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I stride to the desk directly and stop at full attention in front of the Lieutenant. 
*heels click together*

I salute.

"Palitinate.  Antigione.  Sergeant First Class.  Reporting as ordered, ma'am!"

I hold the salute, waiting acknowledgement.

I trudge towards the antechamber, pausing at the threshold to remove my cloak. While using the driest portion of coarse black fabric to wipe melting ice from the straw-colored braids of my beard, I take in the sturdy, pragmatic architecture around me.

Marvelous work. Could be dwarven work. Marvelous.

I dig behind my beard for a lanyard, lift its tethered disk of gold to my lips, and whisper a prayer of gratitude for the safe journey.

Folding the cloak over my arm, I march towards the desk. "Lieutenant," I say with a nod. "Captain Oleg Olegov."

[You see a dwarf wearing chainmail over a black gambeson. His pate is shorn; his beard is bound in three thick braids by brass rings. Slung on his back is a shield emblazoned with the face of a large gold coin, and from his belt hangs an oddly-shaped warhammer.]

"At ease," I announce. "Please, if you are cold, warm yourselves by the fire."

"Permission to ask questions before saying, sir?" I ask after a moment.

"How high-risk, sir, and is there, uh... extra pay attached?" I ask.  "Because, I mean, I don't wanna die but if I can do it and it's..."  I trail off underneath his gaze.  "Not that, uh, serving Karrnath ain't worth it, sir, but I got other responsibilities, too."

"The level of risk depends upon your level of competence," he says, tone severe but not precisely unkind, and adds,  "And yes, you will be eligible for combat duty pay."

[Arcana check to determine the arcane cause for the book moving without apparent motive: 1d20+13: 15+13 = 28]

"Sir!  Permission to speak, sir!"

"Sir!  Thank you, sir!  Sergeant First Class Palitinate, Antigone, Special Forces, Otto's Scythes formerly declaring acceptance of the mission as assigned, sir!  Requesting permission to requisition all gear and weapons as assigned on last tour of duty with Lieutenant Otto Constantine, sir!"

Go big or go home.

[Speech check, I think, chaos.]

Quote from: Teshi on April 25, 2016, 05:07:18 PM

[Speech check, I think, chaos.]

[You want a diplomacy or some such check?]

[Up to you :D ]

[It's all the same.  Bad.  *sigh*  Diplomacy.  1d20+3.  8+3 = 11]

"Sir!  I ... um ... in my other uniform, sir!"

Otto, why do you forsake me?

"A high-risk mission, General? What danger will we face? And to what end?"

By Kol Korran, I silently pray. Let it be gold. Lots and lots of gold.

As I wait for the others to all play along with the general's game and pretend they want to go, I scan the room slowly and carefully, looking in particular for any clues as to what this might really be about.

[Perception: 20+10=30]

The book... someone's trying to tell us something. I stare fiercely around the room. What is it saying, this flying book? Who else is here?
[perception 5+19 = 24]

My head whips over to the corner the laughter came from and I peer into it instead, hand unconsciously straying towards one of the handaxes strapped to my side.

[Perception: 11+10=21]

Finally. I was beginning to think I'd have to steal every teaspoon in the Fort and hide them under his mattress. Again.

"Wait, what?", I call out from the darkness. "Why would you do that? I thought we were friends!"

"Of course I volunteer, General. I love these missions."

One of the coldest places in Karnath. In winter.

Aloud I say. "I hope we are able to requisition sufficient quantities of wool, General."

Quote from: borealis on April 26, 2016, 11:31:00 AM

One of the coldest places in Karnath. In winter.

Aloud I say. "I hope we are able to requisition sufficient quantities of wool, General."

He gives the major a sharp look.  "You will not doubt my commitment to properly supporting your team after I tell you the secondary objective."  He continues, in chill tones, "Three months ago, we dispatched a team with the same orders.  The last report we had from them was at Irontown.  After that, they went silent.  We have, however, indications that they advanced at least as far as the alpine tundra north of Lakeside; after that, the trail is lost.  Your secondary mission is to locate and extract the original team, or failing that, discover what became of them."  He pauses, then says in a hard voice, "The leader of the first expedition was my son."

Military form be damned. I offer the general a deep bow. "You must be very worried, sir. Trust that I will act to the best of my abilities to fulfil the mission, of course, but with the further thought in mind of restoring a son to his father. It is an honourable quest."

"If people took your son, m'lord, you just want him back, or d'you want who did it dead too?" I ask practically.

"Sir!  Permission to ask a question, sir!"

[Insight check: 17+5=22 for if it seems there's more to his son's disappearance than he's telling us]

"Sir!  Thank you, sir!  Does Object 17 require special containment?  In the event that Object 17 is in the possession of hostiles and recovery is impossible are we to terminate Object 17?  With extreme prejudice?  Sir!"

"So then, sir," I ask, "why send such a small squad? Why not a legion? There are plenty of those lying around. And why do we have so many officers, begging your pardons sirs, with just one soldier."

"Well, we have a lot of ranks here sir, we're going to spend half the day saluting each other, up and down sir."

The general looks over the group of soldiers, pointedly ignoring the team's mysterious bonus member.  His eyes pause at Captain Olegov.  "Anything more?" he asks them.

[On the presumption that the text and diagram are visible and readily accessible without encroaching on the General ... Arcana check: 1d20+13: 17+13 = 30.  Perception check: 1d20+13: 15+13 = 28.  I want to glean as much information I can on the nature, identity and purpose of the object.  Palitinate would be most keenly interesting in something that would allow her to positively confirm the identity of Object 17 with as high a certainty as possible.]

Great, so now we know how big the blob of dirt on the page actually is.

"You said there was other names for it, m'lord?" I press.  "Ones locals might use, maybe?"

[Diplomacy: 16+2+1=19 to seem respectful/not offend anyone by harping on this!]

"Sir."

[diplomacy 12 + 11 = 23]

Could you give us a hint as to what the object does? It would be unfortunate if one of us accidentally, mm, set it off."

"Good luck and godsspeed," the general says, fixing them with a weighty look.  "And - thank you."

"You're welcome!" I reply, crossing the floor to join the rest of the group as they leave. "And don't worry. I shouldn't think you'll be deprived of my company for too long."

"Corporal, it's a ghost," I hiss.  "Skeleton guards are one thing - I mean, I'm not gonna be volunteering for a watch with 'em but you get used to it - but that?  It's just weird.  Undead that aint under control's a bad idea.  And from how it was acting with the general, it does what it wants.  This aint safe."

Also where the fuck do you get off telling me to keep my head down?

The more insightful among you...

I shoulder my knapsack and try to peer into Sergeant PGA's chest.

[Perception: 16 + 3 = 19]

Quote from: Aden on April 27, 2016, 09:45:04 PM

I shoulder my knapsack and try to peer into Sergeant PGA's chest.

[Perception: 16 + 3 = 19]

[I'll leave this to Chaos]

[Also I think that power is at-will; I looked it up because a daily that lasted an hour or until you used it again didn't make sense.]

