The Iron Carnival - Pentor Lionsmane's Mercenary PbP - #2 Squad

Game Master Monkeygod

Acune leaves Two-Bears in Torque's capable hands and commandeers the feathers.

detect magic
knowledge (whatever applicable- I have the same ranks in quite a few) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

While the feathers do not register as magic, your innate connection to the divine gives a strong sense that these came from some sort of messenger or harbinger of a greater evil. To you, the evil is almost palpable.

Peering over Acune's shoulder,"Find anything?"

Once Two-bear's leg is set, Torque continues

"Finding Grimatar was a ghost was probably the least surprising part of the encounter. He spun us a hell of a tale about some unspeakable evil he's got contained under his keep. He needs someone to try and find a way of dealing with it, which apparently means heading to Varasia to get some intel from a scholar there."

He looks to any members of the party still around two-bear before continuing

"As crazy as it sounds, after seeing the place we're inclined to believe him. We've happened across a serious, serious problem here and we might be the only team equipped to deal with it. Sir, I reckon you should consider taking the Carnival east once our current contract is fulfilled."

"I don't know if we'll be fulfilling our current contract any time soon Torque. From what Grimatar said this mission is dire. I know we got a pay advance on it, but maybe the caravan owner can set up shop here. But we do need to leave as soon as possible. Varisia is a long ways away."

"Exactly. What's a few dozen miles to the east before travelling five hundred or more to the west? Besides, Vieland is the best place in this whole region to buy supplies, horses and perhaps even find a larger convoy to roll with. Getting to Varasia will need more preperation than working out which way is west and starting walking. Except in Nine-Tail's case, it seems"

Acune smiles slightly and tells Valen in an undertone that she detected palpable evil from the feathers as well.

Hearing Acune's confirmation Valen nods. "Well, either way we should move our discussion to a more discreet location. Let's head into the tavern and get some food, where we're less likely to be attacked by evil birds." As everyone begins to turn toward the tavern Valen makes his way to Acune to continue the conversation. "Do you think that the birds could be related to the creature Grimatar mentioned?"

"Now that is a good idea!"

Gremm pats his stomach.

"All this climbing has me in need of some mead," he chuckles.

"Good idea. Travels are easier on full stomachs. yip-yip."

"I've got no qualms with that. Someone help me move Corpral Two-Bear"

Gremm moves to Two-Bear and lifts him up, with relative ease. He begins to move, taking obvious caution with the Corporal.

"Or, you know, just do it for me"

Torque follows in Gremm's wake, towards the inn that has become the Carnival's de facto HQ.

As you enter the inn, the two girls hurry off to get u all something to eat, while the mayor sends for a pair of runners whom he dispatches after some hushed orders.

You all manage to rig up a comfortable spot for Two Bears to sort half sit, half recline in so he can take part in the discussion. About ten minutes after you arrive Helena and Mirri return with a plate of delicious smelling stew, warm fresh baked bread and hot cider.

Taking in a deep breath of the food,"This smells truly wonderful ladies. Thank you very much."

Acune turns to the sorcerer. "I don't suppose you have any spells to block scrying?"

Valen shakes his head. "I'm afraid not m'lady. But we may be able to find scrolls of such when we resupply."

"Hopefully."

Two Bears helps himself to some food, then says "So what's the plan Carnies?"

After finishing a few mouthfuls Valen raises his hand, "Well by the sound of it we're going to head to Vieland as fast as possible and resupply. Once we've accomplished that we head to Varisia and find this sage as soon as possible."

"That sounds about right. Does anyone know much about the lands we'll have to travel through to reach Varisia? We should avoid warzones - we might not be able to resist getting stuck in."

Gremm nods.

"The Hold of Belkzen, or as Pa always called it, Orc country. Lots of mountains and plenty of fighting everywhere. It's not the prettiest place to travel through and definitely not the safest. It's our shortest route, though. If we go through and can make it to Kaer Maga, then we can travel down to the base of the Storval ang be in the good country."

"Wouldn't it be safer to head south through Lastwall and then make our way north and east through Nirmathas? We can avoid Belkzen entirely. I don't know about you Master Gremm, but having a large wall, amries, and paladins between me and hordes of orcs is something I prefer." Valen pauses to take a drink and continues, "And I'm sure we could hire a couple rangers or guides to get us through Nirmathas. The only thing we'd have to really worry about would be a Molthuney invasion and I don't think they've ever gotten that far north."

For more on Molthune, Nirmathas, or Lastwall click any of the countries.

"It would help if we had any idea how long we've got before this rising evil breaks free. That said, I like Valen's plan. If the Hold of Belkzen is mountinous we probably won't even save that much time travelling though it compared with skirting south."

"Yep, better roads, better travel. And I don't mind the occasional fight, but to go looking for one with the orcs seems too reckless, even for us."

Two Bears allows you all to figure out the best route to take, offering some advise here and there. Once you all settle on the best path to take, he says "Well lads, and lass, you all seem to have good heads on your shoulders and confindnece in your abilities. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I am going to retire from active duty. I have been thinking about this for a while now, as I miss my wife and three little ones something firece. This fall only made it easier for me to make this hard choice. I come from a town in Varisia, so I will make the journey with you, but finish your current job first, as that's the proper way to do things. By the time you return, I should be well enough to travel with you. However, I am no longer your leader. That is now Valen's positon, unless any of you disagree, which considering the situation is entirely your right. If you feel someboy else would be better able to lead this squad, please speak up."

"Sorry to hear it sir. Still, it's good to get out clean. I've got no problems with Valen taking over. Ol' Showgalley will make a fine ringmaster."

