Jaye's Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master Jason Sonia

Just to see if my knowledge of the area gave me any insight, such as "From Alexa's description that does indeed sound like a group of Varisians", or "Alexa's description sounds like stories of Varisians told by people who don't know any better; real Varisian wanderers only play banjos." That sort of thing. :P

So what does the group want to do?

Whoops, sorry, it was really late when I posted that. :P Knowledge (local).

Valen clearly looks curiously at the group of Varisians. "Do want to ask if they have any information about the rest of the road between here and Courtaud?"

A sort of lost look is still in his eyes as he adds,"I hear tell they are excellent Harrow readers. Fortune telling and prophecy are part of the Grey Lady's nature as much as death - I'd be curious to know if they are truly touched by her presence."

Alexa looks to the others:
I hear that they are rumored to be thieves. We will have to watch our gold and our goods.

If you want, I will take our most valuable items and go around the camp while you all talk to people.

Actions?

Quite content to allow my more learned colleges examples. (^_^)

"Oh, I don't think that will be necessary! Just make sure to tuck your purse inside your trousers and all should be well." Vaghn winks merrily. "Now, let us see if our wandering cousins have any new of the road ahead!" Unless anyone voices a strong objection, Vaghn will lead the way to greet the (probable) Varisians.

Madeline takes a mental inventory of where most of her goods/jewelry is located before flicking her heels against the flanks of her pony and following Master Vaghn.

Alexa makes sure that the majority of her wealth is tucked well inside the middle of her backpack. She only leaves 2-3 gold worth of silver and copper in her pouch. Heck, considering that she appears like she lives under a tree, it should not be hard to convince people she is broke.

Valen nods in agreement with Vaghn's initiative and follows the man to greet the colorful travelers. Unused to carrying much of wealth, he does his best to stow any valuables (especially the bag of holding) but leaves his holy symbol out for all to see.

As a reminder, you're all approaching this caravan in the late afternoon, after a solid six plus hours of traveling. There is a bit of a fog rolling in, but nothing particularly weird.

As you approach, you clearly see a caravan of nine covered Varisian wagons, each pulled by an older horse. The wagons are gaudily painted and depict a single sign, “The Crooked Kin— Ustalav’s Greatest Traveling Cabinet of Curiosities!” Each wagon has a front and back door opening onto cramped living accommodations inside. A host of odd performers, each with distinct characteristics, sit around a fire they've just built. As you approach, an albino man with red eyes who wears a tall, red top hat, waves you over.

Madeline looks at the encampment in interest. As the fellow approaches, Madeline offers her best 'diplomatic' smile.

Diplomacy:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Vaghn smiles guilelessly at the man. "Greetings and salutations, fellow travelers! How does the day find you?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Alexa approaches with the rest, but stays quiet while trying to keep her eyes on everything.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

She also carefully watches the facial expressions and actions of anyone who approaches the group.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Valen looks at the assemblage and name, and mumbles quietly:"Not what I expected for Varisians."

Otherwise, he remains quiet as he awaits the albino's response to Vaghn.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

The man before you bows again, this time with a little more of a flourish, and introduces himself. He says, "Good evening fellow travelers. I am Kaleb Hesse, Ringmaster of The Crooked Kin. We are a group of traveling performers. Are you friends or foes?"

When Valen speaks, Kaleb smiles and replies, "We are rarely what most common folk expect. Are you headed north to see the show?"[/spoiler]

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Alexa is concerned as she scans the area.
There is something unnatural about these people. Touched by something otherworldly perhaps?

With Valen speaking to the man, Alexa whispers to Vaghn:
Look behind the wagons. There is a woman with four arms and a man with three legs. We must determine whether these came together here? Or were cursed this way once they arrived.

Alexa turns to the man:
Who is playing that flue music? It seems to be coming from the woods.

Madeline dismounts awkwardly and joins Alexa, Valen and Vaughn in mingling with the...traveling folk...

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Though she is distracted as she recovers from her day's journeying.

