The gnome looks confused a moment before realizing and tossing the package to Otis "Check the note, but don't open it...". The package is not overly heavy for it's size, though you'd still wager it's a good half-dozen pounds and cold... icy cold.
The note is written in a clipped and precise hand and states Lieutenant Althous Naran, Garrison of Naran Logging Camp, Near Droskar's Crag. 500 gp if delivered before the package warms, C.O.D.
Kalum doesn't get any sense that anything is being hidden, and the Seneschal does not treat the package with any degree of caution.
Shorga approaches each animal, trying to introduce himself, and judge its training and attititude. He inspects it's tackle and another other gear, and gives it a good general inspection for health or obvious problems, teeth, hooves, etc...
Next he climbs aboard each conveyance, looking them over and using his past driving experience to look for anything wrong or out of the ordinary, as well as quality, and manueverabilty
the animals:
The hearty bullock
Handle Animal:
Perception:
Prof. Driver:
Heal:
The draft horses
Handle Animal:
Perception:
Prof. Driver:
Heal:
The stallions
Handle Animal:
Perception:
Prof. Driver:
Heal:
The Conveyance
The open-top cart
Ride:
Perception:
Prof. Driver:
The well painted and sleek carriage
Ride:
Perception:
Prof. Driver:
The battered and beaten carriage
Ride:
Perception:
Prof. Driver:
Shorga seems to know what he is doing but Kiren looks under the vehicles to see if everything looks mechanically sound. "Seems like this one has been well used," he says as he inspects the battered carriage.
Perception (sleek):
Perception (battered):
Perception (open):
He turns to the seneschal, "Sir, how far is Droskar's Crag?".
I just throw a quick glance over the animals and carts leaving it to the others to choose what they will but seeing if I notice anything telling.
perception
Handle animal
Kalum strokes his amulet, and calls out some strange words
Afterwards he smiles, slaps Otis on the side and says "Let's do this!"
Kalum sprints towards the animals, but then checks himself and approaches calmly. Careful of the enormous feet, he holds up a little of his rations - some dried apple - and talks soothingly to the animals, distracting them and making them easier to investigate.
Otis feels an unusual clarity filling his mind.
"Thanks Kalum, now let's see what these conveyances are capable of."
Returning the package back to the Seneschal, Otis pulls up his sleeves and gets under the carriages. He checks the wheels, the axle grease, the ride height, the suspension (if any). Emerging from underneath the vehicles, he brushes down the hay from his hair and proceeds to inspect the harnesses and relays, the convenience of the driver seat, and also the thickness and sturdiness of the sides. Finally, he gets inside, and checks the observation from the windows, the seat count, and the cargo compartments (if any).
Having finished the inspection, Otis also approaches the animals, checking how well they are fed, how calmly they respond to his touch and smell, what shape their hooves are in and if they have horseshoes on them.
Kalum knows that Droskar's Crag lies a few days travel to the North along a river bank and into the foothills of the forest there. It's level ground and easy travelling until you get close, where it will get a bit more interesting with valleys and choke points.
The cart is a sturdy and hard-wearing design, and has good fundamentals. There are seats for two at the reins, but any others will need to bunker down in the open-top section among whatever cargo you end up carrying. The lack of weather protection would make it less comfortable in the rain, but she looks like she'd hold together just fine.
The well painted carriage is the best presented one, with seats for two at the reins and four within. The reins and carriage section are well made and from standing she looks a fine carriage... but getting beneath it you've some causes for concern. The axles are slightly warped and you note a few knots in the wood that makes them up. They'll hold together a while... but you'd fear for their strength if you had to press them.
The worn carriage is sorry to look at, with frayed reins and visible rents and tears in the wood and canvas covering the carriage portion. Seats for two at the reins and four within, though in the current state you'd not think it capable of holding out the rain, and the leathers of the reins and tackle are old and tiring. But the undercarriage hides a surprise. The axles and substructure are hewn from straight grained hardwood and look almost perfect. You'd wager an ogre could try and break it across his knee and the ogre would lose.
