"Thank you. I feel better with my blade and my ax, you know?"
Ameiko explains, with some brevity, that you are going over the Crown of the World to Minkai. She doesn't explain why exactly, just that it's dreadfully important, and they have to leave soon.
Ulf assumes there's something illegal about what you're doing - you can see it in his face (bluff -1). But he doesn't say anything about that. He does laugh however when Ameiko explains you mean to leave in a day or two.
"Like I said before, no one goes now. You'll be alone on the road - easy pickin's for what's out there on the high ice. And if you don't make really good time, I mean really good, you're gonna get stuck in the storms. You could be trapped for days, weeks even, unable to tunnel out."
"Plus," he grins, "You just took out the leadership of the Rimerunners Guild and stole all their s&&&. That's where all the good guides are. They won't work for you now, not to where's you can trust 'em anyhow."
He hesitates, "Pay double my rate, and I'll take you to Minkai. I've done the route, and off season too. I'll get you there. I figure I owe you that much anyway."
His offer to get you to Minkai is 2,000gp - an outrageous price. 'course, he has seen what you just loaded into your wagons too, so he knows you can afford it.
Remember, you have a +2 deflection bonus to AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures. He's saying he does that on purpose. "It's my aura, and I can share it with whom I wish."
- - -
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"Double your rate? After we have saved your life? Come now, surely we can find a more reasonable number.
Allow me to point out that our caravan will be well-supplied and comfortable. I bring the blessings of Abadar to protect against the cold, provide food and water, break curses, cure ailments, slay monsters or bandits, and generally make this a far easier and more pleasant journey than your other trips have been.
I do recognize the dangers of attempting the crossing out of season, and I do recognize and value your skill. Will you agree to 1,500 gold?"
"Double your rate? After we have saved your life? Come now, surely we can find a more reasonable number."
”Yeah,” Mukluk wingdwarfs in support of Durgan’s point while…
Diplomacy to Aid
…offering a jaunty wink of support.
…giving Ulf the ungrateful jerk side eye.
Ulf frowns at Mukluk, but considers Durgan's offer seriously. After a time, weighing his options, he agrees. "You're a sharp dealer, but I hear what you're saying. 1,500gp now and if you feel, at the end, my help was worth more, well then I'll gratefully accept a tip. Fair enough?"
”Well then!” he gets up and ladles himself some stew from the communal pot, ”Let me see what you’ve got and I’ll see if I can help tonight with your planning.”
”I’m a Cassisian Angel.” He tips his, er, hat, ”At your service!”
- - -
Kisaiya takes one of the masterwork wakizashi but passes on the rest of the goods. There is nothing she particularly wants, and she feels spoiled enough holding Suishen.
”What manner of wild beasts could we expect up north, Ulf? I know of at least one dangerous enough to destroy a whole caravan, an eye, and two fingers off a right hand.”
"That sounds fair to me, Ulf."
Durgan removes his helmet and speaks to the group.
"I have made a discovery. This helmet, with magical powers that eluded our examination before, is actually a Cassisian Angel, named Helgarval. However, as it is a servant of Desna, I do not feel right that I should wear it. Ameiko, Rory, Mukluk? Would any of you wish for it? It will protect you against evil dangers. It's just that, as the angel is a servant of a god of Chaos, it gives me a slight itch in my soul.
Helgarval, have you any preference?"
Mukluk will ask to look at and then hold the helmet considering things. He’s not a helmet dwarf, but has always admired the look. He thinks Helgarval might be good to keep his bald head warm in the colder climates, never a bad thing.
”Lemme see what Moose has to say about it. Never know what that mule will have in his mind, but he might like a little buddy to talk to on the road,” he suggests, thinking things over.
"Well, hold on. Let me make sure I was correct and am not being delusional.
Helgarval, speak if you can understand me. Audibly, as you did to me, but in Common if you can, or Dwarven if you cannot.
Otherwise, I will discard you here in the middens and we will move on without you.
And if that is the case, Mukluk, Kisaiya, Rory, Ameiko, I apologize to you all. It must have been some strange enchantment."
