Game Thread

[Ed Zachary]

While walking around in Almraiven you notice a WANTED poster stating that there is a very substantial reward being offered for the capture of two thieves who broke into a temple and stole some scrolls, and who must stopped before they desecrate a sacred burial location outside the city. Those interested in participating in the posse are to meet at a warehouse near the docks at noon tomorrow. The address is given, but no other details are included. The picture on the poster is of a centaur and an elf.

[Ed Zachary]

It's been a dreary morning with on an off drizzle. Your character arrives at the warehouse, it is one of a series of attached stone structures near the port. The double wooden doors (as in a barn) were left open, and the 30 foot wide and 60 foot deep room is empty. Except for any characters that may have arrived before you. Once inside it seems like an echo chamber. The ceiling is arched in the center, about 20 feet high. Some people may arrive after you, but none is the person offering the reward so you continue to wait.

[Ghezryln]

Ghezryln sees the wanted poster, and considers that such a challenge would be a good test for his abilities. He spends the rest of the day wandering around town, but with no place to stay he decides to visit the warehouse early and perhaps sleep there. But first he walks past it a few times to look for anything unusual.

Spot check: 13+(d20=04)=17

Ghezryln walks through the double doors and sees that no one else has arrived yet, so he searches the building for anything out of the ordinary.

Search check: 02+(d20=16)=18

Once the search is completed, he sits in the left corner in the front of the building, so that he could see anyone else who came in before they noticed him. In spending the night he will listen for any odd sounds that might give a clue to tomorrow's mission.

Listen check: 07+(d20=06)=13

Anyone that arrives after Ghezryln will see what appears to be a homeless bum sleeping in the corner. He is wearing a time and weather worn gray cloak, and a pair of leather sandals.

[Ed Zachary]

Spot check: 13+(d20=04)=17

If you passed by the warehouse a few times, you've observed that it is somewhere near the middle in a row of about 30 similar warehouses. Across from the warehouses is the port, where the merchant vessels are docked. Late into the evening and through the night people were still working, loading and unloading. What caught your attention was that the address listed was the only warehouse that had no activity, and it was empty.

Search check: 02+(d20=16)=18

What you see is various types of loose grains (wheat, rice, etc) on the floor, leading you to believe that it was recently used to store such food staples.

Listen check: 07+(d20=06)=13

The warehouse next door to the right has been very busy. You hear the sounds of people working, and beasts of burden. You can't make out much of the individual conversations.

[Vimachipal]

Bright and early at the crack of dawn, Vi walks down the filthy but nearly deserted streets of Almraiven. She doesn't much like walking amongst the savage and immature races that now dominate the continent of Faerun, so she decided to leave early and avoid as much contact as possible. As Vi hastily walks down the streets that are showing signs of coming to life, she thinks back on why she is here and briefly shakes her head. Remembering why, she thinks: "anyone could've made that mistake, this is such a heavy penance to perform".

She arrives at the address listed on the poster, and walks past it while hardly giving it a noticeable glance. "Looks dead, could be a trap." She walks a bit further to find the best seclusion she can, because she believes the barbarians tend to frown on it when we use magic.

Hide check: 03+(d20=12)=15

Vi first casts an INVISIBILITY spell, then a DETECT MAGIC spell, then a FLY spell. Flying invisibly, Vi passes through the partially open doors of the warehouse so not to disturb them. Upon entering the dark building shes a homeless bum sleeping on the floor. Glancing at him with my detect magic, I notice (____). Not wanting to disturb him I fly to the top of the far end of the warehouse and cast another spell (ROPE TRICK). Once safely inside I will watch the door until our host arrives.

[Ed Zachary]

Vi:To the best of your knowledge you believe that your Hide attempt was successful. You flew invisibly into the warehouse without attracting any overt attention. In route you did not notice anything odd or magical within the range of your spell. Once inside (see description above) you notice the resting man in the corner dressed in rags. But your Detect Magic spell did indicate one strong magic aura coming from underneath his tattered cloak.

You cast your Rope Trick spell and climb/fly inside. The DC=10 (+1 per each five foot increment beyond the first five feet). If you're doing this while not under pressure I'll allow you to "take a ten" and not bother with your roll.


Ghezryln: Please make a Listen, Spot and Knowledge Arcana check.

[Ghezryln]

Ghezryln: Please make a Listen, Spot and Knowledge Arcana check.

Listen check: 07+(d20=08)=15

Spot check: 13+(d20=17)=30

Knowledge check: 09+(d20=04)=13

I take it that I heard a whisper/soft voice when she cast her spell, spotted where she casted it (I noticed the rope), but couldn't figure out exactly what had happened. Regardless, I will continue to observe while in the resting position until I am greeted or want to interact.

[Typhon]

Early morning a large guy wearing a fur cloak over a full set of chain mail with a great sword sheathed over his back bursts through the doors, stops, and looks around. With his arms folded over his chest he stares at the homeless bum sitting in the corner and shakes his head.

To Ghezryln: "Hey you, do you work here?"

[Ghezryln]

Hey you, do you work here?

Yes, I'm in charge of screening the applicants. So who are you and what strengths would you bring to our group?

[Typhon]

Typhon looks at the smaller and unarmed man in front of him, and lets out a loud roar!

Let's just say that you will need to be protected by me. I've killed renegade centaurs before, and it looks like you'll have your hands full with that elf.

[Vimachipal]

From her perch high up in the Rope Trick she cast, Vi watches the two savage barbarians (non-elves) act like the uncivilized ruffians they truly are. Watching the two "goons" go at it verbally as in some sort of primitive ritual, to demonstrate their superiority to each other, makes her sad when she thinks back that long ago enlightened elves once dominated Faerun.

She will continue to wait, hoping that better examples of humanity will show up.

[Semaria]

It's still early in the morning, about 10:00, and a rather attractive woman in clerical robes sashays into the warehouse. She is carrying a trident in one hand with the forks pointed upward, and is wearing a decorative platinum chain with a platinum periapt with a large pink gem in the center.

She looks at the two thuggish men in the room as one would look at lesser subjects, as she expected them to pay homage to her. Then she looks upward toward the back of the room, facing the magic portal.

I am Semaria of Calimport, Priestess of Selune. I am here to assure that this posse is successful. Who do we have assembled here so far?

[Ed Zachary]

So far it had been drizzling and overcast all morning.

Now it starts pouring and you can hear the thunder and see the flashes of lightning.

[Vimachipal]

Then she looks upward toward the back of the room, facing the magic portal.

It had been a great source of pride to Vi that she could often move freely amongst and around these barbarian humans without being noticed. Moreso out of desire not to have to interact with them than any attempt at deseption. But upon learning that her position had been spotted by the other female, a priestess, she decided that now would be a good time to interact with her and the two savages. She did not wish to be spotted, but she realized that it would be below her to pretend that she wasn't seen when it was obvious that she was.

Being 20+ feet up in the air and only having five feet of rope made it impossible to climb down, and she did not wish to blow another FLY spell, so she had to come up with another way to make a graceful entrance without costing her much in the way of her daily magical power. Vi cast a TENSER'S DISK spell just beneath the portal of her ROPE TRICK, then stepped down upon the floating disk. As she positioned herself in a kneeling position and started levitating down to the ground, those that could detect magic noticed that the portal disappeared.

Once on the ground she maintained her distance from the others and introduced herself to the three assembled humans...

"I am Vimachipal, Wizardess of the Miritar Clan, of the Kingdom of Evermeet. I shall do my best to help bring the two thieves to justice."

After the introduction she remains distant from the others. She does not mean to be offensive toward the others, but her past history tells her that little good can come from close interaction with these barbarians.

[headeast76]

Well Gelfling Twopins has come with in sight of the warehouse and is trying to keep to the shadows while moving quickly thru the doors and shaking the rain off his hair "My God who ordered this weather? " "Hello I am Gelfling Twopins and I need to find whoever is in charge here..?" Gelfling is a Halfling. Riding a black wolf. Dressed in travelers vestments with a Raiper strapped to his side you also see a bow strapped to his back pack once he gets his cloak off to shake off the rain. Getting off the wolf and unstrapping the saddle and removing the saddle bags in order to groom and dry her off "Oh how she hates this weather don't ya girl??" Using the oppertunity to observe his surroundings Gelfling checks out the group so far...

[Vimachipal]

Welcome Gelfling Twopins, my name is Vimachipal. I do not believe that any of us here are in charge, our patron has not yet presented itself. That is a very noble companion you are traveling with. Does she have a name? This weather does not make for good travel or good tracking. I hope it improves quickly.

Vi is a frail elf with a soft, melodic and soothing voice, but she speaks abruptly and in short sentances. She is wearing a green cloak that hides her facial features, but her long copper hair cascades down her shoulders. You can see the golden complexion of her skin on her hands and ankles.

[headeast76]

"Thank you. Yes she does have a name it's Midnight and she's a Wolf that I raised from a pup. So how long have you been here and who are the rest of these people? When will our hostess arrive?" Gelfling finishes grooming Midnight and takes her on a stroll around the warehouse checking the place out (search check 1d20+12=21)

[Ghezryln]

Hi, I'm Ghezryln, Brother of the Shining Hand. Our host/hostess is scheduled to be here at noon, and it's not quite noon yet. I'd be disappointed if they were early or late. The wanted poster said noon, so that's when I expect them to arrive. Back at the monastery we were punished if we were early or late. Promptness is a virtue that too few of us have.

By way, I'm from Athkatla, in Amn. Where are you from?

[Typhon]

I like wolves, I had many as hunting companions in my youth.

I am Typhon. If you or anyone else needs protection, just call on me.

Typhon is a muscular six foot 240 pound half orc, and wears a fur cloak over a full set of chain mail with a great sword and long bow sheathed over his back.

[headeast76]

"Well thank you very much for the offer of your protection. I'm pretty self sufficient but i might need some help getting out of a pinch so i might take you up on that offer someday.....As for you Priestess well met and might i say you are quite beautiful. Ghezryln maybe it a good thing we didn't have the same teachers as i would have been punished plenty for being early, its just something my dear ol' mother taught me... always get there first so you can make sure it is safe..