Tired as I am, I still must try to concentrate on safely leading this varied group of soldiers.
[wisdom 10 + 14 = 24]

I try to watch ahead. I hate being underground.
[dungeoneering 3 + 16 = 19]

I wonder why this tunnel was dug to begin with?
[history 5 + 3 = 7]

Glancing back, I see the dwarf produce a light to relieve the young one. I wonder if she's tougher than she appears.
[insight 5 + 19 = 24]

And the ghost... I'd really like to know more about her.
[perception 5 + 12 = 17]

Quote from: borealis on April 28, 2016, 10:38:53 AM

Glancing back, I see the dwarf produce a light to relieve the young one. I wonder if she's tougher than she appears.
[insight 5 + 19 = 24]

[I'll let jussr answer this one :) ]

The tunnel is solid and well-crafted.  You feel good airflow from all directions, which suggests both proper ventilation and multiple egresses.  It is, however, cold and damp, and there is a hint of a somehow unnerving musty odor.  You think you hear a faint rustling from the northwest.

And the ghost... I'd really like to know more about her.

[perception 5 + 12 = 17]

Quote from: Teshi on April 28, 2016, 11:15:02 AM

The tunnel is solid and well-crafted.  You feel good airflow from all directions, which suggests both proper ventilation and multiple egresses.  It is, however, cold and damp, and there is a hint of a somehow unnerving musty odor.  You think you hear a faint rustling from the northwest.

[Astra's passive perception picking this up/getting more detail?]

[Assuming it's what I suspect, can I get a circumstance bonus on a History check since she grew up in Atur where they use undead guards for some purposes?

9+4=13]

[I'll peer down the first side corridor when we reach it. Perception: 12 + 7 = 19]

A short whistle to Creon sends him ahead of me a pace and he sniffs the air [Perception 1d20+7: 13+7 = 20].

I pause and cock my head to the side, listening [Perception: 1d20+13: 18+13 = 31].

[What are Antigone and Creon listening for?  The sounds of an undead brother come to exact revenge against the state?  More likely just trying to determine if there are any mindless guards shuffling around and obstructing their path to the exit.]

"Er, Captain sir, in deference to our undead friend, perhaps smiting undead en masse may not be a good idea," I say looking over at the Captain and indicating the pretty ghost.

[Arcana check for magic anything: 4 + 14 = 18]

"You a gambler Ma'am?" I ask, wondering how a ghost holds cards.

"Ghost seems happy staying here, sir," I murmur to Corporal Valenae, mindful of his weird liking for the unbound undead.  I keep my eyes on the skeletons, both due to their numbers and so as not to be staring suspiciously at the ghost.  "Might be better all around?"

Quote from: Aden on April 29, 2016, 05:41:19 AM

"You a gambler Ma'am?" I ask, wondering how a ghost holds cards.

"We all are, apparently", I reply. "Else we wouldn't be here doing...whatever it is we're doing. I wasn't really listening."

I look at her with interest.

"How old are you Ma'am? What country are you from?"

The rumbling to the right of you increases in response to your voices.

I drift over to the door and quickly poke my head through to see what's happening on the other side.

[Perception: 16 + 7 = 23]

[Since I have Threat Sense, I'd like to roll a Perception check to gauge the level of threat or danger we are now facing and get maybe some more information on the nature of that rumbling.  Perception: 1d20+13: 20*+13 = 33.  *honest and true, well I'll be damned.]

Quote from: chaoschristian on April 29, 2016, 10:48:52 AM

[Since I have Threat Sense, I'd like to roll a Perception check to gauge the level of threat or danger we are now facing and get maybe some more information on the nature of that rumbling.  Perception: 1d20+13: 20*+13 = 33.  *honest and true, well I'll be damned.]

[I'm not familiar with it and I'm phone posting - can one of you c&p the description of the feature (or power or whatever?) for me?]

I drift over to the door and quickly poke my head through to see what's happening on the other side.

[Perception: 16 + 7 = 23]

Quote from: Teshi on April 29, 2016, 10:58:36 AM

Quote from: chaoschristian on April 29, 2016, 10:48:52 AM

[Since I have Threat Sense, I'd like to roll a Perception check to gauge the level of threat or danger we are now facing and get maybe some more information on the nature of that rumbling.  Perception: 1d20+13: 20*+13 = 33.  *honest and true, well I'll be damned.]

[I'm not familiar with it and I'm phone posting - can one of you c&p the description of the feature (or power or whatever?) for me?]

[Rules as written it allows me to substitute an Initiative Roll with a Perception Check and grant allies +2 to initiative.  By extension I figure it may give Palitinate a 6th sense (she does indeed see dead people righ now) towards what I am asking for.  GM's discretion of course,]

I nod in agreement without turning to look at Latrine Duty.

"Let's keep moving people.." 

Inside, your face nearly continues phasing through the door and into a skeleton.  You see a chamber, like a large closet or small room, packed full of skeleton soldiers, standing like brooms and mops and rakes stored away in a shed.  Except that they're moving, feet shuffling on the floor, bones dully clinking against other skeletons' bones as they sway and step. 

You can't help but wonder why these ones are packed away here while the rest are at greater liberty - if it can be said to be liberty - in the cavern?

[Gods no. I'd rather eat the 20]

[Are they armed? Armoured?]

I nod in agreement without turning to look at Latrine Duty.

"Let's keep moving people.." 

I invade the Corporal's personal space to motivate him, "Let's go soldier."

"And cut the chatter."

[75, 25, 93]

Must have hidden talents [Insight: 13 + 5 = 18]

"Er, Ma'am, just how do ghosts climb ladders?"

Quote from: Aden on April 29, 2016, 01:28:49 PM

"Er, Ma'am, just how do ghosts climb ladders?"

"With difficulty", I reply, glaring at the bloody thing. "Bastard contraptions. What's wrong with stairs?"

I gingerly step onto the lower rung, check that my foot isn't passing straight through it, then pull myself up. Once at the top, I take a quick look around.

[Perception: 8 + 7 = 15]

I climb to the top and push my head just far enough through the trapdoor to see what's out there.

[Same Perception check of 15 again.]

"There's stuff on t..."

I pull my head back down under the trapdoor. "There's stuff on top of the trapdoor", I continue. "Some sort of storage case."

[Which way does the trapdoor open?]

I open my pack and remove a black mask, a pair of gloves and long cloak. I quickly put them on while waiting for the trapdoor to open.

The ghost woman's face is mere centimetres from mine. The translucency makes me slightly queasy from this close up. I look down at the others. "Who's the strongest of you? Get up here and see if you can shift the weight."

I climb down rapidly to give whoever accepts the challenge room.

Quote from: borealis on April 29, 2016, 02:43:44 PM

The ghost woman's face is mere centimetres from mine. The translucency makes me slightly queasy from this close up. I look down at the others. "Who's the strongest of you? Get up here and see if you can shift the weight."

