DM Kathy Wednesday November 13th, 2019 2:50:53 PM
As you camp, and as you travel, and as you spend a night at an inn, you discuss battle strategies--particularly communication. You want to be prepared if you are separated in combat again.
At the inn, Bliss tries to get a read on Hendit. You learn that the peddler isn't a warrior or a magic-user, but he is quite brave and really smart. He has cultivated relationships with people along his routes, who warn him of rumors of bandits, orcs, and the like. He will break his route and return, or stay a few extra nights in a town, in order to avoid this kind of trouble. He has had losses to bandits, but he shows you how he keeps two purses--a smaller one he can hand over, and a larger one he conceals. He tells you he has only lost the larger purse once.
You set out from the inn to continue your journey in a freezing fog. The combination of low temperatures and poor visibility makes traveling uncomfortable. The fog begins to lift as you descend the Red Hills toward the Plains of Izen. About mid-morning, you realize the rough track you've been following has become a narrow country lane, which widens to a road by noon. "We're close," Hendit says.
The fog is gone by the time you reach Thaelhaven, and a wan sun shines over the scene. There are, as Hendit told you earlier, six houses in the tiny village. Four are traditional hobbit-holes, built into the sides of gently rolling hills. Two are above-ground cottages.
The place is deserted, and beginning to show signs of neglect. Autumn leaves are clustered in drifts against walls and doors. Kitchen gardens are full of weeds, and the grass on the verges is getting tall.
Hendit stops at the edge of the village and sets down the handle of his peddler's cart. He looks like he wants to cry.
Bliss suggests that we may see something that Hendit missed.
"Yeah, hard to get a good look around if you're blubbering," Mookie caws.
Bliss gasps, shocked at his companion. "Hush, Mookie!" he commands. "Come on, help me look around." The bird ducks his head, getting a blast of disapproval through the telempathic link.
Bliss changes into a tomcat, but an old ratty one this time [OOC: Threefold Aspect to max Wis bonus at the expense of age.]
Mookie aid another to look around: Perception 28 gives Bliss a +2.
Bliss searching for clues and smells and hints: Perception 47 + scent.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Wednesday November 13th, 2019 11:11:54 PM
Kezzem will use his Detect Evil as he looks around town to see if he gets any pings.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=35 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+1=6 ; Thursday November 14th, 2019 5:36:28 AM
Succotash will cast detect magic as they go, he wonders if there may have been magic used in the disappearance and is testing to see that if so there is any magical aura residue lingering about. he also does his best to look for tracks, and/or any other clues. He also asks Valerie to see if she can smell anything, using her sent ability.
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=30 ; Thursday November 14th, 2019 11:41:11 AM
Tali will fly upward to get an overview of the lay of the town, incase there is something to be seen from above that is not obvious from the ground.
Skill Check: Fly: 30
After taking a 15 minute observation from above, Tali will return to share with the group her findings and expect the same sharing of findings from her colleagues.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+25=35 ; Thursday November 14th, 2019 1:07:15 PM
Pressi places a hand on Hendt's shoulders, silent for a moment. "I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling right now, but we are here for whatever you need."
With pretty much everyone else doing what she'd normally be doing - tracking, aerial looking, detect magic - Pressi takes some time to instead walk among the perimeter of the village. She follows up by looking around inside the homes themselves. She considers casting detect thoughts, but doesn't know where to point it.
(Perception 35)
DM Kathy Thursday November 14th, 2019 1:44:14 PM
[Old business: Succotash gets a Hero Point for putting himself in harm's way to investigate the mysterious thunder.]
You spread out and begin investigating the village.
Kezzem detects for evil, but finds none.
Tali flies up to get an aerial view. She doesn't find any clues, but she does give the DM an opportunity to describe the overall layout of the village so that's nice. You see the road that you came in on, heading southwest out of the Red Hills. The road winds through the village before splitting in two. One branch heads west; the other south. On the south road, you see a town about a mile in the distance--probably the Big Folk town of Salbe that Hendit spoke of. Ploughed fields stretch out behind the village--most seem to have been already harvested before whatever happened.
Bliss, in cat form, along with Succotash and Valerie, search around in the village. Near one of the above-ground cottages, concealed in some bushes, you find the remains of a dog. It's mostly a skeleton at this point. A crossbow bolt is clearly visible in its ribcage.
Pressi takes a moment to comfort Hendit before starting her investigation. You go through the houses. You find mostly tidy rooms, but all beds are unmade. Like Hendit said, it looks as if whatever happened, happened at night or very early in the morning. Dust is beginning to cover the furniture. It's so subtle you almost miss it at first, but in one of the houses, you see fresh scuff marks on the floor. Now that you know what to look for, you see similar scuff marks in another house. It appears the residents of Thaelhaven were dragged from their homes.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=20 ; Thursday November 14th, 2019 5:34:07 PM
Seeing the crossbow bolt, Succotash removes it from the dog carcass. and examines it looking for anything that may reveal it's origin. (perception 20) He in turn lets Bliss examine it, and then calls out for the others to meet up. when everyone is assembled he shows the crossbow bolt to everyone, including Hendit, hoping maybe someone recognizes it.
Bliss looks at the dead dog and looks sad. Well, as sad as an elderly cat can look.
Mookie caws, and says, "The Kid is sad."
Bliss hisses at him.
More valuable to Detective Kitty is the scuff marks and other sign that the residents were dragged. He sniffs, trying to pick up a scent. Mookie says to the travelling peddler, "Hey Niblet, you got any personal effects from a missing person? A hankie or a lock of hair, maybe? Something that might have a scent?"
Bliss looks for tracks, howsoever old, in the hope that he can identify who or what made them and where they went. Harper has scent too, right? Can he (she?) aid another? Maybe our dear new cleric can cast a Guidance?
Survival 35, maybe +1, +2, or +3 with friends, to sniff out tracks.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d8=8 ; d20+1=2 ; Friday November 15th, 2019 11:04:13 AM
Harper begins to chastise Mookie for his remarks. But she stops as she sees the dead dog, before spitting on it. "You know what that's for, ya fleabag."
(And thus concludes the one time per module that Harper talks.)
After showing Bliss the scuff marks, Pressi watches as Bliss and Harper try to track the marks but Harper can't seem to get the scent (survival 2). (OOC: is there any way to make a familiar a tracking animal? because it doesn't seem like we get enough skill points for that).
She holds off for now with her own tracking abilities, but if Bliss fails, she activates her own tracking abilities. (Justicar survival +17+14, but they know they are being tracked)
Going back to Hendit, she updates him on what the group found and asks him again about any possible enemies. It does occur to her that it's a bit tidy for ogres or bandits, even if they did get the drop on people. "Either these invaders took some steps to cover their tracks, or they took some steps to make sure nobody fought back."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Friday November 15th, 2019 1:17:57 PM
"Well at least is looks like they were taken using normal means," says Kezzem. "That's better than a lot of my worse case scenarios at least."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+13=33 ; Friday November 15th, 2019 1:44:48 PM
At seeing the dog, Hobie will add, "Why would they have taken the time to hide this dog's carcass in the bushes? Seems quite odd." He will examine the bolt, and see if theres any way he might, as an archer, recognize anything about the craftmanship of it, what region it comes from, what type of race would possibly use this bolt, etc. (knowledge Local = 33. Tell me if you'd rather I roll a different skill for this.)
Hobie will also make a point to see if he notices any houses without the scuff marks. There's always the chance that someone from the village was helping with this.
DM Kathy Friday November 15th, 2019 1:54:20 PM Succotash examines the crossbow bolt, hoping to find a clue. Alas, it is a completely unremarkable crossbow bolt; the kind you can buy in bundles of 10 anywhere in the Wold.
Kezzem is somewhat relieved to find the villagers have been taken by normal means, and not magicked away somehow.
Hobie looks for houses without scuff marks, but that describes most of them. Only two houses have scuff marks; the other four do not. He wonders why the dog's carcass was concealed; but it looks as if the wounded dog crawled into the bushes to die.