[Ghezryln]

Ghezryln maybe it a good thing we didn't have the same teachers as i would have been punished plenty for being early, its just something my dear ol' mother taught me... always get there first so you can make sure it is safe..

There is a valuable lesson to be learned in you comment, my nimble friend.

If it is your task or goal to get there early, then you are arriving on time.

But if you get there too early, before the rest of the party could help you out should you get in trouble, then your timing was bad.

Your mom was a wise woman indeed...

[Vimachipal]

I am not a priestess, I practice arcane magic.

Vi turns away and walks to the back of the room, away from the others. Once there she checks the hood on her cloak to make sure that it is still completely covering her head. No one has yet seen her face, and she wants to keep it that way.

Once again she thinks to herself... "That accident was not my fault, I shouldn't have to be here now. I should be back on Evermeet, working on a cure."

[Semaria]

As for you Priestess well met and might i say you are quite beautiful.

Excuse me, but I am the Priestess.

And to the credit of Selune, yes I am beautiful.

[headeast76]

Gelfling blushes deep red and stammers "Oh my apoligies Pristess I'll not make that mistake again, You too are very beautiful... As far as what you said sir yes my mother was very wise yet you are right too about getting into bad spots without the rest of the group.

[Typhon]

I want to make one thing clear to everyone here; I'm here to make money. Usually a hired professional such as myself knows exactly how much I'll make before we set out. But in missions such as this where there is a short notice call for a posse to complete a mission, they will usually pay out more. The wanted posters did not say how much they were going to pay us, and what type of advance they will give us before we start. I've been doing this for many years now, and my services now command premium wages. I don't know the rest of you, but I expect that each of you brings a valuable skill to the group, and you will earn your share. One thing I can't tolerate is dragging along dead wood, then giving it a share of my gold. I hope we're all clear on that.

I've hunted centaurs before, they can be difficult prey. They like to move quickly in a fake retreat then fire arrows from your flank. Keep them in sight, and if you lose sight expect the flanking maneuver. They are strong, as an ox and shilled fighters. So seek to engage them in battle on rough terrain or on a slope, to negate their advantage as they are clumsy.

Regarding the elf, I believe that one of my arrows can put it out of its misery. My only concern is that it will be able to use magic. That's where we may need sister golden hair over there to help us out.

Do you see the burn mark on my cloak? That came from a red dragon. It was a small one, but they can be very dangerous. It kept flying out of our arrow range and made fake dives to draw our fire, then quickly back out of range. Then when it did dive it would breathe fire on us without landing. We were fortunate to entangle it in the trees before it cooked us all.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I want to collect the reward gold. We need to understand our enemy and know its tactics. I'm not sure how many of you are battle tested, but I expect that if we are to be successful, that we will have to go into battle as a united group and fight smart.

[Vimachipal]

Yes I am an elf, and yes I can cast arcane magic spells.

And I did see the poster, and no I do not recognize that type of elf.

You can count on me to do what is required, but I am not a murderer.

I will not help you kill another sentient creature just so you can satisfy your lust for blood.

The poster said that we were to capture them. It said nothing about killing them.

[Typhon]

Ha, you got me there!

But if they don't want to come back peacefully, I will be forced to take appropriate action to assure that they are brought back and we collect our reward.

[Semaria]

I never saw this wanted poster you talk about, I was told to arrive at this address by a messenger while I was still on board my ship en route from Calimport. What did the poster say? It seems that we are assembled here in the dark, and all we know so far is that there will be a reward to capture a pair of thieves who happen to be a centaur and an odd elf.

DM: Is it still raining out, and how much time has passed since I arrived?

[Ed Zachary]

Is it still raining out, and how much time has passed since I arrived?

Yes, it is still raining hard out. You can hear the thunder almost directly overhead, and can see the heavily overcast sky light up with lightning. If you look out the front door, the road in front of the warehouse now resembles a stream. All loading and unloading of ships and wagons has temporarily ceased. While such storms are not common, they are not unusual for this time of year.

The port tower chimes 11:00, so you have been there for about an hour.

[Ghezryln]

The Wanted Poster said:

A very substantial reward being offered for the capture of two thieves who broke into a temple and stole some scrolls, and who must stopped before they desecrate a sacred burial location outside the city. Those interested in participating in the posse are to meet at a warehouse near the docks at noon tomorrow. The address is given, but no other details are included. The picture on the poster is of a centaur and an elf.

This is all the poster tells us, we don't know any more. I'd like to know what "very substantial" means, which temple was broken into, what the scrolls were, more about the "sacred burial location", where "outside the city" is, and who the centaur and elf are. We should find out soon enough.

[headeast76]

I'm really sorry guys but i have no way to play me and my gal split up and i have to leave by friday sorry again

[Vimachipal]

Ed, the only ones playing here are our circle. How about we restart this again at John and Celeste Maria's house after we finish our present campaign?

[Ed Zachary]

Aren't we doing Frank's "Emerald City" campaign next, before he has to deploy again?

He wouldn't dare run that one on-line.

[Vimachipal]

Not unless he wants an all expense paid permanent vacation to the southeast corner of Cuba.

[Ed Zachary]

The halfling walks over toward Vimachipal as if he is going to start a conversation, then stops in his tracks. There is nobody around him, but he appears to be receiving some sort of telepathic message. After a few short seconds, he walks briskly (for a short guy) toward the door and leaves.

[Semaria]

I am going to cast a command spell at the halfling for him to halt, before he gets to the door.

[Ed Zachary]

OK, he "halts" right at the door.

You are ten feet away from him, the others are a bit further away.

Anyone else want to take action?

[Semaria]

I quickly move around and stand in front of him.

When he starts moving again I want to know what message he received.

[Ed Zachary]

He tries to push past you, saying something about trouble in his home village.

Are you going to continue preventing his exit?

[Ghezryln]

Ed PMed me, because I made a "secret" Sense Motive roll. Two things don't seem right to me the way Halfling left. I'll tell this to the group.

1) His village is in the Forest of Mir. There is a 50/50 chance that we will be going that way, and we should be meeting our patron within an hour. If we are to go that way, he'd be better off traveling with us.

2) The way out of town is to the north (right) of the warehouse. He made a left and went south.

I don't know if this means anything, but it seems odd to me.

[The Wandering Bard]

As the rain falls Kadion shakes his head, trying in vain to remove as much of the water from his hair as possible. After a few moments he realises that it is a futile thing and continues on his way. After afew minutes of walking the young man sees his destination. This was the Warehouse that the poster indicated. If this adventure went right he would have a story to tell the masters at the college that would ensure his acceptance.

Reaching into behind him the bard pulls out a long shaft of wood. Uttering the command word the staff begins to float. when its at the corect height the Bard climbs on and urges the thing forward. Riding the staff though the still open warehouse doors and into a large room containing several other people.

Now thats an entrance the youth thought. The staff lowers itself to a standing height and the man climbs off, uttering another word the staff goes limp in his hand and the man places the shaft in a quiver on his back. the Young bard stands looking at the others, He is clad in Silver Chainmail of Elven make, and carries a Mithril sheild strapped onto his right arm. In his left hand he now holds a large Trident, the shaft of the weapon bears carvings of lighting.

I am Kadion Bain, I am here about the poster I received upon entering the city. It said to come to this building.

[Typhon]

Typhon is confused (don't laugh, I'm a half orc).

He recalls that on every last one of his successful mission that the mercenaries were all skilled warriors. But here we've had a collection of six people so far, and he is the only true warrior. Then he recalls the one mission from his past that was not a success. It involved a few spell casters who had joined the company. And like this job, the pay was promised to be very high. The only problem was that that mission ended in failure and the deaths of half his company, with no pay at the end. Would this job end just as poorly?

Typhon takes another look at the drenched young man and let's out a roar of a laugh...

Ha!!! You look like one of my pet wolves coming in after a hard rain.

Welcome young man. May I ask what you bring with you in the way of combat skills?

[Semaria]

Welcome bard, your presence will be a boon to our group. I have traveled over much of this land, and I have been inspired by a few bards.

Do you have any tales to tell us in song?

[The Wandering Bard]

Kadion turnsto look at the women how had just welcomed him. Kadion is silent for a moment than begins to sing a song about a lovely wizardess and her quest for spells. (perform song 16+10=26) as he finishes his song he claps his hands (casts Prestidgitation) The air around the man shimmers for a second, then disappears. Kadion looks at his clothing and smiles, perfectly dry.

Ah to answer your question my lady.

Yes I have songs that inspire, and songs that charm,
songs that sooth the soul, and prevent harm.
My talent and wit keep me alive, to spread such joy till the moment I die.

Laughing Kadion replies yes i have many songs that will aid us in our journeys ahead, as well as spells to fill any gaps that are left.

Looking Back to the Half-orc. Now my friend in answer to your question. I am skilled with the trident, the Longbow, and the Rapier. as well as most martial weapons. I am self sufficant, and Can cast spells in combat to aid myself or allies, as well as disrupt and harm our foes. My staff allows me to fly (broom of flying) above the group or get behind the enemy for flanking. If it is best for the party I can form as sort of air support with my bow.

I also am able to heal my companions wounds with magic and without. I may not be on toe with you but i can hold my own. And I am not alone. Gesturing to his belt pouch. as he does so he opens the flap and a small nose appears over the opening followed by a small furry head. This is Spherus my companion I reared him from birth, He is my traveling companion. He can aid in minor situations and can provide a distraction if need be, and his life is not threatened.

[Ghezryln]

Greetings Master Kadion Bain, wandering bard. May I inquire with you as to whether you noticed a halfling leave this warehouse before your arrival? He was to join us, then left under rather unusual circumstances.

[Typhon]

Grrrr, this makes me suspicious. A stranger stops in for a hour, gets to know who we are, then leaves before our patron arrives in a suspicious manner. Something is rotten here, and I want to know what it is!

Typhon starts pacing back and forth at a quick pace, and he looks angry.

[essyx]

Semaria, standing in the door is the only one to notice the flock of Ravens sitting on all the rooftops in the immediate vicinity. They are all looking at what's happening with interest.

Suddenly, one caws loudly, and flies down to the ground, where it walks into the place, between her legs.

Standing in the middle of the room, it suddenly jumps up to the rafters and roosts there.

