F.Y.I TO ALL
This is a game. We're trying to have fun. Let's be nice to each other. In the game our characters are supposed to be on a team, or trying to be. Out of game we're having fun. So, let's just try to be nice.
Cool?
Good
That is conjecture. Though your character may feel that way, there are no facts to support or refute the idea. Until that happens, let's try to just role-play this out.
Alaric, please throw up a Diplomacy Roll at this time for your words.
Thanks!
Also, if you want to add a little verbal "Saviour Faire" I'm sure you won't mind
Alaric dismisses Smendor's threat and continues with the old man. Of course sir I would be prepared to compensate you for your hospitality.
The old man moves forward cagily. Three armed people on horseback on his lawn, and he with nothing but a rusty spear? Yet he is seemingly warmed by the idea of company for some reason. As you approach him you notice he has a finger on his hand missing; it looks like it was ripped off, for there is heavy scar tissue on the knuckles around it. Giving you the once over he lowers his spear. The promise of coin is not lost on him, but you have a feeling he doesn't shop around in too many places. Now... actual barter... that would work. And Alaric may have wheedled it right out of him...
”Tea, huh… well, I ain’t got no tea, though that would taste aright; not proper tea, if you take my meaning. But I do got’s stuff to drink,”he adds with a repeated bob of his head, excited about the prospect of what promises Alaric can offer.
He gives you another look, as if to say Can I trust them?, but then he shrugs his shoulders. If you wanted to kill him, he’d already be dead. His eyes wander over the sky, and he shivers in the chill. As the door opens you can smell something rather tasty from inside his cottage, and he looks you over again, seeing your arms and armor and realizes that he may as well be nice, no matter what his personal opinions are.
He suggests that you should hitch your horses under the lee around back, and you can see behind his cottage is a small over hang with lots of hay, a small cart and tired looking donkey standing under the covering.
”It be a right cold ‘un out there, eh? You lads be traveling far, or what? Well, well, meantime, I ain’t one to get guests, but I ALSO ain’t one to be rude to ‘em when I get, as may be. So, I guess you be wanting to come in, out o’ the chill, and have a bit o’ supper, too, I shouldn’t wonder.” he adds the last words with courtesy, but there is clearly a dejected look in his eye, as if he is already calculating the cost of more foodstuffs he’ll have to shell out to vagrants.
”No need to fret, good sir,”Brett says politely. ”We’re well traveled lads, and brought our own food. For myself, I’ve a few odds and ends; dill, saffron, sage, some honey, and (of course) salt. I’ll fix a fire outside and warm up my meal, and then we won’t have to trouble with sharing.”
Whatever Brett’s true intentions may have been you clearly see that they seem to be having a powerful effect on the old man. He is even now running his tongue over his lips at the thought of the spices flavoring his food.
”Well now, let’s not be too hasty… not too hasty… Hmm… Hmm… I’ve an idea, why don’t you share some of your dull, boring and no doubt dry trail rations, and I’ll share some of my fine soup I’ve brewed. Between us all we should have a fine meal; and you’ll be out of the chill, at least for a bit. What do you say, eh? Why, you already mentioned some coin, this sounds like a fine idea; to spread the wealth as well as the butter and cream... hmm...”
”Why, share our meals with you… why, if you think that’s alright, then I am happy to do so. What do YOU lads think?Brett says looking at Alaric and Smendor. ”Seems alright to trust this lad; he seems like a fine fellow to me, I’m sure he’ll not be doing anything too bad off. What do you say?”
If no one wants to make a Sense Motive, we can move on and proceed into the cottage. I am working on making a complex dinner, and will be back later, but I will be on later tonight to continue.
In the meantime, I've said what I had to say on this matter already, and I'd like to get back to the game.
Sense Motive:
It would be our pleasure to share our meager stores with you my good sir. Alaric proceeds into the cottage after the old man offers. If it's not to much trouble might I have your name sir? As I said I'm Alaric, the culinary gentleman is Brett, and our stout friend is Smendor.
Sense Motive: 1d20+11
”Meh, good enough names, I’d guess…”he adds with a grumble and a nod, muttering to himself about honey and cream, eager to get you. ”For MY name, you’d call me Bokken. I’m a brewer of potions, and other various oddities, as you may well guess, knowing something of my name,” he says the last part as if you actually knew who he was and would be impressed with his credentials on his own say-so.
