Valley of the Shrines (Inactive)

Game Master Grimmy

Jeb is taken aback, hearing of a dragon. And a black dragon at that. He didn't know much about the creatures, except that they sounded like bad news.

He looks towards his companions. "We may need to adjust our path then. Instead of following the river to the shrines, perhaps we should head northeast around the hills, and then cut back to the west toward the road on the map." He turns to face the Lieutenant and Sheriff again. "Would that be a safer route?"

"Indeed it would, though for less than obvious reasons. The sightings of Calthraxus have not been confirmed. We thought them credible based on the Orc activity based out of the dragons traditional home, a situation that certainly merits further investigation.

No doubt Calthraxus or some other intelligent evil is responsible for rallying these forces. The sightings of scaly death on dark wings have been otherwise explained, however. I tell you in good faith that a mated pair of Wyverns have ranged down the Azor River from some lofty crook of the Stonehearts, looking to grow fat or line their dens with gems and gold and magical trinkets.

Your map may be out of date. Show me this road you refer to if you don't mind."

He pulls out a chair beside him and gestures for Jeb to bring the map and sit beside him.

Jeb moves over to the man and places the map on the table. Taking a seat, he then unrolls it and points to the indication.

"There, about ten miles northeast of Silverhelm. I believe that should take us to Crystal Lake and the twin shrines."

Priscilla sighed and looked about as she was shorter than the table and cared little when she heard the whole Dragon word. Yeah that would be great them snatched by the dragon. And yet the horde it probably had was very tempting. Maybe later. She checked though about the place sneaking off to see if she could maybe find some sweet biscuits or some thing.
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Stealthing away while trying to look for sings of a kitchen

"Ah yes... This map is quite old. The dotted line there must be the Old Path. The route pilgrims would take in days gone by. There is no telling how overgrown you will may find it, but it is marked at it's start by a pair of small white obelisks. I must say, although I am not counted among the faithful, such an approach, should you be able to locate it, would seem most fitting."

I'm glad we have someone among us to guide us to our objective, I rarely leave the city walls. I know practically nothing about the surrounding area. Lucia says, watching on as the men look over then map.

"A pair of obelisks for a pair of brothers!"

"signs" not sings

After Ares hears the chance of fighting a dragon, his mind wanders away from the map to dreams of defeating a dragon and hero to this church. His brother's comment kicks him out of the realm of dreams and he blushes as he returns to the conversation, "Indeed Andrek it is truly a sign, we will find this route our goddess wills it. Don't worry Lady Moonshadow my brother's eyes are keen and his faith strong he'll lead us to our destination."

He thinks of the tales that there father told them about the pilgrimage, hoping something from them will help them.

Religion check:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Ares I think you can take 10 on knowledge checks outside combat.

The Sherif of Waymarch speaks up.

"It is good that you stopped here. The Lyre Valley itself is in turmoil between gnolls and these new orcs, but the Azor river would have made for an ill-advised course to your destination. Rumors of Calthraxus are only rumors, but a mated pair of Wyverns still spells death for a small group of travelers.

If you are to cut through the Lyre Valley, know that the gnolls as always seek to encroach upon civilization and therefore savor the thought of catching a small band unawares. Our intelligence tells us however that these orcs, though equally vile to be sure, are more concerned with seizing the wild frontier from the gnolls and have not yet set their sights on Bard's Gate or the Tradeway. Therefore if orcs are encountered by you, it is possible they may only fire a few warning shots and not give pursuit."

"Good, I'd rather not have to bother with the locals too much. The quicker we arrive at our destination the better." Lucia says, calmly pacing about the room.

"If you would like an escort there is another option. We are sending a patrol east to the North Road along the Stoneheart River tomorrow, to visit the Village of Taverlan and see how they fare. This route would take you a bit out of your way but would be the safest to be sure."

The Lieutenant of the Lyreguard nods in affirmation of the Sherif of Waymarch's offer.

