"Although I think that the idea of the mock attack might have merit, it almost seems more complex than it needs to be. Since we have to think up a good reason for being here anyway, could we not simply meet with them and offer to travel with them?""And possibly the best route; what if we were to," he hesitate, sizing up the group with him... "incapacitate these people, and just take their goods and continue onward. We will then have everything that we need to make a very convincing show of it at the dig site."
"If I recall correctly, one of the tasks our esteemed employer has put before us is to disrupt and delay the Exemplar's plans. Sabotaging this caravan would certainly be one way to further our ultimate goals. However, I am loathe to actually endanger what are probably innocent slaves or hired workers. Taking their goods and thus their camels would also entail essentially stranding them to the predations of this blasted desert. And if we were to them assume their role as suppliers, what might happen if they press onwards to the dig, which should only be one more day's ride away, and expose us as frauds."
"One thing we could do is destroy their cargo by summoning some fire elementals to do the job. Given the Examplar's encroachment into disputed gen territory, it would not be difficult to convince summoned allies to provide the necessary spark. This still may prove difficult, however, since we would need to get ahead of them and find a suitable ambush site that would keep us well out of sight yet close enough so we could get within summoning distance undetected and leave as such.""Ack, all this talking has parched my throat and I fear that I have only mere water left after the stressful watch of last night. I should have brought another camel laden with only the necessities for drink to make this blasted trip at least barely tolerable."
Karek obliges Moonpate by handing off some ale from a flask he had withheld from the night's festivities. He then takes a long drink of water, the only possible concession you've seen that said festivities had affected him in any way.
Karek shoulders his hammer as he mounts Aleson for the morning's travel. I'm no diblomad, bud did anybuddy dalk wid dese folks? I like crushin' scorbions's muches da nex dwarf, dough. Dalk while we walk? Witch way was da camb?
Breach follows Karek's lead, packing up his traps and burying the campfire in sand.
Karek shoulders his hammer as he mounts Aleson for the morning's travel. I'm no diblomad, bud did anybuddy dalk wid dese folks?
"Naw, there was no talk'in," answers Breach. "We only put our 'eyes' on em. They were all asleep except for one-o-em."
I like crushin' scorbions's muches da nex dwarf, dough. Dalk while we walk? Witch way was da camb?
"Due straight north," he says as he points. "They got maybe a slight lead on us eastward, but not much of one."
"If I recall correctly, one of the tasks our esteemed employer has put before us is to disrupt and delay the Exemplar's plans. Sabotaging this caravan would certainly be one way to further our ultimate goals. However, I am loathe to actually endanger what are probably innocent slaves or hired workers. Taking their goods and thus their camels would also entail essentially stranding them to the predations of this blasted desert. And if we were to them assume their role as suppliers, what might happen if they press onwards to the dig, which should only be one more day's ride away, and expose us as frauds."
"One thing we could do is destroy their cargo by summoning some fire elementals to do the job. Given the Examplar's encroachment into disputed gen territory, it would not be difficult to convince summoned allies to provide the necessary spark. This still may prove difficult, however, since we would need to get ahead of them and find a suitable ambush site that would keep us well out of sight yet close enough so we could get within summoning distance undetected and leave as such."
"Ack, all this talking has parched my throat and I fear that I have only mere water left after the stressful watch of last night. I should have brought another camel laden with only the necessities for drink to make this blasted trip at least barely tolerable."
Donkor looks somewhat amused at the potentates lengthy speech, and responds more shortly, "Indeed, my plan would fail should they press onwards toward the dig. That would not do at all. I shall certainly go along with the original plan should we all wish it. I believe some details will have to be worked out. I have not prayed for any summoning abilities from Pharasma, so will be unhelpful in this regard."
"Donkor I have asked Angradd about the vision that Pharasma sent to you. His reply was in images. The first a vision of smoke and a spirit may well be a restless spirit, this may be a sign to follow. The second image warned of losing thy soul followed by a picture of a pyramid, perhaps this is where we must go. The third image warned of many eyes, I believe the guardian of this place may be an eye tyrant, a terrible foe. The fourth image referenced a clock with a picture of a strange appearing dragon, this I am unsure of, perhaps a statue of some sort or a golem though I would hope it was a statue. The fifth image referenced a woman a legend if the past from Scarabs wall. I do not know if this woman is alive or a spirit. Last a reference to Suekkahns count to 56. There is an image of a man but again whether a man if a spirit I am not sure".
