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Post by Kai Wren on Feb 2, 2019 17:49:17 GMT
((Once travel begins there will be some random encounters - I also won't ask for wild magic rolls for the mage armour, that seems more appropriate for less regular and rote castings))
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Post by Kralle on Feb 3, 2019 6:18:37 GMT
((OOC Post))
Just a quick rundown on Nakan's input.
*Obviously agrees with walking. Would be open to possibly riding with caravan part way to the Kryptgarden. *Same issue as Aliester in terms of stealth. Scale Mail is noisy too, yo. But he generally isn’t one for slinking about either, so... *Decent with survival as well, and can almost always tell roughly where he/the party is by landmarks. Also, he can keep up to five people fed via hunting/foraging. *He actually prefers camping versus staying at inns/taverns, as it’s closer to the living situation he grew up with. The fact he isn’t fazed by (natural) cold is just an extra bonus. *To second Aliester, Nakan also has a few weapons he’d be willing to lend/give Citrine. Most likely one of the handaxes he likes to chuck at unfortunates while he closes to melee distance. *In terms of other gear, he just has the basics. Torches, rations, tinderbox, bedroll, etc. Only things of note are three healing potions. He’d definitely share in an emergency. *He’d feel best about leaving while there was some light out, but he’ll carry a torch if he needs to.
And I’m definitely up to RP camp banter and interaction. Still fine tuning Nakan’s “voice” so to speak, and I’ll gladly take any practice I can.
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Post by Kai Wren on Feb 5, 2019 13:39:13 GMT
((So, hilariously, I realised I didn't actually post the map fragment: On review I'm going to estimate it at about three days of travel - we're not talking a huge distance I don't think. Feel free to post up the camp setup for the first evening!)
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Arikarka
Approved
Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
Posts: 316
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Post by Arikarka on Feb 5, 2019 16:30:28 GMT
It was settled then. They'd move at first light tomorrow, see if there was a caravan they could use for both extra protection and company during their part travel and then wilderness travel the rest of the way to their destination as marked per the map. As James was more familiar with the area around Waterdeep, having worked as a guard, she suggested he keep the map.
Logistics decided Citrine only then took up the server on the pre-paid drinks, ordered herself whatever was on tap, and sat back and chatted with her table for as long as they remained. Nothing deep, simple getting to know you small talk, comments on the weather, what they might expect on their travel - that sort of thing.
Returning to the Ship's Prow Inn that night, a bit more sway and swagger in her stride than usual thanks to the firebird determined to use up the dwarf's generosity, Citrine was excited for the venture. Standing in her room, chest wide open and a true hoarder's collection all spread about the room on any available surface. Weapons, armor, clothing of various styles, and equipment all categorized about the room. Weapons were on the desk. Clothing spread on the bed. Armor held up my mannequins. Equipment neatly arranged on the floor. And the phoenix? Standing there admit the organized chaos in nothing but a light pair of sleep ware.
What to bring?
She didn't have the fortitude to carry much for long distance. And she'd feel bad for making either of the two others carry her burdens - at least not until she knew them better. They both had weapons she could use in a pinch - she had perked up greatly when they'd both mentioned axes. Her calloused finger pads lovenly caressed the handles of two axes lying on the desk - labeled Hansel and Gretel. The most mundane of axes, simple wood and sturdy metal with just the names engraved above the pommel. But they were… precious to her. She'd keep them in her trunk a bit longer before taking them out to the field.
Traveling light would be best. Her backpack, really -more of a saddlebag- was filled with the basics then. Hammock wrapped tight around a pillow to deflate it. Flask filled with her new addiction from the Yawning Portal. Coil of rope tacked on nicely, intricately wounded and tied to not become unraveled or snagged, to the outside of her pack. Waterskin, filled fresh was probably her heaviest thing, but situated against the back it wasn't too bad a weight. Empty vials, you never knew when you'd need one, slipped into a protective webbing on the inside flap of the pack, and her two bags of special caltrops and oil were tied to the outside on either side. And to top it all off? A fire-resistant and fire-retardant cream was buffed into the bag as a fresh coat. Her leather pants and hat wouldn't burn, being treated leather, and her jacket and skirt were crafted with enough metal woven into the threads it would take much more than her own fire to burn them.
