"A Very sensible strategy Acting-Maralictor Fellis. If there is no further briefing I will prepare straight away. Signifier Trasalor I will be glad to fetch your supplies for you."
Tybalt pauses. "Where i come from there was never much opportunity to train with horses, this should be interesting." He shrugs with smile.
"Still, I joined the Order to be tested in ways more profound than that. Like this visit to the tower. The presence of a power so close by that can inspire caution in the Hellknights is disquieting. I wonder what the endgame could be? Enough musing, I shall make preparations."
In regards to Morvan's comment about the timeline Thurio nods, "That just means I won't be able to add to my repertoire to tackle this specific mission. I will still have some tools to help us deal with things."[/b]
He later turns to Urashu, "I mentioned expanding my repertoire before and I wonder, would you mind me perusing your spell collection at some point? There might be things in there I could use. I'd of course be willing to return the favor after."
"Before I move to requisition my supplies, will there be any larger objects we'd need to transport or even things we want to keep hidden? I could use the same magic I used on the boulders for my test to both shrink items and make them inaccessible to others."
He later turns to Urashu, "I mentioned expanding my repertoire before and I wonder, would you mind me perusing your spell collection at some point? There might be things in there I could use. I'd of course be willing to return the favor after."
Urashu responds to Thurio while waiting for Morvan to respond. "Certainly, Hell Knight Jeggare, it's a good idea. It would have been a good idea while we had light duty but I'm afraid I was too wrapped up in my training to think of it. You'll probably have to look it over while we travel. I hope it's helpful; I have a limited scope of arcane abilities that I specialize in. Though, if I remember your trial, I don't believe I saw any overlap in abilities."
Morvan will retrieve the map and hand it to Kallant. He will also hand Urashu the mission approval document to check out the horses. "I appreciate this. I do not know much about horses, so I'd rather someone who did know them choose them out."
Morvan will then gather his equipment and head to the armory to check out his equipment.
Copying some stuff from Morvan and Kallant's list.
20 crossbow bolts (1gp)
14 days trail rations (7 gp)
small tent (10 gp)
2 waterskins (2 gp)
2 waterproof bags (1 gp)
10 days animal feed (5 sp)
saddlebags (4 gp)
military saddle (20 gp)
bit and bridle (2 gp)
Signal Whistle (8 sp)
1 flask alchemist fire (20 gp)
2 Sunrods (4 gp)
Also during character creation we were to start out with a masterwork weapon, which Tybalt didn't take advantage of though I had intended to add a MW Light Crossbow, which I'd like to do now. Otherwise he'll just bring a normal crossbow.
After gathering your supplies you head as a group towards the stables. You mount up, but for some reason it feels like you're being watched, even more so than usual. The feeling fades as you ride down the road leaving the Citadel. It slowly turns north, then west, as it curls down and around the mountain to join the main road. It takes a little over an hour at a careful pace to reach the main road.
Kallant pulls out the map from his bag and examines it. "Sir. Looks like we have two basic choices. We can follow the main road towards Pezzack as long as possible, or cut straight cross country.
"The road will let us travel faster, but we have longer to go than cross country. We'll also have to share the road with others. Cross country will be slower going over a shorter distance.
"It felt to me that we were being watched in the stables. If anyone follows us, it would be easier to blend into road traffic than cross country, unless they can wildshape.
"What do you think?" Kallant asks the team while examining the skies.
"Looks like we have fair weather for tomorrow's travels." Kallant offers.
"I don't think the feeling of being watched is to be discounted, sadly the implications of that feeling are unclear. I believe the main road is the most prudent choice so long as it takes us where we need to go in time."
Acting Maralictor Fellis, if I may? I know a little of the country on this area and while I agree with Hell Knight Tybalt that the road is likely the easier path, I do not believe there would be any obstacles in a cross country route.
Morvan fixes Kallant and Tybalt with a look as they mention feeling someone was watching them. "I had actually felt the same thing. It may be that someone in the Citadel has an interest in our mission besides the Vicarius. It may also be that a hostile presence, intent on finding out more about us and our mission. So long as the road will get us to our rendezvous in time, I see no reason not to take it. We are Hellknights, and I doubt any who encounter us will bother us."
"The road should get us there more or less on time. Overland will give us a half day cushion, in case we encounter any delays.
"And the countryside is much lovelier than the Worldwound. ". Kallant offers with a smile beneath his helmet.
The first leg of your trip is uneventful, the road, while somewhat hilly at first, is still smooth and gentle. The wind is calm, and the sun is bright but not fierce, true summer not having yet arrived. You see no one and nothing for miles, aside from a few solitary raptors soaring high in the sky. Night doesn't fall until late, dusk is long this time of year and you manage to travel a good distance. Eventually though darkness does prevail, and you move off the road, taking shelter on the other side of a hill that the road curves around, making camp and preparing your food.
As the journey continues, Urashu writes down some notes on a piece of paper and hands it to Morvan and Thurio. "As a point of note, Acting-Maralictor, here's the arcane spells I have prepared for this mission."
