Slumbering Tsar: Forward - The Camp (Inactive)

Game Master Lord Manticore

I, of course, am her bodyguard & entertainer. I can sing and dance and fight - often all at the same time.

Cover Story

Ruul rumbled in displeasure, he hated these sorts of falsehoods. The mission for the Society where he'd needed to attend a Taldan opera had been almost unbearable. Would he need to play the fool again?

"And what role should I play?" the bull asked with a hint of trepidation.

Cover Story
Resisting urge to say beast of burden

Lavinia pats Ruul's arm. "Don't worry, it won't be that bad and if you don't want to lie you just pretend to not speak the local language. Perhaps be a fierce, exotic bodyguard or a strong porter?"

With the other busy Azaraunt applies himself to some research. If this town has a library or if the guildhouse has research aids he will avail himself of them. If there is a bonus for research materials please add it.

All of the following below comprise what you find in the Lodge's library. Nerosyan does have libraries of its own, but they are off-limits to those not part of the military or the clergy.

His areas of research and scores taking 10 include:

Wolves and Dire Wolves: Knowledge Nature= 23:

The largest difference between the two species is size and aggressiveness. The dire wolf is, on average, about twice as long as the regular wolf, and three times as heavy. Their jaw muscles are also much more powerful, and can cause terrible wounds if not careful. Because of their size, dire wolves have a longer reach for their bite attack. It is known that some tribal creatures (i.e. goblins) have been known to train a dire wolf to be a mount, with some success.

Worgs and Winter Wolves: Knowledge Arcana = 25:

Winter Wolf: While as long as a dire wolf, the winter wolf species is about 50% taller than its cousin. Since it is a magical creature, its intelligence is far higher than the average animal. In fact, the winter wolf can understand and speak both Common and Giant languages although, due to the structure of its jaw (similar to other wolves) it has difficulty speaking, unless it is slow and deliberate. Not unlike the Dragon phylus, the winter wolf is capable of breathing (in this case, an almost arctic cold) every 10-30 seconds to ward off competitors to its territory. Because of its genetic predisposition to surviving in cold climates, the winter wolf can be particularly vulnerable to fire attacks.

Worgs: A amalgamation creature between regular, dire, and winter wolves, the worg has the same dimensions of a regular wolf, with (almost) the strength of its cousin the dire, and nearly the intelligence of the winter. It is considered a maleviolent creature, using its ability to speak Common and Goblin (gutteraly, due to both its lower intelligence and it jawline structure) to lure unwitting people to their doom. Because of this, Goblin commonly train worgs to be used as war steeds in battle. Finally, while they do not have a breath weapon like their winter cousins, they do have a bite as powerful as the dire wolves to create havoc and injury.

Werewolves and Lycanthropes in general: Knowledge Nature = 23:

Lycanthropes - General: This distinct sub-species of Homo-sapiens arrives via a viral infection that is transmitted via direct fluid contact (typically saliva to blood), is not considered fatal, but does have unique properties (medieval translation: Evil beings, kill all of them to avoid plague!). The unique property of this virus is that it allows the victim to shape-change between human and animal, plus a hybrid-form. (this one is free of skill check) This also grants the lycanthrope a certain amount of resistance to physical damage.

Werewolves: In addition to the previously mentioned information, werewolves have two additional traits to make them standout. First, this class of magical beast seems to be more resistant to fear effects, which could be attributed to the wolf's bestial nature. Also, werewolves share an empathy with not only others of their kind, but other wolves as well.

The Worldwound: Knowledge History= 23, Knowledge Planes= 27, and Knowledge Geography =23:

History: It is stated in ancient texts that Aroden (when he walked the earth as a man) defeated a cult led by someone called Deskari, who was also called the Usher of the Apocalypse. Whether or not this is actually true is anyone's guess at this point. However, the return of Deskari after the death of Aroden does lend credence to this event. Before the Worldwound opened, however, the nation of Sarkosis ruled here. A nation of nomads and druids, all of the factions and clans worshipped various nature gods (primarily), going back to the early 4400's.

Planes: It is believed that, when Aroden was slain, the world of Golarion shifted slightly towards one of the abyssal planes. Because of this, plus some cosmic tampering on both sides of the area (i.e. the City of Iz on Golarion, and with an archmage in the abyssal plane), the Worldwound was formed in 4606.

