Beyond Fort Horizon (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

While the group is walking toward the warehouse, Ritmush seems to be talking to himself again

As the group gathers at the south of the warehouse, the others watch as Unbolath walks in a slow back and forth pattern, moving further and further away from the building.

The ground near the building is hard packed dirt, with many indentations worn into the hard ground from various sized wagon wheels and animal tracks, and at first it seems that Unbolath is wasting his time, but then when he is a good distance from the building, and he can see that the ground is getting softer, and that most of the animal tracks turn to the east, here he finds a pair of tracks in the grassy earth. Two bovines, moving at a quick pace, headed south.

As Unbolath thinks about what he might do next, everyone else watches as Ritmush stands slack jawed, his head tilted to one side, seemingly lost in a day dream

a soft whispering voice speaks above Ritmush’s ears so that only he can hear

I am unaware of the location of these agents. My location services are currently off line. Would you like to turn on location services? Once I have established your geolocation, if the agents are using communications devices, I should be able to triangulate their position. My power level is currently at twenty four percent of full capacity, but I am charging from auxiliary solar collectors now, and expect to be at one hundred percent power levels in three point seven hours.

While waiting for the next course of action, Calliope looks around at the others, and notices she is dressed and formed inappropriately for the current activities, and glancing all around to be sure no one other than the group is in sight, she transforms into a new shape. The new shape is a Dwarven sized female, with a strong athletic body.

You know, if I am going to be much help to you guys, I probably need to buy something useful like a sword or a crossbow or something.

"I found the tracks to the errant cattle. We can follow them now."

Looking briefly at Calliope, Unbolath nods, "What is your preferred weapon?"

He starts following the trail. "Make sure Ritmush is ok, whoever wishes to find the cattle follow me, otherwise feel go now to acquire supplies and equipment. Meet at the warehouse when ready."

Wait, Unbolath! Will you be back before night? Do you have any idea how long it will take you to find those cows?

"I will be back before nightfall whether I find them or not. Someone should try to find the elven agents that came with us to town, or perhaps find the man who told us the town had no sheriffs, although it may be wise to not engage him, although that is your discretion."

Ritmush makes sure to close his ham hole after it being mentioned, the confusing nature of magical ghost goggles being something the young human had yet to get over. "uhh.. Yeh. Let's do tha' then. Uhhh... magic ghost-y powah away?

Ritmush listens to calliopes complaint and shrugs. " gho' this ifn' its good enough" the human says as he reached into his pack to unwrap a large cloth bundle, revealing itself to be an average looking if well cared for Morningstar mace. The human quickly grabbing a wicked looking knife, spiked gauntlet and crossbow placing them within easy reach. "Also gots me a coupla nasty traps I coul' go put on his back door if we wanted tah make sure running was a noh' so good plan."
RItmush looks over to the retreat in back of rough rocky guy. " Hey is gonna be easier tah drag some scared cow back with a coupla extra hands, an yer good at smooshin' people. This leader guy might need someah' tha'. If Wes all go inta' town and deal with him n' figure tha' reason to khermi-'... kimlthali-... K-thingy' got off to firs' we can get tha' cows down with real quick. I thin' I gots me ah answer o tha' space wizards but it will take a bit so we shoul' save tha' part."

Portia will ponder the opportunities before her. She thinks some time in the countryside sounds like a welcome change.

Unbolath, can I go with you. I may have only been in town for a day, but I need some fresh air. Besides, Issabelle would like it and maybe I can track the bovine down faster for us. If you would allow me to join you that is?

Ritmush frowns as he glances at Portia "Meh, alrigh' less split up then. Cantaloupe, Silent bob, Tail lady you'se wanna go see tha' ol' guy an ask'm questions? I'se in tha' same path as me headin' ta' find Kerminniath an get'sn mah lantern. Plus it shoul' gimme enuff time tah get mah answer on tha'sky wizards."

"Yes come along. Two trackers will be better than one. Ritmush, hopefully you can find out some information as well. We can meet back here in two hours, otherwise one group will come in search of the other. The town is not that big."

Day 6, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 7:30 am, turn 46)

Calliope looks at Ritmush’s array of weapons, and selects the mace, lifting it up to test its balance.

Oh, pretty, can I have this one? she asks Ritmush

While Calliope is testing the mace, the tiny voice above his ear tells Ritmush,

I am running location services. There are currently no transmissions on available communication networks within the range of my scanners, but should I detect the initiation of a communication I will alert you immediately, with this signal

The goggles, showing a shadowy view of the surrounding area to Ritmush’s eyes, suddenly display a flashing green light in the lower right hand corner of his view, and no matter where he looks it moves to be in the same place as it was before.

