Patenemheb nods.
"I will begin so. Let us find a suitable spot first."
With that, he pulls out a healer's kit, a boline and surgical tools, and sets to work.
When Patenemheb gets around to patching up the camels, assuming Red's hexes have not completed the task already, he pulls out his tools once more.
A vetinarian's kit would have been perfect here. An acquisition for the future.
He does not chide himself, but focuses on his work.
Red bears the healing with no greater reaction than a couple of gasps of pain. Nor does she seem bothered by Patenemheb needing her to bare her chest to inspect and treat where camels trod on her. When he has finished Red thanks him politely and moves to use her healing hex on the camels and Bjoern.
Her work as healer done for now, Red moves to the shattered wagon to salvage food and gear from there.
"Many thanks, Sayida," he says.
Samir peers at the dead bandits intently, his eyes ranging to the two remaining who are currently far from them and he turns back to Tairin.
"They have naught but gear for war - odd that they have no other supplies, eh?" he says, but the question is more a statement on what he noticed about their gear, or their lack of it, and the obvious implications that conveys.
"They may have their supplies hidden or a base elsewhere, within riding distance. Which does not bode well for us, I suppose." Tairin cast her eyes about the cliff/s.
Tairin continued cleaning wounds and bandaging them as best as she could, using strips of cloth cut from one of her veils.
Hearing somewhat of a commotion below them, once she was satisfied with her work and knowing Samir could receive magical healing through Red, Tairin looked to the edge of the cliff and then back at Samir.
"We could do a quick search of the these bodies and then we can try to climb down. There may be an easier path down, a route perhaps taken by these bandits, or we can use my rope and I can help you climb down, although my strength or climbing are not as good as yours, Samir. I will do my best."
"Thank you Caslav. That does not sound like the woman who spoke so assertively to me does it? Something very odd is going on."
"Do folk in Yar-Ammon not act differently when their betters aren't around?"
"They do Caslav. But their whole personality does not change. Something very odd is happening here I think."
'There they are.’ Seeing the camels, Ala’Ihys slows his own down, watching to make sure Lysander is not setting a trap, using the animals as bait. Satisfied that the animals are alone, He stops his mount signaling it to kneel, so he can dismount and gather the leads of the other two. As he dismounts he asks Sefu ”We’ve recovered our property, what now? Back at the attack you said “If you follow press hard to simply reclaim what is ours... If the Nabastissean is so much of a coward that he would run I would not wish to serve with him” So do we turn back now that we’ve recovered the animals or do you want to continue the pursuit to punish Lysander for abandoning his post?” He turns to lead the camel’s back to mount.
Sefu glances down the trail as if even this delay is too much.
”I want our property returned; but the one we pursue is heavily armored and we are not. Further, he dispatched two of the bandits on foot without injury, thus I suspect he is skilled and hardy besides. If we fight him we must slay him outright and though I am no coward I do not trust the odds enough to engage in such a brawl, especially when failing to survive means more than just death – it means failing the one I serve.”
’No, we need to sort this out.’ Ala’Ihys stops shaking his head and looks at Sefu again, ”Ok, I’ll just say it, if were not going after the Nabastissean, what was all that fussing and moaning about the other night, when I said we could just leave your employment? You were ready to kill someone, what’s the difference now?”
Sefu glances from the trail to Ala, his left eyebrow raising above his eye in a look of both confusion and study.
”The difference is, to my mind, obvious,” he says with a slow voice, as if he is trying to patiently explain something to a student.
”When the conversation yesterday occurred the talk referred breaking an oath with the one I serve; this was not something I am comfortable with.”
”However, such considerations now seem immaterial. We were ordered to reclaim our property, not to slay the renegade who fled.”
He shrugs as he turns his gaze down the path.
”When in doubt a man of quality must cleave to those things which he knows to be true – during the night I did not know how it would be if those who were engaged to protect the one I serve decided to break faith; but I knew enough that when put before an oathbreaker what my duty should be.”
”Today I know more; today I know that the life of the Nabastissean is not a factor that is being weighed. Without vendetta in the balance I must resort to simple tactics; in short, if we fight this oathbreaker than one of us may die when we are set against him, even if we slay him. But should either of us die then at best we would lose another potential guard in the fight; since we are not bound to slay him – since there is no judgment of death upon him – I am allowed to elect another course, one in which – I think – is more reasonable.”
"That sounds like a fair trade. I am most willing to apply my skills to the aid of those in this caravan. And I am left in little doubt that you are a man of means to duly compensate those in your service. I agree to your terms, and I will now assess where my skills are most crucially required."
Yetara nods his head and makes what might be seen as a generous gesture of assent at Paten's words, yet somehow it seems more condescending than anything.
The water collects down the mountainside when it rains into the stone track of the pass. However, the pass arches upwards and then levels off and arches downward. In short, any water that falls into the pass itself will run down the stone pass to the east and west. You also recall that to the west side of the pass is a gate or garrison manned by multiple soldiers loyal to Khazistan. These soldiers have horses and supplies at that garrison. You suspect once you reach the gate you will be able to replenish your water supplies with ease and that is only a day or so away. However, you will have issues regarding how you carry it in the future, but - no doubt – things can be arranged regarding that when you arrive.
I suppose that even if he didn’t you can ask him to repeat it. Unfortunately it won’t do you much good; had he translated more precisely what he heard (or if he could use the right Knowledge Checks) then you might have found a clue. As it is, his assessment of what is said is generally accurate, but not precise enough to warrant an appropriate check.
"They may have their supplies hidden or a base elsewhere, within riding distance. Which does not bode well for us, I suppose." Tairin cast her eyes about the cliffs.