Bliss, together with Mookie and Harper, starts investigating scents. It is easy to find personal items of villagers; indeed, their closets, bureaus and clothes-presses are full of clothing. You attempt to track, using these scents and other clues, and find...not very much. The scent of the villagers still lingers in the area of the village itself, but fades quickly once you leave the tiny cluster of homes. Tracks are a muddle. You estimate that it has rained (or possibly snowed) more than once since the villagers were taken, and there is no clear tale to be read on the ground. You see the occasional track from a halfling, and some from Big Folk, but it's difficult to tell how old they are. You see the wheel-tracks of wagons and farm carts on the roads, but they say nothing about who was driving them, where they went, or what they were carrying.
Pressi activates her own tracking abilities, but is unable to determine anything either. The problem, basically, is that there are too few tracks inside the village, and too many tracks once you get out to the roads.
Putting your heads together, you tentatively conclude that the villagers were taken, then conveyed somewhere on some kind of vehicle, but you're not sure what kind of vehicle, or where it went.
You're pretty sure you've seen all there is to see in the village. Hendit reminds you that you can also go to Salbe and ask if anyone there has any more information.
Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d100=24 ; Saturday November 16th, 2019 12:16:32 AM
"Wheel tracks and carts. Some halflings were walking. Well, that means they were taken away, and by Big Folk."
"That's the good news, they were taken, not killed," Bliss says. "Now the bad. If we had been faster, maybe the tracks would have been fresher. If I could have done this over, I would have left the peddler's cart behind and force marched us. We did not have to stop at inns. We were stupid, and if we fail to catch them in time, it will be a lesson paid for by innocents, not by us."
He mutters, "The worst thing is I knew it, and I let it go when no one else bothered to agree."
Bliss takes ten minutes to cast a Divination. He asks for the best direction to head in order to find the villagers of Thaelhaven.
Divination roll 24.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Saturday November 16th, 2019 7:59:22 AM
“Bliss, by the looks of the place, the abductions took place a while ago, and even if we were able to teleport ourselves here the moment that Hendit recruited us, we still wouldn’t be able to follow the tracks. My heart is saddened by the scene here, and the lack of clues, but gladdened by the fact that the only body found was a dog, giving hope that they may still all be alive. I vote that. We head to Salbe, but before we do, Hendit, would you be able to find some of your wife’s hair, maybe from a hairbrush, and or some hairs from your children? I didn’t prepare it this morning, but I would like to prepare and cast Scrying in the morning, unless someone else is able and willing to do so now”.
Tali (subbing for Jon-Paul) Saturday November 16th, 2019 8:07:57 AM
Tali listens to both Bliss and Succotash, and like them, she to is saddened at the lack of clues, but upon hearing Succotash’s word of hope in the safety of the towns people, she perks up, and returns to her normal cheerful self. “I don’t know the scrying spell, but would be glad to cast it if I did”.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Saturday November 16th, 2019 12:18:43 PM
"Um...I got nothing, Can someone magucnusna way to question the dog?"
Bliss laughs. "Questioning the dog is easy, Sir Kezzem, no magic needed. It is getting an answer that is the hard part!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Sunday November 17th, 2019 7:43:14 PM
"Well, that's what the magic's would be for, no?" says Kezzem. "Just trying to come up with the some ideas, but you know me: I don't think outside the box, I AM outside the box!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Sunday November 17th, 2019 8:15:11 PM
Pressi smiled. "Well, I can try speak with dead plus comprehend languages. But just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. That's the basic definition of tampering in god's domain and cannot possibly be done sober."
In addition to scrying and divination, Pressi does have a few tricks up her sleeve, such as Prying eyes (we could send an eyeball down each path), locate creature, and find the path. However, she moves to try this new town as well.
"I get Bliss' concern, but may I remind him that shadow walking was an option. Not a great option, but we had it. Also, I guess I consider hitting inns first part of my "urban tracking" ability. To me, the strongest trail is the bartender, the hotel safe, the shady guy in the corner."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Monday November 18th, 2019 2:07:22 AM
"Man, I used to be the shady guy in the corner," says Kezzem wistfully.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Monday November 18th, 2019 7:15:15 AM
"Oh Succotash! Great idea! I can cast scrying!" Hobie takes out a scroll of "scrying" from his handy haversack. "I forgot all about it, because it's one that I've just learned recently!"
"Hendit, if you can find me something of your wife's, I could cast the spell and find her, clothing will do, but a bit of hair, or even a nail clipping, would do much better"
If Hendit can provide Hobie with something of her, Hobie will attempt to Scry. (the spell takes one hour)
DM Kathy d20=6 ; Monday November 18th, 2019 12:47:22 PM Bliss is upset that you couldn't get here earlier--an understandable sentiment not supported by the math. The villagers had been gone for at least a week by the time Hendit even discovered it. It's unlikely a few extra days would have made any difference.
Kezzem wonders if there's a way to question the dog. The consensus seems to be that it's possible, but perhaps not a good idea.
Instead, Succotash suggests scrying, which Tali endorses. Hobie has the means to scry right now, and asks Hendit for some of his wife's hair to assist in finding her. Hendit gladly obliges, and you are able to gather several strands of long, reddish-brown hair from the hairbrush he brings you.
While the hour-long casting proceeds, Bliss casts his Divination. His answer: the road to wisdom runs through knowledge.
While he is pondering that, Hobie finishes his spell. You immediately see an attractive, middle-aged halfling woman. Her long, reddish-brown hair is a mass of tangles, and she is wearing a shapeless smock made of some kind of animal skin. Bear? Maybe. Three children of varying ages are clustered around her. The children are also dressed in animal skins, and looking unkempt. All four also look unhappy. There are gaps in your vision that puzzle you at first; then you realize that the black bars are part of a cage. The halflings are inside a cage. Around them, you see other halflings, also dressed in animal skins, also looking disheveled. The scene is completely silent. Even when people move around, you don't hear shuffling or rustling noises. Although the halflings look disheveled and unhappy, they don't look as if they are being starved, and you don't see any bruises or other injuries on them.
After the divinations are complete, Pressi reminds you that the best sources of information are often people that you talk to. She is eager to head for Salbe.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+10=18 ; Monday November 18th, 2019 1:24:58 PM
Knowledge Nature 18 to see if I could POSSIBLY identify the animal skins they wear and possibly determine some kind of general location.
After scrying, Hobie turns immediately to Hendit. "Hendit, the good news is that your wife and children are not hurt. They are looking decently fed, and without injury. Unfortunately though, they are being kept in cages, and they do look quite unhappy. Also unfortunately, I wasn't able to gather much in terms of where they are, except that they were wearing animal skins, but I'm not sure I am of much help in identifying them. If only Murphy was here. The one thing we can take for certain though, is that your family, and the people of your village, are alive."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+6=22 ; Monday November 18th, 2019 5:44:41 PM
Succotash, also looks to see if he can identify the animal skins, (Knowledge Nature 22) He then says to his friends, "Well, should we head over to Salbe?
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Monday November 18th, 2019 6:37:36 PM
"Sure, let's go talk to Sable. Maybe the Symkovian Wild Pack has heard something. What do you think, Hobbie? Shall we go Prowling for information there? Also, I could get me portraits, portraits of Spider-Men! Or ettercaps I believe they are all called."
Kezzem then starts singing to himself. "Ettercaps, ettercaps, does whatever an ettercap does. Can he swing from a web? Sure he can, he's not an ettercan't."
"Um...what were we doing again? I think my train of thought just got derailed, crashed into itself, and crumpled."
Bliss shares the results of his divination. "Clearly, we have to learn more, and heading to this town is the most likely route to that. It's our only lead." He's in favor of heading off asap.
Also, Bliss is glad of the result of the scrying. "Thank you Hobie, good job."
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 Tuesday November 19th, 2019 9:59:36 AM
Tali explains, " that perhaps we should be cautious with the big folks town recalling the not so warm welcome Hendit received from them when he first became alarmed over this matter."
Turning to Mr. Hendit, "What can you tell us about this Big Folk town? How large is it, does it contain mix races or mostly humans? "
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Tuesday November 19th, 2019 10:55:55 AM
Pressi doesn't have much to add at this point, although getting some idea of what Sable is like would indeed benefit their strategy.
She does smile at Kezzem's comment of being in and out of the shadows. It reminds her of how they met.
As they move forward, she attempts to pick up the tracks while they travel.