Kaleb looks at Alexa and says, Oh that's just our girls.... they went out earlier to collect some of nature's bounty - for our stew tonight.:

Alexa's eyes light up:
What type of nature's bounty would they be collecting? Rabbit? Deer? Vegetables? Something else? And, why would they be playing the flute? It may be beautiful music, but I cannot see how this would assist in catching food.

Kaleb smiles at Alexa and says, "Oh but surely you know. This region is filled with vegetables and sweet berries of all sorts. And those girls have a magic about them. If they need to catch a hare, flute or no, they will."

"Well met, Herr Hesse! You may certainly count us friends, despite some of my companions being wary of strangers met on the road. I am Professor Vaghn der Grafft of Lepidstadt University, and we are on the long road back to my home. I have not had the pleasure of taking in a traveling show since I was a boy; I assume your troupe is the one performing the show you mentioned?"

Kaleb looks over to Vaghn and replies, "Ah, a learned man from the city! Surely, you've heard of our troop, then! Yes - we've been performing for years. We're headed up to the city ourselves to join in the celebrations! Perhaps you haven't heard?! The Beast of Lepidstadt has been captured! It's to be put to death!"

Weekhawk snaps out of the spell "forget to check play by email game" He joins the others but still stays wary of these new strangers.

Madeline raises an eyebrow,

"The...'Beast'...Of Lepidstadt...?" She asks.

Having never heard of such a creature, Alexa also looks confused:

We have been more concerned with undead to the south. What is this Beast of Lepidstadt?

Vaghn pales noticeably, his eyes wide. "The Beast has been captured? For that matter, the Beast is real? You are sure it is not just another poor bear like that time three years ago?"

Also, have I indeed heard of their troop? Knowledge (local)1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Madeline absently brushes the dust from her clothes as people talk about 'The beast'...

She looks to see what should be done with the pony...

Kaleb looks at Vaghn and says, "It would seems this is no bear. I have not yet set eyes upon it, but some passing travelers have claimed to see it. Were it not in chains and destined for the axe, it might be a fitting addition to our esteemed troop of misunderstood men."

"That is truly extraordinary! Pray tell, has it been ascertained what manner of creature the Beast may be? There has been much speculation, of course, but no real data... Ah, but please forgive my rudeness. I seem to have forgotten myself in my excitement at the news. Allow me to introduce my companions, Herren Stellori and Warmonger, and Fraulein Grunwald and Peshtussle. I have indeed heard of your talented troupe, and am pleased to make your acquaintance. We might be inclined to travel a short ways further this day, but if you do not object to a bit of company at your camp this night, perhaps we may call an early end to our day's journey so we might share your fire and exchange news?"

Valen nods at the introduction and looks around at the troop with an inquisitive eye.

At the talk of the Beast, like the others, he looks curiously to Vaughn and Kaleb: "Forgive me for interrupting this exciting news, but was is this Beast you speak of? What makes it so significant to Lepidstadt that it must be executed?"

Kaleb turns to Valen and says, "Ah... the beast is rumored to have killed as many people as it some whisper it has saved. It's a fickle thing, maybe mad, that stalks the night and leaves the people in fear..... and it is for that reason that it is to be put to death."

Alexa continues be confused by the whole discussion:
Is this beast a creature of nature? A creature tied to the dead as are so many in this land? Or some type of magical creature?

Kaleb shrugs his shoulders and says, I don't now. I haven't seen it. We hope to see it before it dies. We're as curious as you."

Kaleb continues to watch your group, awaiting your reply. In the background, the flute continues to play.

Alexa looks to the others trying to determine what their plan is. She is just as happy sleeping under the stars, but realizes that some of her companions prefer more comforts.

Sorry, not sure if there is any plan. We've said our introductions and pleasantries. They've been gracious enough to reply/say hello and give us some news about things that are going on....

Madeline smiles pleasantly to the...slightly strange fellow...*And my companions were saying Smith was strange enough...* drift across her thoughts.

She eyes the wagons and their design/style as the group 'settles'.

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww