DM Bob & Carla Tuesday November 11th, 2008 10:51:18 PM
Those that venture to Mama Belles place are greeted by a verbal standoff between several of the townsfolk and Ma Belle herself. A small mob has gathered.
The ample bosumed Ma Belle, hands on her hips, does not appear to be taking artgument from anyone. She stands in front of a two story building with a full porch and an upper balcony that spans the front of the building. Unlike all the other buildings, this one has received a coat of paint and stands out in its bright yellow livery. Several men are on the upper balcony fixing a wooden ballistrade in place. Two more are completing work on a large chimney that climbs the outer wall on the west side. Two more men are finishing the roof.
"These men are supposed to be completing work on the new forge" a dwarven miner shouts out. "How come there's more wood on that porch than was alloted for my entire house?" a second person shouts out. "Pliny! Come away from there! You have enough work completing the shop!" Lollena calls out.
Several of Ma Belles 'daughters' pour lemonade for the workers and encourage them to continue their work.
"I've done nothing wrong." Ma Belle answers her accusers. "What's wrong with finishing the Inn? People need a place to stay, a place to relax after a hard day. What's wrong with that?"
The crowd presses in and grows more hostile as the argument grows. A stout woman with blond hair wielding a rolling pin advances on the building "You Tom, get yerself away from there and off home where ye belong!" She glares at Ma Belle as she orders her man home.
[Spot DC 10 to see that the only weapons drawn seem to be household items, cooking pans, rolling pins, etc.]
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=21 ; d20+6=17 ; d20=16 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2008 11:34:34 PM
Spot DC10 d20+1=21 Yep! pots and pans, rolling pins, and a few rotten tomatoes.
Alexi is at a loss as to what to do and has a hard time keeping a straight face. 'Who the heck was in charge of this work detail?' he wonders, for it should have been obvious to assign only single men to the task.
However this situation is not like the one on the pier at Floating City. There, they were clearly in charge of keeping the order. Here, however, was a dispute that did not clearly fall to their responsibility. The Security Force was to keep the place safe, from outsiders, not mess with internal squabbles.
But a riot was not good either, and Ma Belle had done so much for them on their long trip to Bryn Baraz that something had to be done that would keep the peace and both sides satisfied.
"HERE! HERE!" Alexi boomed while banging his sword on his shield as he had Lobo push his way through the crowd to the front. "QUIET! QUIET!" he orders.
Intimidate d20+6=17
IF they quieten down: "This matter will be settled, but by the legal means detailed in the Charter of Bryn Baraz! Pick your representative to bring the grievance to the Magistrate." He then turns to the men on the house, "You men, come down! No more work to be done until this matter is settled. The house is finished enough to provide all the necessary 'comforts'."
He then turns to Ma Belle. "Ma'm, please be patient with these people. We've all worked hard and long and you yourself have seen the hardships they have faced. It would be best that you and the Ladies keep inside for now until this matter is solved."
Diplomacy d20 = 16
If they don't quieten down, he still pushes his way to the front and keeps trying, banging his shield with his sword and keeping himself between the people and Ma Belle.
Nodding slightly at Alexi's suggestion, Anrete the chef swiftly finishes up his chores and tested the potential recruits for their motor-coordination, wits and nerves. Picking only the best, Anrete spent most of the morning and evening, teaching the selected recruits how to spot the various kinds of traps, how to make the different types of knots with a rope, and how to keep themselve hidden to stalk a target for an extended period of time. The recruits were also made to undergo a natural obstacle course where their balance, leaping ability, climbing skills were tested.
Current Post:
Smiling slightly at the scene, Anrete casually slings his javelin as he steps out from the shadow beside Alexi and tried to look menacing.
As Alexi tries to convince Ma Belle to recall her "daughters", Anrete voices his agreement bluntly, "It isn't wise to provoke the crowd."