Aha, the officer clearly recognizes how important we are and is finding a way to protect us. Very proper of him.
Capitol idea Captain!

"I like the sound of that. Is anyone against getting an escort?" Lucia says, looking around at the fine group she has constructed.

Escort proposed, motioned, and seconded. Done!
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Now, about those glorious griffon rides... Wilfort says hopefully.

"Excellent. Get some rest tonight, we leave at 5AM"

The Sherif of Waymarch and the the Lieutenant of the Lyreguard get up from the table and exit the hall. A woman in chainmail shows you to your quarters.

Priscilla, you hear the meeting ending, do you want to rejoin them or keep snooping around the kitchen?

If there is no frsh pastries or fruit than she will follow them

Priscilla looks for something sweet be them rolls, pies or just fruit.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

If nothing is found she leaves for the rooms.

If successful than she takes some sweets and heads to the rooms.

But, but, but... What about my glorious, exquisite, majestic griffon ride? He follows the others with a crestfallen woebegone look.

"Traveling with the patrol would be wonderful. Safety in numbers. We'll have plenty of dangers to face once we get to where we are going."

Once in his quarters Andrek checks in on his brother then gets to sleep as soon as he can.

Once again, Tarvelin's slowness of mind keeps him out of the tactical discussion. Although, he seems slightly taken aback by the thought of being babysat. Calm down, he tells himself. Maybe the larger group will attract a fight. Though, it would be awesome to challenge a dragon.

He heads to bed with thoughts of battle in his mind.

"It would be good to learn from your men Sheriff and I swear to protect them as they were my own crew. Thank you for your help, but this is also our pilgrimage and whatever Muir puts in our path we will over come it. " He gives a salute to the sheriff and lieutenant as he gets up to leave.

Then looks to Lucia, "I trust in your decision my lady, let me know if there is anything you need of me." He walks with his brother and whispers with excitement in his voice, "So which obstacle do you think it will be first? Gnolls? Orcs? Or perhaps the dragon?" He says dragon with a blend of excitement and wonder.

"Gnolls and orcs are one thing, but if we do come upon the dragon do nothing to provoke it. That is not a fight we can win unfortunately." Lucia says, looking onto her excited party members.

Priscilla finds the kitchen fare to be pretty bland. There are some dumplings and sweet meats. While she is skulking around she overhears some servants gossiping.

"The Sherif seems to be taking quite a bit of interest in these travellers. Do you suppose their quest has something to do with the goings on in the Lyre Valley?"

" I've never seen Imril head off to Bard's Gate in such a hurry after getting back from his last tour. I suppose he had something important to tell Cylyria..."

Priscilla grabs some of the sweet things and observes wanting to know the ins and outs of this lovely little tower full of halfling eating griffons!

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

After a few moments the servants leave and the Sherif of Waymarch and the Officer of the Lyreguard enter the kitchen from the meeting hall.

"That was well handled. Thank you for your quick thinking Sherif."

The Sherif has a steely tone when he replies.

"I assumed Imril and Cylyria would want to be delicate about the dissemination of recent information that has come to light. These travelers are sure to learn the truth if they reach their destination, but they would have learned it sooner on the course they were taking, not to mention they would have been back in the city telling tales in shorter time."

The Officer of the Lyreguard pounds the countertop with his fist, like a gavel.

"Indeed. I'm sure Imril will thank you for buying him and Cylyria a few days to contain the panic. The people of Bard's Gate have long turned a blind eye to cultist activity within their own walls, yet one little story of a robed priest with a pack of ghouls being seen near the burial grounds and the whole city will be barring it's doors and expecting the next March of Bones."

Priscilla eats in silence as she blinks. After it looks like the tall folk look like they are gonna eat and or leave Priscilla will move out with her ill gotten food. Hopefully when she tells Lucia and the others they will believe her.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Nothing sneakier than a halfling rogue

So you want me to cut scene to the morning or does the party want to talk to Priscilla before bed?