The other Ravens have not moved a feather, nor have they stopped watching.:eek:

[Semaria]

Watching animals act oddly is nothing new to Semaria. Being the experienced traveller that she is, she learned that it was a sign. But not from the gods, but from another sentient creature capable of using magic. Magic to control or emulate them. Likely divine magic. Likely of druidic origins. She wonders to herself... is this the master, or the messenger?

Hello there friend. Would you mind introducing yourself?

[Typhon]

Typhon looks at the crow and thinks to himself... too small to eat, and not a threat.

Turning toward Ghezryln and Kadion, he asks; "What do you make of this?"

Then he looks toward the back of the warehouse at the lone elf; "Sister, is this a friend of yours?"

[Vimachipal]

A crow, when sent by the gods, usually portends a negative outcome.

Regarding the halfling, if I were back home I could've followed him. But I do not have access to a SCRYING spell now.

Perhaps he returned as the crow, or the crow knows of him?

[Ed Zachary]

Crows are not known to fly in the rain, yet it is pouring and there is a flock perched outside and one just flew into the warehouse.

You are somewhere in the center of a row of 24 warehouses (30 ft wide by 50 ft deep). It is 20 ft high on the sides, and 30 ft high in the arched center, and the ceiling is supported by wooden beams. The floor is packed dirt, and there is evidence that this room had been used to store various grains. Across the way (a 40 ft wide dirt road) are a dozen docks full of merchant ships. The docks are busy 24 hours per day, but work has stopped now because of the rain. In the vicinity are other warehouses, markets, temples, restaurants, bars, inns, specialty shops, and militia barracks. The residential area is to the north, away from the industrial underbelly of Almraiven.

[essyx]

The Raven cocks it's head at Semaria, and nods once.

Suddenly, the rafter the bird sits onstarts glowing brightly, as if it was on fire, and casts the Raven's shadow in large form on the ceiling/roof.

Lighting down on the floor again, the Raven changes it's shape, slowly morphing into a rather nondesript female human. She is wearing a druid's cassock, and little else. Her hair, although messy, looks like it had some attempts to arrange. She is, however clean, and her grey eyes shine in the light the beam gives off.

"My name is Adara. Is this the place?"

[Semaria]

Semaria can't hide the smile that comes to her face. She had just finished a seven day journey on a smelly ship where she was the only female aboard. Not that there were any real men, they all stunk like trolls had the intelligence and mannerisms of orcs. Back in the temple, she was only priestess. The presence of other females of power made her feel good.

Welcome Adara, that was an impressive entrance. Yes, this is the place. We expect the organizers to show up any minute. My name is Semaria, and I'm a Priestess of Selune, from Calimshan.

[The Wandering Bard]

Greetings my dear lady, Have we meet before? I never forget a beautiful face, perhapes in another life. Oh well Greetings again to you I am Kadion Bain a humble bard. I look forward to the tales that this journey shall bring.

[Ed Zachary]

This is Ribe's introduction from the other thread...

A tall figure with bronze shimmering skin with scales here and there imposes his will against the world of evil.

It is great to meet you all. I will be your in between fighter healer today.

If it is protection from blows or healing of your woes.

I am your being.

To the depth of the rising sun the world will hear my cry.

Five minutes after Ribe arrives, the harbor bells chime noon...

[Ed Zachary]

As the bell at the port rings for noon, two individuals enter the warehouse. The first is a tall and well built warrior wearing a silver colored cloak over plate armor, and is carrying a shield and a sheathed long sword. By the ornate decorations on his armor, he was obviously of some rank. Following him like a subservient but obedient puppy is a shorter and thinner human who is wearing a worn black cloak with a hood so you can't see its face. The warrior calls the assembled adventures to attention with a commanding voice, and the black cloaked person who was following joins the characters to listen to him.

What a fine group of hunters we have gathered here today, I thank you all for responding to our request for help in this urgent time of great need. My name is Captain Rashpart, commander of the temple guard. Early yesterday morning three thieves disguised as pilgrims from beyond the Lake of Steam visited our temple and broke into the private sanctum of our high priest. They killed three priests and stole a map to the location of a secret burial chamber that is sacred to our religion. The location of this chamber must be kept secret because we do not wish anyone to disturb it. We will pay you well to assure that the thieves do not disturb the chamber, to recover the map and return it unviewed to us, and to bring the two thieves to justice. As a group you will be paid 100,000 pieces of Calishite Gold for assuring that the burial chamber remains undisturbed, another 100,000 gold for the return of the map unviewed, and another 50,000 gold for the bodies of each of the two thieves. They are a centaur named Cyrus, and an elf named Ziggy. The third thief is this disgusting piece of filth standing in your midst. Its name is Tronja Resho, and it will serve as your guide. It need not be treated with respect, but it does know the land and its two former associates. Use it as you need, but I do not want it killed. That is against our values. It will not be paid out of your share of the reward, it is working for its freedom and redemption. And you will not need to worry about it running away or harming you, our priests have prevented it from doing that with powerful magics. It is incapable of acting against you, and that includes lying. Horses and wagons with supplies have been provided for you, they are waiting out front. The thieves have a full day head start on you, so you will need to be off now. Upon completion of your mission, you should return here to collect your reward.

With haste the noble warrior leads you outside to two wagons with four horses each, each filled with supplies. Captain Rashpart wishes you good luck and good hunting, then excuses himself as he has urgent business to attend to.

[Ed Zachary]

Semaria - You notice that the inscription on the shield of the warrior is the symbol of Selune, your deity.

Anyone else who is paying attention may make a Religion Check. If you role a natural one, you fail to notice that the warrior (his shield) and Semaria (the front of her vestment) have the same symbol on them.

[essyx]

Looking sideways at Semaria, and standing a little in her shadow, she whispers to her.

"Has anyone else noticed that we have no idea of which they went?"

[Semaria]

"Has anyone else noticed that we have no idea of which they went?"

Semaria acknowledges Adara with a quick nod, but clearly her attention is elsewhere. She follows Captain Rashpart outside and does her best to get his attention.

Why hadn’t you spoken with me sooner?

Why did you wait to inform me of this like you would a stranger?

Do you not respect your own priesthood?

And how will we find the two thieves?

[OOC] What is the other thief (Tronja) doing?

[Ribe]

The bright light dramatically reflects off of a tall Bronze skinned humaniod lounging against the wall just inside the entrance to the warehouse. Muscles tight and gleaming, with water dripping off of him, he sighs, hearing the whisper.

"It's never easy, is it?"

Pushing off of the wall, he strides towards the rest of the group. Once outside, he glances up at the soaked sky and sighs again.

"Hail all, I am Sorrel Dreaco Mainstream. Since we're in a hurry, dang the rain..." He mumbles to himself, "I always hate tracking in the rain" then raising his voice again, "I think tracking magically would be the best course at this point. Any suggestions?" Turning his body towards the new member, the thief, he crosses his arms and bears his full attention upon him.

The corded muscle underneath his skin seems to flex as he struggles with an internal battle to control his outrage with the thief. Yet he is quietly imposing, waiting. It seems as if he'd wait forever if necessary.

Upon closer examination this man standing in front of you seems to be more than just human. His skin, almost scaly-looking, seems to be repeling the water like good mail. His long, platinum blond, wavy hair drips elegantly in ringlets down the back of his breatplate armor. On the front is an embossed dragon, curling it's tail over his left shoulder. There are tracing details all over the dragon in bronze, and it seems to shimmer even in the rainstorm.

[Typhon]

100,000 GP + 100,000 GP + 2 x 50,000 GP / 7 = 42,857 GP

Typhon was never the most polished marble in the bag, but when it came to money he was one of the sharpest. He figured that he'd leave the negotiations to those better suited for it. But listening in to conversations never hurt.

[Ed Zachary]

As soon as Captain Rashport leaves the warehouse, the rain stops. He begrudgingly acknowledges the priestess that had been trying to get his attention.

Why hadn’t you spoken with me sooner?
Why did you wait to inform me of this like you would a stranger?
Do you not respect your own priesthood?
And how will we find the two thieves?

With all due respect your excellency, we asked the temple in Calimport for help weeks ago. We knew that the agents of Shar were after the map and would attack us to get it. They attacked, have the map, and you were too late to help us. Me, I’m just following my orders like a good soldier. I suggest that you do your best to help recover the map, keep the location of the burial chamber secret, and bring the other two thieves to justice. It (points to the thief) knows where they are heading, and will lead you to the two other thieves. Now if you will excuse me, I have another meeting to attend to. Damage control is not limited to recovering the map.

Unless he is stopped, Captain Rashport leaves the area to the left (south) in a fast paced walk. The two wagons and horses are facing right (north).

[Ed Zachary]

Turning his body towards the new member, the thief, he crosses his arms and bears his full attention upon him. The corded muscle underneath his skin seems to flex as he struggles with an internal battle to control his outrage with the thief. Yet he is quietly imposing, waiting. It seems as if he'd wait forever if necessary.

Tronja pretends that Sorrel Dreaco Mainstream does not exist, and stealthily attempts to walk past him toward the lead cart. Does Sorrel or anyone else wish to interfere with the thief's movement?

[Ghezryln]

I move at top speed to the other side of the wagons, to keep the thief between the rest of the party and myself. If he tries to escape, I will grapple and pummel him into submission with non-lethal punches.

[Vimachipal]

Vi stands back and observes humankind at its finest. She sees some nobility in her six new associates, but deep down she knows that barbarians like the three thieves who follow Shar will come dominate the species in the end, and all of Faerun. Walking timidly and not wanting to make eye contact with anyone, she will be the last to leave the warehouse.

Reflecting on the captain who delivered the message, an elf would’ve made sure that this group was successful. These barbarians are always in such a rush to do too many things at once, they fail to do any of them right. This mission may or may not succeed, but there is my quest that must be completed. My future depends upon it.

[Semaria]

With all due respect your excellency, we asked the temple in Calimport for help weeks ago. We knew that the agents of Shar were after the map and would attack us to get it. They attacked, have the map, and you were too late to help us. Me, I’m just following my orders like a good soldier. I suggest that you do your best to help recover the map, keep the location of the burial chamber secret, and bring the other two thieves to justice. It (points to the thief) knows where they are heading, and will lead you to the two other thieves. Now if you will excuse me, I have another meeting to attend to. Damage control is not limited to recovering the map.