Geography: The borders of the Worldwound (currently) touch Mendev, Numeria, Ustalav, the Realm of the Mammouth Lords, and the Hold of Belkzen. It's southern border also has the Sellen River as a way of moving back and forth towards the rest of Golarion's Western continent.

Tsar and its gate guard: Knowledge Local = 23, Knowledge History = 23, and knowledge Planes= 27:

Local: An army lies beneath the Desolation waiting to awaken and complete the destruction of Tsar. The tar beast is always very hungry. The Harbinger is all-knowing, and is keeping an eye on us even now. (These are rumors passed along from Simon the Hermit)

History: It is believed that the city was created in the mid-4500's, although how it was formed without the knowledge of its neighbors is beyond comprehension at this point. When the Worldwound was formed in 4606, Tsar was there waiting. It would appear that, unlike many cities that were swallowed whole, the event is wrapping itself, slowly, around and along the backside of the city itself. It is believed that the Grand Cornu of Orcus, one known as Arnanax, was the ruler of the city at the time of the First Mendevian Crusade (known then as the "Army of Light."

Planes: There is no further information available.

Gundrun: Knowledge Local= 23, Knowledge History =23:

Local: There is a demon who walks among the villagers. The clanliege is nothing more than on old spinster who is trying to drink himself to death. The clanliege is possessed and is slowly building his army to attack Ustalov, and is only acting the fool. (More rumors from Simon)

History: This was a small port town during the Sarkosis empire that traded with other nations, including Ustalov. When the Worldwound opened, many tribes attempted to flee for safer places. Ustalov turned back almost every clansmen, on pain of death. Gundrun was the last refuge for many of those individuals.

Aroden’s Hammer: Knowledge History = 23, Knowledge Religion = 25:

History: Not much is known about the Hammer of the Three Gods, except to say that it was a favored weapon of the former deity known as Aroden. It has been used in several battles that were later recorded in text, notably, an ancient text stating "...and thus Aroden struck down Deskari with one last blow from his Hammer, the blunt end crushing the insect's skull."

Religion: It is recorded that on the side of the weapon, there are the (known) faces of three gods (from left to right: Groteus, Aroden, Sarenrae). It is presumed that the three gods at some time in the past formed an alliance, the visible result being the hammer. There are also various texts throughout history indicating battles that all three were involved in. What cannot be explained to this day is how at least Groteus (known as a deity of war, but from the aspect of the apocalyptic aftermath of such events) came to be such a stalwart ally of Aroden.

He will take good notes to share with others, that I hope will serve to aid their research if they have time to look into some of this.

B'on apetit!

Ruul's unhappy rumbling quiets some at Lavinia's touch.

"I will act the part of a porter but deception is not my strength. Let us just hope that no one there tries to talk to me."

I love a good ruse as much as anyone, but I suspect rumors started last night by the lieutenant's stories and identifying us as the Pathfinders picked to go to Tsar, will spread fast and everyone will know what we are and what our general purpose us. Besides, Elen is rubbish at keeping secrets.

Hey! I'm not bad when I put my mind to it!

Friend Ruul, I do not doubt that the Aspis Consortium and other hostile groups have agents even here. While our identities as Pathfinders may be well known, our purpose here is not. Let us keep it that way. Deception is not my bosom companion, I abhor it. Yet, pragmatism and prudence demand keeping some secrets. Imagine the harm that could occur should our enemies obtain the Hammer of Aroden. You are much more than a simple porter. You are a wise and noble scholar, a warrior-mage, a man of stout heart and rock-solid conviction. If those who ask discover you are in the service of Lady Kallistiel, as we all are in each other's service, their curiosity may be peaked; you are not required to sate it. I would never as anyone to act against their own heart. I only ask you consider the the truth of our public explanation and the need for it. And as always, my heart is always open to wiser words.

Ruul's on board. He's just worried that if he gets scrutinized, it won't be hard to see through his attempts at deception.

"Hi, what's your name?"
"Numair."
"Are you a Pathfinder?"
"Yes."
"Why are you here?"
"To explore the Worldwound."
"What's your objective?"
"I'm sorry, but that's private."
"Aw, come on! I really want to know!"
"Let me tell you about the time I saw a dragon fighting a sand worm..."

Ruul can do that but I thought we were trying to not tell people we were Pathfinders.

