Fergus smiles as both his smaller companions discuss mounts for themselves. ”I believe we should be able to find riding dogs or even a ram or hog. I would also guess hill land ponies might be an option as well. I will do my best to accommodate your requests.”
”Look, don’t judge me! I’ve had to deal with privation, which makes me appreciate the finer things.”
Fenla reeled, “Not sure I could stand the smell of a filthy pig. I’d feel much safer on a nice sturdy ram thank you! And I’ll only eat that meat if I’m desperate.”
”Ohhhhh! Can I ride a pig? A war-pig specifically! In a pinch, we can eat it! Tastes way better than, dog, horse, or mule.”
Lashton looks a little stunned at that, and Prefect Randos covers his mouth to hide a smile.
Algorthas says Ah, Brother Hawthorne, we don't have any War Pigs. If fact the only people who do are some Orc tribes, who ride dire boars. It is an imaginative idea though. We also do not have riding sheep, as well. Though some of the local halflings might have riding dogs. I could check if you like.
Lashton looks on seeming a little unfocused and left out of the conversation.
Yes. Well, you seem to be on top of things. I have things to do. Algorthas, deal with it. He turns to the Prefect
Come, Randos, with have important matters to attend and he bustles out muttering pigs, sheep. Truly adventurers must have a screw loose
Randos sighs. I am available if you need any questions on religious matters, or if you need something, let us say, different. But Algorthas can help you with most things. Farewell, and Pelor's blessing upon you and your task. And he leaves as well.
Algorthas watches Lashton leave and mutters something
He turns back to you
Well I hope I can help you.
”Yes, well, dogs then!”
Moving swiftly, Vakmu, goes to the door as first Lord Lashton and then Prefect Randos leave, "Prefect Randos, a private word if you please", and steps out the door with them. After letting Lashton bustle far enough down the corridor to make a sotto voce conversation impossible to overhear, he continues quitely "Lord Lashton has the command, and he has ordered us to go, so we will. But I still see the dark sphere as a major strategic issue and I like being on the winning side. Thus, Are you familiar with the divination: "Legend Lore"? It is within my capabilities. If you or Algorthas can provide the material ( incense) and focus (4 pieces of ivory ) components, with the subject immediately at hand, the spell can be performed in 10 to 40 minutes, before we leave."
Algorthas watches Lashton leave and mutters something
** spoiler omitted **
He turns back to you
Well I hope I can help you.
Algorthas watches Lashton leave and mutters something
** spoiler omitted **
He turns back to you
Well I hope I can help you.
He turns to the remaining companions once Vakmu leaves and lets the air clear a bit once the King's Agent is gone.
"Master Algorthas. "If there is anything I can do for you personally to help I am at your disposal. Something appears to weigh heavily on your mind...I fear you might be the one thing holding this together so if there is something I can do to assist you please don't hesitate to ask."
He lets that sit for moment. "If we can get a guide that knows this area, the locals, ways around the main road to get to the here. It would be a big help." He runs his finger down the Davish river from Istivan to the mouth of the river at the Joten's."[/b] He then looks to his companions "If we can pull supplies, food, winter gear, and such that would help us. And finally, as my companions stated my two companions don't care for their horses provided by the crown for our journey here. Riding dogs would help them and our party if we need to pick the pace up at all."
If you or Algorthas can provide the material ( incense) and focus (4 pieces of ivory ) components, with the subject immediately at hand, the spell can be performed in 10 to 40 minutes, before we leave."[/b]"It would take us that long to assemble mounts and supplies. If you can find the supplies that you need, we will meet you by the gate by which we entered the city." He glances around. "I doubt the riding dogs will be at the regular stables. We should just plan on meeting at the gate."
Perception 1d20+21
Distracted as he is by thoughts of preparations, Rommin catches the snide comment, but keeps it to himself.
Moving swiftly, Vakmu, goes to the door as first Lord Lashton and then Prefect Randos leave, "Prefect Randos, a private word if you please", and steps out the door with them. After letting Lashton bustle far enough down the corridor to make a sotto voce conversation impossible to overhear, he continues quitely "Lord Lashton has the command, and he has ordered us to go, so we will. But I still see the dark sphere as a major strategic issue and I like being on the winning side. Thus, Are you familiar with the divination: "Legend Lore"? It is within my capabilities. If you or Algorthas can provide the material ( incense) and focus (4 pieces of ivory ) components, with the subject immediately at hand, the spell can be performed in 10 to 40 minutes, before we leave."
[Dice = Diplomacy] 1d20+13
The Prefect nods at your query. Thank you Vakmu, that is a good idea. But that is a dangerous spell to cast as the entities answering your query can be malicious. Also he looks after the departed Lashton, looking worried we have already tried it. And other powerful divinations, to no success.
He pats Vakmu on the shoulder.We each have our tasks Vakmu Blackhorse, and each is crucial. I do think there is a connection between the giant attacks and the black sorcery at work here. It may be you will find more answers in the field than we will here. And perhaps both will be needed.
