Res Thannq |
Once, the conversation with the server is over and the groups are outside their rooms.
"Given what the server told us, we should split up evenly instead of Eliva having a room to herself as originally planned. Fortunately, Angalia's arrival makes this easier to leave honor intact, " says Res in deference to Leandro's concerns earlier. "Angalia, Eliva and Leandro can be in one room. Nothing can keep virtue in tact better than sharing a room with a noble knight. Tybalt, Andrzej, Anuqa, and I can share the other room. We should set up watches as well. We cannot be too cautious. I'll take the last watch if you don't mind so that I can meditate and prepare my spells in the morning. Good night."
Leandro |
"Well. Yes. I'm gratified, Sir Res, that you consider me so... er... harmless around such loveliness," the knight says in a rather dejected voice, bowing to the ladies politely. "Are you sure neither of you is the least uneasy about being helpless and unconscious in my presence? Just a bit, perhaps?" Leandro tosses his long hair back, holding his head proudly.
Leandro purchased four holy water at the church.
Angalia |
"Dear Leandro, were we not on a quest of such moment, trust that I would indeed find your presence in my bedchamber disturbing, although not, surely, distressing. Alas that the times are as they are. We must set aside such potential joys."
Angalia allows herself a tiny, regretful sigh.
Leandro |
Leandro bows, hand on his chest. "Thank you, gracious lady. Let me assure you that you ladies would not be at all safe were the situation any less dire." His solemn mein does not entirely conceal his smile as he continues, "But alas, the times are indeed grim. If you wish to take watch, Lady Angalia, please do so and awaken me when you tire. I, in turn, will awaken Lady Eliva for that most fortunate of watches which sees the beauteous dawn."
Celestial GM |
At Angalia's inquiry, the matron says, "I'm sure I don't know. Maybe. There's always thieves about. They'll take the clothes right off your back."
You can tell she is just passing on idle speculation at this point.
You pass an uneasy and watchful night in the inn. You are not disturbed. The morning brings with it the smell of frying bacon.
Andrzej Plamen |
Sniffing in the fatty air, Andrzej nibbles quickly at the first sandwich, and then a second. The taste is strong and fat stringy, but soon he has an empty plate.
He sips the water delicately afterwards like a civilised gentleman should.
Tybalt Scorzia |
Glancing around the common room to assure himself of their privacy; "We've got a guide to the swamps, a fishmonger. But we're bound for the necropolis and a dark wizard - from there we hope to obtain Harag's Skull from him. An item of power." He reminds, or tells Angalia.
Just then his small owl flits down from the lintel and starts to nibble at the musicians' bacon. Which draws a smile from his lips.
Res Thannq |
Res joins the others for breakfast. He orders two helpings of bacon and eggs. "Who know if this will be our last meal," Res pauses for a moment, then completes his sentence. "for a while. We may be caught up in the swamp for a few days. I have 5 days of trail rations just in case. Is everyone else all prepared?"
Leandro |
"We should sell the useless trinkets we found and be certain everyone has what they need from the proceeds," Leandro suggests, "I also have five days worth of foodstuffs, bland as it is."
See Discussion thread
Andrzej Plamen |
"4 Days only. Did the guide say how long we would be?" Andrzej pays little attention to the shopping chit chat until he realizes just what is meant. We may not all return from this venture.
Andrzej finishes his breakfast and thanks the staff. "I shall accompany your buying to see if there is anything else I need. Presently I do not know."
Tybalt Scorzia |
Looking at his plate a bit sheepishly, he says in an overtly jovial tone - to mask his embarrassment. "Well I'm out of food. I do have a fishing hook, pots and pans."
With a glance to his heavy back-packs leaning against the wall precariously; "Andrzej, I don't think he mentioned, but a couple of days each way at a minimum - I'd wager. I've a little skill at cooking, but hopefully there should be a few spices available." he adds remembering that due to the poor quality of meat and humid conditions, that many dishes are heavily accented with spice.
Res Thannq |
Res claps Tybalt on the shoulder. "Not to worry Tybalt. We can pick up some rations before we leave. Also, in a pinch, I have a spell I can use to feed all of us for a day. Now let us gather our potions and supplies and be off." Res takes a last bite from his plate and adds, "Time is not our friend, as the full moon draws nigh."
Celestial GM |
You are able to stock up on supplies at the market as you make your way to meet with Leclerc. The greasy fishmonger eyes you with some surprise. "I wasn't sure you lot would show up. I figured you lot would think better of going into the swamps. Perhaps you are bigger fools than I thought. No matter." He hacks up a wad of phlegm onto the dirt. "You ready to begin?"
Celestial GM |
"Right then," he says.
He leads you down the muck-ridden streets of the city. The huddled masses eye you with curiosity and suspicion from the shadows of the crowded buildings overlooking the thoroughfares. The street which heads toward the western gate is crowded, but somehow quiet at the same time. A subdued air hangs over the place which grows stronger as you near the city wall.
As if a final reminder of the city you put behind you, a child's doll, exhibiting considerable craftsmanship, lies crushed into the mud, its lifeless glass eyes fixed on the heavens and some distant hope which has long since abandoned this place.