DM Kathy Tuesday November 19th, 2019 1:54:52 PM Hobie tries to figure out what kinds of skins he's seeing. There are a variety; you see some that are probably deer, and some shaggier ones that could be bear or raccoon. It's hard to say for sure.
Succotash can help a bit, but my understanding is that only the person who casts the Scrying can actually see the images, so Succotash would be working form descriptions.
The rest of the group is ready to head to Salbe, although Kezzem is wondering about the possibility of meeting up with a friendly neighborhood ettercap. It seems unlikely.
Tali asks about Salbe. Hendit says it's a town of mostly humans, with a few half-orcs. It's larger than Thaelhaven, of course, but not all that big--a few hundred people, perhaps.
Hendit points you down the right road, but says, "unless you think you need me for something, I'd like to stay here in Thaelhaven. Clean the place up a bit, and keep an eye on things until--until everyone comes back."
[OOC: Hendit will accompany you if you ask him, but otherwise you'll continue the adventure without him.]
As Tali had already seen from overhead, Salbe is about a mile distant. The short journey there is uneventful, and you arrive in the late afternoon. You still have a few hours of daylight left, but folks are probably starting to think about what's for supper. It is, as Hendit said, a smallish town, perhaps a bit rough around the edges out here on the Izen frontier. It is sized exclusively for Big Folk, so everything is too big and the door handles are too high!
You make your way to the center of town. There is an inn here, the Gray Raven. Nearby are the Salbe General Store and the office of the Town Sheriff.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Tuesday November 19th, 2019 11:44:12 PM
"There's your bar, Pressi. And it's a RAVEN. Why did it have to be ravens? You know who likes ravens? Necromancers! Creepy little birds, you ask me. Unless it's a giant raven. Then it's a big creepy bird.
"Uh, no offense, Mookie.
"But Harper knows what I'm talking about. You're a Bengal cat, aren't you? I hear Bengals and Ravens don't like each other much."
Bliss feels uncomfortable so he switches to tomcat form before entering the town. He sneaks around sniffing for the kidnap victims, listening to gossip, and being alert for clues. Stealth 32 Survival to scent/track 31 Perception 27 Gather Info 28
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=20 ; Wednesday November 20th, 2019 5:55:27 AM "Feel free to stay here and do what you will, my friend", Succotash says to Hendit, "To be honest, if things get dicey, as they always seem to do, when ever we set out on a mission, it would be nice to know that you are safe".
As Succotash enters Salbe, he keeps a tight reign on Valerie so as to hopefully not scare anyone who doesn't need scaring. He tries to keep his eyes and ears open for any sort of clue (perception 20)
In the town center, Succotash says, "I think we should talk to the constable first, if nothing else as a courtesy. Maybe he will be a little more responsive to us than he was to Hendit, after all we have gained a bit of fame, plus Valerie doesn't take kindly to being dismissed". Succotash smiles when he mentions Valerie
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=42 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+29=34 ; Wednesday November 20th, 2019 1:08:35 PM
Taking everyone else's led, Tali will try diplomacy on top of the other info gathering skills.
Tali first goes into the general store to see what they offer for sales and then to ask question while being diplomatic about it.
Once she feels she has exhausted the General store, she will head into the Raven's Inn bar to be diplomatic there.
Skill Checks:
Diplomacy: 42 | 34 Perception: 10 Gather Info: 19
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:07:15 PM
Pressi is less than thrilled that Hendit won't be going on with them, as he could still be useful. Also, she doesn't entirely agree that a ghost town that's already been hit once is safe. But she is respectful of his decision.
Before they enter the city, Pressi's armor shimmers and shakes, until it changes to a basic outfit from Thaelhaven. Just a simple merchant's skirt for a simple halfling gal riding a leopard she eventually beast shaped into a horse.
Before entering the Grey Raven, she takes two minute's time to look over the building and clientele (hiding in plain sight, as needed) and using rounds of clairaudio to catch snippets of conversation. She begins to plan her eventually disguise and backstory by determining what kind of clients they have, what they do for a living, what they might want in general, how they might respond.
She also reminds the group that someone should head to the sheriff.
---------
Spells Used
L3: 1 remote listening: 3 rounds
DM Kathy Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:10:26 PM Kezzem is unnerved by the name of the bar, and mentions the historic enmity between Bengals and Ravens. He counts himself fortunate that this town isn't industrial enough to have any Steelers.
Bliss morphs into cat form and investigates that way. While slipping about, remaining inconspicuous, trying to observe, you see a human girl doing much the same. She slips into child-sized, out-of-the way hiding places, and watches the people on the street. She seems particularly interested in your group.
Succotash goes into the sheriff's office. He finds a human man in there, middle-aged, with thinning brown hair and the beginnings of a gut. He frowns at Valerie, but only says, "Help you?"
Tali goes into the general store. The proprietor is an older human man with a fringe of gray hair around a mostly bald pate. Faded blue eyes twinkle down at you. "Afternoon, little lady!" he calls cheerfully. He chuckles at his own joke.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:47:47 PM
Being from the Browncloak family, Hobie isn't too fond of Ravens or Bengals himself, and is definitely glad there are no Steelers.
Hobie has gone with Succotash to the sheriff's office and will answer, "Sir, my good friend and I are here having recently traveled from Thaelhaven. It seems that the wholfce village has been taken hostage, I have scried and seen myself that they are in cages and its a horrific sight, but unfortunately I couldn't see more than that they were captured and alive. Is there anything you could possibly know relating to this?"
ooc: When I was scrying, was I able to detect that they were in a stationary place? or did it seem to be moving as if in a wagon or something?
Pressi takes some time to scout the inn. You can quickly ascertain that most folks in Salbe are farmers, much like in Thaelhaven. Talk is of the harvest, the fields, and what kind of winter it's going to be. This also seems to be the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, so regardless of how clever your disguise is, you're still going to be a stranger.
In the sheriff's office, Hobie asks about the missing halflings. The sheriff is rolling his eyes before you even finish asking the question. "This again!" he says. "Look, I told that other fellow, and I'm telling you--I don't know anything about any missing halflings. I'm real sorry it happened, but I got nothin' to tell you."
[OOC: the cage appeared to be stationary]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Wednesday November 20th, 2019 5:56:38 PM
"I'll come with you, Press," says Kezzem. "Wouldn't hurt to keep an extra eye out. There might be some thief's about...you, know, stealers and the like...and they wouldn't be welcome in the Ravens bar. Best have some extra protection."
Bliss continues to steathily spy on the girl, following her. He plays it like a nonchalantcat, and if he is noticed, he saunters up for petting.
He smells her if he gets the chance. (Scent)
Stealth 30 Perception 34
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+13=16 ; d20+12=18 ; Thursday November 21st, 2019 5:58:51 AM
sense motive 16 diplomacy 18
Succotash tries to understand why the sheriff is so up tight when Hobie mentions why they are there. He than says to the sheriff, "I understand you are a busy man, and we wouldn't think to ask you to investigate the situation, that's why we're here. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and my friend here is Hobie Browncloak, and we're members of the adventuring group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we have developed a bit of fame over the years, heck we even slew a Umber Dragon during the battle of the Sargrass Plains, talk about things like that get around after all. Anyway, we were asked to investigate the missing town of halflings, and so far we have ascertained that they were taken by force. So since there is no one there to talk to, we thought we would head over to the nearest town to look for rumors and such. We wanted to check in with the local law enforcement to see if you may have heard any rumors, even ones that may seem completely absurd, and also to ask permission to investigate in your town".
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+21=39 ; d20+18=37 ; Thursday November 21st, 2019 2:32:12 PM
Pressi shrugged at Kezzem's suggestion. Now that she knew they were just farmers, she figured she was just going to play it somewhat straight anyway. So the only change is that she won't change herself into a human first.
(OOC: I was looking to see if anything would give me an edge or a thing to avoid. Like, if it were a "hive of scum and villainy," she might have chosen a disguise and a different approach.)
"But we have to move quickly," Pressi replied. "At the rate you joke packers are running through team names like we won't get any bills, it won't be long before we run out of the non-racist puns, and I can't allow that to happen. You know, as a patriot."
Keeping her Thaelhaven clothing image with a few smudges of dirt (and a rod of silent close by), Pressi walked her way into the Ravens and right to the bar as Kezzem took his look around. (She takes some time to look things over herself, using Detect Magic and Perception 39).