Moving to the animals:
The bullock is a stout beast, and reasonably pliable to instruction as you engage with it. Wear around it's neck shows that it has borne a yoke before and looking into it's eyes you get a deep sense of placidity... but not much intellect.
The draft horses would be your traditional choice for pulling carriages and their form shows that they have been at the task for a few years so far. Their eyes are neutral in character, but you get a sense that the animals are getting on in years, but their health is good enough.
The stallions are young and virile, both just emerging into the prime of their life. Even as you look over them they snort and stamp, eager to strain against their tackle and at one time almost rear when you get a bit too close. There is a fire to their spirit that can be tempered, but might also be hard to restrain. They also seem reasonably smart for horses.
Otis shakes the dust off himself and wipes his hands as he conveys his part in the observations to everyone.
"Well, what do you think? I personally would stay away from the stallions, but the bullock carries a risk of not getting us there in time. The draft horses look optimal to me if I'm doing the driving.
Considering the carriages - I must say this worn-out one is definitely an unpolished gem, I like it. But in its present condition, the cart can carry us more safely. If we are willing to put up with the weather and lack of comfort, it might be a better choice. Then again, if the sun is going to be shining all the time, the closed carriage is better for keeping our cargo cold."
Kalum does his best to explain what he knows about Droskar's Crag
"Pity - those Stallions look fast, but I've never worked with horses before. If you think the draft horses are the way to go, well, okay."
"Could we take the bits we need from the nice carriage and use them on the old carriage?" he asks the Seneschal
"I mean, it's all still going to the guild, right? A pretty carriage doing nothing isn't helping anyone. Plus, you could get brand new bits for the pretty carriage, and still have spares in the old ones! It's just good business, right?"
"I vote for the draft horses and ratty looking wagon, it may need a bit of work top side but that is mostly ascetics. It will be like restoring an old classic!"
Shorga finishes his assessments and his eyes linger on the young stallions for a moment, appreciation clear in his eyes. Turning to the others, "Nishe catch on the fancshy carriage Otish, I shurely misshed the shtate of that axshle. I believe the worn carriage would sherve ush besht in the end." Now Shorga faces the animals, a conflict on his face. "I cannot lie, there ish, perhapsh, shome of my pride shpeaking now, but I believe I could train thoshe young stallionsh, given time and asshishtance from some of you fellowsh. I shaw you inshpecting the animalsh; Icarush, Kalum, and Otish, and all of you are no shtrangersh to working with animalsh. Working together to train thoshe shtallionsh, I'm shure we could train them right," Shorga's eyes are far away, imagining the sight of the stallions at full gallop on an open prairie, a slight smile tugging at his mouth, "and that would be a shight to shee." Sighing wistfully, he comes out of his reverie, "The shafesht bet is the Bullock, the draft horshesh a close shecond, they're obvioushly getting old... I shupposhe the draftsh would be my shecond choice, after the shtallionsh."
Hearing Kalum's logic, Shorga chimes in, "That doesh make good shenshe, shir. Our shuccessh ish money in the the Guildsh coffersh."
The Seneschal merely raises an eyebrow and queries "And where would you find the time to do such a thing? Have you forsaken your first package already? - that would be unwise..."
Kalum turns to Otis
"It wouldn't take that long, would it?"
Well, I'd say rigging the parts would take a day or so. Changing the reins from the cart to the worn carriage looks easier to me, perhaps we can manage it in one hour.
"Seems like the old carriage is the best one. I'll defer to our driver on the choice of beasts but that bullock might be too slow.
By the way, the better we insulate this package, the longer it will keep cold. Haven't you read Kalimandos' writings on the transfer of thermal energy? No? Anyhow, can anyone tell if this package has any magical effects?" Kiren looks around for a box or barrel and some hay to pack the package in.