I think it's more of a "does Priscilla want to talk to the party before bed?"

"Where have you been missy, I've been worried sick!" Lucia yells, shaking her finger at Priscilla.

Andrek went to bed early, hasn't even noticed she was gone.

Ares is restless in hearing the challenges he will face, he will be cleaning a sharping his blades and shield.

Jeb takes a trip to the armory (if they let him) to see about procuring more arrows.

Priscilla giggles and than holds out a sweet roll for her."Well I was in the kitchen, doing my due diligence as taster and you know making sure they taste good,quality control and all that"

She pulls out another sweet roll and than smiles." Well why I was in the kitchen I heard the lovely chefs talk about the Sherif and his right hand talk about cultists and some woman named Cylyria in Bard's Gate. Said the path we were gonna take would of lead us straight to them and something about the people not being ready and what not, You know the same old same old" takes a bite of a sweet roll.

" good sweet rolls , oh and the brazed ham was amazing i sware these guys have it made"

"Interesting, it seems we've been tricked into a sense of false security." Lucia says quietly, grabbing the sweet roll. She looks to the restless brother, "So Ares, how do you believe this should be handled? The warriors here seem to have things under control, and I do agree, most of the people of Bard's Gate cannot handle news of cultists in the area. However I fear something more devious is going on here.

Tarvelin is sound asleep, but could be woken up rather easily.

Ares runs the whetstone down his bastard sword a few times as he takes in the information the ladies told him, "It seems your sweet tooth has helped us this day Priscilla, I can understand there plan but that doesn't mean I like it." He puts his blade back in his scabbard.

"I think in the morning we should tell him that were taking the direct path, and we will be careful not to ignite any of the orcs or gnolls feuds. I fear the artifacts we need to recover could be a target of these cultist and are in even more danger then we thought. Lady Springheel did they mention any more info on the cultist activities? It might help me figure what there plan is." Ares waits for a response from either of the two.

Jeb is taken to the armory and sold arrows for a nominal fee.

50% off CRB

finishing her sweet roll she looks at Ares as she sees drapes and wipes away her crumbs on them." Oh there was something about a dead priest attacked by ghouls and that the city doesn't really care about the cultists that already operate in the city or something like that"

"Interesting. I agree with Ares, this definitely seems worth our time. We will make it known that we are continuing on our original course first thing tomorrow, for now everyone get some sleep." Lucia says, searching for the comfiest bed.

The Sherifs men knock at the break of dawn.

"RISE AND SHINE!"

Tarvelin rolls out of bed. He puts on his chainmail armor and grabs his axe and other, preparing for a day of marching with the Lyreguard.

After hearing about Ghoul Cultist Ares tries to remember tales from his past, Knowledge(Religion):: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Ares wakes up to the sheriffs men's wake up call, and replies "Is it morning already hehe, tell the Sheriff we will be down in a little bit."

Then waits for them to leave and looks to Lucia, "You want to tell the rest of the party or shall I?"

"I trust you won't keep us waiting long!"

Lucia waits for the guards to leave and shuts the door behind them. Then she turns to the group, "We seem to have a kink in our plans. Last night while you all were sleeping, Priscilla came to me and Ares with information she had gathered in the kitchen. Apparently something odd is going on around this area and our previously set course would've led us right to it, which explains why our "friends" here at the base were so adamant on changing our route. If there are cultists and undead lurking around the area, I want to know about it. Our course is still up for discussion, however Ares and I believe we should politely decline the guards offer and take the original route."

"I'm all up for ditching the guards. If they don't want us to find those cultists, they may not want us in the temple either."

"Nah they would get us to the temple, but just wanted us to avoid the cultist lands, So yeah"She says as she looks about at them." I have no problem with looting, but fighting is not for me.

I should wait for more votes right?