmatari to meet him."
Ari sees Mirala nod in reply, a sad smile on the older woman's face.
Trying to comfort Mirala, Ari says, "I know you may consider the coming days yet another hardship that you must endure on behalf of Ilmater, but this quest is in his service as well. And even if the days prove harsh, you and I both know that we are to live them well. Despair won't help you or the other Ilmatari."
Unsure what else to say to Mirala, Ari concludes simply, "Persevere in the face of pain, Mirala. May Ilmater guide us both."
Her conversation with the older woman at an end, Ari returns to her own housing and enters her bedroom to sleep for the coming quest.
Before falling a sleep, Ari utters a prayer to Ilmater. O the One who Endures, guide us on our journey. Protect us from the dangers of the wild and the evils of men. Show us the path to the urns that your saint may find rest. May you show me how best to comfort those who suffer and known when not to suffer those who threaten the innocent. Thank you for your provision for your people. May your kindness keep us and our companions safe in the days to come.
Ari drifts off to sleep as she finishes her prayer. There would likely be many uncertainties in the days to come. She is confident her faith in Ilmater won't be one of those things. She hopes his light will help her endure whatever trials are still to come.
Aldondrick Volharan |
Content with the knowledge he has learned of the place and the fact that his new companions have pledged to delve into further research, Aldon heads to his modest home and packs his meager belongings. He enters a trance for the evening to wake up refreshed for the journey the next day.
Samnell |
Day 1: Kythorn 16, Year of the Worm (1356 DR)
Three hours' outside Sundabar.
The driving wind shifted over the night, so that in the morning the company woke to a dry, warmer breeze coming from the southeast. The sky remained the color of old slate, but now a thick fog rose off the snowbanks to blanket all in a dim stillness. The Nether Mountains to the south vanished behind the gray wall, not even shadows on the horizon.
The company mustered just outside the Hall of Everlasting Justice, not at all far from the Rivergate, not long ere it was due to open. Already Sundabar had come to life, fires lit within the stone washing across the fog and the first people abroad to fetch their water and tend to some of what remained undone while the city was locked in snowfall.
Brother Bardeid turned out to meet them, bundled thick in furs and limping under their weight and offering a brief blessing to go with his own well wishing. They crossed the moat between Sundabar's walls and then the bridge over the Rauvin, where some ice still floated despite the season, thence on for a quarter hour before the heavy churn of patrols that kept the nearest part of the road clear gave way as they spread out in all directions. From then on, they had to follow the stones that marked the road's path every few miles. Most had been defaced by orcs long ago, but they were too heavy to easily move so they told the path by their mere presence still. His studies fresh in his mind, Bolkvar leads the way.
Three hours into the journey, as four shaggy animals the size of horses, with long necks, powerful legs, and two horns sprouting from their nose emerged from the fog, Aldondrick and Aryiana realized that they ought to have seen another marker stone or two by now. Between the fog and snow, the company had lost the trail. The animals craned their necks to munch on leaves, ignoring the company and their plight.
Survivals! DC 12. You don't need to check so long as you're still clearly on the road, but once it's under the snow and considering the fog, you need hourly checks until the fog burns off. The leader checks for the group. Since Bolkvar knows the path best from his research, I'll have him lead. He gets a circumstance bonus for researching it. The penalty is for the fog.
Bolkvar: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 2 - 4 = 17
Bolkvar: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 - 4 = 5 uh-oh. It has been more than a decade since I've had a party get lost.
The party made it two hours' out of Sundabar (first one was free) and then strayed from the path for one hour. Survival DC 20 for everyone to realize they've gone awry.
Aldondrick: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Ariyana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Bolkvar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Hakon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Lightfooted Barra: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Marcus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Ranek: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Thuvek: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
New course? I made rolls for this but I am concealing them. :)
You are lost. Everyone save Barra believe (once they find out from A&A) that you've drifted missed the road's northern turn and struck off directly to the west. Barra is just as sure that they've lost the road by going too far north.
Ranek Clifton |
Lost in thought, and trusting Bolkvar to lead the way, Ranek isn't paying the best attention to the route - a poor choice, since, should Bolkvar fall, another would have to lead. As the four creatures come out of the fog after a few hours, he idly attempts to place them and figure out what they are.
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Knowledge (arcana) has the same modifier, if that's the one I need.
Bolkvar Stonebeam |
Looking around with worry, Bolkvar took a deep breath and composed himself.
"Don't worry. We're fine. Jus' got to retrace our steps back a bit. Once we're back on the road we'll be on our way again."
Survival with modifiers from research and fog to follow their tracks back: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 - 4 = 20
Knowledge Geography to figure out where on the journey they are and what to look for: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Knowledge Geography was actually used!
