FOLDIS, Reluctantly I agree to ride with DARRIN. With a look of terror on my face I climb up, rather clumsily, behind him and hang on for grim death. Red Squadron rides up the road, trying to keep watch to see if any prints lead off the road. There are no side turnoffs, and no tracks heading in any other way but North. Darrin rides behind everyone else, and at a little slower pace, with one hand reached back, lending additional support to the terrified dwarf. After a couple of miles, you see the carnival caravan ahead of you. Onyx I have a few questions. 1. How big is the carnival? Roughly how many wagons are in the caravan? around ten 2. Does there look like any way we can go around them and get back to the road in front of them? if you go out of your way. You have spotted no tracks to say that any other group has skirted the caravan 3. About how far ahead of us are they and does it look like they have seen us yet? quarter mile, and nothing looks like anyone noticed you. Onyx Strongarm I suggest we stop where we are and discuss our options. Now that we have caught up to the carnival we do not want them to see us until we are ready. I can see a couple of possibilities, each with their problems. We could go around them and try to set up something on the road ahead of them. I could maybe chop down a tree across the road and someone could sneak into a wagon while they were movint the tree. The possible problems with this are we would have to try and make it look like the tree was not cut down or they would get sucpicious. We would also have to find a way to communicate with whoever gets into a wagon, unless they could just snoop around and then sneak out of their camp tonight. It is possible Foldis and I could catch up to them from behind and say we decided to join up with Vadrak. That would get us into the camp where we could do some snooping. The main problems with this idea are the fact that we would have to ride up to them on horseback and neither one of us looks like we belong on a horse.(for the very simple fact the we don't belong on a horse) I think they might have a hard time believing that we really wanted to join up and we would make the kidnappers suspicious. Those are my ideas for the moment. Does anyone have a better idea? FOLDIS, FOLDIS is still hanging on for grim death with her eyes closed. If/when she hears the carnival wagons she will dismount as quickly as possibly, probably head into the trees to vomit, and then head towards the carnival ASAP on foot. For the info of the rest of the party; Unless her pack was picked up in the bar by one of the rest of the party all FOLDIS is carrying is what in her Belt Pouch, money, plus small items, and her her Dagger and Axe. Anything else is still in the bar in her pack where she dropped it before heading out to the carnival. Jeath Alright, here's my idea. Someone please come up with a better one. Look, Foldis, carnie people stick together. We go riding in there right now and that whole lot will turn on us, whether they like the kidnappers or not. What we need is someone on the inside. It can't be the dwarves, cuz who's gonna believe a dwarf rode hard all day just to join the carnie. Can't be Darrin, kidnappers won't buy that for a minute. Which leaves Christeel and myself. I wouldn't mind doing it together, but I really think one person has a better chance of winning their confidence over in the short time we have. Speaking of which, Darrin how many days to Waterdeep? Cuz our 'insider' has to be 'in' by then. Christeel, I play piccolo and am a ventriloquist. Interesting combo I know, but do you have any talents making you a carnie candidate? Besides magic, magicians are a dime a dozen in these things. Besides that, I'm a thief. I'll try to convince them I'm joining them, and that we should ransom Zeptha off to her future husband rather than sell her into slavery. If you have a better idea speak up quickly. If not, I have more instructions for you. Why do I stick my neck out for an engaged woman, a boss who hasn't paid me, and a ragtag band that has brought me no peace. FOLDIS To Jeath, It's all well and good you saying what you have about the carnival people BUT you were not at the carnival last night, or in the bar with the weightlifter after and did not make the contacts myself and ONYX did. To ALL, "In my opinion, ONYX may or may not agree, there is at least one reliable person (VERDAK the weightlifter, a dwarf) with the carnival who I (we) can trust and either myself, or ONYX may be able to get close to him." "I think VERDAK rather likes me, FOLDIS says starting to blush, and I think I can get in close to the carnival if I tell him I have followed them after falling out with the group. As far as I know the carnival people do not know that I am linked to ZEPTHA." Unfortunately for the group I will not sleep with VERDAK no matter what happens, well at least not until I know him much better, even if doing so will save ZEPTHA's life - even Dwarves have some morals. Onyx Strongarm I think Verdak is a trustworthy person and I feel he would help us find the kidnappers. I had the feeling he was a good man and would not like this kind