Myri washes the blood from Silmemir's fur. The formerly grievous wound completely healed from Alaric's positive channeling. "Diolch am gymryd sy'n chwythu i mi, merch, ond mae'n rhaid i chi fod yn ofalus, 'Kay. Bod yn edrych fel ei brifo, llawer. ... Gorweddwch i lawr yn awr." Myri pulls out Silmemir's brush and begins combing any remaining debris out of her fur.Silmemir moves away from Xanderghul and Attatoq and lies down by Myri, her eyes closed as she is brushed.
While you are doing this, you feel more than hear Shalelu crouch down behind you.
"It is always worrying when those we care for get wounded," she observes.
Myri attempts not too jump, giving away that she was completely surprised by her sister's appearance.
will?:bluff?: +1 optional trait not included
of course she's always startled easy.
She gets her heartbeat under control, then turns to smile at her sister. "She is...I..am well. I'm glad you and Lio are as well." Myri stands, smiles and gives her sister a quick hug before stepping back. "I am also happy with my continued improvement, but...I could probably use some um, objective critiquing of my tactics." she looks down for a second, then back up. "Dad usually had a number of um, suggestions when I worked with his men. ... I do want to improve. So, if you want to talk...when you're not busy, of course." She unconsciously quickly glances around for Lio.
Due to the time lost in the Grungir forest, you will arrive at Karlsgard on the 8th day after Kopparberget rather than the 7th, presuming the rest of the journey goes smoothly.
And this seems likely to be the case. The lands along the Rimeflow River are perhaps the most settled in this country. The Rimeflow is the major traffic artery through the heart of the Linnorn Kingdoms, and the lands around it are the most fertile in the area. And it has long been under the control of Sveinn Blood-Eagle, perhaps the most respected current Linnorn King, and certainly the most powerful.
You pass numerous small towns, all fortified with stone walls or, at the very least, a wooden palisade, and also drive by the larger trading city of Ullerskad, where some of the richest Ulfen merchants live here. Huscarls of the Ulfen Guard, who protect the Emperor of Taldor, often retire to Ullerskad. The town is notable for being the site of a large, gold-adorned temple to Gorum, set in a small grove of trees hung with the bodies of enemies who have fallen to the warriors of Ullerskad.
Along the way, some time is set aside for maneuver practice and further tactical discussion.
Kelda steers the boat so that it travels at roughly the same pace as the Caravan, and she and whoever has joined her on the ship rejoin the Caravan when it camps for the night.
Myri assumes Rhost will volunteer to help with the knarr. If not, she will. Though she hopes it takes no particular skill.
She starts to rise, and then pauses for just an instant. "Myri ... Dad was something of an idiot when it came to you, you are aware of that, surely?"
...
The next morning, she wakes with a small jolt. She searches Alaric's face, her breathing calming quickly with what she sees there. A smile, and a low purr, "Need to keep reminding myself that I'm very lucky" as she lays her head back down.
"Some time will be set aside for tactical discussion and practice during the remainder of our trip to Karlsgard. Perhaps we can talk about such matters then, when it is light and we are rested."
She starts to rise, and then pauses for just an instant. "Myri ... Dad was something of an idiot when it came to you, you are aware of that, surely?"
Myri seems clearly torn between defending Jakardros and contradicting her big sister...and clearly was not aware that her dad was an idiot in any way. She opens her mouth to speak, but nothing seems to come out. She tries again, "I..I'm sure he was trying his best, Shae." She looks down. "...and um, what do you mean, anyway? I...don't understand."
...
Alaric, still groggy: "I'm quite a catch."
Before you arrive in Karlsgard, Sandru calls a brief meeting to discuss plans.
He reminds you that currently, the ultimate goals in Karlsgard are to find the magical sword Suishen (which was sold almost 60 years ago to merchant in Kalsgard named Fynn Snaevald), hire a guide for the trip over the Crown of the World, and prepare the Caravan for that journey – a journey of more than 4,000 miles through extremely harsh conditions. He estimates that the travel time from Karlsgard to Hongal, the northernmost nation of Tian Xia, will take a minimum of four months, more likely six months, and could take as long as a year.
He also notes that it seems increasingly likely that the group has been observed at least to some extent. He hopes that the Caravan will be difficult to spot within the mass of other Varisian Caravans that will be camped in the city’s Bone Quarter. However, he also recommends that the group rent a suite of rooms within another district of the city – so that business can take place without leading anyone back to the Caravan, as a safe place to fall back to, and (he coughs) in case anyone wishes to have some “alone time”.
He presents all of you with a list of equipment you should purchase for the trip, if you have not done so already – cleats, cold weather outfit, frostbite ointment, furs, shovel, skates, skis and poles, snow goggles, snowshoes.