Beyond the gate, waterlogged rice fields cluster by the city walls, worked by the now-familiar downtrodden slaves of Souraigne.
Tybalt Scorzia |
The young bard smiles at Angalia's act, then sets out into the swamps. He consults with their guide, to see if he can help take them to the necropolis. For his knowledge had been long studies in cold winters evenings in his Lords library - however without the local knowledge he'd be useless.
Then turning away from the others and privately getting out his 'compass', to ascertain the directions and route.
Celestial GM |
"Two days, if we are lucky," your guide says. He tries to gauge your reaction to his estimate.
"We will head southwest across the plantations for about two hours before turning westward into the swamp. It is best to take advantage of as much dry land as we can, as progress through the drowned lands is slow and treacherous." He seems to be enjoying making the trip as unpleasant as possible.
Tybalt Scorzia |
"That's good, we have a couple of days to see the sights." Tybalt tries to lift the dour spirits in the swamps. "I'm sure any predators that may lie hidden shall keep our reactions sharp and our minds quick."
The heavy load on his back has made it a bit slow going, but he's reassured by the little owl that perches upon his shoulders.
He surveys the landscape getting his bearings, "Unfortunately, I don't think a game of 'I Spy' would be too fruitful however." He adds with a dark humour.
Andrzej Plamen |
Andrzej looks with distaste at his high boots. He scraps them for the third time and a small part of him wishes that he had a small piece of magic that cleaned them at a word.
He scratches the sweat from around his collar and neck. Something pops and a day that started bad feels sticky and looking at the blackened juice on his fingers doesn't help.
A corner of his thin moustache twitches upwards.
Celestial GM |
As you reach midday, Leclerc leads the way westward into the festering swamp. There is no discernible path, but he seems to be leading you along an invisible route of reasonably dry ground.
All around you, murky pools of fetid water buzz with insects and toadstools, and towering, twisted trees droop with tendrils of pale moss, which hang limply in the still, thick haze. The sounds of frogs, cicadas, and katydids fill the air with a constant hum and chirp. It is not long before the bugs begin to bite, a nuisance that makes this journey all the more uncomfortable. Small movements in the undergrowth or in the algae-caked pools indicate the abundance of wildlife in this part of the swamps.
Perception checks, please.
Leandro |
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16
"Leclerc.... Leclerc... that name seems somehow familiar. Yet I cannot place it," Leandro mutters distractedly as his boots sink into the mire. He sighs at the insult to his mail but isn't terribly bothered until the bugs find the chinks in his armor and bite in places he can't scratch. "Shelyn's blessing! Would that I could shrink Thorn and use him to scratch beneath these plates!"
The constant irritation makes him more alert than usual.
Tybalt Scorzia |
"Thorn is your weapon." Tybalt asks, though his words are cut off by the snuffling of his owl friend. He looks into the gloom, not too pleased that his words haven't raised the spirits of his companions. Though he has kept an eye out trying to memorise the path, in case of misfortune or treachery from their guide leaving them stranded.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 +2 if undead, +3 if in darkness, -20 if ethereal undead.
Just was shopping at Leclerc today!
Tybalt Scorzia |
"You see it too? It's not just me?" Tybalt says with a breathy voice with a tint of fear.
He glances to Leclerc; "You seen anything like this before?" The bard's vision immediately slips back to the vaporous discolouration.
Know (Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Or a +8 for Arcana, but has Tybalt ever heard of anything like this? (EDIT: Probably not)
Res Thannq |
At Angalia's warning, Res pulls out his greatsword. At last, something to fight he muses to himself. He calls out, "I don't see anything, what is it?"
He then begins to make his way to the front. As he passes each person, he says a prayer and touches them. If he has time before the cloud arrives, he gives each person including the guide resistance for 1 minute.
Leandro |
Leandro grimaces and fans one gauntleted hand before his ear as the other grips his ornate glaive. "Ah, what is that annoying whine?" he wonders aloud, "It sounds just like..."
Suddenly, his eyes fly open. "Oh no. Torches! Does anyone have torches?" He rummages through his pack and emerges with a flask of oil.
Res Thannq |
"Torches? Whining noise?" questions Res. Suddenly, realization crosses his face. "Swarm?! I don't have any torches!" Res looks around widely, "Is there any cover we can seek until it passes over us?"
Perception to locate possible cover: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Celestial GM |
"A swarm. Aye." Leclerc regards the approaching haze with dismay. "This is why I don't travel with other folks. The hungry insects are drawn to big groups. There's no good way to get away from them once they've got you, short of hiding under the water." He regards a nearby murky pool with disgust. "How long can you hold your breath?"
I am okay with Res doling out resistance. Anything else anyone wants to do?
Appropriate Knowledge check would be Nature.
Tybalt Scorzia |
"I've some oil, but no torches..." Tybalt says with a slight wince, though the general tone is relieved since the threat seems mundane rather than ethereal.
"So there's no other way of hiding or avoiding the swarm? Any smells or predators, from which they flee?" He wonders out loud.
The 9 would also be Tybalts know Nature.