Planetouched Peril

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*The wagon train moves out, the party arranged all around it. Garnet Well isn't too far off, and the land around here is mostly rolling plains. It is hard to hide here, and a bit difficult to get firefood (many places burn charcoal or compressed dried grass), but at least it will be harder for people to sneak up on you.*

*The pilgrims talk quietly amongst themselves, several of them glancing at the party member every now and then. Well, several glance at Azure at once, but she's used to it. Several of the younger members (there are about five that seem to be around fifteen to twenty years of age) sometimes talk to you about what experiences you've had while adventuring.*

Some typical questions might be:

"Have you ever seen a dragon?"
"Have you had to kill viscious beast?"
"Have you ever talked to one of the small gods?"
"What made you want to decide to come with us Surely we're awfully boring compared to the life you lead."
"Brother Pharos, do you know of Eldon-asha at all?"
"Wizard Jabin, what spells do you know? Could you show us a little magic?"
"Bard Azure, would you mind maybe playing a little music?"
"Lady Zafira, have you fought the creatures from the Forbidden Lands? What were they like? I hear they're like something out of nightmares."
"Ashie, isn't it? Why do you have a riding dog? I don't know to many others than halflings who have them. And what was that language you were talking earlier."
"Saku... um... your leg is bleeding. Do you want me to wrap that up for you?"

*Saku eventually has to resort to thumping Viper on the head to get him to quit taking chunks out of his legs, and eventually just uses his great strength to wrestle the damn horse's head down so he couldn't do anything for a while. However, the distractions are almost therapeudic; if he's fighting the horse he doesn't have to worry about his temper getting the better of him and starting a fight with someone in the wagon train. He keeps a wary eye on the road, quite vigilant for danger inbetween wrestling with Viper.*

*Ashlie, Shilo seems delighted by the various scents and whatnot on the open plains, and sometimes ranges a bit away from the wagon (though always in sight) checking out one thing or another. You also got the impression that Earth Hammer was oddly pleased by your use of Elven. He actually twitched both of his ears at once, a major response.*

*Pharos, your trepitation from earlier this morning has mellowed a bit. An attack is less likely (though you remain watchful) on a heavily traveled road boardered by grasslands on both sides. Father Parab actually asks you about your own faith, and why you've chosen to adventure, particularly on such a long journey.*

*Azure, your soft singing is very much appreciated, and you get many appreciative comments from the pilgrims from the middle cart, driver Quillo and archer Ulbat. Both are older men, and Quillo wears a brown leather eyepatch over his right eye.*

*Jabin, despite your lack of experience in riding, you find you're able to maintain your seat on Honeybee with very little effort. She has a broad back with a fine deep saddle, as well as having a very smooth gait. You can even read from time to time without the words blurring together too bad. You're on the opposite side of the wagon from Azure (the only place not taken), so you can still steal looks at her as well as clearly hearing her lovely singing.*

*Zafira, you ride tall and proud in Chaos' saddle, ever alert for danger. Perhaps you, of everyone here, knows how quickly something terrible can suddenly appear out of the barren landscape. One thing of note you see was something you originally thought was an eagle flying overhead. But when it banked and flew over to the right of the road, you saw its beak and talons were shiny red, with red feathers around its eyes. That, without question, is a blood hawk, a particularly viscious bird that's quite capable of killing fauns. It won't attack the wagon train, everyone was far too large... well mostly. If the bird was hungry and Ashlie's dog ran off too far, he could become the bird's lunch.*

*You see five other merchant caravans on the road today. Two of them are horse trader's caravans. One was actually coming from Willow Grove and going toward Garnet Well, but they were making better time than you and overtook you around noon. The other one was actually coming from Garnet Well, driving a string of the beautiful fire-colored Garnet horses. That one is heavily guarded, with several working dogs as well as stone-faced stone-muscled drovers.*

*Three other merchant caravans you also pass by, one seemed to be mostly furs, another looked to be silks and wine (also heavily guarded), and third was an odd, airy wagon, brightly painted, full of cages of exotic birds. It was being guided by an air genasi woman with bluish skin, and drawn by two white mares.*

*By nightfall you finally manage to reach Garnet Well, after stopping for lunch. Zafira manages to bag a pair of pheasents and three rabbits along the way, and Mother Iraly makes a very tasty stew from them for everyone. The pilgrims go to a fenced-in field, which they pay a few silver for the use of.*

"I would ask that two of you stay here to guard us in the night at all times, but if you wish to stay in an inn when you are not guarding, that will be fine," Father Parab tells you. You can leave your horses here and avoid stabling costs, and those pilgrims familiar with animals can aid those party members that aren't care for their beasts. However, before Saku can leave, Parab will take him aside for a moment. "Don't come back drunk," he warns.

