CH. 02 - Raider's Camp

[Daos]

Caelin (zeroprime) and Henry (bunnycommando)
As the pair moves deeper into the camp, the crude tents are replaced by larger, sturdier and cleaner ones, bearing emblems that resemble dragons.  On their way to the base of the second tower, they pass by a small campsite that has been set up for humans, hobgoblins and draconians.  A couple of folk wearing furs and hides show up, carrying with them an assortment of animal carcasses.  They speak to some of the people at the camp, and exchange coin in the process.  Moving closer, they can listen in on some of the conversation.

"Nice job.  We'll take the deer, the rabbits and the pheasants," says one of the cultists.  "Take the rest to the nursery," he says, gesturing to the cave.

The hunters pale.  "You want us to go inside there?"

The cultist laughs.  "Relax.  They're just babies."  Seeing that did not reassure them, the cultist shrugs and says, "Fine, just leave it with the guards at the entrance then."

Chantilly (chantilly) and Zakkoth (igordragonian)
From what Chantilly can tell, the half-elf was being sincere.  He is just a merc trying to get by, and only took this job to watch over his sister.

The pair move on, walking deeper into the camp.  The steady slope upward brings the to the second level of the camp, where instead of crude tents, there are larger, sturdied and cleaner ones, bearing emblems that resemble dragons.  They pass by a small campsite that consists mostly of Baaz, but with a couple of Kapaks, Bozaks and even a red Dragonspawn.  The Baaz and Kapaks are currently dumping out the contents of their packs onto the ground to look over and admire their booty, 'oohing' and 'aahing' over it like kender showing off their pouch contents.  One of the Bozaks growls in annoyance.  "Don't forget, all of this stuff goes into the nursery.  Don't get too attached to any of it."

"Sure, sure, captain," one of the baaz says, bobbing his head obsequiously.  "We just wanted to look at it a bit, that's all.  Honest.  We'll turn it all in."

Eliana (dreamangel) and Benyt (gorgonheap)
As the two women talk, the black-robed man eventually tires of kicking the kobold, and lets the creature scurry off.  He then notices the pair, and approaches, smoothing out his robes. "Well, good evening, beautiful," he says to Eliana.  "Never seen you around camp before.  You're not one of the mercs, are you?  They tend to be less...pleasant to look at."  The man has greased back black hair, a neat mustache, and dark eyes with darker circles under them.

[HorizonsDream]

Eliana laughs lightly at the black robed man. "Most mercenaries aren't pretty, but every once in awhile one will surprise you," she says. "I'm Aria," she says, holding out her gloved hand to the man.

[Daos]

Eliana (dreamangel) and Benyt (gorgonheap)
"Aria," the man says, taking her hand and planting a kiss on it, despite the glove covering it.  "I am Colton, a Blood Acolyte of the Knights of the Thorn," he says, puffing out his chest a bit.  "So you are a merc then?  You should consider joining us for real.  Better perks.  Nicer tents.  I could put in a good word for you...I have some connections, after all."

[HorizonsDream]

"I could consider it, but what are these perks you speak of?" Eliana asks curiously. "I mean,living as a merc isn't such a bad thing, at least not for me, so the perks would have to be really good."

[Daos]

Eliana (dreamangel) and Benyt (gorgonheap)
"I notice you have no armor and no weapons aside from that crossbow on your back," Colton observes.  "I could see you get better gear.  Unless...you are a practitioner in the Art, as myself?  In which case, I can help teach you some new and more powerful spells.  The Thorn Knights have quite a few resources.  Plus, better food and drink, better company," he adds with an eyebrow wiggle, "and better job security.  After all, once this is all over, the mercs won't be needed anymore and you'll all have to find new work."

[GorgonHeap]

Benyt says, "I am a professional, Sir Knight. I honor my contracts, not an ideal, and work is never hard to find. Tents and food are just things, but I cannot return to Khur one day without slaves. Slaves mean status, and all the better if they are Solamnic weaklings. Show me that prize, and you will earn an ally, if not a cohort."

[HorizonsDream]

"Like my friend here has said, finding work isn't a problem,"Eliana says. "And while I'm sure you have plenty of magical resources for me to study, finding work that helps me improve upon my magic isn't much of a problem either," she admits with a smile. "I guess I like the freedom of being a merc more than job security. Though, we still have some time before this is over, yes? You still might be able to enjoy my company up until the point we leave."

[Bunny Commando]

Henry - HP: 10\20 - Conditions: None - Active Effects: None

Henry grunts in acknowledgment when Caelin thanks him, but the anger that he briefly showed to the hobgoblins is still there - there's something bothering him. The squire is about to nod and go towards the second tower when he overhears the conversation between the cultists and the hunters, stops Caelin by the arm and says in a whisper "Let's talk to those hunters. Better if you do the talking. Convince them to let us bring the food to whatever is in the cave."

[Igordragonian]

Zakkoth put his hood on- just in case.
He chuckle to himself, as the little kender talk so easily to the mercnary.
He also found it funny, if the believer died, and he, who followed her out of love stayed.

