[Game Thread] Part I Chapter I: The Caravan Ride

[Kurokuwashu]

Traveling Music

WednesdayWealday, 4th JuneSarenith 4714 AR "You look like the business end of a blacksmith's anvil," Roger informed Blight as he and Virtak approached. Roger Windum continued to supervise the loading of the five wagons as the newest members of his small caravan approached. Alongside the caravan master, two surly looking men stood guard as workers loaded trade goods and other provisions. The taller of the two, a chunky, balding man, watched the pair approach with nervous, darting eyes. The shorter, red-haired guard, had the look of a real tavern brawler, his crooked nose giving away his penchant for getting into fights. "Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet my two guards: Jacob Skevin and Keveak Chorster." Roger gestured to the two men. "Sk, Sk, Sk, Skeeves.EverybodycallsmeSkeeves," the tall guard stammered. "Trask," the red haired man said. The small caravan consisted of two covered wagons that housed most of the traveling provisions and an uncovered supply wagon that carried the entirety of the trade goods. There were two additional drivers, as well as a cook and a wainwright; all of the men looked like seasoned travelers. Not long after all the wagons had been loaded, the group headed through the gates of Kintargo, off on their journey towards Westcrown. As the sun rose further into the sky, the first day's travel became slow going at best. The weather was abnormally hot for that time of the year and the horses struggled to pull their loads at any great speed. By the time they set camp for the night, the caravan had only made three-quarters of the intended distance Roger had intended for the day. "We're about half-a-day's ride from the town of Lorham; just outside Ravounel Forest. We would have made it there today, if it hadn't been for this damned heat," Roger said, wiping the sweat from his brow. As the group pitched camp, Skeeves and Trask took up defensive positions just outside the camp's fire light. "We'll take the first watch," Trask informed the others. "Ye, ye, yeah.Thefirstwatch," Skeeves chimed in.

[Yuul]

Watching Blight awaken had indeed been a source of amusement, no matter how much pity Virtak felt for his companion at what must be a killer hangover. When they eventually set out after a quick breakfast, well, after Blight's quick breakfast as Virtak had already eaten, it did not take them long to reach the forming caravan. The necromancer thought Roger was quite right about Blight and his current plight, though he showed no trace of that humor on his face. He found himself distracted by something else anyway, the fact that it was oppressively hot already and the sun had not been up for more than an hour or two. This trip was liable to prove some measure of torture for the other travelers but after some quick Using Arcane Bond Object to cast Endure Elements on selfspell-work it ceased to be a problem for Virtak. Which was good, as the dark robes and cloak he wore would have only worsened the heat for him. A glance towards Blight resulted in Virtak making a note to be prepared tomorrow for both of them. Virtak payed little more attention to the introduction of the two caravan guards than was needed to partly remember their names and general demeanor. After the introduction he gave a nod to Roger and moved to hop onto the nearest available wagon with seating. For the rest of the days travel, he enjoyed any looks of disbelief sent his way at his perfect comfort-ability with the heat, when besides perhaps the horses, he should have been the worst of there. If given the chance to whisper to Blight during the trip, he apologizes. "I'm afraid I wasn't prepared for the heat today, tomorrow I'll prepare an extra spell yes?" When the time eventually came to make camp, Virtak didn't give much thought to the caravan guards claim for first watch. They were the guards after all even before the necromancer and alchemist had joined up with the caravan for this trip. While the camp is being set up he takes Roger to one side for a moment to speak quietly. "If you don't mind I'm going to be setting a ward around the camp. If something should pass from the outside to within twenty feet of the camp's center a noise should alert us." Virtak didn't much care to explain his magic to someone didn't practice the craft or was at least intelligent enough to fully understand the details and subtle nuances, but since he was technically in this man's employ for the duration of their mutual trip, it was better to let him in on what he planned to do.