Prepared
summon monster III (2)
acid arrow, scorching ray (2)
burning hands, color spray, magic missile, protection from evil, shocking grasp
in spellbook
Fly
Invisibility, cat's grace
Vanish (also as wand), infernal healing (also as wand), detect magic, read magic, corrosive touch, icicle dagger, obscuring mist,
As he takes over for Morvan, Urashu will ask if he can look over the mission documents while taking his watch.
Kallant travels in silence listening, observing, and frankly enjoying the natural scenery. He's not much of a conversationalist.
After they set camp, Kallant collects some sticks to form an armor rack for his armor. He positions his armor such that is looks like his armor is comfortably sitting and looking at the fire pit with his cold iron greatsword on its lap.
He dons his hellknight parade armor in which to rest while not on watch. After cleaning up supper, he lies down on his bedroll under his cloak and passes out. After many patrols into the Worldwound, he was a fast and light sleeper.
While on watch, he lets the firepit extinguish and stands in the deep shadows with his silversheen greatsword and bow within easy reach.
Tybalt arranges his sleeping area in an unhurried and methodical fashion before eating his evening meal. They he lays down to sleep flat on his back with his hands clasped over his chest. He closes his eyes and sleeps almost immediately.
Small Tent - 10 gp
Waterskin, 2 - 2 gp
Teapot - 1 sp
Journal - 10 gp
Folding Chair - 2 gp
Tea, 1 lbs - 1 sp
Trail rations, 20 days - 10 gp
Silk Rope, 50 ft. - 10 gp
Cooking Kit - 3 gp
Scrivener's Kit - 2 gp
Shaving Kit - 15 sp
Potatoes, 5 lbs - 1 sp
Blackfire Clay - 20 gp
Sunrods, 5 - 10 gp
Tindertwigs, 10 - 10 gp
Cups, 10 - 2 sp
total:
91 gp
The only words that came out of Thurio, beyond him mumbling to himself, was a complaint about how he should make his own alchemical supplies in the future. If none react he'd remain mute after.
Once found a place to make camp Thurio starts pulling many things from his handy haversack, beginning with his cooking kit. After gathering some firewood, possibly with the help of others, he starts a simple campfire which he then uses to boil some potatoes that he'll share with the others. It is bland food but adding something warm to trail rations is never a loss.
Afterwards he uses the same fire to make a pot of tea, pouring a cup of it for all who want one.
Before he heads of to his tent to sleep he checks on the horses one last time and does his regimen of stretches. Before entering his tent his nods to his fellows, "I will keep watch in the morning and make sure none approach us undetected." He then heads up into his tent and sleeps shortly after laying down, his familiar resting on his chest.
Morvan will converse with the others as they go, including telling Thurio that making such items for future missions would be highly beneficial. Once they reach their campsite he will set up his tent and assist in gathering firewood and building the fire. He will ask those with experience how to care for his horse, since he has spent little time with them.
Once the time for first watch has come, he will light his lantern to better read the file on Imani, since he would like to know more of her.
He will allow Urashu to peruse the files on Dusk and Imani, but he will hold onto the remaining documents and the letter.
DOB: 13th of Lamashan, 4672 AR (Assumed, requires further research)
Height: 5'7"
Weight: ~120 lbs.
Hair: Auburn
Eyes: Green
Defining features: Completely covered in an intricate web of Varisian style tattoos.
Bio: A sorceress of significant skill, Imazi first came to the Order's attention in 4686, when she was overheard during an interestingly accurate harrowing by (name redacted), an agent of the Order of the Nail (crossref. CSA:1942b). She disappeared before more could be researched into the matter and was not seen again until 4704, when she won an enormous sum of money (estimated at approximately 400,000 gold pieces) betting on Hugh Fraxelles during the Dies Irae. Once again, before any interrogation could be held, she disappeared. Attempts to track her via divination spells and by activating various abjurations on the prize money all failed (crossref. CSA:2004f).
In 4710, an intelligence agent from the Order of the Scourge, (name redacted), went missing while investigating a supposed cult in the Ravounel Forest. Imazi took credit for the disappearance, warning the Order of the Scourge to stay out of the forest. A secondary commando team (level 7 operatives) sent to assassinate her also disappeared. She once again warned the Scourge to desist, and appealed to the Order of the Gate for assistance. Eventually a contract was signed and the Gate successfully entreated with the Scourge to desist action against Imazi (crossref. CSC:0485o).
Abilities: Known to be a skilled mage, particularly with divination and abjuration magics, as well as various curses. Imazi also has a history of extremely accurate harrowings, including real time acquisition of information, the ability to transcribe previously unknown past events, and even prophesies (crossref. CSP:1212c).
Method of engagement: It is HIGHLY advised to not engage Imazi at all. It is unlikely she will ever be caught off guard. Only one previous engagement is known of (see above), but there are no details. Direct offensive power is unknown. Advised strategy is to mindblank all attackers and engage from stealth.
Thurio looks at the flying humanoid and nods, making sure it knows it has been spotted. Beyond that he does not appear to act but keeps a close eye on the flying being, ready to act should it be needed.
