Kelrot |
Kelrot wakes up with a splitting headache in a gutter in the Industrial District. Somehow, he still has all his possessions. What happened last night after the dinner? I remember leaving with a few guards I met, but after that I am at a loss... He gathers himself together working out a crick in his neck. He checks his coin pouch. Oh wow I need to make something over the next three days or I will be completely broke on my way to this trip. Maybe I'll go see Sal. He occasionally has some bouncer work available.
Profession (Soldier) for bouncer/bodyguard work to make a couple gold, if available: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
He started making his way over to Sal's to see if there was any work available, wondering where he would spend the next few nights.
Saria Dalavon |
I started posting yesterday, then got pulled away and forgot I hadn't submitted it! :O
I'm sorry to hear of your losses. If you need a place to perform last rites or for people to say their own goodbyes, our Temple is set up so that those of all faiths can use it as a place of prayer and contemplation. I am at your disposal to guide you there, or anywhere else you may need - I've hardly been able to think of anything else but our departure, so my preparations are made.
Except...that.
----------
The Agricultural Quarter is quiet as the day draws to an end; with so much work to do as the sun rises, the whole of the district tends to come to rest early. That's how she'd planned it - fewer glares that way. Approaching one unassuming house, her steps slow and soften as emotions war in her eyes. For a moment, her hand rises and her knuckles hover over the door...but then she draws away, instead leaving the envelope in her hand on the step, weighing it down with a stone. She knew they'd see it early. There'd still be time, if they wanted it.
I know that you believe I should have stayed here, to live the life I was born to...but sometimes, the life someone is born to isn't dictated by the circumstances of that birth. I pray that one day you'll understand that. The ambassadors from Alran are leaving tomorrow, and I'm one of those chosen to accompany them. I hope to see you at the sending-off...but if not, know that I love you, and as I journey a piece of my heart will be with you. It always has been, since the day I left.
Your daughter, Saria
Axiom Narrator |
Over the next three days, as you go about your business and the members of the caravan seek you out, either just to get to know you better or for the services offered, you learn a little more about them, and about the world outside of Axiom.
Mostly, those of you who speak with Rashid learn that he has no shortage of things to say about himself, and not a whole lot of things to say that are of any real substance. He's happy to tell you about the world outside Axiom, but most of it tends to lean away from actually useful information, and a little more towards things like where to get the best meals, and what palaces are most opulent and worth visiting.
Several members of the caravan stop by the Temple to give last rites to their fallen friends, and Saria learns of the fallen - a dwarven woman by the name of Maria, a merchant who had hopes of opening a new shop in Axiom, and Monde, an older halfling warrior, survived by her husband and two children in Alran. Bianka also spends most of her three days in the Temple, offering her own healing ability to those who need it.
Cyrel, Dimas, Jezra and Sino turn out to be the most social of the travelers, and they're happy to encounter any of you at any point. Cyrel, Dimas, and Jezra tend to stick together, and you learn that they are an adventuring group of their own - Jezra is happy to tell you stories of their exploits, and they make it clear that your group will, when the trip to Alran has been completed, be welcomed to join them on one of their ventures, if you're interested. Sino is friendly and excitable, and he clings to everything you say with an ardent interest, but it isn't too hard to learn that he's horribly underqualified to be here. He can barely even hold his axe, much less fight, and you get the distinct impression that he's only a guard thanks to a lack of skill at anything else.
Iryna is hardly anywhere to be found during the three days. She's seen leaving the Speaker's house only very rarely, and mostly is seen visiting the Library. She'll entertain brief conversation, but she never sticks around for very long, and she makes it clear that she's not particularly interested in conversation.
Kelrot |
Kelrot spends the next three days contained mainly in the Industrial District. He spends most of his time around Sal's bar. The days he spends drinking and eating whatever scraps Sal will give to him for work. During the nights he stands guard at the rowdy bar throwing out anyone causing problems. After his shifts he goes and finds a place to sleep in the alley out back.
If Cyrel, Dimas, Jezra, or Sino visit the Industrial District; Kelrot will show them around. He will take them to the best blacksmiths and leatherworkers to regear or repair before we leave. Afterwards he will invite them back for a drink at Sal's. The place gets rowdy, but these adventurers should be able to handle it.
