Gradually, the other three arrive, Koya first and Sandru last. Ameiko fills them in and explains her intent to travel to Brinewall to check out this information and seek out this 'warding box'. She asks each of them to accompany her. Shalelu agrees immediately, Sandru with some hesitation and, as the discussion ranges on, Koya pulls out an ancient Harrow deck from her bag. She shuffles it and draws a card, glancing at it, then shuffling it back into the deck.
”I will come. I feel it is my destiny, and I sense great forces moving in this."
She continues "This was my mother's deck. I think this is a good time to consult it. Please, each of you, choose a suit. If you're not familiar with them, they are:
The Hammer, which represents strength: the subject's muscular and physical power, and ability to fight in melee, as well as war, battle, and honor.
The Key, which represents dexterity: the subject's agility, reflexes, balance, and skill with ranged weapons, as well as trouble, children, and entertainment.
The Shield, which represents constitution: the subject's health, stamina, and increased ability to survive injuries or disease, as well as health, the home, and pain.
The Book, which represents intelligence: the subject's ability to learn and reason, and may indicate facility with languages or arcane magic, as well as money, school, and literature.
The Star, which represents wisdom: the subject's willpower, common sense, awareness, intuition, and perception, and may indicate facility with divine magic, as well as ancient history, morality, and the gods.
The Crown, which represents charisma: the subject's personality, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and appearance, and may indicate facility with magic cast spontaneously, as well as love, family, and politics.”
As you choose, she splits the deck into six piles and spreads out the cards, face down in front of you, once you pick a suit.
”Those who will accompany us, draw a card.”
Ikshvaku nods at Koya's choice. "I shall choose the Hammer suit." The Vudrani draws a card from the appropriate pile.
Braydon, who had been reserved on the trip back (no doubt fearing what would happen if word got out about him), seems even more sullen now that you have arrived.
"I..I don't think I can accompany you further. I must return to master Samal and continue my..pilgrimage. That is what I've been ordered to do, anyhow. Is he in his room?"
The elf picks a Star.
Ameiko looks up. ”You're Braydon Chem? Your mentor is not here. He left shortly after you went out on this expedition. He left you a note. Perhaps it explains the situation.”
She hands you an intricately folded paper that opens into the following note:
Astari Kamath Iyer Samal
Ameiko studies Braydon's face as he reads the note. "Oh, by the way, he DID pay his bill before he left. You're not stuck with it. and, if you stay here further, I'll let you stay for free...standard reward for a good adventure tale." She smiles at Braydon.
Braydon cautiously unfolds the note, almost as if expecting it to be trapped, before perusing the contents. After finishing, he seems almost..confused.
"Um, hmm.. Well, I.. Hmm.. Give me..give me a minute to..think on this."
Braydon takes a seat at a nearby table, and carefully re-reads the letter again.
Clearing his throat, he asks "Drink, please?"
Ameiko nods and produces an old bottle from the back. "You look like you need something calming. This is an old family treat."
She looks at the rest of you. "Odd, I don't see Kayosin. Koya, do you know where he want?"
Koya chuckles and replies "He stopped at the garrison and there was a note from that new Magnimar Pathfinder Lodge. He read it and took off immediately. He was always a hasty child. Meanwhile...Sandru, are you willing to caravan us up to Brinewall?"
Sandru looks across at Ameiko, then nods. "Surely. Let me know how many to prepare for. I've some trading to do along the northern route anyway. And, perhaps I could use a bit of adventure."
Shalelu says "Well, me, definitely. I've enjoyed watching this town grow, but I think it's time to move on. I though Kayosin would leap on it, but it looks like he's hared off on his own personal quest. And as for the rest of this group?" She smiles at Fibek "You, it would seem. And you as well, Sir Charayana, I assume."
She turns to Braydon "How about you? You seem to be on your own now and, well, were affected by whatever happened in that cave. Those of us affected should stick together, I suspect."