Concern in his eyes, Anrete whispers to Keela, "Why don't you go get the magistrate while we try to keep the peace? Things might get ugly." For whoever bothered to sense motive: Highlight to display spoiler: {Anrete chose Keela because he thinks it is safer that she is away from here if things get physical as she does not look like the physical sort. And it is easier for her to do any enchantment away from the attention of the crowd if required.}
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 28/28) d20+1=12 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2008 7:51:33 AM
Jet shows up expecting to have to chase after bandits or some such and finds this nonsense. He lets Alexi get his words in. Since he is correct, Jet does not feel the need to add to it, as far as legal terms but he does get in his say.
"Look at all of you, standing about pissed off with raised voices and shouts of anger. Don't you folks understand, you are all you've got. This is it right here! This is our home! Now if someone has more wood then they should, you take it up with the people that let them have it. If someone is working somewhere and you think they should be somewhere else, then you talk to them, not scream like a banshee and disturb everyone else that has work to do.
He looks down at the dwarf, "I take it what's down there won't be up and leaving on it's own accord, so allow some of these people less hardy then yourself some time to give themselves some luxuries. You'll find rested people produce more and complain less."
He looks at Ma Belle, "Now I understand your position also, but keep in mind, these people here upset are soon to be your customers and you don't want them to stay at home or find their own entertainment later by getting them offended by words or actions."
Then as a last statement, "I see a lot of you holding items in your hands that may be meant to hurt someone. I can tell you right now, if ever anyone of you hurt another in anger, you'll be working right beside those scum that attacked us a few weeks back as punishment. Now, if this isn't where your meant to be, get to where you should be and recognize we are all the family we have right now and helping one another shouldn't be something someone gets yelled at for doing."
He stays where he was with a glimmer in his eye and a smile on his face, in the hopes that the people begin to feel they are out of line. He does wish his words were prettier then they are now, but he uses the best diplomacy he has, or instead, attempts to aid Alexi with his Diplomacy since he was first on the scene.
Aid Alexis Diplomacy: 12
Caelnin AC:16 HP:21/21 d20=8 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+7=15 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2008 8:20:54 AM
Caelnin reaches the fiasco about building materials and builders and see the people that have some experience with dealing with a bunch of people step up, he steps back and lets them do their work. He has a feeling that nothing will come from this anyway, but will still be watching if someone takes this opportunity to do something and using this as a decoy...
Spot: 17, Listen: 15
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=26 ; d20+9=23 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2008 9:29:07 AM
Beren finally hears the noise coming from the crowd.
So that is where everyone was going.
Beren grabs his bow and leaping on Red, he rides to where the noise is coming from. He stops just short of the crowd, and circles to where he has the most open view of what is happening.
spot 23 listen 26 (again rolled listen first to see if he heard )
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Wednesday November 12th, 2008 12:33:02 PM
Judging that the men have things moving in the right direction, Fatine watches, a smile of questionable nature on her face. After her companions spend a few moments dealing with the crowd, she puts hands to mouth and calls out to Ma Belle, "Sister, you ged wha' comin' to ya! Don' let dese here naysayers ged ya down, hear?"
Shaking her head at the crowd, she calls out, "Stop you whinin' peeples. You know ya gon' be wantin' some o' dat dere action, so let 'em finish dee inn, no?"
If anyone looks at her crossly, she just smiles and waves one of her dolls in the air, pointing first to the person, then the doll.
Keela Wednesday November 12th, 2008 3:42:16 PM
As Keela watches the fracas, the threads finally start to weave together in her mind.
Those men are all--- And the women seem to be--- Oh my! Ma Belle's "daughers" are really--? Oh my!
In retrospect of course, it all seems perfectly obvious, and Keela herself seems a perfect goose. She feels her cheeks start to heat. How could she have been so blind?
When Anrete asks her to fetch the magistrate, she eagerly darts off, glad of an excuse to flee.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 28/28) d20+3=15 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2008 5:05:21 PM
Oops forgot the spot 10 for items other then the rolling pin.
