"Greetings! Grand lady of Katepesh, to what do we owe the honor?"
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Almah nods to each person as they introduce themselves, well most everyone as the little one complains about helping and something about ember stompping. She gives the little man a frown as she moves on to the next introduction. She finally gets to man dressed in red with red colored hair who greets her but fails to give his name so she ends the introductions with a frown. She begins to speak to the group in a serious tone, First I would greet you and bless you with water and wind, the sun and moon, sand and trade, your help has brought happiness to my heart. She says this with a small smirk on her face as her eyes pass by Pae. We have an important job to do in the days ahead and I can not fail in my mission set forth to me by the Pactmasters of Katapesh. I must know if this fire was set on purpose or just an accident. Since you were not in camp when it happened and with Garavel in your company the whole time you are the only one's who I can trust to find the answers before we proceed on with this mission. I will not got further until we know, I will not risk this opperation. Will you help once again and conduct a quick investigation to see if this is indeed arson or not? She finishes her little speech and continues believing she already knows you answer, Garavel will be around to give assisstance where needed, come to me as the last rays of light depart Katapesh..... She departs and goes back into her tent to clean up after the days work.....
Pae catches the tail end of the conversation, and as Almah finishes, bows ridiculously low and says, "Greetings, I am Paellat Silvertongue, adventurer extraordinaire...soon" as he stands his face turns serious, "Answers you seek....answers you shall have".
Hazreem's face turns serious at the possibility of an arsonist. With the injuries given to the people in the camp, that was tantamount ot murder. Ineed it would have been murder had he and his companions not arrived, particularly the young cleric of Sarenreae.
"I shall do as you ask, mistress" he responds to Almah's order.
Looking around at the chaos, he eventually settled on the two animal handlers as his best source of information. At least they shared a common interest and that may help in any questiosn he had to ask.
He walked across to the animal pens, his boots crunching in the gravel and sand of the camp site, and offered the two the same greeting he had given to Almah. "Greetings and salutations my friends, may the desert winds bring blessings to you both. I thank you for your assistance during the fire. What do you think was the cause of the blaze?" he smiles, trying to be disarming and sounding nothing more than curious.
"Very well, madam." Moving off to mingle and talk with the people in the caravan.
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Bahir's smile fades and he answers as she departs, "You shall have my full support in seeing that your mission as well as the Dawnflowers is successful. I have faith in my companions abilities to ferret out any jackals in sheep's clothing amongst us." Catching Mah'ysa's eye he nods his understanding, "Yes, I'll go speak with the men that I assisted in moving the wagon from danger." Turning toward Pae and Daumari, "Might I ask a favor of you both? It seems to me that the best place to determine whether this was an accident or not would be searching where the fire started. I have noticed you both have an eye for detail, would you be kind enough to take a look?" He asks this with the deepest respect having traveled with you now for awhile.
Bahir sets off to talk with the men who helped with the wagon, "Greetings and light. In the excitement I'm afraid I was remiss in introducing myself. My name is Bahir al-Asim Abdul Shihab and I look forward to continuing working with each of you." After they have introduced themselves, "If I may ask, what do you think started the fire?"
After the long journey and the chaos and heat of the fire, Mah'ysa just wanted to rest but Almah's words of sabotage sank in and Mah'ysa looked to Bahir but briefly, returning the paladin's nod before setting off to find the healer that was already on site when their group had arrived. Looking through the still disorganized camp, Mah'ysa will approach the man and say, "Water and sand to you my friend, I hope things are going well. In all the chaos, I feel we did not have time for introductions, I am Mah'ysa, cleric of Saranrae."
Pae will investigate the wagon, search for tracks and any signs of foul play.
Perception:1d20=20+4=24
"Your words ring true." Daumari turns to join the halfling in his search of the area.
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As Almah begins to walk away two of the group speaks up, Mah'ysa introduces herself the last of the group to do so. Almah smiles and clasps hands with the holy lady thanking her for her healing touch. The small one finally remembers his manners and introduces himself to the lady. She moves off to her tent at that.
Before the group disbands to investigate the possibility of arson, Garavel gives a quick speech, The burnt husk of the wagon you see before you is mistress Almah's personal fortuneteller, Eloais a handsome man from Almah's distant homeland of Varisia. His specialty was a divinatory deck of cards known as Harrow. I suggest you talk to all of the caravan first to get a feel if there is some one or some one's who might be suspect in this delay. Be careful we do not know who is involved or how dangerous they might be. That said he walks off to have further conversation with his mistress.