(Diplomacy, Bluff 37)
After eyeing the bartender and ordering "just a water, I can't handle much else," Pressi proceeded to spin fifteen minutes of sadness, speaking of "her" village gone and her family missing, and only this kind paladin to relay the message but she was otherwise alone. At one point, Pressi brushed his arm, in the middle of a motif.
"And I know, I know that people have been saying they know nothing about this town, but I am so desperate and so alone, and I... If there is any information that you might have, a non-halfling stranger, a weather pattern, a rumor, or maybe even someone else I could go to, then I would be so appreciative."
DM Kathy Thursday November 21st, 2019 2:33:16 PM Kezzem offers to accompany Pressi into the Gray Raven. You do not detect any evil. You do detect the delicious smells of supper being prepared in the kitchen. The inn is not yet very crowded, and the few patrons turn to stare curiously at you as you enter.
Pressi spins a tale of woe to the impatient-looking man behind the bar. "I don't know anything about it," he replies. "I'm too busy working hard here, trying to earn a living." This last is said with a rather pointed look at Pressi's water-glass.
Bliss follows the urchin as she slips around town. She watches Kezzem and Pressi go into the inn. She watches Hobie and Succotash go into the sheriff's office. She sneaks around to what looks like a rear entrance to the inn. At no point does she seem to notice Bliss.
Succotash explains who you are and what you're doing. "I haven't heard any rumors or anything," the sheriff replies. "Like I told that other fellow. You want to ask around, help yourselves."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Thursday November 21st, 2019 4:14:21 PM
"I am detecting something in the kitchen!" says Kezzem. "I am going to go investigate. You don't wouldn't want to be ambushed by an evil stew."
Kezzem goes to the kitchen to "investigate" the food.
"Greetings friends," he says. "What's on the menu?"
Bliss continues to steathily spy on the girl, following her. He fears that he is just following a curious child, but if so, then no harm done.
If she heads into the inn, he'll be careful to follow in her footsteps so that he can enter while the door is open ... even if that means his stealth checks fail. He continues to try to get a sniff -- to make sure that she smells like a kid and not something in disguise.
Stealth 42 Perception 33
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=22 ; Friday November 22nd, 2019 5:42:23 AM
Succotash thanks the sheriff than turns to Hobie and says, "Shall we leave the sheriff to his duties, as we continue ours?" he than leaves the sheriffs office and does a quick scan of the area (Perception 22) before heading over to the Gray Raven. If he notices anything he will investigate instead of entering the inn, otherwise he will enter the inn and join Kezzem and Pressi.
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 29 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=42 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+8=18 ; Friday November 22nd, 2019 8:53:52 AM The Grey Raven
Tali, inquires with the bar keep about missing halflings or if he/she has overheard anyone discussing a group of halflings they might have seen. {Diplomacy check: 42}
Using her other skills Tali will order a mug of mead if they have it and then open a bar tab if this is a service the bar keep offers. Meandering around the room, Tali finds a out-of-the way table or booth to sit down in and observe the assembled group and the other patrons within.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Friday November 22nd, 2019 11:04:59 AM
Pressi watches as Kezzem heads for dinner and Tali starts ordering drinks. One can tell from her disappointment that plan A didn't work by how much longer than the story her sighing is.
Finally, she drops a few coins on the table, her affectations melting away. "I'll have a scotch and soda, hold the ice. And why don't you go ahead and make something for yourself, my treat. All I want is a few minutes of your time, and a friendlier demeanor, for which I assure you I will provide just compensation. I don't intend to impede your ability to make a living,.. as long as there's no reason to do so."
DM Kathy Friday November 22nd, 2019 2:10:26 PM Kezzem heroically volunteers to check out dinner. You move around the bar--unseen by the barkeep, who is talking to Pressi--and enter the kitchen. Your attention is immediately drawn to the fireplace, where a spit is being turned by a teenaged girl with red braids, looking put-upon as only teenagers can. On the spit is a delicious-looking roast. You sniff. Pork. Definitely pork. Beyond the fireplace, a woman in a large apron is pulling fresh loaves from a bake-oven. A large pot boils merrily on the stovetop next to her.
The teenager looks over and sees Kezzem entering the kitchen. "Ma," she says.
"Not now, Sanne," the woman replies. She turns to put the loaves on a counter, and spies Kezzem. She sets down the loaves and fixes a polite smile to her face. "Good afternoon, sir." She walks toward Kezzem, wiping her hands on her apron. "Supper's not quite ready, but you'll be able to get some soon. Please find a table in the common room, and someone will be right with you."
Meanwhile, Bliss continues to follow the urchin. He has had enough time to observe her, and is quite sure she's just a regular human child. At the back door of the inn, she crouches close to the wall, peeking from time to time through a small window near the door. She seems to see something that interests her, because she lets out a tiny squeak of excitement before nipping through the door. Bliss has to look sharp to go in after her.
Bliss can see that a woman working in the kitchen has just turned her back on the stove, and the back door, and is speaking to somebody he can't see, telling them that supper isn't ready yet. The urchin has squeezed behind the flour-bin, unseen by the woman. She sees cat-Bliss for the first time, and pauses to put a finger to her lips. "Sshhh," she whispers, and reaches out to pet him.
Although the woman didn't see you enter, there's a red-haired girl turning a spit by the fireplace who seems to have seen the whole thing. "Ma!" she cries.
"Hush, Sanne," the woman replies.
"But, Ma--"
"Hush now! I've had enough of your nonsense! And if that roast burns, I'll tan your hide!"
The teenager scowls and goes back to turning the spit.
Bliss, who wasn't able to see the person the woman was talking to, realizes that he can smell Kezzem.
Meanwhile, Tali, who has given up the general store as a bad job, enters the inn and goes to speak to the man behind the bar. She asks about missing halflings. Unfortunately, it's been less than a minute since Pressi asked him the same question, and he's not in a mood to answer. He is somewhat mollified, however, when you order a drink.
Pressi, meanwhile, gives up her tale of woe and orders a drink. She puts more coins on the bar and asks again.
"Well, thank you," the man replies, scooping up the coins. He does seem a little friendlier. "You and your friends are from out of town, I take it. If you need rooms for the night, say the word.
"I can't tell you anything about missing halflings," he continues. "Spend most of my time in here, earning a living. But if you want information, you should talk to Sally Mewles. She's the town gossip. Knows everybody's business. Let me see. You might also want to talk to Jaso Thorne. He's a hunter. Roams all over the countryside hereabouts. He might have seen or heard something." He gives you directions to Sally's house and Jaso's cabin.
Succotash and Hobie finish with the sheriff and enter the inn. They see Pressi at the bar and Tali just seating herself at a table. You don't see Kezzem or Bliss, but there does seem to be some kind of domestic squabble going on in the kitchen--from which delicious smells are wafting.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Friday November 22nd, 2019 6:27:12 PM
Kezzem joins the ladies in the common room.
"Look's like we're having pork," says Kezzem. "Let's just hope that not what happened to Miss Piggy."
Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=14 ; Friday November 22nd, 2019 7:06:50 PM
Bliss lets the girl pet him, purrs quietly, and plays friendly like. He uses hos Diplomacy to change her attitude towards friendly or helpful ...
If that does not work then Bliss also casts a Still Silent Ill Omen and a Still Silent Charm Person on her -- using two third level slots to do that. She'll have to make two DC15 Will saves to resist the magic.
A question to the DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {A Ghost Sound cantrip says "talking, singing, shouting, walking, marching, or running sounds can be created." So I can use the spell to carry on a conversation? I'd want to get the girl alone first so that others do not hear of course.}
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=33 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+8=11 ; Saturday November 23rd, 2019 9:08:48 PM The Grey Raven
Tali, not wanting to make a scene, points at Pressi, and using the Message Spell tells Pressi, "Hey buddy, I'm over here in the back sitting at a nice table with a view of the bar and the rest of the room. I'm sure one of our gang is in the Kitchen, might explain the ruckus. I tried to open a tab with the bar keep. Could ask him if its okay? Also, ask him is they serve veggies?"