[PIG]

This is hell. The wagon bouncing along. This dreadful heat. Blight is very silent during the ride and his face is a scrowl. He glrances over at Virtak and sees him as cool and focuses as ever. Blight growls and spits at the road at the sight. He has no idea how the young one can look like this. And the heat!!! Curses to Sarenrae, the heat!!! Blight hates everyone on the caravan during the whole ride. Then Virtak whispers "I'm afraid I wasn't prepared for the heat today, tomorrow I'll prepare an extra spell yes?" It took Blight a sum of ten full seconds to completely gather what his companion was saying. When he realized what he meant he growled. "Yeah, you do that. You got me suffering here, you know? I could'a used that today rather than tomorrow!" Blight knows that none of this is Virtak's fault (all his own fault, really) and the necromancer was only doing him a favor, but the loathing half-orc conveniently ignores facts when his head is about explode. The alchemist touches the hilt of the enchanted Deliverer to chill his hand and touch his face to cool it, trying to transfer some of the coolness. Does little good and just makes his hand feel numb. Damn. When they camp he ignores the stammering one, thinking him weak and stupid because of his disability, and grunts to the firey red-headed one in response to watch order. It crossed Blight's mind that they might go faster alone and they could both earn some money if he poisoned the rest of the camp and took off with their little bit of money (just enough poison to get them sick, not kill them) but they needed the extra protection through this land and hey- they were the Heroes of Deepmar. They'll need the cover as goodly adventurers once they get back to town. He looks forward to getting some sleep and grudgingly awaits the second watch, tonight.

-----------------------------

Right Hand: Empty
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing


Quiver of Bolts: 27
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) nil

[Kurokuwashu]

Roger nodded in agreement when Virtak suggested warding the campsite; extra, more magical protection, was always a good thing. The entire caravan crew went about their work the efficient effort of long practice. The cook had set the campfire to light, and there was already a steaming pot of stew simmering above. "I don't like mushrooms." "What do you mean, you don't like mushrooms? There were mushrooms in the last batch, you dolt." "Yeah, well, they get all squishy and soggy when you put them in the stew. Why don't you use some green onions instead? Roger shook his head in feigned disappointment. "Those two are always disagreeing about something." The two he was referring to were the cook and the one of the drivers. Regardless of the meal, the pair found themselves in a debate about one ingredient or another, with neither willing to concede to the others point, no matter how valid. "There going to do that all night," Roger noted. "Sometimes I wonder why I continue to bring them along. Anyway, pull up a stump gentlemen and tell me all about the dastardly deeds that got you caught up on the wrong side of the law."

[Yuul]

It had been easy enough for him to overlook Blight's grumpy words, though the necromancer wasn't very forgiving these days, Blight counted as a friend, a rare commodity to be certain. That and if he had been forced to endure that heat properly, he'd be far more than grumpy. Especially in his clothing of choice. Virtak spent most of dinner's preparation setting up his ward. Casting it didn't take anywhere near that amount of time, but he had chosen to walk the perimeter and make sure all the wagons and possible planned watch posts would reside within its affects, if only barely. It wouldn't do to have one of the incompetent guardsman, no doubt the stammering one, trigger it accidentally and wake up the camp thus wasting the spell that night. Eventually he was satisfied and after checking the cook and work hands if they had everything they would need from outside the area, such as firewood, for the night, he cast his spell centered on the Assuming it's the rough center of camp, Alarm covers 20ft out in all directions.campfire. Eventually both he and Blight had sat down with Roger, where the man made the inquiry as to how they landed themselves in Deepmar. After all it was quite the notorious penal colony, so Virtak wasn't that surprised at the question being asked, only reluctant in its answer. A short laugh without any mirth escaped the necromancer as he pondered if should answer truthfully. But then, they wouldn't have been sent Deepmar without something serious and Roger no doubt knew that. The worst that could happen would likely end with them being kicked from the caravan, with Blight no doubt possibly taking an opportunity to steal supplies perhaps. But then again, Roger had known they had been sent to Deepmar and had hired them anyway, mainly on the perceived worth of guards that had survived the perils he and Blight had returned from. Not much he could lose honestly, aside from it leaking back to Kintargo and possibly delaying his and Blight's plans. But it didn't seem likely. So at last after a few seconds, though it seemed much longer to Virtak, he decided to speak truthfully. "I suppose it was partly because of my art. I am a necromancer. Although I don't think the Hell Knights would have cared nearly so much if it wasn't a noble family's crypt I had been in at the time. It was mostly my fault, I didn't check for signs of visitation as well as I should have." There, it had been said. And Virtak found himself strangely and pleasantly uncaring of what the man thought. It was a good feeling.

 

If the next DM update passes us into sleep, Virtak will only sleep the 2 hours required by the ring of sustenance.