*Garnet Well has several inns, but the two catering to travelers are the Empty Barrel and the Savory Platter. The Empty Barrel is run by a half-orc called Tarn Barrelarms that serves some extremely excellent ale. The name of the inn apparently comes from the fact that his ale disppears so quickly. There's no rooms here, but you can get a place on the floor for a silver. Ale is three copper, and a meal is five copper and consists of catch-all stew and trencher bread.*

*The Savory Platter is run by an entire extended family of halflings, and parts of the inn are designed and scales exclusively for the little folk. Chairs are designed so that a smaller person can get into them easily, and most tables are set closer to the ground that normal. Seating is fairly low all around. The food here is some very tasty meat pies, usually venison or pork, and spiced with sage and onions. Roasted vegeables are also available, as is apple pie. A meal here costs a gold. A space in a room (there's ten to a room) is two gold, and you can get decent ale here for two copper a mug, and fairly good red wine for one gold a glass.*

 

[wolfheart]

In response to Father Parab's question... "I have much to learn of my own faith, and cannot fully explain its mysteries as yet. I was not formally trained as a cleric, I actually came by my divine abilities through providence, and latter learned that I was the subject of a rather vague prophecy. The training of my youth was as a member of the temple guard, as I was a ward of the temple and it seemed the place I best fit in. Since my revelation, I have worked hard to become a good cleric. But, I find temple life to be tedious and I chaffe at the extended periods of inactivity. I have come to the road looking for my place in Pelor's world, hoping that the experience I gain will bring more insight into my purpose in his divine drama."

*As the caravan comes into Garnet Well, Pharos is struck with the novelty of the road. He decides he will camp with the pilgrims and try to learn more of there ways, and to try to earn their trust. He volunteers for the first shift of guard duty, but asks that someone fetch him a hot meal from one of the inns. He hands over a couple of gold to whoever will run this errand for him. Pharos then gets out his bedroll and finds a spot to make his impromptu camp. As the sun begins to set, Pharos takes a moment to offer prays to Pelor and asks for his blessings this night.*

 

[Rhia]

*Cherry Blossom is a joy for Azure. She allows herself to be easily guided. She preens for admirers. She accepts praises with a nod, almost as if she knows what Azure is saying to her. "You're something to live up to, Cherry. I'll have to keep on my toes so as you don't outshine me," Azure muses to the horse with a chuckle. The bard acquiesces to any requests she receives, pulling out her flute to play light melodies that float through the air. She hopes Cherry doesn't mind this light playing from her back as Azure needs two hands to do it. The horse seems content to ride alongside the wagons without Azure actively guiding her.*

*She idly wonders at all the studying Jabin does. Not wishing to disturb him, she muses, he must be a great mind indeed with the interest he shows his book.*

*As they near Garnet Well, Azure keeps to her horse as the pilgrims get their wagons settled in position. When she does drop to the ground, she nods happily to a pilgrim who offers to care for Cherry. Though she follows him, wishing to learn how to care for the horse. "If you don't mind, I'd like to learn. I've never actually cared for a beast before and she deserves for me to treat her right." Azure helps with brushing her down and giving her feed. When Cherry seems settled, she gives her pilgrim helper an appreciative smile, "Thank you so much. I appreciate your help and patience in teaching me."

*Wanting to stretch her legs, she walks into town finding The Savory Platter. She smiles to herself and the lowness of everything. She takes a seat, keeping her knees off to the side so as not to be squished under the table. Azure asks for a meal and enjoys the meat pie and vegetables she receives. Thinking that a spot on the floor here wouldn't be much different than sleeping in the camp, she takes out a snippet of cloth from her pack to wrap the apple pie with. She makes her way slowly back to town cradling the pie in her hand. Every few steps, she suppresses a moan as her muscles start to dully ache. She hadn't realized riding all day in the saddle could be so taxing on her body.*

*Back at camp, she finds a few of the men sitting around the fire. She chooses one at random, giving him the slice of pie. "I wouldn't want it to go to waste, now would I?" With a wink, she departs to find her saddlebags. Azure gathers her bedroll and heads back to the fire. "I think I may be awake for a good long while anyway, I may as well take first shift too." She spread the bedroll out a few feet away from the fire, sitting on it with her feet stretched out infront of her, knees slightly bent.*

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

Some typical questions might be:

"Ashie, isn't it? Why do you have a riding dog? I don't know to many others than halflings who have them. And what was that language you were talking earlier."

