Beyond Fort Horizon (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

"I try to be friendly enough, but it's more about reserving judgment and trying to see things as they are. 'Tainted blood' doesn't taint a person." Derrick shrugs. "But in any case, that's not the reason I came over. I couldn't help but notice you exchange an item... may I see it?" He asks this with his hands at his sides, neither touching his katana, obviously not threatening. "I thought I saw something similar on a recent outing for the Company."

Minerva smiled toothily at Thikka and couldn't help but add a little smirk, even after whuffing up some air from the stomach-blow "You're not the only one who can call 'em as she sees them Thikka." The tiefling swished her tail-hand forward to scruffle the Rat-folk's head fur "you're one of the friendliest creatures I've met yet" Minerva wasn't that stupid, and smartly hopped out of striking range after that.

When Derrick spoke Minerva's smile lost a little prominence, but gained a shine somewhat different as she again took in Derrick's muscular form.
She couldn't help her instinct, and tensed a little at the probing question even as she took the cylinder out for show.

"This little thing? I found it, by the side of the road coming to the fort." She lied, straight to the man's face.

Bluff for teh lies: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Old habits died very hard, and she couldn't help but slide her other hand beck to grab something else from a pocket near the trunk of her tail.

Sleight of hand, to draw out her Sap and conceal it in her hand, without it being noticed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Thikka grumbles and swipes at Minerva's tail irritably.

Intuition for Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"Interesting," Derrick murmurs, looking at the item. "May I touch it? It's definitely similar to what we encountered out there..."

If Minerva agrees to let him handle the cylinder, he turns it over in his hands, feeling its weight and texture. What on earth is this...?

Intuition: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 To get any sense at all for what's up with this thing.

SHe of course lets him touch it :)

some games have been consolidated, Derrick is now part of Game 2, and Sithundan is part of Game 1. Still no word from Edren, I will PM him today. Thanks for being patient.

Day 4, Fort Horizon

Game 1 Valind, Portia, Sithundan

Sorry Valind, I hadn’t realized you had an improved movement characteristic

Valind, Portia and Sithundan? stroll along the dry creek for a while. The weather is pleasant, somewhat warm and dry, and discuss the situation at hand.

Game 2 Thikka, Minerva, Derrick

Thikka and Minerva wait patiently as the man, Derrick, examines the object.

Game 3

When the two men express their trepidation, and concerns, Major Finchly smiles and listen while nodding in agreement. He then informs them, in simple and brief language, that these kinds of things, accidents and events beyond their control, are always expressly covered in any formal contract.

He assures them that they will not be forced to pay for any loss if the gods sweep away the supplies in a freak summer storm, or in any other sort of natural disaster, but he also hints (he is a bit vague here) that he expects the supply wagon to reach the settlement safely even if it is attacked by local savages. That is, after all, why he hired others to act as guards.

Rolandor and Unbolath are left feeling satisfied that they are going to be treated fairly.

but!, go ahead and make an Intuition Roll, the DC here is very high, even if Finchly takes 10. You need to beat a DC of 18

Intuition: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Derrick shakes his head and looks at Minerva. "I don't know where or by what fate you found this, I don't even know for certain what it is, but it's important. I'd like to keep it myself, but I won't demand it of you. I do ask that you keep it, however. Don't sell it, don't lose it. This is important. Maybe dangerous."

He hands the rod back (if she doesn't let him keep it) and sighs, adjusting his belt. "I hate to press, but there's a caravan heading out soon, and you look a capable sort. Perhaps you should come along, and we can discuss that item."

Thikka tilts her head. "Ah, you are assigned to caravan then? I have been told my application for work was assignment to the Caravan as healer." She looks the human up and down. "You look like the type who will need much healing, foolishly wearing weapons but not armor."

Minerva placed a hand on her hip, the sap sliding back into her pockets (she quite forgot to hide the motion) and her eyebrows quirking in surprise, though her oddly glinting smile never faltered but for a little "you can keep the cylinder Mr Tamsen, if it interests you." She had no interest in a dangerous object you couldn't sell off, even if it might have value.