I climb down rapidly to give whoever accepts the challenge room.

[You have 17 STR, woman!]

I eye the spindly ladder, then with a slight sigh, sheathe my weapons again and climb up.  Once at the top, I knock firmly on the trapdoor.

"Soldier Astra, sir, with Major Leatherleaf's company!" I call back.

Quote from: borealis on April 29, 2016, 02:43:44 PM

The ghost woman's face is mere centimetres from mine. The translucency makes me slightly queasy from this close up. I look down at the others. "Who's the strongest of you? Get up here and see if you can shift the weight."

I climb down rapidly to give whoever accepts the challenge room.

[You have 17 STR, woman!]

Oh for... I practically fly up the ladder, blinking rapidly in the blinding light. "Why the hells was this trapdoor closed and weighted, soldier! Were you not expecting our party?"

I accept the hand, climbing the rest of the way out of the caverns, then take a deep breath of the fresher air as I look around, blinking at the brightness of the sun.

[Perception: 12+10=22]

I glare at the elf, then take a deep breath. "Indeed it was. Well done, soldier." I am way too tired to be as kind to the keeper of the trap door, but I refrain from berating him. "Please show us our supplies and requisitioned gear then, corporal."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Good thinking from the Soldier there," I say to Sarge, "sort of brains we need on a mission like this, wouldn't you say ma'am?"

"Yes ma'am!" he says.  "Here, ma'am!"  Again the vague undercurrent of a joke, although you couldn't say exactly what gives his response that air.

"Any of it, sir?" I ask as I drift over, my eyes on some rather nicer armour than mine.  I pick up a helm with wickedly sharp antlers at the front and try it on.  Guess I do need to trade my stuff in if we're pretending we're not army.

Quote from: Teshi on April 29, 2016, 04:02:20 PM

"Yes ma'am!" he says.  "Here, ma'am!"  Again the vague undercurrent of a joke, although you couldn't say exactly what gives his response that air.

[Insight check on the corporal: 10 + 14 = 24]

Quote from: Aden on April 29, 2016, 03:31:09 PM

"Good thinking from the Soldier there," I say to Sarge, "sort of brains we need on a mission like this, wouldn't you say ma'am?"

I shoulder my weapon and whistle Creon to my side.  I look the Corporal up and down with my eyes.  "She lacks discipline.  But she got the job done.  Keep her in line, Corporal, and maybe she'll get to the end alive."

Whatever that end may be.

"Now, let's inspect the provisions the General has left us."

"Yes ma'am!" I reply smartly. "Ma'am, permission to just remove insignia from my armour ma'am. I've had it for a few years and it is well worn in, ma'am."

"You been here awhile, sir?" I ask the old corporal as I start changing my armour.  "With the general and all?"

Quote from: MartinM on April 29, 2016, 04:17:23 PM

Quote from: Teshi on April 29, 2016, 04:02:20 PM

"Yes ma'am!" he says.  "Here, ma'am!"  Again the vague undercurrent of a joke, although you couldn't say exactly what gives his response that air.

[Insight check on the corporal: 10 + 14 = 24]

He's old for a corporal and this is not a desirable posting in terms of hopes of advancement, but it's a position of trust, as is the fact that he's aware on any level of your mission.  He seems unimpressed by the lot of you, and not terribly curious about what you're doing or where you're going, for whatever reason.

He was definitely being sarcastic.

And he didn't react to Mari with the surprise one would expect.

Quote from: jussr on April 29, 2016, 04:42:47 PM

"You been here awhile, sir?" I ask the old corporal as I start changing my armour.  "With the general and all?"

He snorts.  "You could say that."

Gear stowed, I approach the Captain-Chaplain, "Sir.  I will check the mounts."

I leave the group, Creon at heel, and approach the beasts [Nature: 1d20+13: 10+13 = 23 to make the beasts familiar with me and pliable.  Perception: 1d20+13: 4+13 = 17 to make sure their tack is properly fitted and secure.].

I swing by him on my way to inspecting the weapons.

"No mate, got in the way of some magic a few years back. Bright light makes me ache. Not contagious of course.

It's a bit of a cold post here. Much warmer in the fort. Any idea what we'll see out there?"

[Diplomacy: 8 + 12=20]

"I'll answer for the sergeant." I say, while poking among the packages, sacks and crates. I straighten and look around. "Remove any and all insignia or identifying military marks from any gear you wish to keep. And at this point I think we should drop all references to rank, so to be used to it before venturing onward. It's time to reveal and specify by what name you wish to be called. I am Gisaul Leatherleaf. You may refer to me as Leatherleaf from now until out mission concludes."

I look around expectantly.

"He got a kid in the army too, right?" I ask.

I look around expectantly.

Quote from: jussr on April 29, 2016, 04:45:38 PM

"He got a kid in the army too, right?" I ask.

"He's got a few kids, yeah," the corporal replies.  "All those nobles in his line do the army.  Honor and all that, plus them mountain peasants would toss over any lords what didn't show how tough they were one way or another."

Quote from: Aden on April 29, 2016, 04:44:26 PM

I swing by him on my way to inspecting the weapons.

"No mate, got in the way of some magic a few years back. Bright light makes me ache. Not contagious of course.

It's a bit of a cold post here. Much warmer in the fort. Any idea what we'll see out there?"

[Diplomacy: 8 + 12=20]

"Snow," he replies, not disagreeably.  "More snow.  Probably ice.  Maybe some mortal peril."

"S'fair enough," I agree with a nod.  "You meet 'em?  We heard back at the fort that one'd gone up north too not so long ago."

"I'll answer for the sergeant." I say, while poking among the packages, sacks and crates. I straighten and look around. "Remove any and all insignia or identifying military marks from any gear you wish to keep. And at this point I think we should drop all references to rank, so to be used to it before venturing onward. It's time to reveal and specify by what name you wish to be called. I am Gisaul Leatherleaf. You may refer to me as Leatherleaf from now until out mission concludes."

I look around expectantly.

Quote from: jussr on April 29, 2016, 04:59:44 PM

"S'fair enough," I agree with a nod.  "You meet 'em?  We heard back at the fort that one'd gone up north too not so long ago."

"Seen some of 'em around, sure," he says, a little too casually.

I lower my voice and grin at him.  "That good, huh?"

I look around expectantly.

Quote from: borealis on April 29, 2016, 04:46:32 PM

I look around expectantly.

"Shrikumari", I say. "Most people just call me Mari, though. Or Aaaaahwhatthefuckareyou. That one's pretty popular recently."

Quote from: jussr on April 29, 2016, 05:03:28 PM

I lower my voice and grin at him.  "That good, huh?"

"Ain't like that," he says, his previous willingness to indulge Astra fading significantly.  "General's a proper soldier and lord and his people're the same." 

Quote from: MartinM on April 29, 2016, 05:11:29 PM

Quote from: borealis on April 29, 2016, 04:46:32 PM

I look around expectantly.

