Marianne asks the grateful family whose babe she has just delivered while she cleans herself off, and is lucky enough to discover the husband a trader is quite knowledgeable.
"I have a wand of endure elements that will protect us all from the heat, we should take the fastest route if anyone thinks they have the skill to guide us."
Elven Mindchemist Alchemist 5 / Arcanist 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 16 | T 12 | F 14 | CMD 14 | F +6 | R +7 | W +3 | Init +6 | Perc +8 | Sense Motive +1
Arovandeon spends part of the morning in research and tracking down contacts.
GM:
Arovandeon has a boon from Attack on the Kingdom of the Impossible that lets him find a citizen from Jamelray in Absalom or any major city in Jamelray, Andoran, Cheliax, Osirion, Taldor, and Qadira (min 5000 population). That citizen grants a +4 bonus to one check for appraise, diplomacy, or knowledge (any). It takes 1d4 hours to find a contact and can only be used once per scenario.
A night of refreshing sleep had served Fastenhyme well. He's dressed in his desert garb, worn over his usual stiff cravat and breeches like an obvious foreigner.
Elven Mindchemist Alchemist 5 / Arcanist 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 16 | T 12 | F 14 | CMD 14 | F +6 | R +7 | W +3 | Init +6 | Perc +8 | Sense Motive +1
Loenor:
Didn't think it would take so long (though in comparison anyone trying to use diplomacy to gather information might take just as long - 1d4 hours). And figured it might save us time if we are well prepared. But if the group is ready to leave sooner than 4 hours I'll abandon the search for a contact.
Digging up some information before leaving, the party learns a few things.
What was learned:
The route described in Grandmaster Torch’s map is rarely used, though the caravan masters are familiar with the oasis and the terrain surrounding it. They provide some advice about how to equip properly and avoid common desert hazards, (granting the PCs a +1 bonus on any Survival checks made while traveling from Eto to Seeker’s Folly.)
The gnoll clans have grown increasingly bold, and abductions along the common trade routes are becoming increasingly common.
A pair of travelers asked questions about the same oasis a few days ago. One flashed a bronze badge bearing a snake emblem when questioned by customs agents.
Having gained this information, the party readies to leave Eto.
Need a decision on route and Survival checks after the route is chosen.
Elven Mindchemist Alchemist 5 / Arcanist 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 16 | T 12 | F 14 | CMD 14 | F +6 | R +7 | W +3 | Init +6 | Perc +8 | Sense Motive +1
GM, I'm not seeing more than one option for routes to take to Seeker's Folly. Did I miss something? If there is a shortcut, then we should probably take it.
Survival Aid Another to whoever takes the lead:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Elven Mindchemist Alchemist 5 / Arcanist 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 16 | T 12 | F 14 | CMD 14 | F +6 | R +7 | W +3 | Init +6 | Perc +8 | Sense Motive +1
"A bronze badge implies the Aspis Consortium may have a lead in the race to Seeker's Folly. Perhaps we should consider a faster route then the one indicated by Grandmaster Torch."
HD 9 | HP 63 | AC 26 (30 w/ mutagen) T 17 FF 20 | F+10 R+13 W+7 | Init +10 | CMD 26 | Perc+17 | Grit 3/3
I can lead the way through the desert. First, I recommend the proper clothing.. Izoki dons his hot weather gear, fills his waterskin and soaks his bandana.
survival:1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20
Male Elf Slayer 4 | AC 20 T 14 FF 16 | HP 48/48 | F +5 R +8 W +4 | Init +9 | Perc +11 | Surge 9/9 | Reroll : Not Used
Loenor equips himself according to the suggestions of the townsfolk and agrees "It would be best to get there first. Perhaps mounts would aid us even further?"
Marianne shakes her head, "I'll cast guidance whenever anyone is thinking about our best course and aid as best I can. I am not paying hundreds for a mount for a one time use though. I'll cast endure elements on everybody before we set out. And of course I have create water prepared."
Rapunzel offers her aid as a desert guide: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 but keeps reminding Izoki to look out for low hanging branches of the Kobcef tree which are covered in thorns and a poisonous sap.
Following your wayfinders and Izoki's lead, the party makes good time across the trackless wastes. Looking at the map, you figure you cut miles out of your journey by the taking the more direct route. Around midday, an oasis comes into view to the north.
The oasis shimmers like a sapphire in the midday heat. Life clings around its edges tenaciously, with only a few hardy plants nestled amid the rocks managing to survive in patches around the area. Finches bathe in the water, resting on an abandoned harness. Trash and castoffs from travelers litter the area, and a small brick hearth is the only permanent fixture.
Izoki:
You notice a disturbed area in the sand near the northwest corner of the pool
"This place looks to good to be true", Fastenhyme walks about and inspects the harness and nearby area, "The water seems to be safe if these birds are taking it up.
Elven Mindchemist Alchemist 5 / Arcanist 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 16 | T 12 | F 14 | CMD 14 | F +6 | R +7 | W +3 | Init +6 | Perc +8 | Sense Motive +1
Looking at the water, Arovandeon makes a suggestions. "Just to be safe, we should probably only consume the water provided by Marianne."
Regarding the disturbance noted by Leonor and Izoki. "Perhaps someone can scan the area for magical auras, then Marianne might sift the spot from a distance with her spear."
Rapunzel readies her bow, hoping a visible target presents itself. Shaking side to side, causing the barrel under her pack to slosh, "I hope that water is safe though. Crabcake could probably use a change of scenery, even if only for a few minutes."
Male Elf Slayer 4 | AC 20 T 14 FF 16 | HP 48/48 | F +5 R +8 W +4 | Init +9 | Perc +11 | Surge 9/9 | Reroll : Not Used
Loenor hastens northwest behind Marianne, taking what refuge he can behind the rock. Eyes the shifty sands, he thinks Just show yourself, you invisible bastard. Show me where to drive my trident.
As the spear clatter off her armor Marianne moves forward and calls upon Desna to keep her great height. She then stabs out at the nearest gnoll driving her spear deep into the beast's side.
Oh, I see I went out of turn, sorry saw the init chart again and assumed we were up again.
Screaming in pain Marianne dwindles down and wrenches free of the bizarre beast staggering away risking being hit again to distance herself from the torrent of tentacles.