When Kelrot shows up to meet the rest of the group three days later, he looks rather worse for wear. He looks a bit disheveled, having slept on the streets the last three nights. His bottom lip is swollen and bruised from an out of control patron. If asked about it, he just says, You should see the other guy. He won't be punching anyone again for a while, nor will he be chewing much for that matter... He pulls an apple out of his bag and takes a large bite out of it with a smile spreading across his face in remembrance, as he patiently waits for everyone else to arrive.
Korza Ren |
When asked, Korza will provide a tour of the academic quarter. She skips over the three major buildings, gesturing towards them dismissively. "I'm sure you've already seen those, and if you haven't, you can find your way back to them without a guide." Instead, she focuses on the smaller schools and libraries, describing the specialties of each one, and often going on long tangents about who she did or didn't like who worked there. Mostly didn't.
She spends a bit of time with Cyrel, Dimas, and Jezra as well, eager to hear about their adventures from Jezra. Though joining an adventuring group wasn't her original goal, she does find the offer tempting. When given the chance, she'll ask Jezra "So I don't see you carrying any weapons. You a spellcaster too?"
---
When the three days are up, Korza will meet up with the others near the city gates with her gear packed and axe in hand. She looks refreshed and ready to go after spending one last night with her family before her journey. She'll chuckle when she sees Kelrot and smack him on the back. "Guess it's too bad you didn't have your shield on you. You might have saved your looks."
Lucatiel |
Luca grows bored of Rashid after day one. He was a pleasant man but could go on and on about absolutely nothing. Luca liked food, but not as much as him. She still did her duty as guide and managed to learn something from him but it was like shoeing a wild horse. A lot of effort for little accomplishment.
Lucatiel tries once to have a conversation with Lady Kozac by ambushing her one morning. But after getting the cold shoulder and a sour mood, she moves on to the far more amicable Quartet of adventurers. They have a lot more to say and are a lot more fun. She promises wholeheartedly to join them when their duty is done.
On the day of their leaving, Luca is dressed in a new outfit, a flowing robe with a hood and scarf to keep off the sun and out the sand. Its an outfit obviously fit for the desert. The hood is currently down and thus, it it is easy to see her displeasure in Kelrot's appearance. They were on an important diplomatic mission. The least he could do was stay out of trouble for three days and look presentable.
Axiom Narrator |
Kelrot is able to gain a few gold pieces through finding work in the Industrial Quarter. More interestingly than that, however, he receives a visit in the form of a few members of the City Guard, late the night before the Caravan is set to leave. Among them is the Captain of the Guard, Xolani, with what he says is a very urgent, and very private message.
He requests that Kelrot keep an eye on them, during their trip, and that later, when communication between the two cities is a little easier, he send a report with what he's learned of Iryna and Rashid. Their ambitions, their motivations, any bit of information you can give him on the two of them, Xolani will gladly pay you and your allies for on delivery.
---
Jezra, when asked about her lack of weapons, gives Korza a confused sort of look. "Not really - I mean, a little, I've studied a little bit of magic! I do have weapons, though, I'd just kind of rather keep them out of sight. Talking things through has a better chance when they don't think you're a threat." She certainly doesn't seem to pose much of a threat, short and slim and almost childlike as she is, but she does fish an odd-looking device, something like a small hand crossbow, from the inside of her vest. She shows it briefly to Korza, clearly expecting her to recognize it, before hiding it back in her clothes. "I'm really not that much of a spellcaster, Iryna has way more experience with that than I do! I'm really interested to see what you can do, though!"
Saria Dalavon |
Saria had added her own prayers into the rites for the fallen travelers, kneeling along with the others as they offered their goodbyes. After all, well-wishes for the speedy travel of the souls to their reward couldn't hurt. Afterward, she had mostly remained with Bianka in the temple, falling into a few more days of her old, familiar routine tending to the sick and injured alongside the half-orc woman. I must confess, Bianka, you did not strike me as a healer at first. Your skill seemed to be more with causing wounds than mending them - a skill everyone you travel with is grateful for, I am certain! May I ask whose faith you serve? There are so many we here in Axiom pay homage to; I would be fascinated to learn if worship in Alran differs from ours. Or perhaps your ability is a gift of fate, rather than earned through devotion?