Unless he is stopped, Captain Rashport leaves the area to the left (south) in a fast paced walk. The two wagons and horses are facing right (north).

Semaria is a priestess of great wisdom, and she knows when not to say what's on her mind. However not showing her emotions is another matter. Anyone looking at her will note her look of distress and puzzlement. She bites her tongue for a moment, puts on her happy face, then turns to address the group.

I had not received any such request for help from our temple here, and I have no idea what map he's talking about, so I'm as in the dark as much as the rest of you. However the thief does know about the map, and where to find his associates. Captain Rashpart said that time is of the essence, so let's get going. Our prisoner can explain what he knows along the way.

[Typhon]

I can ride a horse (ride skill), but have never driven a wagon (handle animal skill). Do we have any drivers amongst us?

[Ed Zachary]

As of now Captain Rashpart is heading the opposite direction that you will be going after his conversation with Semaria.

Tronja was confronted by Sorrel, and made a move to walk around him toward the wagons. Is Sorrel or anyone else going to address the thief?

Ghezryln ran quickly around the wagons, probably to cut off an flight route by the thief.

Adara (as humanoid), Kadion, Semaria, Typhon and Vimachipal are walking towards the wagons, and are engaged in some conversation.

About six ravens are resting on the ledge of the warehouse above you, they started kawing when the group left the building.

[essyx]

Adara walks away from the rest of the group quietly, and heads back towards the Ravens. As she approaches the building, she transforms into the Raven form they all remember from before, and flies up to the roof.

After a few moments, the group sees the Ravens all flying down with a few odds and ends a traveller would likely carry, and drop them in the straw stuffed wagon furthest back in wagon the train, then split up.Some land on a wagon side post, in the straw, or on a particularly placid horse's head. However, 3 stay aloft, drifting in the sky some 30 to 40 feet up. They look as if they're waiting and watching.

[Ribe]

Sorrel stops the theif and says" talk. Witch way and how far.... What is waiting for us at the end. " "I will be very unhappy if we run into trouble that you could help us to avoid..if you take my meaning."

[Ed Zachary]

Tronja's responses will be given in green.

Sorrel stops the thief and says "talk. Witch way and how far.... What is waiting for us at the end. I will be very unhappy if we run into trouble that you could help us to avoid... if you take my meaning."

Tronja looks up at Sorrel, then pulls the hood off of its head. She is a surprisingly attractive human female with long green hair, deep green eyes, and is wearing a decorative platinum headband with a faceted green gem in the front. In a soft and seductive voice she calmly says:

Once we leave Almraiven the trail will take us west, past the Spider Swamp and Forest of Mir. Then we will follow the River of Ice northward toward the Marching Mountains. Hopefully we will have caught my two ex-associates before we get to the mountains, but if not I’ll be able to track them. I know roughly where the map will lead them. She goes on and on, and is very redundant and descriptive of the journey ahead and the challenges that the party may encounter. Finally she asks... any questions before we start?

[Semaria]

Enough of this chatter, she's stalling to give her associates more time to escape. She can tell us her life story while we're on the road. I get the feeling that we'll all have plenty of time to talk during the journey.

Tronja, you drive the the first wagon, and no more stalling. Who else can drive one of these wagons?

[Typhon]

Typhon climbs up onto the second wagon and hops into the drivers seat, then picks up the reigns. Addressing the group: our patron said that the thief is incapable of acting against us, so let her drive until she make a wrong move. And she's the only one who knows where we're going. The priestess is correct, let's take this on the road.

[The Wandering Bard]

Kadion walks up to the rest of the group, meeting the rest at the wagons.

How ling will we be traveling today? My staff has limited magical abilities. After I have drawn the maximum amount of power from it I will need to ride in a wagon. (Staff can fly for 9 hours.) I also have a way with animals, if no one else can handle the horses and wagons I can manage those for the group.

Kadion reaches into the quiver on his back, pulling out the long wooden staff, and a longbow. He replaces the retreived items with his trident. Kadion waits for the group to start moving before he activate the wooden staff.

[Typhon]

You can be my copilot, we'll split driving duty. I get the feeling that Sorrel will want to copilot with the thief. The standard practice would be to travel for six hours, rest the animals for an hour, then travel another six hours. All during daylight hours.

Note to DM, can you describe the wagons, and how many people and how much supplies they can hold.

[Ed Zachary]

These two wagons are large and well built. Each one has two barrels of water, a sack of dried meet, two tents, a lantern, and a a tinderbox for starting fires. The heavy wheels are four feet in diameter, and the six foot wide, 12 foot long wagons (made of wooden planks) sit three feet above the ground. A foot high removable rail goes around the two sides and back. Each wagon is pulled by two teams of two horses. Unfortunately these wagons are not covered, you'll be out in the open.

[essyx]

[quote=Ed Zachary;5495]These two wagons are large and well built. Each one has two barrels of water, a sack of dried meet, two tents, a lantern, and a a tinderbox for starting fires.[quote]

One of the crows sitting on the post of a wagon, looks curiously at the shiny metal things and caws, cocking its head with interest.

Finally it hops down next to them, pecking at them, and, hearing the 'ting' of the metal against it's beak, decides to ignore it and settle down in the dip of a sack next to it.

[Vimachipal]

Vi dreads the prospect of the long ride ahead. The barbarians will want to know all about her life's story, and she will be obliged to tell them something. But what's the point, they'll forget most everything she said five minutes later. Then they'll ask the same silly questions tomorrow. I must remember, this trip is a mandatory penance. And besides, there's the cure that I must be concerned with.

Silently looking at the two large wagons, the back of the second one looks like the best place for her to travel. She hopes that the two drivers (Typhon and Kadion) will entertain themselves. Of all the group members, these ravens seem to be the most desirable company.

Now to climb up... should I use magic? No, I'm becoming too dependent. Vi uses two spokes from the back wheel as ladder steps, and climbs onto the wagon. She sits on the bed of the wagon, with her back against one of the barrels.

[Ghezryln]

Hmmm, interesting development. Like the priestess said, let's be on our way. With a very athletic and graceful move I jump up onto the wagon over the railing. I'm in the front wagon, and will ride behind the thief. If she runs, I'll catch her.

Jump Check (DC=16): 06+(d20=17)=23

[Semaria]

I'm no monk, so I'll climb into the lead wagon in a more dignified manner.

[Ed Zachary]

Your two wagons start to head north along the muddy road, one after the other. Tronja is driving the lead wagon, Sorrel is the copilot, and Ghezryln and Semaria are riding in the back. Typhon is driving the second wagon, Kadion is the copilot, and Vimachipal and Adara (as raven) are riding in the back. There are a total of seven ravens including Adara. Three are flying overhead at about 40 feet, and four including Adara are in the wagon.

Let me know if anyone has a different take, or wants to do anything else while in still in town. I want to make sure we all have an accurate picture of the situation to avoid confusion.

Note regarding ravens: Normal Faerunian ravens have two foot long bodies and a six foot wingspan. They are small (size) creatures, but larger here than in real life.

[essyx]

Your two wagons start to head north along the muddy road, one after the other. Tronja is driving the lead wagon, Sorrel is the copilot, and Ghezryln and Semaria are riding in the back. Typhon is driving the second wagon, Kadion is the copilot, and Vimachipal and Adara (as raven) are riding in the back. There are a total of seven ravens including Adara. Three are flying overhead at about 40 feet, and four including Adara are in the wagon.

Let me know if anyone has a different take, or wants to do anything else while in still in town. I want to make sure we all have an accurate picture of the situation to avoid confusion.

Note regarding ravens: Normal Faerunian ravens have two foot long bodies and a six foot wingspan. They are small (size) creatures, but larger here than in real life.


Lol.. but only by about 12". Not that much of a difference.:rolleyes:

[Semaria]

Semaria is a well-endowed and rather attractive human female with fair skin, long silver hair, and eyes that are as blue as the sea. She stands 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. She is wearing a low cut silver gown with sandals, a decorative platinum chain with a platinum periapt and a large pink gem in the center, and is carrying a trident. She doesn't just walk, she sashays.

I am Semaria of Calimport, Priestess of Selune. I just arrived here in Almraiven today by boat. I never saw this wanted poster you all responded to, I was told to arrive at the warehouse by a messenger while I was still en route. I didn't even know what the mission was. Now that I'm here, I feel honored to be in your company.

As you probably realized, Captain Rashpart also works for the temple of Selune. However we never met before. He said that the local temple was threatened by the followers of Shar, and they sent a message to our temple asking for help. As far as I know, we never received that message.

Now three priests are dead and a map to a sacred burial chamber was stolen by... by that thing and her friends. I don't know what magics are in place to force her obedience, but from the looks of her it hasn't been a pleasant experience. While my initial reaction is to seek justice for murder, Tronja is the only one who knows where we're going. And I trust the wisdom of the elders when they said they don't want her killed.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed up, but I'm glad to be here. This is the furthest east I've ever been. I like the water, it is alot like me. It's usually calm and peaceful, but when its temper has been aroused its wrath knows no limits.

[Typhon]

Typhon appears as a muscular, gray skinned, six foot, 240 pound half orc, and wears a fur cloak over a full set of chain mail with a great sword and long bow sheathed over his back. He wears his short black hair in a Mohawk cut.

As I said before, I’m a veteran mercenary warrior from the Galena Mountains in the north, from the land the humans sometimes call Damara, and sometimes Vaasa. For the past seven years I have been traveling the entire continent, working for various trade interests. I want to make one thing clear to everyone; I'm here to make money. I don't know the rest of you, but I expect that each of you brings a valuable skill to the group, and you will earn your share. One thing I can't tolerate is dragging along dead wood, then giving it a share of my gold. I hope we're all clear on that.

I've hunted centaurs before, they can be difficult prey. They like to move quickly in a fake retreat then fire arrows from your flank. Keep them in sight, and if you do lose sight expect the flanking maneuver. They are strong as an ox and skilled fighters. So seek to engage them in battle on rough terrain or on a slope, to negate their advantage as they are clumsy. Regarding the elf, I believe that one of my arrows can put it out of its misery. My only concern is that it will be able to use magic. That's where we will need the spell casters to help us out.