If the communication last for the required duration to enable triangulation of the initiating coordinates I will attempt to lock that location and display its relative location and distance to you upon request.

Portia and Unbolath set out heading south from the town

Portia may attempt a Survival Skill Check to track the cows. The DC is 16, if she can roll 16+ she can lead Unbolath right to the cows, and for each +1 above 16 she rolls the time it takes to find the cows is reduced by 10 minutes, down to a minimum of only taking the pair one hour to track them down. If she rolls less than 16, the trail is lost, temporarily, and the two of you lose ten minutes trying to find it again, and a new roll can be attempted.

I think we should go get that lantern you are so concerned about,Calliope smiles. Then when you are done fretting about that, we should all go see Timothy, alright? So, anyone know where this Kethinna person lives?

ritmush looks to his trusty spiked mace and back to the stout looking calliope. "Bet'cha can use it bettah'. Yeah tha's fine." the Human says obviously still distracted by something. Perhaps the human smelled bacon?
"Eh... her house is..." Ritmush hums while he thinks for a moment before tilting his head and shrugging "... I'de goh noh idea. Less go see Tha'drink Admiral! She'll know all about Kerthima and her house."

With that Ritmush rushes off to the so named 'Drink Admiral's' turning out to be Miss Ellie's bar and bulling into the building. "Hey Drink Admiral! Any idea where tha' nice rat person lives? She never came back to sell meh tha'lantern an... I mighta' forgot where ya said she lived." Ritmush inquires with a hit of embarrassment at the end.

Portia and Unbolath set out heading south from the town

Portia may attempt a Survival Skill Check to track the cows. The DC is 16, if she can roll 16+ she can lead Unbolath right to the cows, and for each +1 above 16 she rolls the time it takes to find the cows is reduced by 10 minutes, down to a minimum of only taking the pair one hour to track them down. If she rolls less than 16, the trail is lost, temporarily, and the two of you lose ten minutes trying to find it again, and a new roll can be attempted.

Unbolath is also a ranger and can track as well. Not sure if you want me to make extra rolls, or if Portia's rolls are to assist and shorten the time.

Here is a roll in case its needed, to keep things flowing
survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Terq, remember that I view myself as a guide and a wilderness savant. I built her as being awkward in the city, so I am sorry for my next roll

Aid Unbolath in survival: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Portia, makes a couple "clicks", and Issabelle soars high into the air. Her wings spread out and a smile from ear to ear pops on Portia's face.

I know baby girl, it feels much better to be out in the open wild. What do you think Unbolath? The city feels so cramped and tight, I feel like I can't breathe sometimes. Issabelle sure seems happier now, Portia says the last part with a chuckle.

Portia, then starts to assist Unbolath in trying to pick up the good prints of the bovines. She sees a pair and then sees another.

Hey, it looks like the cows are well fed, it seems finding them should be too eerily difficult.

With the strange detachment he seems to have to most things, Unbolath replies, "It would seem that we will have an easier time spotting them out here, unless they make for the forest. I cannot imagine cattle spending much time in the town. Perhaps they will look for others of their kind, being herd animals."

He seems to ponder for a while. "I suppose the wilds have a certain draw to them that cannot be found within the urban environs. I have hunted in many places and fine a serenity at times." His thick chains shift and clink as he kneels occasionally to check the tracks.

"Our group will face many challenges as we undertake our research on the prison. He notes suddenly."

I’m not sure I understand why Portia felt a need to apologize, if I am missing something important please pm me your concerns, okay

Day 6, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 8:30 am, turn 52)

In almost no time at all, Unbolath and Portia track down the wayward bovines, fashioning a rope around each of their heads, and then begin leading them back to the WEAC office.

Meanwhile, at the saloon…

Miss Ellie gives Ritmush directions to Kethinna’s small cottage at the east end of the town, a short distance away from the rest of the buildings in town near a small well.

Ritmush keeps waiting for a message from his eye-wear, but the goggles are silent.

Calliope, Minerva, and Droka follow Ritmush to the small cottage, and as soon as the place is in sight, all of them notice something is not right.
From a distance it is obvious that the door of the cottage has been kicked in, and it now lies askew hanging on only one hing.

