"I think we need to uh head back to camp to get the little girl back to her father. We can come back and clean up this place at a later date. Serenrae's servant," pointing at Brebork, "has been good to us, least we can do is come back and get everythign in tip top shape."
I am fine with returning to the caravan with April and the brothers, but I tend to think we should return here sooner than later. Perhaps there is something in the barricaded areas that the Bandit left behind that may aid us in finding him or identifying him.
In the morning, Samir and Amir strap on their leather armor (if you allow them) and their bows and quivers and then Samir poses a question, "Good sirs, there are 5 of you and there are 5 camels. The child, I am sure, will ride with the gambler, but what about us?"
In the morning, Samir and Amir strap on their armors, quivers, and bows (if you allow them to do so), and then Samir poses a question:
"Good sirs, there are 5 of you and there are 5 camels. The child will obviously ride with the gambler but what about us?"
Actually, I would suggest that April ride with the heaviest of us, and the four lightest double up on our stoutest mounts.
Brebork begins his day by requesting Quzman's presence at his side. Then chants a Hymn to the Flowering of The Morning and performs a ritual to honour the deceased and pray for their redemption and salvation in the ever after. As the group continues it's morning activities Brebork joins the conversation..
I think our immmediate responsibility is to see April home to safety as soon as we can. And as long as the Bandit is on the loose, Pricess Almah is also in danger. She would want to be notified. And I would like to know more about her role in all of this, myself. It seems that she is caught up in the intrigue of Katapeshi power politics. From what we learned of the Bandit, it was not in his initial plans to kidnap the girl and end up in a deadly fight with us. Who knows what interests he represents - good, evil or neither? Someone should speak to Almah about this.
As for the camels. Is it possible for two to ride on one camel?
18th day of Gozreh, Year 4708
The trip through the hot desert takes 8 hours, with frequent stops to drink water and use the bathroom, mostly due to April. She seems very happy to be returning to her father and she is very chatty during the trip. Thankfully, no monstrous scorpions or any other desert hazards bother the party, due in large reason to Quzman's tracking and Jarva's knowledge of nature and Dumah's knowledge of geography. During the journey, you reflect on the past 5 days, the most hectic of your lives. You have lost a traveling companion and seemingly gained 2 new ones.
Soon after 3pm, you see the Sultan's Claw and the caravan. A crowd gathers, as there appears to have been a watch posted for your return. Tears flow, as it becomes apparent that April is safe and she rushes into her father's arms.
While the crowd gathers to see how April has been and to congratulate her rescuers, Garavel and Princess Almah stand back, waiting for a full report. Garavel also appears to be looking for someone, and then his eyes meets yours and he understands, the rescue was not without cost.
Eli rushes April to her fathers side as soon as the camp comes into view, "Kyle, as I promised here is you daughter. You should be very proud of her, she was very brave. She seems to be made of fairly stern stuff and I wouldn't doubt if she becomes a great adventurer one day." With a pat on the head he passes the girl into her fathers embrace and slips away so that they can be alone together. Upon seeing Garavel and the Princess he approaches, bows politely and says, "Though we return joyfully with the child we also bring dire news about the plot Zedric was involved with. I suggest that we meet soon so that we can properly inform you of what has transpired."
Amid the congratulations, the party hears murmurs among the crowd: "Where's Zedric....is he dead? Where's Kyra??? Who are the two new guys???"
Quzman remains distant during the reunion of April and her father. He prefers to spend time taking care of the animals that have spent the last couple of days ferrying us across the desert without the normal care he would have given. He does not trust his emotions with some of the questions he hears being bandied about the camp.
When the party meets to give the princess the news of what happened at the temple he will join the group. "My lady, I doubt this 'Boss' will be so easily dissuaded from all attempts on your person. I know you have guards, but you may wish to make certain you are never without them."
Dumah will allow a more loquacious members of the group to explain the story of what happened. He will add though, The monastery still holds several mysteries that we did not pursue in our focus to return April and warn you of the danger the Boss presented. At some point we must return to complete our unfinished exploration.