Using her skills, Tali will observe the bar/tavern in an attempt to gather information.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Sunday November 24th, 2019 2:06:10 PM
Succotash enters the Grey Raven and scans the room. He spies Tali in the corner and Pressi at the bar then steps up to the bar, next to Pressi, he acknowledges her, and orders an ale. He arrives in time to hear the directions to the homes, and tells Pressi that he is going to go question Jaso, and asks Hobie if he would like to join him. He then finishes his ale quickly, thanks the bar keep, heads out of the bar, and follows the barkeep's directions to Jaso's cabin.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Monday November 25th, 2019 8:17:54 AM
Hobie follows Succotash into the pub, and back out to interview Jaso. Hobie is hoping he can possibly relate to the hunter and build some common ground, making the hunter more willing to talk than the rest of this town seems to be.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Monday November 25th, 2019 11:09:12 AM
Pressi thanks the bartender for the information. As Kezzem and Talia make their observations, "I'm going to go ahead and say we'll be ordering dinner here... and, yes, I'll go ahead and book a couple of rooms for the night as well. Do you have free continental breakfast? Any amenities?"
*At this rate, we may have to steal towels just to break even* is what Pressi wishes she could send to Murphy about now.
"Oh, and Tali wants to know... wait, do you mean veggies as in an entree, or do you mean as a side? Are you a vegetarian?"
Pressi watches as Succotash and Hobie leave to interview Jaso. "Ok, I guess I'll see if I can track down this Sally, along with... Oy, you two (Tali and Kezzem) are volunteering to 'guard' our dinner, aren't you. Fine, I'll take Bliss."
She paused to look around. "Where the planes is he, anyway?"
DM Kathy Monday November 25th, 2019 2:24:51 PM Kezzem joins the group in the common room.
in the kitchen, Bliss becomes the cutest kitty ever in the hopes of influencing the girl. It's hard to see immediately what effect it had; she is more interested in staying hidden and quiet than in making friends. She scoops Cat-Bliss into her arms and brings him back into her hiding place, petting him some more. "Sshh," she says again.
Tali observes the bar patrons. As suppertime approaches, the place is filling up. They seem to be decent, hard-working folk looking forward to a relaxing ale and a good meal at the end of the day. Talk is of the weather, the roads, the harvest, and what kind of winter it's going to be. [OOC: you said you were just going to observe; are you talking to people? Or just watching and listening?]
Succotash approaches the bar in time to hear the directions to Jaso Thorne's cabin, and decides to check it out. He gathers Hobie and heads off. After a few minutes' walk, you arrive at the cabin. It is shut up tight, and no smoke comes from the chimney. You knock, but there is no response. You are about to give up when you see a man coming toward you through the woods. He is dressed for hunting. There is a longbow on his back, a knife at his belt, and another knife in his boot. He is carrying a brace of quail.
"Hey! What're you kids doing?" he yells when he spots you. A second later, he seems to realize that he is talking to adult halflings rather than human children. "Uh...sorry. What can I do for you fellows?"
Meanwhile, Pressi decides to get rooms for the night. The innkeeper becomes downright cheerful. "Breakfast and dinner both included," he says with a nod. "I'll send Sanne up to air the rooms and light the fires." Asked about vegetables, he nods. "Served with the meal," he says. "If you want extra vegetables, I'm sure that can be arranged."
Pressi decides to go talk with the town gossip, and looks for Bliss to come with her. She doesn't see him.
Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=14 ; Monday November 25th, 2019 3:01:24 PM
Mookie has been perching on a roof or treetop keeping alert. Okay, that means "keeping alert with one wing over his head." But he knows from his telempathic link that Bliss is fine.
And at least he does notice Pressi. He flies down to her.
"Hey Precious," caws the halfling-size bird. "The Kid is fine. Have no idea where he is or what he is doing, but he's proud of himself, happy, and feeling like he is accomplishing something. I'm sure he'll pop up later."
=====
As for Bliss, in the secret hiding space he casts his still silent ghost sound spell and uses it to whisper to the girl. First he just makes very quiet meow sounds. Then he adds a few words.
"Meow meow magic. Meow magic cat. That's me meow. I'm a meow magic cat."
If she will chat with him, he will offer her a trade. If she will share some secrets, he'll change her into any animal she likes for a little while.
He wants to know about halflings like the folk she has been watching. Anything in the last month or two.
PS: Bliss feels a little silly pretending to be a magic cat. He is very glad that none of his friends are here to see this. Especially Kezzem.
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=34 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+8=28 ; Monday November 25th, 2019 11:10:31 PM The Gray Raven
Tali will oberserve and watch people in the inn of the Gray Raven, while a group selectin of his group go off in their different directions -- Succotash & Hobbie, off to Jaso Thorne's cabin & Pressi & whomever {Bliss?} joins the search for the Town Gossip woman. Hearing Pressi's question of her early, answers Miss Pressi when she passes by, with a subdued, "why yes, Miss Pressi, I am a vegitarian. Long story, perhaps a bit later."
Kezzem & Tali apparently are left to gather info from the assembled inn folks. Ordering another round of drinks, Tali elbows, Kezzem asking him what he'll have to drink. Kezzem, what cha' want to drink, brother?" As the waistress leaves, Tali observes {perception check} to attempt to learn who or what maybe a good person or people to further the conversatio with.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Tuesday November 26th, 2019 4:40:39 AM
"Ah good hunter! How was the hunt? The quail look quite nice." Hobie draws his own bow and brandishes it toward the hunter. "It's always nice to meet another marksman!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+12=21 ; Tuesday November 26th, 2019 5:53:00 AM
Succotash scratches Valerie behind her ear holes much like you would a dog, and her tail wags faster than a Labrador Retriever's, as Hobie breaks the ice with the hunter. He than steps up and says,
"My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is my friend Hobie Browncloak, and like Hobie, I would like to congratulate you on your hunt. The two of us are members of an adventures group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you have heard of us? Anyway, we come from Humble's Ford in the Crescent Valley, in search of the missing villagers of Thaelhaven. We have searched the town, and due to the lateness of our arrival, we were only able to ascertain that the good halflings were taken by force, as any and all trails were beyond cold. So we did what any good hunter in search of his prey would do, under the circumstances, and headed to the nearest community to look for any rumors or leads that may put us on the path of our quarry. The Sheriff seems to be without a clue, as Hobie and I questioned him the moment we arrived in Salbe, but the kindly barkeep at the Grey Raven suggested we talk to you as you have a reputation for knowing all things that go on in the area, due to the nature of your trade". Diplomacy 21
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Tuesday November 26th, 2019 2:09:02 PM
Pressi responded to Mookie in mock horror. "How can this be? Bliss? Daring to go off on his own with his own plan without telling us? Preposterous. After all his speeches about how nobody should ever do that, one just the other day, you expect me to believe he is physically capable of such sacrilege? Scandals and lies, unless... yes, he must have been replaced. Otherwise, he'd be a hypocrite who owes half this group an apology. And what are the odds of that?"
Shaking her head, "So you have no idea of where he is or how we'd know he needs to be bailed out? Ok, if you say he's fine, just keep me posted on whether he gets eaten. And since Tali needs to learn the art of sarcasm, I'll just go myself with Harper. Be back in a couple of hours."
---------------
By this point, Harper is back into her leopard form. Pressi continues to remain in her street clothes as she makes her way to the town gossip.
She keeps an eye out in case anyone is following her.
DM Kathy Tuesday November 26th, 2019 3:51:56 PM Bliss uses a Ghost Sound cantrip to tell the girl he is a magic cat! She lets out a soft little "ooh" of excitement, but even the soft "ooh" was a little too loud. The next thing you know, the woman has pulled aside the flour bin and is glaring at both of you. "Kesti Brinks!" she scolds. "Get out of my kitchen this minute! And take that mangy cat with you!"
Kesti was already moving toward the door when the woman started scolding. She holds tight to Bliss as she flees. "And don't think I won't tell your grandmother about this!" the woman yells as she slams the door shut.
Kesti sets Bliss down. "Oh. That dinner smelled really good," she says sadly. She seems to perk up a bit, though. "But you're a magic cat! Can you magic us some dinner?" she asks. She leads Bliss into a copse of trees near the edge of town, where a crude lean-to has been set up. "This is my hiding-place," she tells Bliss. "If we stay here long enough, they might forget what they're mad about. It works sometimes."