Spot: 15
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday November 12th, 2008 11:56:35 PM
Fresh from their military exercises, the party respond to the sounds of altercation, only to witness a scene of minor civic unrest. Intent on getting her establishment up and running, Ma Belle seems to have employed whatever means work best for her. Certainly the worker's don't seem too unhappy.
Shoving his hammer through a strap in his belt, Pliny sidles up to his bride-to-be and puts an arm around the young woman. "Awe Lollena, I was just trying to earn a little extra coin, for our nest egg." The woman doesn't seem convinced, and despite the young man's arm around her, keeps her hands crossed over her chest.
Alexi's booming voice, and Jet's reasoned logic draw the attention of the mob and those working on Belle's place. The men climb down from the structure, shrugging sheepishly, and settling their tools into pouches. "'twasn't doin' anythin' wrong, Alice," volunteers the hapless 'Tom' to the stout blonde woman, "Belle, 'ere, ast real nice. Said she never seen prettier carving like that little gingerbread doodad I made fer the 'ouse, an' wanted the same fer 'er place." Not sure that he's managed to convince the woman, he adds, "the girls 'ere, been real nice ta us, too..."
The rest of what the man has to say is drowned out by cheers and jeers from the crowd. Beren and Caelnen, ever watchful, don't see anything to make them concerned for the safety of those present, and what they hear is pretty innocuous and tends to speculation on exactly how 'nice' Belle's 'girls' where.
Anrete suggests that Keela seek out someone in charge, and the young magiker acts on the request, her cheeks flushed at the idea of what kind of establishment Belle's place might be.
As her girls form around her, Belle acknowledges Fatine's words of support. "I'm an honest woman," she calls, "an this is going to be a fine hotel, and the best dining room in these parts!" Other than Alice, and the dwarf from the mine, most of the complainants have been absorbed into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Keela rushes back the way she had come, looking for help. The only person she spots is Garth, speaking to someone taller and leaner than the ex wagon master. The stranger's back is to the approaching woman.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday November 13th, 2008 9:23:24 AM
Beren does not see anything in all the commotion to worry about. These humans are such a stuffy, excitable lot. Maybe it's because they live such short lives. They must need to cram all the emotion they can get into the few decades allotted to them.
He remains on the edge of the crowd, watching the goings on like he's watching a play. A very funny one.
(LOL!-DM Carla)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 28/28) d20+3=11 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+4=6 ; Thursday November 13th, 2008 11:00:45 AM
Jet watches the crowd disperse and continues to maintain a light manner about it all. He hopes that none of these people get some type of psychological disorder from being so far from civilization, so he keeps an eye out on specific people that may be a recurring or future problem.
When all is settled, he continues to sit on top of Bantom and does a quick perimeter check of the town.
He really hasn't been given anything to do and he's not the most self motivated person in the world either.
When he went to the leaders of the community, there was nothing said about organized law enforcement, he can see that will likely change in the near future. They didn't really give him any direction, caught up in their own plans and problems that Jet could not help with.
His days of existence one of boredom as he learns how to set up his alchemy set begins the makings of some beer and hard liquor. Yuck
Listen for signs of threats toward others in crowd: 11 Spot for signs of people that might be up to no good crowd: 17 Sense Motive on any of the above to determine how much trouble they may actually cause: 13 Untrained craft skill adding +2 to skill with alchemists lab to create beer: 6
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20=14 ; Thursday November 13th, 2008 7:09:27 PM
Alexi looks at Pliny and Lolenna trying hard not to grin. "Tsk, tsk, you two. Lolenna, Pliny isn't about to wander away from you, not after what he did to help save you from Mavitus. And Pliny, from now on, when you need extra coin, come to me. We'll work something out."
As far as the others, Alexi just sat upon Lobo and watched as the mood cooled, or at least didn't get worse. Ma Belle was now a permanent fixture in the village and the married womenfolk were just going to have to get used to it.
"Ma Belle, best you and the girls go back inside. The folk will disperse and go back to work much quicker that way."