Jarva too waits for Eli or Brebork to tell the majority of the story, but adds in a description of the two archers. "But I think they can be, well, reformed, and could be a help to us. They don't seem to be bad guys, just looking for some gold. Maybe you could hire them on for extra protection. They didn't have anything to do, it doesn't seem with April's taking."
Greetings, Garavel. We have much to tell. If you please, can you take us to Princess Almah?
But April is back safe and in the arms of her mother where she belongs. And we visited the ruins of a great Monastery of Sarenrae which - if we can restore it to glory - will become a key foundational piece for the successful community we are endeavouring to build in this region. We also return with two men who were thralls to the bandit, however they are already on the path to redemption and through our collective ministrations and active care may - with the grace of the Gods - become useful members of this community. They are now under your charge and must seek the forgiveness of April's parents. By their accout they were impressed into the Bandit's service against their will, and I happen to beleive them. Please judge them with care and compassion. In thwarting Zedric we also became aware of a greater conspiracy which we must speak to you about - as it concerns your safety and consequently the fate of our whole mission. To recount the details of our adventure I would call upon my friend Eli, who can unwind a tale with more skill than I can....
So, Princess, as you can see - it appears that the Bandit of Katapesh is working for someone involved with the Pactmasters and who plots against you. He refers to his master as "Father". Can you tell us what you know of this Bandit...and were you aware that you have enemies in Katapesh?
After the congratulations, the party excuses itself and is escorted to the Princess' private tent by her guards, where she and Garavel await news of their venture. The rest of the caravan occupies itself with April's safe return and Zyra promises to make a feast in her honor.
The Princess welcomes the party into her tent, scented with many exotic oils and perfumes. She offers the party seats on her exquisite hand-woven wool rug and listens intently to Brebork and the party as they recount the events. A plate of dates and nuts is brought, as well as wine or water. Garavel lights a cigar and moves to the entrance to smoke it upon seeing the Princess glare at him. At the mention of the archers' involvement in the plot, Garavel speaks to two of the Princess' Guard outside the tent and they head off. At the end of Brebork's speech, the Princess exchanges some glances with Garavel, especially at the mention of the Bandit and Father.
"Very intriguing information that you bring me, young warriors. Anything else?"
"Thank you Brebork, but I feel a campfire tale is unwarranted at this time. Quzman, well all of us, lost a dear ally to this Bandit's arrows and poor April has suffered a great ordeal. I would not like to dishonor the sacrifices they have endured with a retelling of the tale trying to make us into heroes of the hour. The facts are what we need to focus on now. A man calling himself the Bandit of Katapesh, who can remain invisible until he strikes and is a master of the bow, is plotting to kidnap you, Princess Almah, for ransom. He is in league with someone he calls Father. Zedric was supposed to lead you to the monastery where his band could ambush the caravan. It seems Eloais discovered what Zedric was up to, so the camel driver panicked and killed him. Fearing that we would discover him also he fled with poor April. Samir and Amir are men the Bandit pressed into service via fear and threats. When the rescue of April turned violent it is true they were on the Bandit's side, but they never directly attacked us and have sworn on their own lives to be loyal to us. Zedric has paid the ultimate price for his crimes but the Bandit, a formidable foe, escaped. I doubt he is going to let up on his plan, Princess, so you are indeed in danger. However, I don't believe that he intends to kill you, but rather capture you for the gold you can fetch him. What we need to decide is how to proceed from here. We can stay and assist in protecting the camp, or we can actively try to ferret out this villain and bring him to justice. To do that however, we need to know what relationship the Bandit and this 'father' have with you. Secrets only keep you at risk Princess."
"I am perfectly safe, warriors, thank you for your concern" is the Princess' only response. "Now Garavel, be a dear, and handle any other issues, including this mess with the men who helped the Bandit. And please discuss with these men our earlier plans so we can continue with our mission to recapture Kelmarane."