Glancing around the cottage you see vials, bottles, beakers, tins, and pots and measuring cups. In the meantime there are piles of herbs, roots, berries, and various pestles and mortars, and mixing devices. His surroundings demonstrate some truth to his words.
”Come, let’s break bread together. I’d like to get to know you more, and if you know me, I’d be happy to tell you more besides!” he adds with a grin as Brett begins to prep the foodstuffs you brought. You aren’t sure what his ideas or plans are, but you are eager to see where this going.
Bokken and Brett work slowly together preparing the meal. Soon the cottage is filled with wonderful smells, rather then the bland and boring stew he had made. After a while the meal is portioned out, and you continue to eat and chat. His manner is erratic and his methods somewhat odd, but during your supper his words and theories on potions and elixirs lead you to believe he knows his stuff.
After the meal he pushes aside his bowl and looks at you all with a strange look under lidded eyes.
”Ye lads seem to be handy with blade and bow, I’d guess,” he says with a careful look at you. ”And those types of folk needs help from time to time, as I see it. How’d you like some help?”
You glance around at each other and wonder what he’s getting at.
”Well, I make potions, and many different types, as ye may guess. How’d ye like to take some, fer free? I can make it happen, if ye’d like. See, I got’s me own little problem. If ye don’t mind helping me, I can help YOU,” he says.
He lays it out for you. He’s got a brother, who took his finger, and killed his mother living down south in a ruined tree somewhere (though what he means by THAT you don’t know). But he adds that about 55 mils south of Oleg’s is a type of berry; Fangberry. He says, if you can gather it, he’ll give you 25% off all potions for the next month.
Team Alpha...
Dior is looking at the sky with a fairly agitated look on his little face, and crawls under Ariarh cloak, snuggling against her for warmth. Every now and then he pokes out his face, sniffs the air, then turns around and continues to snuggle.
I don't have an overabundance of coin on me but what I do have may be even better to someone of your refined tastes I would imagine. Alaric dips into his bag and pulls out a cloth wrapped bundle. Now this I have been saving for just such an occasion. As he unwraps the bundle you see that it looks to be an old bottle. A 4625 Varisian Red wine. He smiles as he pours some for the group.
After the meal, you look outside and see that it is nearly dark.
"You lads are fair enough. Why not bunk here for the night? Ye ain't going to do much exploring after dark anyhow. You're free to lay out your things in the room here, and sleep a piece, as it's getting late."
Brett shrugs. He feels the old man to be a bit strange, but nothing too hard to deal with. He believes that if he sleeps here, he will be safe from this fellow. However, whatever you want to do is up to you. He'll back you either way.
I don't have an overabundance of coin on me but what I do have may be even better to someone of your refined tastes I would imagine. Alaric dips into his bag and pulls out a cloth wrapped bundle. Now this I have been saving for just such an occasion. As he unwraps the bundle you see that it looks to be an old bottle. A 4625 Varisian Red wine. He smiles as he pours some for the group.
"Why, don't mind if I do,"Brett says with a grin, then pulls out a pipe and fills it, smoking the thick fragrant tobacco.
"Alaric lad, ye're all right,"he says as he savors the flavor.
Team Alpha...
Dior is looking at the sky with a fairly agitated look on his little face, and crawls under Ariarh cloak, snuggling against her for warmth. Every now and then he pokes out his face, sniffs the air, then turns around and continues to snuggle.
Griffons are picky eaters. He'll eat dried meat, if he is hungry enough, but he'll most likely pout and make a big production over it...
By the way, what's your plan on setting up camp?
Griffons are picky eaters. He'll eat dried meat, if he is hungry enough, but he'll most likely pout and make a big production over it...
By the way, what's your plan on setting up camp?
Team Alpha...
As you move into grid A, you feel a cold wind blowing over the plains. It is fairly cold and baren, and you tighten your clothes around you to keep off this chill. You tack your horses back and forth, hour after hour, seeking for some action, but you see nothing but grasslands, an occasional herd of elk moving across the plains, some low-lying hills, and every now and then a wolf on the horizon that prowls around the elk herds.