"Shrikumari", I say. "Most people just call me Mari, though. Or Aaaaahwhatthefuckareyou. That one's pretty popular recently."

The corporal subtly makes a gesture of warding evil in the direction of Mari as she speaks up.

I cock my head to the side, frowning.  "Yeah, course he is, anyone could see," I agree.  "Was just his lordship seemed kinda worried, so I thought maybe his son wasn't so keen as he was.  Or was my age or something and going off for the first time."

[Diplomacy: 13+2+1=16]

The corporal subtly makes a gesture of warding evil in the direction of Mari as she speaks up.

Quote from: Teshi on April 29, 2016, 05:12:51 PM

The corporal subtly makes a gesture of warding evil in the direction of Mari as she speaks up.

I wave back and smile.

"So not the kinda captain you'd worry about without good reason, huh?" I conclude, watching the old corporal carefully.

[Insight: 20+5=25]

I wander back to the corporal.

"Look mate," I say, in the tones of one going along with orders, a tone familiar to corporals everywhere, "we're going out there to find the Captain. Anything you can tell us would help us bring him, and us, back."

[Diplomacy: 16+12=28]

[Bear in mind we can assist each other's checks to some extent. At our level, DC for assist is 13, so several of us will auto-succeed assists on multiple skills for a +2 bonus. Each check can be assisted by up to four players, subject to DM's discretion.]

Secondary skills (can be used once each):  History, Religion, Perception

[Perception Check: 1d20+13: 17+13 = 30]

[Acrobatics: 1d20+13: 16+13 = 29; Perception: 1d20+13+ [whatever assist I get from the binocs]: 12+13+?=25+? specifically for this perception check I want to check out the surrounding terrain conditions, trying to spot areas of interest, areas of peril and areas where we could be ambushed or lay an ambush.  Do I spot any immediate threats?  Do I spot any likely hunting game?]

[As Palitinate a way out of all this mindless, endless gobbing and to get on with it already.]

[I don't know, folks, what am I trying to perceive?  Whatever ever it is, I just did it really well.]

[Palitinate would order him to divulge all mission sensitive intelligence and if he refused assist in the extraction of said intelligence.]

[Arcana: 10 + 12 = 22]

[Diplomacy to get the info out:  14 + 12 = 26]

"I made it through the war in one piece, I really don't want to die up there." [Diplomacy]

"Look mate, there seems to be a lot more riding on this than just getting a kid back. Like serious stuff."

[Bluff: 10 + 12 = 22]

"The Sovereign Host helps those who help themselves," I say. "And the more information we have, the more we can help ourselves."

[Religion: Roll(1d20)+9: 14,+9; Total:23]

"If we're gonna help the Captain, sir, we gotta know what we're maybe getting into," I add earnestly.  "Like if he could be hurt or something and we'd wanna bring the right stuff to help cause there mayn't be time to go back.  That's the sort of ways people end up dead when they don't got to."

[Heal to be persuasive with instead of my non-existent charm! 5+7=12, apparently Astra's vast medical knowledge isn't that convincing either]

"But, I mean, you'd likely do better talking to Captain Olegov about that sorta thing," I say hurriedly when the old corporal looks unimpressed, spotting the dwarf approaching.  I step back slightly to let them speak, not pushing myself forward again, but do twitch an eyebrow at the captain when the corporal talks about letting us ride off into the sunset.  Supposed to, huh?  Who told him that and what're they trying to hide?

[me? Sorry haven't picked out gear yet either, busy day.]

[I am going to use my 30 Perception Check to observe the Corporal's living conditions.  It occurs to me this is a bleak and desolate outpost.  Pepper has been on border sentry duty on the southern frontier since ... yeah ... that happened .... and she knows the loneliness and accompanying depression that comes with such boring and isolated conditions.  Does this outpost remind Pepper strongly of her recent past?  Could this give her insight into motivators that would influence the Corporal's behavior?  Does he like dogs?]

I've been listening to my crew trying to dig information out of the old corporal. I don't understand why he's so reluctant to give it. Otoh, our briefing has been sketchy to say the least, perhaps to make leaks about it less likely. But we need some idea of what we're getting into.

"Corporal." I say, placing an arm around his shoulder and drawing him away from the others. "We may be the Captain's - and whoever might be with him - only chance. We're stronger than we might appear, but that won't help if we go haring off to the wrong place with the wrong ideas, now will it? Please - tell me anything you might know to bring those soldiers home."

[aaand drum roll: Diplomacy 12+20 = 32]

[right?]

After an initial look askance at the arm round his shoulder, he softens a bit.  "Look," he says to the major, "I probably shouldn't say this, but you kinda remind me of my mum.  You know I got my orders and you got yours, but just be careful out there, eh?"

Quote from: Teshi on April 30, 2016, 04:01:33 PM

After an initial look askance at the arm round his shoulder, he softens a bit.  "Look," he says to the major, "I probably shouldn't say this, but you kinda remind me of my mum.  You know I got my orders and you got yours, but just be careful out there, eh?"

"It's OK, buddy", I say sympathetically, walking over to join the two of them, "I understand. Some things you'd rather not talk about with fellow soldiers, right? So why don't we let the others gear up, and you and I can talk alone?"

I smile cheerfully at him.

[Intimidate: 19 + 8 = 27]

"Hello there.  What's on your mind?"

[Acrobatic check to get down: 1d20+13: 8+13 = 21]
[Animal handling to make friends with the pony: 1d20+13: 17+13 = 30]
[Insight to communicate with the pony (yes, Pepper can do that): 1d20+6+2 (Beast Empathy): 16+6+2 = 24]

"What's the matter buddy?  Lonesome?"

I rummage a brick of field ration loaf from my pack and tear of a hunk to offer to the pony.  It's dry, leathering ... food ... but it must be at least slightly more interesting than this turf grass.

[Perception: 1d20+13+4 (bonus from Creon for tracking): 16+13+4 = 33 to find tracks or signs of another pony]

I issue a series of alternating short and long sharp whistles to Creon.  He immediately begins snuffling through the paddock with eager joy at being given something useful to do.

[If I were to determine how recent those tracks are, what kind of check would you want?]

[Perception (tracking): 1d20+13+4: 5+13+4 = 22 to determine how many days old the singular pony tracks leading to the east are.]

[Do we know when the General's son and his party were dispatched to retrieve Object 17?]

[Does Leatherleaf know Palatine has gotten this info from the horse?]

[Stealth: 1d20+13 = 11+13 = 24: to whisper this information to the Major and keep the Corporal from hearing or realizing it]

[Stealth: 1d20+13 = 11+13 = 24: to whisper this information to the Major and keep the Corporal from hearing or realizing it]

[Insight check into whether he wants to tell us but can't, or is just being obstructive, or whatever: 14 + 15 = 29]

I wander over to check out the big birdy thingies. With my back to the Corporal, I conjure the best facsimile of the General's voice I can manage, whispering in his ear, almost inaudibly, "help them".

