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On your way from here to there, you have found yourself in the weary little town of Gracey. Nestled against the Gravelands along the southern border of Ustalav, it is a quiet place, though it seems a lot of people passing through. Among those other passersby, you have run into some fellow adventurers, who have joined you for lunch inside the Ash Inn. As you enjoy your food, you take time to tell stories of your past, and introduce your selves to each other better.
As you are making your introductions, the inn keeper brings you your lunches (a wonderful lamb stew) and the heads to pin a notice onto the board by the door.
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"Master Carrol T Rutherford, pleased to make your acquaintance. You can call me CT."
Carrol is lean for a halfling, preferring to keep trim over keeping full. While not the most physical, nor the biggest, he loves to keep physically active and carries himself as if he were ten feet tall and bullet proof, and his marron colored outfit just screams to be noticed.
While all of his offensive abilities are magical in nature, he has tied his somatic components into his bonded sling staff, such that all his spells seem to be launched via the sling staff.
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Ravant (he/him) is a robust looking man in scale mail, who at first glance seems to be in his late 20s or early 30s. On closer inspection, traces of his elven father are apparent, but he mostly looks human. His gear is mostly typical of a caravan guard - longsword and main gauche, an old short bow and well worn armor. The only unusual feature is the katana he carries on a braided lanyard over his shoulder.
"Adventure isn't all it's cracked up to be. Spent ten years guarding merchants, happily having beers instead of adventures. Whole team got turned into sausage in our first real fight." He gestures at the katana. "Legacy of the team that hauled our butts out of there and recruited me. Reminds me I've got a lot to learn."
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Kaden (he/him) is a polite young human man with a terrifying scythe strapped to his back. He thanks the innkeeper for the food and digs in.
So uh, did y'all say you was adventurers? he asks through a mouthful of lamb. That's neat, fight anything nasty lately?
A man in his late 50s wearing a well-used breastplate sighs wearily. "I suppose I am an adventurer. At least until the inheritor finally lets me rest. I spent over 30 years in the Taldan Phalanx, most of it as a knight-captain, before I retired. I had hoped to settle down, marry, maybe even run an inn like this one."
He scowls. "The inheritor had other ideas. It seems she has need of me. I just hope she finishes with me soon. As for any interesting fights..." He chuckles ruefully, "None of them are anything to look forward to. Thugs, bandits, monsters. They're all the same. Fighting is nothing but terror, blood, pain and death." He points at Kayden. "You'd do well to lose any notion you have of glory while you can, kid. It's overrated."
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As the scent of stew wafts from the kitchen, another halfling claims a place at the table, obviously ready to devour lunch. Reaching for the bowl of lamb the innkeep offers, she addresses Kaden, "I am a student of existence, honing my body and mind to be the best they can. In the process, what some may call adventure is offered by Irori to further my discipline."
After savouring a mouthful of stew and a bite of oven-warm bread, she looks at the rest of the group, "Ansira is my name, Ansira Ashworthy. I don't know about the rest of you, I'm hoping that notice may provide some worthy opportunity for skills development, and maybe a little cash to help pay for more of this wonderful fare. First priority though, enjoy what is now available." With that she returns her focus to the consumables in reach.
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He scowls. "The inheritor had other ideas. It seems she has need of me. I just hope she finishes with me soon. As for any interesting fights..."
"I fear she has finished with us already," mutters a voice from a nearby table, though not too softly. "No matter what the old man's service, he couldn't have seen even half the horrors that I have."
The adornments on his armor--an emblem of the flaming sword symbol of Iomedae--as well as their poor condition, mark the young man as having numbered among the Knights of Ozem and as having served as a one-time defenders of Lastwall.
As the others continue, Garrace shakes his head. Whether he does so out of pity for the others, or else pity for himself, is unclear.
After a few moments staring at his near empty plate, Garrace reaches for his coin purse, only to find it wanting. Leaving the last of his copper pieces on the table, he catches a glimpse of the notice.