[PIG]

Blight listens to the necromancer's dry laugh and response. He nods his head in agreement. With his turn he said "T'was my dealings with the Hell Knights, too, I guess. I chose the wrong people to trust. They never bothered me before and I never bothered them but I stepped on the giant's foot and off I was sent on that boat." He leans close to the campfire and spits into it to hear it sizzle before leaning back. "The real reason I was rounded up, I suspect, is that scarred and ugly Captain Durotas back at Westcrown. The man has always had it in for me and blames me for everything. Someday, when I get bigger and a little wiser, I'll pay him back for all of this." He sweeps his hand to the sky, the light reflecting off his mask in glimmers. "All of this and more."

Mentioning Captain Durotas makes Blight think about their encounter last night. It was cloudy thinking back to that night, but he feels much better now and is starting to make connections again. He peers at Roger. "What about this woman" he says woman as if it was acid on his tongue, the weaker sex "named Captain Feshami. Back from where we came. Anything you know about her? Where does she come from? She local?" The more Bligth and Virtak knows the more they can use against the authorities as he hatches the new criminal plan in that small haven.

[Kurokuwashu]

Necromancer? Roger rolled the title over in his mind for several moments. Necromancy wasn't a common practice in the Empire of Devils, thus Roger surmised that his newly employed guard wasn't a native to Cheliax. Roger studied Virtak for a long moment, as if taking the man's measure. Finally, Roger shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Well, somebody has to study the subject." Roger's smile broadened at the mention of Kintargo's infamous guard captain. "Ah yes. Captain Feshami. Usually, her bark is worse than her bite. Although, when she does bite, it tends to be a lot worse then her bark. Captain Feshami fell in love with and married a minor noble from Egorian, oh, some ten years back. However, on the night of the wedding, instead of consummating the marriage, Kimber grabbed a handful of hot coals and burned half of her husband's face. Her husband, Connar Middleborough, could have had her imprisoned in Deepmar or indentured to another noble house. However, he still loved her and decided to have he join watch guard in Kintargo. Her impressive skill with a blade, coupled with her hot temper, allowed her to quickly rise in the ranks. When the previous guard captain was killed a couple of years ago in a raid, she, being the highest ranking and most competent guard, was promoted to his position. As you can probably imagine, a woman commanding a brigade of men would not be an easy task to pull off. But, Captain Fehami has the unquestioned loyalty of her men. She leads from the front and never asks one her men to do something she isn't willing to do herself. She's also a bit of a stickler for the law." Roger shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The merchant had first hand knowledge of just how much of a stickler the guard captain was, having found himself on the wrong side of a jail cell after his first encounter with the guard captain. As the men continued their conversation, Skeeves and Trask continued their circuit of the encampment and the arguing cook and driver continued their minor dispute, which had suddenly devolved into a heated debate surrounding the proper application of salt. As the night wore on, meals were eaten, the watch was changed and nothing extraordinary happened during the night. Early that afternoon, the caravan rolled through the gates of Lorham, a small town just on the outskirts of the Ravounel forest. Lorham boasted a population of just over sixteen hundred residents; the majority of which were humans. Because the caravan was safely behind the walls of Lorham, Roger saw no reason for Blight and Virtak to guard the wagons during his excursion; he had Skeeves and Trask to handle that. This gave the duo the rest of the day to wander the town. There were several taverns to choose from, along with a number of blacksmith shops, general stores, jewelry stores, and shops that specialized in potions, scrolls and other minor magical items. Roger spent the remainder of the overly hot day picking up and dropping off various trade goods. He instructed the pair to meet him at the Blissful Devil Inn around sunset, as that would be their lodging for the evening.

[Yuul]