Before any of you can argue, Garavel asks that you follow him to his tent. As you walk there, you see Amir and Samir have been detained by the Princess' guards. Garavel enters his tent, not adorned at all like the Princess' and bids you to sit down. "My friends, I thank you on a job well done and for uncovering this plot. I feel for all of you, especially for Quzman, and on behalf of the Princess, we feel your loss. Kyra was a great strong warrior and there is no greater compliment....at least in my book." He puts his hand on Quzman's shoulder. "Now, about your questions, young Eli, do not mistake my lady's disinterest as ungratefulness. Due to her position, she cannot worry about anything other than the success of this mission. Her reputation and most of her savings are involved in this venture, so she cannot let herself worry about this kidnap plot...at least not publicly."
Garavel takes a puff of his cigar and continues, "You are, however, entitled to some answers and I will do my best to resolve them for you. First, the Bandit, he is an enigmatic figure from Katapesh. He is a mercenary at heart, he follows the gold and riches. He has pulled off some dangerous heists, always eluding capture. His main attacks have been against the Pactmasters, the rulers of Katapesh. Since they are funding part of this expedition, I assume that is how Lady Almah became a target. He is considered by some in Katapesh as a hero of the lower class. To others, he is a thug to hire for his skills, and for the Pactmasters, he is an enemy. His primary strength is his anonymity, no one knows who he is. I am glad you were able to survive your encounter with him, he is said to be quite deadly with the bow. Now this Father you mentioned, I can only assume he means Father Jackal, a notorious and powerful Katapeshi crimelord. There are rumors that the Bandit has worked for him in the past, since he's a main enemy of the Pactmasters. The idea that they are after my lady does send chills up my spine, but it seems you thwarted the Bandit's plan and kiled his men. If he fled, he would have to get new mercenaries in Katapesh, which is 9 days' journey away, so I figure my lady is not in any present danger.
"Now, as to the prisoners, these brothers, normally, the punishment for treason is death and for repentance is the loss of one or both hands. However, being archers, they would become quite useless then. I leave their sentence up to you. My lady will not accept them as her bodyguards. They can, however, remain and guard the caravan from the gnolls."
"Finally, the Princess and I were discussing earlier that we need a base to strike at the gnolls; this caravan would be too open to a counter-attack. Kelmarane is about 2 miles away from the monastery, so it would seem to be perfect, if you could clear it out. In your rush to leave and save April, I failed to mention this fact to you, since the girl's safety was our main priority. So we can take the caravan to the monastery, have you clear it out, and then set up there. How does that sound?"
"We were hoping to get around to clearing out the temple anyway, so I agree. As to the archers, I think they can be a real uh help to the group. Give them another chance, but if they stray in any manner, I have no problem with them being killed. I hope we dont have to worry about that, though."
Eli listens to Garavel and Jarva and then says, "If our task is to clear out the monastery then we should resupply and leave first thing in the morning. I want to believe that Samir and Amir are honest men, but I have learned that you won't know the full truth until all the cards are played. I say we take them back with us to the monastery. They have experience there that may prove helpful in making sure it is safe for our caravan. Also, we can keep an eye on them while not letting them stay to close to the princess in case they still mean her harm. If they act out of line then I am sure Quzman can ensure a death sentence is measured out properly."
There is something that I have been wondering about, Garavel. There is a statue in the Monastery which is graven with the image of a Vardishal - a saint of old. He is pointing directly to the West. I know it is customary for the layout of the chapel to follow celestial coordinates, however Dumah suspects that the statue may be pointing from the Monastery directly to a specific location on the ground as well. Do you by chance know of any places or sites of note in the vicinity of the monastery that lie directly to the West of it?
Brebork will also approach Zastoran with the question and ask him what he knows of the monastery in general - including the part about the unusual mould.
I say we take them back with us to the monastery. They have experience there that may prove helpful in making sure it is safe for our caravan."
Garavel nods, "Yes, young Eli, I think that would be a prudent decision. I am sure the princess will not mind."
