X4: Master of the Desert Nomads - IC

[Jemal]

"I do NOT smell like Human." Nargon snorts. "I don't believe it's smart to trust anybody who hasn't proven themselves, as you few have, but I don't believe we have anything to fear from these nomads. Still, I'll fly above and keep an eye out.. both ahead and behind." *OOC: And to the sides, in case you're wondering. *

Nargon had turned down offers of a camel from the desert-folk, prefering his own methods of transportation. When asked if there was anything about himself they should know, he merely informed the captain of the guard that he was a formidable fighter with a few arcane tricks to keep things interesting. (His eyes glowing red to accentuate this)

[sblock=ooc]
God what I wouldn't give for 2 more levels.. heeeere, fire resistance!!!
Anyways, Nargon will be keeping a low altitude, and spending some of his time watching the caravan behind them for any strange movements while he and his companions scout ahead. (Spot + 10)
[/sblock]

 

[Leif]

Bevin Rockhammer Dwarf Rogue2/Enchanter6, AC20 FF17 T15, HP44/44, F+4,R+6,W+5

"I do NOT smell like Human." Nargon snorts.

"Well, you're not a halfling either, are you? You're kinda too tall for that"

 

[Rhun]

Aram turns his attention from the jesting back to their surroundings. This would be a likely time for an attack, of course, when they were busy joking and laughing and not paying attention to the environment.

 

[kinem]

Your party rides about 500' ahead of the main caravan, with Ahmed Khel taking the lead among those behind you, and his guards riding their camels to form a perimeter around the merchants and their pack animals. Nargon floats about 20' above the ground.

[sblock=ooc]Since no one but Rhun addressed the distance I had to make some assumptions.[/sblock]

[sblock=renau1g]Razor reports that the desert men don't talk much even among themselves. However, he overheard enough to know that many of them are afraid of the Master's forces. Not all of the desert tribes are united under the banner of the Master after all, and most of those in this area are not. One popular theory among them is that some of the other guards are spies who will lead the caravan into a trap and take their goods. Another school of thought holds that your party are the Master's agents who will do this, as evidenced by the skeleton and the demonic orc. He did not overhear anyone admit to working for the Master themselves. Also, there is much speculation as to the desirability of various races of demihuman women.[/sblock]

No attack comes that evening as you head into the sunset, and when it grows dark, the caravan stops to make camp. The conversation remains muted as you eat with Lashar and some of the others.

You hear talk of the "Lost Oasis" and Lashar explains "I do not usually travel this route, but I have on occasion, and I think we can find it. In truth, we need to, or our supply of water will run out before we reach another source and ... but we will find it. We should reach it in another day's travel."

You share guard duty that night as usual, and the night proves uneventful.

The following morning the caravan sets out again after a quick breakfast, trying to make time before the midday heat makes travel unbearable and forces the caravan to set up its tents to provide shade.

Once again your party rides (or flies in the case of Nargon) out ahead of the main group. In this area you notice signs of the passing of a large group of men. Occasionally you find shallow graves or simple cairns, often torn open as by wild animals. From the remains, you can tell that the Republic army must have passed this way recently.

Then, as you ride past the base of a steep bluff, you see a cloud of dust in the distance. It appears to be moving your way.

The 'cloud of dust', it soon becomes clear, is being stirred up by a large force of riders now galloping towards you! They are roughly 2000' away at this point. From the size of the 'cloud' you estimate that there must be around a hundred of them.

ooc: At this point, no one else in the caravan can see or hear the oncoming riders. You can go back to warn and reinforce the caravan, stand your ground (in which case most of the riders could likely go around you if they so chose) or of course head forward to somehow engage the oncoming army.

There are some some large rocks in this terrain which a man could take partial or total cover behind.

 

[Rhun]

"We need to warn the caravan," says Aram to his companions, turning his camel. "Let us ride back, alert them, and prepare for battle."

 

[Leif]

Bevin Rockhammer Dwarf Rogue2/Enchanter6, AC20 FF17 T15, HP44/44, F+4,R+6,W+5

"No, Aram! We need for Nargon fly back and warn them. We, on the other hand, must see that they never reach the body of the caravan by making sure that they taste steel and death before they get there!"

 

[Rhun]

"And you have a way of ensuring this?" asks Aram. "What is to prevent them from simply parting around us, like water flowing past a rock?"

 

[Leif]

Bevin Rockhammer Dwarf Rogue2/Enchanter6, AC20 FF17 T15, HP44/44, F+4,R+6,W+5

"And you have a way of ensuring this?" asks Aram. "What is to prevent them from simply parting around us, like water flowing past a rock?"

"Well, it will be no worse than if we allow them to actually reach the caravan before we begin to act in its defense! And with some small warning, maybe the most precious items in the caravan can be protected or hidden in some way."

OOC: Is there a 'choke point' between the enemies and the caravan where a number of defenders equal to (or less than) our available forces can cut off all travel and make it a re-enactment of The Pass of Thermopolae? If not, then maybe an illusionist among us can make it seem as if there is just such a choke point?

 

[Walking Dad]

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

"And you have a way of ensuring this?" asks Aram. "What is to prevent them from simply parting around us, like water flowing past a rock?"

"Do you think that some desert dire wolves and a charging cave three-horn are enough to divert their attention?" Girgal grimly asks.

 

[Leif]

Bevin Rockhammer Dwarf Rogue2/Enchanter6, AC20 FF17 T15, HP44/44, F+4,R+6,W+5

"Do you think that some desert dire wolves and a charging cave three-horn are enough to divert their attention?" Girgal grimly asks.

You've never seen a smile as gleaming and broad as the one plastered across Bevin's face now! "Oh, AYE, lad, aye! Bust out with that Triple Horn beastie now!! That should mend their wains!"