X4: Master of the Desert Nomads - IC

[Leif]

Bevin Rockhammer Dwarf Rogue2/Enchanter6, AC20FF17T15, HP44/44, F+4R+6W+5

Bevin looks questioningly at the man, as if he is thinking, "Now why would we attack, unless we were provoked? But the Dwarf says nothing where the man can hear him. Instead he speaks softly to Aram, "Take charge, Captain, and tell him what he wants to hear."

 

[Rhun]

"We too seek only peace, my friends" answers Aram, offering a bow to the guards. "I am Aram Al Tarik, Wanderer of the Desert, and these are my companions: Bevin Rockhammer, of the dwarves; Girgal Scalefoot, Child of the Wilds; Rajah Al-Qadim, Speaker for the Dead; and Nargon the orc-blooded." Aram indicates each companion with a flourish of his hand as he introduces them. "We have traveled many days and nights, and are low on supplies. We would be most grateful if we could join your caravan. We have some small coin to pay for food and water, and also offer our services. Surely, some additional guards would be welcome, if all the rumors I've heard of bandits and beasts in the desert are true?"

 

[kinem]

The camel rider replies "I am Ahmed Khel, Captain of the Guard." He gives a nod of his head rather than a real bow. "We have heard the same rumors and more guards could indeed be useful. Wait here, we will bring the master of the caravan to speak with you."

He motions and one of the others rides off towards the main caravan, and after a while returns with another man on a camel. The new man is older, dressed in a fine robe and turban and carries no visible weapons.

"Welcome." He bows. "I am Surna Lamshar, Master of the Carvan and Merchant Extraordinaire. I understand that you wish to join us as guards in exchange for supplies. This I accept. No coin need trade hands.

We do not ask about a man's beliefs here. Display no symbols of religious or political loyalty. Understand?

Most of our cargo consists of food and cloth. I'm sure you know the value of those commodities here. Gold is of little use to a starving man.

Is there anything else I should know about you? I see that you are accompanied by a giant walking skeleton. This is your business, unless there is a risk that it will attack my men or camels. If there is, you must get rid of it first if you wish to join us."

 

[renau1g]

"There's no need to worry about the skeleton, it's completely under my control. I've learned that the desert is a perilous place and having something that can combat these threats without risking yourself is quite the boon " Rajah says to the caravan master.

[sblock=Diplomacy Check]
Diplomacy (1d20+5=6)
Ouch! Hopefully Rajah's assurance will be enough
[/sblock]

 

[Walking Dad]

Girgal, AC 23 (T15, FF20), HP 59/59, F +11,R+8,W+13

"If my friend Ripclaw here frightens your camels, I can calm them. I have a way with animals!" Girgal says sincere.

 

[Rhun]

Aram bows again to Lamshar. "Of course, what you say is true. Gold does not fill the belly or provide warnth on a cold night." At the words about the skeleton, and Rajah's attempt to convince the caravan master, the dervish nods. "What my companion says is true. We find having a guardian that is continuously vigilant, without the need for eating or sleeping, is extremely useful in these perilous lands."

 

[kinem]

Lamshar considers and looks at Khel, who nods.

"Very well" the caravan master says. "Of course you will take responsibility for the actions of your beasts and such. Come now, I am sure you are eager to get acquainted and sample our wares."

While you join the main caravan Ahmed Khel introduces you to his Sargeants of the Guard, Zeid and Dakhial, the other men who wear chain shirts.

All of the people you see appear to be desert folk. You notice that some of the two score guards are women, as are a few of the dozen merchants who walk on foot and tend the pack camels. In addition to the guards' mounts there are a few dozen or so pack camels and half a dozen spares brought in case a camel needs to be replaced.

The pack camels carry mostly dried fruits, grains, and cloth. You are given a meal which is slightly spicy, different from what you have tasted before but not particularly good or bad.

Those of you without mounts (Aram, Bevin, and Nargon) are offered camels to ride. (ooc: Do you accept? Note: Camels have a movement rate of 50'. The caravan as a whole, however, moves slower and most of the merchants are on foot.)

The camels shy away a bit from Ripclaw and the skeleton, but are easily guided ahead. They are not spooked as horses might be.

You find that the caravan folk are not very talkative, especially to you. They reply politely to your questions but do not elaborate.

Captain of the Guard Khel suggests that your party ride ahead of his guards, acting as an advance guard.

(ooc: Let me know what you plan to do, how far ahead you will ride if you do, and also about spells to be prepared for the next day.)

 

[Leif]

Bevin Rockhammer Dwarf Rogue2/Enchanter6, AC20FF17T15, HP44/44, F+4R+6W+5

Bevin says, "Ahh! At last, we are among civilized folk again! And now, to celebrate, I'm growing my beard back starting immediately!" Bevin grins broadly and looks very self-satisfied. "I will try riding a camel, thank you. I'm not entirely certain how he will react to having a Dwarf astride him, but we'll never know unless we try! I may have some difficulty reaching the stirrups, however, so any suggestions that you can make will be much appreciated."

OOC: Bevin's spells are the usual ones, as noted on his character sheet, but, for your convenience, they are: [sblock=Bevin's spells]0 Level - Read Magic, Read Magic, Detect Magic, Daze

1 Level - Burning Hands, Burning Hands, Ray of Enfeeblement, Color Spray + Sleep

2 Level - Daze Monster, Summon Monster II, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Summon Monster II, + Tasha's Hideous Laughter

3 Level - Hold Person, Extended Daze Monster, Deep Slumber + Deep Slumber (10hd)[/sblock]

 

[Rhun]

Aram too accepts the offer of a camel. "We would be most happy to serve as vanguard for the caravan. That way, if there is trouble ahead, we shall find it first."

What do you guys think a good distance would be? 500' ahead? 1000'?

 

[renau1g]

"Yes, allow us to shield you from the dangers of this harsh land. We shant allow harm to come to you"Rajah agree, spurring Bones away from the main caravan.

Once they are out of the earshot of the caravaners he'll ask the others "They were very anxious to be rid of us no? I'm not sure if it's just Skelete's presence, but I don't trust them. Razor can you go and listen in to them, see if there's more going on than meets the eye."