I'm pretty sure that cat is out of the bag. Lots of people saw numair in the bar, and his banner makes his allegiance pretty plain. Of course we might arrive in the Camp ahead of the rumors, but I'm not sure we can (or should) keep that secret long. I'm more concerned about keeping the specifics of why we're here from being common knowledge. People will assume a large, powerful group of adventurers is there to test their luck in Tsar, like so many others. Any allies we make will learn the truth. Others will not.

"Well, if the rumors spread ahead of us, should we just give up the ruse? I guess we were kinda public the other night and some of us can't easily be disguised. By being too secretive and deceiving we could end up making people even more curious as to what we are up to."

That makes sense.

It was not uncommon for Venture-Captain Farouk to assign me to keep a visiting dignitary safe and entertained. Our identities as Pathfinders does not preclude us protecting Lady Kallistiel as part of our exploration. In fact, I consider it my explicit duty to safeguard each of you and give my utmost in your defense. No slight or insult implied either; I will be trusting that you are watching my back as well. I nominate Kallistiel to be our leader because people see what they want to see, and she is perfectly suited to fulfilling that role.

After completing his research Azaraunt has a hand written report to pass around at breakfast the next morning. Everyone please read those spoilers.

knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

I think you may have missed a bit of information here about lycanthropes, Azaraunt...

I think that ought to be enough to know something additional about lycanthropes.

I hope LM might still be around tonight.

I hope LM might still be around tonight.

I'm sorta here, but my access is limited and my tablet needs a recharge (not to mention that I am typing this at 2am cst lol). Are you asking for more information on lycanthropes in general or werewolves in particular? BTW, for both types, I used the DC 15 baseline to determine how much info to hand out (not that there is much beyond what I gave already).

Back in the Marketplace

Elen sees a halfling baker stall shortly after exiting the magical item tent. "Wandermeal, we need wandermeal. Even if we never use it, wandermeal is a necessity for a trip like this, because it's always there as a backup. Um... Lavinia, can you find out if he and the other bakers in town can make, hmm, let's say 200 lbs of wandermeal by tomorrow morning? All the halfling bakers always know all the other halfling bakers, and you can always make a deal with one that they'll all honor, I know how it works. Oh, wait, you don't speak halfling do you? Drat. Um... Oh! Ally! They'll listen to you."

Fluttering to the baker's countertop, Ally draws the attention of the small fellows. "A glistenwing!" they exclaim, smiling at the tiny celestial.

Using her Truespeech ability, Ally speaks to the halflings in their own tongue. Elen whispers a brief translation to Livinia and Ruul.

"Yes, yes glistenwing here, and I promise to sing you a song if you'll do us a favor. My companion and her friends, we're going on a trip, see. Now she knows just what a wonderful thing wandermeal is to have on a trip, having eaten it made by Jerl Stamfoot himself. Yes, I bet he's your grandpere? I knew you had the Stamfoot look about you. Well, then you've probably heard stories about the elfin witch who put to sleep all the Chelish soldiers who were ready to clap him in irons? Every Merrymead? I keep bugging her to tell it but she's so bashful. She'd be over here herself if she could bring herself to. Well, so to business. If your bakers here can do it, by tomorrow morning when we leave, we'll need 200 pounds of wandermeal -- yes, 200, are you trying to catch flies with that mouth? And we'll pay an extra 100 gold for the rush, we realize this is sudden." Ally calls Elen over, who puts down the 104 gp as an up-front payment. She knows these bakers are honest and will do what they promise.

"While we're at it," Ally says to the three, "we should inquire about beer and other drinks. A few kegs of ale would make the boatride more pleasant for us, I'd bet that Taldan elf would like a few bottles of fine vintage, and a bottle would make a good gift to the leader of the camp -- if he isn't an a!%@~** that is."

200 lbs of Wandermeal would be 400 servings which for 8 people would last almost a month with two meals per day. Not that we would want to eat only this; it's an emergency food only, but for an expedition like this, it's an important backup.

Ruul nods and watches as the tiny woman flits about making her requests.

"And some mead!" the bull finds himself chiming in.

Back in the Marketplace

Elen sees a halfling baker stall shortly after exiting the magical item tent. "Wandermeal, we need wandermeal. Even if we never use it, wandermeal is a necessity for a trip like this, because it's always there as a backup. Um... Lavinia, can you find out if he and the other bakers in town can make, hmm, let's say 200 lbs of wandermeal by tomorrow morning? All the halfling bakers always know all the other halfling bakers, and you can always make a deal with one that they'll all honor, I know how it works. Oh, wait, you don't speak halfling do you? Drat. Um... Oh! Ally! They'll listen to you."