[Ghost Sound + Bluff to emulate the General's voice: 20 + 15 = 35]

I leave him to think and go over to the Sarge.

"Excuse me Ma'am, should we be wondering where the Corporal's partner was sent?"

I look at the Soldier. She's been right so far...

"Thanks mate," I say, very friendly like, "you may have just saved our lives. Do you know where they send your partner?"

[Diplomacy: 8 + 12 = 20]

"You said you wasn't gonna say any more and we should go away, sir," I reply promptly, watching Corporal Valenae wander off towards Sergeant Hellsbeast.

[Nature: 10+10=20]

"Pepper?"

"Hmm? Oh, right," I say, "my skills. Close combat, with a blend of psionics and divine magic. I'm pretty sneaky, too. More so since the whole 'ghost' thing. Also, the walking through walls. I couldn't do that before."

"Also maybe losing the last of whatever grip on reality she still got and trying to kill everyone around her," I put in.  Helpfully.  "That's a ghost skill too."

I regard the ghost woman thoughtfully. "How sneaky? Can you be completely invisible, as we have seen, and also undetectable by other common means? If so, I'd ask if you could accompany Pepper back to the outpost." I add, "I hope you intend to see this mission through with us, Madam Mari. Your abilities are great, though it would appear they came at some cost."

Quote from: borealis on May 03, 2016, 11:11:44 AM

I regard the ghost woman thoughtfully. "How sneaky? Can you be completely invisible, as we have seen, and also undetectable by other common means? If so, I'd ask if you could accompany Pepper back to the outpost." I add, "I hope you intend to see this mission through with us, Madam Mari. Your abilities are great, though it would appear they came at some cost."

"Invisible? Nah," I reply. "Though 'inside a wall' is a pretty close approximation. And yes, I'll stick with you. Not like lurking around old Dull-inch was doing me any favours. Besides, it's...sort of my job, I guess."

"Like I said, ma'am," I say flatly after a moment.  "That's just what ghosts do.  Don't matter how nice they seem - though yeah, she could be lying too - how much they seem like they get what's going on around 'em.  Can sneak up on 'em, even.  In time, they either pass on or they lose it, think everyone around 'em is their enemy.  Stronger they are, worse it is when that happens.  Rule is, you don't mess with old ghosts and you don't mess with thinking ghosts.  I'd never even -" I cut myself off, pausing a moment before continuing.  "Was up to me, ma'am, you'd throw that thing the general gave you far away and we'd ride fast the other direction."

"Are you handling our pay, then, sir?" I ask, very politely.

Quote from: jussr on May 04, 2016, 05:12:11 AM

"Are you handling our pay, then, sir?" I ask, very politely.

"I have not been contacted by our paymaster yet. I assume they are taking a... cost-effective approach, given the nature of our mission, and will distribute our wages to us at the end. Of course, should our company capture resources from the enemy, be assured I am sworn to the gods to give a fair account and divide the portions between us equally."

They ride undisturbed, and when they begin to change direction to encircle the other lookout from the west, they spot a figure in the distance atop a horse, riding the dirt trail that links the lookout points, ambling slowly toward the outpost where they left the colonel earlier today.

They ride undisturbed, and when they begin to change direction to encircle the other lookout from the west, they spot a figure in the distance atop a horse, riding the dirt trail that links the lookout points, ambling slowly toward the outpost where they left the colonel earlier today.

I guide Fluffy over to the trail, in plain sight of the approaching figure. "Hi!" I call out. "My friend and I would like to ask you some questions, if we may?"

"Ambush? Apparate? What the Hells are you talk...hey, wait! Oh, for the..."

This is not going to go well. "What's wrong with talking to the guy, you moron?" I mutter darkly. "Ah, sod it."

I guide Fluffy over to the trail, in plain sight of the approaching figure. "Hi!" I call out. "My friend and I would like to ask you some questions, if we may?"

[Diplomacy: 18 + 8 = 26]

Can still get off an incapacitating shot from here.  I don't think he realizes I'm be ... HELLSssssss ...

*grinding teeth*

*cough* "I ... we need to ... name ... ra ... er, No ..." I dart a look at Mari.

[Diplomacy: 18+3 = 21]

"HiCanwepleasegetyournamewhereyoucamefromwhatyouweredoingthereandwhatyouknowofanyothergroupsoftravelersthatmayhavecomethroughtheoutpostandheadedtowardsthemountainsinthelastthreemonths?"

I remember to breath.

*mental facepalm*

I return to glaring at Mari.

"Relax, buddy," I say, smiling at him. "We're on the same side. General Dull...er, Dulinch sent us."

I pull off my leather helm cap and shake my pink hair free, "Hey.  We're not here to hurt you.  We can be friends, right?" I try to smile not menacingly awkwardly.

[Diplomacy 12+3 = 15]

This is working?

"I'm Pepper, Kellark.  What's a big, strong soldier like you doing out here all by himself, hmm?"

Is this how I stand to look alluring?

[Diplomacy 12+3 = 15]

"I think what my friend is trying to say is that she'd like to know how often you're away on your own," I tell the dwarf. "She travels a lot. And she gets lonely, you see? Or do I need to draw you a diagram?"

[Bluff: 20 + 15 = 35]

"Oh, that's no fun," I reply sympathetically. "You must get really bored, staying in one place all the time. Never meeting anyone new. Lucky we ran into each other, eh? Still, I'll bet you see lots of interesting people when you do get out and about. That's what Pepper loves about travel, you know. Meeting people, swapping stories, getting to know them..."

[Bluff: 15 + 15 = 30]

The dwarf, despite his youth and credulousness, still appears somewhat dubious about this.  "I mean, if you're not sure, we shouldn't do anything, you know," he says, with the earnestness of his age.

Ah. That'll do nicely.

"Soldier!" I bark. "Stand to attention! And explain just what the Hells you think you're doing sharing intelligence with a complete stranger. You realise you could just have told the enemy that the outpost is all but undefended?"

[Bluff: 19 + 15 = 34]

"That is 'uh, what?' Colonel," I retort, moving Fluffy a few paces closer. "I find out you've been trading military information for favours again, you'll be on skeleton polishing duty for the rest of your career. Understood? Good! Now, report, soldier! Any suspicious activity, any unusual groups of travellers, anything out of the ordinary you have witnessed during your excursions from the outpost in the last three months. At the double!"

I think that's how it's done. Maybe. Eh. Close enough.

[Bluff: 13 + 15 = 28]

"Better," I reply. "And where were these reports delivered? By whose order? To whom?"

[Insight: 3 + 14 = 17]

"Alright, then," I say. "You have any questions, Sergeant? Or are we done here?"

"Good," I reply. "Soldier! We were never here. You have never spoken to us. You have never met us. You do not know of our existence. Is that clear?"

"What the fuck does that even mean?" I exclaim, frustrated.  "Can't you talk like a normal person?"

"He's not dead," I respond dryly.