The Party’s Hotness
Although we’re currently still enjoying what’s left of the morning cool, it’s already shaping up to be another record hot day, even for the east Osirion desert.
Unless I hear different in the near future, I am going to assume the party’s heat protection routine is unchanged from the previous day. Those of you using spell slots for endure elements, please ensure they remain expended.
Following Karek’s initiative, the party mounts up and heads north; looking to close the distance on the transport caravan they spied upon the previous evening. Some are still tired from their evening run (and limited sleep from the snores of Hurgah); others are invigorated at the prospect that if all goes well they will at last arrive at the dig site.
Taking the lead as before, Thalia rides her loyal camel, Scimitar. When you look at her, you see she has somehow changed her clothing, yet again. This time, her outfit is that of one of Sothis’ famed Risen Guards, one of the Ruby Prince’s camel riders to be precise, complete with a rider’s leather and distinctive red-plumed helm. Occasionally Xian’an darts slightly ahead of the party, riding to higher ground to search the horizon for indication of the transport caravan. She also scans the desert sands, searching for any signs of the familiar claw-marks of the splicer beast, or other such predators.
Approximately over a half hour later, Thalia and Scimitar suddenly ride back from their forward position and circle around the group summoning the party’s attention.
“Heads-up everyone, we’ve got a complication. . .”
Thalia continues: “It’s the transport caravan – it looks like they’ve pulled out early. Hard to be sure, but by the tracks at least a couple hours. I’m not sure why – either they saw us last night - ”
“I don’t think so,” interrupts Breach, “Gandel’s flyover was perfect. And that sentry never laid eyes on us.”
“Or,” continues Thalia, “They set out early, hoping to get a few hours of travel in the coolness of the dark before the dawn took hold. Either way, they’ve got a sizeable lead.”
“Torag’s beard!” grumbles Shattershield. “I should have stayed behind last night, in position.”
Thalia hops off of her camel and inspects the caravan’s tracks. “The good news is they aren’t moving particularly fast. If we’re swift, they can still be caught.”
“That makes sense,” respond the dwarf, “I remember they had a pretty huge load.”
Jason notices Gandel beginning to sweat profusely in the desert heat. He rides up beside him. "You look hot, Pathfinder.", he says with a grin as he taps him on the shoulder with the wand. "Better?"
"Ah, thanks Jason! That did the trick!" Gandel says appreciatively. "I need to remember to pick up one of those when we get back to Sothis!"
Visions? Ye spellcasders are good ver some dings, bud visions vrom a deidy dad cand even dalk sdraid? I'll bass.
Nevertheless, Karek begins to urge Aleson and the party forward. Berhabs we ken kedchem iv we hussle. I dond kere whad we do when we kedchem, bud leds nod losem now.
Hard to know - could be close. You hope that their heavier load will make the difference, but the difference of 10 Speed over what could prove to be several hours really adds up. Karek's hustle option could close that gap and put it in your favor - as long as the transport caravan doesn't break into a run as well.
Hey, that's a really good mechanics summary - thanks for that.
So there's a motion on the floor, do I have a seconder? All in favor? Any opposed?
"Donkor I have asked Angradd about the vision that Pharasma sent to you. His reply was in images. The first a vision of smoke and a spirit may well be a restless spirit, this may be a sign to follow. The second image warned of losing thy soul followed by a picture of a pyramid, perhaps this is where we must go. The third image warned of many eyes, I believe the guardian of this place may be an eye tyrant, a terrible foe. The fourth image referenced a clock with a picture of a strange appearing dragon, this I am unsure of, perhaps a statue of some sort or a golem though I would hope it was a statue. The fifth image referenced a woman a legend if the past from Scarabs wall. I do not know if this woman is alive or a spirit. Last a reference to Suekkahns count to 56. There is an image of a man but again whether a man if a spirit I am not sure".
"That's all excellent information, friend Halstadt. If the smoke that Thalia saw of their campfires was the first indicator, do we then have to be concerned that a spirit is in their company? It sounds at least likely that the next thing we have to worry about after that is the pyramid."
Since I have cast Endure Elements on my heavy horse as well, perhaps Binky and Gandel could ride with me? I'm not really entirely sure how large Binky/Blinky is. Also, unless I missed it, we're not even sure what to do with the caravan when we catch them. I guess we can walk/jog and discuss.
Since I have cast Endure Elements on my heavy horse as well, perhaps Binky and Gandel could ride with me? I'm not really entirely sure how large Binky/Blinky is.
