I feel I would be best suited to the 2nd watch. My accursed ancestry allows me to see in the darkness.
I also see for a limited distance in the dark. I should take 3rd watch.
"I'll take first and a long nap," Tress says. "How about dinner, then?"
The third watch will suit me well.
I can take whichever watch is needed. I too have the ability to see in the dark, so unless there is a need otherwise I'll take second shift.
During the night, Thaane attempts to sneak up to the Mwangi oracle and take the Wayfinder.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Khartelosch is occupied elsewhere, paying more attention to what is happening outside the camp than inside.
Thaane makes his approach just after midnight during the second watch.
With his darkvision, Silvash easily spots Thaane entering the camp and sighs. He mutters "Amateur" under his breath in Auran (which is really something to see for a Sylph) and continues his circuit to the opposite side of the camp and turns his back to him as he searches for threats outside the camp.
This will not end well for him
Sigh and continue my watch, but stay close to intervene if necessary.
The Mwangi oracle arises and becomes frantic that something is missing. She informs Silas of such and the two report to the Captain who finally agrees to let them ride ahead to scout a path.
As the caravan eats breakfast and prepares for the five wagons and fifty soldiers to depart, a slight tremor is felt again.
The caravan begins to move forward as the Captain yells out for his conscripts.
Which of you will take the lead and show us the way to the eastern outpost?
I can do so if you wish. I would appreciate the wilderness skills of Lillyanna or Khartelosch in this situation as well.
Perhaps I can head off the foolishness that Thaane, Silas and Armistaad are surely going to bring about as well.
Ibrah was asleep during the second watch of the night.
In the morning he wordlessly joins the forward scouts.
Come Verrin, let's get this caravan on the road. Khartelosch mangles the saying, nodding a greeting to the approaching vanara, as well.
Ibrah nods to Khart as he approaches.
Silvash joins the others after studying his spellbook for a short time ready to head off, in the middle of the group again.
The riders ride swiftly east until they spot three figures in the distance, about one quarter of a mile away. As they get closer, they realize that Silas and Armistad have caught up with Thaanne and there is now some sort of stand off taking place.
Silas yells, Give me the Wayfinder and we will let you go!
Thaane replies.YOU BURIED ME ALIVE!
Silas, I thought that you were DEAD!
Thaane, THE INSCRIPTION SAYS THAT IT BELONGS TO ME!
Silas, Just give it back and we won't hurt you.
Thaane, FORGOT YOUR QUEST. YOU ARE BEING CONTROLLED! YOU ARE UNDER A GEAS!
The Mwangi's eyes go wide as Silas shakes his head in disbelief.
Silas, I'm counting to three and then I am going to shoot you, YOU DISTURBED CREATURE!
Thaane takes advantage of the forewarning and shoots at Silas.
Thaane shoots Silas square in the gut.
Armistad begins some chant as he grabs three stones from his pouch and slips briefly into a trance before loding his sling.
Meanwhile, Silas returns fire.
Hitting the black-blooded freak.
In the left shoulder, knocking him sideways.
The party is now within range to take action.
The ground tremors slightly as the caravan is moving slowly towards the fray about one and one-half miles away.
Verrin will run forward drawing his sword. Once within shouting range, he will call out. Sounding more calm than his words would suggest.
We are still near an orcish army you fools, and you are calling them down on the caravan. Anyone of you to make use of one of those ridiculous firearms again will regret it.
Though slow to react, Khartelosch hurries forward to support Verrin and put an end to this show.
Thaane, knowing that Verrin is right lowers his head a bit while eyeing him and speaks, You're right. Tell him to put his weapon down first and I will do the same.
Lower your weapon first, freak! And you can live this time!
I lived last time!
Armistad quickly takes his loaded sling and rockets a stone towards Thaane.
Sending the stone whizzing by his head.
The caravan is getting closer, but so is the tremors that are not so subtle anymore.
The shadow of a giant bird of prey circles the sand where the adventurers try to decide what to do.
Thaane responds to Armi's attack by launching his dagger at his opponent.
Thaane's unique dagger vaults past the Mwangi and lands some feet behind her.
Realizing that there may trouble ahead, the forward scouts begin to ride faster towards the fray ahead, recognizing the doubled-over, bleeding Silas.
Initiative order follows:
Silvash
Tress
Thaane
Ibrah
Verrin
Khart
This can be dealt with later. You have drawn danger to us and we have no time. We must move quickly.
Assuming I don't see some threat to deal with immediately, I will try to move closer to the trio.
Look there to the east, a great beast burrows this way. We have to draw it away from the caravan. Someone pass back the caravan to stop and make no movement or noise.
Run towards it at an angle to try and get is attention without being directly in front of it.
This way! Over here!
Cease this destructive violence! Ibrah shouts, running at whichever of the combatants is nearest.
Khartelosch pulls Malek up short, turning in place. The camel's front legs kick forward, shaking out the momentum as its spins on its hind legs. They rush back to the caravan.
Halt! Halt you curs! We need no movement, no noise for the next five minutes. Heed me and all will be well!
Pistol in hand, Thaane runs for a nearby cropping of red rocks.
Ibrah moves swiftly and surely to grasp the unaware oracle tightly constricting her in his powerful arms.
A giant scorpion scurries by as quickly as anyone has ever seen it move. Then up from the ground bursts a gargantuan sand worm with it's colossal maw pulsating.
Lilly, bow at the ready is bitten in half by the frenzied behemoth.
Silvash (awaiting action)
Tress retreats to cover
Thaane retreats to cover behind Tress. (South)
Ibrah grapples Armistad.
Khart rushes back towards caravan.
Verrin strikes fear into the quarrelling threesome.
Silas moves slowly in the opposite direction of Thaane. (North)
Lilly is deceased.
A Giant scorpion runs through party without pause as quickly as it can, heading west behind Khartelosch.
Gargantuan Sand worm kills the beautiful Lillyanna.
We are ready for round 2!
By the winds of the sands! That thing is huge!
First round Silvash draws his rapier and casts mage armor.
Second round he runs for cover in the rocks.