At the mention of the caravan, she couldn't help but let out a small chuckle "I don't think I'd be much use on a caravan Mr Tramsen, I can barely handle walking the roads with my own mule, let alone oxen, bandits and what have you. If you don't mind a burden, or need the company however, I'd be more than happy to come with you.

She isn't wearing her armour at the moment, and all her weapons but the short sword are hidden. Just to mention it

Well she seems to be holding herself rather confidently, and she's found an item of interest and possible importance. And even a short sword is worth something.

Derrick nods. "Thank you--and please, call me Derrick. I'm sure we'd all be happy to have you, and the more the better, I think."

He turns to Thikka. "And as for healing, I can't say I've never needed it. But I do wear armor when there's a possible threat. Just not when taking a walk in a fort." He grins. "Or is it prudent to roast in your armor all day long just in case?"

Thikka waves dismissively. "If you have a weapon, you are a combatant. If you'd rather let someone gut you for your comfort... your choice. Me, I figure if I'm walking around where other people have weapons, I would rather be alive than comfortable." Her other paw slides out of her sleeve, showing a wickedly curved dagger, which then disappears back into her sleeve. She also whacks her stomach, which gives off a vaguely metal sound as she does.

Unbolath nods to the Major. After the business and contracts are complete, he takes stock of the situation.

INTUITION: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

He strides back out into the street and waits.

Minerva smiled a little, and couldn't help but finger the hilt of her own daggers in their hidden pockets for comfort. "I'd agree, Thikka, but I fear my constitution isn't that strong. if I spent all day in my own travelling armour and I might faint plain away" she simpered, doing her best to sound genuine. In her heart Minerva loathed having to play weak, but it helped when you were inevitably betrayed. Trust was for those who knew no injury.

To Derrick, she simply nodded, making sure to present her best side in a subtle repose "I'd be lying if it didn't tempt me 'Derrick', A nice walk to another village may well give me inspiration for a decent painting." For a second she looked to the far horizon and imagined the sort of things one might see there.

She looked back and showed a little more teeth "name the time and the place of departure ser, and I'll attend if I can get my mule moving. I'd expect they have no room for a burdensome painter, so I shall simply tag along at the back."

Thikka snorts. "If you're that frail, you should be able to keep up with a small weak thing like me." She tells the teifling, her red eyes narrowing. "I'm the runt of my family. I'll show you how my brothers trained, you've got the frame for it." She nods, as if the decision is made and done.

Thikka snorts. "If you're that frail, you should be able to keep up with a small weak thing like me." She tells the teifling, her red eyes narrowing. "I'm the runt of my family. I'll show you how my brothers trained, you've got the frame for it." She nods, as if the decision is made and done.

Minerva raised an eyebrow, and almost went to argue before thinking better of it. Instead she simply nodded, chuckling nervously "I can hardly describe my joy..."

Derrick nods. "Sounds fine, then. The caravan leaves tomorrow at sunrise, presumably from the fort's main entrance, and I'm sure you'll be welcome. I look forward to both of your company. In the meantime, I should finish my own preparations and get some rest." The young samurai smiles, bows again, and heads off to his room.

Minerva nodded, and stepped back "As should I" She gave an Odd smile at the human's retreating back and bowed to Thikka "See you then Thikka, for training, I guess.." With a last smirk the tiefling couldn't help but tempt fate and ruffle the rat-woman's hair with her tail-hand again.

She quickly stepped out into the road before any reprisal became apparent, pulling her hood up, wrapping her tail under her clothes and doing her best to fade into whatever shadows or crowds were about.

Stealth as she walks away: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

assuming nothing silly happens, Minerva will make her way to the inn, where I'd guess she's stashed her mule?

Thikka buys the MW staff from the blacksmith, as well as a bag of any slag he has for sale. Slag is unusable metal left overs. Stuff that's garbage and unusable for anything. She tries to get about 30 pounds of it.