She only bothered with one outfit, magic could clean or mend it if something happened. Chest wrap, leather pants, leather jesse ankle bands, deep V sea-blue shirt, dancer skirt, and no sleeved Captain's jacket would be it. And, oh, of course, a hat. The less ornate one, though she did transfer her medallion from the captain hat to the tricorn - the shiny piece of coin and twisted metal wires would go with her on this expedition. Everything else was re-packed into the trunk and secured.
Now she just needed to fall asleep.
The next morning, after her coastal ritual, Citrine met the other two at the North Gate. Bright and awake the phoenix's wings were wide open and testing the morning air - a good day for travel was upon them. She made sure to describe what she'd brought with her - relying on them for weapons and hopefully cooking gear as she chose to travel light due to her size. A trading caravan was heading out down the western road towards the mountains and hills of their destination, and she had no trouble smooth-talking the three of them into being allowed to travel.
Then they were off.
Citrine would change between walking and flying, acting as an air born scout during the pleasant winter morning. Her breath would ice, but her feathers, ignited into a light flame, had no problem keeping them from icing over or stiffening from the colder higher altitude. The wing flames themselves had a heavier scent of the candlesmoke, ash, and clove that usually hung around the firebird no matter what she wore. Anf the fire itself? Almost clear, only the edges turning color, while the feathers kept an oily sheen that danced in purple, blue, orange, and red (just like an oil spill). Anyone standing near her? It was like standing near a low-burning fire when her wings were alight like this.
Despite snuffing herself when on the ground so as to not catch anything on fire, she still had no problem handling the cold. A constant stream of chatter came from her, discussing all sorts of things with all sorts of folks in the caravan if it seemed James and Nakan were perhaps not the most chatty types.
Come the time to set up camp? Citrine joined the foraging group, leaving the more strength-needing tasks of getting the caravan night-ready to those who were stronger. That night? The camp had fresh fish in addition to whatever the other hunting parties had foraged. Sitting in just her pants and chest wrap, wringing out icy sea water from her dreads around the evening fire, she was teased good-naturedly by others who commented on her hunting methods. The phoenix just grinned and waved it off, not bothered in the slighted by their joking. No one was complaining about the fish after all.
"Sae." She asked around the fire - mostly to James and Nakan - once they were done eating and now just relaxing for the evening. "Aye will say, Aye'm glad we're traveling the first 'alf o' our journey with ah group. Et does make fer ah more enjoyable travel… nae that et'd be ah misfortune tae travel with just ye two."
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Post by Kralle on Feb 12, 2019 1:11:27 GMT
With decisions made and a plan in place, preparing to leave had been fairly simple for Nakan. Most of his belongings fit into the fur and hide trail pack he possessed, and he had no real need for winter gear beyond his oversized hooded cloak (mostly to shield his face and eyes from blowing snow) and a rolled bundle of blankets and a firm pillow he used for bedding. Toss in a tinderbox, two small potion bottles, several torches, a waterskin, some rope, and trail rations, and he had most everything he needed. Strapping his bundle of javelins and heavy steel maul to the pack was also easy enough to do. The handaxes he merely slipped into his belt, and his greataxe would be simple enough just to carry.
The next morning came quickly. Nakan met up with his companions at the gates, plus the small Waterdhavian caravan, the owners of which Citrine had persuaded to allow the party to travel alongside.
The first day of travel was reasonably uneventful. Nakan spent most of it answering the occasional curious question from the merchants and workers, chatting with James and Citrine when they were open to it, and lending his size and strength to help remove the odd wagon that had gotten stuck in a snow drift here or there.
When the caravan stopped to make camp for the night, Nakan did his share by collecting and cutting firewood, helping to unload camping supplies from wagons and the other “grunt work” tasks. He didn’t mind at all, it was the only polite thing to do. But it also had a sort of soothing or therapeutic effect on him as well. Helping to set up a group camp reminded him of home, of his tribe. Overall, this was already proving to be preferable to being cooped up behind city walls.
As the sun fell and fires were lit, Nakan eventually found himself seated around the larger central bonfire. The meager meal of trail rations had been made far more enjoyable and filling by the phoenix's brief fishing trip, and Nakan made a mental note to repay the effort by trying to find a deer or brace of rabbits once they were further inland.