And then he leaves
A reply
[dice= Sense Motive] 1d20+5
Fenla looked annoyed, crossing her arms. "Fine! I'll a dog... he better not be cute!"
Fenla notices Algorthas' distain for Lashton. "Tell me about it!" Fenla covers her mouth realizing she yelled it for everyone to hear. She smiled innocently trying to ignore what she just said. "Well sounds like we are ready to go as soon as we get some mounts and a few more supplies."
Algorthas says, unless you have other issues, let me take you to have some food and drink, and I'll organise your, er, mounts and other supplies
He takes you to a room with food and drink
"I hope that my mount is a devout follower of Charmalaine, or at least one that is religiously flexible. You know, some dogs simply refuse to listen to reason when it comes to matters of theology."
"I hope that my mount is a devout follower of Charmalaine, or at least one that is religiously flexible. You know, some dogs simply refuse to listen to reason when it comes to matters of theology."
Fergus grins and turns to Hawthrone.
"I am sure Master Hawthorne that the "Lucky Ghost" would be pleased by your vigilance over our mount's religious beliefs. One can't take those things for granted. Let us hope while she watches over our mounts she warns us of any impending dangers we might come upon during this journey. I look forward to our many discussions on the theological points of Charmalaine's teachings." He pats the halfling on the shoulder. "Let us get something to eat with Master Algorthas!"
Vrianna looks confused by Hawthorne's theological concern for his potential mount and seems to comment, but stops herself, refocusing instead on the offer from Algorthas, agreeing with Fergus."A good meal will go a long way, and I cannot see us having another chance after we leave. Best make the most of it."
The halfling nods, ”I see no reason why we should need to ignore Wenta and Sotillion in our endeavors. The other gods deserve their reverence in their time.”
With Vakmu's offer of divination out of the way, he's more than happy to take Algorthas up on his offer [b]"A last civilized meal, let's make it a good one, and take up the bounty of the Spirits! So Brother Hawthorne, you think yourself a champion trencher - prove your boast, I defy you to out-eat me!"[b]
+2 from con, +4 from endurance
"I do not believe I made any such claims, but I am happy to eat with you, and see who eats the most."
The extra +2 from alertness due to Clackers, my spirit animal.
"I see that you cheater! Fill your belly not your bag!"
"Oh, sorry, just trying to stock up you know!"
Brother Hawthorne proceeds to try and actually eat loads of food...
...and vomits all over the place.
"Cheer up Brother Hawthorne, this means you won't starve on this expedition! The rations that Rommin is procuring have to be sized for healthy half-orcs!"
"They will be more suited to your unrefined orc palate and constitution. They will make me sick, and I shall die, famished."
"Don't you worry yourself Brother, we'll toughen you up...It all builds character, I tell you."
Algorthas returns and takes you all out into the yard. There you see, on a few tables sets of cold-weather gear, winter blankets, backpacks, and other assorted general gear (waterskins, flintstones and so on).
Also, are several horses (light warhorses), already saddled. There are two Riding dogs, sitting quietly, as well. A halfling handler is beside them, and a few stable hands are with the horses.
The horses have food for them in their saddlebags, the same for the dogs. Take what gear you need, then gods speed
Brother Hawthorne will pocket a number of small items (you never know!), and will discuss with the halfling the details of handling such a creature. "Really, I had been hoping they had a war-pig, but it looks like a dog is all I get, eh?"
As mentioned above, if there are crossbow bolts, Vakmu will grab another quiver of 20. Other than that...
(and obviously, one of the light warhorses)
Chillblame, is the local guide we wanted here (or at least available)?
After eating he thanks Master Algorthas. When they walk out into the yard Fergus walks up to his mount and the other horse and checks their saddles for fit like he normally does.
He then walks to the table. He selects cold weather gear that will fit him. He also grabs five or six candles, hemp rope, and extra blanket, and then grabs ten days of trail rations.
"Grab extra trail rations if you have room and a blanket. If we run across refugees or stragglers we can use the food and blankets to help them and gain additional information about what lies ahead. An extended hand in giving gains more than a closed fist..."
Fergus will load the gear on to the spare horse. "Thank you Master Algorthas!" He mounts his charger and secures the second horse with an extended length of rope and bring them around to his companions and faces the gate.
He looks around the yard for a guide aftr Vakmu asks.
Vrianna makes sure to eat he fill from the provided free food and feeling a pang of pity as the halfling eats himself sick. Scrounging a few items should Hawthorne be hungry again later (she'd wager gold on it) she approaches the available equipment and carefully scrutinizes everything available, deciding on extra arrows, rope, a good thick coat and some extra rations at Fergus' suggestion.
Double checking that everything she had bought with her and the extra's shed gathered were extra secured she awkwardly mounts the horse and does her best to keep pace with the others. "Oh, I should have spent more time learning to ride. Be gentle with me." she says earnestly to her mount.