Turning back to the crowd, Alexi booms again, "You folk best get on back to your chores. Meet tonight on the training grounds to elect your spokesperson. Tomorrow he or she can meet with the magistrate with your complaints."
Diplomacy d20 = 14 (I cringe everytime I have a check with no bonuses :} )
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Thursday November 13th, 2008 7:58:47 PM
Fatine watches from the outside of the crowd, waiting to see if anything else interesting happens. After a few minutes, if nothing entertaining occurs, she heads back to where she and her companions were before the argument began.
Caelnin AC:16 HP:21/21 d20+8=24 ; Thursday November 13th, 2008 8:43:28 PM
Once everything looks settled and the crowd dissipates, Caelnin decides to look around for some useable materials for arrows, maybe for some dried out plants that are straight and rigid to make the arrows out of. Caelnin thinks to himself that what's the use of a bow if he doesn't have a source of regular ammunition.
Moving towards the border of the settlement, he looks around to see if there is anything useful out there.
Spot: 24
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP32/32), Copper (AC17, HP22/22) Thursday November 13th, 2008 10:38:05 PM
Anrete continues assisting in the keeping of order.
Keela Thursday November 13th, 2008 11:13:12 PM
Keela approaches hesitantly, unwilling to interrupt Master Turnbuckle if his conversation is important. She moves to a position where the wagonmaster can see her, and waits for an opportunity to speak.
DM Bob and Carla Thursday November 13th, 2008 11:30:40 PM
Surveying the scene with a calm demeanour, Beren seems amused, while Jet has trouble hiding his disappointment in the seeming ordinariness of his mission. Mayhap the two years he has to serve will go very slowly. Anrete and the fighter check out the crowd for troublemakers, but other than Ma Belle and Alice, most folks seem more interested in watching than participating. Alexi breaks things up, and the crowd starts to disperse. When he sends Belle and her girls inside, one of the women separates from the group and approaches the mounted cleric/fighter. She has large brown eyes and a long smooth plait of dark brown hair. Her skin is a creamy colour, and her cheeks colour a pretty pink. She lowers her lashes coquettishly, and speaking to Jet suggests he come 'round later and bless the inn. "Ma makes a hooch that is divine inspiration!" With a neat turn she heads for the building, calling over her shoulder, "bring your friends!"
Caelnen starts to wander off in search of material for his crafts, while Fatine prepares to return to the training grounds when she spots Keela returning with Garth. Before anyone from the group can say anything, the man calls out, "the scouting group is back, and its your turn to reconnaissance the area. Be at the barracks at sundown for your orders. You've got tonight to prepare. You leave in the morning."
(OOC: Jonathan, did you get the e-mail? I'll send it again tonight.-DM Carla)
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday November 14th, 2008 9:29:17 AM
Now that the brief excitement is over, Beren preapres to return to his quarters when Garth informs them of their upcoming duty.
Good, it will break up the monotony.
He rides to his tent to see what needs to be done, and busies himself until sundown, when he reports for instructions.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 28/28) Friday November 14th, 2008 9:32:15 AM
Before Jet leaves to go experiment with foul concoctions, he is addressed by a lovely lass. "Well Ma'am, if that hooch is of divine inspiration, many blessings your inn will have, for surely, she has done well with those she calls her girls, although I believe the latter would taste much sweeter then the first."
He gives her a wink as he does as was mentioned in his earlier post, although with much less of a grim demeanor.
He reports to Garth as instructed, with anticipation of some excitement of one kind or another.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=11 ; Friday November 14th, 2008 6:24:39 PM
OOC: Got the e-mail, good stuff. I assume the 4 vials of CLW that Tarketh gave Fatine before we went to meet the Ahote is now party treasure, right?
Listen d20+1 = 11 IC: Alexi catches a voice above the din of the retreating crowd and turns to see one of Ma Belle's girls leaving Jet. 'Politiking allready?' Alexi wonders. 'Wonder which one will be coming to gain my 'favor' in this dispute,' he smiles.
