go down into the main room and watch for divi then trail him. Jerras says. He pauses befor eleaving long enough to give you description of divi and the caravan link ups you will meet.
You make it to the caravan with out any trouble even though you are certain you were followed a couple of times.
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Quinten frowns at Shadara, Graghhh and Mang. I didn't spot anything, but from your expressions, I'd guess we were followed. I'd say it's still best to stick with the original plan and hide in the caravan. If they're smart, any bounty hunters who trailed us will wait to attack until we've separated from the caravan and its guards. If our followers are less savvy, the guards might get involved. That's unfortunate, but we'd only attract more attention by leaving Fifth Port alone.
Quinten looks around. Do any of you see the painted dwarf, our charge, an empty wagon, or some other sign of where we're supposed to hide?
Mang Fu Ha Saan looks at Quinten when asked about being followed. We most certainly were. Strong Talon could see it from above, and I saw a few of them along the way. we should expect a fight soon. Looking back at the caravan he spots a small section of canvas being discretely lifted so that an occupant inside can peek out. I believe ours is this one He says walking over to the covered wagon. A look inside from the rear of the wagon reveals Reven sitting among some barrels with the triumvirate's daughter, who is bundled in a type of carry pack litter. Motioning to the group that this is their wagon, he then takes a moment to look skyward before he steps inside it. We'll be out of this place soon, friend.
Once you all are settled in, the wagons pull out. As they leave the grove and then the city you hear several people talk to the guards and atleast one group stop and question the caravan most likely about you.
You travel throughout the day and all goes well. The next day you travel with out incident. The weather is much much dryer and so much hotter. You find that you are running out of your water quicker than anticipated and no one in the caravan has come to talk or even check on you.
No longer feeling thirst, or hunger, thanks to his new magic trinket Mang Fu Ha Saan spends most of the trip out of the city reaching out to Strong Talon. After leaving the city he could feel Strong Talon's excitement at spotting a rabbit along the way, and could also tell that the large bird had gone to kill and eat it. His mind and thoughts eventually return to his immediate surroundings as the weather changes to bone dry and hot. Seeing that the group is using their supply of water very quickly he takes their water flasks and using his druidic magic he fills them with water (create water). Drink your fill, there's no limit to how much water I can provide you.
About two days out Divi knocks on the bottom of the wagon and whispers just loud enough to hear. you are probably good to come out tonight when the other caravan joins us. BOth will think you are with the other one so you should be able to come out with no real questions.and then she is gone. The day passes slowly and about dusk another large caravan pulls in and meshes with yours. when camp is made they make camp as well mixing among the two is common place and it is obvious that this isn;t the first time that this has happened.
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Quinten looks up from his notes with a sigh. Damn. If I had a few more days to study this, I might be able to figure out what the fourth storm bow in each set is supposed to do, and if we're lucky, what it might look like.
The teacher speaks softly. Even with a second caravan here, we'll look odd walking away from camp with a stretcher. I can try making it look like a roll of moth-eaten and disposable cloth, but I'll have to move slowly.
Mang Fu Ha Saan whispers to Quinten in response. Hide the carry litter in the bag of holding. I will carry her in my arms as we leave. If anyone stops to ask why just say she has been overcome by the heat and we're out to look for a medicinal plant known to druids. He then turns to Shadara and Graghhh. You two should be able to leave the camp without anyone even seeing you. I know Shadara can. Why don't you two sneak away ahead of us and Quinten and I will follow behind a little later.
agreed, also we should head a mile back down the road and then start we can regroup and move out giving a wide birth to these caravans, Shadara whispers back in agreement.
Graghhh, find a place that you can watch them and follow behind to make sure that no one follows us, I will meet you a mile down the road. As soon as she finishes whispering she disappears and slowly crawls out of the hiding place. Staying to the shadows she moves quietly thru the camp and back the direction that they had travelled earlier. Not only scanning to see if she was followed out of camp but also to see if anyone was following the caravan. At reaching what she feels as the mile point she continues scouting the area to verify that the location is safe.
