CH. 04 - Written in Blood

[Daos]

Apr 25, 2024 10:24:39 GMT -8 sarcastiksh0rtee37 said:

"Is it possible to see where they are and avoid them? Such as do they only burrow when attacking so they themselves are visible? Or perhaps where they are there is a mound of disturbed dirt even if they had moved horizontally underground? Or is encountering them simply a roll of the dice?"

"The tales say that there is usually a telltale tremor first, just before they strike," Lady Dre answers.  "Beyond that, they say you can sometimes leave a trail in the ground they leave behind when they burrow close to the surface."

Apr 25, 2024 15:40:17 GMT -8 Igordragonian said:

Zencho sigh when ignored ironically by the one who might help him to get some respect from his family, but walk along and helps to carry bags if needed.

"Did you have a question?" wonders Ward.

Apr 25, 2024 19:30:07 GMT -8 HorizonsDream said:

"So the farms have guards or something to protect them from the dangers of the Rattle," Ha Yun asks.

"The ones who can afford to do," Lady Dre answers.  "Most just have to do their best on their own."

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

If the wagon is travelling around a walking speed, Vulpi will leave their bag in the wagon and hop out walking next to it. This is to improve their ability to feel the ground vibrations.

[Igordragonian]

Zencho raise his head.
"Well.. what one has to do so you would spread his glory?" he asks

[Daos]

The wagon is moving slow enough that anyone who wants can walk along easily.

Ward raises a brow to Zencho.  "Allow me to accompany you on this expedition.  Which you have already done," he notes dryly.

The journey from Promise leads north through the Ribbon, where clustered farmhouses dot the dark-red ground between stands of scattered woods.  Eventually, the road dwindles to a track.  The stands of tree grow denser and the farms fewer and farther between as they near the lands called the Rattle.

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(OOC:  Anyone who wishes can make a Nature check if they like.)

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

backpackless (wagon)

nature: IDtEMQhZ1d20+41d20+4

[HorizonsDream]

"Wow, you guys really weren't kidding about this place," Ha Yun says.

uO2Q2mTp1d20+2 Nature1d20+2

[Daos]

Vulpi is able to notice that many of the farms in the Ribbon are touched by blight and the animals appear sickly and thin.

[Bishgada]

Ward raises a brow at Chispa's question. "You doubt the existence of the gods? I can assure you they are quite real. I have seen their power firsthand."

Chispa shakes her head with some shock and sorrow. "Of course not. I'm a true follower of Quetzalcoatl, the god of creation." She pauses looking around to calm herself thinking if she really is one. "I meant to ask if you heard of incidents around here, or being capable of mind control abilities specifically."

After recomposing herself Chispa looks around and says, "Wow, the nature around here is so beautiful! So much space, and the singing of birds. It is lovely."

=========================================
(OOC: Nature O5IqCxhp1d20)1d20

[Daos]

"I have not," answers Ward.  "The attack in Promise was the first such incident I have heard of, which is all the more reason to investigate.  I am certain the Covenant Gods will guide me to the truth."

[HorizonsDream]

"I don't think we are going to find the answers to what happened to Promise until we check out the farms," Ha Yun says.

[Daos]

"More and more folk head into the Rattle each year," Lady Dre notes.  "Despite its dangers, it becomes necessary.  The Ribbon grows less fertile and more blighted.  Nobody knows why."

As the wagon pushes into the Rattle, they near a weathered farm surrounded by crops that look healthier than those they saw in the Ribbon.  Not everything about the farm is hopeful, though.  Growls and excited yipping resound from the field surrounding the farm.  The source isn't clear, but from the motion of the tall crops, something moves swiftly through the fields parallel to the road.

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

backpackless (wagon)

Is the wagon stopping here or are we continuing farther in?
If stopping here then Vulpi will use mold earth to dig a fox hole -but not get inside it- and pull out their bow. (Vulpi will fill the hole back in when it is safe again, so wherever would piss off the neighbors the least)

If we are continuing farther in then Vulpi will just pull out their bow.

[Daos]

(OOC:  I'd say whether the wagon stops or not depends on the party.  Does anyone ask Lady Dre to stop?  If not, she seems content to keep moving forward.)

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

Does it look like beings associated with humanoid civilization are in harms way (so like humanoids, farm animals, pets etc.)?

[Daos]

(OOC:  Make a Perception check.)