Samnell |
Lost in thought, and trusting Bolkvar to lead the way, Ranek isn't paying the best attention to the route - a poor choice, since, should Bolkvar fall, another would have to lead. As the four creatures come out of the fog after a few hours, he idly attempts to place them and figure out what they are.
[dice=Knowledge (nature)]1d20+10
Knowledge (arcana) has the same modifier, if that's the one I need.
It's nature.
Ranek recognizes the creatures as a hala of branta. They're meat makes for a fine meal, but he's never heard of anyone able to tame them. He's heard rumors of orcs and dragons penning herds into a valley, to cull at will. Their fur is much prized, with many believing that a branta simply cannot freeze to death and that its pelt retains some of that ability. Branta aren't usually aggressive, but their skulls are nearly solid bone and their necks are strong enough to uproot small trees if they get a running start. Those horns can gore or throw humans with ease. Not animals to trifle with, even if they do prefer to flee when threatened.
Ariyana Dawn |
Having decided to forgo warmer clothes, Ari was pleasantly surprised when she felt the warmer breeze from the southeast. Perhaps it was a sign of Ilmater’s favor for their journey.
Ari had decided to go along with having Bolkvar as the group’s guide. As a fellow monk, she thought she could trust the dwarf to effectively lead the group. Three hours into the journey, she realizes that may have been a mistake. She and the other monk, Aldondrick, notice they haven’t seen a marker stone for a while.
Something’s wrong, Ari thinks. She and Aldondrick quickly inform the others in the party.
The horse-like creatures were a strange sight. Still, their coats looked thick enough to sustain them through the harsh weather of the north.
Could we try to tame/ride the Branta? If two of us can ride on each one it might expedite our travels. We might could jury-rig a bridle with some of our rope. If someone has handle animal, it might be worth a shot. That way, if we have to backtrack while we’re lost, we’ll lose less time. If not, it's probably best to leave them be given their description.
Ari didn’t share Bolkvar’s confidence that they would easily get back on the right track. She was unfamiliar with the area and it was apparent that the dwarf’s sense of direction wasn’t the best.
“I think we missed the road’s northern turn and have gone straight west. I’ll see if I can retrace our tracks as well. With this fog, that may prove difficult.”
Survival (to retrace the group’s steps): 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 4 = 7
Unfortunately, the unfamiliar environment makes it difficult for Ari to make out any distinctive footprints.
Thurvek Noclan |
"Damn orcs!" Thurvek sneered as he looked around. "I would not be surprised if they removed the road stones in an effort to get caravans lost, for easy pickings. Keep your eyes peeled for ambush."
Ranek Clifton |
Ranek frowns. "Those road stones looked quite heavy. The orcs would have to have used magic to move them quickly - or else a patrol likely would have come upon them and slain them while doing so. We were told nothing by the patrols about missing road stones. Still, it does not hurt to look out for them - although I suspect the branta there would not be so calm if there were such savages about."
Ranek puts his trust in his companions - either Bolkvar, Ariyana, or Aldon to get them back on track. He is unfamiliar with the terrain, after all, and they seemed to know more of what they were about. He also peers about, seeing if there are any Orcs hiding nearby.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Marcus of Torm |
The moment Marcus saw the fog he had a funny feeling it was going to be a problem, so when some of the party claimed they had gone off course it was no great surprise.
Replying to Ariyana, Marucs said "You might be right Mi'lady, staying on course in these conditions is no mean feat. I've been trying to keep any eye out for road markers but it's been at least an hour since I've seen one. I agree we should retrace our steps and hopefully this time end up on the right path."
Survival aid another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Marcus noted Thurvek's theory. If true that would be bad indeed but this close to Sundabar he suspected Ranek had the right of it. Still he had no wish to offend so he kept his mouth shut.
Lightfooted Barra |
"No, I'm sure we took that turn - we just walked too far north. The rising sun will banish these mists soon, it may be best to just hold still until they do. Wandering off without knowing where we're going risks more than a delay."
He looked to Thurvek. "See the beasts? Their senses are keener than ours; if an orc warparty is waiting they'll likely react before we will. I'd keep your eye on them."
Samnell |
Could we try to tame/ride the Branta? If two of us can ride on each one it might expedite our travels. We might could jury-rig a bridle with some of our rope. If someone has handle animal, it might be worth a shot. That way, if we have to backtrack while we’re lost, we’ll lose less time. If not, it's probably best to leave them be given their description.
It's possible, but without magic it would be very time-consuming. They're wild animals not trained to be ridden. Also dangerous, because they're going to react poorly to the attempt if they don't just bail.
Ariyana Dawn |
Alright, if it's going to be time-consuming, then it's probably more trouble than it's worth. Let's just hope we can find the way back on our first try...