Do you see the burn mark on my cloak? That came from a red dragon. It was a small one, but they can be very dangerous. It kept flying out of our arrow range and made fake dives to draw our fire, then quickly back out of range. Then when it did dive it would breathe fire on us without landing. We were fortunate to entangle it in the trees before it cooked us all. Why am I telling you all this? Because I want to collect the reward gold. We need to understand our enemy and know its tactics. I'm not sure how many of you are battle tested, but I expect that if we are to be successful, that we will have to go into battle as a united group and fight smart.

One last thing, I usually earn my gold because my presence convinces potential enemies that a fight would be a bad idea for them. But that hadn’t always been the case, and I don’t believe that it will be the case here. We’re not the guards, we’re the hunters. I really don’t care about religious wars, and I’m not interested in visiting any burial chamber. But a job is a job, and I’m a professional.

[Ed Zachary]

Those of you that know about wagons realize that despite Tronja's delaying tactics while talking outside the warehouse, she did a great job of driving through town in an expeditious manner. Once you pass through the city gates, Semaria and Typhon did most of the talking. Your two carts are traveling northwest at a speed of 50 ft/rd. You seem to be making good time.

[Semaria]

[Semaria pokes Tronja with her trident] Now it's your turn. I want to know how you learned about the map, who you were working with to organize the attack, how you broke into the temple and killed the priests, who the centaur and elf are, where they are going, what we should expect to find there, and if they're working with anyone else.

[Ed Zachary]

Immediately upon being poked, Tronja stops the wagon. She turns to face Semaria, and her tone is no longer soft and seductive. Her voice is loud and abrasive, you notice that her four canine teeth are pronounced, and her breath reeks of sulfur.

Listen here your highness, I'm here to serve my penance by helping you out. But if you're set on killing me, do it now. Go ahead, poke right here (she points to where her heart is). I know where we need to be going, and none of the rest of you have even the slightest clue. So go ahead, kill me. That means you get no reward, and you've wasted the past two days. And failure would be a serious blow to all your reputations, that you killed your only guide out of stupidity. And you priestess, how will your superiors feel when my associates loot your burial chamber and get away with the murder of your priests? So I strongly suggest that you stick that thing (the trident) where the sun doesn't shine!

The thief then turns back around and crosses her arms. It's apparent that she's not ready to start driving yet. She returns to the soft and seductive voice she used earlier. My back, it's bleeding. I expect that wound to be healed by the perpetrator. And we go nowhere until I receive an apology and assurances that I won't be attacked again. Are we clear?

DM's Note: It's still near midday and sunny, you've only been traveling for about an hour.

[Semaria]

And you my dear, can go to the ninth layer of Baator.

[Ghezryln]

[Out of character, LMAO]

Excuse me priestess, but you did provoke her with your trident. That was uncalled for. I suggest you heal her and offer an apology. After all, you do have more to lose than the rest of us. But those were good questions, I'd like to hear the answers.

[Semaria]

[Out of character, you're both now on my "list"]

The wound doesn't look that bad. [casts Cure Minor Wound]

I won't do that again, and I won't kill you. Unless you give me reason to.

Semaria sits down and has a very, very angry look on her face. She gives Ghezryln a look that would've caused paralyzing fear in a lesser creature.

[Ed Zachary]

A smug and diabolic smile comes to Tronja's face, she knows that she won the last encounter.

Slowly and deliberately she grabs the reigns of the horse, and her wagon starts moving forward again. But it's not moving as fast as it had been going before the incident.

[essyx]

The raven sitting in the sack next to thie shny things looks up at the commotion, and cocks it's head.

After everything settles down, and the wagons start moving again, she makes a soft kawing at the wizard, then flies up to the front wagon. After hovering overhead of a couple of minutes, it lands on the front horse's withers, carefully not clawing the skin, but just grabbing the mane and some of the collar for the gear.

It has decided to stare at the driver.:D

[Ghezryln]

I appear as an unattractive human pauper, wearing a tattered gray cloak, sandals and gloves. My skin is deep brown from being out in the sun too long, and my head is shaved. I'm not carrying any weapons.

I am an honorable and humble monk of the Shining Hand Brotherhood from the city of Athkatla, in Amn. I grew tired of the corruption that was so prevalent in the day to day life in that city, so I left the monastery in search of adventure. I just arrived here in the city of Almraiven, and saw the opportunity to test myself and help capture two thugs. Here are my observations so far:

The halfling claims to be from the Forest of Mir, but I believe that he is a spy for the centaur and elf. Or perhaps for Rashpart.

Captain Rashpart is deliberately hiding some valuable piece of information from us, and doesn't trust us yet. Maybe he will have his halfling spy checking up on our progress.

Tronja the thief would rather die than see us succeed, but is being forced against her will to help us. While she can't harm us, she hopes to see us die before she meets her end.

[Ed Zachary]

Grasshopper has me figured out. Yes, I'd like to see you all die. And I hope my associates do find the burial chamber. You want to know what Rashpart is hiding? He's hiding the fact that inside the warded tombs, might be a large fortune in gold. He's paying you a tiny percentage of what could be there. If that's the case, you'd all be better off splitting the loot with Cyrus and Ziggy. But I doubt any of you are skilled enough to defeat the wards, so never mind.

[Vimachipal]

Vimachipal (I prefer Vi) is a elfette with a frail build and an even frailer personality. Her skin is a rich golden color, the long wavy hair on her head is like fine strands of copper, and her eyes are forest green. She is only four and a half feet tall and weighs 90 pounds when wet. Vi's wearing a hooded green travelers cloak and a black leather back pack. She keeps her hood up and nobody has gotten a good view of her face yet, and she intends to keep it that way. You can see the golden complexion of her skin on her hands and ankles, and her hair cascades out the cloak around her neck. She tends to speak with a soft, melodic and soothing voice, but abruptly and in short sentences.

I am from the elven homeland on the Island of Evermeet, and I worship Corellon Larethian. I was sent here to the human nation of Calimshan to fulfill a quest as the result of an accident that I did not cause, but was blamed on me. The accident left me and three others magically scarred, and I am searching for the cure. Our seers have prophesized that a series of signs would lead me to what I search for. They foretold that upon my arrival in Almraiven I would see a sign that that would set me on the proper course. The first sign I saw in town was a WANTED poster for two outlaws, so I joined the posse that is being sent out to hunt them down. The Seer said that my next sign will present itself as a large mural. So while I am with you I will do my best to help you hunt down the fugitives.

I have a question for Adara and Kadion; do either of you have elven blood?

If so, what is your lineage?

[Vimachipal]

I'm against the state of slavery that the thief has been bound into. If she were an elf, she would've been banished from our homeland and branded as one who has murdered three times. Why do humans feel that they need to own as much gold as they can get their paws on, and to own others of their own kind as slaves?

[essyx]

Verifying her balance on the horse, the Raven, changes back into a human, sitting on the horse backwards, slightly spooking the horse under her.

Waiting until it gets settled again, she just watches the thief.

Finally, once the horse settles down, she nods her hellos to everyone, not taking her eyes off of the thief.

"I am Adara. And I am a human. Not a very spectacular human, just average. I prefer my feathered friends to most peoples, because they make sense. Among the birds, thieving is considered play, not something to kill over. As a matter of fact, Ravens don't kill at all, though they will protect."

Staring straight into the thief's eyes, she continues. "For a bird to kill, it is truly sick. And when this is so, it is shunned. And hopefully killed by a land meat-eater. However, every bird on wing mourns the loss of a feathered friend, even if they competed for food resources."

"Friends to animals who are kind when possible, and kill cleanly and quickly when necessary, will always be welcome in my Grove."

At this point, she shuts her mouth, and continues to stare at the thief, talking quietly to the horse under her, soothing it's nerves.:D

For those who are looking at her, they see a slight woman with dusky grey eyes and mucky brown hair. Though clean, she will never win any beauty contests. It seems as if, if she was in a large group of people, she would just fade into obscurity. Her clothing is very utilitarian, split skirt and apron, cloak covering her damp hair the same color as her eyes. The quarterstaff is in her hands again, across her lap and balanced on her knees.

Some mightn otice that when she turns human, all birds flying land somewhere. One lands on the Elf Mage's shoulders, and grooms her for a moment, before focusing it's attention on the thief.

Every Raven is watching the thief.

[Vimachipal]

Vi allows the raven to land on her shoulder, but is wary to allow it to look under her hood.

[To Adara] In studying our slave, I think that she's not all human. I would guess that she has the blood of devils pumping through her heart, if she has one. So when Semaria wished her to Baator, that may be her home.

[To Tronja] What is to be your fate after the centaur and elf are stopped? Will you have gained your freedom?

[Ghezryln]

Captain Rashpart is paying us a fair wage to recover his stolen possession and help bring two murdering thieves to justice. I have no interest in joining your gang of thieves or seeing you set free. We will return you, your associates, and the map to him and collect our reward. I would prefer to return the three of you alive, but that is not a requirement for our payment.

[Semaria]

[sarcasm] So that's the story Tronja, all we have to do is release you and you'll lead us to riches beyond our wild imaginations! That is if we can just brush away the murder of three priests and the theft of a sacred item. Sign me up now, because since we met you you've radiated such an aura of believability. And how are we suppose to free you?

[Typhon]

I may not be the brightest and wisest in this group, but I know a troublesome no win situation when I see one. This thief is trouble, therefore I will mind my business and not instigate her. I want to collect my reward, and we need her to collect it, for now anyway. I get the feeling that she knows the value of her life goes from extremely high to almost nothing once we kill the centaur and elf and recover the stolen map. I will be on guard for her deception. This region is new to me, I've never worked here before. Typhon pays close attention to the scenery, landscape and geographical markers.

[Ribe]

Sorrel watches the conversation for some time leaning toward the back of the wagon. He watches the beautiful lady with the trident curiously noting Tronja responses to the others.

Flexing his bronze muscles toward Tronja while hitting his hands rhythmically together to get her attention.

Though Sorrel's manner is aggressive his voice is quite friendly " Tronja I see you have two options. Option one is to accidentally see that we die or get hurt. Under this option you might get some short-term satisfaction seeing us injured beyond repair. Per your words you would love that......