However he doesn't have time to ponder too much on which one of the belle's he would prefer. Garth's orders to meet him at sundown come with a mixed blessing. Going out on patrol means he won't be here do have to deal with Ma Belle, the villagers, and the magistrate that, so far as he knows, doesn't truely exits, unless it is Garth. But it also means a pause in the militia training.
"Yes Sir!" Alexi booms back.
He takes Lobo to the stables and tells the stablehands to give him a good rubdown and feed him some extra grain and explains their task for the morrow and that all the group's horses will need the extra care.
Then he heads to the kitchen and talks to the cook to get some jerky, biscuits, and such, for their trip and give them to Anrete.
Then he heads back to the barracks. He makes a quick note and posts it outside the barracks door.
Millitia Training Postponed Until Further Notice
Then he gathers his gear and joins the others in the barracks for some chit-chat before meeting with Garth. At sundown he joins Garth as he comes into the main barracks room.
Caelnin AC:16 HP:21/21 d20+7=15 ; Friday November 14th, 2008 6:59:00 PM
Caelnin once hearing the news that they will be looking around tomorrow, Caelnin qucicly searches for some strong and straight grasses to try to use whatever is available to him from the immediate area. (search:15)
Caelnin returns to the barracks and makes sure that his toolbox is kept away from prying eyes, as he gets ready to leave. After this, he moves off towards the stables and feeds Hutheria and makes sure that there are always some extra arrows in his backpack before heading back off to the room where he was told to meet Garth.
He sits down in the room and starts to sharpen his longsword while waiting for Garth.
DM Bob & Carla Saturday November 15th, 2008 11:21:59 AM
The 'situation' calms down quickly enough at Ma Belle's. Whether it is Alexi's clever ruse or the arrival of Garth , barking orders to the members of the security detail is left for each person's own judgement. Caelnin and Beren return to their quarters to prepare for the morrow. Caelnin's search for grasses rewards him with his discovery of a small grove of willow and elm shoots emerging from the damp soil near the stream. Each shoot rises straight and true from the ground with few branches or bud swellings along their lengths. The ranger recognizes this as a sign of rapid growth, unexpected for such arid environments.
Jet tarries a moment, enjoying the verbal banter with the shapely brunette from Ma Belle's before heading off to prepare. Alexi is last to leave, surveying the scene one last time, he can't help but notice a light haired woman of ample bosom leaning over a railing from the balcony. She give's him a lazy wave with her hand, flashes a wide toothy smile, and bids him safe travels "Come visit when you get back" she encourages him as he turns to leave.
Near sundown, Garth joins them in the barracks and unfurls a large map with only a few hand drawn features gracing the paper. "Here's Bryn Baraz" he stabs at a symbol drawn near the bottom right hand side of the map, "n' heres the canyons we came through to get here. These rock formations here that surround Bryn stretch some three days travel towards the east. " The wagonmaster's thick fingers trace their way northwards "cross here is a wide plain stretching east and west like a great river of grass. Must be three days across from north to south and at least twice that in any other direction. This here, " he stops his finger at a grouping of three ovals on the map, "well that's what we call the three sisters, each is a rock pillar reaching straight up from the grasses, at least as high as what surrounded the canyons to the south. The sisters make a good navigation point, the entrance to this canyon lies just a few points off due south...just in case you want to find yer way home."
Garth takes any questions on the map and the local geography before continuing. "We want you to scout the southwest side of the great plain. Look for sources of water, wood, and big game. Winter will come fast up here and a store of meat would be welcome. Garth traces a proposed route for them that would appear to be 4-5 days travel in either direction. And keep an eye out for Clemso and his group, they're overdue and were headed in the same general direction. Bring Tarkeths' assistant and the other lass with you. He is always lookin' for medicinal plants and both of them can use a bit more seasoning."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday November 16th, 2008 8:25:45 PM
Alexi waves at the woman on the balcony and smiles, "Sure thing!" He hadn't paid much attention to Ma Belle's belles during the trip, being too busy to get involved in such distractions. But now there would be time, but deep down inside, as much as the distraction was tempting, he knew it would be best to keep a certain distance, relationship-wise.