"We are Karrnathian soldiers.  We are sworn to our duty to protect our fatherland.  To serve even unto death and beyond.  Innocence and allegiance are irrelevant.  He failed in his duty."

[How close are we to sundown?]

Eyes half closed, I stare sleepily across the main room of the inn into the fire crackling merrily on the hearth.  A warm meal, a hot tub of water and a good night's sleep on a lumpy mattress sounds infinitely better than my recent sad lack of roofed accommodations.  My purse is slim, but adequate, and I have high hopes of a significant addition to the remainder of my wages before the sun rises.

I search the room with a sweeping glance wondering if the party I am to meet is already here somewhere among the gruff and grubby patrons lounging on benches or bellied up to the bar.

I rise hastily and sketch a bow.  "T'is I, would you join me?"  I catch the barman's eye, and note the quick gleam of avarice as he reconsiders the likely take for my table.

I wait until the barmaid returns with the lady's drink before taking another sip of my ale.

"I'm honored.  And curious who would send one such as you to this godsforsaken establishment at the ass-end of nowhere."

"Funds are always welcome, provided they don't come at too high a cost to my hide."  Though I ignore the implications behind the word "flexible", I do wonder what she's heard about the elasticity of my morals when it comes to a paying side job.

I study the lady quizzically, wondering if she's to be trusted, and what her true purpose is, and for that matter, what group or person she represents.  "May I know your name? And what can you tell me about this artifact?  Where do you think it is?  Do these soldiers know their business?"

[Insight 1d20+9 = 12+9 = 21
perception 1d20+7 = 13+7 = 20]

I sigh and lean back against the wall behind my bench.  I see an opportunity, perhaps, to turn a handier profit than I'd hoped.

"Necromantic.  I wasn't told this job would involve undead sorcery.  Ancient undead sorcery, no doubt.  Nasty business.  And costly.

"If there's any more information, any at all, you could share, it might be key in helping me accomplish your goals."

[Dipolmacy:  1d20 +12 = 8+12=20]

My pulse quickens a little as I contemplate 2000 galifars, but I try to look unimpressed. In my misspent youth, I'd not have blinked at losing so much on a throw at the table.  These days, though, t'would put me well on my way to reconciliation if I chose, or to whatever future I might desire.

"And the hazard bonus?"

Then, a sign of sentient life - a farmstead that is undergoing construction, not decomposition. You hear it before you see it, the sound of trees being felled and nails hammered.  When you crest a hill, you spot a clearing ahead that is too geometric to be natural, with a small but sound cabin of yellowish barely-weathered wood planks in the middle of it, and a few barely-distinguishable-at-this-distance figures moving around.  You could easily ride on past unnoticed, if you wanted.

The lady acquiesced so easily, I wonder if I've been played.  Played again, I remind myself wryly.  It's too late to wrest more coin, no doubt.

"Skeleton Hand.  Scepter of Shadows."  Titles like these might be bestowed on dozens of artifacts on any hillside or under the rubble of any ruin.

I wrack my memory, trying to bring some focus to elusive rumors I dimly recall.

[history 1d20+10 = 20+10 = 30]

"Good points." I raise my voice slightly to include the others. "Well? Anyone? Why would a bunch of well-armed people on clawfoots be travelling out here? I've a feeling we look to be exactly what we are, despite our mm lack of special jewelry. Mercenaries maybe?"

I nod at the mercenaries suggestion as well.  "Mercenaries are gonna look after their own stuff, you know," I comment as we start heading for the farmstead.  "Cept the leader, maybe.  But it'd look weird if I was seeing to the lizards and laying beds and all that for all of us.  Speaking of looking weird, is the ghost coming up to the house with us?"

"Benefit of the farmhouse is that it's cold enough to kill the lizards if we leave 'em out overnight," I say.  "Also we only got two tents, so unless you was looking forward to sharing with me and Valenae..."

Quote from: oblivion on May 08, 2016, 09:31:49 PM

The lady acquiesced so easily, I wonder if I've been played.  Played again, I remind myself wryly.  It's too late to wrest more coin, no doubt.

"Skeleton Hand.  Scepter of Shadows."  Titles like these might be bestowed on dozens of artifacts on any hillside or under the rubble of any ruin.

I wrack my memory, trying to bring some focus to elusive rumors I dimly recall.

[history 1d20+10 = 20+10 = 30]

[Noice.]

As a student of history, you are more aware than the average Karrn of how tenuous the Karrnathi position was before the undead armies were first raised.  But every Karrn, indeed any adult in the Five Nations, knows the bare bones of the story:  Karrnath, strong in martial prowess and bravery, with all citizenry on war footing, fighting fiercely but still being gnawed away by famine, beset on all sides by well-fed armies of populous nations, civilians and soldiers alike falling rapidly to disease, hunger, and enemy weapons.  And then, a brilliant masterstroke:  turning this weakness into an indomitable strength - armies of soldiers who that don't need food, that don't feel pain, whose number swell ever greater with every living person who falls. 

This is true enough, if coated now in a layer of mythologizing and oversimplification, but you know that in the early days, the art and science of necromancy was not the clean, regimented thing the Karrnathi military practices today, taught in academies, regulated by law.  It was a few naturally talented individuals and taboo breakers driving the endeavor, and more often than not, they seized upon whatever fell magics and powers they could, by whatever foul means required.  Wasn't the Skeleton Hand the name of the legendary weapon of some warlord of that period? 

You're uncertain - this recollection has a few holes in it, not the least of which is that Rose speaks as though this were an artifact from some bygone era, not the last century, and the fact that the name Skeleton Hand is the kind of grim bravado a Karrnathi warlord might come up with of from his own imagination, no connection necessarily needed to this particular object.  But it might be a place to begin research, at least.  Should you find somewhere one could conduct such research.

An antiquity that might date back to the very dawn of the Dead.  Even if I could pass up the coin, what could be learned from such an artifact?

I squelch rising excitement about the job, but I'm hooked like a river fish.  I shrug  "I'll do it."

I shrug at the comment about my rank and reach for the portfolio.  "Not cut out for the military, but it's...inescapable.  For now."

Flipping through the maps, I ask, "Where do I meet the party?"

"As for a cover story, posing as traveling mercenaries creates potential conflict with local constabularies, sentries and patrols."

I consider Olegov for a moment.

"However, a vassal of Kol Korran would travel with a security attachment, especially if he were transporting an important spiritual artifact, " I look toward Mari, "to a remote temple for re-dedication."

I shrug.  "It's worked before."

"Hm. Oleg? Could we pull that sort of ruse off easily? I do speak Dwarven, as do others among us, so there's that as some degree of confirmation."

"Don't push your luck Mari. I don't want to wake up with the youngling picking my pocket on her way to execute a clever plan involving bottomless lakes or some such."