Kelrot |
Xolani, you have always seemed to be a wise leader to me. I'll take your advice and keep an eye out on the expedition. If I ever make it back alive, maybe we'll talk. Kelrot shoulders through guards around Xolani and returns to his work.
Gruknuk |
Gruknuk doesn't try to spend any time with his new party members. With only a few days left, he feels it's his duty to leave the sewer system as clean as possible before his departure. Nobody wants a tour of Axiom's sewage anyhow.
Geesyl Graftfinger |
Geesyl was more than surprised when Rashid quickly loaned her ten gold. She knew he must have money, but she didn't expect him to give it so easily.
Naive and unprepared for this journey in almost every way possible, she took the gold and copied Lucatiel's move by purchasing hot weather clothing and two extra water skins.
She had hoped to see the rat-catching goblin again, but he must have been busy. With no one else to really say goodbye to, she penned a short note to her mentor and court-appointed sponsor, the Alchemist Alber Quimby from the Academic Quarter.
Dear Alber,
I know that you prefer that I stay with you in Axiom. There is still much work to be completed, but I cannot suppress this deep curiousity to see what is outside the walls of Axiom. I know that despite the danger, the regret of not going would eat at me. I wanted you to know that I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will miss our picnics in the park. Hopefully someone will look in on you. I promise to bring you back a souvenir if I return.
-G
Geesyl makes efforts to get to know Cyril, Dema, Jezra, and Sino better. She spends time watching and listening to them as they tour the city and dine together.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Time to make the city proud.
Axiom Narrator |
Bianka will answer Saris that she is an ardent follower of Vildeis - though neither of you seem to be under the impression that Vildeis has any other kind of follower. Her healing ability is secondary to her fighting capabilities, she'll be the first to admit, but being able to keep yourself and your allies alive is a vital part of destroying evil. Even in the calm, quiet moments like this, for as much as she'd rather be out in the desert, fighting monsters, Bianka believes that healing and doing simple acts of good is instrumental, if evil is ever to truly be destroyed.
---
When you finally leave Axiom, after what feels like it must have been weeks, it is to thunderous applause. You feel as if the entire city must have come out to the gates to see you off, and really, most of them have. Some of you may be used to the attention, maybe even revel in it, but to some of you the roar of the crowd and the near-palpable weight of their eyes on you makes you even more eager to leave. The sound is muffled by the gates as they close behind you, and as this particular chapter in your life ends.
It takes much less time than you expect to leave Axiom in the dust behind you. Before you have even been traveling an hour, even despite the largely flat landscape and the clear sky, the city is nowhere to be found when you look back, and only the vaguest outline of mountains on the horizon hint at where your destination might be. You have a hard time imagining that there might be monsters here, where you can see so much of your surroundings.
The nights remind you, though. Darkness closes in around your campfire, and in it you can hear shuffling sounds and horrid, haunting wailing and screaming. Each sound that gets too close turns the campsite to tense silence, and starts a pressure in your chest that doesn't abate until it passes. You don't know where the creatures must go during the day, but you have yet to see any, and the sounds do not carry into the day.
It is two days into your journey when the new routine is broken. A wind blows across your path, kicking sand into your face until you have to shield your eyes. Looking down now, you can see that the wind has revealed a cobblestone path that the caravan has found itself walking along. It leads forward for a time, but now you can see, not even too far ahead, a small outpost, built around a beautiful oasis. There isn't much to it, truth be told, but there's a marketplace, with villagers perusing the stalls and merchants selling their wares. There's a number of small houses, and one larger building towards the South of the town. People bustle through the streets, and you can even see children playing in the water of a fountain, built directly out of the southern tip of the oasis.
Judging by the looks of the other people in your caravan, this is just as much news to them as it is to you.
What will you do?
Geesyl Graftfinger |
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Geesyl looks around the village carefully before opening her mouth for once to determine if anything is unusual.
Then, she wonders if illusory powers are being used here.
Will check to determine illusions: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Gruknuk |
Gruknuk dons a disappointed expression. "Is that your city?"
