Continuing to stand silently, Lyriah tries to ascertain what types of auras are around the two and what they could possibly mean.
Tariq will only add that the healer of the camp vouches only for the whereabouts of the mercenaries in the camp, they being with him at the fire pit, and that Tariq believes his account is accurate.
Reza nods his agreement with what the others say, and awaits the lady's judgment. In his mind, however, he fears that he shall be called upon to be the Dawnflower's other element: executioner, a role he does not care much for.
Almah considers carefully before replying.
"It certainly seems like Dashki is the most likely culprit. However, I will not convict him yet."
"If what he claims is true, the hills around here should be swarming with these 'pugwampi'. It should be a simple matter for him to find one and return with it, or at least find evidence of their passage."
"As Dashki is, however, our best suspect in this affair, it would not do to send him out into the darkness alone. I’m afraid that your investigation is not yet at and end. Go out into the desert with Dashki and find me one of these pugwampis."
Having searched the scene of the accident for any magical means for the fire to have happened or any evidence of creatures causing a the fire and finding nothing, Lyriah knew Pugwampi were unlikely culprits, but she held her tongue anyway. She found it curious that the Lady was going to the extent she was for a young man who was not well liked. It was obvious to Lyriah that Dashki had feelings for the Lady, but did she have feelings for him? Dashki had seen something and for some reason was keeping quiet, why? Was the Lady going to these lengths to exonerate Dashki just because he was keeping silent? Lyriah’s head swam with possible conspiracies. One death on the way in two different groups. What had they gotten themselves into? It was clear at this point, the only one she could trust now, was her brother. As soon as she could speak to him alone, she would try to compare notes, but for now she would have to play along and see what transpires.
"Very well," says Reza. "If that might ensure that an innocent man is not accused, it may be worth looking into these creatures of which he speaks." The Farsi looks to the others.
"Shall we?"
The "gnoll expert" is found and brought into the tent, and Almah makes her wishes known - the group will accompany Dashki to try to locate a "pugwampi", if one exists.
With a sour expression on his face, Dashki leads the others to the fringe of the camp. He searches about in the evening gloom, and finally points to some small footprints leading north from the camp.
"There! See?"
He begins following the tracks.
The night is growing dark and chilly. The dwarf can see well enough to follow the tracks, but the rest of the group is in danger of turning an ankle in the dark.
Reza stumbles over to his horse, and pulls out an unlit torch from his pack. He lights the tool, and looks around at the others, nods once they have found their torches, or clustered near his own, and then heads out into the night behind the dwarf.
With a bit more light, the group follows the tracks into the hills to the north of the Sultan's Claw. After a few minutes of travelling, a sense of foreboding begins to come over them, as if something terrible was about to happen to them.
Suddenly, a cry rings out ahead! Perhaps a child's cry, or the bleating of a terrified goat!
Ahead, they can just make out the near edge of a thicket of cactus and spiky bramble. The cry comes from the far side.
Lyriah casts Light on Reza’s shield (or sword if no shield) and gives him a wink and a weak smile that doesn’t hide her nervousness well. She then draws her long sword and keeps a wary eye out, knowing that she can see twice as far as the humans and will give warning as soon as she sees something.
Planting his torch in the ground, Tariq double checks the quarrel on his crossbow while peering into the night along their right flank for approaching foes.
All that the party can see is the thick tangle of spiny cactii in the shadows ahead.
Reza looks over and nods his thanks to Lyriah, and takes his point on the left flank of Tydus.
The noise causes him to draw his scimitar, and unlimber his shield into position on his left arm. He moves forward to stand beside the dwarf, forming an impromptu shield wall with the other man.
"That sounded potentially unpleasant," he mutters under his breath.
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Durandel also draws his scimitar.
Looking to Tydus, "Remember you noticed that what ever made those tracks was carrying something heavy. If the pugwampis set fire to the wagon then they would be smaller than the missing goat"
Holding the torch he took from the camp higher Durandel moves to one side of the party and slightly to the front trying to bring more light to bear as he tries to look to see what is causing the noise. He moves cautiously due to the cacti spines.
As they approach, the party can see that the dense cactus patch is about 25' across. They will have to pick their way through it carefully if they wish to proceed.
Dashki scowls. "Pugwampi's near. I can feel it."
Reza waits to see what the others find, his hand gripping the scimitar tightly in his hand. He looks over at Dashki.
"Trap?" he mouths towards the other man, and towards Tydus.
Tydus finds that the cactus forest extends to the ravine in both directions. If the group wishes to approach the goat, they must either go through the cactii, or climb along the cliff face.
“This is definitely a trap.” Lyriah whispers to the others. “That goat is tied to the brush, meaning someone or something planned this.”
Dashki hawks and spits.
"Pugwampis."
Dashki draws a scimitar.
"Very well. It looks like you are nimble, go ahead. Or perhaps the farsi will just push through."
Reza looks over at Dashki when he suggests he just bull forward.
"Respectfully, that would be foolhardy. Durandel, if you are skilled at the removal of traps, I shall provide you with cover."
"Anyone bring a rope?" Reza asks.
Reza does the same, pulling out a rope and hooks for climbing.
"Well, hopefully not all of us..." he mutters under his breath, and starts setting up to climb the rock wall. He tucks his shield back up onto his back, lashing it and his sword to ensure they don't fall off while he climbs.
"I suppose now's a bad time to mention that I despise heights?"
OOC: Neil, are we able to take 10 on this, or are we in 'combat time?'
Reza and Tydus circle the cactus field to the edge of the ravine. They can see the ravine is about 20' deep, and filled with cacti. Bypassing the upper forest would require climbing down a few feet, then a horizontal traverse of about 80'.
Close to the goat, the aura of unease is very distracting, but it is less distracting farther away.
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Durandel will also go to the cliff edge to keep an eye on their progress. At the right time he will begin to traverse the cacti patch to the goat so as to arrive at the same time moving cautiously at half speed. He will cary the torch in his off hand and the rapier in his main hand.
and maybe the third
Lyriah sheaths her sword and draws her bow and moves into the best position to cover the party and protect the other’s descent.
Reza joins Tydus at the edge of the cliff, and helps him with the rigging. He helps with lowering the dwarf down, and then takes his turn, rigging himself up to slide down to the ground.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but we can also just, go around the cacti field, though it requires an 80 foot jog to the side?
I can't think of a better idea. Hopefully, these thorns will be more irritating than harmful.
It is obvious that the thorns will cause some damage if the group just walks through, but they may avoid some of it if they are nimble enough.
OOC: Gotcha.
Reza sighs, and begins moving cautiously through the cacti.
Two Dice Rolls As Requested.