The Tears of Thule!

[roryb]

Barbarian 0 | Scholar 1 | Mariner 1 | Merchant 2 Strength 0 | Agility 1 | Mind 2 | Appeal 1 Melee 1 | Ranged 2 | Defense 1 | Initiative 0	Lifeblood: 10/10 | Hero Points: 6/5 Equipment: Light Armour (-1 Damage) Weapons: Bow Sword

Karim — far less comfortable in the saddle than his counterpart — fought to remain seated. He looked rather comical bouncing precariously with his legs and feet splaying out with every bump in a vain attempt to find balance. He spat the sand and dust from his mouth. One hand he had tightly gripping with fingers awkwardly laced into the very tack and harness, while the other stayed firmly planted on his headwear to keep it from flying off.

“Exactly what I was thinking, Adhra!” Karim replied. “I will know a place or two in the city where we can evade notice while I make some inquiries about our recent acquisition. As for the case of our doughty tagalong, I doubt we will be able to so easily rid ourself of him.”

He cast another look over his shoulder as Elkor bounded along easily pacing the three of them. He was likely within earshot if he was keen. “I should say he may prove to be quite useful!” he added with a cracking voice.

OOC

Again not sure if said nearby city might be some place like Halakh. That would be Karim’s choice.

 

[Excior]

 

Dalgash and Elkor had hidden their horses in a hidden grove not far from where the others had left theirs they go right and the barbarian plunges headlong into the bushes to where his mount was located. The Northman grabs the reigns of Daglish’s horse and mounts his own and nudges it in the flanks to get it moving.

It’s not long before he catches up to the other group and rides up alongside them. “We have a cave in the hills south of town we were staying in if you want to go there.”

[roryb]

Barbarian 0 | Scholar 1 | Mariner 1 | Merchant 2 Strength 0 | Agility 1 | Mind 2 | Appeal 1 Melee 1 | Ranged 2 | Defense 1 | Initiative 0	Lifeblood: 10/10 | Hero Points: 6/5 Equipment: Light Armour (-1 Damage) Weapons: Bow Sword

Karim twisted his lips into the parody of a frown as he bounced along, clearly expressing consternation at the barbarian's suggestion. "Caves do me little good, though the offer is well taken," he said matter-of-factly. "I need a place where my good name carries weight...where I can make inquiries, and perhaps access scripts or consult a man of letters. In Halakh I would do well, though the miles are long, and our coming would be marked by Sari Jahdom. But still..."

The loremaster grew silent in thought.

OOC

Going to make a roll to see if Karim knows any important Beshaari communities nearby, preferably a tent city or the like...

 

[Neopopulas]

CareersAssassin 2 | Temptress 1 | Dancer 1 | Thief 0 AttributesStrength 0 | Agility 2 | Mind 0 | Appeal 2 CombatMelee -1 | Ranged 3 | Defense 2 | Initiative 0 Lifeblood 10/10 Hero Points 7/7 Equipment KnivesKnives Attack:drop(3d6,lowest)+5 Knives Damage:drop(3d6,lowest,2) 10ft range, Thrown, Concealable | ArmourSilk and leather (Light Armour) -1 damage taken

 

"We can certainly make our way in that direction, but as you say it will be come time before we get there and many nights spent elsewhere.." she seems, perhaps not sullen, but not exactly happy with the idea of caves..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OOC

 

 

[Malkavian Grin]

❤11

 

✦7

Adhra shook her head the more she thought about Halakh and the danger brought by Jahdom.

 

"We should avoid Halakh, much as we think of it as home. What about Parsool? It's a week from here but we have the lead on Jahdom. It pains me to say it, but we could buy passage on a ship--our presence is much less on the water," the priestess of death suggested.

[Excior]

“I use to be apart of a crew of Pirates on a ship called the Wave Crasher, the ships captain was a woman who I have, in the past had relations with.” Elkor seems to be remembering a time long ago a smile forms on the barbarians’ face but soon is replaced by his typical scowl. “If they are in port we may be able to secure passage to where ever it is you wish to go.”

Edited June 29, 2023 by Excior (see edit history)

[Malkavian Grin]

❤11

 

✦7

"That sounds like it could be fruitful. But where I wish to be, is simply not here," Adhra said with a smirk on her face.

 

She turned to Vahanna and Karim. "Well, we can't go in two directions. We're better served together. Someone make a decision and we'll bring Nemmereth's blessings with us to any who would dare oppose us." At this comment she gave a wide, toothy grin.

[Jedaii]

The Plains of Lemuria

 

Everyone:

Having decided their destination, the new quartet set out from edges of the Besharoon Mountains and Jungle Qo for Dilam as a temporary safe haven from the vengeance of Sari Jahdom. They ride for nearly a week's time, avoiding deadly wolf packs, passing through a massive herd of migrating parvalus and keeping fires at night to ward off nocturnal threats, such as creeping skorpiders. Along the journey the party learned of each other: of Karim's lifelong pursuit of forgotten knowledge; of Vahana's lucrative exploits as a dancer; of Elkor's oceanic escapades with the Pirate-Queen, Sasha; and of Adhra's period of ' spiritual enlightenment' amongst the cult of Nemmereth. Surely it was only the gods whom intertwined the fates of such diverse individuals into this band of adventurers.