Samir lets out a little hiss of breath beneath clenched teeth as Tairin works.
”They are not riding folk, not normally. These hillmen prefer to climb rather than use mounts, generally. However, we are of like mind in this guess. These wretches have no gear on them now, surely there is a place near to this that they have stored their packs and foodstuffs. Even a hillman would need food and water yet these dogs have none. How far must we travel to find such a camp, though, I know not.”
One this is clear; the ledge is too straight and precise to be coincidence. The width is almost like a stone sidewalk with a small lip of stone or rock like a parapet to stand behind. You cannot see anything where you are working with Samir specifically, but you would guess that perhaps once – long ago – this ledge may have been carved of a purpose. If so, perhaps further examination of the length of it in either direction to the end may reveal more clues. However, where you’re sitting now, you can’t see anything very interesting other than that – except for -N, -O, -P in which the ledge continues to run completely straight even as the pass turns south east. Of course, no one went that far west to explore, but if you went closer you might find more there for a Perception Check.
That being the case, I assume you do that and you’d notice when you got to -N that there is heavily damaged by fallen rock the beginnings of a stair (on 3:-N to be precise. This stair is not one you could walk as it is clearly damaged. But you could probably crawl up it with a Climb Check DC of 10 as it’s fairly rough and at a good angle. Peering up at it you think it ascends back toward the northern mountain and up for about – you would think – possibly a hundred feet or so, though it is difficult to tell. More than that would either require a very high Perception Check or you’d need to climb up a bit further before you’d see more.
"We could do a quick search of the these bodies and then we can try to climb down. There may be an easier path down, a route perhaps taken by these bandits, or we can use my rope and I can help you climb down, although my strength or climbing are not as good as yours, Samir. I will do my best."
He grins at Tairin and slides his kit forward and lifts a 50 Foot Hemp Rope.
”It has no hook and was – to my mind – little use in the combat. But if you wish I could lower you down?” he says.
One of the men has a pouch on it with various coins equaling 52 Gold and 107 Silver. They all have the same stamp on them. You do not recognize it without an Appraisal Check, but as it’s local enough Samir would be able to tell you that it’s coin from Ghezath – in short; coin from the very same city state that you believe instigated these attacks.
You do not see anything you could tie a rope to specifically, but you suspect that if you hacked the rock long enough with one of the bandit’s swords you could make a niche that you could tie the rope to. Of course, then the rope would be tied to the rock and you could not get it back with ease.
But you could probably crawl up it with a Climb Check DC of 10 as it’s fairly rough and at a good angle. Peering up at it you think it ascends back toward the northern mountain and up for about – you would think – possibly a hundred feet or so, though it is difficult to tell. More than that would either require a very high Perception Check or you’d need to climb up a bit further before you’d see more.
Tairin pocked the coin pouch (holding 52 gp and 107sp), with a quiet word, "I will divide this later. For now, I will carry it on me."
Tairn then began to cast, "Risaela" and pointed first toward Bjoern and then Red, whispering a message into their ears, //"We found hidden crumbled stairs. The Hillmen must have stored their packs and foodstuffs. We will climb up and investigate further. How far, we do not know."//
Then looking to Samir, she added quietly, "We should investigate this Samir. I will go first as you are still wounded. I know you are a better climber; yet I cannot risk you getting hurt anew as the healers are down below."
Alas, as she tried to climb up the rough slope, she could not find her footing and her effort reaped no success. More determined, Tairin attempted the climb again, and, this time it proved so easy she was more than a little embarrassed with her first attempt; her cheeks growing rosy. As she climbed up, her eyes cast about the space/rock, looking for anything noteworthy.
Patenemheb muses openly to Caslav and Red as he eyes the sides of the pass.
"The water collects down the mountainside when it rains into the stone track of the pass. However, the pass arches upwards and then levels off and arches downward. In short, any water that falls into the pass itself will run down the stone pass to the east and west. Thus there will be little or no water to be found there unless there is a break, a pool, or recent rainfall. The soldiers at the gate are loyal to Khazistan but should have no great objection to selling us water. Carrying very much will require acquiring means, but perhaps that too can be eased at the gate."
Looking to the camels:
"If we do not overly tax the beasts, and allow them to rest well in camp tonight, they should be largely healed. Unfortunately, the comrades or employers of our pursuers may not afford us that course of action. Seeking their base is possible, but carries risks of its own."
Seeing Tairin climb, he calls to her, pointing out foot and handholds.
[dice=Climb up (DC 10)]1d20+4
When you reach the summit of the stairs you see that they open on to a wide ledge which goes back about 200 feet (clearly it was carved flat, you can wipe dust and grit off the ground and seem well-laid flag-stones beneath your feet). On the far side it looks like several broken columns held up what may have once been an outcrop of narrow roof extending from the cliff wall - but the majority of the columns have collapsed and the roof is broken. However, there is a space in the wall that looks like there may have once been a doorway into some chamber beyond.
As you study the wall carefully Samir turns absently and glances southward. He taps you on the shoulder and indicates you look behind you.
There, on the other side of the chasm is a similar outcrop that you would have not seen but for the fact you were at the right height to witness it. However, the south side is not as cleaned out or flat. It looks like the majority of the "floor" that was there (or courtyard, plateau, whatever it is) has been largely destroyed by an old rock slide; broken rocks cover most of that flat surface and clearly have tumbled down to the opening of a wide stairway which can be seen at the summit but was almost completely obfuscated with the jetsam of time and weathered stone.
Samir rubs his chin thoughtfully and turns to look at you.
