Terri Riverrun |
"No reason to be rude Torod. If he is a bandit, he's a rather dim one."
The voice comes from above and behind Andrei, just over the gate. Terri sits with her legs out and her back to a heavy looking stack of sacks. She looks up from the arrow she was examining and smiles at the newcomer.
"Welcome to Oleg's stranger. I'm sure he's around here somewhere. If your looking for our company, well you've meet Torod. I'm Terri, and we have a couple of others flitting about here."
With easy grace she shifts into a crouch.
"If you don't mind, what's you're name stranger?"
bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Sense Motive (Is he telling the truth): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Perception (Does Terri Recognize him): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Andrei Rogarvia |
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Giving a friendly smile Andrei swung his foot out of his horses stirrup and quickly dismounted. Grabbing the reigns tightly Andrei carefully guided his mount slowly away from the leopard, sure that the horse would become skittish or might try to throw him if brought too close. The name is Andrei and it’s a pleasure to meet you. Oh and this is Charger. Andrei says gesturing towards his horse. Reaching into his belt pouch with his freehand Andrei withdraws his charter. It was the dammed thing.. the bard says holding up the official document. I applied a few months back for the expedition. When I never heard back I assumed that I must have been passed over by the selection. Turns out it got lost in the mail! Shaking his head in disgust Andrei leads Charger to the hitching post and ties him off to it. It's not as if New Stetven is even that big a town. Well regardless I'm here how.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Asta Blackheart |
Asta comes walking out, an inscrutable expression on her face.
Arms crossed, she listens to Andrei's introduction and smirks a bit, shaking her head.
"Well enough that you're here, I suppose," she says. "We can use the manpower."
Valeria Windsong |
Not sure exactly how much time has passed to let the soldiers build up a prison, but during that time Valeria would have helped Svetlana with the cooking and feeding those here at the fort.
As Andrei enters into the garrison and establishes himself as late arriving member of their entourage, Valeria gathers him up a plate of the food she and Svetlana have prepared. She walks over to the table and sets the plate down, saying, "Well come along and have yourself some food then, it's a long ride from the cities of Brevoy to here."
When here at the fort, Valeria does not bother with her armor, but still wears her sword at her hip. Just as an FYI for future reference.
Andrei Rogarvia |
Following Valeria into the trading post Andrei smiled at the woman’s offer of a warm plate of food. Taking the proffered plate, the quasi nobleman closed his eyes whispering a short prayer to the lord of vaults before taking a tentative bite. Realizing how good Svetlana meal was, what little training he had received in dining protocol went right out the window. A few short minutes later Andrei looked up from the ruins of the meal toward the red haired women. Yes, it was a long ride. I came from New Stetven, occasionally stopping at towns along the way, but there were a few nights I had to partake of a local hedge. Shaking his head you can tell the a smile seems to come easily to the man. I suppose it makes for good practice considering the charter. Speaking of the charter.. Andrei trails off looking at his newly assigned companion. How has progress been so far?
Valeria Windsong |
Valeria blushes briefly under the man's gaze, then says, "We've taken out one of the Stag Lord's camps and captured it's leader. It's a good start to securing this region, if I do say so myself. And with these men here, the area's safer than ever, letting us set out to begin mapping soon. Her information can hopefully help us avoid some dangers in the area," gesturing towards Kressel as she finishes her sentence.
Valeria steps over and has a seat across from Andrei, and continues, "So, tell me about yourself. Aside from you being here for the charter. My names Valeria, by the way."
Oleg & Svetlana Leveton |
Svetlana
"One bandit raid averted, several bandits killed, one bandit camp destroyed, more bandits killed, one captured. Lots of land left to explore."
Kressel looks up from digging.....
"There's some landmarks round here, one is a pile of rocks, could have been a temple. I don't know much bout such things."
The cleric nods with a look of sadness in his eyes....
"An that is why this land so needs Erastil!"
Andrei Rogarvia |
Nodding along to Valeria and Svetlana describing the summery of the group’s actions up to date Andrei gave a nod of encouragement. Not wishing to interrupt, the dark haired man listened intently to Valeria finish up her description of the progress made so far in taming the greenbelt. After an appropriate pause Andrei looked up towards Svetlana. Excuse me mistress, do you have any wine? I’m not picky.. just something to clear the dust from my throat.