Do you by chance know of any places or sites of note in the vicinity of the monastery that lie directly to the West of it?
Garavel ponders the question. "My young priest, to my knowledge, the only site west of the monastery are the Brazen Peaks, the largest mountain range in the region."
You approach Zastoran and he tells you he knows little of the monastery. "I am not much a person of faith, my dear priest. As for the mold, I would need a sample of it in order to properly analyze it. But now that you and your crew have returned, I hope you have the payment for my potions."
Dumah is willing to give up the dagger, but someone more skilled should handle the negotations for it.
Eli will approach Zastoran, "Good sir, I understand that you are a business man but you are being very insensitive to the situation of your companions. April has just been returned to her father but at the cost of Kyra's life. We have not even had time to mourn properly and already the Princess has instructed us to return to the monastery to prepare it for your arrival. Logic would say if we didn't have enough coin to pay outright for the potions immediately, that we still would not have enough coin to cover the full amount in a days passing. I am an honorable man, sir, and will make good on our terms to return any unused potions and pay the full price due. However, we need time to recover funds or salvage that we can exchange for the value. It is likely that there may be some treasures hidden away at the monastery. Once we finish clearing it up for habitation then we can sit down and complete the terms or our deal. Unless....I still would be willing to wager my gold compass against the total value of the potions. You fear my skill at cards, but you can not doubt the chance and randomness of a game of dice."
Friends. We have some time between now and tomorrow to gather information and supplies before we venture out tomorrow. Perhaps we can make a list of what we need to do. Here are a couple of things I feel need to be settled. Please share any more that you may have.
First. I think Eli will need to speak to Zastoran about how we are to repay him. We must find a way to do so promptly, because we certainly received good value from his potions. The Dagger was an interesting suggestion, Dumah. What say you , Eli?
And second, what about Samir and Amir. What makes you guys so sure that they want to come with us? Is it right for us to string them along - and are they up to the challenges they will face with us? If they do come ...how are they to serve us and how will they be rewarded for it? As it stands I do not think we can afford to pay them....and are we prepared to protect them? Nevertheless they may be wise to stay with us, because they do not appear to be especially welcome here. I can go speak with them and figure out what it is they want. Let me know if you wish to join me.
And now to clear up a matter that has been weighing on my conscience. Am I alone here in the concerns I have about Princess Almah? She is certainly a haughty woman, which comes naturally to nobility. I understand that. But she is affiliated with the Pactmasters, who - from what I have heard - are a mysterious, powerful and feared organization. Where I come from there is much misery on the streets. Slavery and corruption are the status quo - it seems the Pactmasters are content to perpetuate that arrangement for their own profit. That is their modus operandi in Katapesh. Would it not be the same out here in the desert? That is hardly the kind of ally I would normally wish to affiliate my church with .
Nevertheless the interests of my Church, myself, yourselves and Almah are mutual in this region at this time. Almah and I both seek to open up the region for our causes against a growing Gnoll threat. And now we have another unique enemy - the Bandit of Katapesh - who is supposedly a folk hero among my people. Although I certainly do not condone his methods - it is clear he had never planned to confront us in deadly combat. When he fired on Kyra he was defending his man - Zedric - whom we were attacking with deadly force. Remember? And it was Zedric's idea - not his - to capture April. After he killed Kyra he asked us to surrender. We were prepared to end the bloodshed...Dumah began casting his spell...I felt compelled to attack preemptively. Who was the aggressor in the fight?
We must operate carefully and always make our cause abundantly clear to everyone. We must walk the walk and talk the talk. It is important to my mission to bring salvation, healing, peace and enlightenment to the people of the desert. If we are seen to be in league with the Pactmasters against common folk our endeavour could be jeopardized. That is how I see it. We have our purpose here. For my part I do not wish to be or be seen as a soldier servant for this Princess. I shall pray to Sarenrae for guidance, that she may help me make wise choices in the days ahead.
"Once we finish clearing it up for habitation then we can sit down and complete the terms or our deal."