"That is far from us, to be sure, and looks like there is nothing left of it. However, the opening in the cliff on our side? Beneath the damaged outcrop of roof - or broken ceiling - this bears investigation. Shall we proceed?" he asks, but in a tone in which it's clear that he is offering a rhetorical question rather than anything else.
" ”So what is the plan?’"
"If we do not overly tax the beasts, and allow them to rest well in camp tonight, they should be largely healed. Unfortunately, the comrades or employers of our pursuers may not afford us that course of action. Seeking their base is possible, but carries risks of its own."
Yetara stifles a yawn.
"Well, it is nearing 1:30 in the afternoon. While the others grub about I believe it is a good enough time for some lunch. Would you care to join me?" he asks with a strange gesture of magnanimity, and then waves his hand curtly at Daniya who looks at him and then moves to his side and helps set up a small rug on the ground and a few modest poles which support another cloth to create a "lean-to" for him to relax in while food is doled out.
Naturally he does not presume to order you to eat; but clearly he himself has no issue with having a comfortable rest. Though Daniya does most of the serving of the food and drink, she also eats - though not until he himself has finished and is relaxed, of course...
Turning around at Samir's tap on the shoulder, Tairin examined the space.
Upon his suggestion to investigate the opening of the cliff on their side, she nodded and responded quietly, "Yes, let us proceed and see what lies there," drawing her scimitar in case of danger and moving as steadily/surely as she could manage; her gaze on the look out for traps or hidden objects or creatures.
Patenemheb nods and says:
"Most certainly."
Patenemheb will partake of the food and drink on offer, taking the opportunity to get to understand Yetara a little better.
"My thanks for the refreshments, Lord Yetara. If you do not mind me asking, you mentioned a place to reside. I take it that you intend to remain in the city for a time?"
As he works alongside She Who Knows to recover supplies from the buried wagon, he glances at their employer's repast and shrugs. The less attention he pays to me the better! He winces as his hands touch something wet and warm, and he reluctantly turns his gaze back to his work. With a resigned sigh of disgust he tosses the severed arm of one of the slaves to the side and resumes his scavenging.
Tairn then began to cast, "Risaela" and pointed first toward Bjoern and then Red, whispering a message into their ears, //"We found hidden crumbled stairs. The Hillmen must have stored their packs and foodstuffs. We will climb up and investigate further. How far, we do not know."//
Red receives the message and replies //Very well. We lost a lot of our water if you did not see. I will be salvaging gear and food.//
When Ala'lhys asks for the plan Red replies "We have healed the camels as best we can. They should be OK if treated with care. Tairin and Samir are seeing if they can locate our attacker's gear, Caslav and I are salvaging what we can from the wrecked wagon, and Yetara is having a picnic. Good to see you back."
Red also looks at Yetara preparing to eat, but with obvious contempt. When Caslav encounters a severed arm Red comments sympathetically "Don't worry Caslav, he can't hurt you now."
Upon his suggestion to investigate the opening of the cliff on their side, she nodded and responded quietly, "Yes, let us proceed and see what lies there," drawing her scimitar in case of danger and moving as steadily/surely as she could manage; her gaze on the look out for traps or hidden objects or creatures.
Samir finishes his examination of the dirt and speaks to Tairin.
"This dirt and grit has laid here for some time; so it is easy to read that heavy men walked here recently. I cannot be sure how many as they wandered about this area for some time, but I would guess it was our friends below which laid the ambush for us. I also suspect that there are no more folk remaining else we would have dealt with them already."
The two advance slowly to the stone entrance in the rocks and they peer inside. While it is dark they can see heavy furs and and other skins lying on the ground as bedrolls and other evidence of gear in jumbled heaps.
Unfortunately, as there is no real light but for the mouth of the opening they must wait for another light to be kindled for a better look.
Samir turns to Tairin.
"Given the fact that their bedrolls are so close to the entrance I would wager they did not travel far in. This is likely some place where they store gear at times, though it is confusing - if they used this as a base of operations to hit travelers on the caravan - as they did us - surely by now someone would have been assailed before and elected to route them out... this all seems very odd, but perhaps we may find more with light?" he adds then looks at Tairin.
Patenemheb will partake of the food and drink on offer, taking the opportunity to get to understand Yetara a little better.
"My thanks for the refreshments, Lord Yetara. If you do not mind me asking, you mentioned a place to reside. I take it that you intend to remain in the city for a time?"
He nods.
"Of course. I am known in that city and when we arrive I shall meet with a local official of some importance. While I own no formal property in the city limits yet, I anticipate that will change shortly after my arrival."
"Naturally those who have aided me in my journey shall find employment with me in my residence until I can hire local trustworthy individuals, assuming - of course - that we both wish to continue our most excellent business arrangement," he adds with a casual gesture with his hand as pauses a moment to pluck a date from a clay bowl and eat it.
"I think you will find the city to be intriguing. There are many educated people - such as men like ourselves - and the city is festooned with beautiful gardens and statues. Whether you remain as my guest or simply wish to examine the city independently I am confident you will find the experience rewarding," he adds.
Clicking his tongue twice to cause the camel to stop and kneel, he dismounts. Smiling, ”It’s good to be back. I’m glad the camels should be ok, The one I rode out on still needs a little medical attention. Who has been working on them?”
"That would be me. Sláinte!"[b]replies Red, who then moves to administer the healing hex to the injured camel. She then proceeds to use the same hex on the two warriors, continuing [b]"Now it is your turn, very heroic of you two thinking of the beasts before yourselves. Sláinte!"
’It looks like Tairin must have gone up that rope.’ Ignoring where Yerara was taking his meal, he nods toward the rope hanging from the cliff and asks, ”Have they signaled if they’ve found anything or need any assistance?”