He also recommends that money from the Caravan fund be used to buy a portable astrolabe, a dog sled, and a map-maker’s kit.
In order to keep herself from being tempted, she starts to move carefully over him, toward the bunk's edge. In mid-movement she stops, straddling his hips. She leans down, kisses him, just a little deeper than it should be, "mornin'." Without doing anything else... embarrassing... she finishes her exit from the bunk.
He presents all of you with a list of equipment you should purchase for the trip, if you have not done so already – cleats, cold weather outfit, frostbite ointment, furs, shovel, skates, skis and poles, snow goggles, snowshoes.
She hears the groan, looks back at him. Takes a half step back toward their bunk. And through of supreme force of her own will steps out of the caravan barefoot rather than give in to what she would like to do.
He presents all of you with a list of equipment you should purchase for the trip, if you have not done so already – cleats, cold weather outfit, frostbite ointment, furs, shovel, skates, skis and poles, snow goggles, snowshoes.
He also recommends that money from the Caravan fund be used to buy a portable astrolabe, a dog sled, and a map-maker’s kit.
Shalelu falls into step beside you as you walk towards the river.
"Fog means low visibility for the fire. Road is well-trafficked and considered safe. This was an ambush. We are unlikely to attract random assault."
Lio looks thoughtful. In elven, "All the fog I've ever seen diffuses light, so the light can be seen from further away. Hard to see inside the fog, but it lights up the fog cloud pretty well so those outside can see lots of light, even if they can't see the particulars of what's causing the light. I suppose, since the fog here doesn't seem to want to end though, you're probably right." She's still not happy about the large fire, but she concedes to Shalelu's greater experience.
When they reach a spot on the river that is out of sight of any prying eyes, Lio puts her backpack, bow and quiver down. Perception (prying eyes) She pulls out some soap, and a towel from her backpack.
Shalelu ...
Survival Roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
... doesn't really seem to be paying much attention to the Scouting that night, either. And she doesn't much seem to care that this is the case.
Before you return to the caravan at the end of the night, Lio stops just out of view of the wagons. "Shalelu?" She says very quietly... and after a pause,"Thank you." Looking into your eyes, she is still holding on to your hand.
She sits on the edge of the river. "Perhaps more to the point, though, I suspect they considered the ritual more important than the risk."
There is a long pause. "Would you ... like my company? In the water?"
** spoiler omitted **
Red goblin eyes in the dark.
"Father," says a quiet voice, "Would you make them stop now, please?"
Lio smiles softly. For a moment her expression is almost as painfully shy as if she'd never been undressed in your company before. "Very much." She manages to say.
Shalelu begins to remove her clothes.
It is neither with the casual practicality of the first time you swam together, nor with the barely leashed urgency of the night in the forest.
It is slow and just a little bit ... teasing.
Before you return to the caravan at the end of the night, Lio stops just out of view of the wagons. "Shalelu?" She says very quietly... and after a pause,"Thank you." Looking into your eyes, she is still holding on to your hand.
Shalelu's happiness could not possibly be more evident as she echoes your words. "Thank you... Lio," she replies, caressing the name just a little with her voice -- leaning in just a little ... hoping for a final kiss goodnight.
”Follow the path of honesty,” says Makoa.
“You must treat each being as an end in and of themselves, and never as a mere means. A being, rather than an object. Do not speak merely as a means to obtain what you desire from another.”
“Your soul is in your breath, and therefore in your voice; your words reflect your soul.”
“There are traps here for the unwary, however. The simple answers are often not the correct ones. Truth itself, just like deception, is not a goal, but a tool; honesty by itself, without higher purpose, is therefore a cold stone on an empty plate. Never confuse mere tactlessness with honesty. Never believe that being honest releases you from any obligations to be thoughtful, or kind. And do not make the mistake of believing that you must reveal all, to all people, at all times.”
“The path of honesty is difficult. You may lose it at times, and struggle to find it again. Examine your motivations. Are you speaking to deceive, or to illuminate? Are you remaining silent to protect, or to allow harm?”
“The path of honesty may, at times, even lead you into using some forms of deception. This is a riddle, and a paradox. But the key to it lies in a return to the basis. Others are complete people, and not tools for you to use. What you say, and why, reflects your soul, and therefore your intent. Be sure you understand these things, and never use this paradox as an excuse for malice.”
“And first and foremost, be honest with yourself. It is impossible to even distinguish between truth and falsehood else.”
"But easiest to take the fight to the enemy," is Rhost's initial contribution to the strategy discussion.
Rhost volunteer to work the boat with Kelda. His primary assets are his Strength and his ability to Swim if he falls out.