The wolves seem fairly natural, and nothing out of the ordinary jumps out at you. The wolves will watch your approach, but if you get too close they will turn and run off. They're here for the elk, not you.
It is slowly drawing close to 6:00 pm. You have explored, by your count, roughly 66% of the hex, but you have about a third of it to finish. You doubt you'll get it done in the dark, and the sky is looking fairly menacing.
Dior is looking at the sky with a fairly agitated look on his little face, and crawls under Ariarh cloak, snuggling against her for warmth. Every now and then he pokes out his face, sniffs the air, then turns around and continues to snuggle.
"Mayhap we best make camp soon? It looks like the sun will be setting in about 30 minutes or so...." Gideon adds, his eyes looking to the gray west.
At this point you have several choices:
1. Make camp
2. Keep riding to a speciific point
3. Keep trying to map in the oncomming night timePlease describe how you set up your camp. This could make a difference via weather... If you take a ten on Survival to predict the weather, you need a 15, and will discover there is a 65% chance of thunderstorms tonight.
Ariarh notices the agitation on Dior's face and his concentration on the sky. The wind was biting and the sky was getting darker. There didn't seem to be much in terms of shelter before them. Setting camp here would mean they were exposed. Perhaps they should keep riding until they find some covering before making camp.
"It doesn't seem wise to set up camp where we currently are. These flat grasslands make us too exposed to the elements and anything which may wander into the vicinity. I don't know about you guys, but I didn't bring a tent with me, just my bedroll and a blanket. I really think we need to find some place safer, warmer and dryer in case the weather turns tonight. What do you two think?" Ry once again scans the sky and feels Dior moving inside her cloak trying to siphon as much body heat as he can from her. He seems agitated. She looks toward the low-lying hills in the distance and pulls the cloak tighter around her.
Griffons are picky eaters. He'll eat dried meat, if he is hungry enough, but he'll most likely pout and make a big production over it...
By the way, what's your plan on setting up camp?
Team Alpha...
Dior is looking at the sky with a fairly agitated look on his little face, and crawls under Ariarh cloak, snuggling against her for warmth. Every now and then he pokes out his face, sniffs the air, then turns around and continues to snuggle.
Griffons are picky eaters. He'll eat dried meat, if he is hungry enough, but he'll most likely pout and make a big production over it...
By the way, what's your plan on setting up camp?
In response to the camping issue
"I concur. At the very least I'd like to be up against a hill or in a cave"
Ariarh notices the agitation on Dior's face and his concentration on the sky. The wind was biting and the sky was getting darker. There didn't seem to be much in terms of shelter before them. Setting camp here would mean they were exposed. Perhaps they should keep riding until they find some covering before making camp.
"It doesn't seem wise to set up camp where we currently are. These flat grasslands make us too exposed to the elements and anything which may wander into the vicinity. I don't know about you guys, but I didn't bring a tent with me, just my bedroll and a blanket. I really think we need to find some place safer, warmer and dryer in case the weather turns tonight. What do you two think?" Ry once again scans the sky and feels Dior moving inside her cloak trying to siphon as much body heat as he can from her. He seems agitated. She looks toward the low-lying hills in the distance and pulls the cloak tighter around her.
I agree that we need to settle down for the night, I have a feeling we're going to get wet tonight. I also agree that we should try to find some sort of shelter be it a rocky out cropping or a large tree.
Team Alpha...
There is very little place to set up your camp. You are in the wild, in plains, and grasslands. Now you know why the first set off bandits had chosen such a spot nestled in a slight depression, just under the lip of a cliff, to set up their camp.
The depression in the ground gave some cover from the wind.
The fact that it was near the height of a hill meant it was not likely to flood if it rained.
All you really need to do is find a similiar place to set up your gear. You have traveled for several miles, however, and have seen nothing like that behind you. You may get lucky and find something like that "just over the next ridge", or you may not be so lucky.
What is clear, in any case, is that if you proceed much longer it will be dark out. You'll have no fire, and no fuel for a fire.
This reminds me: Though Ariarh did not bring a tent, did anyone else? Also, did anyone consider bringing wood for a fire? If you recall, it is a bit cold out.
In a pinch you can try to rig something out with the spade you have (dig a quick trench or heap up dirt in a circle to offer some buffering the wind), and use your tarp as a make-shift tent, assuming you have these items.