I spin to face the ghost, my eyes narrowed.  "You're gonna leave the people there alone," I say flatly, speaking directly to her for the first - only, if it's up to me - time.  "Anyone else we meet too.  You aint gonna... gonna make 'em think that maybe ghosts aint so bad after all, that maybe it's safe for 'em to mess with your kind.  I aint gonna let you get anyone killed, not when we're here or after we left, so just watch yourself."

"Let's see. Korunda Gate lies in the general direction we are traveling. As a sizable dwarven city with a large Kundarak enclave, there are bound to be multiple temples to Kol Korran there. That could be our destination, if anybody asks."

I put my hand up to halt the group and twist around in my saddle. "Plausible enough? By this story  Yourself, Valenae, Pepper and me are explained. Why are we hauling along a girl too young to have enlisted? Someone's daughter? Pepper's, or mine, brought along for the cultural experience?" I may sound mildly sarcastic, but a few shared details matter if you're going to offer a group-supported subterfuge.

"Pepper! A fast recon around the farm, if you would."

Quote from: oblivion on May 09, 2016, 01:18:10 PM

I shrug at the comment about my rank and reach for the portfolio.  "Not cut out for the military, but it's...inescapable.  For now."

Flipping through the maps, I ask, "Where do I meet the party?"

"To the best of our knowledge they only recently left or are leaving Fort Deepdark. There are only so many places one can safely cross the lightning rail tracks with beasts of burden.  I expect they'll be making for one of these bridges - most likely this one - " she taps the map - "Unless they plan to go to Irontown first.  Were it me, I would start by attempting to intercept them at a crossing or en route to Irontown, and if unsuccessful, pursue them toward their resupply point in Lakeside."

"Aye."

A few low whistles to Creon sends him in a loop around the farmstead counter clockwise, while I make my round clockwise.

[Perception for Pepper to see what she can see: 8+13 = 21]
[Perception for Creon to see what he can see: 6+7 = 13]
[Pepper's Animal Handling for Creon: 11+13 = 24]
[Stealth for Pepper: 3+13 = 16]
[Stealth for Creon: 13+2 = 15]

"Well then, it sounds like I can get a good night's sleep before heading out to seek the party.  Will you join me for a trencher and another Bloody Maril?"  I wave to the serving girl, who wends her way in our direction through the tables and benches.

I have little hope another drink will loosen "Rose's" tongue but I'm hungry.  And by damn, it's in her best interest to brief me thoroughly.

Our circuit complete, Creon and I link up and quietly rejoin the waiting group.

"Recce successful.  No detection," I report to Leatherleaf, "Four humanoids were observed at the farmstead.  It is new.  There is shelter and provision."

"We could disengage now, undetected and they would be none the wiser," I suggest with perhaps an inflection of hopefulness in my voice.  "Or," I continue reluctantly," we could approach with little concern for opposition.  They do appear to be ordinary farmers." 

The little earring frightens me a little.  Of course, it's obvious Rose belongs to a well-financed organization, with members in unexpected places.  And now, I'm apparently part of it, for good or ill.

A red flower, what does it mean?  What organization (or cult) uses this symbol? 

"Is this safe to wear as an every day bauble?" I ask Rose.

I smile sympathetically at Astra. While I don't share her distrust of ghosts I'm certainly familiar with it. Especially in Karrnath. I maneuver closer to her.

"You okay Astra? If you're feeling sad maybe your mommy could give you a hug." I gesture towards Pepper and give Astra a wink.

"You know, some of my best friends were ghosts. Eventually. They aren't all bad. It seems to depend what sort of people they were when they were alive. But we can keep an eye on Mari, and if she turns bad, well, we have a genuine cleric with us."

Quote from: oblivion on May 09, 2016, 01:18:10 PM

I shrug at the comment about my rank and reach for the portfolio.  "Not cut out for the military, but it's...inescapable.  For now."

Flipping through the maps, I ask, "Where do I meet the party?"

"To the best of our knowledge they only recently left or are leaving Fort Deepdark. There are only so many places one can safely cross the lightning rail tracks with beasts of burden.  I expect they'll be making for one of these bridges - most likely this one - " she taps the map - "Unless they plan to go to Irontown first.  Were it me, I would start by attempting to intercept them at a crossing or en route to Irontown, and if unsuccessful, pursue them toward their resupply point in Lakeside."

"Hello!" I say, smiling at them. "Nice night, isn't it?"

"Pleased to meet you, Mistress Sattler," I reply. "We're a group of travellers with a long journey ahead of us, and my friends could use shelter for the night. In return, I could, uh...are there any light objects you need moved? I'm good at moving light objects."

[Diplomacy: 17 + 8 + 1 = 26]

I catch up to Mari where she's talking to the farmers, indignant lizard behind me, and gesture a little frantically.  "It's... sorry, we was just passing by and the godsbedamned ghost - but yeah, if we could hire your barn for the night, that'd be real helpful."  After a brief pause, I blush and duck my head, adding, "Sorry, I'm Astra.  Of Atur."

[Diplomacy: 19+2+1=22]

I hesitate a moment before replying, looking uncertainly between the older woman and the others.  Are they thinking they don't got a real choice in this...?

[Insight: 10+5=15]

I suppress a sigh and choose to focus, instead, on the farmstead.  Before I was simply scouting and measuring the threat level of the occupants.  But now I am looking for tactical advantages and weaknesses the buildings and environment provide in the event we are attacked.  Or need to attack.

[Perception: 12+13 = 25]

"If we'd be putting you out at all, we'd be happy to move on," I say politely. "We don't want to impose."

The road to Irontown is well marked, and well maintained.  It looks like I'll make good time.  I pause and study the road and surroundings.

[perception: 14+7 = 21
Insight: 13+9 = 22]

"Two too many!" Theda says, and Mistress Sattler chides her, "Calm yourself.  We won't give them any excuse to misbehave, and hopefully they won't recall that we're in the middle of nowhere where they can do as they please."  She leaves her daughter - daughter-in-law? - to rejoin your party.  "Soup," she offers, pointing to the kettle.  "Can we offer you anything else?"

"Coin works," I say quickly, "we don't want to take any work from anyone."

"We aint gonna take your food," I say abruptly, mind on too many lean winters of my own.  "Not without paying.  You want coin, or for us to work?"

"Coin works," I say quickly, "we don't want to take any work from anyone."

"Right," I say, still not entirely at ease with this, but not seeing what other choice we have at this point.  "Well, you all... you have a good night.  Let us know if the ghost's giving you any trouble."  I turn and head for the barn, tugging along my lizard.

Once the farmers have left us alone, I say quietly to Pepper, "You hear what they said about another group, too?"

"We aint gonna take your food," I say abruptly, mind on too many lean winters of my own.  "Not without paying.  You want coin, or for us to work?"

"Coin works," I say quickly, "we don't want to take any work from anyone."

"Besides payment, I could offer to bless their crops and livestock. Perhaps that would reassure them?"

[scanning the panorama, what do I see?]

I rein the horse onto the road.  We head NorthEast.  Is it only my imagination, or does the wind already blow cold?  "We're overtaking winter, friend", I tell the horse.  His ears flick back in silent agreement.