"But easiest to take the fight to the enemy," is Rhost's initial contribution to the strategy discussion.
"True, and it's still the way we should proceed. But I'd like to see us bring the fight to the enemy as one, rather than in penny-packets."
"I should take point," says Hrunndalf. "My dwarven steel keeps me safe, and I have the right weapon to receive a charge."
Shalelu's happiness could not possibly be more evident as she echoes your words. "Thank you... Lio," she replies, caressing the name just a little with her voice -- leaning in just a little ... hoping for a final kiss goodnight.
Liothonae leans towards you, stretching up just a little, meeting you half way. Her lips are a little cool, but still very soft. A hand makes its way to your waist, resting there lightly throughout the kiss goodnight.
Shalelu begins to remove her clothes. It is neither with the casual practicality of the first time you swam together, nor with the barely leashed urgency of the night in the forest. It is slow and just a little bit ... teasing.
Lio cannot help but watch. She pulls off her bloody clothing, taking care not to make the tears acquired during combat any bigger. "Spell against the cold water?" She asks, although it's more of an offer. She picks up the soap which smells of gardenias, and dips her foot into the river, testing the temperature. All the while she continues to watch you.
"I should take point," says Hrunndalf. "My dwarven steel keeps me safe, and I have the right weapon to receive a charge."
"Ef we 'ave taime ta pr'pare, mayhaps ah can wraite summa scrolls weth sp'lls thot kan be of use 'e n'xt taime we get enna faighte. Kould kast 'em on yerselves ef ye kann kast, or aye kould do et ef 'ere's opportuneteh b'fore'and."
Shalelu sighs. "Yes, he did his best. He was also overly critical, overly protective, and wanted you to respond like a trained soldier as soon as you could talk. All of which was because he was clearly terrified of your ever getting hurt in any way, but the fact remains."
Myri bites lightly on her lower lip as her eyes drop to the bottom left, but remain unfocused; brows knitting just slightly. She seems to be considering what Shae has just said. "...and you are telling me this because...you think I am somehow acting badly? What am I doing wrong?" Myri suddenly looks up and around at the partially damaged caravan, apparently hearing something that may or may not actually have been there, "Um...if your attention is required elsewhere, I...maybe we can talk about this tonight? ...or first thing in the morning? I...don't want to get in the way."
"I should take point," says Hrunndalf. "My dwarven steel keeps me safe, and I have the right weapon to receive a charge."
Mel smiles. "Until we run into wizards, at any rate."
Myri bites lightly on her lower lip as her eyes drop to the bottom left, but remain unfocused; brows knitting just slightly. She seems to be considering what Shae has just said. "...and you are telling me this because...you think I am somehow acting badly? What am I doing wrong?" Myri suddenly looks up and around at the partially damaged caravan, apparently hearing something that may or may not actually have been there, "Um...if your attention is required elsewhere, I...maybe we can talk about this tonight? ...or first thing in the morning? I...don't want to get in the way."
"I am telling you this," Shalelu says a little dryly, "Because I believe it is one reason why you constantly wonder whether you are acting badly or doing something wrong, even when you are not."
"Until tomorrow, then." Her exit is as silent as her entrance was.
Alaric sits up, yawning and rubbing his eyes. "Remember the exercises Melinda taught you. Your emotions are a stone. The waves can buffet you. Submerge you. But the tide will recede. And when it does, you will be there. Unchanged. Unbowed. Unbroken."
A certain tension visibly leaves Reta's body as the spell hits her system.
"Thank you, Father," she says. "Reta loves you."
She goes back to bed.
Mel smiles. "Until we run into wizards, at any rate."
"Then you set them afire?"
Lio cannot help but watch. She pulls off her bloody clothing, taking care not to make the tears acquired during combat any bigger. "Spell against the cold water?" She asks, although it's more of an offer. She picks up the soap which smells of gardenias, and dips her foot into the river, testing the temperature. All the while she continues to watch you.
"Yes," she replies, continuing to gradually remove her clothes. "My own spell keeps me from being harmed, but will not make the water comfortable. However ... please cast it only after I am already in, I think."
With that, she strips off the last of her clothes and jumps feet first past the crust of ice and into the frigid water, gasping as the shock of the cold hits her.
Liothonae leans towards you, stretching up just a little, meeting you half way. Her lips are a little cool, but still very soft. A hand makes its way to your waist, resting there lightly throughout the kiss goodnight.
It is a long kiss, and a lingering one, and one that is broken only reluctantly.
He wraps himself up in his cloak, and stepping lightly to avoid waking Zaiobe, tiptoes to the door of the wagon.