Once she brought the wine Andrei took a small sip before placing it onto the table. A pleasure to meet you Valeria and you as well Svetlana, the name’s Andrei. I think I already mentioned it but I come from New Stetven. I lived there for the first ten years of my life. That was until about twelve years ago. It was right around the time that King Rogarvia and the rest of House Rogarvia disappeared. I don’t know if you were there at the time? Andrei paused letting her respond.
Well it was rough on anyone who had been supporting the crown. House Surtova quickly consolidated power and anyone who had served the Rogarvian House was locked away or disappeared. There were also riots and the looming potential for a house war. Raising his glass Andrei took another sip of the wine. The woman who raised me had served in the Kings Guard. She was being hunted down along with every other servant or protector who had once been loyal to the king. That’s when we left the city. Raising his glass Andrei quietly sat it back on the table. I don’t like to speak about it much.. it was a dark time for Brevoy. Taking one last sip Andrei placed the empty glass down carefully on the table. My thanks Svetlana that was excellent! Anyhow Valeria, the rest of my story is rather dull, besides.. I would much rather hear about you.
Valeria Windsong |
Blushing again at the man's interest in her, she begins to speak, but before she does so her once flirtatious demeanor changes to a more serious tone.
"Well, I was in Restov during the disappearance. I was working as a waitress at whatever tavern I could at the time. My family had lost everything many years before that and I was doing whatever homest work I could to earn enough to receive some training in how to use this," patting the pommel of her blade.
"It's the least I could do...to..." a small tear can be seen forming at the edge of her eyes as she fights to regain control of her emotions.
"Anyway, I finally saved up enough gold to buy some equipment and head out with the caravans to the River Kingdoms before the trade routes closed, and I picked up a thing or two more on the road. And that led to me being chosen for this expedition."
Valeria stands up, and continues, "Speaking of which, if we can we should set out for this free soon, before we lose our lead on Svetlana's ring. We can explore the areas between here and there on the way."
She then walks over to Kressle and lays out the rough map they were provided beforehand. "Can you mark on here anything you know about the region, including where this possible temple is and where the...creatures that stole the ring went?"
Andrei Rogarvia |
Drumming his fingers upon the table, Andrei scratches his head in thought.
Knowledge (nature) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Mites? Hrm… well yes, I believe I have heard of such creatures before if they are the same thing I am thinking of. They are small little blue fey creatures. Merkov’s Magnificent Mammals states *coughs* “descended from small stock, these craven earth dwellers typically display instances of rampant cowardice, punctuated by short bouts of extreme violence. Known for their mastery of arachnids and other various insects this natural ability to empathize with such creatures means that a colony of mites will likely demonstrate a symbiotic relationship with such creatures… addendum… they also exude a pheromone that while harmless is extremely... ripe.
Shrugging from across the table, Andrei gives a self deprecating smile at the other members of the group. I have a bit of a trick memory, you wouldn’t believe all of the useless fact I have stored away. So did you want to see about Svetlana’s ring first?
KenderKin, I used the rules for identifying monsters. (The DC of such a check equals 10 + the monster's CR.) In order to gauge my general knowledge of the creature.
Andrei Rogarvia |
Grinning at the knowledge that some of his education is finally paying off, Andrei nods. Yes, that’s a fair estimation. Cold Iron weapons would help as well due to their natural resistance and they might have some vermin at their beck and call. Hrm… it might also be tight confines since they tend to live underground and are about the size of a goblin, if that puts it into perspective. If you have any handy, some Anti-toxin might be useful in case they have spiders… shivering at the thought of spiders, Andrei forces his perfectly natural revulsion for such creatures down while nodding. I read somewhere they are known to ride spiders. Not always, but I saw several mentions of it.