It is clear that Durgan hates being mocked, and is seething at Rory's obvious skepticism. The longer it goes without the helmet speaking, the more tense he seems.
”What manner of wild beasts could we expect up north, Ulf? I know of at least one dangerous enough to destroy a whole caravan, an eye, and two fingers off a right hand.”
Ulf eyes Kisaiya’s injuries with respect. ”You ever heard of a boreal yrthak? Nasty flying things - very large indeed, and tough. They’ll eat half the caravan before you drive ‘em off. It’s a reptile, but somehow manages just fine in the cold. Winter wolves, big brutes, and smart too. Maybe some drakes too, high up. Or bears. It’s a mixed bag.”
Durgan removes his helmet and speaks to the group.
"Helgarval, have you any preference?"
You each hear, in your own tongue, with excellent diction, simultaneously, ”Oh my. No one has asked for my opinion before. Hrm.” he quietly studies all of you, as he hovers in the air near Durgan.
"Well, hold on. Let me make sure I was correct and am not being delusional. Helgarval, speak if you can understand me. Audibly, as you did to me, but in Common if you can, or Dwarven if you cannot."
”I’m sorry Durgan. I can speak Celestial, Draconic or Infernal, but not Common or Dwarven. Oh and the truespeech of course.”
”But going back to your original question,” as he detects evil and scans the group, ”I don’t suppose I have a preference. You all seem like nice people to me!”
"I've never had a talking hat before, might be nice. Keep my ears warm, that's always a good thing," Mukluk seems eager to take on the unfamiliar familiar.
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”What manner of wild beasts could we expect up north, Ulf? I know of at least one dangerous enough to destroy a whole caravan, an eye, and two fingers off a right hand.”Ulf eyes Kisaiya’s injuries with respect. ”You ever heard of a boreal yrthak? Nasty flying things - very large indeed, and tough. They’ll eat half the caravan before you drive ‘em off. It’s a reptile, but somehow manages just fine in the cold. Winter wolves, big brutes, and smart too. Maybe some drakes too, high up. Or bears. It’s a mixed bag.”
Kisaiya nods gravely. She description sounds right, and as he suggests, there can’t be a lot of reptiles up here. ”Boreal yrthak…so that’s what it was called. I was hoping it was still alive, that nobody had gotten to it before me.” She nods to herself. ”You know if it’s smart like a person or like an animal?” If the former, she will know to be wary. If the latter, she can start thinking about recipes.
"I've never had a talking hat before, might be nice. Keep my ears warm, that's always a good thing," Mukluk seems eager to take on the unfamiliar familiar.
"Oh excellent!" Helgarval flies over to Mukluk, and lands lightly on his noggin. "We'll make an excellent team I wager," he adds once in place.
Kisaiya nods gravely. She description sounds right, and as he suggests, there can’t be a lot of reptiles up here. ”Boreal yrthak…so that’s what it was called. I was hoping it was still alive, that nobody had gotten to it before me.” She nods to herself. ”You know if it’s smart like a person or like an animal?” If the former, she will know to be wary. If the latter, she can start thinking about recipes.
”Well, I’ve never fought one myself.” Ulf admits. ”I’ve seen them on the wing, but not close enough to do battle. Word is they’re not that smart, but, well, smarter than dogs and the like. So I dunno if that answers your question.”
As he gets up to get ready to head to his bedroll he asks, "In the morning, before we leave town, are we going to speak with Fynn Snaevald or Dwothelin Wraithbreaker?"
Sandru Vhiski says, ”It’ll still be a couple of days before we’re ready to go I think. Tomorrow, we’ll sort through all the materials you’ve brought us, and make up a list for whatever else we may need. Then acquire it all that day and the day after. Then, the day after that I think we’ll be ready. Pending other actions of course… we’re a little tight and could use another wagon for example - or maybe a few horses for people to ride or we’ll be moving very slowly indeed.”