Haz moves off first in the direction of the camel drivers, he finds them in the pen checking each animal to make sure they ok after their big fright. They greet Haz as he approaches them and go through thanking him again for his help with their charges. The husband introduces himself as Hadrod and turns to his wife who is Hadrah. He informs Haz that his wife was the first to notice the fire but then they were distracted by the animals, trying to get them under control. Haz notices Hadrod is on the verge of tears for some reason.....
The next of the group to leave is Efreat who moves off in a general direction of the camp and finds himself standing before a small fire surrounded by six mercenaries, three males and three females. One of the females lies on the ground recovering from her wounds from teh fire earlier. They seem to be a cocky bunch talking about how they were instrumental in putting out the fire. They are a disreputable looking lot, thick with soiled armor and greasy hair. They pass around strong drink while eatting somekind of kill. They take notice of Efreat and nod at him but continue to chat amongst themselves.
The four personel guards stand around Almah's tent on duty as Bahir walks up and introduces himself. They look nothing like the other mercenaries whom are on this mission. Each is well kept and very perfessional looking. They shake hands with Bahir thanking him for his help with the wagon earlier. They introduce themselves to Bahir each with another shake of the hand, Fixx, Keldon, Podarn and Vodrave. Bahir finds out they work directly for the Pactmasters of Katapesh, their duty to protect the mistress on her mission. None of them know what started the fire and saw no one near the astrologer's wagon but they did catch a glimpse of Dashki trying to hide behind a tree nearby....
Pae and Daumari head off to search the burnt wagon and the area around it. They find sooty ashes, a few broken bottle or potion vials, a cracked non-magical crystal ball and several pools of melted wax where candles must have once stood. Eloais's charred skeletal form remains near the center of the wagon. Both notice no signs of struggle or violence suggesting that the fortune-teller was killed by the fire itself or from inhailing the smoke caused by the fire. Pae finds some darken coins in the wreckage as he moves about and out of the corner of Daumari's eye he spots a man lurking a short distance away watching behind the corner of a nearby wagon.
"I am Hazreem Al'Shakar, and I wlecome our meeting as the desert sands welcome the Suns first rays the druid says warmly.
"I am glad we could save the animals from any harm, it would indeed be a great loss for any of them to come to harm. as he talks he is checking the animals over for any injury (handle animal above), he also disperses a little bit of nature talk as he cheks them, hoping that these folk share his passion for nature and it might help them warm to him. Eventually, seeing the man looks distressed he asks "Friend, you look distressed. Is there something I amy able to assist you with? (diplomacy roll above)
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"I am Hazreem Al'Shakar, and I wlecome our meeting as the desert sands welcome the Suns first rays the druid says warmly.
"I am glad we could save the animals from any harm, it would indeed be a great loss for any of them to come to harm. as he talks he is checking the animals over for any injury (handle animal above), he also disperses a little bit of nature talk as he cheks them, hoping that these folk share his passion for nature and it might help them warm to him. Eventually, seeing the man looks distressed he asks "Friend, you look distressed. Is there something I amy able to assist you with? (diplomacy roll above)
The next of the group to leave is Efreat who moves off in a general direction of the camp and finds himself standing before a small fire surrounded by six mercenaries, three males and three females. One of the females lies on the ground recovering from her wounds from teh fire earlier. They seem to be a cocky bunch talking about how they were instrumental in putting out the fire. They are a disreputable looking lot, thick with soiled armor and greasy hair. They pass around strong drink while eatting somekind of kill. They take notice of Efreat and nod at him but continue to chat amongst themselves.
Efreat gives a slight bow before saying, "Greetings! I am Efreat 'al Inferis. May I join your fire?" Smoothing his robes as he sits, Efreat smiles pleasently as he studies the group. Pulling a brass pot from his bag, Efreat pours water and coffee into it before it floats to hover above the fire. "Coffee. May I interest anyone else in a cup?"
Once the coffee is ready, Efreat pours himself a cup and one for whoever else wants one. "This has certainly been a dramatic day. What do you all make of it?"