*A little taken by the Pilgrims questions directed at her, Ashlie hesitates.* Well, I knew I would have to be in the company of others, so I might as well give it a try...

"Well, to ease your mind, it was a halflings dog once. His name is Shilo, and he was my masters companion. Now he joins me in my travels these days, and we look out for each other. And as for the language, hmmm....*She hesitates and decides not to devulge too much info*...lets just hope you never hear in alone in the dark."

With that, Ashlie glances over to Shilo, seeing him wander off again.
He seems to like the fresh outdoors. It has been a while since we could relax a little.

*Ashlie, Shilo seems delighted by the various scents and whatnot on the open plains, and sometimes ranges a bit away from the wagon (though always in sight) checking out one thing or another. You also got the impression that Earth Hammer was oddly pleased by your use of Elven. He actually twitched both of his ears at once, a major response.*

Continuing in Elven, "Ah, so you know the language of the Elves! That is good. You are indeed a fine steed, and may soon prove to become a powerful ally and companion. I will treat you well, as long as you protect Shilo and myself."

"I would ask that two of you stay here to guard us in the night at all times, but if you wish to stay in an inn when you are not guarding, that will be fine," Father Parab tells you. You can leave your horses here and avoid stabling costs, and those pilgrims familiar with animals can aid those party members that aren't care for their beasts.

*Ashlie overhears Azure's comments and agrees. She decides to stay and brush off Earth Hammer and make sure he gets a good meal of fine oats and an apple for later. She then leaves Earth Hammer with the Pilgrims and heads toward the Inn.*

*The Savory Platter is run by an entire extended family of halflings, and parts of the inn are designed and scales exclusively for the little folk. Chairs are designed so that a smaller person can get into them easily, and most tables are set closer to the ground that normal. Seating is fairly low all around. The food here is some very tasty meat pies, usually venison or pork, and spiced with sage and onions. Roasted vegeables are also available, as is apple pie. A meal here costs a gold. A space in a room (there's ten to a room) is two gold, and you can get decent ale here for two copper a mug, and fairly good red wine for one gold a glass.*

*Walking through the town, Ashlie smells something familiar.* Meat Pie! That was Shalimar's favorite recipe! Well, I will have to compare his cooking and see how it fares. She will have Shilo accompany her to the Savory Platter and wait at the doorway.

*With that, Ashlie walks into the Savory Platter. She goes straight to the nearest working halfling and asks if her riding dog Shilo can be fed as well. "He is very well mannered and was the companion of my master, Shalimar, who was a halfling. Raised and fed by halflings for the better part of his life, this would do him well to have a good meal." Pulling out a gold piece, she will pay the halfling if they oblige. *

*Afterwards, she seats herself next to Azure. When the Halflings come to take her order, she speaks to them in Halfling with great ease. She asks that her Meat Pie be made without a little extra sage and onions, as that is how she likes it. She will ask for Apple Cider instead of alcohol. While eating her meal, she will keep quiet for the most part, glancing around the place for anything unusual or anyone out of place here. *

With her meal finished, she will head back to the Pilgrims camp with Shilo and Azure. Seeing as though Azure and Pharos will take first watch, she will get some much needed sleep, as her back begins to ache with the long days journey. "Wake me for second watch."

*Seeing as she forgot her bedroll, she looks for a nearby object so that she can rest up against. She was used to sleeping on the road and outdoors, but not in the company of others. Shilo will lay next to her. He will be a little wary of his new surroundings and the group, and just rest, as his custom when Ashlie sleeps.*

OOC - Shilo and Ashlie have been together for some time, and while she sleeps, he keeps watch. It is a natural tendency for him to care for her. She would then wake and take watch, while letting Shilo sleep.

 

[Verbatim]

*Enjoying the ride, as well as Azure's beautiful singing, Jabin was a bit startled when two of the pilgrim boys began riding beside him and pointed at the open spellbook in his lap.*

"Wizard Jabin, what spells do you know? Could you show us a little magic?"

They wish me to show them magic? Surely they must be doing this on a dare from their friends, but I must be polite to those who have retained my services...

*Wiping the sweat that was beading up on his brow, Jabin wondered how the best way to handle this situation would be. Finally deciding to treat this as an exercise that Vanget would give him, Jabin smiled, or attempted to at least.

"Please, just call me Jabin, as placing a title before my name is not something I would ever wish anyone to do. As for the magic I know, I am more of a scholar than a true mage, as almost all of my spells deal with the gathering of information of some kind. However, I know that there will come a time when I must defend myself, and those I travel with, so I am trying to master some spells which will give me the ability to do so."