Bliss offers to turn into any animal. "I like you as a cat," Kesti says. After a moment's thought, she says, "Could you be a monkey?"
A monkey? Where had this child ever seen a monkey?
Tali, holding down the table for all her scattered friends, looks around the inn as it fills up, trying to find a likely person to question. You spot an older-looking man, rather wistfully watching a lively, talkative group of young people. He looks a little lonely. Perhaps he'd be glad of some conversation.
At Jaso Thorne's cabin, Hobie compliments the hunter and brings out his own bow to show him. "Fine-looking bow," Thorne says. Succotash launches into his speech. When he comes to the end, Thorne blinks a bit. "Cold out here," he says at last. "Let's head inside."
He drops the quail on the cluttered front porch and leads the way into the cabin. The front room is sparsely furnished, clearly belonging to a man who doesn't have many visitors. There's an easy chair, and a table with two straight-backed chairs. Thorne waves in their general direction. "Help yourselves," he says, and moves to kneel beside the fireplace.
As he lays the fire, he says, "I noticed that Thaelhaven looked deserted the last time I went by there. I wondered what had happened. Were there bodies?"
You give him the rundown of everything you found as he gets the fire lit and sits in whatever chair you left vacant for him. "Well, there's been no orc sign for months, so I guess that's a good thing," he says. "Three to four weeks ago you say? That might have been right around the time the heavy wagons came through. Unusually heavy--not like a trading caravan or anything like that. Don't know what was in 'em. Only saw from a distance--dark, rainy evening. If they had any markings or anything on them, I couldn't see 'em. They were heading west."
Meanwhile, Pressi is shocked--shocked!--to learn that Bliss may be off on some wild goose chase. But she decides to stick to the task at hand, and goes to Sally Mewles's house. It's a nice house, near the center of town. Sitting on the porch, well wrapped against the cold, is a middle-aged woman with a knot of graying blonde hair. She is knitting. She would almost certainly be more comfortable indoors--but then she wouldn't be able to avidly watch all the activity on the street. She sees you approaching, and calls out, "Afternoon. Don't think I've seen you around town before."
Bliss tells her he can change HER into an animal for a little while. But first, he owes her some magic elf food. He tells her to close her eyes. Then he hides, changes into halfling form, sets out some elf food from his elfish lunchbox, puts ten gold coins under the food, changes back into a cat, and comes out of hiding. And he directs her to the food.
He tells her he came with the halflings she was watching. "We're looking for more small folk. They were captured meow and put in cages. By people with big carts or wagons." Has she heard anything about anybody like meow?
And if she would get in trouble with her granny, Bliss is happy to smooth things over.
"Oh, and meow name is Bliss. What's yours?"
Diplomacy 18
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Tuesday November 26th, 2019 7:55:15 PM
"I think Pressi was being sarcastic," whispers Kezzem to Talia.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Wednesday November 27th, 2019 6:08:09 AM
Succotash takes one of the strait back chairs, and listens to Jaso's story, than says, "When we were in Thaelhaven, we saw some tracks that could have been made by wagon's as you described, but they were so weathered, it was impossible to follow them, or to even be sure that they were out of place. Do you think you would be able to set us on the path of those wagons in the morning, and were you able to see who or what was driving the wagons? As you know any and all clues can turn out to be the one that breaks open the mystery".
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Wednesday November 27th, 2019 7:58:18 AM
“Kind of new to the trading game,” Pressi responded. “But I’m confident that I’ll be the first name to come up in mushroom farming.”
After some pleasantries and some basic questions about the area (to feel her out), Pressi eventually brings up the missing town. She asks if there’s any rumors about it.
She also asks why people have been unwilling to help out.
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=31 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+8=16 ; Wednesday November 27th, 2019 12:25:56 PM
Tali, spotting the older-looking man, walks over to him without the mead in hand, and asks the gentleman if he would like some company? Using her bluff & diplomacy skills, { Bluff Skill check: 43 & Diplomacy Skill check: 31 }, strikes up a conversation with the gentleman, while trying to gather information from him, using her "Gather Info" & perception skills check. {Gather Info Skill Check: 27 | Perception: 16}.
Tali, introduces herself as a researcher from Humble Ford helping a fellow halfling looking for his kin. "So what do you do here in town, or are you retired?" asks Tali.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 27th, 2019 3:26:22 PM Bliss introduces himself to the girl. "I'm Kesti," she says. You produce some "magic elf food" and she giggles with excitement. She eats hungrily, but is scrupulous about sharing with you. You ask about captured halflings. "Oh!" she says. "That sounds like the traveling animal show!" A horrible thought seems to occur. "Oh, no! I hope they didn't feed 'em to the lion!"
Succotash presses for more information, but Thorne doesn't have any. "I couldn't really see who was driving," he replies. "They were all in hats and cloaks 'cause of the rain. They headed west--more than that I couldn't tell you."
Leaving Kezzem to guard the table, Tali heads over to talk to the older man. "Sure, pull up a chair," he says. "I'm a farmer," he replies to your question. "Not something you retire from," he adds with a grin.
Pressi says she's new to trading but keen on mushroom farming. "Mushroom farming?" Sally echoes. "I don't think there are any mushroom farms hereabouts." You begin with mundane chit-chat, and soon discover that you can safely sit back and let Sally do most of the talking. She fills you in on who is putting on airs, who drinks too much, who treats his wife "shamefully," and more town gossip. You ask about the missing halflings. "That Jaso Thorne did say something about the village being deserted," Sally says. "I guess folks just thought the halflings had moved on. But you say they're missing? My, that's a shame. I'm sorry, dear, I haven't heard anything about it." You ask why people have been unwilling to help out. Sally snorts. "By 'people,' I assume you mean that Menton Dunn." At your blank look, she adds, "the town sheriff. Honestly, that man! No more sense of curiosity than a clam. If it didn't happen in town, he's not interested."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Wednesday November 27th, 2019 5:14:00 PM
“Succotash, it looks like we need to head out West then. If they were in big wagons they would have to stick to the trails, maybe we could catch them somehow?”
Bliss asks Kesti if she remembers the last time the Animal Show came through. If she wants to try a new shape, he'll polymorph her. Then he bids her farewell and heads back to find his freinds and report in.
After saying what he found out, he says, "We should ask the locals if a travelling animal show ever comes through. If they say no, then we know they are complicit. We need to find out when it came through last, and where it was headed."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Thursday November 28th, 2019 12:27:50 PM
Pressi thought about what Sally said. “Ok, why would anyone think that an entire town would move on? What would cause a town to move on?”
She asks a few more questions about the town sheriff. How he got the job. What kind of man he is. Whether he had any contact with outsiders himself.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Thursday November 28th, 2019 12:30:15 PM
Depending on the answers, Pressi returns to the group. “Hey, anyone want to help me break into the sheriff’s office. I mean, while we’re here.”
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Thursday November 28th, 2019 1:08:39 PM "Seems about right, let's inform the others", Succotash answers Hobie.
When Hobie and Succotash meet up with the others, he informs them as to what they discovered, and says, "We need to head west, if those wagons are as big as Jaso describes, I would wager that they are the same as the "animal show" Bliss is talking about, and that, as Hobie said, they will have to stay on the main roads, and they won't be moving to quickly. Should we head out now or at first light?" He answers Pressi by saying, "The sheriff seems to be a bit of a tool, but I really don't think he's involved, and I'm not sure that breaking and entering is a very heroic thing to do, without a darn good reason".
DM Kathy Thursday November 28th, 2019 2:31:12 PM Bliss asks Kesti when the animal show was in town, and she says about a month ago. "About a month" is roughly in the timeframe of the villagers disappearing.
Pressi asks Sally why people would think an entire town would just move on. "Well, you know," Sally says. She looks uncomfortable. "Halflings. They're nomadic." She looks uncertain. "Aren't they?"
Pressi also asks about the sheriff. "Oh, he's fine for town things," Sally says. "Breaking up fights, locking up the occasional drunk. Having a stern talk with youngsters who get out of hand. You know, keeping order. But he's got no sense of curiosity, like I said."
You make your way back to the Gray Raven. Hobie and Succotash report that the wagons likely carrying the villagers went west. Bliss tells about the traveling animal show. Pressi muses that it may be necessary to break in to the sheriff's office.