of thing happening in the carnival. Getting him to help us would be great, but I am not sure how to get past the fact that the only way either one of us could have caught up with the carnival any other way besides riding a horse. If we can come up with another possibly way for us to have caught up to the carnival I am all for the idea of either Foldis or myself getting inside the carnival and looking for Verdak. Darrin >Darrin hesitates to speak, but then looking at his feet, he >says, "Foldis, I met someone from the carny last night. And so >did Jeath and Christeel. I mean, we already were going to >travel with them. Why doesn't one of you ride real fast like you >were trying to catch them. Tell them we are on our way, off to a >late start or something, and tell them we will catch up by lunchtime >if they stop for lunch. > "I'll ride back to the inn, get the wagon and Foldis's stuff, ride >back here, get the dwarves," he tries to grin at Foldis and Onyx, "cause >this Verdak the Mighty ain't gonna buy you guys on horseback. By the >time we can catch up if we really push it, it should be around noon. > "What do you think? I mean it's my fault Zeptha's missing, and... >we have to do something." He hangs his head and looks like a whipped >beagle. Onyx Strongarm >This is my favorite idea so far. It beats anything I came up with and it solves the problem of Foldis and myself riding up to the carnival on horseback. It is possible the kidnappers will still be suspicious, especially since we are telling everyone we just got a late start and we look like nothing is wrong. I can see no way around alerting the kidnappers, but at least we will be able to keep an eye on most of the people in the carnival and hopefully we will be able to tell if anyone tries to sneak off. If this plan meets with everyone's approval all we have to do is ask Jeath and Christeel which one of them wants to ride into the carnival while the rest of us get organized. Jeath I would be more than willing to do it. However, if Christeel wants I'll be happy to let him. After all, he has twice as many friends in the carny. What were the twins names again, Christeel? Christeel Christeel grins at Jeath and says, "There names are Meli and Rui, and they are quite lovely. Jeath by the way did you get a good fortune reading" "I will volenteer to catch up with the caravan, but with my ablity with animals I would think that I could help Darrin ready the wagons more quickly to make sure that we catch up to the caravan by noon and Darrin has said. Onyx >>I look at Christeel and raise an eyebrow. Two women Christeel? You had >better be careful, one woman is usually more than enough for one man to >handle. Myabe we had better let Jeath ride into the carnival now and tell >them we are coming, after all, the person we send inside just might need >some energy later and Christeel might not have a chance to conserve any. Christeel Christeel winks at Onyx and says, "I would have to agree with you, I would have my hands quite full and that is not a very bad thought though I must admit" Christeel says to the group, here's the plan, "Darrin, Thad and I will go back and fetch the wagons, Onyx, Phearez, and Foldis could stay here, It appears to me that only one of these three is in good shape at the moment, so Onyx you could look after them until we return and Jeath you could catch up with the caravan and see if there is anything that you could possible find out. Christeel looks to Darrin and Thad and says "let get going we have some wagons to fetch" Christeel spurs his horse into a slow trot and then later into a gallop Onyx Strongarm >I think this sounds like a good plan. I think that while we are waiting for you to get back with the wagons that Foldis, Erilyx and I should move off the road and conceal ourselves. It is possible the kidnappers will scout behind them for signs of pursuit and our story would be ruined of they saw the three of us standing by the road. Hurry back with the wagons and the rest of our stuff (like Foldis' belongings) so we look like we packed for the journey. Off you go Jeath. Good luck. Phearez aka Erilyx Watching all the arguing and hubbub of everyone Erilyx speaks. "Do you really think these kidnappers are in the Carnival caravan?" His dark eyebrow is raised, and you all note obvious cynicism. . . but the question is on the table. Jeath In a word, YES. Carny people (to generalize) are more than willing to step outside the law to make a gold piece. And a carny is the perfect place to hide and make money as a slaver. Snatch someone the night before you leave town, and by the time anyone shows to ask questions you're gone. As long as you stick to snatching poor peasant girls, or in this case an out of town traveler, no one will ever come after you. Besides, we followed their trail right to the Carny. Where else would they be? I guess I'm elected. I'll ride ahead, chase down the Carny and tell them the rest of you are on the way. I'm sure Vrey will be happy to hear you'll be along shortly Darrin. To town and back >Darrin and Christeel ride like demons back to town, and gather >up any loose belongings in record time. Darrin grabs