Lucatiel |
Leaving: Finally, the promised day had arrived. Lucatiel made sure to get enough exercise at all her weapon forms enough to nearly pass out at a reasonable time. Otherwise should would have surely stayed up to an unreasonable hour. So she was a little sore but not tired. It'd be a long day no doubt. No matter what anyone said, she slowly crept her way up to the front of the caravan. As the old doors rumbled open, both her and Deserae tensed in anticipation. They seemed more like a loaded quarrel than girl and her horse. Nothing distracted them from their one track focus. They waited all the way for the command to move out then...
"Hiyah!" Luca yells as she snaps the reigns. Deserae neighs and rears in excitement. Then both shoot off into the desert kicking up little explosions of sand where her hooves hit the ground. They are a small smudge on the horizon in less than a minute. Before even half the caravan has left, they are hurtling back. They veer around to the left and do a victory/farewell lap around the outside of the city. As they circle around sections with people, Lucatiel stands in the saddle and waves/shouts at the people that came to see them off. Deserae manages to get all the way around city at nearly full speed, setting another new record, before slowing to come along side the other Axiomites leaving the city. Both are thoroughly winded but Luca is all smiles. "Good job Deserae. I think that was a new record," she says patting the horse affectionately.
Later: Much of the initial excitement has worn off after the first night in the desert. It was just as awful as they said. Something always seemed to be just beyond sight. And days weren't much better. The outfit helped but it was still really hot. During the worst part of the day she had to cover Deserae in her blanket to prevent burning. A few days out, the first odd thing happens. They ran across a village in the desert. "We're two days out. Not Two weeks," she says to Gruknuk. She stares at the village, confused. "There is no way our scouts missed something this close." She trots Deserae over to Lady Kozac. "Was this here when you came through?"
Korza Ren |
While the travel by day was not too trying so far, Korza got very little sleep during those first two nights. Every sound make her jump to her feet, worried an attack might be coming. The things Bianka had said a few days earlier still played clearly in her mind, and she didn't want to get caught by surprise. So far though, her worrying seemed to be for naught, as they did not approach any closer. Not that it made her worry any less.
----
"By 'scouts', do you mean the brave soldiers who stand on top of our walls with spyglasses?" Korza asked. She gestured back towards the way they came, nothing but empty desert behind them. "If we cannot see the city from here, then I doubt the city can see this place."
Still, it was strange that there was a settlement so nearby. She didn't remember seeing it before she had to shield her eyes from the sand, but perhaps she just hadn't been looking closely enough? But the shrieks in the night made her paranoid enough to worry. She muttered a quick incantation and scanned the landscape ahead for any magical auras, or mundane threats.
Casting detect magic and maintaining concentration, plus a perception check
Perception; perfectly nice village or murder town?: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Kelrot |
Kelrot's foot hovers just slightly before taking its first step through the gates of Axiom. As he hears the gates close behind him, he breathes a sigh of relief. I am finally free of that place. The thought exhilarated and terrified at the same time. He spent most of the rest of the day's trek silent and thinking.
The sounds in the night made him uneasy. He kept his sword near to him for a little extra comfort as he slept. Though sleep was hard to find, as the adrenaline coursing through him kept him awake in readiness for an attack.
As this apparent oasis comes into view, Kelrot squints through the desert sun to get a better look.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
He looks over at Bianka. Hey what is this place? I don't remember anyone saying anything about an oasis village. He sticks his spear into the sand and shoulders his shield off his back and to a more comfortable position on his arm.
Are there any languages we all speak? I always like to have a shared language other than common in the group.
Saria Dalavon |
I...I always saw the desert outside...I knew it was big...but I never realized... Saria's words had trailed off as she marveled at the empty horizon every direction. It wasn't just the sight that amazed her - though that was incredible enough. But even more overwhelming was the feeling of openness, of expanse. I've never, ever, in my life, been more than a handful of paces from a wall... Suddenly, she had grinned, even going into a little spin through the vastness as she exulted in the feeling.
But then the openness was...less nice. Soon, she had realized that without a wall, there was nothing to stop the fierce wind and the driving sand. The sun was hot, and without buildings there was nowhere to find shade. Her clothes had seemed a fine thing to be seen in as she'd set off in front of the assembled people of Axiom, but in the desert the knee-length wool tunic and trousers were stifling. Soon, she'd been forced to conjure water into her waterskin and dump it all over her clothing just to stay cool, and though it helped, she'd had to duck behind her shield out of embarrassment at the clinginess of the wet fabric.