Profession (cook): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Aid another cook 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Aid another cook 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

The lead cook says to Ally, "We can do it, just. Come back in the morning and we'll be here." He turns back to his assistants, thrilled at the challenge of it.

Elen Emerwen wrote:

I hope LM might still be around tonight.

I'm sorta here, but my access is limited and my tablet needs a recharge (not to mention that I am typing this at 2am cst lol). Are you asking for more information on lycanthropes in general or werewolves in particular? BTW, for both types, I used the DC 15 baseline to determine how much info to hand out (not that there is much beyond what I gave already).

Well, I know from real-world knowledge that Lycanthropes have DR/silver, of varying amounts depending on their natural/afflicted status. I'm hoping that the knowledge(nature) roll I did would let Elen know that so that we can be prepared with silver weapon blanch and silver arrows and so forth.

Calendir is already packing silver arrows btw - "Always prepared" and all that ;)

Elen has silver bolts as well, but a serious investment in silver weapon blanch is something we couldn't explain as simple ordinary preparedness I don't think. I hate metagaming so I want an IC justification.

Agreed, for me it was simply a part of my gear logic, along with the adamantine arrows, the weapon blanched ones, cold iron, etc. Also, Undead are one of Calendir favored enemies, so "be prepared" has a whole aother dimension for him regarding the foul non living :D

Weapon blanch isn't terribly effective for melee weapons.

Ruul's strategy for dealing with such things will be to grab them and sit on them until the silverwielding folks can kill it.

Now, there is a tactic that I think will work out perfectly Ruul :D

Regarding Kallistiel's entourage, as far as Calendir is concerned it is just fine - he'll just keep quiet and that's that - making sure no "faux pas" is forthcoming from him. The role of the silent bodyguard fits him nicely, and he has no issues with the deception itself. Now... don't ask him to further the ruse because he will simply stumble over himself :D

Mechanics question - how are the bad guys going to be kept from reaching the more vulnerable ones in the group? I can imagine Ruul and Numair wreaking enough havoc so as not to be ignored, we adding summoned creatures to the mix?

We're an enormous party with more than enough melee folks. I wouldn't be worried about the back rank.

That said, even our 'back rank' isn't terribly squishy. The softest target is probably Lavinia and Ruul will be seeing to her needs personally.

Lord Manticore wrote:

Elen Emerwen wrote:

I hope LM might still be around tonight.

I'm sorta here, but my access is limited and my tablet needs a recharge (not to mention that I am typing this at 2am cst lol). Are you asking for more information on lycanthropes in general or werewolves in particular? BTW, for both types, I used the DC 15 baseline to determine how much info to hand out (not that there is much beyond what I gave already).

Well, I know from real-world knowledge that Lycanthropes have DR/silver, of varying amounts depending on their natural/afflicted status. I'm hoping that the knowledge(nature) roll I did would let Elen know that so that we can be prepared with silver weapon blanch and silver arrows and so forth.

I understand. Yes your research would tell you that a werewolf could shrug off the base damage from virtually any one-handed weapon. A two-handed weapon, or someone with enough strength could do some minor damage. Silver, however, is the only true way to take down a werewolf quickly.

Will that work without going into game mechanics? Or would you rather have the numbers going forward?

At the Markets

The trio (or 3.5 counting Ally) browse the markets a while longer is search of more foodstuffs for the long expedition ahead. After circling the row of butchers and fishmongers a handful of times they settle on one stall with the greatest amount of higher quality product on display.

A number of stacked crates form a stall of sorts behind which stands a burly half-orc, barechested aside from a stained leather apron, and his assistants, a pair of greasy Varisians.

Ruul approaches.

"We will take all the good salted and dried meats you have. We are leaving within the next day and need it delivered quickly. How much can you have ready and how much coin will it cost?" the minotaur asks plainly.

The bull's request is only half-heard as the butcher greedily eyes Lavinia, Elen, and even little Ally.

"You can have it, free of charge, if you send the girls home with me. I'll give them all the meat they can handle", he adds with chuckle as he licks his prominent tusks hungrily.