*Pausing for a moment, Jabin closes his eyes and wills an illusionary cardinal into being.*

"The sash I wear around my waist was the very first item my father ever created. He named it Scarlet after his wife, a kind lady that I sadly never met. She loved birds, and he wanted her to be able to see one anytime she wished and the cardinal was her favorite, as she loved the bright colors and sweet songs it sang outside her window. Sadly, she came down with the brain fever and the gods took her shortly thereafter. This sash was worn by him everyday until he also gave into the rotting sickness that slowly killed him. I wear it to honor the father I had, as well as the mother I was never able to meet."

*While Jabin tells his tale, he mentally directs the bird to land on each boy's arm and to whistle a soft tune as he talks. Once over, Jabin has it begin flying away, slowly fading from sight as it leaves them.*

*When they reached Garnet Well, Jabin slides off of Honeybee's back carefully, and can feel the stiffness in his legs almost immediately. Trying to hide it as best he can, especially as Azure and Ashlie walk past him towards the pen area, he still winces slightly with each step.*

Now I understand why Vanget said that the road was hard on the body, but I think I must be the only one who isn't used to it. There is much I will learn I think with the others...

*Once they reach the central area, Jabin tries to brush Honeybee just like he sees the others doing, and while she doesn't complain, he still feels like she gives him a warning look from time to time as he forces some rough spots on her coat to smooth out. After brushing her, Jabin gives her some sweet oats and an apple before deciding that it would be best to simply stay with the pilgrims for the night.*

No sense in me ruining anyone's night with my presence...so far the pilgrims have been polite about me being around, but outside of here, who knows what could happen.

*Opening up his pack, Jabin pulls out a few sticks of jerky and some hard tack and sits down next to a wagon to eat his meal, overhearing Pharos mention taking the first watch for the evening. Standing up, albiet painfully, on his now very stiff legs Jabin approaches the warrior-priest.

"I would like to volunteer for the third watch, as I need to rest before studying my spells in the morning. I hope you do mind me reading while on watch, as I promise it will not distract me from being able to keep an eye on what goes on around me."

*Once settled, Jabin finds an empty spot in the camp away from the others and takes out a block of wood and begins carving. In his mind, he can already see the shape of the flute, and he hopes that once he finishes it Azure will honor him in using it when she performs.*

 

[wolfheart]

*After about a half hour of prayer and meditation Pharos gets to his feet and notices that his legs are starting to stiffen. He chides himself for not going for a walk to loosen them up after the days ride. Pharos makes his way through the camp to where Goldfire is being kept. Goldfire snorts and gives him a head butt when he approaches. "Yes, yes, I know. I should have tended to your needs when we first arrived at camp. I will be sure to not make that mistake again."*

*As Pharos begins to brush Goldfire he sees Azure, Ashlie, and Jabin in sucession head into town. Pharos takes a little extra time brushing Goldfire, and as he does he looks around the camp too see if he can learn a little more about what makes the pilgrims tick.*

*After brushing Goldfire for what seemed like an eternity, and give him some feed to supplement the grass he is eating from the field, Pharos is rewarded with another haughty snort as Goldfire gives him an appreciative bump with his head. I must remember not to get so caught up in the journey that I loose sight of the small details that make the journey possible, whether it be an angry steed or companions whom, I realize now, I have hardly spoken to all day. I think there is a larger lesson here, and not one learned by those who keep their noses on a tome all day. Pharos walks back to where he has set up his bedroll, and pulls some jerky and hard tack from his pack. He washes it down with some water and makes a mental note to refill his skin before thay depart in the morning.*

*After his meal, he goes to check with the pilgrims to see that everything is in proper order, and then walks the fenceline of the field, checking the integrity of the fence and looking at the surrounding area for places that might produce trouble, or provide cover for brigands to attack from. As Pharos walks he stretches his aching muscles, and also takes a few minutes to unsheath his sword and practice some of the attack manuevers and defensive stances taught to him back in Andulvey.*

*He returns to find the others are back from their sojourns into town.*

*Pharos is somewhat surprised that Jabin asks him if he can take the third watch, as it has not occured to him that he was in position to grant or deny his request. A strange feeling of pride and responsibility wells up inside the young half-elf, and he wonders if this is what leadership feels like. "Jabin, I have no objections to you taking the third watch, and studying your spellbook should not be a problem. I do not expect that we will be tested this night, being so close to a town. I do have one favor to ask though, would you be so kind as to wake me just before sunrise, so that I may be able to offer the proper prayers to Pelor and receive his divine bounty."