However you would surely die a most" hitting his scaly bronze fists together with a loud clap ”painful and agonizing death. For I can promise you won't die right away." Smiles knowingly...

"or Option Two you help us with all haste to avoid all traps and nasty inconveniences making sure that we all live. With this option you will live and I will recommend that you are well treated and allowed to eventually be completely free. For everyone deserves a second chance. So which option do you choose?" Sorrel brushes his platinum blond hair back and sticks out his bronze hand in an act of friendship.

Looking at Sorrel you notice that even though his skin is bronze with some scales he looks extremely handsome. Wavy platinum blond hair elegantly some how pushing away the water from his smiling features. His armor is flecked with bronze plating showing the intricate design of a dragon taking flight. Around his waist are various pouches and a sheath down his right leg. A long quiver is held over his back with a silver bow sticking out of the top. His presence is always laid back until he brings his friendly blue eyes to bear.

[Ed Zachary]

Sorrel notices a smile come to Tronja's face. Not one of pleasure or happiness, but of wickedness.

You are now heading due west, and the wagons are making good speed (50 ft/rd). Up ahead you notice a bit of a dust cloud. Moments later you see another wagon approaching you (about a mile away).

Tronja: You know that I could go beyond just being helpful in finding Cyrus and Ziggy, and can help this group become very wealthy. I know none of you are willing to admit it now in the open, but we'll have chances to speak in private later on. Gold and power do have their allures. But I am magically bound to obey my orders, so I can't help you. But if someone (Tronja raises her hands to her head) were to remove this head...

Tronja faints and falls off the wagon, right into the path of the second wagon. The oncoming carriage (two horses) is now about 500 feet away, and the two drivers can see Tronja fall.

[Typhon] Make a Handle Animal check.

[Ed Zachary]

This note is for Adara, Semaria and Vimachipal only: Congrats, the three of you made a Sense Motive check!

You were watching Tronja as the oncoming carriage approached. As she was talking, you noticed that she steered her wagon a bit to the right, tilted her body to the left, then touched her headband before she fainted. To you it looks like she waited for the oncoming carriage to get near so she had an audience, then deliberately fainted and fell into the path of the trailing wagon.

[Typhon]

Tronja faints and falls off the wagon, right into the path of the second wagon. The oncoming carriage (two horses) is now about 500 feet away, and the two drivers can see Tronja fall.

Handle Animal check: 5+(d20=2)=7

Squish!!!

Typhon tries to turn his wagon on short notice, but isn't that good a driver. I stop the wagon as soon as possible and see if there anything left of her.

[Semaria]

As soon as the wagon runs it over I hop out of my wagon and walk to what's left of it.

I cast Status (2nd level) and touch her. Is it still alive or conscious?

If its dead, we'll need to go back to town and get it raised.

If its alive but unconscious, I'll heal it enough to bring it to consciousness.

If its alive and conscious, I'll help drag it back to its wagon.

I'll use clerical spontaneous casting for a Cure Light Wounds or two.

By the way, what does the other wagon do?

[Ed Zachary]

Wow... Typhon got her good! The horses missed her, but both her legs were badly broken from the wheels of the wagon.

Tronja was unconscious (dying, negative hit points), it took you two spells to bring her to stability (positive hit points).

The other carriage stops. There are two drivers dressed in militia uniforms, but you can't see inside it. As one soldier dismounts (he has a sheathed long sword), he asks you if you need any assistance.

He wears a white uniform with blue and gold trim. Kadion and Semaria recognize the uniform as that of the Peserkhal militia, loyal to the Emperor of Calimshan.

[Typhon]

Good afternoon sir. My name is Typhon, and we are escorting our prisoner while looking for her escaped two associates. They sacked the temple of Selune in Almraiven, killed three priests, and stole a map. She is on loan to us from the temple of Selune, and we are using her to help find her associates. We had a bit of an accident here, she fell off the lead wagon and was run over by myself. She's now OK, our priestess seems to have situation under control.

By the way, how is the road up ahead? Has there been any bandit activity lately?

[Ghezryln]

I bid you good day. I am Ghezryln of Athkatla, a brother of the Shining Hand Monastery.

In addition to what my associate Typhon said, have you seen a centaur and an elf?

They are guilty of murder and theft, and our posse seeks to bring them to justice. Any assistance you offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Vimachipal]

Thinking to myself, this isn't going to end well. Vi casts a MESSAGE spell. She whispers messages to Typhon and Ghezryln to end their contact with the soldier, as this encounter can only go from harmless to bad. She then whispers a message to the other four party members that we need to leave at once before we find trouble.

[Semaria]

Semaria silently nods in agreement to the whispered message she just received. She looks to the two strongest members of the party (Sorrel and Typhon), and suggests they put her back in the wagon. She also asks Kadion if he can drive the lead wagon for the rest of the day. This thing is no longer fit to drive, it needs to be bound. Put her next to Typhon. I believe it tried to kill itself. This was no accident, she deliberately fell of her wagon and rolled under the other wagon.

[Ed Zachary]

Before Sorrel or Typhon get to Tronja to move her, the soldier walks over and looks at her.

He has a look on his face like he may know who she is.

[The Wandering Bard]

Sense motive check (1d20+2)=14 this is on the soldiers.

Casts message to the group. I don't like this, these soldiers look like they know her...it, Look at there faces, I think we should leave, be ready for anything, i think this might get ugly. Also someone bind the devil-witch please, they said keep her alive, they said nothing about not restraining her. She can give directions she doesn't need movement for that. Yes I can drive the wagon, I am rather good at that. Again be wary.

I climb onto the drivers bench, I have my longbow next to me and an arrow next to it, rady for an escalated situtation. I also study the wagon that the guards pulled up in.

Search roll (1d20+5)=12
Spot roll (1d20+2)=13

[Ed Zachary]

Dismounted Soldier: I know this woman, her name is Kamiel. She and her consort Trolvius are wanted for a long list of crimes along the coast. This woman is a wanted criminal, I will take her back to Almraiven from here. And I will put in an honorable mention for your assistance in her capture if you cooperate. Now move on, we'll take her from here.

As the soldier moves to take the woman who he believes to be Kamiel, the other solder dismounts from the wagon.

Sense motive check (1d20+2)=14 this is on the soldiers.
Search roll (1d20+5)=12
Spot roll (1d20+2)=13

You sense that the soldier speaking is interested in bringing Kamiel (Tronja?) himself, for the reward and status. He doesn't want to share any of the credit or gold with the party. Other than that everything you see appears "normal". There doesn't seem to be any additional soldiers (or animals) around, just the two and their horses.

[Ed Zachary]

Tronja: Yes I also go by the name Kamiel, and get your filthy paws off me. There are seven of us and a flock of birds, there are only two of you. Now get lost before we kill you and send your rotting remains back to your [beep] Emperor. Because your Emperor is a [beep], you looked the other way when the Travelers Aid Society (a group associated with Selune) killed my beloved Trolvius. What we did was just payback for their crimes. There is no justice here, we had to make our own.

[Semaria]

Sorry, but you can't have it. Its most recent crimes were committed on the grounds of our temple, it killed our priests, and it stole our map. And right now we are using it to find its two companions, a centaur and an elf. Have you seen them in your travels? Are they also wanted fugitives?

[The Wandering Bard]

I step from the wagon, reaching into my spell pouch I pull out a peice of velium paper (I cast Prestidigitaion on the paper to appear as a royal sigil)
I walk over to the guards and my companions.

Please I am sorry to intrude but if I may have a word I may be able to clarify a few things, I am Bastion a member of the Shadow Watchers, you know of us yes, We work for the Zulkiers of Thay, We are the organization that tracks down those how have harmed our fair city. I am in the employ of Fasteel Von'krass the Zulkier of Enchantment, to bring this prisoner before the Convocation (a meeting of all the Zulkiers from the heads of the magic schools). As you know, Or at least I assume as you look to be of some importance, the Zulkier of Enchantment and the Emperor of Calmishan are allies at this time, a pact has been made for the transport of this prisoner. I must say though your aid and offered assistance is impressive and shall not go unrewarded. For your assistance I recommend traveling to Almraiven, see a man named Vol in the dock districts he owns the Platinum mermaid, and he is the cousin of the Head of Peserkhal militia, This would bring you into the light for a promotion and a raise as well as the good grace of both the Zulkier and the Emperor for aiding the allanace. Please once again do not take offense to my escorts they are here to aid. (this coversation goes with a bluff check roll of 13+6=19,)


If this does not Appease the guards I attempt to use diplomacy, (10+10)=20
Gentlemen I am sure that if you explain that you helped the temple of Sunes Group with a prisonner they would reward you justly.

[Ed Zachary]

The soldier grabs the piece of paper, and looks perplexed. He walks over to the second solder and they talk for about for about a minute. Then the first soldier walks back over to Kadion.

Honorable Bastion, with all due respect to you, the Shadow Watchers, and the nation of Thay, Kamiel is a very dangerous criminal, and the reward for her capture is substantial. It would be difficult for us to forget that we saw her with your group. It's not that we doubt your word, but we are loyal to the Emperor and his laws, despite our meager pay. We thank you for your generous offer, but we can not easily forget what we saw.

The soldier hands Kadion a small but empty sack in a semi-covert manner.

Sirs, the last time my associate and I were at the Platinum Mermaid, we had such a good time that we forgot what we did the previous day. But drinks and entertainment there is not cheap.

After finishing his speech, the soldier remains standing there, looking at Kadion.

[essyx]

The human straddling the head horse backwards makes a kaughing sound, and one of the Ravens comes diving down and grabs the bag as it is being passed. Flying up with heavy wingbeats, it manages to fly to the woman who called to it.

"I hate to say this, but this is bribery. I just couldn't bear to think that anyone would think that someone of a military standing could accept or give bribes. Now that would just ruin a community's faith in it's guard and leaders. How about we take this, and our hurt prisoner here, and get on our way."

She takes a tan bag out of another bag around her waist. Whispering to it, she pulls a furry ball out of it, and tosses it onto the ground next to the broken Tronja.