And the nights were worse. She'd packed a tent along, thinking it'd provide a sense of security - but if anything, being alone in it makes the sounds of the night even more terrifying. At least in the open, the firelight was there to comfort her, as were the tense faces of the people around her. Soon, she'd abandoned the tent entirely, spending the night curled in her blanket and slumped forward onto her knees, catching sleep in fits and starts beside the glowing coals. She'd managed to rest enough to clear her mind for her morning prayers, but her aching back and knotted limbs made her weapon drills almost impossible. At least Arshea was good enough to provide some respite from this heat... Switching out a prepared obscuring mist for endure elements and casting it.
So, overall, the sight of the small oasis town is welcome...until she sees the looks on the Alran emissaries' faces. Well...should we greet them? Find out what's going on, maybe? If no one objects, she ventures forth carefully, her hand clenched tight with nervousness behind her enameled shield. H-hello? Wait, would they even speak our tongue?
I'll try and talk to them with Diplomacy to break the ice if the group's ok with it. And take the face-ripping-off that ensues from being too trusting, if it comes to it. ;)
Perception - anything amiss, other than a mystery town?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Will save (if necessary to disbelieve illusion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Hey, guys, everything's just fine! XD
Diplomacy if no one's got a problem with me stepping forward (ignore if people prefer to keep distance): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Common and Elven's all I've got, although I wouldn't be opposed to putting a rank in Linguistics to have a party language if someone wants to teach me.
Gruknuk |
Gruknuk is severely out of his element out here in the open. Consequently, he isn't too keen on approaching the oasis. He opts to hide wherever possible while scoping out the area. Hopefully he can find a rock, cactus, or fern to hide behind.
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Geesyl Graftfinger |
Hand resting non-aggressively on her sword, Geesyl stays close to Jezra and her friends , waiting to see what protocol is followed. Also, she will be listening for an explanation as to how they arrived at an unexpected town.
I speak Common, Elven, Orc and Goblin. I too would be willing to put a skill point into linguistics to share a language other than common.
Axiom Narrator |
Gruknuk isn't able to find much to hide behind, save the cart the caravan's supplies are being carried on. Still, he's able to find a spot in the back just about the right size for a Goblin to hide in, and, if anyone notices him clambering in, they don't say anything.
To all eyes, the oasis village appears to be just that - Korza is able to identify a lingering magical aura, but it doesn't falter if she looks away from the village. Instead, the magic is all-encompassing, as if the enchantment was cast on the desert itself.
As the party approaches, the people walking by start to notice them, and they smile warmly, happy to see visitors that you get the impression they haven't had in quite some time. A few younger children stop in the street, tugging at their guardian's clothes to point you out and wonder about these strange new visitors. The closer you get, too, the more you're able to notice that there is something undeniably odd about these people. Not in their behavior, they are friendly enough and seem to be behaving much as you would expect, but in their physiology, their appearance.
You are entirely unable to identify a single villager's race.
Bianka is the first of the caravan to answer the party, shaking her head as subtly as she can. "No, we found no such thing. This is new." She frowns, looking back over the village. "Still... I don't sense any foulness here. It appears to be just what it seems."
Kelrot |
Well should we just keep moving or should we find someone to talk to? Kelrot looks around unneasily, though after hearing Bianka's words he felt slightly more comfortable around these odd people. He smiles an awkward toothy smile to a child tugging on his mom's coinpurse. He still holds his shield on his left arm with his spear used as a walking stick in his right.
Korza Ren |
Korza is briefly caught off-guard by the magical aura stretching as far as she can see in every direction. She remembers what Lady Kozac said, about the mystical force that seemed to be a part of the desert itself. She decides that she definitely does not want to look for any magic after nightfall. She tries to shake off the uneasy feeling before jogging ahead to catch up with the group, falling in stride a few feet behind Saria. "I'm still not sure I trust this place. But that could just be the lack of sleep talking."