After introducing herself to the caravan's healer, Mah'ysa, with a swish of the numerous scarves that adorn her body, takes a seat next to him as she says, "I hope you don't mind if I sit with you, a break after all that chaos is a welcome thought. One has to wonder though, what could have caused such a blaze?"
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The four personel guards stand around Almah's tent on duty as Bahir walks up and introduces himself. They look nothing like the other mercenaries whom are on this mission. Each is well kept and very perfessional looking. They shake hands with Bahir thanking him for his help with the wagon earlier. They introduce themselves to Bahir each with another shake of the hand, Fixx, Keldon, Podarn and Vodrave. Bahir finds out they work directly for the Pactmasters of Katapesh, their duty to protect the mistress on her mission. None of them know what started the fire and saw no one near the astrologer's wagon but they did catch a glimpse of Dashki trying to hide behind a tree nearby....
Put somewhat at ease with these men who take pride in thier personal bearing Bahir smiles genuinely, "Dashki, you say? Who would that be? I appreciate all the assistance you are able to give as it is at our Mistress Almah's request that I am investigating further."
Pointing at the man with one hand, Daumari begins walking toward the man and pulls back his hood with the other, revealing fair elven features, fine strawberry-blonde hair, and facial stubble of the same color. His face could hardly be called comely, and some would even find that it bears the unearthly beauty embodied by the race of his unknown father; occasionally, the ranger's appearance was even enough to offset his gruff mannerisms.
"You there! Come here at once. We have much to talk about."
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The hot day is wearing on, the sun is heading towards its destination, smoke still hangs in the air around the camp as the wind is blowing somewhere else at the moment. With Sultan's Claw now a burnt husk of a once proud tree providing the only shade for miles, now the persons who reside under it's presense feel the brunt of the sun's rays. The only respite is it's leaving soon so the temperature is slowly dropping.
The small fire the mercenaries sit around and chat bring no help to the heat but they don't seem to notice with the food and beverages being passed around. They all nod at the wielder of magic who sits himself down and puts on some coffee. He is the only one who is interested in the coffee as the mercs are happy with their stronger spirits. After posing a question to all of the small campfire it brings forth a small debate. Some believe it was just the fumblings of the astrologer, others bring up the man Dashki, the supposed gnoll expert, is responsable for this over his obsession with Almah and lastly one brings up its just the will of the gods making our lives harder than it needs to be just for their own humor....
Mah'ysa heads over to sit with the old healer who is reading a small book off to the side of a wagon having moved off away from the loud mercenaries. He smile up at Mah'ysa and bids her to sit. "b]Not sure what started it lass, could be a number of things and I am just a healer but I can say I won't miss Eloais, he was a charlatan and Almah is much better off now without him. She did seem quite found of him though to the unhappiness of Dashki who has desires for the lady but I am not one to spread rumors you hear![/b] He pauses lost in his own thoughts......
The four guarding the mistress look over Bahir for a moment and then amongst themselves, they all nod and Keldon speaks up for the group, Dashki is our gnoll expert on this mission brought on by the mistress, he has a thing for the mistress and can be found lurking around watching her tent which was most likely what he was up to earlier before the fire began. As he finshes his statement, Almah steps out, smiles at Bahir and bids Fixx and Podarn to follow her. The other two wait till she is out of hearing and Keldon adds, We saw him by the tree so we believe he couldn't have started the fire but we are not fully sure of this you know!......
Daumari barks an order at a man passing by, the man stops and turns to him looking at him with a look of disbelief at the rudeness of the pointy eared man in front of him. What can I do for you? He asks in a tone of annoyance.........
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The four guarding the mistress look over Bahir for a moment and then amongst themselves, they all nod and Keldon speaks up for the group, Dashki is our gnoll expert on this mission brought on by the mistress, he has a thing for the mistress and can be found lurking around watching her tent which was most likely what he was up to earlier before the fire began. As he finshes his statement, Almah steps out, smiles at Bahir and bids Fixx and Podarn to follow her. The other two wait till she is out of hearing and Keldon adds, We saw him by the tree so we believe he couldn't have started the fire but we are not fully sure of this you know!......
Bahir nods. "Of course not, but he does sound like a man I should speak too. If you'd be kind enough to point him out, I'll take my leave. Until we meet again over a hot meal and good drink." Bahir will head off to meet this Dashki......