I am figuring that I will need to use 3 ki points for invisibility to get out of camp. After that I will just use stealth at a base 10 + modifier (8), until I get to the mile point. At that point I would use Survival to scout and stealth at the same time. I have included some rolls just in case.
scouting
Stealth
agreed, also we should head a mile back down the road and then start we can regroup and move out giving a wide birth to these caravans, Shadara whispers back in agreement.
Graghhh, find a place that you can watch them and follow behind to make sure that no one follows us, I will meet you a mile down the road. As soon as she finishes whispering she disappears and slowly crawls out of the hiding place. Staying to the shadows she moves quietly thru the camp and back the direction that they had travelled earlier. Not only scanning to see if she was followed out of camp but also to see if anyone was following the caravan. At reaching what she feels as the mile point she continues scouting the area to verify that the location is safe.
** spoiler omitted **
4 stealth checks
perception x3
Mang
Quentin
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As he walks away from the camp, Quinten studies the horizon. This may be a desolate place, but I have to admit it has some appeal. I can see so far!
The teacher frowns as he sees clouds lit up by the sunset. Those look heavy for a desert. Then Risnel speaks, warning him that a storm is gathering and urging him to catch up with the others so they can combat it.
For a moment, Quinten considers ignoring the gem's warning. Then he looks back at the caravan that has secretly sheltered them and sees a boy darting through the wagons, laughing as he stays only a few inches ahead of a suspiciously clumsy man.
The teacher trots to catch up with Mang. There's an unnatural storm gathering to the west. I'd ignore it so we can keep a low profile, but it's headed toward the caravan. We should find Shadara so we can fight it. Let's hope three storm bows is enough, even though none of us have used ours before.
The teacher looks behind him, trying to spot Graghhh.
After putting significant distance between them and the caravan he spots Shadara and Graghhh with his keen eyes. He starts heading in their direction with Quinten when the teacher speaks up with an observation and a question. We are being followed, Shadara and Graghhh are just up ahead I can see them already. I want to keep moving, staving off the storm for the safety of the caravan is noble but we have to consider who we have with us as a greater priority. As well as the painted one. He says nodding to Reven. They understood the risk of storms when they ventured into the wild...
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Quinten frowns, then nods. I can't say that thrills me, but it makes sense. Sorry, Risnel. You exist to fight the storms, so it's understandable that you would want to battle them here, especially with lives at stake. But Mang is right. If we fail to complete the mission the Sentinels and their allies have given us, our chances of getting rid of the storms for good will be slim.
With an effort, Quinten resists the temptation to look back at the caravan and see if it is preparing. Forgive me.
Instead, he looks for Shadara and Graghhh. If he's able to spot either of them, he'll sign Followed with his hand in front of his chest to hide it from their pursuers.
To Mang, he speaks softly. How many people are following us?
Just one. He says in a low voice. I'm half expecting it to be that bloody cat...
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The cat seemed too powerful to follow us himself. He'd send a lackey. Hopefully a member of the Yellow Scorpions. If we must fight, better them than anyone else.
Quinten speaks more loudly. There are more plants out here than I expected. Does the entire desert look like this? Yes, pursuer. I'm nothing but a city boy. If something comes up, ignore me until it's too late.
Still speaking in hushed tones Don't forget we know its true name, but better for us all if you're correct.
Shadara
Gragh
After scouting for some time looking for any sign of threats and not finding any, Shadara starts scanning the distance toward the caravan to find the others. She locates them and starts toward them but her eyes keep drifting to the west where dark clouds are forming and starting to spread. As she continues toward the group she notices a faint light on the ground even though she has no torch. Unconsciously she puts her hand to the mark on her head and the glow diminishes. She then realizes that her sigil is glowing. Hastily she pulls a cloth from her pack and ties it around her head to hide the mark. As she is putting her pack back on she notices that her bow is also glowing.