Saria Dalavon |
They aren't showing us any unkindness - I say we speak with them. Who knows? They may be able to tell us better ways to get through this desert, or we may be able to top off our supplies. There's no sense in passing up that chance. Saria continues forward, smiling warmly at the small gathering and addressing the closest person or group. Greetings to you all! We come bearing no ill will - we are simply travelers through this desert. In a gesture of greeting and a show of faith, she raises her hand into the air and away from the flail at her side. I must say, we were surprised to see you here - some of our number passed through only days ago, but we had no sign this place was here.
Want to use my Diplomacy check from before or shall I reroll?
Diplomacy re-roll if you want it: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Lucatiel |
"By 'scouts', do you mean the brave soldiers who stand on top of our walls with spyglasses?" Korza asked. She gestured back towards the way they came, nothing but empty desert behind them. "If we cannot see the city from here, then I doubt the city can see this place."
"Some have left the walls. They didn't go very far but they have." Luca would have explained further but Bianka confirmed that this set up was new. This wasn't here a week ago. And as Saria moves forward to greet them, Luca remembers her manners. The last few days of terrifying and sleepless nights had made her a little too paranoid. They were supposed to be diplomats. And these people were surviving in this desert, probably nomads, so they must no some means making the journey easier.
Diplomacy: Aiding Saria to gather info: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 +2 to Saria's roll.
Axiom Narrator |
The little boy Kelrot grins at lights up, but he shies away behind his mother's leg, a little embarrassed to be caught staring. He peeks out from behind her and gives the half-orc a small wave.
Saria seems to be having a little less luck, however. Not that the people aren't friendly - they seem to be thrilled to have new visitors, and the moment she began to talk, they fully turned their attention to her. However, confused expressions pass through the small crowd as she mentions the desert, and after a few moments of murmuring between the people, a young woman steps out to address her. There's still an expression of wary concern on her face, but she motions to the group, welcoming.
"We welcome travelers of all kinds here, we don't get many passing through this way. But - desert? There isn't a desert for miles."
Geesyl Graftfinger |
Geesyl remains concerned as something is off here.
Perception for any hint of helpful information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
She turns to Jezra and asks, Didn't you travel through a desert to get to Axiom?
Korza Ren |
"Some have left the walls. They didn't go very far but they have."
"If you believe that sort of thing. I'm convinced that's just some story the Speakers made up so that we - Did she just say miles?" Korza immediately spins around and runs to the back of the caravan, looking back the way they came. "We were just standing in the desert a minute ago. It's right there, isn't it?"
Lucatiel |
We still see desert right?
"No. They are right. The desert was a few miles back. That's where we came from. So good to be out of that awful heat," Luca says a little nervously. She hopes down from Deserae and get close to the others, whispering, "Uh. I think somethings not right here." Deserae's ears flick back and forth and she fidgets in place. "See. Deserae's antsy and that's never a good thing. I think we should just...play along for now."
Saria Dalavon |
Hearing Lucatiel's comment, Saria nods and smiles, catching the hint to play along. My friend is right, of course - I'm sorry if my words misled you. Our travels began in the desert, and they've taken us some way; the memory of it is still all too fresh in our minds. Getting out of that place was a welcome relief. Well, it's not untrue... Though her words are carefully chosen to remain genuine, the slight deception still bothers her slightly, but she continues on.
And I am more relieved still for your welcome! My name is Saria Dalavon; I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. She extends her free hand forward toward the young woman in what she hopes is universally a welcoming gesture. We don't wish to be intrusive - merely to rest for a short time near your borders, and to replenish our supplies. Is there someone we should speak to in order to get permission to stay nearby?
She turns back to the party with a nod as if to confirm the plans, but as soon as her face is no longer visible to the crowd, worry and confusion clouds her features, and her lips move to mouth a few words exaggeratedly. No desert?
Axiom Narrator |
Jezra looks just about as confused as you feel, and looks around, just to confirm that the desert is still there. Yep. Sure is still a sandy hellscape.
She shrugs, a little helplessly.
The rest of the caravan does seem to pick up on the deception quickly enough, expressions of understanding crossing each of their faces - some, admittedly, a little faster than others. Rashid, for instance, seems to understand and be ready to play along almost as soon as Luca speaks, while Sino gives an audible "Oh!" nearly a full minute later.