On the eve of the fifth day of travel, the party at last approached Dalim, its simple earthen huts and townsfolk wandering the nearby terrain driving flocks of sheep clearly visible despite the sun setting quickly behind looming storm-clouds in the distance. Riding slowly into the primitive town, the adventurers took in the sight of villagers - men, women and children - staring at them and waving in salutation! Perhaps Dalim was indeed their best decision. Just past a grove of greenery waving in the evening breeze was a semi-large body of shimmering water where a handful of locals seemed to be collecting sizeable jarfuls for consumption. A few men, burned copper by the Lemurian sun and wrapped in the region's trademark robes, approached the quartet - carefully, but with smiles. An older man nodded at the party and spoke in a broken Lemurian, "Hello travelers! Welcome to Dalim! From where did you come? Your horses, they are tired, yes?"

[Malkavian Grin]

❤11

 

✦7

Assassin 2	Priest 1	Hunter 1	Thief 0	SneakyYou are lithe and nimble. Roll a bonus die where stealth is important.	UntrustworthyMaybe your reputation proceeds you, or you just make no effort to hide your true intentions. You take a penalty die when the situation calls for someone to believe or trust you.
Strength 1	Agility 3	Mind 1	Appeal -1	Quick RecoveryYou have a much better constitution than many. When recovering after a combat, you regain one additional lifeblood, on top of the half you recover normally. In addition, you recover one lifeblood each day regardless of the type of activity you carry out after being injured.	Distinctive AppearanceThere is something about the way you look that sticks in men’s minds. Your milky eye and scarred face is an immediate telltale sign of who you are. You gain a penalty die whenever you try to disguise yourself or maintain a low profile.
Initiative -1	Defense 2	Melee 1	Ranged 2	Friends in Low PlacesYou have friends in various hives of scum and villainy around the land. These favors might entail putting you in contact with a fence, getting you a hiding place, etc.	HuntedBy Sari Jahdom
				AlertRoll 3d6 & drop the lowest die when rolling for Priority/initiative

 

The trip to Dalim went by fast enough, though the nights were troubled with the worry of wild critters. Adhra was thankful to have reached the small town without incident, though that was five long days without putting an arrow into a single person. She was getting antsy.

 

Upon seeing the greeting from complete strangers, the priestess became uneasy.

 

"This speak of ambush to me. Lull your opponent into a false sense of security, then strike," she said in a low tone as the group traveled toward the buildings.

[Neopopulas]

CareersAssassin 2 | Temptress 1 | Dancer 1 | Thief 0 AttributesStrength 0 | Agility 2 | Mind 0 | Appeal 2 CombatMelee -1 | Ranged 3 | Defense 2 | Initiative 0 Lifeblood 10/10 Hero Points 7/7 Equipment KnivesKnives Attack:drop(3d6,lowest)+5 Knives Damage:drop(3d6,lowest,2) 10ft range, Thrown, Concealable | ArmourSilk and leather (Light Armour) -1 damage taken

 

"I have not usually thought of the .. rural types to be so welcoming. Adhra has the right of it i think.. However i'm not sure what we can do about it.."

She is keeping her distance from the locals, careful not to let them get too close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[roryb]

Barbarian 0 | Scholar 1 | Mariner 1 | Merchant 2 Strength 0 | Agility 1 | Mind 2 | Appeal 1 Melee 1 | Ranged 2 | Defense 1 | Initiative 0	Lifeblood: 10/10 | Hero Points: 6/5 Equipment: Light Armour (-1 Damage) Weapons: Bow Sword

Karim, however, for all his naïveté and affable nature, detected no lurking mal-intent nor deceit in the warm welcome. He spoke in Beshaari. Certainly, these friendly rustic villagers would enjoy hearing the mannered high dialect of their own kind?

“Indeed, good men of Dalim! Your merciful hospitality is most welcome in this auspicious and road-weary hour. My friends, we hail from many corners of vast Lemuria, both near and far.” This last part was spoken with great honesty, but as though Karim did not understand the kernel lying at the center of the question. Or did he intentionally circumvent the pointed query?

“Yes, yes! Our weary beasts have served well, but would benefit from a cool, deep well or a full trough. In fact, so too, my dauntless friends are in need of a soft pallet and perhaps a brew — if such is to be spared for a peaceful traveler.”

“I am Karim!” he pronounced with pride. “Perhaps you have heard of me? It matters not! I have some business here, and doubtless our presence will bring much prosperity before the day is out to your fine community!”

