Yazi sees goat tracks but no 3-toed tracks. You follow them to the top of a hill to the North. It's very dark out here but for the sliver of moon and the stars. Up ahead Doc growls...he thinks sees something!
...as you come up along side him you see what he's growling at: just ahead, and spread down through the valley below, are huge menacing joshua trees. Doc mistook them for some kind of creature in the darkness.
|
Yazi draws her sword just in case as she crouches slightly and starts motioning slightly towards herself. "Here sheepy sheepy sheep. Here um,... Rombardickle! Here Romba sheepy sheep."
EDIT
Yazi will turn to the on guard Doc to slightly reprimand him, keeping a firm grip on her sword and an eye to her surrounds as sh she does so. "Don't scare me like that!"
Dont scare me like that!
|
|
Yes, soon.
As she reenters the campgrounds she'll remove the crystal ball from her pack and begin to clean the soot and blackened parts as she best she can as she returns to Almah and the group, unless anything interesting catches her eye.
The serving girls set Yazi up with a hunk of lamb on a 3 ft long skewer and a cup of desert honey mead. Almah talks to Dhavyn, and Anjali and Bartan look at harrow cards in one corner of the tent.
A camel lows in the night. *ghhrrreeeaaa*
Bartan offers to read the cards for the princess again, and if she declines he looks a bit dejected and then goes to find Anjali to attempt some small talk.
|
|
Entering the tent she will with a good deal of willpower set aside dinner for the moment as she makes her way over to Bartan as she pulls the cards from her pack before leaning in for a whisper.
Finishing her conversation with Bartan she will turn and make her way to Almah, presenting her with Eloais' Crystal Ball. "I know it's not much, but I hope this will allow you and Eloais some peace. And as I swear to Sekhmet in the Burning Heavens above we will find who did this, and then Eloais can truly rest."
The princess will accept a full reading if Bartan determines the 3 cards are for her.
card 1: 1d54 ⇒ 48+1d10 that Bartan rolls. The Unicorn (Chaotic Good, Charisma)
card 2: 1d54 ⇒ 52-1d10 that Bartan rolls. The Tyrant (Lawful Evil, Charisma)
card 3: 1d54 ⇒ 12+1d4 that Bartan rolls. The Juggler (Chaotic Good, Dexterity)
Bartan studies the charred remnants of the three cards. "Is this the order in which you found these cards? The order in which they made their way to you is an important detail. If so, then these are glad tidings indeed. The Unicorn gives generously to those deserving, and will lead us to what we seek. The Tyrant would normally be an ill omen on its own, but surrounded by the Unicorn and Juggler, it suggests that an evil one who holds sway over others will soon be, or has recently been, removed from power. Finally, the Juggler represents the fates themselves, playing incomprehensible games with us, their subjects. If we can keep up our current level of effort, we are sure to achieve our goals, but if we falter in our momentum, the consequences could be dire. I'm not certain that these cards are meant to represent the princess, but they definitely have a story to tell of our group as a whole."
|
|
"Thank you, wether it represents Almah or one of us is irrelevant. She could use the good tidings. Oh, and before I forget..." Yazi will proceed to pull the the two candlesticks out of her pack as well and set them on the table. "I don't know if these help the divination or not or if you can find some use for them, I have none."
Bartan delivers the cards to the princess, explaining their significance and offering to do a full harrowing for her. Would she like a general reading, or does she have a specific question in mind?
Almah has difficulty holding back her emotions when she is giving the burned cards.
Harrower, this region of desert is twisted by powerful magic. There are things about our mission that I cannot share with you yet. Nevertheless, I wish to know if my mission to retake Kelmarane will bring light and peace. Or if our actions, however well intentioned, will only be twisted by this desert region's malevelent influence. Please, deal the cards for me. And swear to me that you will hold nothing back! If you hide an evil omen it will surely break my heart more than knowing what to come!
Avenka offers Asif to take his place for some 10-15 minutes if he wants to go stretch and wake himself up a little...