Zastoran sheepishly looks down at the floor, feeling as if he is being scolded. In a hushed tone, he says, "Fine, perhaps I was too impatient. We can settle up later. Now, errrrr....sorry for your loss."
"I say when the archers accompany us on the mission that we give them a share of whatever we find. They say they have been looking for a paying job, so you know, why not give them one?
As far as the Boss goes, even though we were attacking Zedric, he did not give us any warning shots as I remember. I don't anything about the Princess, other than what she has told us, but I don't remember her filling us up with arrows. At this time, I am still in favor of casting my lot with her."
Quzman listens to Brebork, and contemplates the issues he brings up.
"I agree that Eli seems to be the best choice in terms of bargaining with the potion master for us. He seems to have an ease with people that eludes me.
In regards to the aid of Amir and Samir, I can see their point of view for taking the job. Sometimes we received down on their luck men at the fort as new recruits. When you have a family to support, you sometimes do things you wouldn't normally. However, there are limits to how far one can stretch ones morals and be recovered.
The princess is another matter. While she may not be the most pleasant person to deal with all of the time, how much change can one person do against a system that's been in power for centuries? She may not even care for their rule, we can not tell, but politics make for strange bedfellows.
In my case, I am more of an indentured hireling than anything else. If I do not assist Garavel in retaking Kelemarane I will go back to prison for many years. I would rather have the release Kyra has seen than that future. For you, it will be for you to reconcile with the lady of dawn. However, I will say this, if you aid the princess in this excursion, you will also aid yourself by being able to bring the light back to the monastery we've found, and the people who are currently suffering under the whim of the vile gnolls.
In regards to the Boss, he may not have asked Zedric to kidnap a child, but when Zedric brought him the child he used her none the less. In my mind, that is an unforgivable offense. He could have parlayed without using the child, if he truly wished to speak to us. However, he used that innocent to force our cowardly obedience or hostile response.
These are all just my feelings on the matter, and you will need to resolve them from your own perspective, but I think we did the right thing."
"Once we finish clearing it up for habitation then we can sit down and complete the terms or our deal."Zastoran sheepishly looks down at the floor, feeling as if he is being scolded. In a hushed tone, he says, "Fine, perhaps I was too impatient. We can settle up later. Now, errrrr....sorry for your loss."
Thank you for your patience, good Zastoran. Eli will speak for us when we get the chance to settle with you. We understand the value of your wares, and we do seek to fairly compensate you.
I absolutely agree that Eli can and should negotiate on our behalf with Zastoran. The dagger is indeed of such value that it may not only cover what we owe, but secure an account against future needs as well.
We know little of Samir and Amir's capabilities, beyond the fact that they have been suceptible to my magic. If what they say about the nature of the Bandit is true, they likely would not survive another encounter with him without us present. I don't know that they need to confront all of our perils along side us, but there are other services they could offer. They could watch our mounts when our mission takes us where they can't follow. They could also return to the camp and seek aid for us if we should be away far longer than we anticipate. If they cross us, they wouldn't survive the decision. If they are loyal, then perhaps the Celestials would reward our kindness.
I too have no love of the Pactmasters. But the goal of eliminated the gnoll menace is an honorable one, and one worthy of my efforts. Indeed, I initially signed on for this because I believe my missing mentor, Haleen, may be in this region for that same reason. We will need to be wary, but the cause is just.
Eli listens to Brebork's concerns. "Brebork, you make some valid points. As for the brothers, I don't trust them so I want to keep them close. They turned on this bandit fellow pretty quick and I think they would do the same to us in a hearts beat. However, they fear for their lives right now so we have some power over them. They also have first hand knowledge about the monastery which could be useful with what we have been charged to do. I agree with Jarva, lets offer them one share, to split, of the salvaged treasure. If they see that we offer them honest work and respect perhaps their loyalty can be won overtime, but lets keep a close eye on them until then.
Zastoran has agreed to give us some more time to make good on our deal. I do not intend to cheat him, but for now I feel it's better to keep the magical dagger on hand. Once we finish clearing out the monastery I will settle up with the potion merchant.