Ameiko joins the shopping party, looking about for a few items for herself. She buys:
Rod of Lesser Extend 3,000gp
She also buys the supplies needed to make the following, when folks are able…
Goggles of Minute Seeing 1,250gp
Apprentice’s Cheating Gloves 1,100gp
Cloak of Resistance +1 500gp
Now Mukluk, and others of you, are going to need a place to work. I looked up what I talked about (link) for rules, and I think that’s a little high. Let’s call it 2,000gp for a Crafting Caravan, putting you deeper in the hole, at least currently, on the caravan side.
So, it’s 2,000gp, holds 4 travelers and 3 cargo, consumption 2 and includes a Traveler’s Any Tool to make it a masterwork working environment for any crafting project, mundane or magical.
You’ll need another driver but this will really enable you to craft effectively on the road - those 4 hours a day you're in camp. Very important.
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Mukluk introduces his new friend to Moose very carefully, so carefully in fact that Mukluk doesn’t even overtly mention the introduction for a few days. Introducing one mulefriend to one’s new angelfriend isn’t something to be taken lightly or easily. Moose is the most sensible mule, after all, but doesn’t exactly like too much change. That Mukluk is wearing a new hat is already a *lot* of change that could lead to a lot of braying and spitting, let alone a flying, talking hat.
Mukluk does spend a bit of time relaying everything that happened with the assault, and is disappointed by Moose’s unwillingness to do the same. Moose’s report on the past few days was surprisingly sparse and lacking much detail.
Mukluk sighs about that, but Moose was a mule and a good one at that, so he wasn’t going to demand more details. Moose would tell him when he was ready.
* * *
Going to where he'd dumped the saddle bags, he pulls out some of his gear. Moving to where Ulf was sitting and chatting with the others, he holds up the furry coat, fuzzy hat and fluffy mittens he'd purchased. Asking, "This is the gear I purchased to wear. I've also got a good tent and extra blankets. Do you think I need anything else?" he paused for a moment, looking towards his wolf. Turning back towards the northerner, he adds, "Do you know any place where I can by protective footies for Storm?" He shrugs, "IF not I can probably make them out of leather."
”I’ve not seen anything like what you describe, but it could be done I suppose. You don’t see many animals on the high ice that don’t have thick padding and fur.” He eyes Storm, ”Perhaps magical protection? You could have something like boots of the winterlands made for him - if you made the boots. Might be something your crafters could do.”
With Mukluk taking on a driving role, and transferring your wainwright to a driver (since you shouldn’t need a wainwright) you won’t need to hire at this time. The caravan will be fully loaded, in a couple days.
It is currently morning on Desnus 9, a Toilday. Many (all?) of you are shopping during the day, but you’ll have a few hours before supper to do as you wish. Let me know your plans.
Mukluk eventually brings his thoughtful concerns to the party. He comes rubbing his bald head under his new helmet/heating gear/angelic hairmuff.
”We should go report back about the sword, I think. We need to tell the guy what happened, Moose reminds me. Moose is right about this. I’m sure of it. We just can’t leave without closing that loose end. Any of all y’all want to come with me?”
Mukluk will make plans, either with others or alone, to go visit the guy.
”What you say, Roresy? Kiss’ya? Durgan? I’d hate to get murdert if I go alone, might be nice if you’re there to get murdert with me.”
Kisaiya nods. ”Let’s go. I don’t think anyone will be getting murdered, though. Someday, you’re gonna have to tell me why you’re always so worried about that, Mukluk. Getting ‘murdert,’ that is.”
"I am not sure how to approach Dwothelin Wraithbreaker.
Simply tell her the truth?
We tracked the Frozen Shadows to Ravenscraeg.
We slew an Oni which had taken the form of Thorborg Silverskorr.
There are enough open questions here that they need not take action against us.
If the Oni truly was Thorborg, then she was a monster and is slain.
If the Oni was not her - if it was impersonating her, or if she slipped away and the monster stepped in - then she is out there somewhere.
Either way, I imagine the matter would be kept quiet while investigators follow up to determine the full truth."
You head to the home of Fynn Snaevald. As is often the case, at least during the day, the elderly but spry Snaevald is plying the mercantile trade and so is not at home. His butler suggests you call prior to supper when he will be available.
So you kill a little time (let me know if you do anything but stop at a little coffee shop nearby for a bit) before returning. The house has a bit more bustle when you return - Fynn is home.