Me personally felt bad. I know you were wanting the survival to be somewhat challenging, I was just sad that my modifier made it trivial is all. Also, your PM is not an option??

I have a feeling there is something vile going on at the prison, wherever it is located.

"Uh... tha's noh good." The human says as he comes upon the cottage. "Thin' we gona wants be sneaky here." Ritmush says as he glances around carefully looking for signs of life.
Sneak Sneak: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
the young human cautiously searches the area for traps or signs of rat-person heading to see what he can find. "Man is'gonna really suck if she got kid-napped, rat-napped? ratkid-napped?" the human mutters under his breath as he searches.

"We will have to do some scouting or we may walk into an angry hornet's nest there. We will know more as we get closer."

Droka approaches within 60 ft. of the shack and casts detect magic.

Day 6, approximate time of day, 8:30 am (turn, 52)Location - Mystic Valley outside of Kethinna’s house

Droka and Ritmush approach the front door cautiously.

No sounds come from the house. Calliope stays a few steps behind Droka, holding the morning star with both hands

This looks bad, Ritmush, are you sure this is the right place? I’m starting to think that a lot of the people in this part of the world are a bit more dangerous and on the edge than I first thought. Every time I turn around it seems someone is trying to do something bad to someone else, back on the coast, in Fort Horizon, here in this village. I mean sure, this land is the worst, not enough trees, and nothing beautiful to look at, but come on, is it so really all that bad. Who is this person again, and do we even know why somebody would want to kick her door in? Did she piss off those miners last night or something stupid like that? Wait…

A sudden realization comes over Calliope, and she stops dead in her tracks as her eyes grow large with understanding

It’s sometimes hard to follow what you are talking about, ‘Mush, but you said this person was a rat folk, like Thikka, and I just realized Thikka’s gone. She’s not with us, and I didn’t see her leave with Unbolath and Portia. Yesterday Thikka out down a couple of those dwarven thugs working for this guy named Drespor, and they got away. Maybe they though Thikka was this woman, and they came hear to get their revenge, figured they got it wrong and then came after the other rat folk in the village. Oh, man or man, this is getting heavy, like, real heavy.

After securing the cattle at the office, and discussing with Brenda, Unbolath suggests to Portia they try to find the others.

Not sure how much time has passed in terms of the other storyline. Just let us know when we can jump back in I guess :)

Day 6, approximate time of day, 8:30 am (turn, 52)Location - Mystic Valley outside of Kethinna’s house

Ritmush, Droka, Minerva, and Calliope, approach the broken down door. There doesn’t seem to be anyone about.

Inside they see the house is a shambles, all of the furniture is overturned, papers and books are scattered everywhere, two lanterns lie on the floor, leaking oil everywhere.

There is no sign of blood, but given that some of the furniture is broken, and there is a crack in one wall in the plaster, it does look like a scuffle took place here recently

Ritmush frowns as he looks at the state of the house. "Where'd ya think they mighta' taken her?" Ritmush asks as he walks over and picks up one of the lanterns finding a scrap of something to wipe it off with and looking for any unbroken lamp oil.
"Still gotta pay her fer this but I'ma call it a loan til then. Still gots no idea where tha' sty wizards migh' be though."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"I have no clue, Ritmush."

"I dunno why people ain't able to pull off a righ'n proper trap or betrayal in this land. Seems lik' cuz they all wanna' look good rather'n do a job right."
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Ritmush frowns with a sour lemon look as he looks about the room.
"well then Cantillope's word-y 'splaination probly soun's like tha mos' reasonable answer. Mebe' tha smooth rock guy an' yer bird lady can ken help us look fer her once they are done wit' tha cow."
The humans face dips deeper as he looks to the northern forest.
"Thou' if they'se takin' her to their boss, ta use as somethin' ta blame an keep 'boss man happy I don' fancy her chances ah long survival. They'd have a day on us in travel if they went tha' safe path. Unless you've horses in your back pockets we'd need ta' cut through the woods north ta' catch em. An' there is good reason they didn't do that themselves, Treeshaker won' let anyone past if he can manage it."

Day 6, approximate time of day, 8:30 am (turn, 52)Location - Mystic Valley outside of Kethinna’s house

Unbolath and Portia wander into the Saloon, hoping that someone there might know where their friends might have gotten off to, and Miss Ellie tells him that Ritmush was in just a short time ago, and was asking for directions to Kethinna’s cabin. She gives Unbolath the same information, and in just a short time, Unbolath and Portia are approaching the scene

Calliope is standing guard outside the house, and it takes Portia and Unbolath a moment before they remember the strange girl had recently changed her form, but they recognize her eventually.