You could definitely double-back Gandel. Binky is a pretty big hound – think the size of a Mastiff or a Newf but as a pharaoh dog (or now suspected blink dog) he probably looks closer to a golden retriever in appearance. But even if you could get Binky to relax and somehow ride the camel - I'm seeing a b&###'n Handel Animal check or some other creativity - there would be little gained unless you could also double-back Hurgah.
Also, unless I missed it, we're not even sure what to do with the caravan when we catch them.
I think that's right.
I guess we can walk/jog and discuss.
A bit tricky at the "hustle" pace Karek has proposed, but definitely possible when walking or say, trotting. Do camel's trot? That reminds me, I'm going to post some of the crazy stuff I've inadvertently come to learn about camels as a result of this PBP.
The camel is perfectly designed for desert travel. It has translucent eyelids, so that during sandstorms it can close its eyes and still see. The camel has a hump that stores fat, not water, which will be mostly gone at the return of a trip. The camel is known for being able to travel long distances without water. If a camel drank 50 gallons for water before the trip, it could last 8 days without any more water. The camel's arched back can support a tremendous load, making desert travel possible.
The camel can easily glide over sand that is often 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It can spread its toes outward to prevent sinking into the loose sand. It can feed on thorny twigs and its elastic neck allows it graze on vegetation more than 11 feet off the ground. The nostrils are slit shaped to reduce irritation from the sand. The nostrils are also muscular enough to shut tightly during a sandstorm.
Source: some stuff I read on the web.
Karek uses his complete lack of personal magnetism to propel the party forward, shouting encouraging, if incomprehensible, "didbids" of advice.
Jin ub, Hurgah! Ye'll ged a cricked in yer neck.
Cmon, Bade! Dey should hab more ale in dad caravan!
He keeps himself reasonably well hydrated, and concentrates mostly on assisting Thalia with tracking their quarry at their increased speed.
Well that sounds like at least 1 Aye, 0 Nays, 1 abstention and possibly 1 request for clarification. Whats that you say? Quorum's only required for life and death decisions and those involving choice of pizza toppings? The Ayes have it!
The chase is on!
Breach nods at Karek as the younger dwarf drives the party into action, joining him with a rallying cry: “Have at them!” It would have been more impressive had his camel actually moved forward. However, over the last two days his riding has largely been confined to slowly following the camel butt directly in front of him and it takes a while to get his camel into gear.
In contrast, with a single casual movement, Thalia finishes her study of the tracks in the sand and suddenly vaults up upon Scimitar’s back. For at least the fiftieth time in the last few days, you wonder how it is that a woman who claims to genuinely hate discomfort in any form seems to have intimate knowledge about desert life and travel. Joining Karek’s pace, Xian’an spurs Scimitar into a light run, looking behind her to try and gauge Binky’s top speed and make sure Hurgah doesn’t fall too far behind.
From there, the party falls into position and the camels race across the desert. For many of you this is the first time you have ever balanced atop a camel while it runs. For the unskilled, it is significantly uncomfortable – okay let’s be honest, it’s not fun for the experienced either.
Perhaps Donkor has the easiest time among you; his horse has a natural and easy canter, which makes the camels look clumsy by comparison. This is incredibly helpful, as if there is one thing you have learned over the past few days, it is that Soroon knows nothing about the art of horsemanship or any task requiring basic coordination. In addition, the young priest’s horse is also protected by an enchantment that guards it from the heat, giving it extra comfort as it glides across the desert. However, while not nearly as graceful, the camels are no less speedy – they just work even harder.
* * *
A half hour later, a lather of sweat completely covers the camels. Several minutes later, a frothing foam forms at their mouths. An hour later and you can tell the animals are in pain. But they don’t stop – this is what they have been trained to do. The Overlander was every bit as good as advertised by Venture Captain Krenshar; he has provided excellent steeds.
The worst off is Binky, who has been powering at a full out run, trying to keep from falling too far behind the thundering camels. The pharaoh dog’s tongue hangs out from his mouth, but he refuses to whine or stop. He’s been specifically bred to run and carry a small-sized rider and he loves nothing more. Even still, every so often Gandel disappears in the cloud of dust produced by the camel pack, but he always seems to emerge.
Behind Gandel comes Hurgah, the lumbering giant who is surely testing his limits. He seems to have found his pace, neither slowing nor speeding up as he races across the desert with his arms constantly pumping. Incredibly, it has been an hour and you don’t want to even think about the pain that must be pooling in the half-orc’s joints.