The Seneschal frowns and his voice hardens "If you lack the ability the I am sure that there are other duties I could find you." gesturing to a pile of animal dung nearby with a raised eyebrow.
Kiren's initiative is met with slightly better humor and the gnome points out a loose stacking of crates in one corner that could be put to purpose.
The package radiates no magic, but Kiren is aware of some alchemical substances that resist heating for an extended period of time. Given that the lack of dripping water precludes ice, he wagers that is likely the source of the chilling effect.
"Shoundsh like we should not delay overlong, and that all that'sh left ish the decishion on the animal we ushe. I have already declared my deshire to train the shtallionsh, what say you Otish? You're driving career vashtly excsheedsh my own. Are they too unruly in the short term for us to benefit from shuch magnificshent beashtsh in the long term?" Shorga is eager to reach a decision, and deliver the package.
"Sorry Shorga, as much as I admire the stallions with you, but if we're picking the old carriage, with those reins - I'd rather play safe. Lest we risk them breaking midway and the stallions galloping away from us. I promise I'll get a decent speed out of the horses, they seem to still have the potential."
Shorga nods, accepting the more experienced driver's decision. As he speaks he casts a questioning glance at the others, hoping they'll speak up if they disagree, "Sho be it. Sheneschal, I believe we are ready to depart." He points to the worn carriage and the draft horses, moving to help prepare the conveyance if given leave to.
At some point he confirms with the Seneschal, "Ursha will be in shoon?" He tries to appear unconcerned.
"I am in agreement on our transportation, let us part."
Nodding brusquely the gnome moves to one side and speaks to a few of the workers, dispensing orders. The two draft horses are hitched to the weary looking carriage and made ready for the journey. While this work is being quickly completed, another worker brings Shorga's steed into the stable - led by the reins.
Soon enough the work is complete and you are ready to sally forth to complete the first task which has been placed. The Seneschal hands over a small satchel that you'd wager contains a book with the instruction "When the delivery is made, open the satchel and report. Good luck, god speed and don't get killed." before stepping back to give you free passage out and away.
Shorga takes the reins gratefully, nodding his thanks to the deliverer and murmuring a greeting to Ursa. He guides Ursa over to the draft horses, and makes introductions for the animals, inquiring the names of the two draft horses as they are hitched to the wagon by the busy workers.
After the short greeting, and ensuring everything is ready for a trip, Shorga swings up into the saddle, settling in comfortably and checking that his pack and weapons are all in place. As they depart he smiles at the last second advice from the gnome, "We shall, and may we all avoid deathsh door thish day." He guides Ursa to a spot alongside the upper front seat of the wagon, matching the draft horses pace easily, and keeps an eye to their surroundings.
The dapple grey colored draft horse is named Thunder and the buckskin colored horse is named Boots.
Kalum kneels down and gathers some things from his backpack as the carriage is being hitched. Once it is ready he dumps the backpack into the main compartment and scrambles up the side of the carriage to sit alongside the driver.
As he waits for everything to be ready to go he is visibly agitated, like a greyhound ordered to sit, but wanting to run.
"Death's door is the last door I want to go through" he jokes to Shorga, and starts cranking a crossbow almost as big as he is.
"So, straight on, third left, out the city gate then follow the high-way for ten miles."
As they prepare to go off, Kalum studies the sky to see what weather the gods will bring.
Kalum expects that the reasonably fine weather should hold out for a couple of days yet, but there are some dark clouds out to the South West that might portend some foul weather to come.
Checking over the interior of the carriage you find that the seats can be raised - and there are some basic stores within. Rope, tools, nails and the like.
Otis settles in the driver's seat at the front beside Kalum and takes the reins. Having made sure everyone's inside and the package has been secured, he gently taps the horses and the carriage takes off, gradually picking up the pace.
"Woo-hoo!" We're moving!" giggles Kalum enthusiastically - and disturbingly.
I'll be happy to serve as lookout but I guess I'll sit inside and watch out the windows for now. Once we get out in the wilds maybe I'll sit on the roof?