"Neither as yet."
The two advance slowly to the stone entrance in the rocks and they peer inside. While it is dark they can see heavy furs and and other skins lying on the ground as bedrolls and other evidence of gear in jumbled heaps.
Unfortunately, as there is no real light but for the mouth of the opening they must wait for another light to be kindled for a better look.
"This all seems very odd, but perhaps we may find more with light?" he adds then looks at Tairin.
"Indeed," Tairin replied in low voice before starting to cast her light spell, uttering "Risaela" and four small orbs of light appearing before her.
Directing all four dancing lights and spreading them out inside the chamber, Tairin quietly instructed, "Halt, as I check for traps," before examining the ground in front of the entrance, around the entrance and then toward the stone ground just within.
Then Tairin lifted her gaze to the interior, passed the furs and bedrolls nearby, looking for sign of threat or anything noteworthy.
Patenemheb nods in genuine interest to Yetara's words.
I do wish to see the city. But not at a blood price.
"I do indeed wish to see the sights of the city. It is good for a man to have an offer of hospitality and gainful activity before even setting foot in such a place. It would be sinful of me to not use my talents to preserve and improve worthy lives."
Patenemheb takes a sip of water to wet his throat.
"Do you know much else of the city? There are dangers in such a place, surely. And powerful men must attract jealous rivals. I would not be caught unawares if possible."
Bjoern sits down and takes his lunch, trying hard to be as polite as possible.
”Well, Caslav, you look no worse for wear.”
"Lucky for me those bandits couldn't aim around camels," the young Lamuran replies, "and that I didn't elect to ride in the wagon."
"Lysander has abandoned us, then?" he asks, mildly incredulous.
Directing all four dancing lights and spreading them out inside the chamber, Tairin quietly instructed, "Halt, as I check for traps," before examining the ground in front of the entrance, around the entrance and then toward the stone ground just within.
The chamber itself is roughly 100 feet wide, much like the carved wall beyond. Further, the height of the room is nearly forty feet up. It stretches back about roughly sixty feet or so, but it’s difficult to determine specifics as the rear wall is cracked and destroyed in places.
Your natural ability to study rocks/stones allows you to gauge that the rear wall was damaged by what you think was rock slides slamming into what might have been the “roof” of the structure, but if there was a specific roof per se, that would suggest that the chamber itself was not carved straight into the mountain, but somewhere higher up there was a place where rocks could tumble down on to where the roof would be.
As you advance you can see that the inside of the chamber is not entirely dark.
To your left (in this case, your east), you notice that there is a crack in the ceiling where a bit of light shines in. As you move toward that place you can see that the eastern side of the chamber had a set of stone stairs which led up to an opening in the roof. This opening may have led to a room or chamber above the one you’re currently in, but – again – you think that at some point in the past a landslide slid down the mountain and crushed whatever chamber was above this one.
This means that the same falling rocks which crushed the above chamber likely fell through the stairwell and crashed down the stone stairs and are currently blocking much of the stairs, though it would not be difficult to climb the rocks covering the lower half of the stairs and get to the opening in the roof to see what is above, if you so desire.
Glancing at the ground you see that there are packs and supplies on the ground; toward the eastern side is the remains of a fire which was clearly extinguished. There are stacks of dried branches and a few thin logs of trees that are clearly native to this area, though they were likely carried here.
What would you like to do now?
"I do indeed wish to see the sights of the city. It is good for a man to have an offer of hospitality and gainful activity before even setting foot in such a place. It would be sinful of me to not use my talents to preserve and improve worthy lives."
Yetara nods in response, clearly noting your obvious pleasantry about his hospitality and makes a non-comital gesture regarding the further cloying nature of such interviews, including the obvious nonsense about “preserving lives”, as if such considerations where something that men of quality even troubled themselves with, and merely waits patiently for the true nature of your query.
"Do you know much else of the city? There are dangers in such a place, surely. And powerful men must attract jealous rivals. I would not be caught unawares if possible."
”Indeed, I know many things,” he says as he lifts his cup and sips it, his eyes studying you thoughtfully as he masks most of his face and expression with his hand which holds the cup before his mouth.
As he drinks slowly he puts the cup aside and responds.
”A wise man always seeks to know if there is danger before him, and in all nations it is a truth that the powerful attract the attention of those would steal power from them.”
”But – no doubt – if you remain in my service you need fear no such trivium,” he says with another pause to lift something to his mouth as he watches you again.
”Those who serve me well are treated well; and those who are powerful need fear no rival – for it is a truth that a dead rival can no longer threaten you, is not that so?” he asks with a smile.
Sefu returns with Ala and watches the nobles eat by the camp that Yetara and Paten have created. He says nothing as Daniya patiently serves them; his face impassive at her work – almost as if he is intentionally masking his emotions for some reason.
He glances around the party for a moment as he notes that the camels have been tended to and the supplies taken care of.
Peering about he notes that the dead bandits are still in a heap where they fell, as are the corpses of the slaves.
He says nothing about the bodies of the bandits which have not been policed, nor the corpses of the slaves which are rotting the sun. Instead, he takes time to make sure his horse is watered properly before he elects to eat or drink anything himself. When that is done he looks around again and his eyes narrow.
”Where is the other Tar-Ammonite woman and her bodyguard?” he asks the party with some confusion.
”A wise man always seeks to know if there is danger before him, and in all nations it is a truth that the powerful attract the attention of those would steal power from them.”
”But – no doubt – if you remain in my service you need fear no such trivium,” he says with another pause to lift something to his mouth as he watches you again.