* * *
Occasionally, Karek falls back to offer the half-orc indecipherable encouragement: “Jin ub, Hurgah! Ye'll ged a cricked in yer neck.” But in reality he is actually doing more. The dwarf is also carefully coordinating the party’s position. Working with Halstadt, Karek arranges for the dwarven priest to gradually position his camel into the middle of the racing pack. With a firm grip on the reigns, Hal gets out his holy symbol and brandishes high overtop of him while still in wild motion.
There is a sudden blast of golden fire, pulsing out from Morgrym in all directions. But the fire does not burn, it invigorates. When its healing wave hits, you feel your pain disperse. It is as though you just started the ride.
As you travel, Karek and Thalia periodically take turns pointing out signs of the caravan’s tracks. Based upon the distance in-between the individual hoof marks, your quarry does not appear to be running and you firmly believe that you must be gaining. Yet there is still no sign of them.
"I can keep this up for some time is everyone alright? We need to decide if we will follow my plan or take another approach before we arrive!"
If it assists, here is a link to the summoning list.
Yes, you can use summon monster to summon 1d3 monsters from a lower level list. A good tactic in the right situation, though it always sucks when you roll a 1.
Donkor will gladly alternate with Hal in channeling away fatigue. Between the two of us, we should be able to keep this up for most of the daylight hours. He will also spend time experimenting with the Decanter of Endless Water, trying to get it to sprinkle over the party, giving everyone who wants or needs it a light shower in an attempt to cool off. He will hang back a little when need be with Hurgah and Binky giving them as much of the water as they need.
"I still think "saving them" is an unnecessary complication, but I will go along with it. Most important we need a plausible reason to be here, and now we need a plausible reason to be here and pushing ourselves to exhaustion. We have no wares to be merchants. I think we may have to craft some sort of bindings to try and pose as slavers with slaves...? I think I can be a convincing slave, if it should come to that."
Iv dis group is heddedo da dig side, some sabodage is in our job descripshin. Any way do vind oud where're dey goin'? Dalkadive scoud, berbabs? Magic?
Karek thinks a moment, and adds, Anyding dad needs acdin, we mide wando avoid. We dond seem da lyin' dype. He avoids looking at Thalia.
Karek thinks a moment, and adds, Anyding dad needs acdin, we mide wando avoid. We dond seem da lyin' dype. He avoids looking at Thalia.
Perhaps she notices. "Will somebody please cast comprehend languages when the Linnorm-King dwarf speaks. Honestly!" She then spurs her camel.
The overland dash continues.
When an hour passes, Donkor steps in, exchanging Angradd’s holy fire for the calming waves of Pharasma’s blessing of fate. While vastly different in form, the end result is identical in substance, the team kicks it back into high gear, freshly invigorated.
A third hour passes. This is truly a remarkable experience. Many of you doubt you have ever covered so many miles in a single stretch before, let alone before the sun meets the mid-point in the sky. The two Pathfinders within the group likely each make mental notes as to how they will capture this event in their journals.
A fourth hour of high speed travel completes. A fif---
No, shortly after the fourth hour, Thalia reports a dust cloud in the distance, right where the caravan should be. At last! Your quarry is in sight.
OOC: Just in case some folks are missing it, there's some separate discussion on this going on in the Game Discussion thread as well. If you've lost your dot, there's a link to it in my profile.
Wad now? asks Karek, squinting into the distance. Pade, Hal, ken ye summon da cridders do disdracd 'em? Iv we keeb movin', we'll bed'em dere.
Well now that you mention it. . .
The group you are pursuing is moving in the general direction of what you understand to be the dig site (east). However, this group is going almost due (straight) east. While Gandel has plotted a course going east, he's also got you guys angling a fair bit more north. There could be a variety of explanations for this, but one of them could theoretically be as you raise: perhaps they are not going to the dig site at all. If so, that would be one heck of a coincidence. You are deep into the east Osirion desert. There's not a lot here, where else would they be going and what are the odds that they just happened to camp within sight range if they have a different destination?
During the pause as we've caught up to our quarry, Karek rumbles at his pack, after removing a packet of trail rations.
Alright, Bunky. You can have those trail rations, too. Just don't chew through the ropes again, or you'll have to answer to Aleson.
Once stopped, the party engages in a spirited discussion of what to do with the transport caravan. It appears that during the ride over, a few members have had time to refine their thoughts on the party's approach.