You’re lead into the same sitting room and served little sweet or savory biscuits and drinks while you wait, briefly, for Fynn’s arrival. He’s prompt however, so you have little time to enjoy his hospitality. ”Welcome back my friends! I think you have been busy?! I have heard stories that the Rimerunner’s outpost was raided and everyone slain. Of course if everyone was slain where do the stories come from?” he chuckles.
”So, tell me, was that you - and more importably were they the cause of my misfortunes?”
"Ravenscraeg was home to the Frozen Shadows. A great number of assassins and thieves who will trouble Kalsgard no more, with more than a few monstrous allies. A werebear, some trolls, and other such things.
We found no merchants or guild members there. The Rimerunners may have bought the place, at the behest of Thorborg Silverskorr, but I do not believe they used it - at least, if they are truly an honest merchants' guild and not the band of brigands that we fought.
But yes, Thorborg Silverskorr, or someone posing as her, was behind the attacks on you. That conspirator, a shape-changing demon called an Oni, is dead. I think you should have no more to fear.
We also found the sword, Suishen."
He turns to Kisaiya to explain.
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”Someday, you’re gonna have to tell me why you’re always so worried about that, Mukluk. Getting ‘murdert,’ that is.”
Mukluk looks at Kisaiya with confusion.
"What do you mean, 'I need to tell you about it?'," he replies, trying to think why it wasn't completely clear already. "Ever since we've come here we've been attacked. People are trying to make us murdert all the time. On the road here and just about every time we've turnt our backs, there has been someone else trying to make us less alive than usual." He goes to rub his bald head but ends up goosing his new angelic helmet instead.
"Oh, sorry about that," he apologizes to the angel, forgetting what is up there.
"As I was sayin', ain't nobody wants to live in civilization. There are too many people who want to fight and be mean. Being in a city...that's how you end up murdert." He crosses his arms, having clearly made his point perfectly.
Kisaiya smiles at Mukluk’s explanation, but she says nothing. She supposes it makes sense when put that way, though she doesn’t think of cities as being somehow more prone to violence than anywhere else.
Kisaiya takes Suishen off her belt, still in the scabbard and holds it up. ”We were able to recover the blade in fine condition, despite the efforts of our foes. I do not wish to speak for Ameiko, but I thank you for your assistance.”
He goes to rub his bald head but ends up goosing his new angelic helmet instead. "Oh, sorry about that," he apologizes to the angel, forgetting what is up there.
"Whoo - Hoo!" Helgarval giggles a bit unexpectedly and settles back down.
"Ravenscraeg was home to the Frozen Shadows. A great number of assassins and thieves who will trouble Kalsgard no more, with more than a few monstrous allies. A werebear, some trolls, and other such things.
We found no merchants or guild members there. The Rimerunners may have bought the place, at the behest of Thorborg Silverskorr, but I do not believe they used it - at least, if they are truly an honest merchants' guild and not the band of brigands that we fought.
But yes, Thorborg Silverskorr, or someone posing as her, was behind the attacks on you. That conspirator, a shape-changing demon called an Oni, is dead. I think you should have no more to fear.
We also found the sword, Suishen."
”The Frozen Shadows.” Fynn tries on the phrase, but it’s clear he’s never heard of them. ”I always said Thorborg changed, and not for the better. Everyone said she just matured into the role, and I was indecisive. So she was a demon?” He seems to have a hard time believing it, but he doesn’t doubt you.
Remembering the helm, he encourages Mukluk, "Show him the flying hat Mukluk!"
”Flying hat? I mean, I see it has wings, but it really flies? Can it carry you? Oh, I suppose not. That’d be a lot of weight on the neck.”
Kisaiya takes Suishen off her belt, still in the scabbard and holds it up. ”We were able to recover the blade in fine condition, despite the efforts of our foes. I do not wish to speak for Ameiko, but I thank you for your assistance.”
”Oh, yes, quite. Your leads were quite helpful. This blade is a relic of my family, thought lost in our transit here. I’m glad we were able to regain it again. Thank you for taking such good care of it these past years.” Ameiko adds readily.