”Those who serve me well are treated well; and those who are powerful need fear no rival – for it is a truth that a dead rival can no longer threaten you, is not that so?”
Patenemheb picks up a date and chew it slowly while listening to Yetara's words. He finishes while Yetara's question still hangs in the air, freeing him to respond not too urgently or tardily.
"That is indeed a truth. A powerful man, or an empire, who ignore such dangers or their resolution, would not remain so for long. Are there any servants of yours awaiting our arrival in the city, or would you be assembling them beginning with this group?"
"That is indeed a truth. A powerful man, or an empire, who ignore such dangers or their resolution, would not remain so for long. Are there any servants of yours awaiting our arrival in the city, or would you be assembling them beginning with this group?"
”For men such as us there shall be ample serving folk to attend to our needs for our destination is a the home of a well-established aristocrat and acquaintance of mine.”
He pauses to take a date from the plate and continues.
”This friend of mine has lived long in this city, nearly thirty years, and he has many connections within the city limits. At his home we shall find many luxuries, no doubt.”
”Further, I have my own private connections with various important officials within the city itself beyond my esteemed acquaintance, for it is wise to have many allies to aid in observing intrigues. After all, the city was founded by your folk – and while it is a truth that when it comes to true cunning and intrigue the Yar-Ammonite is lacking compared to a Lamuran, I do say that your people are – nevertheless – ones that are worth noting, for your kind possess ancient lore about both science as well as secrets best left unspoken,” he adds with a smile.
”Even so, we must be cautious on our journey. The Khazistani horselords are certainly worth watching on the road, even so, those Jairanian dogs enjoy the chance to infiltrate the city and indulge in their roguish ways – and all of this is an aside from the sly plots of those Yar-Ammonites who yet reside there since their ancestors founded it centuries ago.”
He sighs with an almost melodramatic flair, as if the idea of these threats are more of a challenge to best in some great game, then quaffs a large gulp of water from one of the skins then leans back and folds his spidery hands over his thin belly and watches you with a crooked smile under lidded eyes.
”What more would you like to know of our destination?” he says with an almost expansive voice, yet his tone somehow reminds you of a predatory bird waiting for its prey to err before it swoops.
Even so, he waits politely for an answer.
Hearing Sefu’s question, Ala’Ihys leaves the wagons remains and approaches the large man, nodding toward the rope. ”Tairin realized that these men have no gear with them. So she and the others have gone looking for their camp, to hopefully find water. Do you want me to go look for them?” Realizing that the dead barbarian near him still has gear, he stoops and starts to strip the corpse.
Sefu grunts in acceptance of this as the two men work to strip the bodies and gather what gear they may find.
”By all accounts they have only been gone for a half hour. If they have not returned in an hour we should go to find them. But as your witch there claims to have some bond with the one you name Tairin to hearken to her voice from great distance I deem we need not fear overmuch. Surely if she is in danger she shall inform us readily,” he adds as he tosses a bloodied scimitar into a pile with the others.
unless Sefu sends Ala’Ihys searching for the others, he will strip all of the dead nomads of their gear.
To your left (in this case, your east), you notice that there is a crack in the ceiling where a bit of light shines in. As you move toward that place you can see that the eastern side of the chamber had a set of stone stairs which led up to an opening in the roof. This opening may have led to a room or chamber above the one you’re currently in, but – again – you think that at some point in the past a landslide slid down the mountain and crushed whatever chamber was above this one.
Tairin moved the dancing orbs about the space as she walked and examined the structure and chamber.
Speaking quietly to Samir, she said, "I will climb up higher to get a better look. Perhaps you can search the packs and supplies for food and water."
Looking at the rocks filling the stairwell, she began to climb up; two of her dancing orbs moving with her, hoping to get a better look. The other two light orbs stayed lower to provide Samir with light in the chamber.
From her higher vantage and closer to the cracked ceiling , Tairin began to cast, quietly speaking the word "Shael" and began sifting through the rock barrier; her eyes searching for any secret doors or anything of note above her.
Then reaching the crack/hole in the ceiling, she sent one of her orbs through and cast her eyes up through it to gauge any threat. Then she squeezed through the space, lifting herself through the hole (thankfully she was slight and able to slip through) and then her other light orb followed and she searched for traps again (this time on the cracked floor before her) and then looked about the space to see what it held.
Speaking quietly to Samir, she said, "I will climb up higher to get a better look. Perhaps you can search the packs and supplies for food and water."
Samir shrugs his shoulders and begins to sort through the gear on the ground while Tairin climbs higher up in the rocks.
After a short while she is able to get to the top of the rock formation and can crawl through the opening in the ceiling and is able to see what is above and climb to the place above the rocks.
As you poke your head into the next area you see you are on a wide, open floor. The south side of the place may have had a wall at some point, but it has long collapsed. The east and west sides have stone walls extending from the edge of the cliff, but as they extend to the south side of the cliff they have crumbled away.
Essentially you feel you are on second floor - almost like a flat roof - but above you there is no ceiling and the north wall is a mass of rocks. Indeed, you see nothing of note here, except on the western side of the open space there looks like what may have at one point been a large cistern or pool.
However, it is not dry, but it seems to have collected a large amount of run-off water that pours down from higher places in the mountain. As you peer up the stone rocks you suspect that at one point the pool had stone grooves to collect that run-off water, and while they have been largely destroyed, enough remain that the pool does indeed seem to have quite a bit of water in it.
You're free to go examine it if you'd like...
Sefu grunts in acceptance of this as the two men work to strip the bodies and gather what gear they may find.