Without a warning, Ruul reaches across and grabs the orc by the collar, hoists him into the air, and drags him over the crates he'd been standing behind.

"WE will be paying with COIN. Unless you would prefer to be paid in PAIN, in which case you will be receiving payment solely from ME", the minotaur threatens in a beastly profundo growl.

The slabs of sinew in the bull's arms swell to monstrous proportions as he keeps the orc (easily near three-hundred pounds) suspended in the air.

"I- ah- yes. That'll be 216 gold!", the orc manages to bark out.

From his compromised position he glances to his assistants (who were staring in a mix of awe and fear).

"Get all the best stuff we have packed in barrels with salt for these fine ladies and their... uh... minotaur."

Ruul looks to Lavinia for a moment and then lowers the butcher to the ground, slowly.

"Where should I have the goods delivered?" he asks nervously.

The SRD has 'chunk of meat' listed as 3sp. Double that for prepared/preserved meat seems fair. This is enough for 12 people for a month. I'm assuming Ruul eats enough for three.

At the Markets

The trio (or 3.5 counting Ally) browse the markets a while longer is search of more foodstuffs for the long expedition ahead. After circling the row of butchers and fishmongers a handful of times they settle on one stall with the greatest amount of higher quality product on display.

A number of stacked crates form a stall of sorts behind which stands a burly half-orc, barechested aside from a stained leather apron, and his assistants, a pair of greasy Varisians.

Ruul approaches.

"We will take all the good salted and dried meats you have. We are leaving within the next day and need it delivered quickly. How much can you have ready and how much coin will it cost?" the minotaur asks plainly.

The bull's request is only half-heard as the butcher greedily eyes Lavinia, Elen, and even little Ally.

"You can have it, free of charge, if you send the girls home with me. I'll give them all the meat they can handle", he adds with chuckle as he licks his prominent tusks hungrily.

Without a warning, Ruul reaches across and grabs the orc by the collar, hoists him into the air, and drags him over the crates he'd been standing behind.

"WE will be paying with COIN. Unless you would prefer to be paid in PAIN, in which case you will be receiving payment solely from ME", the minotaur threatens in a beastly profundo growl.

The slabs of sinew in the bull's arms swell to monstrous proportions as he keeps the orc (easily near three-hundred pounds) suspended in the air.

"I- ah- yes. That'll be 216 gold!", the orc manages to bark out.

From his compromised position he glances to his assistants (who were staring in a mix of awe and fear).

"Get all the best stuff we have packed in barrels with salt for these fine ladies and their... uh... minotaur."

Ruul looks to Lavinia for a moment and then lowers the butcher to the ground, slowly.

"Where should I have the goods delivered?" he asks nervously.

The SRD has...

I am okay with that, good call on the salting. Your intimidation works so well, you find a 2 small tins of various spices have been added to your order, free of charge.

Elen discovers the spices and ponders. "I want to buy a lot of spices, more than we'll need for the food we bring with us. Spices will be hard to come by, and we'll want some for hunted and gathered food, and for food we buy later. A pound of the right spices can be worth asas much as 15 gold so it's like carrying edible currency."

Placing a delicate hand on Ruul's shoulder, Elen murmurs, "You are a valiant warrior, but at least in my case, you do not feel you must always defend me. I thank you, but I am certain that I could handle myself against such fools. As for the meat, you handled the negotiations quite well. I think that would be a good start until we can get a base of operations going at least. In the long run, I would want meat stored in the most reliable, most portable of containers -- the animals themselves. However, I can't see any way to transport more than at most a handful of chickens with us on the initial journey, if we even do that. When we have a teleportation method set up, though, that may well change.

She asks Ruul and Lavinia, "Do you think bringing a small number of live chicken would be worth it? We couldn't transport them in the bags, they'd suffocate. They'd be fine on the barge, but the ride to the camp, I can't think it would be fun to attach cages to the saddles of a riding horse."

Looking quite offended at the butcher's remarks, Lavinia had only just opened her mouth to respond when suddenly Ruul's arm shot out and grabbed him by the shirt collar, hoisting him up into the air. Impressed by the minotaur's strength as he appears to effortlessly hold the butcher in the air, Lavinia stays silent as Ruul finishes his little "bargaining" session.

Lavinia gives a slight shake of her head when Ruul glances towards her, trying to indicated that she doesn't want him to make a further scene or cause any serious bodily harm simply for that remark.