As the night began to wear on and a handful of caravaneers turned in early, Nakan sat near the crackling fire for a while longer, staring into the flames lost in thought. He was snapped out of his trance when Citrine spoke up from nearby.
He gave a small nod in response. “True enough. They seem a decent lot, most merchants I’ve met in my travels have been. The two of you have been agreeable traveling companions as well.”
The goliath would look around at the moonlit surroundings at the edges of the fire's own light. The silhouettes of tents and wagons were scattered about on all sides, and he could hear the occasional murmur of conversation or outburst of laughter. “It’s been a long while since I was in a group this size. Or any sized group really. I’ve done most of my traveling alone, to be honest.”
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Post by Kai Wren on Feb 21, 2019 11:24:20 GMT
(Alright guys, as I understand Ossular has bowed out of this thread due to RL getting in the way - he will of course be more than welcome to come back if it clears up prior to the thread closing - I will assume that you both take watches over the course of the first night? Please give me perception checks accordingly!)
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Citrine
Approved
6 Wild Blooded Sorcerer+ 1 Celestial Warlock
Posts: 328
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Post by Citrine on Feb 21, 2019 16:48:17 GMT
Fanning her wings to let them dry out the rest of the way Citrine enjoyed their casual conversation. "Aye've traveled with others moar than alone - et's hard tae talk tae others with no one around." She chuckled. "But there's somethin' tae be said about singular travel..."
Through the evening meal Citrine would share a few stories of her travels, focusing on a traveling performing troupe she was a part of with her Dad. It was a several year commitment she and her Dad had, mostly as a focus for the widowed single father. But those years are what first gave her a taste of performing and loving being on stage. She learned a bunch of mundane skills, like juggling, stilt walking, and even fire dancing - a usual mix of circus like performing acts.
She would ask back to Nakan his sort of travel experiences, asking follow up questions about details if he seemed willing to share, otherwise leaving details be if he seemed unwanting to share. She'd be very interested in hearing of his goliath tribe history if he talks about it.
As the night began to come to a close Citrine yawned, the lull of the evening fire tempting her to sleep. "Ef ye dan't mind, Aye'll take second watch? Aye' up before teh sun routinely, an' stirrin ah bit before es nae problem."
Stretching, and pulling out of her pack her hammock, Citrine hitches her sling between two trees (assuming trees) about 20 feet off the ground. From there she sleeps face down, wings spread out to hang ling curtains on either side of the hammock. Pending how first shift goes, her internal alarm wakes her well before sunset to have brief overlap with Nakan, then scouts her own second watch with anyone in the caravan who is also awake.
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Citrine
Approved
6 Wild Blooded Sorcerer+ 1 Celestial Warlock
Posts: 328
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Post by Citrine on Feb 21, 2019 16:48:56 GMT
Perception roll for second shift, in a separate post, in case of edits needed in above response
TBk_ZDTR1d20+51d20+5
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Post by Kralle on Feb 25, 2019 9:07:49 GMT
Nakan could appreciate the benefits of traveling in the company of others. The goliath was, in truth, quite a bit more social than the battle scars and bristling weaponry might initially convey. The first few months of his trip across Faerun had been a sort of rough adjustment period, lurching quite suddenly from living with two or three dozen members of his tribe to suddenly being all by his lonesome. He’d managed to find a few temporary traveling companions here and there, but his trek across the continent had mostly been a solo endeavor.
But that was all in the past, of course. For now, Nakan was more than happy to trade tales and share stories with Citrine.
Nakan would share a few experiences of his own, stories of the places he’d seen and people he’d met. It was a fairly diverse list, mostly because his route to the Sword Coast had been one that cut through several culturally distinct and diverse lands. He told tales of his encounters with Demonbinders in Narfell, his amazement at how similar Rashemi spiritualism was to goliath animism, and his first encounter with a so-called ‘noble’ during his time in Thesk. He didn’t have much to say on his time in the Dragon Coast, beyond that he didn’t care for the place and had a few too many run-ins with brigands and thugs for his liking.