Finally dawn breaks and the group is up and ready. A quick review of the brief shows that the meeting spot is approximately halfway between Pezzack and the Ravounel Forest, where the Sallow Coast surges furthest inland, almost to the mountains. You continue along the road until it joins the main coastal route, which runs north-south. Turning north, you continue, encountering more people on the road now, all of which give a very respectful (or perhaps fearful) berth. Even at your easy pace the spot soon comes into view; a commonly used clearing not far off the road, in the middle a large standing stone who's base is char blackened from the fires of over a centuries worth of travelers.
The half-orc stares at you as you come closer, his face slack and expressionless, almost giving you the sense that he's simple or particularly stupid.
His size somehow impossibly seems to grow the closer you get. You realize that even on your horse you have to look up at him. If you were on your feet, the tallest of you wouldn't even be able to reach his shoulder. This can only be Dusk, your guide.
His face doesn't change as you finally ride into the clearing. In fact, aside from a single blink, he stands almost entirely motionless, without even any hair to be ruffled by the breeze. If it weren't for the motion of his eyes, you would have difficulty telling if he was alive or not.
As Morvan approaches the half-orc, he thinks, Lord of Hell, his file did not do a good job of describing his height. He is massive.
Stopping a short distance away, he says "I am Acting-Maralictor Morvan Fellis, of the Order of the Gate. Are you the half-orc known as Dusk?"
Stopping a short distance away, he says "I am Acting-Maralictor Morvan Fellis, of the Order of the Gate. Are you the half-orc known as Dusk?"
Dusk's eyes flick towards you briefly.
"Yeh" he grunts in affirmative.
"C'mon. Weather's gon' turn. Wan' get under the forest 'fore storm hits." he grumbles, his voice, though deep, is surprisingly quiet.
Approaching Dusk is unnerving. Even warned of his size in the file it still seems off to have him only appear larger as you get closer.
Urashu listens to Dusk's terse reply and frowns Storm?. He looks around quickly, unwilling to take his gaze away from Dusk's for too long.
Urashu stares at the incoming storm. Forgetting Dusk for a second, he whips his head around to the trees and the fauna around him. He returns his gaze to Dusk, his suspicion mounting. Maybe it is just Dusk's massive presence that is throwing him off, but he is in the Hell Knights now.
He knows he should let Acting-Maralictor Fellis address Dusk, but he feels the question is important, and time is pressing.
"Sir, uh Dusk, is there a path in the forest that the horses can follow? Or will we have to continue on foot after that point?"
"Sir, uh Dusk, is there a path in the forest that the horses can follow? Or will we have to continue on foot after that point?"
"Not much uh one, they prob'ly go lame. But up tuh you," he responds, shrugging his massive shoulders.
Urashu looks again at the foreboding storm. He wasnt sure he what would become of the horses, even well trained horses, if they were left alone in that storm. We'll have to walk them at least.
Even in the time that answer had taken the storm seemed to grow. "Understood. Well, we better be going. " He winced as soon as he said it; it seem like too much of a command that the Acting-Maralictor should be giving.
As Dusk turned to lead them, Urashu carefully gave a signal to the others that they had learned early in training danger . He didn't point at Dusk though, he pointed to he storm beyond; the one they were riding into.
Morvan's face darkens slightly. He doesn't particularly want to leave the horses behind - after all, they may need them to make a quick getaway. "Could we possibly lead the horses along with us? Would they be better able to traverse the forest that way?"
"Understood. Well, we better be going. "
The half-orc nods and trudges off, his pace quick despite his seemingly lethargic movements thanks to the length of his legs.
True to his word, the farther north you travel, the darker the sky gets. A light drizzle begins to come down on you just as the forest comes into view. You pick up the pace and manage to get under the shelter of the forests leafy canopy just as the first bolt of lightning branches across the sky, shortly followed by it's resonating crack of thunder.
"If you're gonna tie your horses, this a good spot," Dusk says, seeming more alert under the cover of the trees, if only just barely.
"C'mon. Weather's gon' turn. Wan' get under the forest 'fore storm hits."
"Very good." Tybalt immediately prepares to set off again.
Tybalt watches the brewing storm but whatever Urashu notices is opaque to him.
As Tybalt dismounts he asks "What do you make of the storm, Dusk? Does it look like it will be severe?"
Urashu dismounts, giving his horse a long lead as he ties it to the tree. He pulls his hood up, though rests it back on his head so his field of vision is clear. Both his guns are loaded, and he carefully checks them under his cloak to make sure they are not getting wet.
As Tybalt dismounts he asks "What do you make of the storm, Dusk? Does it look like it will be severe?"
Dusk looks up blankly before nodding. "Yeh"
Tybalt busies himself preparing to take his gear with him on foot. Checking his gear to make sure it's secured against wind and rain. As he does so he asks.
"Kallant you're more familiar with the wilderness than I. Do you think we need to be concerned with this storm? Did you have to brave anything similar in you demon hunting days at the Worldwound?"