Afterwards, as they are leaving that area of the market, Lavinia pats Ruul on the arm. "Thank you for answering that fellows disgusting offer for me, but please, no physical violence unless we are physically threatened."

Lavinia, dear, I'm sure we were being threatened. I've known folks like that before and if they're willing to say it, they're willing to do it. Only if you say 'no' do they laugh it off as a joke. If he took one step towards us, though, I guarantee his next action would be hitting the floor, asleep.

Ruul nods at both the ladies's requests during the trip back to the Lodge.

"I thought it important he know we were serious", the minotaur explains. "And I've found that with the right sort of influence, violence is rarely needed."

"Are those herbs of quality Elen? We could go back and talk to him again..."

Jeeze, you try to do something valiant and everyone's a critic. =P

Planning.

"Well, if the rumors get ahead of us, by also booking themselves on the one and only boat to the town in the middle of nowhere and the long trip to the Camp... So be it. There are nobles who are also members of the Pathfinders, so it isn't a huge stretch of the imagination. And, as I said, it's always best to mix some truth into each lie to make it more plausible. But it doesn't matter what our story is, I can tell people to piss off with their questions whether or not there is a colorful backstory."

"Oh, I am certain he knows just how serious you are now and it was sweet of you to be so protective and I.....[b]" Lavinia trails off in mid-speech as she notices a stall of selling a wide variety of herbs and teas. [b]"Elen, look, what a wonderful little selection of herbs. I'm sure I can what I need there."

Lavinia wanders over to the stall and pokes around, gathering up quite an armfull of various things for all the medicinal teas she plans to make as well as a few other things. The woman running the stall gives her a knowing look as the ingredients for a certain tea are placed on the counter, but remains blessedly silent about their use. After paying for her things, she's ready to continue on.

"Oh, I'm sorry Elen, I was distracted I forgot to answer your questions about the chickens. Considering how ill-tempered most of them are, I can't imagine it would be very pleasant to travel with them attached to our saddles. Plus they can also be quite noisy and without a way to quiet them could easily give our position away if a situation occurs where stealth is needed."

Back from camping... Check out my comment about a Bless Weapon wand on the Discussion thread.

Macavity had been his usual quiet self during the deliberations after kicking off the conversation in the direction it needed to go. Concerned with Ruul's perspective, he offers, "Master Ruul, I believe your actions provisioning our mission reveal to anyone watching our movements mean you are much more than a porter. Why not accept a position of quartermaster or master of Kallistiel's entourage to explain your actions. You appear to be an able diplomat and first contact for her and anyone that we may meet. Your knowledge of magic and racial heritage provide you unique advantages in an expedition to Tsar. Wouldn't you say?"

Numair, your perspective on the Paladin's code of conduct aligns with mine and makes me smile considering the many discordant views on these Boards. Bravo!

After to Azeraunt upon revealing his research results, Macavity suggests, "Azeraunt, I greatly appreciate your research. Forewarned is forearmed. Did you research that Vergoolie thing that Master Artemis said raided Gundrun or the Camp? I'm not familiar with it. Maybe there are other things that accompany it when raiding?"

Ruul nods at both the ladies's requests during the trip back to the Lodge.

"I thought it important he know we were serious", the minotaur explains. "And I've found that with the right sort of influence, violence is rarely needed."

"Are those herbs of quality Elen? We could go back and talk to him again..."

Jeeze, you try to do something valiant and everyone's a critic. =P

"Seems to me that you enjoy a good threat? I adore threats. They are a succinct and brutal poetry, a game of words and actions. Unfortunately, I often lack the voice to play that game as well as I could. Perhaps we can complement each other, Ruul."

She smiles, her teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

"As for the spices, they would be adequate for the the meat we just purchased, but as I said, there will be many herbs and spices that I wish to bring with us. "

"Oh, I am certain he knows just how serious you are now and it was sweet of you to be so protective and I....." Lavinia trails off in mid-speech as she notices a stall of selling a wide variety of herbs and teas. "Elen, look, what a wonderful little selection of herbs. I'm sure I can what I need there."

Lavinia wanders over to the stall and pokes around, gathering up quite an armfull of various things for all the medicinal teas she plans to make as well as a few other things. The woman running the stall gives her a knowing look as the ingredients for a certain tea are placed on the counter, but remains blessedly silent about their use. After paying for her things, she's ready to continue on.