I bite my lip, considering, then press my ear to the door first.

[Perception: 4+10=14
Stealth: 18+5=23]

"Just bringing this back, Mistress," I reply, nodding to the soup kettle.  "Thanks.  You mind if I ask you all some stuff?"

I said you all, not just you, I think, slightly piqued, but don't make a thing of it just yet.  "There been another group that passed this way, before," I state, not making it a question.  "Tell me about 'em, please."

"Yeah, no, not a word," I promise.  "Look, I can't really talk about why we interested in 'em, but is there anything else about 'em that stood out?  They say anything about where they was going or what they was doing?  You hear any names, maybe?"

"The others men or women?" I ask, listening intently.  "Ages, builds, eye and hair colours?  Describe 'em.  Please."

Clothes and hair aint so weird, them being army types, I think.  And I guess when you're that short there's maybe less different heights you can be?

"Huh," I say.  "Right, then.  Thanks for the information."  A thought occurs to me, and I ask curiously, "They stay here?  Give you all any trouble?"

I take the silvers, then with a little smile, add, "That case, I'll see about getting one of the others to pay for our group tomorrow, yeah?  You and yours have a good night, Mistress."

Later, if anyone were to look for Pepper, they would find her with the farm animals.

[Nature: 13+13 = 26 to make friends with the animals on the farm.]

I blink, stunned, and dazedly accept the coin.  "Sir, I - thank you," I say gratefully.  "Wasn't really sure how I was gonna manage if we wasn't being paid all this time.  You sure you... I mean, I know you can't make much more'n I do.  Don't wanna put you out."

Quote from: chaoschristian on May 13, 2016, 06:55:02 AM

Later, if anyone were to look for Pepper, they would find her with the farm animals.

[Nature: 13+13 = 26 to make friends with the animals on the farm.]

The goats prove particularly fond of you.

"And I am going to name you Fondue.  Who's a good goat?  You are!"

"Pretty sure the major'd rather I aint been sent along at all," I say quietly.  "She don't see a soldier when she looks at me, she sees someone who aint much more'n a kid.  And fighting and tracking's all I know; she tries to pass me off as someone else, I really will be useless.  Don't care much what she thinks of me, but if I'm so busy pretending that I can't do my real job... aint safe, sir."

Quote from: oblivion on May 13, 2016, 09:05:15 PM

I rein the horse onto the road.  We head NorthEast.  Is it only my imagination, or does the wind already blow cold?  "We're overtaking winter, friend", I tell the horse.  His ears flick back in silent agreement.

You travel for a time uneventfully, the occasional drovers or travelers you encounter raising hands or nodding heads in greeting as you pass.  Just as the rhythm of the road is lulling you into a near-meditative state, you spot the blue and gold livery of an Orien courier - yes, it does appear to be the same one who blew past you before.  She's standing beside her horse, examining one of its hooves.  She waves an arm at you as you approach.

[Perception: 12+13 = 25 to see what I can see]
[Nature: 19+13 = 32 to check out all the farm animals and see that they are healthy and happy]

"Sir," I say quietly to the corporal, as we're packing up in the morning.  "The farmers.  They put us up, yeah?"

"You folks need anything else before you move on?"

"So we gotta pay them," I state firmly.  "I only paid for the last group, last night.  Figured I shouldn't go to the - to Olegov direct, yeah?"

"This situation compromises the mission," I announce, "we have no means to test the veracity of the Sending, and no means to verify our contact.  I recommend we reconnoiter the Pasarel bridge but do not make contact with this replacement.  The target will likely stand out from any local traffic.  Once identified we can observe and determine if the target should either be contacted or rendered for interrogation.  Either way, I recommend we divert from our original intended course and proceed due north to the mountains."

"What target?" I ask, confused.

Quote from: chaoschristian on May 17, 2016, 08:34:52 AM

"This situation compromises the mission," I announce, "we have no means to test the veracity of the Sending, and no means to verify our contact.  I recommend we reconnoiter the Pasarel bridge but do not make contact with this replacement.  The target will likely stand out from any local traffic.  Once identified we can observe and determine if the target should either be contacted or rendered for interrogation.  Either way, I recommend we divert from our original intended course and proceed due north to the mountains."

Kol Korral's gilded beard, we've lost our ranking officer, leaving me in charge--Bah!

"That's a sound plan, Palatinate. I'll settle up with the farmers, as Astra suggested, and we shall depart."

I head off to the farmer's hovel, ledger and receipt book in hand.

"The undying lady? Ah yes, thank you. I wasn't sure how she tallied into this. Let see..."

I sweep the beads of the steel abacus hanging from my belt to one side, then flick several this way and that.

"Hmmm... five heads at three silver a piece... plus 10 percent gratuity... that comes to... one gold, six silver, five copper."

I scribble the total on my receipt pad. "I've taken the liberty of writing a receipt on behalf of your establishment. If you wouldn't mind putting your mark here, please, and you can keep a copy for your own records, in case a tax collector pays you a visit."

I count out a dozen coins from the pouch to her, "And here is your payment. Kol Korran's blessings be with you and good day, ma'am."

(lol.  Nature?)

Quote from: Teshi on May 20, 2016, 08:55:02 AM

(lol.  Nature?)

[Oh, what the hell ...]

[Nature: 19+13 = 32]

I raise an eyebrow.  Some ancient portion of my being it taken aback by the suggestion that the goat is anything but noble.

"I assure you, Old Mother, I do not make this offer frivolously.  I am certain."

"Palatinate," I say, quizzically eyeing the horned beast, while leaning in to whisper to the sergeant, "does this creature offer some tactical benefit to our mission?"

"Excuse me Mistress, may I buy your dog from you? I see that it has had multiple owners, it's a bit old. Could be a bit of mange behind the ear there. Wouldn't have long left to live, last legs and all that. How much would you like?"

"Excuse me Mistress, may I buy your dog from you? I see that it has had multiple owners, it's a bit old. Could be a bit of mange behind the ear there. Wouldn't have long left to live, last legs and all that. How much would you like?"

[Perception: 12+13 = 25 to check for threats]
[Perception: 11+13 = 24 to see what I can see]
[Perception: 14+13+4 = 31 to watch for tracks of any of the preceding parties]
[Stealth: 14+14 = 28 to cover Pepper's tracks]
[Perception: 11+13 = 24 to look for good hiding/ambush places once we reach the bridge]

"Right. Let's rendezvous with Leatherleaf's replacement," I say, prodding the lizard forward towards the roadhouse.

[Initiative: 8+5+2=15

How long did the journey take us?]

Quote from: Diogenes on May 27, 2016, 07:12:57 PM

"Right. Let's rendezvous with Leatherleaf's replacement," I say, prodding the lizard forward towards the roadhouse.

"Oleg, I thought our plan was to reconnoiter the bridge and observe the target." I remind the chaplain.

And not stumble into trap.