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Post by Margrave on Feb 7, 2020 7:47:58 GMT -8
"As I said, I'll accept the job," Marik repeats. "But in the future, you may find it easier to enlist good help if you don't send guards to arrest them when they ask why they are being summoned. There were many witnesses in that tavern, and now they all think I've been convicted of some kind of crime, which may hurt my reputation as a legitimate businessman." Captain Gillmore stares at Marik for a bit and smiles. "Better to have a bruised reputation than losing one's head for treason. You do realize that whatever business you do is under the protection of the Kingdom of Furyondy. You therefore pay fealty to King Belvor IV with your services in this time of conflict. I am sure you would find business with Iuz and the Horned Society not as lucrative." He looks over at the Sergeant and mutters under his breath, "Perhaps Krayquer has chosen poorly." Gilmore lays a map on the table and says, "Sergeant Krayquer will brief you on the specifics of your mission." With that the Captain takes his leave.
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Post by Margrave on Feb 7, 2020 8:08:46 GMT -8
Sergeant Krayquer unfurls the map and says, "Alright - the merchant Malin and two of 'is comrades shall meet you at the Citadel gates at dawn tomorrow. I saw them at the Behir and Beholder. Malin is the fat one." Krayquer then points at the map for reference. "Greatwall is 'ere. You will want to 'ead due east toward Mursten and approach from the south to avoid trouble...reports say hobgobbo's are near Grabford. Then, you'll want to head towards Fort Belvor 'long the Veng. Then from there you stick with the Veng to Fendrelan and Batlet. Bridge by Barduk is free and clear. At Barduk - move away from the Ritensa from the fork and head south to Willip. Easy enough? Oh - one thing. The 'Orned Society is using lizardmen as scouts in the rivers. Kill any you see on sight or the whole orc army will be on you within the hour."
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Post by Daos on Feb 7, 2020 15:13:54 GMT -8
"Seems simple enough, at least on paper," Marik agrees. He had a feeling the actual expedition would be anything but, however it was nice to imagine this would be the easiest thousand gold he'd ever earn. "And I assume we take the same path back?"
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OnceUponAnAxe
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Throwin Dice and Livin Nice!
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Post by OnceUponAnAxe on Feb 8, 2020 9:29:44 GMT -8
“Sure. Krayquer. This merry band of Misfits will most assuredly see your merchants safely on their way. While we do that, you and that burly mess of lads that came to the inn, what will you be doing? Patrolling these streets? shaking down pick pockets? Harassing working girls? So brave.” He sneers then turns to the others.
“I’ll head to this merchant inn...actually, before I step out...Sergeant, do your armorers make beading? Any chance you got some armor I can strap to my best friends. Sam and Dean can attract an arrow or two at times, Ild like to make that a harder proposition for the Pig faces.” He turns to talk with Krayquer before he leaves.
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Post by Justin Tyme on Feb 11, 2020 6:01:57 GMT -8
Dra'Ziw takes the 'banter' between the others and those in command with impartiality. It is unclear if the priest of Wee Jas is aloof or wise to stay out of such things. The silver streaks in his beard and at his temples by his pointed ears show the half-elf is beyond the years of a typical adventurer. He finally does speak, "I shall take this map to help us on our journey." He says as he rolls it up and places it in a pocket of his robe. What is strange is that the pocket is clearly smaller than the map, but it is able to be stuffed in without sticking out or bulging in any way. He then goes over to the table with the money and places the bag in a different pocket with the same results. "Do any of you require me to carry your coin?" Dra'Ziw says to the others. He then will say, "I think it may be best for us to stick together from here on out. Shall we plan on our purchases and tactics at the Behir and Beholder where our charges are located?"
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Post by Margrave on Feb 16, 2020 10:35:31 GMT -8
Wethun: “Sure. Krayquer. This merry band of Misfits will most assuredly see your merchants safely on their way. While we do that, you and that burly mess of lads that came to the inn, what will you be doing? Patrolling these streets? shaking down pick pockets? Harassing working girls? So brave.” He sneers then turns to the others.
Krayquer's face turns red and veins visibly bulge on his neck and forehead. His eyes narrows and then he just smiles a wolfish grin. "Good luck."
The cleric of Wee Jas takes the map and the party congregates at the various outfitting shops. Your group assembles a vast list of items and arrange for them to be delivered before dawn at the Behir and Beholder. The group then goes to the inn itself, looking for the merchants they are hired to escort.
A boistrous middle-aged man weighing about 50 pounds more than he should is in a heated conversation with another human male in his mid-50's. The two are almost polar opposites as the first - who must be Malin - stands just over 5-and-a-half feet tall and has an unkempt full brown beard and mustache; his companion is over six feet and is frail and tired in appearance - his solid white hair tapers into a nicely trimmed beard and mustache. Malin is dressed in finery of a merchant while his companion is dressed as more of a ragged beggar.
Listening to the argument is a beautiful and poised half-elven female. Her flowing, sandy brown hair offsets her piercing green eyes take the party in as you enter. She puts her hand on Malin's arm and he turns to look at her. She whispers a few words in his ear and you can see that Malin begins to calm down. He turns to follow his fey companion's gaze and all three merchants look at the group.