As talk gradually transforms from a conjured elemental flash mob to a more straightforward offer to join-up with the caravan, Breach takes some time to consider his role.
"We can't all be posing as bodyguards, me thinks. Maybe I'll play to my people's stereo-types and pose as a fixer of diggin equipment and such. Everyone can always use an extra repair man on the cheap and I'd be happy to fix the dig site real good."
Then Shattershield looks down at himself and reasons that he does not at all look the part of a repairman. He frowns and uses the time while others talk to remove his armor. He then carefully wraps and packs away his axe and shield, leaving himself with a set of bursting saddlebags and a very full backpack. He adds a few smudges to his face and suddenly he's almost a passable equipment labourer.
"There now - how'd that look?"
"There now - how'd that look?"
"Master Shattershield, as soon as I can replenish my stocks I will toast to your honor. It must be difficult to put aside your weapons and armor, but I also know you are not without other resources, and of course the protection of your comrades."
"Yeah," responds Breach pensively, picking-up on the wizard's rather diplomatic words of caution. "I imagine we'll see just how foolish, ol' Breach was with this idea before the day's out."
"Now how about the rest'o ye. I'd best get ta work on getting our story straight."
Aye, Breach. I subbose I'm yer hired mussel. I canne dake ov my armor wid sdrangers. Do scholars, den? Donkor and Bade? I will ged in wid de group and see wad can be done do dere dings.
Using the magic of her armor, Thalia ditches her Risen Guard rider's outfit.
Determined to try something completely different, she goes for a simple but revealing white frock, a look that seems to suggest she is a lowly slave or perhaps a servant girl. Then she pulls out a mirror to examine her work. Once she does so, she shakes her head and decides to go a new direction entirely. A moment later she adds a wide jewled belt, complete with a hook to hang a slaver's whip, and a pair of tall intimidating boots. She then creates a rather ornate headdress and a series of metallic bracelets until she thinks she has completed the look of a ‘slave master’.
While the party discusses its plans, she thinks better of it and magically changes outfits yet again, several times actually, until she finally settles on an elaborate finery suitable for the role of a spoiled young aristocrat, complete with a Keleshite veil.
It looks like our cover stories are as follows:
Moonpate: Scholar
Hurgah: Moonpate's Bodyguard
Gandel: Moonpate's Assistant
Donkor: Scholar
Jason: Handsome, eccentric oddball
Hal: Priest?
Karek: Bodyguard
Breach: Equipment Expert
Thalia: Guide
"Oh for the love of Rovagug!" says Thalia as she shoots Karek a look, convinced that this is somehow his fault. "The guide!?"
Xian'an reluctantly changes her outfit a final time, this time into a dusty set of androgeous desert wear, worn leather riding boots, and a sun-bleached shawl. She reaches into her pack and pulls out her sand goggles for good measure, placing them on her forehead, just above her eyes.
"I think we can all agree no one will notice me," she pouts.
Break time was over.
The (still unnamed) party launches back into high gear – not quite the crazed gallop of earlier that morning, but a swift canter, quickly eating up the distance between itself and the slower-moving transport caravan of camels.
Once the party drops the distance down to several hundred yards, it begins to look as though they have been spotted. A trio of camel riders break off from the main pack of the transport caravan and take up a stationary position on the high ground, a smooth ridge of grey rock jutting from the sand. The rest of the caravan continues forward, neither increasing or slowing its pace.
As you come closer still, now only a few hundred feet away, one of the riders dismounts. You can tell he has a smaller blade sheathed at his hip and a simple bow on his back. He wears no armor but is garbed in a simple traveler’s outfit that appears not at all unlike that of Thalia’s current look.
It seems though, that he intends to parlay, rather than attack:
“Harken!” he calls in the traditional (neutral) greeting to strangers in the desert. “Why do you pursue us?”
The speaker is on the alert. You sense mistrust and possibly a healthy amount of fear in his voice and body language.
The party rides in closer and responds. . .
Donkor sizes up the speaker, and the friendly expression he had prepared to welcome the man suddenly hardens, and his eyes grow wary as he acutely senses the man preparing an attack.
His hands move ostentatiously to his weapon as he responds, "Greetings...friend", he says with an edge. "May She who knows your fate make it a fitting one. We spotted your group from afar, and thought that traveling with others might bring some measure of comfort and peace of mind in this dangerous land."
Donkor will cast Calm Emotions on the man if he makes even the slightest hint of a threatening move from this point on.