Vakmu@ yes arrows and crossbow bolts are available
Vrianna@ your mount seems non-commital (lol)
Unless there is anything else, you mount up and ride.
You head south-west along the river, which guides your path for a few days. The first villagers you pass seem like armed camps. With the royal passport, you are accepted, but little information is available beyond greater danger to the south. Near the end of the first day, you find your first village that has been burnt out. Any survivors have left days ago. Ther are many dead bodies, the people here did not go down without a ferocious fight. Apart from the villagers, local militia, orcs and a couple of ogres lie dead, stripped of useful gear.
It is getting dark, in perhaps a half an hour.
Hawthorne grabbed:
1 riding dog "I shall name you Lucky!"
Saddle, bit, bridle, etc. "Oh, and stirrups! Only experts don't use them!"
10 days of trail rations "yuck!"
2 sets of caltrops
2 winter blankets "One for Lucky you know!"
1 hammock
Plug tobacco - "all of the good heroes have a schtick!"
and a 10' wooden pole stating, "I've always heard these things are an important part of adventuring!"
-------------------------
Brother Hawthorne and Lucky had been having a bit of a "get to know you" ride all day, as they work out the basics of their relationship, when Hawthorne pulls the dog up short, extracts the 10' pole from his 1' backpack, spits some tobacco juice down the front of his tunic, and points to the ground with the pole, "orcs and ogres I'd say. And probably some wagons, headed that way." He goes to point, but the pole is too long and ungainly as it drags in the mud. He stuffs it back in his pack, and finally points towards the south, "thataway."
He tries brushing the tobacco stains off of his tunic, but it just smudges in. "I need to get better at this."
Spells Prepared
L0 (DC 15, 4) : Guidance, Detect Magic, Virtue, Detect Poison
L1 (DC 16, 6) : Frostbite X2, Murderous Command, Fallback Strategy, Liberating Command, Nature’s Path
L2 (DC 17,4) :
L3 (DC 18, 3) Thorny Entanglement, Communal Resist Energy, Sylvan Hideaway
L4 (DC 19, 2) Thirsting EntanglementX2
Wandering Spirit : Life
Wandering Hex : Heaven’s Leap
As indicated, every morning after preparing my spells, Vakmu will cast an extended false life spell,
Finally, Vakmu will be using ritual hex the evening before to get the Slumber Hex. He needs to make 4 checks (all at DC 20), 2 K Arcana (+13), and 2 K history (+13), at +2 for my caster level (7); thus a 5 or better succeeds. he needs to succeed at 2 of them for the ritual to succeed. He will use his memorized fallback strategy spell for a re-roll if necessary.
Success without using fallback strategy
Survival - untrained take 10 +5 (wis) >>> 15
Vakmu asks : "Rommin, Vrianna, you are our tracking experts. How old is this massacre? Is there any evidence the raiders took prisoners or slaves?"
Scratching an itchy spot, he continues, "I think we should pursue them regardless - they will likely be heading back to a base camp, not to mention capturing a prisoner or two would allow us to interrogate them... But I am not sure I would want to pursue beyond nightfall today - I can see in the dark, and so can some of you, but not all of us - and the horses will not be happy. Unless there are hostages to fortune or we will catch them before dark, I see no great urgency."
Unless there is anything else, you mount up and ride.
You head south-west along the river, which guides your path for a few days. The first villagers you pass seem like armed camps. With the royal passport, you are accepted, but little information is available beyond greater danger to the south. Near the end of the first day, you find your first village that has been burnt out. Any survivors have left days ago. Ther are many dead bodies, the people here did not go down without a ferocious fight. Apart from the villagers, local militia, orcs and a couple of ogres lie dead, stripped of useful gear.
** spoiler omitted **
It is getting dark, in perhaps a half an hour.
Fergus spends those first few days when time allows tending to the parties mounts. Brushing them down, checking their hooves/paws and tending to them if needed. He ensures they have food and takes the time to gather additional grass/water for them and any scraps left over from hunting gives to the dogs. He spends time training them to GUARD working with the dogs first and then Vakmu's horse as he is a rider.
Fergus prays each morning and spends a few moments tending to his gear and helping out in the camp where he can.
When the see the burned out village Fergus notes if there is still smoke rising from the village
When he enters the town he dismounts and keeps an eye on what is going on around him and the party.
He inspects a few of the bodies...1) the condition of the bodies to tell how long they have been in this state. 2) Have scavengers touched the bodies...what type of scavengers?
"We should move away from here before nightfall. It is not wise to sleep amongst the dead...scavengers and worse will be upon this place."
He says a prayer to Bahamut and asks him to watch over their souls as they pass to the land of the dead. Each body he inspects he prays quietly over but lets the bodies lay where they are. They fought here and they died here...best they rest here.
He turns to his elven companion. "Rommin any idea how big of a force left the village and how far ahead they are? We can track this group I suspect...They are probably heading to the Steading of this chieftain. We need to be cautious of rear guards and scouts but my guess is these wagons they have will leave nice tracks."