Andrei Rogarvia |
Oh come now Oleg! Andrei chimes in diplomatically. You stand to gain a fair amount of safety just from the bandits Valeria and the others have already dealt with. And besides, this is well made gear. Fifty percent is robbing us blind. Not even a Rahdoumi merchant would demand that much. You profit doubly, one on the good and two on the safety that goes along with less bandits, surely you could offer us a bit more, say ten percent?.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Oleg & Svetlana Leveton |
Oleg
"So yall want them cold iron morninstars err not, an how many? any some other sort o weapons in tha cold iron?"
The Cleric
"If you aid me in restoring tha temple I will help you with tha gifts Erastil bestows upon me, though if it costs for some reason that you must take care of yourselves."
As you are talking......
Torod |
The Cleric
"If you aid me in restoring tha temple I will help you with tha gifts Erastil bestows upon me, though if it costs for some reason that you must take care of yourselves."
"It's only to be expected that we carry our weight."
If the others are ready, I'm ready to get going.My current plan is to explore and map the area from here to the tree, get Svetlana's ring, then return.
Does someone have a map making kit?
Valeria Windsong |
"I believe Asta has been handling the map creation..."
As she and Andrei manage the sale of goods to Oleg, Valeria says, "If you don't mind, I'd like you to commission a weapon be crafted for me. A sword of similar make to my own, but of finer craftsmanship and made of Cold Iron, as Andrei suggests. Also, do you have any contacts that may be able to provide us with a magic wand of healing? Given the threats out here, it may come in handy. Have we earned enough credit for that?"
As she concludes her business with Oleg, she heads back out into the courtyard and stretches, then says, "If we head out now, we can get a head start on heading to this tree lair of the mites. What do you guys think?"
Andrei Rogarvia |
Rising from the table, Andrei gave a nod to the elf man. Right then, first thing in the morning. Turning to Svetlana, Andrei finished the last of him wine before setting it down on the table. I know it's still early in the day, but it feels like I have been riding for weeks. Since we are heading out tomorrow it may be a while before I see a bed again. Svetlana, do you have any spare rooms for the night. Then sniffing his shirt, Andrei frowned. And a bath, if possible.
Valeria Windsong |
After thanking Oleg, Valeria heads over to the stables to check on the horses, then back to the guesthouse and sets her things up at one of the beds near the wall. She then sharpens her blade, checks the string on her bow, and tends to her breastplate. All the while, the new member of their party and how his story of the Vanishing reminded her of her own loss.
It's been so long since I've actually thought about them. Why did Andrei's story bring their memory flooding back? Why do they have to be a memory at all!?!?
This time, Valeria was unable to hold back her tears.
Asta Blackheart |
Asta lingers at the back and works on her map as the group goes.
Perception to keep an eye on danger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21. Craft (mapmaking): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26.
Croft the Raven |
Croft takes to the skies, and flies in wide circles around the party - much like a more average raven scouting for carrion. The black bird's eyes are open for danger both to the party and to himself. If he sees anything, he immediately returns to Asta to report.
Croft flies well out of bowshot range from the ground. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8.
Torod |
Torod intends to explore each hex while going to the mite lair. Once done with that, we can rush back.
For ease of play, can I Take 10 on the pertinent Survival (21), Knowledge- Nature (18), and Perception (21) rolls for exploring?
Valeria Windsong |
Valeria will be riding alongside Andrei, allowing Torod to guide the way and Asta to craft her maps without distraction.
During the trip, she would be making idle conversation with him as well, talking and flirting casually. Nothing real specific at the moment so just mentioning it OOC.
Andrei Rogarvia |
A fine grassland, Tell me Torod are you from this area? We did not get much of a chance to talk yesterday. Andrei calls out to their guide while sweeping his eyes over the windblown plains ahead of them.
I would be fine in what ever position. I'm pretty strong in melee and I have some spells so where ever would work.
Torod |
"No. I am from Varisia. I never new my parents and was raised by my grandfather. At least I assumed The Hermit was my grandfather. When he died, I left his home to find my place. The Power brought me here."
KenderKin |
The plains are peaceful and fairly quiet you stirred up small rabbits and birds from the knee high grasslands. You come upon an area strewn to a radius of nearly 200 feet with the skeletons of boars, deer, bears, and even a few humans, it is as if these creatures were killed here and the bodies left to weather.