Thikka only finds 8 pounds of slagg (the work here is not that large in scale, and has been slow for some time). The Blacksmith will sell it to her for five dollars.

He seems obviously happy you want to buy slagg. Maybe he can be talked down. You can try a Diplomacy Skill Check, if you beat a DC of 10, he'll drop the price to two dollars

Thikka will offer to pay the full 5 if he'll melt it as best he can and turn it into crude bracelets and ingots without sharp edges.

Unbolath walks the streets of the fort as the day winds down.

Rolandor turns in for the night, trying to get rested for the excursion tomorrow.

Portia, follows the trail and after awhile, shortly after noon, she veers off the path to an area that is suitable for a meal. Valind, would you be a dear and help me unpack the food you so graciously bought? I will clear the area, I enjoy the nature around me, but don't want to have I rock poke me in the butt she says with a chuckle.

"Of course Portia, I would be happy to unpack the food."
Carefully turning to his floating platform he starts to set the food up upon it, using it as an impromptu, slightly curved table.
"Sithundan - if you want to start a small fire we may be able to have some tea."

Feeling like a third wheel as he walks with this budding couple, Sithundan is happy to have a task to preform that might allow him a little breathing room.

Day 4, Southeast of Fort Horizon

Valind, Portia, Sithundan

After a short break, and a light meal, the small group sets out for the homestead in the distance. As they approach they can smell an awful odor coming from the place, a smell that is familiar to anyone who has been around a place that prepares animal hides and turns them into leather.

A middle aged woman is in sight as you approach and she is feeding chickens.

When she sees you approaching she smiles and waves, and calls to her husband

”Arnold, there’s folks coming to see us from the fort.”

A man comes into view from around the left side of the house, which you can now see is a strong built house, constructed from bricks and raw stones. The man is moving quickly and waving at you. He is a thin fellow, with hawk like features, handsome but getting older and losing his hair.

Ah, I see you got my message. You must be Valind, Belinda told me about you. Welcome, welcome. I hope you brought the salt. You see I...” the man is saying as he wipes the sweat from his brow.
His wife interrupts him a s speaking to him with a look of frustration and anger she says, ”Ask them about Landon.”

The man blinks and smiles at his wife, and then says, ”Oh, yes, yes. I don’t suppose you folks saw a young boy, well a young man at Fort Horizon before you left? He is about my height, but he has his mother’s good looks. His name is Landon he went there looking for that Aladoan woman, I don’t recall her name, but she was the one searching for her lost friends. Last time we were in town he met this Halfling woman and she filled his head with stories of strange machines and other nonsense, then the boy went and found this…”

The man’s wife reaches out and pinches his nose and says, ”You got to stop running your mouth all the dang gum time Arnold”

She then smiles at the three of you and says, ”Our son, Landon, went to Fort Horizon yesterday and he did not come back before night. We were just wondering if you folks might have seen the boy around the town, or maybe you know if that Halfling woman, Jeannine, has returned from another one of her expeditions.”

Ma'am we can definitely check for you, Landon was it? If we see him or here about his whereabouts you will be the first to know, I promise. Where would your son likely visit in town?

"Jeannine has returned. If your son found something he might have taken it to her. I'm afraid I haven't heard the name Landon around, and there's not much chance I'd recognize him - perhaps you can describe him and what he is wearing?"

Day 4, Southeast of Fort Horizon

Valind, Portia, Sithundan

Thank you, miss, um, sorry who did you say you were again? the woman says to Portia.

And then Valind adds to the conversation, informing the homesteaders of Jeannine’s return.