Cue travelling music!
I pile into the back then since both front seats are taken.
Shorga plods along, continuing his scans of the area.
...Pretty much enjoying the pretty scenery and road and clouds.
Turning towards Otis, but speaking to everyone, "Sho, any guesshesh ash to what'sh in the boxsh?" Turning back in his saddle to better include the others, "Where do you all hail from? I moved around quite a bit in my younger yearsh, thish ish my firsht week in town."
I leer at everyone outside the carriage as we leave the premises.
Kalum relays his opinions on the weather
"Oh, hey. Did you guys bring food, or do you need me to find it for you?" Kalum adds offhandedly.
"Dunno, and I honestly feel better not knowing. For the sake of my soul, I'll just assume it's frozen exotic food."
Otis turns to Shorga and asks with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "By the way, I was meaning to ask, is your name pronounced Shorga or Sorga?"
The carriage carries itself well despite the wear, but the ride is shuddering as you move through the streets of cobbles and out the main gate. The city guard pay you no more mind than any other traveler on the road today, and you soon find yourself on a dirt road with well worn wagon ruts and travelling Northwards along the river bank. Your eyes scan the road, river and brush warily - but you spy no cause for concern.
The day is wearing on to completion though, and you'd wager that darkness is not too far away.
"I've only just got out of my village. One of those boring little places where two thirds of the town is halfling, and all of them are related to you."
"I promised I wouldn't go a-wandering until my contract was over, and I made it. Not sure how though! Sometimes I thought being stuck in one place was going to drive me insane!"
Kalum knows that Droskar's Crag lies a few days travel to the North along a river bank and into the foothills of the forest there. It's level ground and easy travelling until you get close, where it will get a bit more interesting with valleys and choke points.
Shorga nods, "Frozshen exshotic food eh? Sheemsh plaushible." The cavalier looks taken aback at the next question, not catching the joke, "Shay it like, 'Shorga', of courshe."
Looking to Kalum, "What contract were you completing? At leasht thish contract ish shpecifically for wandering!" He laughs suddenly at his own bad joke, Ursa stutter-stepping as the loud laugh startles her.
Later that day, "Nightfall ish not fall off, shall we pressh on to increashe our oddsh of shuccesh? I can shee well enough to guide Thunder and Bootsh if we really are trying to rush this delivery," He rides a bit closer to the draft horses, giving them a good inspection while they continue to travel,"and they sheem to be up to the longer travel. What shay you all?"
"I'm from the woodlands but lately I was an apprentice to a traveling circus alchemist. By the way if we need light I can help with that." He takes a button on a thread from his pocket, waves his hand, and it begins to glow brightly.
"Well we do have to make it to the delivery point before the package thaws." I say while alternately closing one eye and then the other while looking at the scenery flash past.
Shorga looks over at Kiren in the back of the wagon, eyebrows raised, "A cshircush alchemisht? I've never sheen one of thoshe before." He spares a quick glance at Icarus, trying not to stare at the mans odd behavior.
"Yes, he would transform into a bestial creature and do feats of strength." Suddenly, realizing who he is talking to, Kiren develops a sudden fascination with something on the floor.
Shorga chuckles deeply at Kiren's discomfort, knowing his looks tend towards his Orcish heritage, rather than his human mother. "I am not offended, good Kiren, if that had been the worsht name I'd been given I'd have counted myshelf lucky." He smiles, taking it all in good humor, "Could have been worshe, could have been born a half-elf." he says with a wink towards his elf companion.
"Ooh, a Circus! I saw one of those when I was little. Can you do some tricks for us later?"
Kiren smiles at Shorga's jest, relieved not to have caused offense. "Kalum, I do have a few tricks in case we run into any trouble."
"Do you know how to swallow a sword?" Kalum asks eagerly. "There was a man who swallowed a sword. I figured he can't really swallow a sword, right? He also conjured ravens out of his hat, but that's easy. I can do that."