Fearing that the clouds have something to do with the glow she holds her bow ready and races back to Mang and Quintin. She slows to a walk as she sees Quinten sign to her and starts looking past them to see if she can catch site of the follower. Abruptly she stops in mid step and cannot move closer to them. She backs up a few feet without issue, begins forward again and abruptly stops again. She pulls an arrow and notches it in her bow.
You both emanate power why is that? she whispers to them. What did you make out of stone when you were bored before we left? With this question she raises the bow toward Mang.
Mang Fu Ha Saan gives Shadara a look of "are you kidding me?" when she raises the bow toward him. A simple stone sphere with a phrase my master told me quite often, when I wasn't fighting I was a stone crafter for the village... Would you like a stone cup? Or how about a bowl? He asks sarcastically. The graveyard in the grove gave it magical power somehow. It knows where to find the Oracle even... But right now that's not important. Your bow is glowing, as is the mark on your head. I saw before you put the cloth on... That power? It's coming from the gloves, I can feel it. Each of our artifacts are reacting to the storm that is upon us. Now taking a more serious tone Now how about we deal with the one following us and not point weapons at the one carrying the girl.
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Quinten looks down at the linked gems hanging around his neck and notices both glowing faintly. Ah, Risnel. I should remember that although you have some personality, you're an item with a purpose. I shouldn't expect you to hide what you are when a storm is near, even if that would be prudent.
The gems are a storm bow, Shadara. The primary one asked me to keep its identity secret, but I suppose the presence of a storm has changed its mind.
The teacher puts his left hand on the gems, as if he is covering the light. However, he's also touching the wooden dog that hangs next to them. If Shadara is mad enough to fire, I might be able to shield the girl. But let's hope that won't be necessary.
Shadara lowers her bow. Completely ignoring the last thing Mang said she speaks to him in a lowered voice. Shall we continue like we don't know they are following, or turn and fight? Graghhh should be near them hopefully undetected at this time. If we are to fight then Quinten should protect the girl while you and I deal with the threat directly.
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Quinten frowns as Risnel addresses him. That is an unfortunate situation. I hope you understand mine as well. I'm all for fighting the storms, but I have no desire to do so with an audience, especially if that audience includes a potential threat. I doubt whatever bounty hunter strips you from my body after you reveal yourself will be any braver.
As Shadara lowers her bow, Quinten relaxes his hand but keeps it over the dog and the gem, covering the light. Even so, he says, Remember, not all followers justify force. In Fifth Port, a child trailed me when I visited my home. I'd expect someone more dangerous here, but don't rush to put your life in danger.
MANG\\\SHADARA\\\QUINTEN
all of you feell a draw to the south west now stronger then before. the storms are still there and intensifying as you speak. they have begun to move slowly across the deserts towards the roadway to fifthport that you traveled on. But it is not ust the storm but something down the road that "pulls" you that direction
Matching Shadara's low voice Mang Fu Ha Saan responds. I say we fight, can't afford to have anyone following us.
Wait... what? Shadara stops for the briefest second to process what Quinten said. She speaks to Mang in a low but urgent voice.
Mang can you use Strong Talon's eyes to see if the follower has any items that are glowing?
Mang Fu Ha Saan closes his eyes and reaches out to Strong Talon. What do you see, does the one following us shine like a star?
He feels a response from Strong Talon in thought and emotion A star follows, and a dark spot follows it.
Speaking quietly, Yeah... He has a storm bow... Could be a yellow scorpion using it to track us since we know they have a few.
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There's only one way to find out: Turn and confront the follower. I'll guard our charge. That isn't the role I'd prefer, especially if our follower bears the Scorpion's mark. But my family owes her father too much for me to refuse. I'll have to trust these two to be diplomatic if that is the right course.
Mang Fu Ha Saan gently places the girl with Quinten, and quietly questions the teacher. All of the yellow scorpions bear a mark on their forearms do they not?