The woman listens to Valind closely, and then her husband says, My name is Arnold Huffel, and my wife is Francine, or Frankie as she likes to be called. Our son Landon Huffel, was off to speak to that Jeannine woman at Fort Horizon. He left early yesterday and we counted on him coming home the same day. We’re worried about him. He is tall, and thin, and he has a good face, sandy colored hair, and brown eyes. If you do see him, please tell him to get himself home soon and stop messing around that fort. There’s nothing but trouble for good folks there, um, well I don’t mean you folks of course. Uh, you see…

That’s all they need to know, Arnold the man’s wife says and then says, Arnold, didn’t you want to pay this fellow for his fancy salt. Mister Valind, is it? I hope you brought the salt. My husband has got a request for some darned fancy leather and he’s heard you came to the fort with some unusual salt that might make the wok come out just like it should.

Day 4

The man pays Valind for the special salt, and Portia, Valind and Sithundan return to Fort Horizon.

The three return just before sunset, and a lively gathering of folk have turned out in the open area outside of the Shady Dragon Inn where a Bard is giving a performance.

The night is filled with casual revelry, a few drinks, and pleasant company. Everyone turns in for the night excited to be on the way to Mystic Valley in the morning

Day 5

The sunrise is bright and the sky is free of clouds. There is no wind, and the temperature has dropped a few degrees making it look as though the journey to Mystic Valley will be a relatively easy expedition.

Two elves, wait by the wagon of supplies, covered by thick canvas and strong ropes, with a strong bull hitched to the yoke, and a two healthy milking cows tied to the rear of the wagon.

They are attractive, the elves not the bovines, and they appear to be excited to be on their way. The male elf holds a heavy back pack, while the female elf holds a small bundle tied with thin rope.

Everyone who is still interested in this game and is ready to begin the expedition to Mystic Valley should check in now

here i am.....

Good day to you....it appears that we are going to be working together for the next little while. My name is Rolandor.....pleased to make your acquaintance.....

Thikka shuffles up, using her new walking stick. She nods at the elves, but mostly just keeps to herself, not knowing anyone else.

Derrick arrives with his gear, his katana sheathed, his armor donned, and his naginata in hand, propped against his shoulder. He nods cordially to each member of the expedition team. "Good to see you, Rolandor, Thikka." He greets each person he knows by name and makes ready to depart, stretching and slowly going through katas with his naginata as he waits.

I assume everyone is prepared for this little excursion?

Let's go, my friends! New music awaits!

Thikka nods in a generally noncommital and semi-annoyed semi-friendly way at Derrick. Turning to Rolandor, the ratfolk raps her stick on the ground in annoyance. "Well hell, I ain't prepared. If I were prepared to go on a caravan I'd be carrying a bloody walking stick, have a backpack packed full of junk, and I'd have gotten up at the bloody crack of dawn." She smacks the backpack on her back with the staff.

As Derrick walks up, Sithundan is relieved to finally see a face he recognizes. "Ho Derrick, glad to finally see someone I know. Are you ready to show these green horns what it's like outside these walls?"

Derrick grins at Sithundan. "Not so long ago, we were the greenhorns, hm? We'll show them along and keep them safe." He continues bringing his naginata slowly around through the air as he waits to go.

Valind walks up whistling, longspear slung over his shoulder, and stops dead when he sees Thikka
"You have got to be kidding"
"Hello everyone!"
"For those who don't know me I am Valind; lawyer, medic and spiritual advisor on this little jaunt of ours."
"Sithundan! Derrick! good to see you again!"

Thikka mumbles something under her breath in ratfolk.

Minerva comes around the corner at a sedate pace, leading a Short, stocky mule on a piece of rope; The Mule is burdened with the bulk of her gear, Minerva only deigning to carry her painting supplies and a few small items (including her lockpicks)

She's changed out of her woolen town outfit, being adorned in a simple leather outfit, polished to a gleam but dulled with use. Her daggers are still hidden about her person. She's taken care to make sure only her belted short-sword is obvious as a weapon.

Her heavy hooded cloak still hides her horns, and the tail is wrapped around her waist, hidden by her wide belt.

As she approaches the group, she tugs her hood more closely over her, and only nods to Derrick and Thikka, standing at a slight distance.