"Oh, I'm sorry Elen, I was distracted I forgot to answer your questions about the chickens. Considering how ill-tempered most of them are, I can't imagine it would be very pleasant to travel with them attached to our saddles. Plus they can also be quite noisy and without a way to quiet them could easily give our position away if a situation occurs where stealth is needed."

Elen nods in agreement. "Herbal tea remedies are very important. I'll get quite a few of those as well. I have plenty of that tea, though -- I drink some every night just in case an unexpected, unwelcome event should occur. Hmm, we'll need bulk dried herbs for cooking as well. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme are the usual necessities, we should get a couple pounds of each. Chickens, though, yes, are probably more trouble than they're worth until we set up a method of teleportation. I still want to know more about that, to be honest. I'll see if I can track down the Venture-Captain tonight." Which way to Scarborough faire?

Ruul follows along quietly as the women do their spice shopping but does not have much to add.

He enjoys the various powerful smells along the way, sticking his bovine face close to the bundled dried herbs and taking big whiffs.

LM mentioned moving this along today!

Back from camping... Check out my comment about a Bless Weapon wand on the Discussion thread.

Macavity had been his usual quiet self during the deliberations after kicking off the conversation in the direction it needed to go. Concerned with Ruul's perspective, he offers, "Master Ruul, I believe your actions provisioning our mission reveal to anyone watching our movements mean you are much more than a porter. Why not accept a position of quartermaster or master of Kallistiel's entourage to explain your actions. You appear to be an able diplomat and first contact for her and anyone that we may meet. Your knowledge of magic and racial heritage provide you unique advantages in an expedition to Tsar. Wouldn't you say?"

Numair, your perspective on the Paladin's code of conduct aligns with mine and makes me smile considering the many discordant views on these Boards. Bravo!

After to Azeraunt upon revealing his research results, Macavity suggests, "Azeraunt, I greatly appreciate your research. Forewarned is forearmed. Did you research that Vergoolie thing that Master Artemis said raided Gundrun or the Camp? I'm not familiar with it. Maybe there are other things that accompany it when raiding?"

"I agree. Ruul should be considered the quartermaster for this expedition," says Elen, nodding. "He'll also be in charge of intimidation and threats. Such lovely threats he makes!"

knowledge(nature) for vargouille: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

"The threat he mentioned is a Vargouille, a minor fiend from the lower planes -- not surprising considering our proximity to the Abyssal rift. Azaraunt might know more about it. I believe it has no special defenses, but has poison and some supernatural methods of attack."

I'll have a proposed supply list up by this evening.

After the discussion of lycanthropes, Elen suggests purchasing a good supply of silver, cold iron and a few Adamantine weapon blanch to be prepared for anything. "Perhaps some ghost salt as well. They do take time to prepare, but we can apply it well in advance if needed, at least the less expensive types. I remember seeing a stall with the weapon blanches needed, as well as a few silver and cold iron daggers I'd like.

Weapon blanches really aren't very good for the melee folks. They're only good for one attack. Getting a few for Cal makes sense but it doesn't do the melee much good.

Ruul considers the suggestion and then nods.

"Yes, I believe Quartermaster would fit me well."

The minotaur gives a rumble of laughter.

"I will be certain to keep you included in every threat I issue, Elen."

Whenever knowing about the cover plan for our arrival at The Camp:

I am guessing this to be an excellent option - between Kallistiel, Ruul, Numair and Lavinia they can take care of all the talking that may be required to keep up the ruse.I'll just take the backdrop and play the part of the silent bodyguard.

I am good at not talking - he adds with a smile.

Whenever knowing about the cover plan for our arrival at The Camp:

I am guessing this to be an excellent option - between Kallistiel, Ruul, Numair and Lavinia they can take care of all the talking that may be required to keep up the ruse.I'll just take the backdrop and play the part of the silent bodyguard.

I am good at not talking - he adds with a smile.

Macavity smiles and offers, "Yes, the typical silent huntsman."

I believe knowledge of Vargouilles, as evil outsiders will be Knowledge Planes.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Not a strong threat, except their shriek can paralyze. It would be bad for a pack of them to come upon one of us alone, as each can shriek and if you only succumb to one, they will mob you while you are helpless. This is a good reason not to split the party into too small of groups.