Fynn smiles and is glad for the news, ”As we agreed, the sword is yours. I bought it as a mantle piece all those years ago, though I supposed I might learn to wield it one day - such a fine blade. But it never felt comfortable in my hand, you know? So I stuck with a less finely made longsword.” he chuckles and sips some coffee.
”So what’s next? You’ve solved my problem, and given honor and justice to my deceased servants - for which I’m very grateful. But where do you go from here?”
”Flying hat? I mean, I see it has wings, but it really flies? ”
Mukluk isn't going to ask Helgarval to perform on command, but will himself in case it does wish to fly. Moose never likes being put on the spot (often pretending to just be a normal mule when others tried), and Mukluk wouldn't even consider being so rude to an angel.
"Well, I'm not the boss of it so we'll just see if it feels like flying or not," Mukluk replies, not exactly liking being put on the spot.
"So...yeah, that's what happened with the sword, it did. You shoulda been there when we kilt them carrot-stealing trolls. You would have like it," he adds, trying to change the subject.
"But now we gotta git to go find Dwothelin Wraithbreaker. Let's do that so we can get outta here before people try to make us murdert again."
Hearing the old man ask about what's next, Rory considers the question, thinking out loud he shrugs, "I think we should speak with the dwarf Dwothelin Wraithbreaker before we leave town."
”Sure, sure, I’m sure there are loose ends you want to tie up. But what then? If you’re headed back south, I may have some trade goods for you. Primo stuff. I’d love for us to do some business together.” Fynn offers.
- - -
Mukluk, when others are ready, moves to engage with Dwothelin.
Durgan is also ready to go when the others are.
”You’re headed north? Now? You’re braver than I thought. I might have some things for you, yes, I might indeed! Let me talk to your caravan master, and see what can be sorted out.” he suggests warmly.
A little chitchat aside, Fynn thanks you profusely for the debt owed to him and his servants families. He promises to speak to Sandru after supper tonight. Merchants know no rest…
It’s nigh supper time when you eventually depart. Likely too late for the Rimerunners Guild visit, but you could try if you wanted. Otherwise we can move to morning.
It’s Desnus 10, a Wealday, and the day before you depart for the north! Sandru is in a frenzy trying to get the caravan sorted out. He also shares, over breakfast, that Fynn Snaevald has invested in the caravan to the tune of 1,500gp. I don’t think you have more purchases to make, but the caravan is at least flush - and will be for some time. You do have room to add another wagon if you choose (Sandru's recommends a supply wagon with 2 supplies and 8 goods and another driver). Just let me know.
The party heads to the Rimerunners Guild - which is in an absolute frenzy. The rumors are that the head of the guild, actually had a shadow operation, filled with monsters, up in the hills. Her whereabouts are unknown, and the King is looking into the Guild activities, personally.
No one outside the Rimerunners is permitted in, except by order of the King whose guards block entry. The place is none the less a beehive of activity, all the members trying to be ‘in the know’, and in fear of what the King might do. He’s not exactly whimsical, but there’s no knowing what might happen under the circumstance.
So you’re not able to go see Dwothelin Wraithbreaker. Chances are, she’s sweating it out - being questioned by some adjunct to the King about what she knows. As she did nothing wrong, chances are she’ll be fine once things settle down.
It does raise concerns that your trip may be delayed by the King. He may have questions for you as well...
Anything planned for the rest of the day? It’s mid morning by the time you’re basically done with all your personal errands and visitations though Sandru and the others are still busy.
"I do think we should add a supply wagon as Sandru recommends."
Durgan is somewhat concerned about the attention drawn to Ravenscraeg.
"Word got around. Quickly, too. I wonder if that raven escaped and started telling tales.
Well, if we get questioned by a legitimate authority, I will have to tell the truth, but I think I could handle myself under such questioning."
"I do think we should add a supply wagon as Sandru recommends."
Mukluk nods his assent with Durgan's point.
"If the priest of money says that's a good idea, then I think it's a good idea too. Ain't nothing wrong with an extra wagon, more friends for Moose, that's what I'm thinkin'," Mukluk agrees.