Sadly, there is really no place to set up a good camp. So you can either make do, or gamble on finding something later. It's your call, just let me know what's going on...
Ariarh notices the agitation on Dior's face and his concentration on the sky. The wind was biting and the sky was getting darker. There didn't seem to be much in terms of shelter before them. Setting camp here would mean they were exposed. Perhaps they should keep riding until they find some covering before making camp.
"It doesn't seem wise to set up camp where we currently are. These flat grasslands make us too exposed to the elements and anything which may wander into the vicinity. I don't know about you guys, but I didn't bring a tent with me, just my bedroll and a blanket. I really think we need to find some place safer, warmer and dryer in case the weather turns tonight. What do you two think?" Ry once again scans the sky and feels Dior moving inside her cloak trying to siphon as much body heat as he can from her. He seems agitated. She looks toward the low-lying hills in the distance and pulls the cloak tighter around her.
I agree that we need to settle down for the night, I have a feeling we're going to get wet tonight. I also agree that we should try to find some sort of shelter be it a rocky out cropping or a large tree.
At this time of day, I'd go with Survival.
Gidoen will defer to the wisdom of the woodsy types
Brett wiggles his toes in front of the fire... the blanket he has wrapped around him is pulled up somewhat. The room is feeling a little TOO warm for him. He takes moment to fluff one of the pillows that Bokken has gracioulsy handed out, then arches his back.
"Ahhh this is the life; really roughing it."he mutters, with a dreamy tone to his voice. "But that was some good meal, eh? I find that if you baste the elk, (though beef will do nicely too), with honey, and add to it some of those peppers then you'll have a sweet and spicy flavor to the meat. Shame we weren't farther south, or I could have added some shaved hickory leaves to the fire. The smoke would have added just the rigth texture to that meat... But the best part was the pie! Been a long time since I've had a good blueberry pie... that lad Bokken's alright! Too bad there wasn't any propper cream, but I guess we can't have everything..."
Hard to say. You passed them about fifteen minutes ago, and they were moving west. You can follow them, if you like, but may miss something in the dark. Normally the moon would offer you better protection, but with these clouds, you can barely see anything.
By the way, is anyone setting up a fire yet?
Hard to say. You passed them about fifteen minutes ago, and they were moving west. You can follow them, if you like, but may miss something in the dark. Normally the moon would offer you better protection, but with these clouds, you can barely see anything.
By the way, is anyone setting up a fire yet?
If we decide to camp I'll see to a fire and other camp duties.
Tessara scans the land for anything that would provide cover against the wind and hopefully any rain that might all.
Hard to say. You passed them about fifteen minutes ago, and they were moving west. You can follow them, if you like, but may miss something in the dark. Normally the moon would offer you better protection, but with these clouds, you can barely see anything.
By the way, is anyone setting up a fire yet?
Hard to say. You passed them about fifteen minutes ago, and they were moving west. You can follow them, if you like, but may miss something in the dark. Normally the moon would offer you better protection, but with these clouds, you can barely see anything.
By the way, is anyone setting up a fire yet?
"Tess, Gideon, have you brought anything to make a fire with? I can't see any wood to collect out here but perhaps there may be some dried grass we can find and add to wood, paper, dried rags anything you may be carrying with you?"
1d20+6
Tessara scans the land for anything that would provide cover against the wind and hopefully any rain that might all.
If the elk head west, it is likely they are moving to a point of water, as you saw little on the plains.
Rivers, and water in general, tends to carve its way through landscape. If you head west after the herd, you will likely find a river, stream, or some such thing that is surrounded by outcropping rocks and possibly better shelter.
But then you will have the dubious pleasure of searching these cliffs or pebbly beaches in the darkness of the night, with your horse to boot!
Best thing for it is to set up a fire, or try to. There have been a gathering or grouping of scrub grasses, and occasional chips of dung left by the elk that can be burned. You should be able to gather these things, as you are able to see somewhat in the dark.
Your survival check tells you that though the wolves may not molest you and your friends, leaving the horses unprotected while all THREE of you go looking for fuel may be unwise. Someone should stay and gaurd the camp.
Remember; there is only a 65 percent chance of Rain. I will roll the "rain check" in a little while, once you are set up and we can go from there.