Thanking the mercenaries for their time, Efreat takes his possessions and then his leave. He sees some of his companions moving away from other people. "Bahir!" Efreat waits until he is close to the holy warrior before saying, "I have not found out much however there is talk of a Dashki. Have you heard anything? I plan on going to see this gnoll expert."
Having his first attempts at starting a conversation with the two animal handlers meet with little success, Hazreem tries again.
"Please, I was a druid for my old village in the southern deserts. If there is one thing I learnt from my times there, a problem shared often leads to a solution in half the time. I ask again, if something troubles you, please allow me to aid in any way that I can"
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Thanking the mercenaries for their time, Efreat takes his possessions and then his leave. He sees some of his companions moving away from other people. "Bahir!" Efreat waits until he is close to the holy warrior before saying, "I have not found out much however there is talk of a Dashki. Have you heard anything? I plan on going to see this gnoll expert."
Bahir smiles, "I am indeed heading to speak with the man now. Please, your company is most welcome. It seems Dashki is the resident gnoll expert here, is supposedly somewhat sweet on Mistress Almah, and likes to skulk behind trees during fires. None of which is a crime but we can see what he knows as he seems to be keeping an eye on things."
"Very well. Let us go see this gnoll expert."
Seeing the healer pause, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, Mah'ysa asks, "Is something troubling you good sir? I can't help but feel like you ahve something on your mind. Sometimes it helps to talk of such things."
"Gnolls? Gnolls, I've heard of them, but never seen one up close, though I hear they enslave halflings, they better think twice about trying to enslave me, I'll neuter them!" Pae states matter-of-factly as he puffs out his small chest"
Never possessing much patience for social graces, the ranger gets right to the point. "What is your name, and what do you know of the fire's cause?"
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Bahir takes his leave of the professonal guards at the same time Efreat does with the mercenaries. Having gotten the same the information it seems they both join each other to hunt down the gnoll expert to question him. They finally find him on the outskirts of the camp trying to act normal as possible but the two looking for him did notice the mangy man move from his hiding spot by Almah's tent. Upon walking up to the man and taking him in a little more closely he's a man who is loose with his hygiene, dressed in filthy rags and a powerful odor radiates from his body. He watches you approach leaning on his gnarled wooden staff which he uses to help himself walk from an old wound which you noticed when you first saw the man during the fire. What do you newcomers want? If its about the fire I had nothing to do with it so you can move on with your investigation...
Having trouble with his words gettng across to the couple as they move about caring for the animals, Haz tries again with a plea, they both look up from their work, Hadrod sniffles and wipes his red eyes as he says, Good sir, during the chaos of the fire and with the animals all scared, we have not be able to find Rombard, he's missing you see. The wife speaks up as her husband looks down to try and cover his face, You see good sir he was my husbands favorite, if you'd keep an eye out for the little rascal we be in your debt. She lets the conversation drop shaking her head and mutters, Blasted Fire!
The old cleric sighs at Muh'ysa's words and says, No one with healthy desires skulks around a pretty woman the way he does; who knows what a scoundrel like him is capable of? He breaths out and shakes his head and admits to the young lady, As I said Eloais was a fake but I will miss his conversations, no one else here can discuss the poetry of Bellianais or the music of far off Absalom.
Daumari leaves the little one by the wagon talking to himself about gnolls and something about neutering. He stops the man who still looks at the ranger with weary eye and then at the puffed up chest of the small man over by the burnt wreckage. Who are yo to order me about, I only answer to the mistress! And just so you know I do not know how the fire started, now I have work to do so leave me alone stranger! Pae can see the exchange from where he is standing and watches as the man walks off away from Daumari....
Bowing low to the husband and wife, Hazreem responds to their request, "Certainly I shall check now for the animal. With luck I shall return him to you unharmed!'. He takes his leave from the two and begins a quick search of the camp site, looking for signs of the creature. If he runs into Daumari, he quickly relays news of the missing creature and asks "Can I have your assistance in tracking the pet my firend, I believe your bushcraft will better serve in this endeavour than mine. For while I may be able to find shelter and food in these environs, your ability to track food will surely be of greater assistance here.". His smile is wide and inviting of friendship, even though he expects the man to rebuke him, from what he has witnessed so far.