"Shall we head back to the wagons?"
Mukluk nods again, ready to leave this town and never return.
"Ain't nothing never good in the city. Let's get gone. Moose is anxious to get on the road."
Mukluk has nothing left to do after he's finished his shopping and prepared this part of the caravan for a long journey.
The following morning, Desnus 11, an Oathday, it is time to depart!
You’re a little nervous as you approach the northern gates of the city and see the guards attentively checking each person or wagon that departs the city. You’re not sure what they’re after, or why they’re being so attentive - you didn't get checked so closely entering. Maybe it has nothing to do with the recent Rimerunners Guild issues, and maybe it does.
Either way, you are let through - though Sandru spent a lot of time with the guards, going over the caravan’s paperwork, bills of lading, etc. When Sandru rejoins you, and the caravan is waived through, he admits, ”I wasn’t sure they were going to let us go. I couldn’t tell what they were looking for, but I got the sense they didn’t know either. They were just supposed to check everyone leaving for anything suspicious. I guess we weren't suspicious enough.”
Your seven wagon long train, lurches forth into the northern wilds - leaving Kalsgard behind and heading to far away Minkai!
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The first night out, there are the usual celebrations - even more festive now that the caravan has nearly doubled in size! Everyone has a good time, and morale is very high. The second night, the party is joined by Ulf and Sandru to plan the road ahead.
Ulf breaks out a map (now linked at the top of the page). You’re down at the bottom of the map, where it says Avistan. You’re headed to the top of the map, where it says Tian Xia. He draws a finger along a route, south to north. Not a straight line exactly - there seems to be a lot of meandering about.
”First we’ll travel through the Thanelands of the Linnorm Kingdoms before following the line of the Stormspear Hills to reach the taiga and tundra beyond the Stormspear Mountains. At that point, Avistan ends and the Path of Aganhei begins. This will take us a month including four decent trade towns, so it should be profitable and probably uneventful.”
”Then there’s the Path of Aganhei. That’s generally thought to be the best way over the ice. It skirts just west of the Gaarjuk Hills and through the Hoarwell March. We might stop at the village of Iqaliat, for supply and trade. Then east to Unaimo, through the Koumssa Gap, east of the Alabastrine Peaks, and into Ul-Angorn and up. It’s a good run, relatively safe, er, most times.”
”However, I think we should avoid the more civilized lands west of the Gaarjuk Hills - it is more heavily inhabited, and we could run into trouble with some of the locals. Plus it would be good to shave some time off the trip, and head straight north - right up through the Hills. We’ll meet back up with the Path of Aganhei at Iqaliat.”
”This route is also quicker - giving us more opportunities to buy and sell goods in the few trade towns we'll visit. I can’t say you’ll be able to do as much as you like, but if we make good time, you can spend, oh, two days in each town along the way.”
Sandru shakes his head, ”No, two days aren’t enough. We need three. We have five traders now, but we can only move so much merchandise at a time up here. No big warehouses, it’s all retail. Three days, and if that means we head through the hills, then I’m OK with it - as long as Durgan can help keep us in repair. If we need a wainwright, it’ll be slower, but we’ll manage I think if we have to.”
Ulf nods and does a few figures. Nods again, ”Even taking the shorter route, but adding an extra trade day, it’ll be two more months to the Wall of Heaven. So maybe three months total if we don’t have too many setbacks. If we do, we’ll manage ‘em.”
He looks to the party for their thoughts.
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"As long as we can avoid the larger cities so Mukluk don't get merdert."
”That’s exactly what I was thinkin’. Good that we’re of a like mind. Me, you, and Moose,” Mukluk replies to Rory.
Mukluk studies the map for a long time, trying to commit pieces to memory in case he needs them later. As he like to avoid cities and towns, it’s nice that there are places like that clearly marked on the map so he can avoid them.
”Yeah, I’ve always liked a good map. Maps are the best form of map there is,” Mukluk says, stating very good truth. ”I don’t have any questions right now, and I’ll need to circle back with Moose to see if he has any. It seems like you have a good plan, and I doubt that Moose will have anything to say about it, no nothing at all, probably.”