With a grumble and sigh, he rises to his feet and takes a look at the recent posting. "Perhaps, it as an offer of passage out of this gods forsaken land," he postulates aloud, "or at least an opportunity for a few more coppers."
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Simon sighs once again and shakes his head. "Sorry about my tirade. I shouldn't inflict my troubles onto others or shatter any dreams of adventure." He looks to the notice on the board. "If you'll excuse me, I should probably head over and see why the inheritor has called me to this place."
He stands and moves to the notice board to check its contents.
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Looking at the board, among the older postings for farm hands and livestock sales, there is a new piece of parchment. Glancing over its words, they read:
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The innkeeper watches as you read over it, then calls over - "Interested? Seems to me that it shouldn't be too much trouble for those of your ilk," he states, gesturing at emblems on Garrace's armor. "They're just looking for some capable help on the roads, after the recent attacks on travelers heading between here and the city."
As he is talking, you notice that Jakivi is fiddling with a worn coin in his right hand, pushing into it hard enough that his knuckles have turned white. Embossed upon it is the same symbol that adorns Garrace's armor - the holy symbol of Iomedae.
You are slightly distracted by the cheap price of the chickens that are for sale.
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Carrol looks around at the lot he has found himself with, and grins something just shy of crazy. If this group can't protect a group of travelers, then I will eat this cigar! he exclaims as he puffs on the blunted cigar he has perpetually hanging out of his mouth. He pats the backs of those next to him. Am I right? he asks wholehearted.
Wether the enthusiasm is returned or not, he stays in this gregarious mood for some time. He makes sure his things are ready to go as needed.
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"If I'm not mistaken, Caliphas is further to the south--and further away from the Gravelands," Garrace mumbles.
Collecting his demeanor and attempting to feign a more pleasant disposition, the despondent knight stands upright and walks deliberately toward the innkeeper.
"Jakivi Rindix, I presume?" asks Garrace. "If you seek an able adventurer, then look no further. My name is Garrace," the man says, extending a hand in greeting. He opens his mouth as if to say more, but then holds back as if ashamed to proceed. After a few moments, he simply repeats, "The name is Garrace. Count me among those here to accept your offer to accompany the travelers."
Garrace's eyes rest on the coin in the man's hand, prompting him to continue, "I notice your coin bears the emblem of Iomedae. I witnessed many of her faithful fall before the legions of the Whispering Tyrant. Entire bloodlines lost. I saw none leave the battlefield unscathed."
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After eating, Ansira wanders over to study the posting for herself before approaching the man behind the bar. As she makes her way between the notice board and the innkeeper, she can be heard quietly muttering, "It appears Irori has provided another challenge to improve my training."
"Jakivi Rindix? I am interested in the work you posted. Please tell me more of these travellers who are seeking protection and anything you know of the likely hazards on their route."
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Walking over to the bar, Jakivi pulls another pitcher of ale and offers to refill your cups. Sitting down with you at the table, he takes a deep breath and finally continues, "The rumors are that those who are patrolling the roads are not bandits, but rather undead. Those are the remnants of my brothers in arms... Soldiers of Lastwall who found themselves on the wrong side of the battle as we retreated from the Gravelands."
He grips the coin he is holding tighter as he tells you this. " This is why I want to help Arek and Andri find capable people to escort them from here to Caliphas - people who can hold their own if the undead minions of the Tyrant find them. You lot look like you will be fine for such a straight forward task - escort them from here to there, and in exchange they will feed you 3 square meals a day, and pay you the fare wage of 4 gold each once you reach Caliphas safely. If you are willing to take it on, you will find the Graghols finishing loading their wagons with passengers and supplies outside the stables on the far end of town."
Success
Critical Failure
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"We travel lands where skeletons and zombies are known to wander the border roads, patrolling on behalf of the Whispering Tyrant and to attack any travelers they come across. Dense fog often blankets the roads in southern Ustalav, making it hard to see what else may be lurking nearby." Garrace warns out of experience. "Keep your wits and your heads about you. Say your prayers if you must, in this gods forsaken place. But know this: the only attention they are likely to attract in these lands, is that of the undead."