Fibek is obviously eager to follow Shalelu wherever she goes:
"Shalelu, I would gladly accompany you. Goldilocks as well!"
Braydon accepts the drink, and again reviews the letter, as if searching it for some hidden meaning.
"This..this is the very..first time I've even been left unsupervised. Ever. At least, that I can..remember. I.. hm.."
Braydon looks over at the milling group, as they examine cards and call out suits like fishwives at a bustling market.
He thinks back over the last few days, and how he met this group (and the extra-dimensional cat).
He waits for the initial furor to die down, then asks quietly to the assembled group, "I seem to be a free were-r..well, free of obligation. Would you mind if I..went along?"
Shalelu speaks up "I think it would be - interesting - to have you accompany us. But, how do your companions feel? Do you want to keep your little group together?"
She looks at the rest of you expectantly.
"Yes, we will follow you. Our destiny is with you."
Ikshvaku nods. "I will come as well, yes?"
"Never been unsupervised? Then it's about time." Ameiko smiles mischievously. "Do come. I think it might be amusing. Unless your - friends here- have other opinions."
She turns to the rest of the group. "So, any objections to us -um- dragging this poor boy along to expand his view of the world?"
Ikshvaku shakes his head, trying to hide a grin.
"Well, then, that settles it."says Sandru. "My partners and I can provide two wagons; a sturdy covered wagon and a supply wagon, but we'll need more. Five is the smallest number that should travel together for safety reasons."
Koya speaks up "I can use Mother's old Fortuneteller's wagon. She kept it in very good condition. Said it was a Varisian's duty to do so. So that's three. I guess the rest depend on what we'll be doing on our way there."
"Ah, I do not know the lay of the land as well as I perhaps should. How much trading can be done between here and Brinewall?"
A caravan can support a maximum of 5 wagons, though this can be modified by Feats. Most first-level caravans start with 3 wagons; usually a covered wagon, a supply wagon and one specialty wagon (most often a Fortune-teller's wagon).
"Um, well, then.. I.. I guess I better choose a suit, then."
Braydon reviews the deck for a short while before chiming in with,
"I'll choose the suit of Shields, the better to defend..my..friends. ..And myself, too."
Koya studies the cards everyone drew and speaks "Ishvaku, You drew the Forge; it evokes strength through great diversity or strength from many sources united against a single trial. It represents those who can survive a trial by fire, even though the fire is so strong it burns many to cinders instead. This card often represents a dangerous event that needs many sources of strength to overcome.
Fibek, you drew the Midwife; this card represents an enabler or conduit of new creation, information, or arrivals, a key that lets new life or information into the world. It represents a heart that can see the import of any new arrival as well as the good in even the worst situation.
Braydon, you drew the Paladin; it symbolizes standing strong in the face of adversity. The Paladin does not back down under any circumstances. This card usually indicates the need to stay the course or do what one knows is right, even if it takes a heavy toll."
She then shuffles the cards and begins laying out a Harrow reading for Ameiko and the trip.
While the three cards reflecting the past do draw comments from Ameiko, Sandru, and Shalelu, it's the three present and three future ones that Koya seems most interested in; The Locksmith, The Foreign Trader, The Desert, The Lost, The Uprising, The Empty Throne.
"Hm. Interesting. Well, their meaning should become clearer as we travel. I hope."
Meanwhile, Ameiko says to the three of you "Thank you for what you've done for me so far, and thank you for agreeing to accompany me. Here, please, take this and outfit yourselves as well"
She hands each of you a voucher for 1000 gold.