Alexi looks at the map carefully, then takes a parchment from his desk and makes a quick downscaled sketch of the map. "I'll use this version to mark the important things we see."
He tells Anrete that the cook should have some food supplies ready for them in the morning and for him to stop by and pick them up.
Looking at Jet he says, "You wanna give Fatine the word? Might as well stop by and tell Keela too."
When the meeting is done, he goes over his equipment one more time then tries to get some shut-eye, the last in a safe, comfortable bed he'll have for a while.
Keela Sunday November 16th, 2008 9:26:13 PM
As the excitement at Ma Belle's dies down, Keela retreats to her family's home, and enjoys a convivial evening of supper and games with the children.
The next morning, she gathers her charges as usual, unsure, as always, whether Master Turnbuckle meant to include her in his "you."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=17 ; d20+9=24 ; Monday November 17th, 2008 9:30:01 AM
Beren listens closely to the instructions for their reconnaissance. He will most likely be the scout, and does not wish to be unaware of the terrain. He too sketches a brief map from the original, and tucks it away inside his jerkin. He spots Caelnin looking over a growth of new wood, and realizes he is looking for arrow material. He stops by his bunk mate.
"I have made arrows before, but they are not of the quality of yours. I would be pleased to learn the art from you if you are willing."
Other than that side trip, he returns to their shared tent to rest for the trip tomorrow.
spot 17 listen 24
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP32/32), Copper (AC17, HP22/22) Monday November 17th, 2008 9:55:52 AM
Pleased at the chance to roam before winter settles in, Anrete wanders off to prepare for the journey ahead. Together with a fully armored Copper, the wiry barbarian gathers at the gate of the settlement together with the provisions and some seasoning he extorted from the cook.
Caelnin AC:16 HP:21/21 Monday November 17th, 2008 5:27:32 PM
Once Beren had asked him about the crafts, Caelnin says "Of course. I have no qualms teaching any type of making any sort of item to a fellow elf. Especially any item related to the bow. But we'll wait till we get back from this mission that I have to prepare for..." and with that he moves off to moves some things from his cart into his backpack.
Once he is ready, he says his byes to Vilria again, makes sure that Huetheria is okay to move on for tomorrow and makes sure to himself that he get a good nights rest.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Monday November 17th, 2008 7:10:01 PM
Once informed that she is heading out with the men, Fatine doesn't take long to prepare. Packing a few rations in her saddlebags, and making sure the dogs' stomachs are full, she whistles for Col and is ready to go.
Before leaving, she asks Tarketh what, if anything, she can look for in the way of herbs, plants, etc. that might be of help to him.
Otherwise, she follows the group out and toward their destination.
DM Bob & Carla Monday November 17th, 2008 11:44:53 PM
The adventurers spend the rest of the evening preparing for their trek. Caelnin and Beren discuss the finer points of fletching an arrow and the bowyer agrees to show his companion some of his craft. Anrete gathers some provisions for the trip and settles in for the night.
In the morning, Tarketh gives Fatine a small deck of cards, each one with a drawing of a different plant. Some have arrows indicating particular features for identification, others indicate which particular part of the plant the herbalist is interested in. The rest of the party arrives soon after dawn to find the witch and her small menagerie ready for travel. The next stop is the small sod hut where Keela's family resides. The young woman is outside feeding a small flock of young poults.
With their two female members now in tow, Alexi consults his map, looks north, and prepares to lead out. By his best reckoning it is still an hours ride to the edge of the great plain described by Garth. Anrete rides out on the flank as is his way. It is hard not to notice the barbarians eagerness to be once again in the wilds.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 28/28) Tuesday November 18th, 2008 7:00:21 AM
(OOC: Sorry all, very bad and painful Sunday/Monday to get a post in. Surgery was needed but the recovery is killing me. No excuses, just reasons.)