 

OOC

Karim is honestly the trusting type. He relies on his escorts to keep alert so that he can do what he does best. I’m sure that approach has gotten them all in trouble a few times over.

I’m going to make a couple rolls to put the welcoming party at ease, and one to see if he recognizes anyone, or remembers a contact from Dalim.

 

[Excior]

 

As Elkor and his companions entered the small desert town, they were greeted by the sight of the primitive village and its inhabitants. The locals, dressed in layered robes to combat the harsh desert conditions, seemed welcoming and friendly as they waved at the approaching group.

Elkor, however, remained vigilant and watchful, his instincts honed by a lifetime of battles. He had recently made an enemy and understood the importance of staying alert in unfamiliar territories. He knew that danger could lurk in unexpected places, and he was not one to be caught off guard.

As they rode through the town, Elkor observed the humble earthen huts that served as a shelter for the villagers. The oasis at the town's center provided a much-needed respite from the scorching desert sun, offering a source of water and relief from the relentless heat.

Elkor's companions also seemed curious about their surroundings, taking in the unique lifestyle of the sheepherding locals. As they continued their journey, Elkor's thoughts returned to the notion that the gods had brought this group together. He reflected on his divine heritage, with a father who was a god, and how the fates seemed to intertwine in the affairs of men.

For Elkor, this journey was another adventure in a long line of daring escapades. He had faced countless challenges and survived against all odds, relying on his battle-hardened skills and instinctual prowess. The presence of gods or kings mattered little to him; he was a born warrior, shaped by the battlefield.

As the group rode on, Elkor remained wary, ready to face any trouble that may arise. The desert town and its inhabitants were a brief stop on their larger quest, and he knew that they had yet to face the trials that awaited them. With his companions by his side, Elkor steeled himself for the challenges ahead, ready to confront the dangers in their path.

[Jedaii]

Dalim

 

Everyone:

The old man nods, "Yes, yes. We have drink and doogbu* for you. Come!" The party is escorted on their horses through the small village to a simple wooden structure larger than the other earthen-wood huts. Robed men, women and children pause to stare at the passing riders. A few dogs chase each other playfully. The old man motions to a group of young boys sitting outside the building and they rush to take the reigns of the adventurers' horses. The old man gestures to the building, "Please! This is the place for you. They will tend your horses." The old man and the young boys linger waiting on the party's decision -- and if they would be receiving anything for their assistance ....

Doogbu

A goat-pie common throughout Lemuria which originated from this region. 'Doogbu' comes from ancient Besharoon meaning "not bad, not good".

 

[Malkavian Grin]

❤11

 

✦7

Assassin 2	Priest 1	Hunter 1	Thief 0	SneakyYou are lithe and nimble. Roll a bonus die where stealth is important.	UntrustworthyMaybe your reputation proceeds you, or you just make no effort to hide your true intentions. You take a penalty die when the situation calls for someone to believe or trust you.
Strength 1	Agility 3	Mind 1	Appeal -1	Quick RecoveryYou have a much better constitution than many. When recovering after a combat, you regain one additional lifeblood, on top of the half you recover normally. In addition, you recover one lifeblood each day regardless of the type of activity you carry out after being injured.	Distinctive AppearanceThere is something about the way you look that sticks in men’s minds. Your milky eye and scarred face is an immediate telltale sign of who you are. You gain a penalty die whenever you try to disguise yourself or maintain a low profile.
Initiative -1	Defense 2	Melee 1	Ranged 2	Friends in Low PlacesYou have friends in various hives of scum and villainy around the land. These favors might entail putting you in contact with a fence, getting you a hiding place, etc.	HuntedBy Sari Jahdom
				AlertRoll 3d6 & drop the lowest die when rolling for Priority/initiative

 

Adhra didn't trust this place one bit. No one was this friendly to complete strangers armed to the teeth.

 

"Touch my horse at your peril," she said coldly. Adhra led her steed to where it could be out of the sun and drink some water. She stayed close to the team as they went inside the building that was motioned to.

 

Once inside, Adhra sat with the wall to her back and the exit clearly visible. She set her bow on the table, but kept a hand resting on the grip. "Fine, bring us some of this...doogbu. And water--no alcohol. I don't wish to pass out in the heat."

[Jedaii]

Dalim restaurant

 

Everyone:

The building, composed of weather-beaten wood and earth, is roughly forty feet x forty feet with an arched ten-foot ceiling. There are a few wooden tables and chairs scattered in corners upon the dirt floor. The scent of cooked meat greets the party as they enter. At a table three robed locals sit over simple plates wiped clean of foodstuff - they pause from talking and look at the party, nod and then return to their conversation. At the back of the building a couple tend a large cooking pot set over an in-ground fire and behind them are stacks of plates, cooking utensils and a large bucket. A few moments after the adventurers have sat down, the man arrives with plates of food and the woman follows with more plates. Soon after they return with cups of water and smile at the party while wiping their hands on their robes, then they go back to the rear 'kitchen' ...