Sandru comments "Take your time, It should take about a week to get everything prepared. The journey from here to Brinewall is about 500 miles, so it should take about 16 days with no issues. We'll head up the Lost Coast road, through Galduria and Wolf's Ear, cut northeast through the Churlwood, finally reaching Roderic's Cove as our last stop before Brinewall. I prefer to avoid Riddleport entirely, so unless any of you have a VERY good reason, we'll follow the old northern track skirting the southern end of the Stony Mountains, then head into the Velshana Uplands, following the river northwest to a low pass into the Nolands, then north to Brinewall. The roads will be poor to nonexistant at that point, however, many Varisian caravans do go that way. Most avoid Brinewall, however, as it's reputed to be haunted - or cursed - or both. Any questions or suggestions?"
The Vudrani listens to Koya's explanation, nodding in response. "This could be a very interesting trip, yes?"
While Sandru describes the plans for the journey, Ikshvaku thinks back to his parents' trading journeys. "Sixteen days is not long. Do you want to try to bring enough supplies for the entire trip, or bring goods to trade for food in Galduria and Wolf's Ear? Another small thing--you have not spoken of the return trip. Do you plan on coming back the same way?"
Sandru nods. "That's still the best route, either way. As for supplies verses trade goods? Hm. A little of both, perhaps. We can trade on the way, as I'd like to have supplies for at least another two weeks to a month once we reach Brinewall. We've no idea how long we'll be there, after all, and I'd prefer to be prepared."
He looks over at Koya and Fibek. "And if either of you can cast any food creating spells, they would prove useful as well."
"Making water clean is not to be discounted, either. And now, if you will excuse me, I have some purchases to make, yes?"
"No!", Braydon blurts out, "NO! I'm sure you made a MISTAKE."
Braydon's face contorts with clear anger at the declaration of his 'card'.
"That card CANNOT represent me! IT.. MUST.. BE.. A.. MISTAKE!"
About that point in time, Braydon realizes the emotional outpouring he is committing, and begins to focus his thoughts again..away from his anger.
"Sorry for that.", Braydon says, visibly shaking, "It.. is a very..sore..point for me."
"Braydon, I believe that it is something you can be...perhaps not in the past, yes? Perhaps not so much now. But your future has yet to be made. Remember that Irori raised himself to godhood by his own will. Your will is strong, or you could not call forth the seishin no ha, as you name it. Find the place in yourself that lets you do that, and draw your strength of purpose from there."
Koya blinks, surprised at Braydon's reaction. She takes the card and studies it, then her eyes grow wide. "Good advice, Sir Charayana, however...the boy is right. He asked for a card of the Shield suit. The Paladin is of the Hammer suit. I apologize, young one. I do not know how such an error came to be. Please, if you are still willing, try again."
Koya carefully sorts the cards, placing the shield suit cards face up on the table, then turns to Vak. She hands him the rest of the deck. "Please, hold these others for now." She then picks up the remaining Shield cards, shuffles them and spreads them out on the table, face down and looks at Braydon with expectation.
"Please, forgive me and try again."
"Well, I like my draw. We do have some control over events that unfold. Our fate is not already decided."
Fibek help organize the now five wagon caravan when handed the voucher. He procures a ballista for defense and makes sure the new hires are given clear direction. The traders are instructed to always be on the lookout for opportunities to acquire new exotic goods and sell the good on hand.
Braydon looks a bit annoyed, but not wanting to feel more like an outsider, reaches across the table to pick the card furthest from him.
As he pulls it closer, it snags under the card in the middle, and both flip over.
Braydon chose: The Sickness
The card that flipped: The Survivor
"Oops. Should I.. try..that again?"
A knight all in green, varied enough in color and pattern to serve as camouflage, rode up to the Rusty Dragon and dismounted with practiced ease.
"Stay Zephyr." The knight commanded his horse as he patted him with affection. He did not bother with tying him to the hitching post.
Sir Alfric strode into the Inn as he took his helm off, revealing a handsome male with rugged and faintly elven features and piercing emerald eyes.
He smiled as he stepped forward to grasp arms with Sandru, bow over Ameiko's hand, and formally kneel to Shalelu. She seems faintly embarrassed and waives him to get up. He grinned at her as he got up again. You have a feeling there was more to that relationship than met the eye.