the reins >of the cart, and says, "Forget the carriage, we couldn't explain >that anyway." >Soon they are back to the dwarves and Erilyx. Darrin relinquishes >the cart to Onyx and Foldis and you ride after the carnival and Jeath. >Darrin says, "Once we are among them, we should maintain a constant >guard on the wagon. I'll start. I wouldn't be much of a >conversationalist anyway, and ...if I thought for one second that I >was talking to one of the bastards that took her, I'd kill him." >You can hear the steel in his voice and he spurs his horse to a faster >pace. Onyx I am with Darrin. I would really like to sharpen my axe in anticipation, but I think that would look too menacing. I guess I will just have to be patient. We need to ride fast to catch up with the carnical, but we will also need to slow down before we go riding right up to them. Jeath will let them know we are hurrying to catch up, but we shouldn't look like we were desperate to catch them. Hurrying is fine, but we don't want them to think we rode our horses half to death just to catch them and travel along. Christeel Christeel will make sure that the extra horses are tied to the back of the wagon. Christeel will look around at the glum group and say trying to add some resolve back to the group. "We will find her, Zep has a wedding to attend, Her own" Christeel being a bit on the tired side but still wanting to perk the group up some says. "I am tired, I think I will catch a bit of shut eye before we catch up to the caravan." Christeel will tie the reings of his horse to the back of the Wagon and find a place that might be somewhat confortable and say to Foldis but loud enough for the entire group to hear "Foldis would you please watch the large bumps in the road I tend to get sick when the road get to bumpy and I'm trying to get some sleep, oh sweet one" Later after Christeel wakes up from his short nap after Foldis has hit about every bump in the road and before they catch up with the caravan Christeel will say to all "We best put on our poker faces, for I'm sure that the caravan people would not appricate a search party, we should gather infomation about the diffrent wagons and then decide which wagons might be good prospects, well I mean bad prospects for holding Zep." FOLDIS > "Christeel - I'm surprised at you, thinking I would deliberately >aim for the potholes just to keep you from sleeping. I would like to >think I am a better driver than that." > > Other than this comment Foldis will keep quiet until we reach the >carnival, as usual though her Axe is attached to her arm by its strap. Christeel Christeel after waking from his nap talks to Foldis and Onyx, "Foldis, thank you for an enjoyable ride, when we get some time I would be most happy to show you and Onyx how to ride properly. It is most enjoyable when you know how to ride. The first thing is to get a horse that is the right size for you. I perfer a smaller horse, they are usually the smart ones and are much more faithful. Phearez aka Erilyx Dare I need to say that I ride silently beside my compainons? Gripping my steed with my legs tightly, I am no rider - yet no fool either. I am distant and thoughtful... a dark look across my face. Phearez will remain silent (as per normal) and not speak unless DIRECTLY spoken to. Onyx If you can find a horse small enough to be comfortable for me that will still be able to keep up with the regular horses, I will give it a try. I don't promise that I will be able to learn to rise, but I am willing to try almost anything once. The gods know the ride out here on the regular horse was in no way comfortable, and I would not like to do it again. It would be nice to be able to ride a horse built fo rsomeone my size. Christeel Christeel replies to Onyx, "It would be my honor to help you find a horse to meet your needs, I would also show what care needs to be done for them." Christeel speaks to Foldis, "Do these creatures scare you so, that you do not take up my offer? "I have heard of much more feared beast than a horse" with the last bit said Christeel will glance over a Onyx and give a wink and a grin. Onyx >I will smile and wince at the same time. I find Christeel's comment humorous, but I am waiting for Foldis to smack him. FOLDIS Thanks for the offer Christeel but you can keep your horses. I would rather stick to a nice safe wagon. When the time comes that I have to ride one of those big smelly animals I will. Until then I will stick to something a bit more stable, and friendly. >You catch up quicker than you thought, though it is not stopped. >It is still a half a mile distant, but there is one horse hanging back, >and Darrin says, "Good. It's probably Jeath to tell us we are welcome." > >But as you come close, you begin to see that it is not the spry elf, >but some ugly as dirt Half-Orc, snout and all. Christeel Christeel still riding in the wagon when the caravan is sighted will politely excuse himself from Foldis and Onyx saying, "I prefer to be on my horse when we get to the caravan, I you two will excuse me I'll go get a better look at mister pig face" With that Christeel will walk to the back of the wagon untie his horse