By the time his turn in the watch rotation had come about, Virtak had already been awake for a short Four hour watch rotation?while preparing his spells for the day that had yet to dawn. His watch with Blight proved rather uneventful and after it was over the necromancer had been sorely tempted to use the time preparing a scroll of Endure Elements, as the spell seemed in great demand with the heat day brought with it. In the end though, he had yet to see what time Roger was accustomed to breaking camp when already on the road as opposed to leaving a town. In the end, they were set to be stopping at a town later in the day, one if not for the heat they would have been at last night, and he could no doubt perform such an activity without worry of interruption. As they broke camp Virtak cast the spell he had yesterday on himself again, followed by Blight. After this, he approached Roger again on the matter of his spells, and offered. "I assume you would appreciate the freedom of ignoring the heat as I did yesterday, so if I may?" If, more likely when, given permission Virtak applies the same spell to the caravan master as he had already done for himself and Blight. With almost everything taken care of the necromancer moved to take the seat he had yesterday on one of the wagons, casting one last Mage Armor(Extended)spell as he did so. And so their journey continued, albeit in a boring fashion. Any look at the horses or of the other people in Roger's employ quickly told him it could be worse. When they eventually reach the small town of Lorham and pulled through the gates, Virtak and no doubt Blight as well was grateful to be informed that their employer did not need them to watch the wagons. The town appeared of a decent enough size to the necromancer as he descended from the wagon seat, idly putting away the information to meet up at the Blissful Devil Inn later for their accommodations. Until then there was plenty the Necromancer might wish to do, though his primary concern was the acquisition of more onyx gems, the primary component of much of his art. True, he possessed a good amount for the moment, but experience had taught him to be prepared for being unable to procure such supplies for a while. So that was what he set out to do, as he entered the market area, should a centralized mercantile point exist, and began a search for any of the black gems that had not yet been used in jewelry, magical or otherwise. He did set a small If Onyx gems are available, Virtak will buy up to 200gp of thembudget for his possible purchase, as he was saving most of his coin for when he next had a day or more of relative peace in a large town or city like Westcrown or Kintargo as there were more than one item he wished to make for himself. While the necromancer did browse through the scrolls on display in the end he set out for the inn without making a purchase from one of those vendors.

[PIG]

Seeing Roger's obvious discomfort with talking about Captain Feshami sets him more at ease with the simple tradesman. He knew he was right in choosing this one over that ship captain. Roger seemed more at ease with people and wasn't as an authoritative figure as the seaman. As for Feshami her self, "Have to give the woman merit. Most women I know buckle under men once you apply a bit force, crumble like a house of cards with one swipe. But to become city guard, after attacking a son of a noble no less, that's a stack of will right there she's got." He lifts off his mask and rests it one knee, the mask facing him. It's ornate simulation of an orc's face is slight, but still there. He always related to his orc side over his human side, which ran against his absolute devotion to his mother. "Knew this lady when I was young, back in Westcrown in the slums, who was in love with a sailor, fourth mate of a Chelish Navy warship. He was gracious to her like this Connar was and brought her presents from all around, visiting when he was at the docks. She loved him, or so she used to think, waiting at the shipyard for him." He pauses and puts the mask back on, leaving out a large portion of the story. "But when things went bad, which they always do, she found the gall to poison his meal when he came to visit her one evening. He died chocking on the street, unable to cry for help. Women are weaker than men. That's why they have to be stronger. Like Captain Feshami." The conversation halts for a moment after that as Skeeves and Trask fight over some nonsense, Blight does not really pay attention to what, and they begin to talk about more idle things. The next day Blight is feeling as bright as a silver coin. The moment that Virtak exhausts his spell for him the hot and bright morning becomes a pleasant and bright morning. The dew of the night quickly evaporates and the birds fill the trees. The watch last night was uneventful and pleasant, though very loud even compared to the city night he is used to. Even Deepmar didn't' have this much wildlife from what he could remember. Lorham was enclosed by a curtain of trees to either side as they rolled in. This is the first true village the alchemist has ever visited. The people were very different here compared to Westcrown and Kintargo and mostly human. They didn't seem to be as much in a rush as the big cities and there was room for the caravan to make it's way down the main road. Roger directed Blight to an old warlock who dabbled in alchemy when Blight enquired about potions and the half-orc found a small house in the shadow of a giant tree. An elderly man was tending to his perfectly neat gardens and when Blight inquired about alchemy materials the warlock reluctantly left his garden work to show the half-orc what he had to trade. The warlock seemed more interested in his garden and petting his familiar (a large tabby cat that continuously kept watch over Blight) than any arcane interests in potions. This is enough material to make potions along the way to the city. Assume every potion he makes (1/2 off the base price) is from this stash. I'll say that Blight bought 500gp of this material.Finally Blight left with precious raw materials to make more potions on the way to the city., forking over heavy pouch of 50 platinums which the old warlock seemed interested in. When asked, the warlock allowed Blight to use his home to make three potions at a work table. The warlock gave him some old bread and water to snack on as he worked, free of charge. The room smelled of magical chemicals and metals, a window of the gardens giving Blight some light to work by. He enjoyed having some privacy as the warlock returned to the garden and the cat rolled up in a corner, still watching the guest to the home with sleepy eyes. Lost in his work and six hours later, 75gp of material usedBlight held up three green potions of healing in the dying light. He smiles at his work, he at his happiest when mixing and completing concoctions. He quickly finished up by creating a couple of bombs and checking the extracts in his cloak before departing without saying goodbye. The cat familiar follows him all the way to the front gate and watches him walk down the street before retiring back to its master in the tomato gardens. Blight had a few ideas of where his necromantic friend would be and after three tries (he learned from the one selling onyx what direction he had last went) he finally found him gazing at scrolls on a tall rack. 3 Potions of Cure Light Wounds LV1He takes out the three potions and hands them to his partner. "Here, you might need this on the road." The alchemist gazes at the scrolls with Virak. "You know, I could make some of these scrolls or some of your spells from your spell book into potions we can use in an emergency. I can just copy them down in my formula book and duplicate them."