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Bahir takes his leave of the professonal guards at the same time Efreat does with the mercenaries. Having gotten the same the information it seems they both join each other to hunt down the gnoll expert to question him. They finally find him on the outskirts of the camp trying to act normal as possible but the two looking for him did notice the mangy man move from his hiding spot by Almah's tent. Upon walking up to the man and taking him in a little more closely he's a man who is loose with his hygiene, dressed in filthy rags and a powerful odor radiates from his body. He watches you approach leaning on his gnarled wooden staff which he uses to help himself walk from an old wound which you noticed when you first saw the man during the fire. What do you newcomers want? If its about the fire I had nothing to do with it so you can move on with your investigation...
Bahir hides his disgust at such willing neglect of hygiene, "Nor have I suggested you had anything to do with it. I am Bahir al-Asim Abdul Shihab." He says this with a respectful bow to the man. "However, you seem to be aware of things that happen around camp. Did you see anything that raised your suspicions? Your help would be most welcome."
I care little for who you will or will not answer to, so long as your actions do not serve to hinder me or the others in this camp. The ranger weighs the man's words, watching his movements. Return to your work, then, but should you notice anything out of the ordinary you would do well to share your findings.
At the druid's voice, Daumari turns to listen as the man tells of the missing animal. There's little point in trying to draw water from dry wells. He casts a sidelong glance toward the man he had just finished speaking to in emphasis before returning his gaze to Hazreem, taking the time to hide his features beneath his hood once again. Show me where this pet has fled from; let's see what secrets the desert will whisper to us, shall we?
As evening draws near, Pae will skulk about the camp, trying to listen for anything suspicious...
"As my friend said. We accuse you of nothing. We merely wish to ask you about what you saw." Efreat's eye lightens for just a second as his suspicions are aroused by the Gnoll Expert's strange choice of phrasing.
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Haz leaves the couple with his pledge to find the missing animal and heads off to find help from Daumari who is finishing up his conversation from one of the men of the camp. The man leaving seems a little upset at how he was spoken to by the half elven ranger. The ranger senses the man knows nothing of what has happen here today and is telling the truth about it. Daumari and Haz speak of the lost animal before heading off to find Rombard what ever a Rombard is which is going to make tracking the thing harder since they are not sure what they are looking for. Looking at all of the tracks around the camp its next to impossible to tell what is what from all of the confusion of the fire unless they move farther away from the camp where less people would have walked.
The man nods to the two in front of him and simply says, My name is Dashki! He then listens to the questions the two pose to him and responds, I did not see how the fire was started, I was finishing up dinner by the campfire when the wagon went up so I did not anything. It could have been caused by a number of things, that idiot burned a hundred candles in his wagon, perhaps he just got unlucky. My guess thou is that we are in gnoll country and it was probably pugwampis!
As the others are talking or off tracking for lost animals, Pae decides to skulk about camp seeing if he can find anything out on his own using his abilites he was born with. He spots and hears nothing out of the ordinary as he sneaks about listining at the back of tents till he gets to Almah's. Her guards are standing at the front of the tent at their stations and don't here him sneak up. He can hear Almah and Garavel talking softly inside, This mission is important to get my families legacy back, rebuild from our past losses, I have a real good chance here to regain my families wealth with the rebuilding of Kelmarane and trade begun again. We can't afford set backs or time wasted, this fire threatens my future so do what you must to find out who or what is behind this...... Her voice trails off for a second then grows softer as she continues speaking making it hard for Pae to make out the rest of the conversation......
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The man nods to the two in front of him and simply says, My name is Dashki! He then listens to the questions the two pose to him and responds, I did not see how the fire was started, I was finishing up dinner by the campfire when the wagon went up so I did not anything. It could have been caused by a number of things, that idiot burned a hundred candles in his wagon, perhaps he just got unlucky. My guess thou is that we are in gnoll country and it was probably pugwampis!
Bahir looks toward Efreat to see if he understands as he himself gets a thoughtful look, "Never heard of a pugwampis, what or who is that?" Glancing toward the ruins of the wagon, "Where can I meet his man who leaves hundreds of candles burning in his wagon?" Bahir seems to be nodding in silent agreement, "It does seem a foolish practice."