The young woman who had stepped forward smiles, the concern beginning to melt from her face. "My name is Elena, and I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance. There's nobody you should need to speak with in order to stay, I'd hope! If they've put up with the soldiers, they can certainly handle a group of travelers."
Elena pauses, and turns to point her finger up the cobblestone road, to the single large building towards the southern tip of the town.
"If you'd still like to speak to someone with authority, you'll want that big building down the road. Or, if you want to stay somewhere a little more comfortable than your tents, that building serves whatever purpose it needs to, really - whether it's an inn or it's the town hall."
Gruknuk |
Gruknuk nervously crawls out of the cart he's been hiding in. He scampers over to Kelrot and tugs on his pant leg speaking in a hushed tone. "Yuav ua li cas yog tsis ncaj ncees lawm nrog cov neeg no?"
Kelrot |
That these people seem to have no idea that they were surrounded by desert made Kelrot uneasy. Come to think of it, how quickly Axiom disappeared as they were leaving also made him uneasy. What is with this desert? Feeling Gruknuk's tug on his pant leg startles him, and he looks down briefly before going back to scanning the crowd looking for a potential threat. In a hushed tone so Gruknuk can hear.
Kuv tsis paub. Khaws nyob rau hauv koj lub khwb. Kuv tsis nyiam qhov no.
I don't know. Keep on your guard. I don't like this.
Korza Ren |
Korza nodded, silently assenting to the plan, and moved back towards the rest of the group. It was no longer just her own paranoia making her worry. "Ah, but we are on a rather tight schedule, are we not? Do we really have time to stop and impose on these kind people's hospitality? Especially if the soldiers are staying nearby, I'm sure the town's resources would be much more helpful to them.
Gruknuk |
Gruknuk nods at Korza's suggestion, but doesn't take his eyes off the oasis. "Yeah, I don't really like the desert, but I don't like this place more."
Saria Dalavon |
Thank you so much for your help, Elena. As you can see, we have much to discuss, but your advice has been most helpful. It was a pleasure to meet you - and all the rest of you! Saria finishes with a wave to the crowd, keeping a pleasant expression on her face until she turns to rejoin the party. Korza, I'm afraid you may be right... she answers in a small voice, but can we really pass up this chance to resupply? Besides, it may benefit us to figure out what's happened, if only to keep ourselves from ending up as displaced as this village seems to be...
Geesyl Graftfinger |
Recognizing Saria as someone in their group who takes initiative, Geesyl asks her for advice, but quietly.
In a whisper she addresses Saria, Saria, do you think that I should scout around a bit and gather more information?
Something definitely isn't right here, but I cannot put my finger on it. Best to be on guard for any trickery.
Saria Dalavon |
Anything we can get puts us one step closer to figuring out what the heck's going on here, Saria responds to Geesyl's soft question. If everyone else isn't comfortable staying here, we can of course just move on, but I for one want answers, and I think going among the people here and keeping our ears sharp is the best way to get them.
Btw, I am playing Saria as a very forward leader-type, but you guys definitely don't have to feel bound to my whims. Y'all's game as much as mine. :)
Korza Ren |
"Scouting around sounds like a good idea to me, but I don't think anyone should go alone. You should take a couple of people with you." Then, to Saria, "Answers are all well and good, but we should get them quickly and then get out of here. Nightfall is when things start to get strange out here, and we have no reason to think this town will be any different. If we're going to investigate, that main building seems like the best place to start."
Lucatiel |
Luca's sense of adventure warred with her since of danger. She wanted to know what was going on but didn't want to get caught up in something dangerous. Her combat skills had never been tested on real...anything. That and she was certain she'd not be able to keep up the charade. She was incapable of lying. And though they hadn't lied per say, it was probably only a matter of time. "I have a kind of confession to make. I can't lie. At all. I tried once and felt sick. I mean I can pretend things are normal here but if I have to talk to these people I bet its only a matter of time before I mention how weird these people are to live in the desert and not know it. I mean this is weird right? Its not just me? So I think I should either stay here or we should leave. We have enough to food and water to make it the two weeks to Alran. Why make trouble two days out?"
She left out that she was very unsure of her combat abilities despite Saria's compliments back in Axiom. If it came down to it, could she really face monsters? Or kill someone? She was much more comfortable running. But could she also leave someone behind? She didn't want to find out only two days into the journey.