Hrunndalf visibly winces at the bloody cuts revealed on Ameiko's clothing. "That was much too dangerous. We should keep you out of combat henceforth. The front line is no place for a queen." He does not appear to use the term in jest for once.
Ameiko blinks in surprise and the easy smile vanishes from her face. As Hrunndalf's words hit home, it actually turns into a frown. A storm brews behind her eyes.
"I am not," she says to Hrunndalf, her words clipped and angry, "A porcelain doll. I am not hiding in a wagon when my friends are in danger, and I am not about to be 'kept' out of anything."
Before you arrive in Karlsgard, Sandru calls a brief meeting to discuss plans.
He reminds you that currently, the ultimate goals in Karlsgard are to find the magical sword Suishen (which was sold almost 60 years ago to merchant in Kalsgard named Fynn Snaevald), hire a guide for the trip over the Crown of the World, and prepare the Caravan for that journey – a journey of more than 4,000 miles through extremely harsh conditions. He estimates that the travel time from Karlsgard to Hongal, the northernmost nation of Tian Xia, will take a minimum of four months, more likely six months, and could take as long as a year.
He also notes that it seems increasingly likely that the group has been observed at least to some extent. He hopes that the Caravan will be difficult to spot within the mass of other Varisian Caravans that will be camped in the city’s Bone Quarter. However, he also recommends that the group rent a suite of rooms within another district of the city – so that business can take place without leading anyone back to the Caravan, as a safe place to fall back to, and (he coughs) in case anyone wishes to have some “alone time”.
He presents all of you with a list of equipment you should purchase for the trip, if you have not done so already – cleats, cold weather outfit, frostbite ointment, furs, shovel, skates, skis and poles, snow goggles, snowshoes.
He also recommends that money from the Caravan fund be used to buy a portable astrolabe, a dog sled, and a map-maker’s kit.
"Um, Sandru? Don't mean to be a pain, but...some questions? Um, first, are we actually hiring a guide or finding someone who might be interested and bringing him back to see you? And if we're hiring them, um, do you have any idea what a ballpark rate for something like that might be? Um, second, just a reminder, I had acquired some snowshoes for the caravan. I'm going to use one, if you don't mind, but the others are still available. Also, I...had picked up enough supplies to make snowshoes for almost everyone else, but...I'm sorry, I haven't been able to figure out how to do it...right."
"Also, um, are we going to have to modify the wagons? I don't know how well they're going to do in snow. How does that work?"
Rhost forges on in day six, to no appreciable progress.
"I am telling you this," Shalelu says a little dryly, "Because I believe it is one reason why you constantly wonder whether you are acting badly or doing something wrong, even when you are not."
"Until tomorrow, then." Her exit is as silent as her entrance was.
"Oh." Myri says simply to Shalelu's departing back. She sits and ponders for a while, continuing to stroke Silmemir's fur, as long as she gets no protest.
"Um, Sandru? Don't mean to be a pain, but...some questions? Um, first, are we actually hiring a guide or finding someone who might be interested and bringing him back to see you?"
"Bring any candidates back to me, I'll vet them."
"And if we're hiring them, um, do you have any idea what a ballpark rate for something like that might be?"
"Nope."
"Um, second, just a reminder, I had acquired some snowshoes for the caravan. I'm going to use one, if you don't mind, but the others are still available. Also, I...had picked up enough supplies to make snowshoes for almost everyone else, but...I'm sorry, I haven't been able to figure out how to do it...right."
"Bring any candidates back to me, I'll vet them."
Mel nods at that, looks at the older, wiser members of the caravan and asks, "What about the sword? Do we have any plans for how to track that down? And do we actually want to ask about the sword, or the guy it was traded to... Especially if we have people looking for us?"
Mel nods at that, looks at the older, wiser members of the caravan and asks, "What about the sword? Do we have any plans for how to track that down? And so we actually want to ask about the sword, or the guy it was traded to... Especially if we have people looking for us?"
Sandru shrugs. "It'd be pretty hard to find out anything without asking. If you can figure out a way to find out in secret, great. If not, don't see as we've got much choice other than to make some inquiries."
It looks like you have three pair of snowshoes on hand. The GM would recommend giving a couple to NPC's, who have significantly less money than the PC's do.
Myriana:
Yeah, hadn't realized you were planning on using Craft Bow to make snowshoes ... sorry about that, or I would have brought it up earlier. Craft Woodworking should be enough to let you make snowshoes. No discounts, though; either put the point in Craft Woodworking and make them, or I'll let you "not have purchased" the raw materials because you didn't know you couldn't make them.
Let people know if you're planning on making them for everybody, however, because people are already buying them. Finding the time to make them after you hit fifth level is likely to be a little tricky, though -- how many days to you estimate it would take you?