Valen smiles at Two Bears suggestion and nods to Torque, standing. "If there are no other objections I humbly accept." With a whisper and subtle hand motions bright letters and small bursts of colorful light fill the air above Valen's head spelling out: Fearless Leader. As the words appear a dashing and bright smile flashes across Valens face and he strikes a heroic pose with his fists placed on either side of his waist.

Two Bears shakes his head at Valen's antics "Perhaps you were the wrong choice, as this little display was one of the most childish and immature things I have ever seen. Valen, its time to grow up, what you face is of a serious nature and has the potential to be incredibly destructive. If your team leader, all of their victories as well as their failures are on your shoulders. Are you sure your ready for this?? If not, I have a backup in mind"

At mention of a backup choice, Nine Tail slips behind Gremm and whispers, "Don't back up."

Valen shakes his head in mild astonishment but a hardened and serious look settles on his face. As he begins to speak a tone of utmost sincerity and seriousness fills his voice. "My apologies Corporal Two Bears, sir. I was only trying to add a bit of brevity to the situation. It seemed that what we found out and lay ahead of us was daunting. I was only trying to ease things for the rest of the company. I assure you that I will carry out my role as group leader with the dignity, grace, and responsibility that comes with it. I'm no stranger to burdens and gladly accept, sir."

"As healer, I'll deflate his head as needed, sir."

Valen shoots Acune a wry look. "I assure you Lady Acune, that would take weeks."

"Sir," she says after shooting Valen an amused look, "I suspect we have a deadline for this. Ancient evils are typically impatient to get back to wreaking havoc."

"Agreed. We should get back on the road tomorrow morning sir, once you've had a bit of time to recuperate. We may not have much time."

Time to get back on the road perhaps?

I'm all for it. Unless of course VoA has some sort of midnight raid planned for us.

Nope, I wasn't sure if you all wanted to chat and enjoy some chill time before I moved you all on. Nothing overly important will happen tonight, so if you guys want to hang out in the tavern for most of the evening, feel free.

In that case how about we jump to us setting out the next morning? The party has shrunk a bit since we were last on the road so the offense and defence teams probably aren't such a good idea now. I reckon we should just all just stick near the convoy - Gremm on the front wagon, Acune on the rear wagon, Myself and Valen on the middle wagon to screen ourselves slightly from being squished and to quickly move to whichever end we're needed and Nine-tail (if you're still ok with it) on point again.

That works for us, we prefer to walk.

Gremm rises quite early, before dawn even breaks. He sets out to the nearby wilderness and begins foraging for food.

Survival
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

He returns to the squad just as the cock crows and he packs up all the food into his pack. Gremm begins making the rounds, waking everyone up for their trip.

"Up and at' em, Torque."

"Nine Tail, wake up. Yip, yip!"

"Morning, Miss Acune."

"Valen, let's get going. Come on, Chief."

Every greeting is said with a warm smile.

Nine-Tail opens a resistent eye, and sees the big man wandering off. he mutters, "If you weren't so big...

But the Spirit is not to be denied, sensing he was finally awake, Nine-Tail feels compelled to get up and face the day. A day of travel always excited the Spirit. Best get some food as easting will be sparse on foot.

Later at the tavern table enjoying a hearty breakfast of fruits, bread, and grilled meats, Nine-Tail pipes up. "Valen, Torque, you ever figure out what those other items in that chest did?"

I remember there being other items but not sure anyone identified them.

We never found out what all of the vials did nor the mask.

A new day and a new adventure. Maybe we'll get a chance to go to the Academy when we arrive in Varisia. After cleaning himself and packing Valen makes his way down to the tables for breakfast, a little bleary eyed but awake. "Oh this?" He asks pulling out the mask. "It's magics elude me as of yet but I will try to decipher them as I eat."

I'll take a 10 to identify the mask.

Do we know what the mask looks like? Last I checked, the decription was only that it's wooden.

Valen, the mask grants a +2 bonus to Perception and Survival, like the dual skill feats, including the increase if you gain enough ranks. However, you get the sense that more powers would be revealed to somebody who possessed a Spirit Totem

After studying it Valen passes it to Nine Tail. "It looks as if it would grant the wearer the ability to survive better in the wild and have sharper vision. And it would seem if the wearer had a spirit guide or guardians." Turning he continues his breakfast. "Lady Miri, I must say this oatmeal is amazing." As he notices Fury make his way down. "Well, if it isn't our long lost companion. How're you feeling? Sniffles all better?" he asks is a jokingly parental voice.

Rubbing softly at his temples, Jax growls softly as Valen addresses him.

"Listen Mage... I've been vomiting my heart out for a solid age and you call it sniffles?" Grabbing his rifle and aiming it at Valen, dead center of his forehead, Jax grins. "Ill show ya sniffles!" Jax hovers his finger over the trigger for a moment, before laughing loudly.

"Having only seen the inside of a chamber pot for the last while, even your face is a damn pretty sight Valen. Good to be back friend!" Standing the gun by his chair, Jax takes a seat, helping himself to a plate of whatever is hot and filling.

"Whats new Soldiers? Fill me in!"

Nine-Tail takes the mask and flips it about in his hands. He puts it up eyes and looks at the groggy rifleman, "Owwww" and quickly lowers the mask. "Some things should not be brought into better focus."

He continues examining the mask until he hears Fury's question, "Haha, yip, yip. That's a doozy!" He sits there looking at Fury with a silly grin on his face.

Jax frowns softly over his plate of bacon at the Scout.

'Quite the strange one...'

"I could do with a bit of a laugh Nine Tails, if you got one to share!" Jax grins, filling his mouth with eggs bacon and toast, ravenous after his sickness.