(ooc: I will assume you just move on.)
The caravan gets underway again, with the prisoners (the man you questioned, and the one Nargon knocked out) tied up for the moment.
The heat soon becomes unbearable and Surna Lamshar declares a halt. There are cliffs in this area that can provide shade, and it is easy to guess that the horsemen probably took advantage of that too, but the caravan certainly travels considerably slower than them, so they will surely reach the Lost Oasis first.
In the late afternoon the caravan gets underway again, and after about another hour, the caravan arrives at a small oasis. It is nothing more than a pool of muddy water in a hollow of rocks, surrounded by a few feeble date palms. The merchants leisurely tie the camels and begin to make camp; Ahmed Khel posts guards in well-hidden places. There is evidence of an abandoned camp, but no sign of the bandits.
Lamshar comes up to your group and explains, “Here we stop for several days. The men and animals are tired and to travel on without resting would mean our deaths. We were lucky to find the Lost Oasis. Sometimes the sand hides it, and sometimes the water is gone. I do not think the bandits will return here or dare attack again. I hope you stay here with us but if your business is pressing you may continue on in the morning. In celebration of your victory, tonight there will be a feast. You will be my guests.”
Indeed, you have already noticed the merchants gathering dates and butchering two of the camels. In a short time the smell of stewing meat and rice hangs over the oasis.
Your party are guests of honor at the night’s feast. After a thick, syrupy coffee, the merchants will carry in a large platter of camel meat (still on the bone) laid on a bed of rice. Over this is ladled burning hot grease and melted camel butter until it flows over the sides of the tray.
Lamshar then invites you to eat. You are expected to dip your fingers into the tray and pull out balls of meat and rice, dripping with grease. Lamshar and Khel dine with you, offering you choice bits of camel meat that they have pulled out.
After you have had your fill (and to only eat a little would be insulting), the other merchants will take their place at the tray. The meal finishes with somewhat green dates.
Unfortunately, the meal does not agree so well with your stomachs. Most of you just feel a little queasy, but Girgal and Rajah feel the worst. They feel severe stomach cramps and indigestion and will not be able to sleep tonight.
[sblock=ooc]Girgal and Rajah are sickened and take a -2 penalty to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.[/sblock]
After the feast, it is dark. As you prepare for the night, you notice a faint flashing coming from Aram's gear.
[sblock=Rhun]The hilt of the Crystal Dagger of Cymorrak that Aram carries is flashing with a faint white light. You have never seen it do such a thing before.[/sblock]
[/sblock]