As you discuss strategies, supper is served. There are slices of roast pork, done to a turn. There is fresh-baked bread, with freshly churned butter alongside. There are boiled root vegetables--delicious pieces of potato, carrot, rutabaga, and turnip, with slices of onion for flavor. Tali asks for and receives a plate of all vegetables with no pork. Everything is really good, served with flavorful stout.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Thursday November 28th, 2019 4:09:34 PM
Hobie will eat, but he’s not exactly feasting. He’s thinking very hard about how far the group could be by now, He can’t shake the image of the halflings in cages. He can’t stop thinking about how horrible it is that someone would imprison families, with children. He feels that he won’t have any mercy when he finds the ones responsible.
When he does speak, he says “I think we should get moving as soon as possible”
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 Thursday November 28th, 2019 11:05:42 PM
Tali digs into her awesome veggie p[latter, adding some fresh bread with a dab or freshly churned butter. "Yum!" exclaims Tali.
"Er, Pressi, is that really necessary?!" while scoffing down her veggies.
Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle Friday November 29th, 2019 12:29:49 AM
Bliss agrees with Hobie. He's in favor of leaving asap, and says so. Now we have a lead. A caravan of animal performers, heading west.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Friday November 29th, 2019 11:41:26 AM
Succotash barely touches his food. The thought of a whole town of people being kept in cages and treated like animals has stolen his appetite. Half way through the meal he stands up and says, "I need to do something. The thought of good people suffering, while we feast and sleep in comfy beds, is turning my stomach. I need to get moving, even if it's just for a few miles. Anyone against leaving and putting some miles behind us before we hit the sack?"
DM Kathy Friday November 29th, 2019 3:02:28 PM
Many in the group feel a sense of urgency to get started. Succotash and Bliss in particular want to leave right away, which is certainly an option.
On the other hand, you already traveled about 6 hours today, and your rooms are already paid for. And, now that you know specifically to ask about the traveling animals, there may be townsfolk with more information. So far, your sole source on the animals is an eight-year-old.
On the other other hand, some of the group just don't feel right sitting around when there are people suffering out there.
"Well," Bliss says, "We're in an inn, right? Let's ask the barkeep what they can tell us about the traveling menagerie, and then we depart. OK?"
If no one with better diplomacy stands forward, Bliss will ask the bartender what he knows about the wagon train and animal show. If someone else speaks, this is Bliss aiding another.
Diplomacy 21
"Yeah," pipes up Mookie. "And did they have any TALKING animals? or birds?" He looks quite dashing with his glamered armor set to appear like a formal black vest and short cape with silver buttons.
Mookie Diplomacy 0
"Not helping, Mooks old boy," murmurs Bliss, while pushing the emotion of "Hush" through the telempathic link they share.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:23:31 AM
"Talking animals?" says Kezzem. "Don't be silly, Mookie. Animals can't talk!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+12=18 ; Monday December 2nd, 2019 5:34:57 AM
Diplomacy 18
Succotash nods his agreement with Bliss, and follows him to the bar. he thinks about using diplomatic means to help loosen the barkeeps tongue, but figures Bliss has this and instead chooses to aid him.
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=41 ; Monday December 2nd, 2019 9:50:48 AM
Tali, joins Bliss at the bar an chimes in, asking the bartender, "Sir, what might you know about the wagon train and animal show that passed through here recently? On a side note, my compliments to your kitchen staff! Here, here...that was the best meal I had far away from home, in many many moons! Here, a tip for the kitchen staff..." Tali, slides 3 gold coins across the bar towards the barkeep.
Diplomacy skill check: 41
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:01:29 PM
Pressi isn't in much of a mood during the dinner, still smacking of the "they're nomadic" comment. She had ended the conversation as diplomatically as she could, with an acknowledgement that some halflings can be nomadic. (Whether they'd build houses is a separate matter.)
As a matter of course, the conversation had turned colder after that. Pressi thanked her for her time, extracted herself politely, and waited until entering a private room to scream about how they are COMPLETELY all nomads, and don't forget the whole thief thing too.
Dinner helped. Having to take back the proposal to break into some places for information was not. "I suppose not, since I don't know if the sheriff's a suspect, let alone someone who wrote this stuff down. I guess, like the rest of the group, I'm chomping at the bit to do something productive, even if I don't completely agree that we should rush out."
Pressi points out that they can do more good by continuing to gather information, and continuing to follow the trail rested and prepared. But Sally's comment, and the sheriff's callousness, continued to wear her down. *I had let myself get complacent* she thought to herself. *Let myself believe that we were making a name for ourselves as a race. After all this time and all these battles, we're still on our own, still the wanderers, still the little people.*
If the consensus truly wishes to leave tonight, Pressi stands up to move to the bartender. Succotash and Hobie may have 'volunteered' for this job, but it's only hers.
"Hi, really really sorry to do this, but is there any way at all we can cancel our rooms, and maybe get some of our money back?"
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:43:48 PM
As the group seems to be moving toward leaving soon, Hobie will pack up some of the food in his sack, they will certainly need it later. "I'll get the ponies ready" He grabs up his pack and heads out to where their ponies are stabled. He offers each pony an apple before he saddles them and adjusts their packs. "I'm terribly sorry guys. I know we've been riding for a while and you were probably keen to get some sleep, but we have to take a night ride. There are lives in the balance. Some of our folk and maybe some of your folk as well."
He offers a piece of meat to the velociraptor, and if she allows him, he'll try to attach her gear (does she have a saddle?) as well, though he probably does it wrong.
DM Kathy Monday December 2nd, 2019 2:04:34 PM Bliss decides to ask the innkeeper about the traveling menagerie. Succotash and Tali decide that's a good idea, and troop over to help. Mookie and Kezzem provide commentary.
"Oh, yes," the innkeeper says. "There was a traveling menagerie that came through here a few weeks ago. I didn't go see it myself--too busy with things here--but they were here for a couple of days." As the questions continue to spill out, he holds up his hands. "Like I said, I didn't go," he says. But you're being very diplomatic, so he adds, "but my wife and daughter went; maybe they could tell you more about it. Dot!"
After a moment, the door from the kitchen opens, and the red-braided teenager comes out. "Ma's gone to see Adla Brinks," she says. "That Kesti was hiding in the kitchen again."
"That girl!" the innkeeper mutters before introducing you. "This is my daughter Sanne," he says. "Sanne, these nice folks were asking about the menagerie."
Sanne tells you about the menagerie. There was a lioness, and a bear, and monkeys, and peacocks, and wild cats, and some Dark Elves. The animals did not talk, although of course the elves did.
Pressi, after taking some personal time to recover from the casual racism she'd encountered, goes to the innkeeper to request a partial refund. He looks a little disappointed, but after all, he gets to keep Tali's bribe, so he's still coming out ahead. He gladly refunds your money.
Meanwhile, Hobie is saddling the animals and getting ready to depart. Valerie indeed has an exotic saddle, and she's used to you by now, so she lets you saddle her with minimal fuss.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Monday December 2nd, 2019 2:41:09 PM
Pressi thinks about this for a minute. "Who is this Kesti, exactly?" she asks the wife. "And, not that it's any of my business, but what's the big deal if she wants to hang around the kitchen?"
Before they take off, Pressi decides that she needs to check on Kesti and Alda to see what kind of people they are and what kind of damage Bliss did to them. But she figures she might be able to get some followup questions in as a not a cat.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Monday December 2nd, 2019 11:52:54 PM
"Talking elves is no biggie," agrees Kezzem. "Now getting them to shut-up, that's a trick I'd pay good money to see."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Monday December 2nd, 2019 11:55:31 PM
"Hey, anyone know where we can find a guide?" asks Kezzem around the inn. "You know, like a 'What his right name is I've never heard: but he's known round here as Strider' type."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 5:53:55 AM
Valerie excepts the treat from Hobie gladly, and almost knocks him over as she tries to snuggle with the bowman. She has no problem with him saddling her, and sits still as he does so, then gives him a sloppy dog like kiss, picks up her tug-o-war rope toy and offers the other end to Hobie.