I forgot I took the Honest drawback.
Gruknuk |
"Hmm," the goblin grumbles. "I don't particularly want to stay here, but if we do, I'll gladly snoop around. I'm no good at chit-chat, but sneaking around at night is one of my specialties." He winks, elbowing Saria's knee and giving her an unnerving grin.
Korza Ren |
Korza places her hand on Luca's shoulder, keeping a smile on her face and her voice low in case any townsfolk were still looking. "For once, I'm on your side. And since you suck at lying and I suck at sneaking, why don't the two of us escort the caravan to the far side of town? That way, we'll be ready to get the hell out of here at a moment's notice?"
She gives Rashid and Lady Kozac each a very pointed look before gesturing for them to lead the carts forward. She adds a very low Please under her breath
Saria Dalavon |
I don't like the idea of anyone being caught sneaking around - but you're probably right, and I know both of you are quite...skilled. It'll be a chance to hear things you might not hear otherwise. Just...please take pains not to be seen anywhere you shouldn't be. Saria smiles at Geesyl and Gruknuk, though clearly slightly disconcerted by Gruknuk's enthusiasm for skulduggery. In the meantime, Kelrot and I will go through town more openly, ask some questions. We can resupply as we do - buying things might buy us a little more openness, too. Lucatiel and Korza, I'll feel much better knowing that you're staying with the caravan to keep it safe. Until we know more, we have to assume that something strange could happen at a moment's notice, and I don't want ill to befall our way out.
Do we want to split the party three ways to accomplish everything? Will this be too much on you, GM?
Lucatiel |
"Yes. I can definitely do that," Luca says, jumping on the sorcerers idea. She hopes up on her horse and awaits the caravan to move out. She turns back after remembering something. "Hey, you guys think this place will get worse or better at night? I mean every night its felt like something was watching us. You think that will still happen here?"
Kelrot |
Well if we aren't in the desert anymore we won't be having any problems with those things right? Kelrot jokes rather nervously. He shifts his shield from his arm back onto his back. Lady Kozac, Rashid, do you mind if we take a look around or would you rather move through?
Geesyl Graftfinger |
Geesyl is just fine with having Saria speak for the group of Axiomites. She was wise after all, but it allowed her to focus on the other's responses and process information.
Geesyl looks to Gruknuk and suggest they look around. She uses her street smarts to try and remain undetected and quick witted diplomacy when needed to convince anyone that she is not a threat.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Stealth to be undetected: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Axiom Narrator |
Feel free to split the party, if you'd like! It's much easier to manage it in a system like this than it is in face to face or roll20 or something like that.
Rashid seems happy enough to agree with the plan as soon as it's set - he's not likely to leave the cart, but he almost seems jealous that Saria and Kelrot are going to go out and try talking. "I'd come with you, myself, but... I understand wanting to have the possibility of running, and, well...." He smiles, sheepish, and taps his cane against one of his legs lightly. "I'm good at many things. Running isn't one of them."
Iryna, on the other hand, clearly wants to dismiss the idea as soon as it's brought up. She opens her mouth, ready to order the caravan straight on through, power through with the supplies they have. The order dies on her tongue, though, seeing the tired, disappointed looks on some of the other traveller's faces. "Fine. No more than a few hours. Just enough to satisfy some of your curiosity."
Geesyl has a bit of a hard time sneaking, to start out. In such a small town, a new face stands out in a way that she never did in Axiom, and without many buildings or even people to lose herself in, it does take a little doing. Still, nobody seems to think she's any kind of threat, and she finds that slipping in between the crowd at the marketplace is much easier than it was elsewhere in the city.
There, she learns a few interesting things - for one, even though the people around her seem to be speaking Common, anything written seems to be in an unrecognizable language. Sometimes, here and there, she thinks she catches a glimpse of a word in a language she knows, but then she'll blink or move her head and the word is gone. For another, she hears a few more people talking about the soldiers Elena had mentioned. From the way the people of this town speak, they're none too fond of the soldiers - coming through the town with no warning, truly believing themselves to be entitled to places in the villagers homes or to food from the market free of charge, or of the war apparently not being waged not far from here.