At the Inn of the Fortunate Minotaur

Darabrac Bramblefoot

Lucius, maybe with your knowledge of theatics and my own skills in acrobatics, we could liven our charges journey. Maybe if we pass a town we could make a few coins during our stay. This journey may not be dull after all. Not that the preachings of our cleric friends are dull, they certainly are not, no offense to van and Kaemris. None at all!

And perhaps I could aid you in avoiding the harsh ways of the Purple Dragons.

Darabrac pulls a rather large case from his sack and sets it on the table. from it he pulls some wigs and paints

Perhaps shortly you will be a completely different person. I am sure that with my help you could pass as a scholar from the Edificiant Library in the Snowflake Mountains. Hehehe...
 
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...and I am a proud member of the Blessed Order of Auspicians as well! Remind me to tell you of the time, many years ago, that I was lucky enough to find myself in the presence of Lady Luck herself. She has quite a wicked wit.

We have been without an arcanist for some time, and I'm sure everyone here would welcome your presence, Master Foxhound. We await the caravan's arrival, and the resuscitation of our genasi comrade Lenet cor Tarak, and then we plan to be on our way.

In truth, we do not have to choose our exact route yet. The first leg will take us to the ruined city of Tilverton--now called the Black Crater or the Crater of Shadows--and from thence we shall head west across the barren and lonely Stonelands. Only when we have passed through that forsaken land will we be required to choose our route.
 

Master Bramblefoot, that is most generous of you. I haven't seen such as fine display since I left the circus life behind. However, Lady Mystra grants me a few spells that perform similar functions (and that do not begin to smell in the hot sun). Perhaps I might even teach you a few of them? You seem quick witted enough! And I'm always up for performing ... especially if our caravan has a number of young ladies traveling in it.

And Master Tencoin .. you've actually been in the Lady's presence? Amazing! That certainly beats the tale I often tell of how I tried to bed the goddess Sune on a moonlit evening in Waterdeep! And if you believe that, you believe the tales of some powerful Dwarven wizard who lives in these parts!

He chuckles.

But seriously, I'd like to hear that story sometime, Master Tencoin. But yes, let's wait for Tilverton to discuss our route. Ah, Tilverton.. it used to be one of my favorite stops to set up shop. Now...
 
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Artemus Thornwind

Kaemris, has anyone brought word of Lenet's condition? She fought bravely with us in our adventures in the Hullack Forest and I hope that the gods will bring her back to us. Also, I know that we still need to claim our shares of the bounty from the Hullack Forest and I would like her with us.
 

I communed with the spirit of Lenet cor Tarak, and learned that her desire was to return from the Elemental Plane of Flames to the Life-lit Lands. So we conveyed her body to the Lady's House, where Lord Ironcrest was gracious enough to tithe for her revival. Now we have only to wait until she has recovered and made her way here...I have not heard any news but I too am impatient for her arrival!

I am pleased to be among such accomplished "fakers!" I hope you will accept this compliment in the spirit in which it is offered: one of the utmost respect. Although I have traveled in the presence of diplomats, I have also been known to bluff my way through many a tight spot. As the Smiling Lady teaches us, "the timely misdirection can be more propitious than a quick-swung blade."

Yes, Lucius...it is unfortunate...Tilverton was once a fine trading city where many caravans crossed paths. And now there is not much left, from what I've heard. They say it all happened in a single night...we must give it a wide berth.
 
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Darabrac Bramblefoot

the halfing rises from the table and walks out the front door, muttering that he will be back shortly.

A few moments later he returns with a larhe arms full of trail rations. He dumps them into his bag and steps outside. He bends down and grabs something, but from the door frame hides his actions. He brings another armful in and again places them in his bags. he does this several more times, yet the bag stays the same size.


That takes care of any food issues for the road ahead.
 

Call Me Artemus Thornwind

Your magical bag full of rations is quite a boon for such a long journey halfling! I might add that my extensive experience in the lore of the wilderness means I can catch enough food for at least some of our party...provided we encounter more animals than we met in the Hullack Forest.
 

A page of Lord Ironcrest arrives with a message. The caravan will arrive at Arabel in three days. Also, a complete list of travelers is included:

The Rolf-Lenumbrar Expedition

12 Wagons, 30 horses, 6 sharrada, 4 milk cows, 2 hunting dogs

Rolf family (8 humans)
Lenumbrar family (6 humans)
Aruvor family (5 rock gnomes)
Teems family (2 humans)
Otz family (2 Tallfellow halflings)
Chakis family (5 humans)
Seveniss family (4--1 elf, 1 human, 2 half-elves)
Tyldar family (3 humans)
Evernight family (5 humans)
Gallowglar family (2 dwarves)
 
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You all enjoy the victuals and refreshments provided by the staff of the Fortunate Minotaur, who happen to also be the family of Kaemris Tencoin. They are overjoyed at your success in Hullack Forest and subsequent return. “When will Lenet of the fiery hair return, Kaemris?” his sisters ask excitedly. Kaemris ignores them, silent for while and deep in study as you share tales of your travels. Finally he looks up from the map.

Ahem.

I’ve come to some conclusions about this map and I’d like to share them.

First, although this map is very helpful, it is also very deceiving. The scale is large, almost 120 miles to the inch. It seems that only major overland routes are depicted—I know of trails across many lands that would not show up on this map, and unlike me Artemus and Van could lead us to them.

I know that a caravan takes just over five days to reach Tilverton from Arabel (Arabel is just above the “O” in Cormyr, and Tilverton is depicted due north—that yellowish smudge due west of Tilverton is the Stonelands). I also know that a horse-drawn cart will cover the same distance per day on a road or trail across clear terrain—approximately 16 miles. By this method I’ve approximated the travel times to Sundabar by both proposed routes.

We have two options: the longer, well-traveled Trade Way to the west, or the Anauroch Trail leading north along the desert to the headwaters of the River Delimbiyr, and across the Nether Mountains to Sundabar.

The Trade Way
Pros:
More rest stops and way stations. Probably more organized banditry but usually committed by lesser felons. Better chance to get help if something goes wrong. Generally less dangerous.

Cons:
Longer journey (approx. 130 days to Sundabar, assuming 5-day stops at Scornubel and Waterdeep).

The Anauroch Trail
Pros:
Probably less banditry, but likely committed by greater felons. Shorter journey (approx. 70 days to Sundabar, assuming a 5-day stop at Llorkh, directly southeast of the High Forest).

Cons: Less rest stops and way stations. Requires a Do-It-Yourself mentality. Generally more dangerous.

Takes a breath.

That’s how I see the options. Remember that anything can happen while traveling—the safe route can be disastrous and the perilous trail might end up safe by virtue of its very remoteness. As I’ve said, there are pros and cons to both options. There are serious consequences to the choice we make; ten families are depending on us to see them safely home.

But I place my trust in Tymora, and shall do my best to make whichever trail we choose a safe one. It is up to all of you to decide.
 
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I think the idea of polling the families by presenting them with this good summary from Kaemris is wise. I will encourage them to do take the shorter route, however, if they ask my opinion. I think we can handle it.
 

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