*As Pharos settles in to the first watch, he finds himself fidgety and strangely uncomfortable being 'alone' with Azure. It is hard to explain the feeling and Pharos hopes it does not show outwardly. He thinks to himself that maybe it is because Azure is still a mystery to him, the temptation of the unknown. He decides it is time to put this sillines to rest. "We did not have time to get to know each other before we left," He says to Azure. "What is it that brought you on the road with us, when surely you could have made yourself a comfortable living in any hall in Andulvey?"

 

[Verbatim]

*Pharos is somewhat surprised that Jabin asks him if he can take the third watch, as it has not occured to him that he was in position to grant or deny his request. A strange feeling of pride and responsibility wells up inside the young half-elf, and he wonders if this is what leadership feels like. "Jabin, I have no objections to you taking the third watch, and studying your spellbook should not be a problem. I do not expect that we will be tested this night, being so close to a town. I do have one favor to ask though, would you be so kind as to wake me just before sunrise, so that I may be able to offer the proper prayers to Pelor and receive his divine bounty."

"It will be no problem at all."

*As he begins carving in earnest later, Jabin looks across the camp to see Pharos and Azure talking easily. A sigh escapes his lips as he wishes he possessed the ability to strike up conversations easily, and not have the other person always taking a step away or politely excusing themselves to escape from being around him.*

Envy is one of the seven trappings of man, but too often it seems to be on my thoughts...

ooc: Just a minor ooc Jabin never went into town, as I think it was Azure, Saku and Ashlie who did.

 

[Cannibal_Kender]

*Zafira will spend the night at camp.*

*She'll answer the questions of the younger caravan members about the monsters of the Forbidden Lands. Embellishing of course, because all good stories are embellished.*

"Yes, I've fought the monsters of the Forbidden Lands. Imagine a creature out of your worst nightmare. They're about four times as bad as that. Then add some tentacles, maybe an extra mouth, a few extra limbs, lots of claws, and razor sharp teeth. Plus the ravenous desire to consume human flesh. And despite the fact that many of them are huge, hulking monsters, the ability to sneak up on a camp full of people. Often times you don't know they're there till you see the reflection of the fire in their large eyes...and then of course its much too late."

*Zafira will continue, if they are still interested, with a few specific stories about monsters that have attacked her tribe.*

 

[Temujin]

Saku nods in acknowledgement to Parabs request. "I shall not drink tonight."
Looking over at Pharos and Azure talking, he wonders if he should approach. Jabin sits away, carving, and glances towards the pair occasionally.

Might as well.... It is best to work out the kinks after a long day with some exercise...

Saku walks up to the pair, and looks at Pharos.

"Begging your pardon. Good Master Pharos. I was wondering if you would indulge me with a little game of swordsplay. It has been a hard ride, and I find need to loosen my muscles. What say you?"

 

[Rhia]

*Unsure of what to do with herself, Azure sits staring into the fire, contemplating what, to her, has been unusual behavior of her companions. Oh, the pilgrims seem normal enough; exchanging stories, laughing, asking her questions. But her companions seem, for the most part, a silent bunch. Particularly Saku and Jabin who both declined to speak with her when she approached the two over the last day. In the end, she simply shrugs it off as a dedication to their positions as protectors of this wagon train. Most likely, they are in earnest and do not want to be caught unawares with idle talk. Perhaps I should be more serious too. Azure sets her face in what she thinks is a serious expression for a few moments before breaking out into laughter, unaware and unconcerned of what others might think. That simply isn't me. Ah well, I shall be my best, regardless.*

*The solid voice of Pharos interrupts her musings, and she looks up at him with a grateful smile at the unexpected interruption.*

"Ah well, Pharos, I probably could have. But, you see," here she grows excited, turning her body towards the cleric and letting her hands animate along with her explanation, "I simply have to see more than the insides of taverns and inns, more than the marketplace, more than what is inside a city. I've lived for years in a quiet village. I'd sing and play along with my father for travelers who had lived great stories of their own to tell. But all I could do was tell the stories of others. I wish to live my own great stories and to forge them into song. As my mother had hers. Andeluvay is certainly a step up in the way of providing new experiences, but I would most likely still spend my time on the platform of an inn."

*She suddenly halts, gives Pharos a quizzical look, "I suppose this all sounds silly to you. No doubt you've had great adventures already. Well, don't worry, I talk as if it's all a fantastical dream, but I know the reality needs to be taken seriously. And I do."

*At a break in her monologue, and before she can continue, she is surprised by Saku's presence. He asks Pharos to spar with him and Azure can't stop the mischievous smile on her lips, He speaks! I knew he could!*

*Nodding to Pharos, she gives her permission, "Please go ahead. I don't mind." She sits there, looking between the two, wondering just how often men feel the need to play at battle.*