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"So that why she wants us here."
Simon turns to Garrace and places a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I know you've been through many horrors dealing with those things but remember it's our lot to shine the light of the sword amongst the minions of the dark and to be the shield that protects innocents from wickedness. The Lady of Valor will surely see us through this."
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Ansira responds to Jakivi, full of empathy, "Thank you for the warning. If we meet any, we will attempt to release them from their torment. I am glad you survived, please accept this fate, not the guilt you may be tempted to succumb to."
As Garrace responds with disillusionment and bitterness, Ansira hopes that he too will take her words to heart.
The halfling turns to the group who look to be her future companions, "Perhaps before reporting, we should do a quick inventory and see if we need to purchase any last-minute supplies to better prepare us for the likely challenges. I would also like to understand anything about your personal fighting styles that will allow me to perhaps work in harmony, or at least not hinder you."
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Ravant nods to the Halfling.
"I'm afraid my style is pretty much straight up 'swords and close'. I know my way around most weapons, and these -" he gestures at both his longsword and katana "have always served me well."
He pauses and glances at Garrace. "Skeletons, though. Might be worth finding an armorer for something that relies less on the edge. You seem to know these enemies; any advice?"
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As you head across town, you pass a small ironmonger's shop which also deals in functional pottery pieces. They are more than willing to give Carrol some of the broken shards from experiments that blew up in the kiln.
Once you reach the stables, you are easily able to find the Graghols loading the caravan to leave, as they are almost identical, down to the way they are dressed - save for one having their hair in high ponytail. She will come over and introduce herself, "Hi, I'm Andri. Taking account of your weapons, I am going to assume you are the help that Jakivi sent? He tends to do a fair job with those he deems worth sending our way when we've felt the need to ask for help. Arek! Get over here."
As she calls for her brother, he sets down the box he was lifting into one of the wagons. "Hi, I'm Arek - and with you lot here we must be ready to leave, good! I was getting worried we wouldn't be able to make it to our first campsite by dark. I'll get the rest of the wagons loaded. Andri, will you check the horse's harnesses? Looking to the group of you, he then asks "Will you let the others know we are ready to leave" as he gestures to a small group conversing near the edge of the stable-yard.
Looking across the yard, you see a half-orc in academic robes, a dwarf in denim overalls, and a Varisian woman in a long flowing skirt, with a pattern that seems to go on forever.
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As the twins are bustling about the stable yard, you are able to help as you wish.
Though not strong, Carrol will help wrestle things into the wagon and chat them up briefly.
"Glad we could me of service. We'll take right good care of ya'll"
Arek takes a look at Carrol, and reaches over to help them lift some water barrels into the passenger wagon. "Thank you for joining us and helping get these supplies in so we can hit the road. The sooner we do, the safer that we will be."
Ansira complies with the request to notify the other group that departure is imminent, then offers her assistance with loading or other preparations.
As Ansira comes over to offer help, Andri asks her if she could go and help the two gentlemen load their bags into the passenger wagon, and make sure they are settled in a way that there will be space for everyone to stay comfortable.
Simon approaches the Varisian woman. "Good day. My name is Simon and I'll be guarding this caravan. The road ahead looks likely to be perilous. What prompts you to brave the journey to Caliphas in these dire times?"
The colorful Varisian looks over at Simon from the trunk she is perched upon. "Me? I am heading into the city to try and find some new materials for my shop. When you spend your days making clothing for everyone else, sometimes you just need to find somethings with new colors and sparkle so that the adornments that you create can pop! Take a look at yourself - don't you think that a tunic in a dark green could help better bring out your gorgeous eyes?"
I am going to take the opportunity to do some last minute shopping, and acquire a mace, and given the party makeup, a Minor Healing potion if I can find one before we leave.