Mah'ysa nods as she says, "Yes, it is certainly nice to have educated discussion out here among the dunes. Now if you will excuse me, I wanted to ckeck-in on some of the injured from the fire. particularly the woman who was seriously burned. Do you know where I can find her? Once the healer tells her where the female guard could be found, Mah'ysa will take her leave and head out in search of the woman.
Since they have returned to the pens to try ad track the aimal, Hazreem asks the two animal handlers for some more information about it "If you could but describe the nature of the animal we track, some descriptive features or maybe a distinctive trait this one has, it will make our job much easier" he explains. Once they respond to his requests, he and Daumari widen the search by moving to the outskirts of the camp to find any tracks.
Daumari remains silent as he stands beside the druid, observing the animal handlers and the beasts around them while Hazreem speaks.
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The smelly man looks from Efreat to Bahir wondering why neither knows a pugwampis is or even heard of them. They are little revolting lapdogs, nasty looking little things dressed in filthy rags. They worship the gnolls who hate the little bastards, they bring unluck to all who are in contact with them. They are said to be from the First World, I think they are a type of gremlin. He stops talking having said more than he usually speaks to other people.
Mah'ysa takes her leave and heads over to the mercenaries fire to check on the female warrior who was badly burned and near death until she was healed by Mah'ysa. The female notices her approach and smiles warmly and bids her to sit next to her by the fire. She looks much better now with rest and Saranae's healing touch. Thank you again I am in your debt for saving my life, if there's anything you ever need all you have to do is ask, my name is Yesper!
After they gather the information on what they are looking for the two set off to find a goat. On the outskirts of the camp where the foot traffic of the caravan is less they find the tracks they are looking for just north of Sultan's Claw or what was once Sultan's Claw. About 100 yards from the encampment at Sultan's Claw the tracks lead off into the darkness, the terrain is becoming rocky and rough making it hard to proceed with the lack of light provided by the camp. Large cacti also cause hazards for the two as their sharp needles cut into clothing. The two stumble along for 10 more feet before they loose the tracks over the rocky terrain and lack of light.....
"Friend Daumari, I think we should mark this location and perhaps return to the camp to inform them of what we found. If we can procure a light source from the campsight, then perhaps we can return and finish tracking the beast. I am also not sure it is wise to wander so far from the campsite with just we two. The desert is a harsh mistress, certainly one of Gozreh's less forgiving aspects. Let us return now." the druid states quietly to his companion. With the words spoken he makes a druidic mark in the thick cactus skin of one of the nearby plants. Knowing how tough the plants are, and thier regenerative abilities, he feels the small mark will not affect the plant overall. With that done he turns to head back to camp.
In response to Yesper's words, Mah'ysa simply says, "I was glad I was able to help. I would like to ask a few questions though. My friends and I were late to arrive and I was wondering if you saw anything that would explain the cause of the fire? I just think it a little odd that a tree that well lived would suddenly catch fire." Mah'ysa will extand her hands to warm them at the fire as she says her words.
The ranger shakes his head in disagreement. "The desert is harsh during the day; it's no less unforgiving once the light of the Dawnflower leaves the skies. Predators emerge to hunt after sunset, and I am afraid that if we wait there may not be a goat for us to find when we set out again."
"Make your way back to the camp if you wish. Return with any that will join me, or send them if you would rather stay behind yourself. Bring a light source as well. My vision will aide me for some time yet, maybe longer should the night be a clear one, and I have torches in my pack, but additional light would prove useful."
Daumari once again begins examining the ground. "I may not even be able to rediscover the tracks until dawn, but should I be successful the following trek may prove ... eventful. The same desert hunters that might dine on goat could just as easily find us appealing. Remind all of this fact before they join me."
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The smelly man looks from Efreat to Bahir wondering why neither knows a pugwampis is or even heard of them. They are little revolting lapdogs, nasty looking little things dressed in filthy rags. They worship the gnolls who hate the little bastards, they bring unluck to all who are in contact with them. They are said to be from the First World, I think they are a type of gremlin. He stops talking having said more than he usually speaks to other people.
Bahir frowns, "I am not sure that the mishap with the fire was anything more than an unfortunate accident. However, if you suspect one of these pugwumpis than it is important that we shine light on the truth of the matter. How would we go about hunting down one of these creatures if it's in the area?"