Malin stands and walks over to the group - his grumpy demeanor changing in a blink of an eye as only a silver tongued merchant could. He opens up his arms and says, "Welcome, welcome. You must be our escorts, eh? Malin is my name. The comely lass is Emerald and the old stick-in-the-mud is Jasmalus. Join us and share your names. Your room and meal will be taken care of as long as you tell us a little about yourselves as we are entrusting our lives and livelihood in your hands."
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Post by Daos on Feb 16, 2020 15:42:05 GMT -8
Marik's eyes widen a bit at the sight of the comely Emerald. Perhaps this trip wouldn't be a drudgery after all. He plays it cool for now; after all, there will be plenty of time to get to know each other on the long trip, and turns his attention to Malin. "I am Marik Gemseeker of Port Valour. I'm quick on my feet, an excellent shot with a bow, and am a capable scout."
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Post by Kvard51 on Feb 16, 2020 21:38:27 GMT -8
Chert's grin only grows larger at the sounds of argument as they enter the inn. "Ahh, nothing quite like a quarrel over breakfast to get the juices flowing, eh? Chert here. I'm a spell slinger. I'll be in charge of keeping any opponents confused as to our real location, numbers, and objectives."
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Post by Justin Tyme on Feb 17, 2020 7:31:42 GMT -8
"Greetings to you sirs and m'lady. I am Dra’Ziw Ci’Relc - cleric of Wee Jas. I shall lend my lady's strength in magic to your cause." He takes out the map from the pocket it was placed. "Let us go over the path that we will take." Dra'Ziw then relays the route given to the group by the sergeant. "We all have mounts, so I think it may be wise for one of us to lead the column, one on each side of the column, and one at the rear of the column. When it is time to rest, I have a spell that will allow us safety from harm and the elements themselves."
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OnceUponAnAxe
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Throwin Dice and Livin Nice!
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Post by OnceUponAnAxe on Feb 17, 2020 15:07:00 GMT -8
“I’m Wethun Bloodletter, tracker, hunter, and member of the Resistance in the Occupied Shield Lands. I’ll be coming with my partners Sam and Dean. You got an orc problem, me and my boys will sort it out for you.” He cuts eyes at Emerald cuts a wry smile and turns to signal for a drink. Then plops himself down waits for the arrival of his food and drink. “It will be nice to sleep inside one more night before this long journey.”
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Post by Margrave on Feb 18, 2020 8:22:36 GMT -8
The merchants continue to make small talk and a fine meal with mulled wine is served. They are happy to have the help from Gillmore and the party. You learn that Gillmore will supply 10 cavalry to travel with the group at the first day. The rest of the evening is relatively uneventful, and the merchants bid their good nights as they turn in due to the early start at dawn. Your rooms are adequate and the beds comfortable. You awake refreshed and pack your belongings.
In addition to your personal mounts, three wagons arrive at the citadel gates at dawn. Each carries a teamster driving the wagon and one of the merchants. The teamsters, rough-looking men, appear as if they pulled their wagons themselves rather than drove them. Heavy tarps cover the wagon crates. Inspection reveal what appear to be general supplies and foodstuffs that one would expect outposts need.
As the group mounts up and decides marching order, it is evident that disuse has allowed the early part of the old trail to become overgrown recently. However, deeply cut ruts from once flourishing commerce along the route still mark the trail well enough. Flat, open grassland dominates the first part of the trail until the road winds eastward to follow the Veng River. The cavalry rides five on each side and the teamsters push the wagons to the fastest possible speed - 15 miles a day. The merchants expect the journey Morsten to take about six days.
OOC: I need marching order and any special preparations. Malin is in front wagon. Emerald is middle. Jasmalus is in rear. Each wagon has a teamster with a light crossbow and dagger, but it has been made clear that the party is going to be doing the bladework as the merchants only have daggers at their belts.
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Post by Kvard51 on Feb 18, 2020 12:53:29 GMT -8
Chert ties his horse to the back of wagon in the middle and clambers up onto the seat by the teamster. "I think I'll have a good vantage point from here, and it's easier to work my magic while someone else is driving than trusting a new horse to take me where I want to go."
OOC: Memorized Spells for today 1st - Spook, Phantasmal Force, Armor, Burning hands 2nd - Blindness, Invisibility, Wall of Gloom
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Post by Justin Tyme on Feb 18, 2020 13:39:19 GMT -8
Dra'Ziw will ride his steed on the non-river side (assuming starboard) of the column. A raven lands on his shoulder and the cleric does not flinch. He feeds it something from his pocket and then it takes flight above the party - clearly scouting ahead. It is clear that Dra'Ziw is such an accomplished rider that he is able to guide his horse using his legs only. On occasion, he is ranges a bit and doubling back on his side of the column. He closes his eyes and says, "Q'oth is just ahead, he does not see anything to worry us at the moment."
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Post by Daos on Feb 18, 2020 14:44:18 GMT -8
As the self-proclaimed scout, Marik will ride a short distance ahead of the caravan, keeping an eye out for any danger, obstacles in the path, or anyone approaching, so he can ride back to warn the caravan if necessary.
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OnceUponAnAxe
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Post by OnceUponAnAxe on Feb 19, 2020 12:28:04 GMT -8
Wethun and his fuzzy partners will ride and walk behind Marik. He keeps a respectful distance so as not to disturb the scouts sneaking potential, but would like to be close enough to save the man’s life if need be.
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