Succotash hears the story about the animal menagerie, and has a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. He keeps his thoughts to himself until the Swords leave the inn. He thanks Hobie for saddling Valerie, then once they are out of town he says, "Do any of you find it odd that no one has seen a single halfling among the animals, when we are all pretty certain that the traveling circus and the kidnappers are one and the same? I have a sickening feeling that the animals are in fact halflings who are either being polymorphed, or being forced to act as animals accompanied by illusion magic, which would explain the animal skins Hobie saw them wearing when he scryed them".
OOC... Valerie has the personality of a golden retriever, so basically, a friend to Succotash is a friend to her.
DM Kathy Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 1:53:22 PM Pressi has some questions for the innkeeper's wife, but she isn't there; you're talking to the innkeeper and his daughter. You ask about Kesti. "She's a brat," says the daughter. "She's a local girl," says the innkeeper. "Gets into all kinds of trouble. She's not allowed in the kitchen--or anywhere near here, really--because she steals. Her grandmother can't control her so she just runs wild."
Kezzem asks about a guide, but nobody has any ideas at the moment.
Succotash is eager to depart, so you collect your mounts and begin heading out of town. As you walk, Succotash shares a grisly theory about what happened to the halflings.
[Adla's house is at the edge of town, so you can still visit her if you like.]
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=40 ; d20+8=14 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 2:19:25 PM The Menagerie
Tali stays diplomatically silent as the rest of the group appears to be on a mission, and happily follows along.
Bliss is glad to be headed out. He keeps alert, and scans the road for wheel ruts or signs that wagons have passed. He casts Dancing Lights as needed to illuminate the ground. Mookie flies overhead to keep lookout too. After the group is out of town, Bliss shifts to cat form to stealthily sniff for signs of a menagerie passing. That may help him track, too.
Stealth 35
Perception 403
Track 35
Woo hoo!
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 8:42:00 PM
Despite the push of everyone else, Pressi insists on visiting Adla's house. She simply cannot let it pass by, as a former little girl troublesome thief herself. And she insists that it won't last long.
Once by the house, she starts with an inquiring of the grandmother before asking about the child. "I just wanted to thank her. You know, for taking good care of my cat."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Wednesday December 4th, 2019 12:09:10 AM
Upon hearing Succotash's theory of halflings polymorphed into animals, he looks at Bliss.
"Or maybe...they're animals polymorphed into halflings! That would explain so...oh wait, nevermind, that doesn't make sense at all. They had a village and everything."
"Still think the kid might secretly be a cat, though. I mean, we know he turns into a cat, but what if secretely he was...you know what, nevermind."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d100=37 ; d20+18=19 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2019 5:50:18 AM
Succotash waits impatiently, as Pressi questions Adla, then once they are back on the road he keeps his eyes pealed for anything that may indicate they are on the right path, (Perception 19) He casts Augury asking if this path will lead them to the missing halflings. (84% chance of success, rolled 37)
DM Kathy Wednesday December 4th, 2019 2:49:50 PM
Days are short now, and it is nearly dark by the time you leave the inn. It has gotten colder, too, and your breath puffs in white steam as you walk.
Pressi insists on stopping at Adla Brinks's cottage, which you can do on your way out of town. Even in the dim light, you can see that it is a poor place, with sagging timbers and many makeshift repairs.
Dot, the innkeeper's wife, is still there, talking to Adla. Adla is a thin older woman with a wispy knot of gray hair and a worn dress. She frowns a little at Pressi's questions. "I don't know where the girl is," Adla says. "She ain't come home yet, the wicked child." Your thanks about the cat is not well-received. "Cats!" Adla scoffs. "She oughta be tending to her schooling and her chores instead of taking up with strange cats. I don't know what I'm going to do with that girl."
So it appears that Kesti doesn't have the best home situation, but you are adventurers, not social workers, and there's little you can do for her at the moment. Perhaps Bliss's gift of money will help.
You return to the road and keep going. Kezzem builds on Succotash's theme, speculating that maybe the halflings are really animals! No, wait, that doesn't make sense. Except maybe Bliss.
Succotash is concerned that you are on the right track, but you are. Thorne had said the "big wagons" were moving west, and that is the direction you are headed. Well, you have to take the road north for a bit, swinging close to Thaelhaven, before heading west. Succotash's spell returns a reassuring "WEAL."
It is a cold night--not frigid enough to be dangerous, exactly, but cold enough to be uncomfortable. What are your strategies for making camp?
Bliss is glad to think that his small gift might do some good for these impovrished folk. [OOC: taking 10 gp off my sheet.]
Bliss is inclined to press on through the night --after all, what spells or renewable powers have we used? Just a few? And Sir Succotash can use his mercy, and the witches, a lesser restoration, to restore us when we become fatigued.
But if the group consensus is to rest, then Bliss and Mookie find a tree in which to roost, and the two will stand the first watch.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Wednesday December 4th, 2019 4:41:26 PM
Hobie feels the same as Bliss, he hasn't used any spells today, and would choose to press on for as long as the ponies seem to be able to take it. "Succotash, with your new Cleric powers, can you speak to animals? Would it be possible for you to speak with the ponies, let them understand the situation and communicate as to their condition? We have wands of Cure Light Wounds, and it might seem disrespectful, but I think it could be wise to have them push through the pain, and we can heal them as they are fatigued." (Forced March rules: we can keep moving past the typical 8 hours of walking in a day, but the ponies would take 1d6 damage every hour after the first 8 before resting again.)
If the team rests, Hobie will suggest that Succotash not take a watch, so as to ensure he can replenish his spells in the morning. He has spells that can prove quite useful to us in this quest. Hobie will take a watch, and he speaks up that we should really rest for the minimum time possible, and we should push forward as soon as we can.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 Wednesday December 4th, 2019 4:44:56 PM
"I can remove fatigue on there of them," offers Kezzem.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Thursday December 5th, 2019 6:14:44 AM "I would love nothing less than to push on", Succotash begins, "But I feel wisdom dictates resting". Succotash still marvels at his new found wisdom and wonders how he survived for so long without it. "When we include Valerie, Rumpas, Harper, and Mookie, whom add greatly to our strength, we have ten required lesser restorations, to be at peak fighting strength", Succotash explains. "I also worry that we may miss an important clue traveling in the dark". "I propose we travel for a few hours, and once the riding animals are at the point of fatigue, we take a break for the night, however, I'm more than happy to go with the majority consensuses, and will gladly explain to the unintelligent animals what we are doing, and why, if that is the in fact the consensuses".
Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+8=12 ; Thursday December 5th, 2019 8:55:33 AM Oh a Hunting We Will Go!
Tali is content to hover & follow the group. She will take last watch (2AM) as she hovers 7 feet above the ground to conduct the watch. Tali will use her skills during her watch to guard against malicious intent to her or her friends.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+17=27 ; Thursday December 5th, 2019 10:59:58 AM
"Well, whatever you choose to do with that girl," Pressi responded, "I'm sure the choice will be out of your oh so busy hands before you know it. In the meantime, perhaps all she needs is some structure and some understanding of time, and I do wish to express my gratitude regardless, so..."
Pressi took out a small hourglass, the markings of Nephtali's gift shop quite visible. (More hidden is the fact that the sand runs upwards.) As she hands it to the old woman, Pressi's smile seems to positively glow in the light of her ice chain. "If you could give her this, it would mean I wouldn't have to come back here. My thanks, again."
Behind Pressi, Harper licked her paws.
------------------
Pressi counts two in favor of pushing forwards (Hobie, Bliss), two opposed (Succotash, Tali) and one abstain (Kezzem - he proposed a solution but didn't really push either way). That means, she figures, that the tie breaker is up to her.
"I agree with Succotash," Pressi tells Bliss and Hobie. "I want to push the animals to the brink and rush forward as much as Bliss does, but that's the type of want that can lead us astray. We need to keep our emotions in check, to remember that speed won't help them if we make mistakes.
"Which brings me to my other controversial point. As always, I prefer stealth and analysis to direct confrontation, especially when hostages are involved. We may need to hold back even when we spot them."
(If she counted Kezzem or Tali wrong, she is likewise prepared to push forwards.)
As much as Pressi can, she uses her tracking abilities (and Harper's speed) to try and pick up the trail regardless of her decision (survival 27). She holds off on the Justicar boost for now, however.
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