Hard to say. You passed them about fifteen minutes ago, and they were moving west. You can follow them, if you like, but may miss something in the dark. Normally the moon would offer you better protection, but with these clouds, you can barely see anything.
By the way, is anyone setting up a fire yet?
Dior will happily pounce at the idea of fresh meat. However, when Dior discovers it is dried meat, he turns his fierce golden eyes on you with a look that clearly says "Seriously?"
Then, hisses, and growls at the venison, walking a slow circle around it, looking as if he would pounce on it, but then thinking better of it and doing nothing but stare at it with disgust. Eventually, if everyone ignores him, he will EVENTUALLY pick at it, eating it with somewhat obvious choking sounds, as if he is coughing up a hairball. Then he will flap his wings, take off and fly away.
He ignores Ariarh's cries. Dior making a "Survival" roll of his own...
His amazing pluck AND resources have him return to "camp" in about thirty minutes (go Dior and his mighty roll). He is carrying a jackrabbit, which he drops at Ariarh's feet, and after she splits open its skull so he can feast on the brains, he nudges it to her with his beak, so that she can get (in HIS opinion) a "propper meal".
Though Ariarh may not eat much meat, Dior will be terribly disapointed if she doesn't at least make a show of enjoying it. He will "allow" the others to eat this fresh kill too, after Ariarh gets her dibs first.
1d20+6
Tessara scans the land for anything that would provide cover against the wind and hopefully any rain that might all.
If the elk head west, it is likely they are moving to a point of water, as you saw little on the plains.
Rivers, and water in general, tends to carve its way through landscape. If you head west after the herd, you will likely find a river, stream, or some such thing that is surrounded by outcropping rocks and possibly better shelter.
But then you will have the dubious pleasure of searching these cliffs or pebbly beaches in the darkness of the night, with your horse to boot!
Best thing for it is to set up a fire, or try to. There have been a gathering or grouping of scrub grasses, and occasional chips of dung left by the elk that can be burned. You should be able to gather these things, as you are able to see somewhat in the dark.
Your survival check tells you that though the horses may not molest you and your friends, leaving the horses unprotected while all THREE of you go looking for fuel may be unwise. Someone should stay and gaurd the camp.
Remember; there is only a 65 percent chance of Rain. I will roll the "rain check" in a little while, once you are set up and we can go from there.
Smendor will make his camp outside. It will take him about 20 minutes to get his tent up.
Gideon advises about camping.
I suggest we hunker down and make camp as best we can.
Hard to say. You passed them about fifteen minutes ago, and they were moving west. You can follow them, if you like, but may miss something in the dark. Normally the moon would offer you better protection, but with these clouds, you can barely see anything.
By the way, is anyone setting up a fire yet?
Dior will happily pounce at the idea of fresh meat. However, when Dior discovers it is dried meat, he turns his fierce golden eyes on you with a look that clearly says "Seriously?"
Then, hisses, and growls at the venison, walking a slow circle around it, looking as if he would pounce on it, but then thinking better of it and doing nothing but stare at it with disgust. Eventually, if everyone ignores him, he will EVENTUALLY pick at it, eating it with somewhat obvious choking sounds, as if he is coughing up a hairball. Then he will flap his wings, take off and fly away.
He ignores Ariarh's cries. Dior making a "Survival" roll of his own...
1d20+1
"Fancy that, my griffon doing what he will", Ariarh mutters under her breath. She was worried about him but she had to admit the thought of sending him out to find his own fresh food had crossed her mind before she shut down the idea out of concern. She should have known better than to think HE wouldn't go out into the evening.
Gideon advises about camping.
I suggest we hunker down and make camp as best we can.
"Tess, I'm with Gideon. It looks so flat all around out there. It's getting late and my damn griffon's taken off to who knows where -- but perhaps he's chasing elk or some such "food". The dried venison was not to his liking." Ry sighs more so re her griffon and not because of her other two companions. "What say you, milady?"
Okay, so far you have Brett and Alaric sleeping in the house.
You have Smendor sleeping in a tent.
You have Arairh, Gideon and Tess hunkered around a fire huddled in your bedrolls.
Chance of rain = 65%
1- 13 Rain.
14 - 20 No rain.