Now I don't know much about the local politics and how the Princess intersects with these Pactmasters or any other group, but I do believe she is not letting us in on all the details here. Personally, I could care less if she were to reestablish Kelmarane. On the other hand, Brebork you are a good and devote man and I for one will do anything I can to help your efforts to reestablish your temple here. It seems for now that path lies in the same direction as the Princess, but we should be wary and be ready to fold are hand and walk away from the table, so to speak.
You say this Bandit fellow is a folk hero, but his actions are that of a brigand. If he has good intentions, I don't see them. What I did see was a villainous man who was in league with a man who would resort to harming children. A man who, if we believe the brothers, use threats and violence to ensure compliance. A man who took a life without a second thought, and would have take yours as well had the tide of the battle not turned. I for one will kill him for what he did to Kyra. If he wanted to talk he had his chance, he could have used words instead he shot his deadly arrows. Quzman's right, he didn't have to allow the girl to be the bait to lure us in." The swell of Eli's anger seems even to surprise himself as he speaks about Kyra's killer.
Taking a deep breath he continues, "I trust you explicitly friends, I have only known you a few days, but out here in the desert I would not want anyone else at my back. What ever path you tread priest, I am with you."
A couple of hours later, as the feast is being prepared, Garavel appears with Samir and Amir, whose hands are bound. "Friends, have you made a decision as to these men's sentence? Death, loss of a hand, a reprieve, or other?" Samir and Amir stay quiet but look up, pleadingly, especially at Eli.
Softly Eli will speak to Brebork so that no one else can hear, "Follow my lead, you can question them on the road to the monastery and if you feel they are worthy we can do as Jarva suggested, if not they will remain our prisoners."
Standing from his spot next to Brebork to address Garavel Eli says, "The brothers know the layout of the Monastery and have useful information that can help in our mission to clear it and make it habitable as a base of operations. They can not do that dead, and I doubt they will be forthcoming if they are suffering the pain of a missing hand. Postpone their judgment and allow us to take custody of them, perhaps they can earn a stay of execution."
Eli then faces the brothers, "What say you fella's, want a chance to keep your heads and hands in the same place by helping us? Be warned, any trickery and I let the Sand Whisperer deal with you." Eli nods in Jarvas direction banking that his reputation precedes him here.
When Garavel is not looking Eli will give a sly wink to the brothers to let them know he is on their side for the time being.
"Yes, sirs, we want to keep our heads and our hands!", the brothers yell in unison, as they fall to their knees. "We will help in any way possible."
Garavel smiles and then yells, "Hands!", and both brothers put out their hands. Skillfully, Garavel swings his blade and cuts the ropes off with two strokes. "You heard them, the sentence has been commuted...for now." The archer brothers get off the ground and quickly scurry off. With that, Garavel walks away, remarking, "See you at dinner, boys."
Dinner comes and a pig is roasted in honor of April's return. The food is delicious and the drink is tasty. During the celebration, Kyle speaks up, "I want to say to our new friends and heroes, Eli, Brebork, Jarva, Quzman, and Dumah, thank you! And to Kyra, where ever her sould may be! From the bottom of my heart....you do not know how grateful I am to all of you for reuniting me with my precious brave daughter! A toast then, to our heroes!" Everyone raises their glasses and toasts the party. Garavel whispers to the party, "You guys need a name better than the heroes...something like the Scarlet Brigade!" You can all tell he's had too much to drink! You also notice that the four mercenaries look pissed all night that the party is getting all the attention. The night passes...unless any of you have anything else to do.
19th day of Gozreh, Year 4708
Morning comes too soon for most of the people in the caravan, who drank a little excessively the night before. Garavel especially is in a pissed off mood much of the next morning, due to his hangover. He meets you for breakfast and says, "Hello all, I must learn to lay off the wine next time. Anyway, here is what I discussed with Princess Almah last night. The caravan will accompany you NW toward the monastery and we will camp 1-2 miles away, just to be safe, in order to allow you to clear it out. When complete, we will establish that as our base of operations and then proceed with our plan for the gnolls. Sound good?"