Apart from sharing travel stories, Nakan also found himself giving borderline lessons on goliath culture. It was something he enjoyed, in a way, so he was often happy to oblige anyone with a question. He talked at length of how a chieftain was selected based on his or her skill and wisdom rather than merely inheriting the title, and how any tribe member could challenge the chieftain for the position if they felt they could do a better job. And if the current leader was obviously unfit for the position? The tribe as a whole would replace him with someone more qualified in a heartbeat. Nakan half-joked that if the Sword Coast used a similar system of governance, adventurers might well be put out of business.
As the time came for volunteering for watches, Nakan gave a nod and warm smile to Citrine’s request to handle the second watch.
“Don’t mind at all. I feel I’ll be awake for some time yet.” The goliath craned his neck back, looking skyward before continuing. “I want to enjoy the fresh air and clear skies a bit longer, anyway.”
As Citrine went about setting up her hammock, Nakan stood from his seat at the fire and stretched, working out the stiffness that had begun to creep into his muscles from the prolonged period of conversation. He’d go about his shift on watch by checking in with any caravaners who were also on duty, as well as doing an occasional sweep around the perimeter of the camp. Barring any developments during his shift, he’d head to bed fairly quickly himself.
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Post by Kralle on Feb 25, 2019 9:10:35 GMT
Perception Check, First Watch
_XwsU70h1d20+21d20+2
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Post by Kai Wren on Feb 25, 2019 19:35:25 GMT
Mystery Roll GFYznWYu1d81d8
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Post by Kai Wren on Feb 26, 2019 20:36:40 GMT
At first it seemed as though the evening would pass quietly - certainly, the first watch went with no more incident than a wolf howling somewhere in the distance.
It is easy to grow complacent when one has become used to the roads around Waterdeep. Well-patrolled, well-guarded, trade is too important and there is simply too much money on the line to allow danger to be fostered. But, there are always exceptions. There is a reason, after all, why well-equipped adventurers needn't work particularly hard to convince a caravan that they are worth a slice of the fire and food.
The night is at its darkest when the attack comes. Citrine is the only person on guard, the others happy to trust their safety to their more well-equipped companions, when the foliage at the edge of camp suddenly erupts into a lashing pile of clinging vines.
The plantlife moves swiftly; a central mass of thick foliage attempting to grapple and restrain Citrine, and from the mass emerge two tiny figures, only a foot tall, made of sharpened bark and twigs lashed together with vines into a roughly humanoid shape. Clawed hands stab at the sorceress in tandem with the assault of the vines; attempting to silence her before she can raise an alarm!
((The monsters won a surprise round unfortunately - however Citrine can shout even if something terrible does happen, and we'll go to initiatives!))
Vine Blight - Forces a DC 12 strength check on Citrine or she is RESTRAINED. All terrain for 15 feet around the blight is difficult terrain for non-plants. Twig Blight 1 to-hit: 6551w83h1d20+3 Damage: 1d4+1 Twig Blight 2 to-hit: 1d20+3 Damage: 1d4+1
Vine Blight Init 1d20-1 Twig Blight Init 1d20+11d20+3·1d4+1·1d20+3·1d4+1·1d20-1·1d20+1
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Citrine
Approved
6 Wild Blooded Sorcerer+ 1 Celestial Warlock
Posts: 328
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Post by Citrine on Feb 26, 2019 21:09:06 GMT
Quick dice roll to see if Citrine is restrained. She will kree a sharp whistle in warning. A proper response will follow the dice roll
Even with her Mage Armor gone, the 9 and 5 do not hit through Citrine's base 13
Strength roll, +0 modifier pLjSDXJa1d20
Initiative: 1d20+31d20·1d20+3
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Post by Kralle on Feb 26, 2019 22:14:14 GMT
Nakan had been part of his fair share of nighttime ambushes. He'd only fallen asleep an hour ago at most, and when the sharp sound of Citrine's alert echoed through the nearby trees, it was enough to wake him. Snapping to a seated position, he took only enough time to assess the situation before him. Citrine was on the other side of the camp, just far enough away that the goliath could primarily only make out shapes and silhouettes. From where he was, he could see only two small bipedal forms and what seemed like ropes writhing along the ground.
In a moment, he was standing, greataxe in hand as he charged across the clearing to provide aid. ibPtCS6E
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Post by Kralle on Feb 26, 2019 22:15:50 GMT
Nakan Initiative
0P3Kb5FT1d20+2 1d20+2
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