-----------------------------

Right Hand: Empty
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing


Quiver of Bolts: 27
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) nil

[Yuul]

"Here, you might need this on the road." A lesser man might have jumped at the sudden speaking of another right behind them. For Virtak however, his eyes widened at the sound and for a moment everything living or undead within ten feet became known to him, from each individual worm and insect beneath the ground, to his friend, yes friend, Blight standing right behind him. An exhalation of breath was the only give away of his initial surprise. The necromancer mentally scolded himself for losing his awareness of what surrounded him, or more importantly, whom. Still Virtak calmed after the half second it took to recognize Blight's voice. Virtak turns around to better face the half-orc he had grown to trust through what they had endured together on Deepmar and accepted the vials into his hand before studying them. Taking a gaze at their magical nature more than the vials' physical one he determined what they were soon enough before carefully putting them into his pack for later emergencies. "Thank you." The necromancer spoke in a genuinely grateful tone, some of it slipping through his emotional mask as well. "You know, I could make some of these scrolls or some of your spells from your spell book into potions we can use in an emergency. I can just copy them down in my formula book and duplicate them." Here the cold eyed man tenses just a bit, but certainly noticeable to Blight. Virtak's spellbook is arguably the mage's most personal item he carries, competing only with bonded dagger sheathed at his waist. After a long few seconds the tension building in the necromancer releases itself harmlessly. It was still another moment before he spoke however. "Sorry about that my friend, I do trust you, but years of only being able to trust yourself without anyone else watching out for you take their toll. Natural responses being one of them." A small smile cracks the mask. "Perhaps we might take an intial look tonight before either of us retires." A raised eyebrow as the smile turns into an amused grin. "That means keeping a shorter mug limit for you." "As for scrolls, well I plan on making a few myself. Only having to sleep a couple hours as opposed to the entire night does have its advantages." After he spoke Virtak made a 500gp of scroll making suppliespurchase not of scrolls but the supplies he would need to scribe some himself even as he speaks once more to Blight. "I need to make but one more purchase, I'll meet you back at the inn if you want." This last 500gp of Wondrous Item crafting suppliespurchase is comprised of more supplies, but of a different nature.

[Kurokuwashu]

Thematic Music With the caravan fully restocked, the group left the small town of Lorham not long after the sun had crested the horizon. The heat that had plagued their travel efforts the previous two days had given way to much milder temperatures, which allowed the horses to proceed at a more brisk pace. Over the next two days, the caravan made one additional stop in a village just off the coast of Cape Dis where Roger dropped off a load of goods. Roger had decided, upon leaving the village, to forego skirting the forest of Ravounel, which would have extended their travel to Egorian by a week, and drove the caravan along a well traveled path through the dense woods. Traveling through the forest had slowed the march because of the meandering nature of the trail, but they were able to keep up a steady pace which cut the time in half. As night fell on the third day of travel, darkness pressed in like walls as they rode along the forest rode. The thin light of the moon did little to dispel the gloom that had settled over the group like a heavy cloak. Rounding a bend, they saw a cheerful glow of a campfire about a hundred yards ahead. Blight's keen vision allowed him to point out the silhouettes of three figures standing around a welcoming fire. Having earlier announced that they would soon be making camp, Roger was eager to warm himself and share in the camaraderie of fellow travelers. So he urged the caravan onwards. As the group approached closer, an uneasiness settled in the pit of everyone's stomach. The surrounding forest was ominously still, an oppressive silence filled the void as if the entire forest was holding its breath, expectantly. "Hail friends," Roger called out as he brought the group to a halt. "Would you mind if we joined you in warming ourselves by your fire?" The three figures standing near the fire made no response.