”By all accounts they have only been gone for a half hour. If they have not returned in an hour we should go to find them. But as your witch there claims to have some bond with the one you name Tairin to hearken to her voice from great distance I deem we need not fear overmuch. Surely if she is in danger she shall inform us readily,”
"Your witch or something also knows the range of the cantrip, which is only a little over forty yards, and they will be well beyond that. But their intent was to find a camp they expect to be empty and the time they have been gone does not give cause for concern."interjects Red rather wryly.
Indeed, you see nothing of note here, except on the western side of the open space there looks like what may have at one point been a large cistern or pool.
However, it is not dry, but it seems to have collected a large amount of run-off water that pours down from higher places in the mountain. As you peer up the stone rocks you suspect that at one point the pool had stone grooves to collect that run-off water, and while they have been largely destroyed, enough remain that the pool does indeed seem to have quite a bit of water in it.
You're free to go examine it if you'd like...
Tairin made her way steadily and cautiously toward the pool of water. Tairin peered into the water to see how clear and clean it is and if there would be any issue with drawing water for their personal needs.
Tairin called down thoughtfully to Samir, not wanting to stir the fallen rock anymore than she had to, "Samir, I found a pool of water. It appears the bandits may have been using it as drinking water. You are better than I at discerning the freshness of such pools, I am sure ... If there are containers or skins below, then bring them up and we can fill them and replenish what we have lost so we can return to the others and not tarry longer than we have to."
”For men such as us there shall be ample serving folk to attend to our needs for our destination is a the home of a well-established aristocrat and acquaintance of mine.”
He pauses to take a date from the plate and continues.
”This friend of mine has lived long in this city, nearly thirty years, and he has many connections within the city limits. At his home we shall find many luxuries, no doubt.”
”Further, I have my own private connections with various important officials within the city itself beyond my esteemed acquaintance, for it is wise to have many allies to aid in observing intrigues. After all, the city was founded by your folk – and while it is a truth that when it comes to true cunning and intrigue the Yar-Ammonite is lacking compared to a Lamuran, I do say that your people are – nevertheless – ones that are worth noting, for your kind possess ancient lore about both science as well as secrets best left unspoken,” he adds with a smile.
”Even so, we must be cautious on our journey. The Khazistani horselords are certainly worth watching on the road, even so, those Jairanian dogs enjoy the chance to infiltrate the city and indulge in their roguish ways – and all of this is an aside from the sly plots of those Yar-Ammonites who yet reside there since their ancestors founded it centuries ago.”
He sighs with an almost melodramatic flair, as if the idea of these threats are more of a challenge to best in some great game, then quaffs a large gulp of water from one of the skins then leans back and folds his spidery hands over his thin belly and watches you with a crooked smile under lidded eyes.
”What more would you like to know of our destination?”
"I will not argue about the relative strength of the wiles of my countrymen compared to those of the Lamuran. Though it can certainly be said that the Children of the Kingdom possess much in the way of secrets, some long whispered-of.", Patenemheb comments with a slight smile, before bringing the cup to cover his lips as he sips water.
"The Khazistani's regard themselves highly, especially their martial prowess. Flattery, combined with obviously displayed martial strength, often suffices when dealing with their ilk, I have found. The Jhairanians needs must watching, as your purse. But I am sure these notions are stating the obvious to one such as yourself.", he adds unhastily as he indulges in picking up a particularly sweet-looking date.
"You have generously shared much about our destination with me. I do wonder if we shall find the Nabastissean there, after fleeing from the battle and the rest of the bodyguards. But that is a piece of curiosity that surely cannot be sated just yet."
During the day's ride west, Caslav keeps turning the archer's words over in his mind. 'She's our witch.' If he knew what I was, this man would see me controlled rather than destroyed. Which would be worse? He tried to keep himself from distraction as he now rode at the head of the caravan, looking for signs of both danger and resources.
Upon stopping to make camp he sets up his bedroll near the fire as usual, then sits upon it and stays out of everyone else's way unless asked to assist them. This Yetara seems typical of Lamra's elite - arrogant and callous. Daniya seems... The young man squirms uncomfortably as his mind strays towards distasteful territory. Seems like an insufferable brat! Still, if he intends to offer her as sacrifice to Yot-Kamoth, we must stop him. Strange, though, that they would take her out of Lamu all the way to Zul-Bazzir to do such a thing, and under the care of but a single priest. His eyes turn towards the grey-robed Lamuran as the man impatiently awaits the assembly of his tent.
What are you up to, Yetara?
Red travels stoically throughout the day as she is still mildly injured and in a little pain. when the caravan she thanks Ala'lhys gratefully for caring for her camel bishop and begins to assist making a fire. Once there is a blaze going she asks "Tairin, were you able to gather much water from the base of those who attacked us? And is anyone still injured, I can heal you once each day? Speaking of which, I am still injured. I would be grateful for the care of one of our skilled healers, Patenemheb or Tairin?"
"
Bjoern unmounts and quickly helps Tairin down her camel.
"Mylady!"
He takes care of the animals before aiding with the camp and erection of the tents!
"The Khazistani's regard themselves highly, especially their martial prowess. Flattery, combined with obviously displayed martial strength, often suffices when dealing with their ilk, I have found. The Jhairanians needs must watching, as your purse. But I am sure these notions are stating the obvious to one such as yourself." he adds unhastily as he indulges in picking up a particularly sweet-looking date.
Yetara chuckles pleasantly.
”Ah, the Yar-Ammonites; with so much wisdom yet the propensity to declaim on facts which enlightened men already know is ever apparent,” he says, but without rancor.
”But it is a fact that these are indeed obvious,” he adds with a gulp of water.