"You weren't planning to leave without me, I trust?" He asked as he looked around at them.
Alfric smiled at Koya.
"Somehow, I think you already know my choice Miss Koya..." He commented, flirting outrageously as he pointed to the Hammer suit.
Koya turns to Braydon. "Nothing in the Harrow happens by accident. I'm certain that that flipped card will prove important, both past and present. You are an interesting person, young one. I shall keep my eye on you." She smiles, seemingly amused. "I had wanted an interesting life, and now it appears I well have one, though late in the game, as it were"
She turns to the charming knight. "Of course, Sir Alfric. Still, You must make the choice."
She takes the card from him and smiles again. "I should have guessed. Still, it's nice to see that my observations are still accurate. The Keep, symbol of of quiet strength, strength that can move when necessary, yet stand firm through the greatest hardship, not shaken by any force. Though," here she shoots a quick look at Braydon "I had also half expected you to pull the Paladin. Perhaps...time will tell."
She looks over at Shalelu "And where's that young relative of yours? I'm surprised she hasn't already packed."
"Oh, you're coming too, Sir Alfric? Welcome, I'm glad you'll be along. Here, take this and get any supplies you may need for yourself and for Zephyr."
Ameiko seems to be matching his outrageous flirting as hands him a chit for 1000 gold.
Braydon seems at a loss at the sudden appearance of the knightly figure (and the sudden wave of flirtatious behavior), and instinctively makes way at the table for the oncoming Sir Alfric, returning to a more shadowed area of the inn.
You see what appears to be a Half-elven Woman of about 6 foot 3 with comely features with a curvy human build with pale skin, But her face is more beautiful with Golden Amber eyes and lose Copper Red Hair that ends near her waist appearing from behind the Knight as she pops out.
"You aren't gonna leave me here, Ameiko-sama.
As I'm coming as well."
She has her stuff with her.
"That and I can travel with onee-sama."
Ikshvaku, a tall shaven-headed human of Vudrani extraction, moves to give Braydon a bit of cover. "We are having to complete the caravan, yes? Fibek has some thoughts on the matter, but we will have to hurry if we wish to hire all of the people that are needed."
Sandru listens to your plans, then comments "I think it might be best to try to limit the number of non-combatants involved. Most of us can do multiple things for the caravan; I for example can drive, trade, and do repairs. Koya will obviously provide the necessary fortunetelling we'll need along the way, but she can also heal, cast spells when needed, and even take a turn at guard. Ameiko's not only a great cook as well as an entertainer both for us and for crowds when we stop, but can also provide fortune-telling, guard duty, spellcasting, and trading. Shalelu, while less flexible, can serve as a guard and scout for us. Bevelek and Vankor currently are best utilized as drivers, but are learning to trade as well. And if we're adding wagons we'll need drivers for them as well. What do you folks bring to the table?"
Shalelu looks across at Mai with a mixture of humor and exasperation. "Ameiko, I'll cover Mai's supplies, you don't need to provide for her."
Ameiko laughs. "Shalelu, please, let me do it. You need to provide for yourself as well. I don't mind, I don't have a lot to spend it on."
Before Shalelu can respond, Ameiko tosses off another note for 1,000 gold and tosses it to Mai. "Quick, run, before she takes it from you!" she laughs.
Koya speaks, interrupting the little dispute. "Mai, it's your turn to draw, regardless of who your sponsor will be. Please, choose a suit and draw a card."
"I have some small training in buying and selling; I am also a fair scout, and can guard the caravan if need be."
A weak voice comes from somewhere behind the Vudrani warrior,
"I'm..I'm Braydon. I cook.. and I can heal."
Mai Draws a card, as she looks at it her fingers slide revealing she drew two cards instead of one
"It's a Crown, no wait, looks like they were stuck together. I apparently drew a Crown and a Key Card."
Fibek adds a crown card to his hand after seeing multiple cards in the hands of others.
