Jokum studies the girl for a moment, finding her at odds with what he'd expect of a child of her age. Clever beyond her years and very clearly wanting to go through with this ritual. Unusual to say the least. With a shrug, he replies, "I think you will find that we are rather more than simple bandits. We were tieflings and I'm rather unsure that they have a name for what we are now. We must make haste, now, I think." With that, Jokum looks around the site once more, his eyes glowing with a silvery light.
You find nothing further in the surrounding area that gives off a magical aura, Jokum. Amelia is looking rather distrustfully at the "saddle" on Grrazz.
Finishing with their cleaning, Grrazz moves to circle around the wagon looking for clues as to where thier quarry might have gone.
"Seeing as you have accepted our help, let me ask again. Do you know where this place called Sellen and where it might lie?" Beleste would ask the child.
Jokum: Your magical senses told you that while she may not have gone exactly in the same direction, your quarry would have definitely been able to rendezvous with the crone and the boy judging on her direction. They're probably all gathering at an agreed-upon rally point.
"No," Amelia replies, crossing her arms. "I wasn't born here, in these...riverlands. Despite my appearance, I'm from Tian Xia."
Having not found anything of note, Grrazz pads over and sits down beside Amelia.
Glancing around at the site of the battle one last time, Jokum nods satisfactorily and says, "Let's move. Jethop, you know how to get to this meeting place?"
The Ravener glares at Jokum, "The drow was specific. But It might be better if we brought the half orc with us as well."
Beleste was talking to the girl about what she knew. If you would rather take immediate action, say so - or DO so. You're in this world together, remember. ;)
The half-orc's cabin is due east of you, while the site where you think the drow escaped to is further north. You could pick him up - but it would delay you. Choices, choices...
Faeleen slowly stirs from her post-battle stupor and, to be frank, becomes appalled when she realizes what her companions are planning. "Seriously, guys?" she begins. "Are you going to help a little girl fulfill some kind of evil ritual? I mean, sure, if she was an adult it would be her own choice but we're speaking about a child, smartass or not," she continues, while staring disapprovingly at the rest of the group. "Sure, I get it, you're crazy killer tieflings. But I'd expect even crazy killers to have some standards."
*Blinks*
"Whuf?"
"What does it matter what Grrazz does with its delusional chew toy? As if the lower beings were in the habit of giving power."
Amelia sticks out her tongue at Jethop.
2 charges used. (42/50 remaining)
"NO! Don't let them... won't... little girl! RUN!" Jokum suddenly bursts out yelling, eyes wide in alarm as he takes a step towards Amelia, arms outstretched. With a snarl, his cool demeanor reasserts itself as he says, lowering his arms, "Sorry, I blanked out for a moment there. We can debate the morality of the thing later. Right now we have practical matters to be about. The girl is willing, but if you wish to explain more about what she's doing and attempt to change her mind, you're welcome to. I am more interested in gaining the power to free ourselves of our shackles." Turning to the Ravener, Jokum says, "I think it best if we 'ask' him to join us. I doubt any of us are experienced trackers and the damned drow will undoubtedly be fleeing soon."
Beleste would turn to Jethop, completely ignoring Faeleen's protests. "Which way is the meetup point then?"
Amelia stares at Jokum as Beleste addresses Jethop.
"That way."
Grrazz shrugs now that people seem to have a direction. Or at least a direction which has been pointed out/at/in.
They lay down in front of Amelia in an indication that the girl should mount.
Then, again with the help of Faeleen's thumbs, Grrazz puts any finishing tightening and adjustments to the makeshift harness to which Amelia sits/rides.
Once satisfied Grrazz 'stands' and begins to trot off in the indicated direction.
(^_^)
Jokum returns the little girl's stare for a moment, gauging her reaction as best as he can. Why do I constantly feel as if I am not fully in control of my body? This must bear further investigation. True... those damn drow implanted me in this infernal body, but I don't see why that would change anything else.
Seeing the others leaving, Jokum gives a calculating a look at the wagon. It could be valuable. I suppose I might as well take it for later study. Caution is warranted of course. With a shrug, he retrieves the book from the wagon, carefully wrapping it so that it won't open in his pack. Without further deliberation, he falls in with the rest of the group.
Jokum, though you detect curiosity in the little girl, you detect almost no fear. Why would a little girl her age, in her situation, not be afraid?
As you study her, the little blonde girl climbs up on Grrazz's back. "Pee-yew, you stink, "love-beast"!" she says, as she settles in.
The little blonde girl climbs up on Grrazz's back. "Pee-yew, you stink, 'love-beast'!" she says,
(O_o)
"Whuff?"
Very well then. Who's guiding the group? I'll need Survival checks to not get lost.
The book is quiet...for now.
You don't remember seeing anything resembling a stables near the half-orc's place. Roll a Survival check to find where you need to go...the DC isn't too high to find the half-orc's cabin since you were there recently. If you split up I'll tell you what happens.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Splitting up seems a bad idea given that we would be lost. Let us get the half-orc and move on.
"Then let us make haste," Beleste will state simply as he starts to find their way back to the half-orc's home.
Jokum nods his assent to the plan and moves off with the group, keeping a 'wary' eye on their surroundings.
Absorbed by his thoughts, he isn't able to make a meaningful contribution to directing the group.
Grrazz trots along with every one else, seeming quite happy to have Amelia on their back. (^_^)
"WOOF!" Grrazz stops and assumes the 'Point' position....
You almost got lost, but Grrazz and Beleste work together to correct each others' little mistakes along the way. Finally you find yourselves at the half-orc's cabin, after walking for about the same length of time it took to get to the river. It's in the dark of night now - luckily you all can comfortably see in the dark. Along the way, though, you felt Amelia clutching your back tightly Grrazz...despite her initial distaste for you, she doesn't seem to like the dark as you travel through the woods at night. You can see the dancing orange light of a fire from within the windows.
Grrazz, looking inside the window you see the half-orc reading a book at a desk.
Relieved to finally see the cabin ahead through the trees, Jokum accompanies the group as the approach. Walking up to the door, he raps on the door with a knuckle. "Open up. We've need of you again." Jokum steps back a pace, casually stroking at his goatee as he waits.
Grrazz sinks over to wait behind a nearby. handy tree.....
From within, you hear a groan, followed by thumping footsteps. The door has a small panel that slides aside, revealing his irritated face. "You slave-troops again? It's after 1 AM, what could you need me for now?"
"We can't find a bathroom," Faeleen pipes up before anyone else can give the half-orc a good reason for the disturbance.
Grrazz hunkers down behind said tree as the angry Orc confronts the rest of the group....
Beleste would look at Faeleen for a moment before turning his gaze to the half-orc. "We don't have time for this. Some of the drow managed to escape and we need you to guide us to the Sellen."
Sparing a scowl for his bardic companion, he returns his gaze to the half-orc and says in an imperative tone, "As my friend has mentioned, we've need of a tracker and you seem to fit the bill. Get dressed and join us out here so that we can get moving. Time is of the essence." Jokum barks a quick word in draconic and casually begins to juggle a ball of flame from hand to hand.
The half-orc stares out at the lot of you. His eyes narrow and he wipes them with his thumb and forefinger, covering his face with his palm before dragging it down through his wispy beard with a sigh.
"Very well, I'll help. But after I get you where you need to go, I'm out. No more helping after that."
It takes him 5 minutes to get his boots on and strap on his gear. Then, he strides outside his cabin and asks where on the Sellen he's taking you.
Grrazz slinks over and joins the group as they get ready to seek their prey...