"I hope that Irez will show you good fortune, my lady."
Bartan sits in front of the princess, breathing in her perfumes and incense to calm himself. He begins the harrowing...
-> The Inquisitor (Lawful Neutral, Intelligence)
The Wanderer (Neutral Good, Intelligence)
The Rabbit Prince (Chaotic Neutral, Dexterity)
The Inquisitor (Lawful Neutral, Intelligence)
The Cyclone (Chaotic Evil, Strength)
The Bear (True Neutral, Strength)
The Marriage (Lawful Neutral, Charisma)
The Hidden Truth (Lawful Good, Intelligence)
The Empty Throne (Lawful Good, Charisma)
The Courtesan (Chaotic Neutral, Charisma)
"Your role card is the Inquisitor, my lady. You accept nothing but true words from those around you, and cannot be fooled."
He flips the left column. "My lady, your past is filled with importance to your current situation, marked in particular by your role card, the Inquisitor, here. In this placement, it suggests that your past has been filled with turmoil, perhaps from those who held you or your people to unjust laws."
He flips the middle column. "The Bear, shown here in its optimal alignment, shows that the use of brute force in your near future will become necessary. The bear is pure strength in its most immutable form, and those who feel that they may tame you or place you under their control will quickly learn the follow their ways."
Finally, Bartan flips the rightmost column of cards. "Ah, more mysteries lie in your future. The Hidden Truth suggests that you will make a discovery that will shape your future in important ways, and the Courtesan suggests that you will then in turn shape the future of those around you through your strength and integrity."
"Overall, princess, this harrowing has brought good tidings for the future, as long as you are willing to do what is necessary to ensure that said future takes place.
Asif is greatful. When he returns he shoots the breeze with Avenka telling her Katapeshian tales of genies and beautiful princesses and evil grand visirs and sultans. His attitude toward Avenka shifts one level to:
.
.
.
Hostile
Unfriendly
Indifferent
Friendly
Helpful
The princess nods at the Harrowing and looks down. Eloais used to give me similar readings. Then we would sit in his wagon together and talk about what they might mean for hours. Sometimes these talks were mystical, but many times it was just two friends coping with life. She looks up at you. I may call on you for readings in the future. Perhapse in time we will learn to trust eachother, and you may talk with me like Eloais did.
Bartan leaves the princess's tent after bowing deeply to her. He joins his fellows around the fire.
"Mes amies, we may have a difficult day ahead of us tomorrow. If any of you have thoughts on a particular type of spell that may be useful when tracking and hunting down these 'pugwampis', please let me know such that I may prepare them. And as always, if you wish to know what lady Irez has in store for you, a harrowing will cost you only a few silver." He flashes a broad smile, obviously bolstered by his positive experience with the princess.
I'm really getting good at this! Irez really must be smiling on me! Mom and dad would be so proud!
Hajar, seeing the others taking stock of the situation decides to speak with Dashki a bit more. He attempts to find the man.
Dearest friend Dashki, it is my wish for you to know that I hold no ill feelings toward you. I would not let the others do harm to you. The Lady of Dawwn believes that each morning is a chance to leave the past behind you, to leave you shame and regret behind, and begin again. In The Birth of Light and Truth it says Blessed are those who repent and turn away from the Dark Path for they truly inspire the faithful. Thank you for letting me speak with you friend, I am here if you need to see a friendly face.
Dhavyn's head keeps nodding against his chest and he misses large parts of the remaining conversation. The day had been eventful and the long trip ending with an adrenaline fueled action has taken a toll on him.
He catches himself as Yazi enters the tent, and finding it a good excuse to leave mumbles a few hasty polite words and rushes off before the Harrowing starts. The suddenly cool night air makes him shiver as he steps outside and takes a look upwards.
So many stars... he thinks and shivers again as he trails towards the bedrolls. A long and eventful day behind but why do I feel the worst is still ahead. I hope the guards at least are alert... Maybe I should have asked him to do a Harrowing for me too. He stiffles a yawn and crawls inside the silken bedroll.