"While I can't claim to be a guard, Derrick, I feel intrigued to see 'Mystic Valley'. I will try not to be a bother"

As the boisterous Halfing calls out at Thikka's appearance, Minerva can't help but take a small step to hide her face better from the view of the cleric.

She didn't hate clerics, but they often thought the worst of her more obviously tainted heritage.

Thikka gives the tiefling a return nod, not grumbling for a change.

sorry ma'am how rude of me, my name is Portia. I have recently moved here, and I just like to help people out is all she says with a smile.

---

Upon returning to Horizon, she goes to collect her belongings, and make sure her armor is strapped on securely. She heads on over to the gate to serve as the meeting point. She is surprised to see so many new faces, and happy to see some familiar ones.

My name is Portia for those who have yet to meet me. I prefer the woods, and will be the guide on this journey of ours. she extends a hand to all the new people, even Rhumka whom she offended earlier. She nods at Valind, Derrick and Sithudan.

Minerva can't help it but take a tiny half step back, away from the proffered hand. The ranger looked eagle eyed, and she didn't want to be revealed to so many, so soon.

She only returned a shadowed smile and a simple "Minerva, Ms Portia. CHarmed, I'm sure"

"Well met to you, as well, Valind." The samurai also nods to Portia. He stops his naginata practice at Minerva's comment, however, and smiles at the tiefling.

"We've enough guards, I think--it's good to have those with a mind to more peaceful activities. I'm sure you won't be a bother." He glances to her mule and gives a small smile. "Now that I wouldn't expect to see. Are you a painter?"

Where or when is this occurring? well I don't rightly know. But it was amusing to write so I feel i must share.

Ritmush looks up from the large jar of bacon grease next to the fiendish eight four part puzzle trap of the ancient pig farmers clan house. The taste of ambrosia- err what? - I definitely don' know any five dollar words like that who are ya an what are ya doin' Ah crap thi-
"-s is a dream ain... Ah crap." accuses ritmush pointer finger catching on his blanket as he thrusts up from the tree based hammock he had been so happily resting in. "Man, I'd really been enjoyin' that one. Defeating the pig lords goo golems with a straw was fun. Or at least I think it was?" the gangly youngling states looking at the base of his tree and yawning loudly. "Feel all stiff though, its like I been sleepin months, good thing I didn't though or I'd have grown a great big beard like that guy in the humie village stories." states ritmush, miming the stroking of his stately beard. The boy clearly understanding little of how beards are grown by "humies".
"I remember there was somethin' important in tha mess. Somethin of 'great magnitute to your future and the fates of many' Hrmmm...
The young man says brows furrowed in thought, Ah.
he states, recollection passing his eyes. I needs moar Bacon!
The universe seems to heave a sigh as the boy packs his camp up tight for the day and sets off singing a song.
"Oh I love Bacon, Bacon is so great
its great for traps and shaken hunger at any date."
the off-key humming that follows being a rather telling marker of how far Ritmush had thought into the impromtu "Bacon song"

Minerva nods, one hand going to flick a brush from her set out, twirling it between her slim fingers before placing it back with care "That I am, Derrick. I don't consider myself a master, not by any means, but I've sold a fair few of my pieces to those in the larger cities."

She added a friendly, fang-toothed smile and examined the man with a slightly calculating gaze, imagining him in a painting, with or without the adornment -She knew a few noble ladies who'd pay for that sort of thing- "It is indeed the entire reason I travel the roads. Searching for inspiration."

Intuition: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Sensing Minerva's eyes across his body, Derrick gives a slightly broader smile and leans slightly on his naginata. "I'm sure there's plenty to inspire in the region," he comments. "Between the landscape, and the people--well, I'd love to see some of your work. I've always enjoyed art, although the gods gave me skill with a sword and little else."

Unbolath strides up to the caravan wordlessly, and nods to everyone, taking in the scene and the people. As always he carries a huge sword and a longbow. With him is his pack of gear. He notes the wagon and the elves and the livestock all of which he is charged to deliver safely.

He stands at ready until everyone has indicated they are prepared.