Out comes a Brown Bear (d100 roll=21) and looks at the woman who just pulled him out. Then looks back at the 'guards.'
And growls. (guard & defend (later-fetch, come, attack))

"I'm sure you wouldn't want to take our treasure away from us. After all, I don't think he would appreciate it if you tried to take the person he was just told to guard. As a matter of fact, he will only allow me to come near her. And she's still hurt, too hurt to walk. Now. I could heal her up, but then, when she was able to walk, I'm positive she'd much rather travel with us than you. Isn't that right, Tronja?"

Looking at Tronja at this point, she continues. "And I am sure she doesn't want to test the boundaries of the spell she has on her to make her obedient. After all, trying to get herself taken by another group, when it's obvious that we're the stronger force, just has to kick in some of those magical punishments. And I am sure she doesn't like pain and torment very much. After all, who would?"

Through all of this, the only thing that has changed her seating on the horse <backwards> is that she has twisted around to talk to both the small group (merrily) and the bear she threw at them (quietly.) The horse she has been sitting on has been very patient and is just standing there, the ears backwards, attentive to the small woman.

[Ed Zachary]

Both soldiers have been sufficiently intimidated to no longer press the issue of taking Kamiel as their prisoner back to Almraiven. As they slowly walk in reverse back to their wagon with their swords drawn, they say in a threatening tone that "This incident will not go unreported."

Tronja to Adara: A perfect example of Calishite justice at its finest.

Yells to soldiers: You know why they're keeping me alive? Because I know where a treasure horde lies. Rescue me and I'll give you a share. She then screams in agony from the pain she is suffering.

You watch the soldiers take leave on their wagon. Kadion's Sense Motive tells him that the encounter did not end well, and could present problems in the future.

[essyx]

The Horse on the lead wagon that Tronja was guiding walks forard a few steps, then stops near Tronja. Adara clambers down, and attends her wounds. (Cure Serious Wounds until she is almost up to par.)

After helping her up to a standing position, she helps her walk back to the lead wagon, and lets her climb into the back of it. Looking at her, head cocked, she asks one question.

"Do we need to tie you up for your own safety?"

The Bear goes into the woods, for all that anyone knows, to live it's own life. (to DM-it will parallel the group until the spell dissapates, guarding and defending Tronja.)

[Semaria]

We're harboring a dangerous criminal and were spotted with it by the Peserkhal militia. So we lied to them, then we threatened them. I'm sure we'll have some explaining to do to the authorities when we get back to Almraiven. And I don't think we saw the last of those greedy thugs.

Adara, I think you made a mistake by healing that thing further than necessary. Who has some rope? Tie its hands so it can't remove its headband, and tie it to the seat that Kadion was using so it can't jump again. I don't believe it would've rather gone with the militia, I think it was trying to provoke a fight.

[Typhon]

Typhon takes some rope and ties Tronja's hands behind her back, lifts her up like a sack of potatoes, plops her into the back of his wagon, and ties her to the railing.

All we had to do was give those guys a few gold pieces, and they would've been happily on their way.

DM - Do we see any landmarks? What is the land and road like?

[The Wandering Bard]

I look towards the Druidess and the others,

I had everything undercontrol, I know lying may not be the best thing to do, but the costs would have been little, they don't make that much in pay so the bribe would have been small. Also now that they have been threatened we look bad to them and the others they report to. If i had been able to finish the situation, the incident would not have been reported and the problem would have vanished. I respect your honor and beliefs but sometimes the truth can bind, as surely as a rope.

[Vimachipal]

Kadion, that is the human in you speaking. When you've lived long enough you realize that every false word you've uttered will come back to haunt you. Adara has a surprising amount of integrity, and she is a credit to humanity. Even if we had paid them a bribe, they'd still be following us out of greed. Make no mistake, those two are infatuated with gold. But now that they are angry, that will work to our advantage. They are more likely to make a mistake. We need to be prepared for their return.

Semaria, I understand your hostility toward Tronja. But instigating her will not help us capture the centaur and elf, or recover the map. It will only be a drain on our resources.

[The Wandering Bard]

I am sorry, you have a point Vi, but what I meant was I had hoped to either impress the soldiers with titles and allainces, or bribe them into lettingus pass. I had not meant a bribe, in the sense of our shareing of our money. The Platinum Mermaid is indeed a tavern in the docks district, but what most do not now is that it is watched by those loyal to the Emperor of Calimshan, those foolish enough to hint at bribery are reported to their ranking officers in an effort to keep the royal militia a more...how shall I put this...Pure..regiment than the normal guards. My attempting to bluff past the guards was two fold one, is I have been in the employ of this organization to find those not devoted to the Emporer in the past. And Two to get past the guards unhassled, and on there good side, as we will be returning to the city. If they did indeed take the "Bribe" they would have been arrested and held till long after we got back or relieved of there duties. No harm done either way.

(in answer to Vi's earlier question about My heritage, Yes there is a little elven blood in these veins. My grandfather was a Gold Elf from Summerset Ilse. My mother was a half elf and my father was a human, thus my human heritage but my elven looks, tastes, and my secondary language. ;)

[Vimachipal]

Spilled milk, water under the bridge. My people have a saying when things don't go our way. "Több is veszett Mohácsnál" (More was lost as Mohacs). That was the site of a lost battle that caused my people a long series of losses afterward. We must now react to what has happened, not what might have happened. The soldiers know we are looking for gold. Even if we paid them a bribe, chances are that they would follow us anyway. Knowing they are angry over being slighted will give some hints to their strategy. They will be following us more closely, and be more aggressive. Adara holds the key to defeating their plans, if they have such plans to follow us.

I do not know of Summerset Ilse, can you tell me of your homeland?

[Ghezryln]

I signed up for this posse to hunt down two murdering thieves and to recover a piece of stolen property. I did not sign up to witness or be party to the torture of this unfortunate creature. Have any of you asked yourself why Tronja is so desperate to kill herself? While I have little reason to doubt that she is guilty of the crimes she is accused of, it is within the realm of possibility that crimes of a similar nature were committed against her loved ones by those she later attacked. As we have seen first hand, "Calishite Justice" is an oxymoron.

Once we complete our mission, I want this party to take a vote on what we do with Tronja. Do we return her to those who have her bound, or do we release her? If I had to vote now, I'd vote to release her. And I'd probably be the only one. But more facts will come to light during this adventure. All I ask of the six of you is to keep an open mind, and when the time comes to vote your conscience.

[Ed Zachary]

Do we see any landmarks? What is the land and road like?

You've been traveling for about four hours now. The sun is out, but the dirt road is still a bit muddy. The land round the road is mostly grassy (one to three feet) with sporadic brush and a few groves of trees. You haven't passed any structures since you left Almraiven. You can make out some mountains to the northwest at a distance, about a hundred miles or so. You are heading due west, and don't see much of anything interesting or different up ahead. You figure that if you had to make camp, there have been and will be ample groves of trees for you to do so.

The soldiers had left already. Is the party ready to leave with Kadion and Typhon driving? Who will take over as Typhon's copilot in Kadion's place? Is everyone OK with Tronja tied in the back of the second wagon?

Adara - What form will you be traveling in, and where will you and your companions be?

[The Wandering Bard]

I agree with you my friend, We should have a vote on our guests future, though I wish to make it clear that I intend to vote on setting her free. She has done nothing to harm me, ans as our friend stated, fair justice in Calminshan is a rare thing. I can't say if she deserves her fate, but I don't trust the man that handed her over to us. though he seems helpful, he is hiding something from us, and I think he might do the wrong thing to keep that knowledge of what it is a secret.

TO VI:

My homeland is on an Island in the Trackless sea, many Elves have migrated there, In many ways I have heard it compared closely to Evermeet by my elders. Even my grandfather said that Summerset Ilse was set up as a reserve for Evermeet, incase a calamity should befall the Island. The Island contains many diverse areas, from vast gardens to forests, rolling plains and temperate mountain regions, the capital of the Island is made of white marble and is elegant. Thougth there is no doubt that it could withstand a siege. Sadly my homeland suffered a tragedy. Three years ago from the mountains that run along the sides of three sides of the island, a large force of Drow emerged, in an effort to wipe the island clean of its Fairie elves as they termed us. you would have been proud, our people stood, shoudler to shoulder, Half-elves, and elves Kin, and enemy in face of the new threat. The drow were weakened by the sunlight, but they still managed to deliver a severe blow to the island, almost half of the population was desimated. our elders raised groups to follow the retreating drow into there holes and collapes the caves behind them so they could not return.

I was one of those chosen to go. my group entered one of the many caves and followed a band throught the tunnels. We had no idea we were being set up. The band trapped us. there leader was a low ranking Priestess of Lloth. Our group had them out numbered but in the darkness of the cave their vision was better. Still we thought we had them beat. That was until we heard the chattering, and clicking. swarms of spiders had come to the aid of Lloths minion. We fought with all we had, It took almost two of my party to match one of theirs. Still we had them on the run. we fought and killed them all but the Cleric, she ran. As we chased her. some of the party fell to the spiders, their limbs swealing, and worse. three of us caught her in a chamber that lead to nowhere. She fought and killed one of my companions. Kiri....she was my friend...and ...we were promised to be wed in two months time. She was an elf, She had long brass colored hair, that glowed in the morning sun. and eyes that shown like saphires. Kiri feel protecting me as we fought against the drow priestess. The spiders swarmed over her, I tried to save her...the Demoness laughed as my love was dragged down, as she laughed I stabbed killed her, she had in her aragance left herself unprotected. As she died I tried to kill the Spiders to save Kiri.....I......could tell I was to late (Emotions taking over slightly.)...She was gone by the time I could ge to her....I was to late. I carried her body out of the cave and buried her in the Forest of Stars. Her grave is over looking the cliffs of Donithera, and the Trackless Sea, it was her favorite spot. Even today when I see a spider, I can't move, I have flash backs of that day, the day part of me died.....Sorry, I didn't mean to run on, its just its been a while sense anyone had asked about my home and my memories.

[essyx]

Adara - What form will you be traveling in, and where will you and your companions be?


My companions, as ever will be the Ravens. And I shall travel as one, winging up on occasion,to get a better view of my surroundings, and where I've been.

Unless I know how to release the bear, she will be following the caravan, in the forest, following her previous commands.