[Donkor's] hands move ostentatiously to his weapon as he responds, "Greetings...friend", he says with an edge. "May She who knows your fate make it a fitting one. We spotted your group from afar, and thought that traveling with others might bring some measure of comfort and peace of mind in this dangerous land."
The rider responds to Donkor in Osirion:
The rider catches Donkor's hand movement. "This caravan falls under the protection of the Exemplar Khymrasa," he says. "We have nothing to fear in the desert, especially this close to her honor guard." He motions to the east behind him. You suspect that was meant more as a threat (or perhaps bluff) than as a means to provide you with reassurance of safety.
He takes a half step back as all nine of you gradually come into view. "What brings you this way?"
Donkor sizes up the speaker, and the friendly expression he had prepared to welcome the man suddenly hardens, and his eyes grow wary as he acutely senses the man preparing an attack.
See, this is why Mr. Monotony (Donkor's player) is cool. The man voluntarily generates the result on his own fumble.
The rider catches Donkor's hand movement. "This caravan falls under the protection of the Exemplar Khymrasa," he says. "We have nothing to fear in the desert, especially this close to her honor guard." He motions to the east behind him. You suspect that was meant more as a threat (or perhaps bluff) than as a means to provide you with reassurance of safety.
He takes a half step back as all nine of you gradually come into view. "What brings you this way?"
"Be at peace brave one. I am Moonpate the Potentate, with my plucky assistant Gandel on his trusted steed, and noble Hurgah, the fiercest bodyguard to walk the dunes. As for these other folk, ill mannered and poor of aspect they may be, but trouble makers they are not. We have shared the sand for several days and I can attest to their cautious yet well-meaning ways. For is it not said among the wise that he who dines alone will choke alone. Therefore, let us wash the dust from our lips with clear water as fellow travelers and continue on towards the noble Examplar's camp, for that is exactly where we are headed as well. The Four Winds have whispered of strife and disorder amongst the elemental clans east of Sothis. I have listened, and it is for the Examplar's ears the rest of my message of service shall be.
The exchange in Osiriani continues as Moonpate the Potentate joins:
"Be at peace brave one. I am Moonpate the Potentate, with my plucky assistant Gandel on his trusted steed, and noble Hurgah, the fiercest bodyguard to walk the dunes. As for these other folk, ill mannered and poor of aspect they may be, but trouble makers they are not. We have shared the sand for several days and I can attest to their cautious yet well-meaning ways. For is it not said among the wise that he who dines alone will choke alone. Therefore, let us wash the dust from our lips with clear water as fellow travelers and continue on towards the noble Examplar's camp, for that is exactly where we are headed as well.
"Hmph," scoffs the lead rider, "We're practically there anyways." He pauses and then cautiously adds, "I am Ovaron. This here is Jyx and Scorch."
The Four Winds have whispered of strife and disorder amongst the elemental clans east of Sothis. I have listened, and it is for the Examplar's ears the rest of my message of service shall be.
"I don't know nothing about that - the geos have been still for almost as many days as I can recall. Maybe too still I suppose." Ovaron looks at Moonpate's clothing and wrinkles his nose in confusion. "You some kinda city druid?"
See, this is why Mr. Monotony (Donkor's player) is cool. The man voluntarily generates the result on his own fumble.
Sorry, I forgot to hide my speech from the non-osirion speakers.
He keeps his spell readied, and his hand near his weapon, and inclines his head slightly toward the horrifying Hurgah.
Diplomacy: Aid Another -
Karek keeps back with Hal and Breach, but stands ready to interpose himself if Donkor comes to blows, as seems likely. Readied Action to interpose himself in front of Donkor should the encounter go sour. His focus is on the body language and exchanges between the two sides, as of course, he cannot understand a word of the conversation.
Seeing the rider sends a jolt of adrenaline through Jason. He tries to make out the words, but they are in a Osirion. I really should learn that language...as many times as I've been to this country.
He sees that the figure is armed, but the foreignness of his words make it difficult to understand his intentions.
"Anyone know what he is saying?", he asks his comrades.
Quieter than usual. Hopefully, the party can hear Karek, but the scout can't.
Nae, Jason. Budde sure is dense. I dinkys avraid ov us.
Quieter than usual. Hopefully, the party can hear Karek, but the scout can't.
Nae, Jason. Budde sure is dense. I dinkys avraid ov us.
"Well said Karek.", Jason says rolling his eyes.