Jet looks at the map Garth gave them and he hands it to Beren for him and the up front guys to look at and use as they need for the bearings of the route.
"Since we have people missing and over due, I would suggest we take the opposite route that they started. We may come upon them faster if they are in trouble and if something ambushed them, we would be coming up on the rear of the what they may expect a search party would be following, looking for them."
He asks Garth if they can take five or six extra horses, for food and water for them all, plus to haul back some game meat if it's found. "Let's hope any herds stay in the same general area."
In the end though, he lets the majority rules on which direction they go and again, he brings up the rear with the banner tied to his back. "Let's just hope the Ahote has found our people and are waiting to see if we show up with our tokens of friendship to identify them as our group." Jet reminds the party in a manner, showing the one given to him around his neck.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=28 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2008 9:35:00 AM
Beren has already seen the map, and drawn his own version of it, but he does give Jet's map a cursory glance to make sure the two agree. He then takes his customary position at the front of the group, and taking the instruction sto head for the prior group's return path, he leads out.
Garth is worried that the other scouting group has been ambushed, so Beren is on high alert and awareness.
spot 28 listen 28
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP32/32), Copper (AC17, HP22/22) d20+3=19 ; d20+3=7 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2008 11:39:04 AM
Riding easily with his javelin in hand, Anrete ranges the flank and kept a lookout for the party.
Caelnin AC:16 HP:21/21 d20+8=19 ; d20+7=24 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2008 3:09:43 PM
Glancing over the map that Beren had sketched out, he stay up the front with Beren trying to stay alert and ready for anything.
Spot: 19 Listen: 24
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=21 ; d20+1=6 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2008 6:56:58 PM
Alexi shows Jet his Ahote gift around his neck. "Got it!" he smiles. "What we don't know is whether the Ahote ranged this far north. Other peoples may live out here, less inclined to friendship," he cautions.
Alexi lets Beren take the lead and agrees with Jet for which path to take. He instructs Beren, Caelnin, and Anrete to look for tracks of anything and suggests they spread out a little. "Let's take advantage of this wide open space."
OOC: I'm picturing our marching order to be more like a half-moon, with the ladies in the middle, Jet and Mikal behind them, and the others in front of the ladies some 15 - 20 feet apart. Kinda like this : : ) . Any ideas?
IC: He then sits back in the saddle, lance pointing up, and lets Lobo choose the pace. "Flocks of crows, ravens, or buzzards will tell us if something is awry," he ventures out loud.
Alexi Spot d20+1 = 21! (anybody wanna play 'guess what I spot' ?) Listen d20+1 = 6 (you say something?)
Lobo Spot d20+4 = 22, Listen d20+5 = 17
Keela Tuesday November 18th, 2008 7:11:47 PM
Keela is flattered to be asked to accompany the security detail again. She does her best, though, to curb her feelings of self-importance.
You're still just a reserve, remember, she tells herself.
Still, it is very exciting, all the flying about and bustling to get ready to depart, while her companions wait patiently outside. And she can't help but feel a teensy bit put out that she's being asked to depart for a days-long journey with no notice. Suppose she hadn't any clean things? They could at least have told her last night!
She is ready at last, though, a little flushed and disheveled, her saddlebags packed and Daisy's saddle firmly in place. She hopes. Murmuring a little prayer, she climbs up and, at last, joins her companions.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d20+2=18 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+3=13 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2008 8:20:39 PM
Fatine nods at Jet's suggestion. "Sounds like dee best course to me."
As the group leaves, she shuffles through the cards several times, trying to commit each plant to memory. [int check? wis check? both have same bonus, and rolled an 18. If something else, I will reroll]
Not caring much for maps or marching order, she lets herself be positioned wherever the others like and rides quietly, keeping a sharp watch on the landscape for anything in which Tarketh might have an interest.
In the event she finds anything, she stops and attempts to gather whatever she can, gently placing each specimen in one of her belt pouches or one of the bags on the dogs' backs.
LOG ON