Ravant is able to head back towards the town center, and a small apothecary shop there has a Minor Healing potion that you can acquire. On the way back, you are able to stop at the same iron monger, and obtain a mace from among his various wears.
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As Kaden loads the last of the supplies into the wagons, the passengers start to load in themselves, leaving room for you as well. Once everyone is on board, you feel a jerk as Arek and Andri guide the horses out onto the road. Once everyone is settled in to the rhythm of the journey, the two gentleman passengers will introduce themselves to you.
The half orc introduces himself first. "Brave guards, I am Xanthus Shurgun, and I appreciate your company on this last leg of my journey. As a professor of agricultural research and preservation at the University of Lepidstadt, I have been taking the long journey through the countryside on my way to Caliphas, so that I could make observations and collect notes on the practices that are employed by famers across our... fine country."
As he talks of observation, the dwarf across from him seems to bristle a little, then clears his throat to introduce himself to you. " Good day to you," he says in a thick country accent." As I am one of the farmers that Professor Shurgun is taking notes of, I need to travel to the city to make some agreements with the merchants that facilitate the sale of my produce. As many of them have had their supply chains interrupted by the issues traveling and transporting along the perilous roads, I am hoping that I will be able to build up my own network within the city."
The ride through the afternoon seems to go smoothly, with nothing of note happening as you travel the road into the forest. As the sun starts to set, the wagons are circled into a small clearing, and as Arek starts to unharness and water the horses, Andri gives directions for where the setup individual tents (that are a part of the caravan supplies) and then starts to prepare dinner.
As everyone is working around the camp, the passengers are talking quietly, but enthusiastically with each other. However, this quiet is quickly being violated by an escalating argument between Eigil and Shurgun...
"All you academics are just the same! Sitting in your high towers, reading your books, and never LEARNING anything! You think you know what it takes to grow a tomato, yet you have never gotten a speak of dirt on your hands, much less picked up a shovel! You learn by doing not by just reading a book. In the time it takes you to read up on how to save a crop of beans, they will have withered and died from the over-exposure to the sun that you could have prevented had you known what you were doing from doing it before!" Eigil shouts at the half-orc as his face goes red in frustration.
"How can you presume such nonsense? In studying the information that we gather, we are able to understand the fluctuations in the products that come from the changes in the practices of our ancestors. You need to have the understanding of how a thing works before you can ever attempt to do it - our research provides that to those who do not have the time or energy to devote to learning it. In learning, we can teach; and in teaching, people learn to do. Once they know how to do, they can then do so. So, learning must come before the action!"
As they go back and forth, arguing the importance of knowledge through books versus knowledge learned in practice, their voices get louder and louder. Finally, Andri looks over to you. [b]"Can you do something to calm them down. The louder they get and longer they go on, the more likely we are to attract unwanted attention... And while I know you are capable of defending us, I would prefer if you didn't have too!"[/]
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At this point, you need to decide how you want to approach handling the argument, and the task of calming them down. Think about how your character would best approach the two of them, and roll a skill associated with what you want to do - if you are unsure, just ask. Everyone should be doing something to actively calm them down, as you probably don't want to deal with some of the things that lurk inside the forests of Ustalav.
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Kaden will hear an argument about farming and attempt to step in to mediate. Now look here, I don' know much about fluc'tations in prices or nothin', but what I do know is that I wouldn't have been able to keep the farm runnin' without my dad teachin' me how to plant and mind the crops. I worked on the farm mah whole life...until recently...and yeah, I learned a lot just by doin' it, but I cain't 'magine doin' it without the others helpin' me out.
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Carrol listens to the arguing and thinks about all he has learned and experienced as a wizard working as a Pathfinder. His background has taught him quite a bit about academia but his actual lived experiences didn't always line up with what he read in the books.
He hears Kaden and decides he will try to bridge the gap. "Well said, Kaden. I spent much of my youth with my nose in books on my way towards the wizarding way. And while I know more theories than I can count," he looks at Shrugun "theories don't really hold up unless you have somebody that has done the work before to be able to confirm them, disprove them, or help you find where you are wrong."