As always, unless I need to sleep, I will msot likely be watching Tronja out of curiosity.;)

[Ribe]

I also wish to free her in the end. For I believe that everyone deserves a second chance.
I further wish to leave her untied as an act of faith from our group.

Showing her one last time that we will trust her so that in this way she can act to help us rather then slow us down.

This however should be the last time we help her because if she tries to cause us problems again then we should tie her up.

What do the rest of you say?

[Ribe]

I also wish to know why she wishes to die.

No sane person wishes to die.

Why did you just try to kill yourself?

[Semaria]

If I had to vote now, I'd vote to release her.

I wish to make it clear that I intend to vote on setting her free.

I also wish to free her in the end.

What is wrong with this group? What part of "triple clericide and theft" don't you get? I know those two soldiers weren't the best examples of the law, but it should abundantly clear that this thing has a long history of violent crime. How is it that the men of this group have fallen under the effects of its fiendish charms? Snap yourselves out from under her spell and look at what she has done! I'll ride next to Typhon and copilot.

[Typhon]

I think she's pretty hot too, but I'm not ready to untie her. Right now the only sympathy I have is for my empty pockets, so I want to complete this mission and get paid. That means keeping Tronja alive and safe. If releasing her costs us money, then it won't come out of my share.

[Ed Zachary]

No sane person wishes to die.

Why did you just try to kill yourself?

Why do I want to Kill myself? Let's put this in the perspective of spiderman over there. Let's say the drow captured him right after he had watched the spiders eating his beloved Kiri. Those hairy eight legged creatures climbing all over her, tearing the flesh of her bones one limb at a time, eating her eyes out. Soon afterward he was captured by the drow and pronounced guilty of killing the priestess who killed his beloved. And to make matters worse they magically bound him to make him behave as they did. No trial, no justice. He would be destined to go through life as that he despised most, with the constant echo of that demonic laughter stuck in his head. And there was no escape other than death.

[Vimachipal]

I believe it would be foolish to untie Tronja, her past history has shown that she can not be trusted. I agree with Typhon in part, I want to recover the map and complete our mission. What we do with Tronja afterward is for later discussion. I suggest we keep moving as quickly as possible, the centaur and elf have a full day on us. And we want to keep ahead of the militia, if they choose to pursue us.

[Semaria]

I can't say if she deserves her fate, but I don't trust the man that handed her over to us. though he seems helpful, he is hiding something from us, and I think he might do the wrong thing to keep that knowledge of what it is a secret.

Captain Rashpart was doing his job the best he could. Our temple was just attacked, three of our priests were killed, and a valuable map was stolen. He had alot to worry about and alot to do. He only task was not to coddle us and make us feel good.

The burial chamber is a sacred location to us and we don't want it disturbed. There probably are valuables inside, as there is in most religious tombs. But we're being paid to return the map unseen, not loot a tomb.

[The Wandering Bard]

I agree, we shall have plenty of time to discuss the womens fate later. we should however continue with this journey, for the longer we stand here talking the more progress the others have on us.

I climb back into the wagon and ready the reins for the horses.

To Semaria: I do believe that she should be punished for her aid in the crimes commited, but at this point there is no proff that she was the one to commit them. She mighth just be a known associate of the two. besides if I'm correct, it is in her nature to be....how can I put this....A darker shade than the rest, Her heritage has a part in it. I don't believe that this excuses her because every one is responsible for their own actions. Ask the druidess, is it wrong for a snake to kill the rat, no its just part of nature, know if the snake kills the rat for pleasure that is wrong, at this time though this is all hypotheical. So we should hold these debates until a later time.


Looking to Tronja: You are a crude, and harsh being, I would normally not forgive you for your comment, but you make a good point, I would rather kill myself than be captive and held against my will, than serve my captors, Please though We are not the ones who cast the spell on you, we are pawns in this game as well. alibet we are free willed though. Know that I do not agree with your being enchanted as it is Wrong. Let us complete our mission, must of us want to free you. and your friends if they are indeed friends, will be judged to. we are goingfor the map that is all. the rest shall be decided later, and your aid or lack of it helps when the points are added up. (diplomacy roll 16+10)=26

[Semaria]

Even if that thing only picked the locks to get into the temple, disarmed the magic wards, and provided the poisons used to kill our priests, then it's guilty as all Baator in my book. Yes it is in its nature to be evil, just as it in in the nature of all those who worship Shar, just as it is in the nature of the dark elves who killed your bethroved.

Our society does not have laws against the killing of rats. In fact it is encouraged. If a poisonous snake bites a person and that person dies, the snake is not guilty of murder.

Most of us do not want to free her, there are only three of you. That thing was enchanted because that was the only way to capture its accomplices and recover the map.

[OOC note] Nice diplomacy roll, but the difficulty should be quite high when strong emotions and the need for revenge is involved. This was my fellow priests that were killed, and as a priestess of Selune I hold that chamber to be sacred.

[The Wandering Bard]

OOC: Thank you, But just so you know I am useing the diplomacy roll on Tronja to try to convince her to cooperate with us.

I agree with some of what you said, And I also feel for you, I would seek vengance against those who threatened or killed those I loved and respected. From my life amoung the elves I have payed homage to Selune, for I am considered to be rather handsome, and my wit and charm keep me alive, these I owe to Selune. But the she demon makes a point, How cruel is it to take over some one and force her to do things against there will. What if You were captured...lets say by the centuar and Elf... and they enchanted you to make you slay your fellow priests...or rob the temple of other prized and revered possestions. Would that not be a fate worse that death. To be made to do what the heart and soul do not wih to do, how many times would you pray for death as you killed your fellow priests, or as you looted the treasury? I don't think she should get away with out punishment, I think she should be severely punished, but Killed....All life is sacred. I think Vi might agree, from my time living on summerset Isle, Elves revere Life,life isto be lived and savored, enjoyed. To take a life is wrong, unless in war and defense or defending your home and friends.

[Ed Zachary]

This has been draining, I can't take much more. We can make the Forest of Mir by nightfall. I suggest we stop just before we enter the forest. I will get us to our destination as quickly as possible, just to be done with this nightmare. You probably don't trust me enough to release me, but the least you can do will be to kill me.

[The Wandering Bard]

Thank you mistress, that is all we ask of you, as to your being released upon arrival, we shall we what the circumstances relay.

[Ed Zachary]

At the onset of dusk you get to a mile or so of the forest where the trees are larger and denser. Tronja points out a grove where there are about 50 trees and some brush for cover a half mile off the road to the north. She says "Over there would be a good place to make camp for the night."

[Typhon]

I heard what Tronja said, but Typhon would've picked that grove anyway as a place to make camp for the night. Despite being the second wagon I turn right through the grass toward the grove. I spot an opening into the grove and stop the horses inside in a clearing. It looks like this grove is a popular camp spot for travelers, the clearing is perfect for concealing animals and there is a spot where a campfire once burned. I stop my team of horses, hop off and check the area out.

[The Wandering Bard]

I lead the wagon over to the clearing and begin making camp. I hop off of the wagon, bow in hand and arrow ready and begin walking a perimter around the campsite, looking for threats, defensive points, and picket areas.

Search=(10+5)=15

After walking a perimiter and if i found nothing threatening I walk over to Typhon. Should we light a few smaller fires around the perimeter for extra light?

[Ghezryln]

It's going to get dark soon, we need to eat and get some rest. The two most important concerns are watching our perimeter, and watching our prisoner. Can the druidess summon another bear? Ghezryln walks around the campsite for about five minutes, then selects a comfy place to lie down. Its on the inner perimeter of the clearing, near where the wagons were driven in. I'm an early riser, and I'm tired now. How about four two-hour shifts? I'll take the last one. Good night all.

[Vimachipal]

I'll take second watch, first I need a bit of time to meditate in silence. I'm going to sit over there, please do not disturb me until it's my turn.

Vi sits in the middle of a wooded area, and casts an ALARM spell around her.

[Ed Zachary]

I begin walking a perimeter around the campsite, looking for threats, defensive points, and picket areas. [Search=15]

The entire grove is about 120 feet in diameter, with a 40 foot diameter clearing in the center. The clearing had been cleared by past travelers as this seems to be a popular camping spot before passing by the Forest of Mir to the north and the Spider Swamp (hahaha!!!) to the south along the road. There is only one break in the dense ring of brush and trees, just wide enough to drive your wagons through. It is to the side away from the forest and road, so your location at the site is not visible to passers by and creatures leaving the forest. There do not seem to be any special areas around the perimeter better suited for defense. Any watch should be mostly concerned with the entrance, what passes by on the road (half mile away), and what might come out of the forest (a mile away). The rest of the terrain around the grove is tall grass, one to three feet high. Your wagons did make two noticeable trails from the road to the grove.

[The Wandering Bard]

If no one mind I would preffer First watch. If my request is granted Kadion walks the perimeter, far enough away from the alarm spell, and constantly moniters to camp and the surrondings.

Search roll (9+5)=14
Spot roll (13+2)=15
Listen Roll (11+2)=13

[Typhon]

I'm tired as heck, I put in a long day of driving. Sorry, but I don't feel like staying up for a watch tonight. Maybe tomorrow night. I'm going to sleep on my wagon, the same one where Tronja is tied and bound (her hands and legs are tied, and her body is tied to the railing). I don't want her untied for any reason. See you all in the morning.

[Semaria]

I hope you tied that thing well. If it keeps us up or gives away our presence it will get a Silence spell. If it tries to escape it will get worse. I'm going to pray for a while, then sleep. I hope to avoid a watch shift, but will take one if necessary.

[Ed Zachary]

Before Kadion goes on his patrol, Tronja addresses the party and asks if they want to hear some lore regarding the Spider Swamp.

Some Calishites refer to the Spider Swamp as the “Tenth Plane of Hell”. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it’s really not that far from the truth. Spider Swamp is a foul and fetid patch of Hell that reeks of death and decay. It is fed by two small, sluggish rivers that are excreted from the Forest of Mir, as well as several underground springs from beneath the swamp itself. Some say they emanate from the River Styx. I myself have been into the swamp a few times, it is thick with poisonous vegetation, including sprawling, moss-covered cypresses, cedars, and other angry trees that can move under their own power. It is a shadowy, dark land that’s very hot, unbearably humid, and absolutely breezeless. That swamp is a thoro