After breakfast, the caravan packs up the tents, the animals, and any other loose stuff and proceeds to march NW toward the monastery.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. There was a lot of the temple we didn't get a chance to um go through, I guess. It'll be a good base after we get done with it."
Last night Brebork basked in the attention and was aglow with warmth and companionship from the people around him. He danced around the fire singing uplifting hymns in praise of Sarenrae - begging others to join him in it.
However he made sure to retire to bed at a sensible hour. He gave thanks to his goddess, ecstatic at the favour she had recently shown him. He awoke before surise and welcomed her arrival with open arms.
1st Level: Shield of Faith, Divine Favour, Protection from Evil
Domain: Bless
Dumah, did you by chance have a look at the book we found in the monastery? A treatise on genies of the elemental planes. It is probably significant that it was the only intact book there, don't you think?
I suppose there is no time to read it the morning.
Dumah's Current Spells
Spells Memorized:
0 Level (4): Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Presdigitation (each usable nine times daily)
1st Level (3+1): Grease, Sleep, Mage Armor, Burning Hands*
Spell Book Contents:
0 Level: Resistance, Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Read Magic, Daze, Dancing Lights, Flare, Light, Ray of Frost*, Mage Hand, Mending, Message, Open/Close, Arcane Mark, Presdigitation.
1st Level: Sleep, Burning Hands*, Grease, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Feather Fall, Charm Person, Expeditious Retreat
To Brebork With last night's festivities, I did not have the opportunity to read any of the book we found. Perhaps today on our trek I'll be able to do so.
Gnoll DM: As has been the case every day since Haleen first took him in, Dumah will be absorbed in the new book before him as long as he believes it will not be damaged on the ride. Every so often, he'll raise his head and read back anything to his companions that he thinks is potentially interesting or useful.
The temperature this day is cooler than most and with the druid and cleric's ablities to create water, the caravan stays refreshed. Again, thankfully no desert monsters attack the caravan. However, throughout the caravan, Quzman notices that Ute, the mercenary he knocked out, has been glaring at him but has refused to approach him. However, as the caravan reaches its destination, they dismount the camels, stretch their backs, bi*ch about the heat, and start to make camp, Ute urges his camel along and approaches Quzman some 40' in front of the caravan, while Quzman is scouting the area. "Badawi, you knocked me out, so I don't like you. It also means me or my men owe you or your band nothin'. We could have saved the kid, except we weren't asked to do so. We protected the caravan, that's what we were hired to do and we've done our job well, so you comin' back, all heroes and sh*t, that don't impress me. We could scout this monastery in our sleep!"
Thanks Jarva. Dumah will take the book for now. I'll add it to his inventory and assume it has a weight (for encumberance purposes) of a spellbook.
As Quzman ignores him, Ute rides ahead with his camel, sure there is no challenge he can't handle.
Quzman notices too late the immense shadow that swoops in and clasps Ute in its claws and then lands on him with bone-crushing efficiency, as Ute's screams echo through the camp for a few seconds and are then gone. Ute's camel for its part flees immediately.
Some 30' in front of Quzman is a 15' high vulture-like bird, with a 30' wingspan, crouched upon Ute's lifeless form, picking at the body's head and eyes. Screams from members of the caravan echo throughout the camp upon sight of the bird, but it continues to feed, seemingly oblivious to them.
Something like this: Vulture
Vulture's initiative:
Eli slides off his camel and circles around the creature preying on the guard trying to get in line to flank it when Quzman attacks. "Samir, Amir, pin this vulture down!"
Does this creature usually hunt alone, or can we expect more of them? If we just leave it with its prey, are we still in danger, or is it reasonable to expect a McUte sandwich will statisfy its hunger?
Knowledge Nature
Dumah will carefully dismount, not wanting to rush to Ute's aid too quickly.
Initiative
Initiative