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hero point reroll
Simon sighs wearily and walks over to the arguing pair. I'm too old for this $#!+.
"This is not the right place to be airing your differences so loudly. Your shouting has a good chance of drawing a a patrol or worse right to us."
Simon tries to scold the pair but clearly his heart isn't in it.
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Ansira steps between them while giving both the half-orc and the dwarf a stern look.
"Gentlemen, please. I beseech you to lower your voices and think upon your words. In following the path of Irori, I have learned that both knowledge and physical labour are important and best used together. Few of us will ever attain perfection but each of us can add to a community that works better in harmony, allowing the strengths of the individuals to enhance each other. Thus the farmer can learn some potentially good new ideas from an academic and the scholar can learn important subtleties from the farmer that they could never realise by just theorizing.
"For example, I have learned that in theory, making the kind of noise you are in this vicinity is likely to bring some very bad experiences to us, the sort that I would have to bring my practical training to in the hopes of defending you."
The young halfling winds down and looks at the two, hoping to have at least distracted them enough to quieten, but also wanting them to take her words to heart.
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Listening to Kaden's logic, they calm for a moment, and then continue again, seeming to misunderstand Carrol's logic and ignoring the threats of Simon and Garrace. However, at the impassioned words of Ansira, they finally find some quiet within themselves, feeling slightly scolded by the halfling, and the words of their god. Sighing in frustration, and realizing that neither of them has won, they sulk over to opposite sides of the campfire to share in the dinner that Andri has prepare (a roast mutton stew, filled with potatoes and carrots).
The meal itself is a bit more somber than the journey has been so far, with the fear of retribution for the noise hanging over all present. In the quiet stillness, it is not surprising that the passengers retire to the individual tents almost as soon as the last bits are scooped from their plates. Arek watches the others as they go to bed down, and then looks over at you, "You all have a plan for tonight, I hope? Or are you planning to just sleep and see what happens?".
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Arek watches the others as they go to bed down, and then looks over at you, "You all have a plan for tonight, I hope? Or are you planning to just sleep and see what happens?"
"You may sleep soundly, Arek," Garrace replies, trying to sound assuring to his charges even if he fears otherwise in his heart.
Once Arek is out of earshot, however, Garrace's tone becomes more urgent and combative. Looking over the party, he attempts to quickly size them up.
"I suggest that I take first watch," says Garrace, though the man's tone is more that of one barking orders than offering a suggestion. "The 'farm boy' can join me." Turning to Kaden he adds, "Perhaps, I can show you how to use that scythe of yours to harvest more than grain."
Glimpsing the ears of the Old Dog Ravant, Garrace reaches a hasty conclusion, "Our elven companion shouldn't need much rest. He can take second watch."
"And the Lady Ansira, here, certainly seems to know what is at stake and to be able to identify whatever threat may befall us. Let her join the elf."
"That'll allow you to get some sleep, 'old man', before you take up the third watch." Garrace continues, casting a glare towards the the former 'knight-captain'. "The goddess may have abandoned you at Last Wall, but the wizard can keep you company."
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"Friend Garrace, I have no issue with the assignment if others are satisfied as well. I wish you well on your shift and sufficient rest after to improve your mood tomorrow."
The halfling looks at her assigned watch partner and suggests, "Rest well while you can, I will as well so that I may be as fresh as possible for our duties."
Ansira finds an appropriate spot to bed down, one where she can also respond quickly if needed.
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Simon steps up to Garrace and speaks quietly but intensely to him.
"Son I know you've been through a lot and because of that I'm willing to cut you some slack but surely you realize treating your allies with such disrespect is not only unseemly in the eyes of the Lady of Valor it is foolish as well. These are the people that you must trust to have your back when evil threatens to overwhelm. Save your ire for those that deserve it."
He turns and heads to his bedroll and is asleep almost instantly.