wistle and have it come along to the side of the wagon and then jump over to it (dex check 7 on d20), He will spur the horse up next to Erilyx, come on I would like you to go meet the half-orc, Christeel will then look over to Darrin, if Darrin still looks like he could eat nails Christeel will tell him "Stay hear with the wagon, We will go talk with the half-orc" If not Christeel will ask him along. Upon getting close to the half-orc, Christeel will note his postering and try to act accordingly and still be as polite as possible. "Hello there, How are you doing this day? "What is your name? Mine is Christeel and my companion is Erilyx (if Erilyx comes along Christeel will introduce hiim also) "We had heard that a large caravan was headed this way, we didn't figure on catching up. until later on in this day." "We are just trying to travel with a larger group, better protection that way you know" >Note, that Darrin stayed back with the wagon. Have at it boys. Half-Orc the half-orc munch on a root for a moment, spit on the earth and reply. "Morning, you ask for an elf?." then, not waiting for a reply. "He is over there with da boss, the ringmaster, I was told you would come" .... He looks them up and down, inventoring weapons or hiding places. ... " Boss told me you're welcome to join, more merrier something like dat. I am here to show you around and the place for your wagon". He bids them on their way. Staying under their wind. " Name's Iago amongst your kind. I do guard here, job is quiet and", he stops to make eye-contact with both of them one after the other, nonplussed with whatever reactions he creates, "I like it that way". After a while. " Sorry I don't pull back da hood, most of you don't like my face. Also note, if I was you, I would stay upwind of me". After thinking this is as much az welcome they deserve to, he rides back to the camp with them munching da root... He will stay out of sword reach on the way. Christeel Christeel will lean over to Erilyx and say "I don't remember asking about Jeath, did you? I don't like this one bit, the wagons have slowed, and this half-orc says that he was expecting us. Did you notice that he was giving us a good looking over like trying to figure out what weapons we had. Keep you guard up, I smell a set up, be prepared to get out of here quickly if need be. Christeel says to the Half-Orc, "We would be delighted to join up with your caravan. May we go speak with the Ringmaster first before you show us where our place in the caravan will be." "Oh by the by I have never seen a half-orc in person before would you mind removing your hood. I am courious as to what a half-orc really looks like Iago, would you indulge my couriosity. Christeel will also try to note what weapons and armor the half-orc has Onyx >I will grip the haft of my axe and get ready for trouble. Orcs always mean trouble and half orcs are just as bad if raised by other orcs. There is no telling what this brute wants yet, but if it is trouble he is after I will be happy to be the first to give it to him. Erilyx Erilyx merely rides his horse aside Christeel, nodding when it seems Christeel deeps it appropriate. Shaking his head when it's proper too. No words. - Iago's answer : Iago stand 1.75m high. A bloodied and spoiled hooded shirt cover most of his body (which seems a blessing toyou) and most of his arm. One can see strange marks (perhaps scars runnning from each forearm up). The hands are clawed and callused in the usual manner for a swordman. The apparent skin is brown with tachs of hairs here and there. A short cloak and pants cover the rest of the body. You feel lucky you are upwind when you spot what's looks like a cat's tail protuding out of his pocket. 'Breakfast, I'll finish it later' he says, sheepishly, when he notes your gaze. Aside from a -huge- sword resting on his back, therre seems to be no apparent weapons on him (though it may suffice one would think...). The sword is shinning clean, its quite hard to miss as it is the only clean thing on the whole... 'Boss is da busy man around here, every one want talks to him. He told me you go your place not you talk to him'. He shakes his head all the while' ' If you not want join, then ok, be off your way!. I am payed here to be a guard, not show you around ', he growls, and waits with his hand slightly extended palm up... The Wagon Approaches As you drive the wagon upto the end of the carny caravan, you see Christeel and the Half-Orc still talking. Onyx I am a little agitated by the presence of the half orc, but I will try to restrain myself to a white knuckled grip on the reigns of the wagon (if I am driving, otherwise it will be a white knuckled grip on the seat.) I will listen to the conversation between the half orc and Christeel to get an idea of our situation. I will not say anything to the half orc unless I absolutely have to. I do not trust myself to be polite and it is not in our best interest to start a fight here. >Iago stands expectantly awaiting, Christeel or Erilyx, with one hand >cupped in front of him, and head tilted at the side. Onyx >I assume Iago is waiting for some type of payment to let us past. He