Mukluk stands up and stretches his back and neck, his new helmetangel taking some getting used to.
”Seems like we should be getting on then. You’ll let us know what we need to be on about. I have work to do, and all that.”
Kisaiya knows from her previous experiences in caravans that trusting the expertise of your comrades is paramount, as long as you are checking to make sure they are aware of what you need for your job as well. Right now, her primary job is taking care of Ameiko. ”I think time is of the essence considering our opposition, so I trust and Ulf and Sandru’s recommendations.” A faster route means less chance for word to get back to Ameiko’s enemies in Minkai and less chance for them to prepare or send more assassins.
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"I can prepare Make Whole to fix wagons if needed. That is no trouble.
Obviously you all know that as a priest of Abadar I disagree strongly with Mukluk about the merits of civilization. Cities have laws to restrain violence, and they have abundant trade opportunities, with resources we may need. If there were a larger city on the way I would head for it. But I very much doubt we'd find a settlement as large as Kalsgard in the Crown of the World, so there's no point in having that argument.
I am fine with the faster route. It sounds like it may be rougher. I think that is okay.
I don't really see that time is of the essence, if it is a three-month trip. I'll also trust Sandru and Ulf's recommendations, but if those are to hunker down somewhere and wait out a storm, I'm not going to argue for pressing onwards. And taking the extra time to trade in the towns is fine with me. A few days here or there should not make a big difference. If our enemies can communicate magically, then they have plenty of time to prepare whatever we do. But I have some ideas about what to do about that, and will discuss them when we get closer to our destination."
Ulf nods and Sandru gets up, ”Excellent, then we have a plan! May Desna shine her luck upon our journey.” Sandru nods to Durgan and adds respectfully, ”And Abadar too of course! We shall bring with us a little bit of civilization into the wilderness.”
The first few weeks, especially after your recent adventures, are a bit dull. It is slow, boring work. The caravan plods along, gaining altitude as you slowly made your way through the few towns of the Thanelands of the Linnorm Kingdoms. The northfolk are polite, and for the most part eager to trade with you, if a little rough around the edges and you tend to go in force to negotiations as they occasionally turn violent.
After you left the more ‘civilized’ lands, you encountered a blizzard which pinned you down for a couple of days, then slowed you for a few more days beyond that as you slog through the snow. The weather slowly grows colder too, and the air thinner, though your cold weather gear is up to the task - so far anyway.
At another point a bulette burst forth, trying for one of your mule trains and threatening the caravan. You lost a couple animals, but were able to stop it before it got to Moose. You had some damage to the wagons as well over the course of travel, and have had to replace some of the large number of horses and mules you are maintaining as you go. Sandru even arranged for a few spare animals anticipating trouble on the high ice.
There are also other caravans, folks coming from even further north. Ulf and Sandru are careful to ask questions of them to see what lies on the road ahead - as well as ply trade as best they can in the short time the caravans spend together.
Finally, at long last, a month in and only slightly behind the schedule (Sarenith 8 an Oathday), you reach the peak of the Rimethirst Mountains that form the frontier of the Crown of the World. It’ll be another week descending the twisty narrow mountain paths, but you’re now leaving all you knew, behind. Sandru stops the caravan for a day to celebrate the moment - traveling further than any of you have travelled before!
Please also let me know what you may have crafted in that time. I suspect you have more time than crafting materials - at least at this juncture - and so have likely crafted everything you can. Also, time won’t fly so quickly going forward, but this bit is a little dull, and not well defined in the AP, so I moved us on a little quickly. Also, check the discussion thread!
Mukluk does help with the trading...mostly by staying out of the way and letting others do the talking. He would definitely help lift and organize goods, but more as a laborer than face-first interactions. That suits him just fine, Moose too.
"How do you think it's all going, Roresy?"
"Mukluk, I have the description of an item that I would like crafted. It is called a Bane Baldric. It normally requires spells of summoning, and that the creator be an inquisitor. If you are skilled at magical item creation then you should be able to craft it anyway. Do you think this is within your capabilities at present?"
"I believe I have the requisite components."