At Daumari's response, the older druid merely shrugs. "As you say friend. I shall return with more light and hopefully another companion or two. Take care you don not stumle upon the predators yourself. We are already urying one body this day, and your company is too pleasent to lose at this early juncture". Bowing low, he then turns and makes his way back to the camp.
He goes to the two animal handlers and informs them that they have found the gots tracks, then finds Garavel, and tells him of their predicament. "If we are to return this prize animal, we should take some lights and a few more armed people into the hills to find it. It is too dangerous a task to leave to one man given that night is approaching."
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After the brief exchange Haz leaves Daumari to keep searching for the tracks. The grateful camel drivers happily give Haz some of the needed light sources to help find threir prized animal. A quick chat with Garavel updating him on his progress leads Garavel to agree with him. He says gather up the others hired by him and head out and see what can be found out. He states he is going to keep the rest of the mercenaries here to protect the mistress but on word from his group he will send out help when needed.
Out in the darkness Daumari finds a few tracks here and there and feels he is getting closer to the direction the animal has gone. He also finds distinct tracks of some other kind of animal or thing, he is not quite sure but it looks like they are leading the animal he is tracking away from the area. Its getting darker as he proceeds which is making it harder even with his special vision to see the tracks, hopefully Haz will be back soon with some light to help....
The warrioress takes a deep breath before she speaks, I wish I knew how and who started the fire to pay them back for these scars I recieved. I was by the wagon when it went up, a sudden breeze came thru which sent the fire in my direction and most likely set the tree ablaze, it happened so fast. By the looks of things your group that you came in with is on the hunt for the arsonist if there is one, I wish I could be of more help, I just don't remember much except the pain of melting flesh. We told one of your folks about Dashki earlier you might want to check in with them and see if they found out anything!
Dashki responds in a quick growl to Bahir's question, They are small, fey size, hard to find unless they want to be found which is only when they come out to worship the gnolls. I have seen no gnolls in sight so they might just be around to cause trouble which they delight in or are hungry and went for one of the animals or after the astrologer. I must do my rounds now, go outside of the camp at your own risk but that is where you must go to find the little pests!
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Dashki responds in a quick growl to Bahir's question, They are small, fey size, hard to find unless they want to be found which is only when they come out to worship the gnolls. I have seen no gnolls in sight so they might just be around to cause trouble which they delight in or are hungry and went for one of the animals or after the astrologer. I must do my rounds now, go outside of the camp at your own risk but that is...
With a nod of respect, "Your help has been invaluable, may Sarenrae's light guide you." Turning to Efreat, "Shall we see what the others have found out and then decide what to do from there?" Assuming his acceptance Bahir starts heading off looking for the others glancing toward the setting sun with a flickering look of sadness.
Moving as quickly through the camp as he can, Hazreem tries to round up as many of the party as possible. "Come, my friends. Daumari and I have discovered the missing goat but we need some assistance. The area is becoming more dangerous and night is approaching. We will need your help in returning the animal unharmed.". The druid naturally assumes that all teh others are as concerned for the goats well being as he is.
'A goat? You country folk are indeed strange. Led on friend." Joing them in their hunt for the goat.
Paellat steps from the shadows, "A goat huh? Unless the goat started the fire, why are we going after it now? We still have an arsonist to find..."
Paellat steps from the shadows, "A goat huh? Unless the goat started the fire, why are we going after it now? We still have an arsonist to find..."
"Well my diminutive friend, if the arsenist leaves while we're gone, we'll know who it was. If they don't, then we can continue our investigation afterwords." Hazreem explains reasonably.
" The goat is a favoured animal of the two handlers for this trip. Given we walked into a bad situation with the fire and the death of their Harrow reader,it would be best to try and head off any more tragedy for this expedition. If we recover the animal, then perhaps at least two people will be much more willing to assist us."
He frowns then, and looks out into the deepening darkbness of the desert sky before contimuing. " I for one refuse to leave a domesticated animal in the wild overnight. It would stand no chance against desert predators as it is not developed for such a life. That is not the way of the balance of Gozreh. I shall go rejoin Daumari now if you will all follow me."
The weathered man then grabs up some of the torches and his back pack before heading back into the hills. He carries three spare brands, and one lit one. He also loosens the marvelous Scimitar that he carries, preparing for trouble if it should arrise.