"You have generously shared much about our destination with me. I do wonder if we shall find the Nabastissean there, after fleeing from the battle and the rest of the bodyguards. But that is a piece of curiosity that surely cannot be sated just yet."
Yetara shrugs.
”Who cares for that one? He is a sell-sword and I suspect he shall go where the money is readily apparent. Yet whether we see him again, or not, matters little. I have no use for folk who break their word on a business venture.”
After he sees to the ladies animals and then helping everyone in the party make sure their beasts are secured, fed and watered; Ala’Ihys joins the others at the fireside. Placing his bed roll near Caslav’s He observes, ”We gathered a few dozen arrows from the Nomads, if anyone needs to resupply.”
Samir nods.
"I am not a bad archer; I could always use extra arrows," he says with a nod.
"Further, we have found a quantity of supplies in the hills. The chief element of them is water - more than enough for us to get our beasts and our selves to the gate and a few days beyond, should we need it," he adds.
Red travels stoically throughout the day as she is still mildly injured and in a little pain. when the caravan she thanks Ala'lhys gratefully for caring for her camel bishop and begins to assist making a fire. Once there is a blaze going she asks "Tairin, were you able to gather much water from the base of those who attacked us? And is anyone still injured, I can heal you once each day? Speaking of which, I am still injured. I would be grateful for the care of one of our skilled healers, Patenemheb or Tairin?"
"
Samir glances at Red.
”I am still injured if you are able to heal,” he says with a nod of his head.
Tairin was glad to be down from the tower and cliff with the extra water and supplies she and Samir had found. I am no true climber. Perhaps, in future, I shall send one of the men versed in the wilderness to aid Samir in such endeavours. A long, soft sigh escaped her lips as she felt the strain on her body. Least we have water, relief filling and easing her mind.
Finding Haji still unharmed and secure to the lead camel of the wagon, she moved to her camel and prepared to get on the way. The waterskins and supplies were divided between them so the camels would not be overly burdened, especially the still wounded ones.
Tairin rode in thoughtful silence in her place among the order, occasionally scanning the surrounds for sign of further threat.
When the sun began to descend in the sky and the cooler air prevailed, she listened to Ala'hys' words,
Having entered the western side of the ‘spillways’ they travel for a bit, stopping around 6:00 Ala’Ihys motions, ”We may as well set up camp here. We should reach the end tomorrow.”
"Wise counsel, Ala'lhys. Thank you. Let us promptly set up camp, water the camels and take some food."
Bjoern unmounts and quickly helps Tairin down her camel. "Mylady!" He takes care of the animals before aiding with the camp and erection of the tents!
She readily accepted Bjoern's gallant aid to dismount after the long day she had endured. "Thank you, Bear." She gave him a small smile and nod of her head.
Stopping his camel, Sud’s automatically kneels so Ala’Ihys can dismount. Quickly seeing to his own beasts, he then asks Tairin and Red, ”Ladies, may I assist you with your animals?”
Tairin lightly laughed as both Bjoern and Ala'lhys offered to take care of Haji. "I do not have preference as to who would care for Haji. She was a good girl when the others camels stampeded and deserves her rest. Thank you, gentlemen," handing the reins and lead rope to the man who stepped up first.
"Tairin, were you able to gather much water from the base of those who attacked us? And is anyone still injured, I can heal you once each day? Speaking of which, I am still injured. I would be grateful for the care of one of our skilled healers, Patenemheb or Tairin?"
"...We have found a quantity of supplies in the hills. The chief element of them is water - more than enough for us to get our beasts and our selves to the gate and a few days beyond, should we need it," he adds.
Tairin gave a nod and added, "Between Samir and I we managed to bring down twenty gallons of water - there are twenty full waterskins. There was pool of water the bandits were using in the tower we discovered. If we are mindful with how much we all drink, including the animals, we will have enough water until we reach the gate."
Upon hearing Red was still wounded, Tairin nodded and moved toward the witch healer and examined her remaining wounds, hoping to provide some relief to the woman.
minute
After she finished cleaning and wrapping Red's wounds, she added quietly, "There, I hope that gives you some relief. With a good night's sleep you should feel even better come morning."
Samir glances at Red.
”I am still injured if you are able to heal,” he says with a nod of his head.
"I did what I could do for Samir atop the cliff, cleaning and wrapping his wounds. Perhaps your magic will give him added relief. Even wounded, he was a great help to me atop the tower and cliff."
Upon stopping to make camp he sets up his bedroll near the fire as usual, then sits upon it and stays out of everyone else's way unless asked to assist them.
"Caslav, please aid the others in securing the camp for the night. You have a knack for such things and could possibly complete the task much faster than I. Thank you." She smiled at the young man and then moved over to the place where the fire was being built and sat down for a short respite before constructing her tent for the night.
Yetara chuckles pleasantly.
”Ah, the Yar-Ammonites; with so much wisdom yet the propensity to declaim on facts which enlightened men already know is ever apparent,” he says, but without rancor.
”But it is a fact that these are indeed obvious,” he adds with a gulp of water.
"Indeed. All the black Star-Temples in Amenti cannot curb tongues speaking openly."
Yetara shrugs.
”Who cares for that one? He is a sell-sword and I suspect he shall go where the money is readily apparent. Yet whether we see him again, or not, matters little. I have no use for folk who break their word on a business venture.”
"I sense that you are correct in his irrelevance to our future dealings. The others seem capable, of protecting your life and that of your charge.", finishing with another sip.
*********************
Tairin gave a nod and added, "Between Samir and I we managed to bring down twenty gallons of water - there are twenty full waterskins. There was pool of water the bandits were using in the tower we discovered. If we are mindful with how much we all drink, including the animals, we will have enough water until we reach the gate."