[PIG]

Blight narrows his eyes at the encampment. Something wrong here. The rogue alchemist didn't like the feeling and looked around the dark forest road but only blackness stared back at them. With a growl he slips off the wagon. "I'll get the supplies ready" he says to Roger. He looks to Virtak and gives him the slightest of a meaningful nod. When behind the wagon Blight gets out his crossbow and looks around. He tries to Stealth Dice Roll: d20+14 (10)+14 Total = 24 sneak off and hide behind a tree or bushes so that he can get in sniping position from the three at the fire, still not speaking to them. Perception: Dice Roll: d20+12 (16)+12 Total = 28 He observes them a little closer.

-----------------------------

Right Hand: Crossbow
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing


Quiver of Bolts: 27
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) nil

[Yuul]

Virtak returned the slight nod of Blight's head with a slighter one of his own, that if the half-orc had not been looking for it he would have probably missed it. Virtak's hand grips his bonded dagger tightly in one hand, though he has yet to draw it. A few slow cautious steps forward and Virtak rests a hand on Roger's shoulder, nodding in the direction of the campfire and giving a slow shake of his head when Roger turns to face him, hoping to warn the man of possible trouble. The necromancer's robes rustle slightly as he moves in front of his current employer by a step or two before he checks a hunch, hoping to either clear it from his list of what seems off or to confirm it as a cause. Channeling detect undeadmagic through his bond with the dagger he focuses his gaze in the direction of the figures around the campfire.

[Kurokuwashu]

Thematic Music

Blight melted so completely into the darkness provided by the dense trees it was as if he were the living embodiment of a shadow, like something out of a child's night terror. As he closed in and gained a better vantage point, the half-orc noticed that there was something strange in the way the figures stood. They were close enough to the heat of the campfire that it should have been uncomfortable at the least. Virtak meanwhile, took a few cautious steps closer to the camp, all the while trying to divine the nature of the three figures. Whatever the figures were, they most assuredly weren't undead. As Blight inched closer, gaining a more advantageous vantage point, he noticed that the figures surrounding the campfire appeared to be extremely life-like stone statues. The face of each man was a chiseled mask of fear and surprise. With Virtak finding not trace of any undead in the area and Blight finding no apparent, immediate danger, the half-orc called the others to join him. Upon further examination of the campsite, Roger noticed a pair of deep grooves in the soil leading into the thick brush to the north. "It looks like something heavy was dragged away," Roger reported. "I've got a bad feeling about this," Trask interjected. "Wha, wha, what you mean, you got a bad feeling about dis?" Skeeves was all nerves and no brains. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow. He turned around in a tight circle as if he half expected someone to sneak up behind him and tap him on the shoulder. "If you know something man, you g, g, g, gotta tells us." "I don't know anything," Trask spat. "I just heard a rumor back in Lorham about some old crone that lives in these woods. She's supposed to have the power to raise the dead." "What!" Skeeves nearly shouted. "Aww crap man. I, I, I didn't sign up for this." "Whatever happened here, happened recently," Roger said, ignoring his two guards. "These tracks are still fresh and the campfire hasn't burned halfway through the wood yet."

[PIG]

The drag marks in the ground instantly brings to mind a statue being dragged into darkness. A life of someone turned to stone and kidnapped into the blanket of wilderness. He hefts his crossbow on his shoulder, the loudness of nighttime forest all around him in it's insects and wildlife. Trask unplugs some rumor of some whore that raises the dead. He smiles and looks to his partner, the fire of the doomed victims castings shadows up his face. "Raises the dead. What you think Virtak? Worth looking into?"

-----------------------------

Right Hand: Crossbow
Left Hand: Empty

 

Put Down: Nothing


Quiver of Bolts: 27
In the Crossbow: 1
Shot this Round: 0

Darts: 20
In the Blowgun: 0
Shot this Round: 0

Bombs Left Today: 4 of 4

Continuous or Instantaneous Inherited Powers (Racial, Class, Etc)
1) Darkvision: Half-orcs see in the dark up to 60 feet.
2) Orc Blood: count as both humans/orcs
3) Evasion: Reflex Save for 1/2 Dmg is reduced to no damage
4) Uncanny Dodge: Can not be caught flat-footed. No AC penalty from invisible attacks.

Continuous or Instantaneous Equipment Powers (Worn Magical Items, Etc)
1) Belt of Tumbling: The belt's wearer gains a +4 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks made to move through a threatened square or through an enemy's space.

Duration Powers (Potion Effects, Spell Durations, Penalties, Power Buffs, Etc)
1) nil