So much for Bahram's plans for a real bed and silk sheets... and a bath... and... and just like that he falls asleep in mid thought.
Hostile
Unfriendly
Indifferent
Friendly
Helpful
I have heard all about the teachings of the Dawnflower. You know, the Gnolls have their own sacred texts. Some say they were written by Ravougug himself. In one section it says the stain of sin can never be cleansed. Once you have chosen Ravougug, you are his forever. How is one to know which god to believe? Your concern is not necessary. But thank you, sir.
Finishing her conversation with Bartan she will turn and make her way to Almah, presenting her with Eloais' Crystal Ball. "I know it's not much, but I hope this will allow you and Eloais some peace. And as I swear to Sekhmet in the Burning Heavens above we will find who did this, and then Eloais can truly rest."
The princess is pleased with your gesture. I can't say I know who sekhmet is, but whatever help from heaven I can get right now I appreciate. You must be from very far away to have patron gods I've never heard of!
Hajar's eyes tighten at the mention of the Rough Beast Surely this man cannot be a minion of the Monstrosity. Indeed, Friend Dashki, you seem to know much of the Gnolls and their ways. I picked up the gnollish tongue from a bartender in Katapesh. He was once a member of the Slavering Maw, but he abandoned his ways and served drinks honorably. He was also a crack shot with a Crossbow, none forgot to pay their bills on his watch Hajar says with a grin.
Dhaski smiles broadly. The Gnoll bartender in Katapesh? Kuralaak the bold! I remember him well. You knew him? Funny how lives find themselves intertwined by shared acquaintances.
And seeing Hajar's eyes tighten in concern at his knowledge of unholy texts he says Do not fear. I study the dark texts only in scholarly interest. It is my job to know Gnolls and you can't know them without knowing their gods. I have the book here, if you wish to take a look. It is written in Gnoll. I honestly did not expect to meet another human being who could read it out here in these wilderness places...
Bahram sat enjoying the company and attention of the serving girls. it was a luxury he probably may never experience again, best to take advantage of it as long as he can.
he makes small talk with them flirting and filling their heads with wild tales of adventure and daring escapes.
despite all of this he still glances toward the Princess every so often, wondering what is on her mind, realizing that to make any move now would be...to say the least, wrong.
Still he is taken in with her beauty, her strong presence. it reminded him of another, one he wasn't even sure was still alive.
returning his attention to the serving girls, They say there are strange creatures about in the dark in these parts, it may be unwise to be alone. You are lucky enough to have me around, the guards have thier hands full with other duties. he give a seductive grin.
The serving girls grin behind veiled faces at Bahram's advances. But they are not allowed to speak without the Princess's permission. Nevertheless
Hostile
Unfriendly
Indifferent
Friendly
Helpful
toward Bahram.
Bartan turns to Yazi. "Lady... Yazi, was it? I'd like to thank you for taking the time to search out those cards. The princess found her reading very therapeutic, I believe. I'm glad to see that my compatriots in this mission appreciate the importance of signs sent to us from the heavens."
Concerned, Anjali uses her time after the harrowing to check on the man and woman injured by the fire. She has yet to properly meet the halfling healer and goes out of her way to introduce herself now that the buzzing her ears was gone. "My apologies, but I could not understand you properly earlier. I am Anjali Nejem of the Badawi. Say'yida Almah has us under her employ." She bows politely once she makes her introduction.
Anjali easily moves Father Zastoran from FRIENDLY to HELPFUL with her gracious introduction and for saving the female swordfighter. Kallien will recover nicely thanks to you. She is resting now but when she awakes I know she will wish to thank you personally. If there is anything you need or anything I can tell you, Mistress Anjali, just let ol' Father Z know! Mean time, can I offer you a drink? The Gnolls call it Kakapesh. They say it's got no Pesh in it, but it's darn good stuff! And I could use a spot after all that's happened tonight! He pulls a clay urn from his wagon and dips a wooden ladel in. *sip*. Then he holds it out to you.