Patenemheb notes this.
Ah, excellent. That necessity covered, so long as the water is not poisoned. A capable group, regardless of Yetara's thoughts.
Red travels stoically throughout the day as she is still mildly injured and in a little pain. when the caravan she thanks Ala'lhys gratefully for caring for her camel bishop and begins to assist making a fire. Once there is a blaze going she asks "Tairin, were you able to gather much water from the base of those who attacked us? And is anyone still injured, I can heal you once each day? Speaking of which, I am still injured. I would be grateful for the care of one of our skilled healers, Patenemheb or Tairin?"
Samir glances at Red.
”I am still injured if you are able to heal,” he says with a nod of his head.
"There you go Samir. You fought well."
Tairin gave a nod and added, "Between Samir and I we managed to bring down twenty gallons of water - there are twenty full waterskins. There was pool of water the bandits were using in the tower we discovered. If we are mindful with how much we all drink, including the animals, we will have enough water until we reach the gate."
Upon hearing Red was still wounded, Tairin nodded and moved toward the witch healer and examined her remaining wounds, hoping to provide some relief to the woman.
Heal - First Aid to Red (DC 15): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Time taken: 1d6 ⇒ 1 minute
(Returning 3+3+2=8 HP to Red.)
After she finished cleaning and wrapping Red's wounds, she added quietly, "There, I hope that gives you some relief. With a good night's sleep you should feel even better come morning."
Samir wrote:
Samir glances at Red.
”I am still injured if you are able to heal,” he says with a nod of his head.
"I did what I could do for Samir atop the cliff, cleaning and wrapping his wounds. Perhaps your magic will give him added relief. Even wounded, he was a great help to me atop the tower and cliff."
[
"Thank you Tairin. I am sure I will be fine. I will see to Samir. A very good idea to seek out the water, it is much needed." says Red before moving to heal Samir.
Tairin's request brings Caslav out of his thoughts and he hurries to provide what assistance he can in setting up camp.
Later in the evening, when Yetara, Daniya, and Sefu are reliably out of earshot, he quietly brings up his thoughts with his companions.
"If Yetara plans to offer the girl as sacrifice to Yot-Kamoth, why is bringing her all the way to Zul-Bazzir to do it? And why only him, and not an entire retinue of cultists? I think that either the spiderlings are trying to secretly start a sect abroad, or Yetara and Daniya are fleeing the power of Yot-Kamoth.
"But which is it? Not an easy topic to broach!"
The party continues to advance through the canyon after they sleep and well through the next day. Soon they reach a place where the cliffs recede and widen somewhat, much like they did on the eastern side. The path itself widens into a space that is nearly two hundred feet across, but it is blocked by a large stone wall.
Those who have been through the pass before recall that the wall is nearly ten feet thick on the western side, but the eastern side it is fifteen so that archers can stand at the summit and potentially fire on any mountain folk or invaders with ease.
You also recall that the walls are very old and despite their girth and majesty they are now guarded by those who are less vigilant; more like anyone on guard duty at a dull post.
Between the eastern and western wall there is a large area with a guardhouse, stables, a deep well and a small tavern of sorts to cater to travelers with an attached shop filled with local tools and equipment one might need in the wild.
The compliment of soldiers was once one-hundred, but you know that now it is only about twenty to twenty-five, depending on if any are on scouting missions. However, given the size of the defenses you suspect even twenty would be enough to hold off most casual threats.
Both gates are currently open, however there are three guards standing at attention at the opening and a forth guard on the parapet above. You suspect it was he that spotted you first and called to his companions as they look far too disciplined and alert as you approach to simply be men guarding a dull post.
Two of the guards grip their spears more tightly and move somewhat to impede anyone from suddenly rushing at the open gate; the guard on the parapet has his bow ready and an arrow in his hand, though it is not knocked – again, an odd display of caution for guards manning a dull post, the third guard advances to you all.
”Greetings travelers from the east – where are you headed and what is your business?” he asks politely but his eyes are intent and suspicious on all of you.
Bjoern moves closer, but keeps his hands from his blade.
"We seek shelter for our rest! We come in peace!"
Having said his share he waits for the others to do more in depth words.
Both gates are currently open, however there are three guards standing at attention at the opening and a forth guard on the parapet above. You suspect it was he that spotted you first and called to his companions as they look far too disciplined and alert as you approach to simply be men guarding a dull post.
Two of the guards grip their spears more tightly and move somewhat to impede anyone from suddenly rushing at the open gate; the guard on the parapet has his bow ready and an arrow in his hand, though it is not knocked – again, an odd display of caution for guards manning a dull post, the third guard advances to you all.
”Greetings travelers from the east – where are you headed and what is your business?” he asks politely but his eyes are intent and suspicious on all of you.
Tairin straightened her veils and robes as they grew closer to the guarded gate. She placed a cordial smile upon her face, although the veils were in place; so she employed a pleasant, melodic tone to her voice to match and aid her endeavour.
"Greetings, fine guardsmen. I believe we are fairly acquainted as I passed through your gate on the first leg of my journey. I am Tairin from Yar-Ammon. As my companion has kindly stated, we are peaceful travellers, seeking a place to rest awhile and replenish our water stores before carrying through the lands to my homeland. We will not inconvenience you long or cause you strife. May we pass through your gate?" Tairin steadily and gracefully lifted her right hand from the reins and gently gestured toward the open gate.
[dice=Know. Local re the reputation and/or "friendliness" of these guards]1d20+10[/dice]
After lunch, Patenemheb will tend again to the wounds of Red and any others who require aid.