Fibek has organized the caravan and hired workers to help man the additional wagons for the augmented caravans.
He produces a large master duty roster. Shalelu and Fibek are listed as advanced scouts to provide additional security and hunt to augment the provisions. His magical cat is added to the roster of caravan guards.
"Hiring scouts and guards is quite expensive, so we can cover these positions on the caravan. Shalelu and I cannot be the only scouts, so we probably need another tandem to scout when we are off-duty."
The Vudrani looks over his shoulder at the timid-seeming human. "Braydon, I believe you can also scout. Shall we take that duty when Fibek and Shalelu are not?"
Sir Alfric smiles; "I can provide both Scouting and Guarding duties, and can even do a little trading if needed."
He frowns at the others and leans down to whisper to Koya; "Are we supposed to draw twice?".
Koya glares at Mai. "Beware manipulating the Harrow, my child. It will hold you to that choice!" As Fibek in turn draws a second card she shrugs. "Take care what you wish for. You may get it."
First she turns to Mai. ”Am I to believe you didn't manipulate these?” she says, half amused, half exasperated. ”Let us see what you drew...I hope you're willing to stand by their intent. First from the Crown suit, the Courtesan, revealing a woman of power, wearing a mask that must not slip, reflecting political intrigue, and the superficial social niceties that must be followed, as she subtly shapes events. Then the Cricket, from the suit of Keys, representing a creature whose mind is as quick as its body. It represents speed, quick passage, and the prize at the end of the journey. A heavy load to live up to, child.”
She turns to Fibek. ”Once more you surprise me. You've pulled the Theater, an odd card, but one that does pair well with the Midwife. The Theater is the card of true prophecy, a true prophet who is merely a puppet of the gods; acting out a scene in which the prophet is the audience and the prophecy the show, unable to influence what is seen, and often not recognizing it's importance until too late.”
Lastly she turns to Braydon. ”An odd pair that. Is that truly how you see yourself? I suspect that the first draw, though you reject the title, may more purely reflect your soul. Still, let me tell you of those cards. The Sickness represents corruption, famine, plague, pestilence, disease, and especially corruption of a soul or souls. It is an evil omen, but your other card may indicate victory over it. The Survivor represents one who has been through a terrible ordeal of some kind, thought lost by all, now reborn, though surrounded by the fallen, representing someone or something thought lost forever, found once more. Hm.”
She sighs. ”Does anyone else wish to take the risk? If so, pick a suit and draw again. But beware, you will be bound to it.”
She gathers up the cards, shuffles them, then splits the deck, turning it over to glance at the top card, then reshuffling the deck, and waiting to see if anyone else will draw before she puts it away.
Shalelu chuckles, glancing over at Fibek. "I appreciate the offer. It is difficult for one person to cover both sides of a caravan. Do you prefer the left or the right?"
I shall have to ask her about that card later.
Mai replies truthfully
"You know I don't like the idea of manipulating a harrow deck, I still recall the story you told us of a Con man who tried to manipulate the Harrow into giving him good fortune."
Sandru looks at Fibek's lists, rather upset. "I -appreciate- that you're only trying to help. BUT...I am the Caravan Master and Ameiko my employer. Do not hire anyone without our consent. You don't know anything about the local citizens and...these two, for instance..." he points at two names. "They work for my br...for the local cr...they're Sczarni. Criminals, insults to all good Varisians. Even though their focus is on less violent crimes: robbery, pickpocketing, and confidence schemes, they generally target only non-Varisians. All that does is contributing to the stereotype of Varisians as untrustworthy thieves. I will NOT hire known Sczarni. Period."
Braydon's poor vantage point, peering out from behind Vak, does not really allow him to notice the card tricks..
"I..can hide and spot things and..hunt.. If that is what is needed."
After Sir Alfric's comment,
"I..didn't draw twice, it..it just kind of slipped. Sorry."