"My thanks, Father Z." Anjali takes the ladle and raises it in a toast, mastering her emotions so as not to react to the cleric's mention of gnolls. It helps that the red-headed halfling was so friendly that a warm smile comes easily enough. "To Kallien and everyone else's speedy recovery from this night." She takes a healthy sip of the Kakapesh.
Handing the ladle back to Father Zastoran, she looks around the camp. "Since we are so new here, I hope that you will give some guidance regarding the various people in camp. They all seem so different. I would not want to unknowingly offend any of them."
Almah Roveshki: A bright young star of a leader and worthy of trust.
Camel Drivers: Simple folks, they care about their goats like children. One of them, Hadrod, lost his favorite goat during the fire. The goat's name was Rombard.
The Caravan Guards: Asif and Hafiz, very capable cavaliers. He feels safe on the road when those two are with him. Father Z says he believes they may each have an Aura of Good, but neither actually knows it!
Dashki: A sinister man. Father Z is wary of him and wonders if he started the fire.
Garavel: A noble man. Like a father to Almah.
Father Zastoran: tells you he is but a humble traveling cleric and has accompanied the troop in order to ensure their spiritual needs are met. He hopes this doesn't mean funerary spiritual needs!
Anjali gives her full attention to Father Zastoran as he goes over each person in camp, nodding her head from time to time. Her eyes slide over to where Hajar is speaking to Dashki when the halfling mentions his name, her eyes narrowing slightly. Turning back to the cleric, she says "You have been most helpful to me, Father Z. If I can promise you one thing, it is this - you may count on me to help you with healing and caring for the injured, all you need is ask. And, I shall do my very best for you not to have use for the rites of the dead while I still stand."
Clasping the cleric's small shoulder in a gesture of friendship, she bids him goodnight and heads for the group by the fire.
|
|
Speaking up with a mouth half full of whatever food Doc left her Yazi adressss no one in particular. "Oh by the way, when me and Doc were out looking earlier he caught whiff of what I think might be a goat north of here, just up the hill. Didn't someone in this group lose a goat? Ropeadope I think its name was."
Khayal walks over to Alan, I will take the second watch, wake me when it is my time, I will be geting some sleep by the fire.
With the lull in the night's activities Khayal takes the moment to get some shut eye, he removes his armor and places it on the ground next to his pack. He then wraps himself in his blanket and drifts into an easy sleep.
Seeing Anjali returning toward the fire, Bartan slides over on the small log he is sitting on, gesturing for her to join him.
"How are the patients, mon chere? Better, I hope?"
He makes a bit of idle chat with her after that, while mustering up the courage to say what is really on his mind.
"I... hope that my reading did not make you uneasy. It is difficult for me to... become close with people, sometimes, after I do a reading for them. They... look at me differently. I'm not sure I like it. And I would not want you... well... I hope that we can become closer, no?"
Bartan's shyness seizes him up for a moment, and he's slightly shocked at himself for being so forward (at least, in his mind, this is very forward of him!) His life as a gypsy took him many places, but this is one of the first times he's been on his own in a strange land.
Avenka lets Asif talk to her a little, but soon she polietly excuses herself and goes to sleep, removing her armor but letting her equipment near her.
Continuing the small talk with the servant girls for awhile and realizing that without the Princess's permission they too are a no go; he, politely, will eventually end the conversation. heading out toward the fire.
taking stock of the the group sitting by the fire.
Bahram then goes to check his camel, making sure all is secure. and goes to find quiet place to lay in the sand watching the stars.
contemplating what kind of mess he is getting into now, wondering if there truly is a chance with him and the princess, his mind drifts to thought of the one girl that did enjoy his company, Haleen. he smiles, remembering the time they shared, the pranks he would pull especially on Khayal.