Ritmush, Minerva and Droka are inside the house.

It is obvious to Portia and Unbolath that a struggle took place here.

Unbolath draws his sword as a precaution, and nods to Calliope. "Is everything ok here?"

WellCalliope shrugsI think so, now anyway, but I think someone kidnapped this Kethinna woman, and with Thikka missing, that sort of makes it suspicious

"If they were followin' this guy's orders you were talkin' bout I'd bet they are connected with the attack on the road. Like I said they are likely headed to this 'Prison' thing. The've a head start an' we don' gots horses."

"I don't know if this town has enough horses to equip us. We may as well start out on foot and move swiftly. Are we ready to leave now?"

"Let's go!"

Portia whistles, Isabelle goes up and circles overhead.

Ready as we will ever be

Ritmush shrugs and looks in the direction of town.
"So still got no idea where tha' sky wizards got off ta' buh I figure it can mattah' later. I's still gotta pay the rat-lady fer meh lantern after all."

Day 6, approximate time of day, 9:00 am (turn, 55)Location – North of Mystic Valley

Gathering together the group begins to leave the small town and head in the mostly northward direction. The terrain is hilly, and mountains can be seen in the distance, probably not more than five to ten miles to the north. The hills are sparsely covered with stunted trees and occasional small shrubs. The hills are steep but not very high, with deep gulleys and ravines between each hill and a gentle rise in the ground is constant as you go north. Soon the trees begin to get taller, and there are more of them, but it is certainly not a forest, yet. As you climb to the top of yet another hill ahead of you you see the forest that Ritmush has talked about. A dense collection of pines spreads out to the east and west, and up the mountain sides to the north. Standing on the hilltop, Calliope asks

Does anybody know where we are going?

"Ritmush, do you know these lands? We may also start to look for tracks, but we may need to cover a broad area before we find any. Portia and I can split off and attempt to cover more ground, although it may be unwise to split apart."

"I know tha' there'sa big ol' square rock buildin' nestled over tha' way. Soun's close ta wha' tha Nobold's been talkin' on." Ritmush states as he points to the north and slightly east
"Course if we go straight at it we're walkin' inta Treeshaker's territery. You'll wanna avoid tha' less you fancy bein' dinner. Plus I'll be leavin' soon as he notices us." The young human says with only a hint of fear crackling in his voice as he scratches at an itch on his back.

unsure of fair DC's but those with higher Percep/Intuition modifiers would likely notice a rather nasty scar on the young ones back mostly covered by his shirt.

Day 6, approximate time of day, 9:00 am (turn, 55)Location – North of Mystic Valley

From the hill where you are all standing, Ritmush points to some lower mountains in the distance, probably ten miles from where you are now, and the way in that direction is forest covered hills

So we goin' or what? the human asks, impatiently shifting his weight from side to side.

handle: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
handle #2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Portia walks on, looking for any potential threats, and is relieved when nothing appears. When she sees the forest, she looks through the dense woods and let's out a sigh.

Well, this could be a problem, for I cannot get a good idea where the destination in question is. Perhaps I can have my Issabelle help us? What do you say girl, help out mom again?

With a quick whistle, Isabelle goes circling overhead, and catches a glimpse of the prison. After traveling some distance, Portia calls for her to come back. After some beak clicking and Boise, Portia turns to the group,

Issabelle seems to be telling me the prison is this way. I say we go that way.

Portia sends Issabelle overhead again and starts traveling in the direction she sense the prison to be according to her interpretation Issabelle gave her. After traveling for some time again, she again checks in.

Droka follows behind Portia, trying to observe his surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Ritmush, tell us about Treeshaker."

"Well s'long as we' ain't crossin' through tha' center ah' tha forest we oughta be alrigh. I mean ya dun wanna hear bou' all tha' ghost stories bout 'im righ?" Ritmush says obviously not really pleased about the direct attention of the topic. Pausing for an awkward moment before speaking again.
"Buh yer not gonna let this lie are ya rock guy?"

Of course going around means our captured rat-friend likely has horrible Lizard based pain inflicted on her person. Not that Ritmush cares to suggest this as that would encourage the idea of traveling through Treeshaker's domain.

"Indeed. Well that may be the best bet if this forest terror is as dangerous as you describe. Perhaps we can assume the others will do the same rather than confront the arachnid."