At Barra's suggestion of waiting for the fog to part, Ari nods in agreement. "Yes, I think that would be wise. We'll probably have better luck at finding our way back to the road at that point."
At the mention of orcs, Ari pulls her bow over her head and holds it in one hand at her side. If they were ambushed, she wanted to be ready for an immediate counterattack.
Edit: Can we reattempt survival checks to find tracks once the fog parts?
Thurvek Noclan |
Looking to the magus, Thurvek concedes, "Your logic is sound, Ranek." The cleric eyes the branta warily regardless.
Samnell |
Alright, if it's going to be time-consuming, then it's probably more trouble than it's worth. Let's just hope we can find the way back on our first try...
At Barra's suggestion of waiting for the fog to part, Ari nods in agreement. "Yes, I think that would be wise. We'll probably have better luck at finding our way back to the road at that point."
At the mention of orcs, Ari pulls her bow over her head and holds it in one hand at her side. If they were ambushed, she wanted to be ready for an immediate counterattack.
Edit: Can we reattempt survival checks to find tracks once the fog parts?
You would get a re-check if/when the fog burns away. Most days it does, though you don't know how long it'll take. Waiting could mean staying in place until the evening, or hoping for better tomorrow.
Aldondrick Volharan |
Aldon also eyes the creatures warily and activates a power to ensure that he will be more durable. Momentarily a kaleidoscope of colors envelop Aldon which soon disappears leaving him surrounded by a transparent protective membrane.
Activate Inertial Armor - +4 AC.
"Such are the dangers of traveling in the icy north. Patience, soon enough the fog will clear and we will gain our bearings once more and be back on the trail".
Bolkvar Stonebeam |
Grumbling about he isn't lost and could still find the trail, Bolkvar then speaks up. "That's the consensus then? We be waitin' until the fog lifts?"
Ariyana Dawn |
In response to Bolkvar's question, Ari nods and says, "Yes, I think waiting is prudent. Though I would suggest we search for shelter if the fog hasn't lifted by the time dusk arrives. I'm guessing orcs aren't the only danger in the frozen darkness of the north."
Marcus of Torm |
"I'm not so sure about that. There's no telling how long it might take to clear. Our trail is fresh, if we retrace our steps at worst we end up at Sundabar although I'm sure we'll notice the proper road before that." replied Marcus in a level voice. I'll go with the majority decision but my vote is to retrace our steps and try and salvage the day.
Lightfooted Barra |
"Between the still-frozen ground and the wind, finding our trail may not be so easy. I, myself, have no skill at tracking."
Ranek Clifton |
Seeing some of his companions eying the branta warily, Ranek says, "Do not worry about the branta. They are herbivorous and are just as likely to run away as attack - and even then, only if we approach. They may react to the presence of hostile creatures before we do, which can serve to give us warning."
He listens to the debate, then asks, "Can we afford the delay of waiting? Like Barra, I have no skill at woodscraft, so I will likely be unable to follow our footprints back to the path, but that does not necessarily mean we should not try."
Thurvek Noclan |
Seeing some of his companions eying the branta warily, Ranek says, "Do not worry about the branta. They are herbivorous and are just as likely to run away as attack - and even then, only if we approach. They may react to the presence of hostile creatures before we do, which can serve to give us warning."
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
"Aye. But orc druids can shapechange into animals, to spy on us."Bolkvar Stonebeam |
"I also say we go now. We have been walkin' for a few hours at most. I think that I can even see our tracks in the snow here. 20 on survival, 22 with assistance I received an' I believe I know where we roughly be 30 on knowledge geography. If we go now, as Marcus says at worst we end up back in Sundabar. But if we stay here the wind and snow will cover up our tracks. If we look for shelter we will get even more lost. An' if we wait we be sittin' targets. As Thurvek says, orcs do be about. Now though! I could make us some shelter. A simple wall with a few stone structures. 'Ain't hard. But I'd much prefer to jus' get back on track an' to save me power for when we camp for the night."
Hakon "Tormveir" Hakonson |
Hakon spent the night before leaving in quiet prayer and reflection. On the morning, after seeing to his religious duties at the Hall of Everlasting Justice, he gathered his supplies and met up with his companions.
As they travel towards along the road, he keeps a firm and resolute stance, as though he can deny the snow storm through sheer force of will. He doesn't take the lead, instead, he keeps his sword and shield at the ready and marches to the side, prepared to jump to meet a threat at a moment's notice.
I have no skill with the wilderness. But, I think it might be best to wait out the storm. We can't see much further ahead, and it's possible our older footprints could have been covered by the snow. But, as I said, forestcraft is completely lost on me. I'll defer to the judgement of wiser heads than mine.
He's said his two coppers, but he'll go with the group's decision. He's such a follower.