Eventually he drifts to sleep under the stars
Anjali takes a seat beside Bartan, the heaviness with which she settles down attesting to how weary she was. Seated this close to him, she smells pleasantly of the drink she just shared with the small cleric, a scent akin to rum from the Shackles mixed with the pesh found abundantly in these lands. "Kallien and the other man will recover from their injuries. Father Z is keeping watch over them. They are in good hands." She keeps her voice low, mindful of those already taking their rest.
Staring at the crackling flames of their campfire seems to ease the worries from the Badawi girl's mind. "Why would I look at you differently? It is what you do, the reading of these cards. What they might say is not your doing but...", she searches for the right words, "...that of fate."
"If people think differently of you because of this, know that the problem lies with them, and not you," Anjali says kindly, smiling at him and giving his shoulder a friendly nudge with her own. "There is more to you than just your cards and your...your...snow? And as far as becoming closer, I wonder what your cards will say about that?"
That was you, I knew it!
|
|
Although not really concerned with what fate the cards might show her having seen so many readings over the past couple hours has piqued her interest to the point of annoyance that she has not gotten her own. Her first attempt to ask for a reading is void as lady Anjali comes over and the two begin a rather heartfelt conversation, with Yazi hosting a little bit of tact by trying to stay out of their conversation. Eventually her curiosity gets the better of her, causing her to speak up, "The only reason they would be afraid is if they're afraid of their own mortality, and having your fate distilled into portents and cards so physical and laid out before them can have that effect as they come to terms with it. I would not judge you any differant if were to give me a reading. You are merely the interpreter, not Fate itself." Her last lines are spoken with a friendly smile across her face.
The next morning you are greeted by a beautiful sunrise. You are given breakfast by Hadrod, the Camel driver: goat cheese, crumbley caravan bread, and black Osirionite coffee. After this you meet at the edge of camp with Almah.
Almah: Be careful out there. This land is not safe. If you find one of these "pugwampi" bring it back dead or alive, I wish to see it. Good luck on your first mission for me.
Hadrod adds with a hopeful tone: And if you see my poor goat Rombard please please bring him back!
Yazi and Anjali lead you to the edge of the Joshua trees to the North. You must go on foot, carefully moving through the trees. Finally up ahead you hear the tired soft bleating of a goat. ENCOUNTER MAP UPDATED.
Bartan cautiously moves toward the bleating, which he expects will be the poor lost goat, probably caught in a bramble bush. He gets tangled in at least one bramble bush (one point of quill damage.)
... he's not terribly stealthy.
Khayal carefully moves through the thicket of cacti. The strong morning sun combined with the potent coffee has him alert. But retrieving goats, surely there are better uses of his time. He is no sheppard, but today that seems to be his task. Perhaps it is because there are gnolls about. He must be on this mission as protection.
Khayal does not so much as flinch as a number of cactus thistles cut his skin.
Looking for the goat or anything else.
Bahram awakes a bit chilly but rested. having slept under the stars with no blanket, fell asleep, dang well at least I survived the night
making his way through camp, he keeps to himself mostly getting some breakfast.
once the group heads out Bahram delays a bit bowing to the Princess.
Your Highness, If I may be so bold, to offer my condolences on your loss. I will do my best to do my part getting to the bottom of this mess.
He speaks sincere but it is obvious that he has more on his mind but does not speak it, possibly out of fear, or perhaps respect.
Bahram ids quiet during the journey allowing those that seem skilled in the tracking to do their thing.
Once they reach the area. He stays back at first watching the actions of those entering first.
he surveys the surroundings just in cast of possible ambush.
after a moment seeing the failings of those before him Bahram makes quick strides toward the sounds drawing his blade as he progresses.
Bahram nimbly avoids the spines of the cacti. and he seeks a place for to take cover and ready for to turn the tables on a potential aggressor.
to those that know Bahram, notice he seems all business since last night, he has made no pass nor remark to any of the ladies since yesterday
Hajar follows, not even attempting stealth.
Nasir al' Shahaadi
Yazi
Haileyanka Nine
Amir Al-Fairuz
Mr. Madison