Nursery?
Zakkoth curse. 'Bad omen...' he wishper to Chantilly. 
'Maybe we should follow them... on the long run this might be proven important'

[Daos]

Eliana (dreamangel) and Benyt (gorgonheap)
"Slaves?" Colton asks, looking to Benyt.  "What, you mean like your own personal ones?  Sorry, the few slaves we've collected are put to work doing manual labor.  A few have even joined our ranks, but most of them will probably be fed to the drakes when we're done with them.  Although, if you became true believers and proved your worth, who can say?  Rezmir rewards those who show their loyalty.  I could see her handing over a few to you, as a boon."  He shrugs.  "Assuming any are still alive at that point, anyway."

To Eliana, his eyes light up.  "Perhaps you'd like me to show you my tent?  I have an excellent bottle of Ergothian wine I've been meaning to find an excuse to break out."

[Zero Prime]

Caelin Valaerys, pariah of Tarkhisis
ARMOR CLASS: 17 | HIT POINTS: 18 | CURRENT: 18 | HIT DIE: d8; d10 | CURRENT: d8; d10
PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 17 | INSPIRATION: 0
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Caelin looked down quickly at Henry's hand an his arm, the larger man noted the youth tense, immediately, and his hand shot for his belt before he stopped himself. He pulled the arm away, and by way of explanation for his odd reaction, just shook his head. However, he did listen to Henry's request, nodded, and whispered. "Fair enough, but stand behind me and glower at them like they just shaved off your whiskers." Caelin waited until the hunter's had moved away from the cultists who had initially paid them, intercepting them before they moved to the guards outside the cavern.

"You lot!" He hissed as he approached them, "Mondath wants the babies fed, NOW! If you aren't willing to do it, then my man here will." He slapped Henry on the chest, "If you argue I'll slit your throats and feed you to them myself."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Out of Combat Actions}OOC: Hopefully with an assist from Henry, but rolling Deception convincing them to give us the game for the babies in the cavern (Babies?!? I have a bad feeling about this!) 1d20+3= ;7weXamOh1d20+3, with advantage (if applicable), 1d20+3= ;1d20+3.

1d20+3·1d20+3

[Matt4]

Chantilly Sweettooth

HP: 19/19 - AC: 16 - Perception: 15 - Insight: 11 - Inspiration: No

Chantilly peeked with curiosity as the draconians were admiring their loot, trying to see what did they got. *
She nodded at Zakkoth swearing, she was also doubtful about the "nursery" they were talking about.
The girl would have preferred to avoid interacting with that group, since talking with Fenn she had a glooming feeling about that camp and would have rather hurry up and leave.
Eventually though, she nodded and said: "I have a bad feeling but..okay, let's keep an eye on them."


OOC Actions

Do I need a check? Just in case, Perception (?) roll to see what they have there: _SbhiGD51d20+5

and then I guess we'll wait and see what they do next.1d20+5

[HorizonsDream]

Eliana tucks away the tad bit of information she gleamed off of Colton. "Thank you for the offer, but my friend and I are a little busy at the moment," she admits, though she does her best to look disappointed that she can't join the man as to not offend him too much. "Matter of fact, I think we have strayed for too long, so we must be on our way. If you will excuse us." With that said, she leads Benyt away from the black robed man, but once out of earshot, she lets out a relieved sigh. "Well, we got more information than I thought we would. It seems like the prisoners have been put to work, but where?"

[Daos]

Caelin (zeroprime) and Henry (bunnycommando)
One of the hunter's faces twists into rage and reddens.  "You know what?  No!  You do it!"  He shoves a bloody sack of animal parts into Caelin's hands forcefully.  "I'm sick and tired of the lip we get.  If it wasn't for us, you're whole camp would have starved by now.  Screw it, you don't pay us enough for this crap."  He grabs a similar bloody sack from his partner, then shoves it into Henry's hands.  "And if you have a problem with that, we can settle things right now, as far as I'm concerned," he adds, putting a hand on the hatchet on his belt.

The confrontation has garnered a bit of attention.  Several mercs and cultists have noticed the shouting and paused to look at what is happening.

Chantilly (chantilly) and Zakkoth (igordragonian)
From what Chantilly can tell, most of the booty are simple valuables taken from the town.  These include jewelry, silverware, a few religious icons, and quite a collection of bronze, iron and steel coins.

The two watch the group for awhile, but they seem to be in no real hurry.  Eventually, though, the pair is noticed.  One of the baaz sees them watching, and waves them over.  "Hey, join us!  Did you get anything good?  Where's your loot at?" he asks, noticing neither is carrying anything.

Eliana (dreamangel) and Benyt (gorgonheap)
Before they are entirely out of earshot, Colton yells out, "Aria!  Look for me during the feast tonight!"  He waves to her, then heads off.

[Matt4]

Chantilly Sweettooth

HP: 19/19 - AC: 16 - Perception: 15 - Insight: 11 - Inspiration: No

Chantilly waved back and got closer to the group: "Hi! Actually we just arrived here, checking if we could lend a hand. I heard you talking about a... Nursery? Back at my village tending to the other children was my main occupation, beside cooking, maybe I could help with that!"
The idea of an actual nursery at that camp still seemed far-fetched to Chantilly, but just in case there were children there it was best to check if they were treated nicely.