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Quinten takes the girl. He's able to hold her, but not with the ease Mang did. He considers setting her down, then decides against that. I can feel the sand's warmth through my boots. I doubt it'd be wise for her to rest there. We'll need to find shade.
The location varies. Most include the mark on their forearms, but some put it on their back, their shoulder, or their neck.
Hmm... Rumbled the warrior. Should I go confront our pursuer directly while you and Graghhh watch from the shadow? He asks Shadara quietly.
I fear that will not do. We can feel the power of the bows and must assume they can as well. We approach together and hope that Graghhh remains unseen as our surprise if needed. Keep Strong Talon High as well if you can, the more surprises the better.
Shadara keeps the arrow notched in the bow string but still pointed toward the ground as she and Mang start walking toward the stranger.
Mang Fu Ha Saan looks at the gloves he wears when Shadara comments on being able to locate a hidden individual by feeling their power. Very well then, let's go. He takes position beside Shadara and reaches out to Strong Talon. Watch the glowing one, stay high above it. Be ready to attack. Strong Talon responds to him with a feeling of flexing and eager talons, letting him know he understood.
As the pair make their way toward their pursuer. He looks intently for signs that he is preparing any trap or surprise for the group.
THe desert winds begin to blow around you and increase in their intensity as you set off to approach the follower. You walk maybe a quarter of a mile when you come upon a single Suli-Jahn sitting in the "path" as if waiting for you. HE says nothing and makes no move toward nor away from you.
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As Mang, Shadara and the painted dwarf walk away, Quinten looks down at the girl in his arms and the wooden dog that still rests against his chest. Brown Dog, guard this woman, and help me do so. Scales swirl around the young woman, and the white robes Quinten now wears briefly turn red, the color he associates with the mage guard Fae.
The teacher closes his eyes and reaches out to the ring on his left hand. A smile spreads across his face as he remembers his grandfather pulling a coin from behind his ear. The teacher vanishes and then reapears a few feet away. Grandad, let's hope you're as good at tricking our enemies as you were at amusing a boy.
When Quinten realizes how far away the follower is, he trails Mang, Shadara and the painted dwarf, keeping himself about a hundred feet behind them. That should be far enough that I won't get involved in an altercation between them and the follower, but close enough Mang and Shadara can intervene if someone attacks me. I'll need their help if that happens. With my hands occupied, I won't be able to use Brown Dog's offensive capabilities.
But I shouldn't get too close, for there's something off about that man. Risnel, do you know what it is? But the formerly exstatic gem has gone quiet, heightening Quinten's unease. The teacher turns sideways, trying to keep his eye on the party but somehow reluctant to look in their direction. He tells himself he needs to watch their back and begins turning to survey his surroundings.
As Mang Fu Ha Saan approaches the Suli-jahn he feels Strong Talon able to see Graghhh not far off observing the scene. He looks at their pursuer and sees him in obvious discomfort and nauseated by their presence somehow. Possibly related to the ring he keeps trying to brush off his hand, perhaps a cursed item. On his hands, and running up his arms he sees ring like tattoos, and wonders briefly if the ring and the tattoos have something to do with one another. With the Suli preoccupied with his obsessive hand wringing, Mang Fu Ha Saan attempts to ascertain if this follower of theirs bears hostile intent, though that was never one of his gifts.
So, Suli-Jahn, you've tracked a group of Storm Bow wielders far from any place with a Storm Bow of your own as well. It won't let you near us, or us near you, and you seem pretty busy trying to wipe that ring off your hand. Does it have something to do with those tattoos, or why you look so ill from our presence? Since you're busy trying to wipe that ring off and not pulling out weapons I will give you one opportunity to explain why you are here and following us. It had better be a good one.
Shadara pulls up just short of where Mang stops. Mangs starts speaking as she is visually checking him to determine what the Storm bow could be. She then starts scanning the area to make sure that this is not a trap or diversion.