will get no money from me. FOLDIS, The only thing Iago will get from me is an Axe in the head, and I am very tempted to do it now. Christeel Christeel will reign in his horse and swing the horse around and ride up to Iago with his outstretched hand, Christeel will reach out with his hand and firmly grasp Iago hand saying while looking him directly in the eyes, "Thank you for doing your duty, you are a fine individual for do your job and not wanting a hand out like some many. If you stop by our wagon tonight I'm sure that there would be some extra grub that you are more than welcome to. Erilyx aka Phearez Dare I need to say that I ride silently beside my compainons? Gripping my steed with my legs tightly, I am no rider - yet no fool either. I am distant and thoughtful... a dark look across my face. Phearez will remain silent (as per normal) and not speak unless DIRECTLY spoken to. That includes ignoring the half-orc. Iago Iago waits a bit, step back when Christeel approaches, and keep do so if he persists, the other hand going over the shoulder toward the sword in a flowing manner. The hand will fall back as soon as she stops, (else battle-station everybody). ' I don't like to be touched', he growls. The little speech, which is eye met, makes no impression. ' Night time is work time. What said before stands, no trouble from you and I won't trouble you'. His voice is low and rough, not so orcish as before. ' One do not catch food with words', wether this is for himslef or as a reply is uncertaint. On the he way, he takes into account the reactions of the others, ignoring the human in turn. His head turns now and then toward the dwarf cackling to himself and turns back shaking his head , low words in orc. He waits a bit more, search then grab something out of his mouth (looks like a small bone) with his fingers 'Ahh!, got this stuck rat's bone for almost a week. This is a good omen!. Come we'll see him'. On the way : ' I do not like to show my face around. If you're smart you would understand why. If you're not, you should switch place with your horse, he is smarter than you' and goes cackling. Onyx >I will pretty much ignore the half orc unless he addresses me directly. I will follow along when he leads us to the caravan. Christeel Christeel turns in his saddle to look back at Iago, "Careful there, Its not nice to talk in orcish, some just might understand what you are saying" Christeel grins at the half-orc Iago Iago's head don't turn as he stop... The hood still covers his face as he replies in low voice as if intended for Christeel only "You are not a wise one. You ask for too much and too fast like someone who had life too easy for him. Go back to your family or look forward for some deceptions" Iago will keep silent, except for for head shaking and low orcish gibberish on the way. An Argument Breaks Out If anywhere near the wagon you have just seen FOLDIS, after having a "conversation" in ORCISH with Iago, ready her Axe and set herself for comabt. If you speak ORCISH contact Moose or Myself for the contents of the conversation. Iago stands expectantly awaiting, Christeel or Erilyx, with one hand cupped in front of him, and head tilted at the side. FOLDIS (In Orcish), Sorry, if you don't speak Orc you don't get to know what she said Iago's reply is quick, cackles once more.., voice change more-human's like. Later all one can understandbly make of his lone speech is "good.. good this was expected... good". more cackling follow FOLDIS, At this comment FOLDIS will, with no effort to hide her actions, grab hold of her Axe and ready it for combat. In Orcish she will say, Iago Iago will not draw his sword out before the dwarf step down whatever she rides, then he will do it, business like. Darrin Darrin is at first shocked by the words being traded back and forth, but when blades are drawn, he urges his horse between the half-orc and the cart. He looks terror stricken with eyes wide, and facing Foldis, pleads, "I beg you Foldis, put up your axe, or bury it now in my heart. Please, good Dwarf." Christeel Christeel will watch the events unfold between the Dwarves and the half-orc. He will ride his horse closer to the frey but will not bother getting to close if he sees that Darrin's words are being heeded. If they are Christeel will ease his horse backward. Iago Iago will close to Darrin, tap gently on his forearm and say low voiced to him only (in common) " I suggest you rein your guards more closely, this one particulary. She as short in temper as in size. Drawing weapons first do not means one put it back, understood? ". FOLDIS, Darrin, I could no more bury my axe into your heart than become friendly with "that mongrel freak of nature" As I have pledged myself to your service until we reach Waterdeep I will heed your words this time, but, even under the terms of our agreement I will only allow myself to be pushed so far before my honour must be satisfied, maybe the owner of "that" can keep it on its leash while we are travelling with this carnival. Once we reach Waterdeep who knows what will happen. Having finished speaking Foldis slowly lowers her axe, keeping it at hand, but keeps a close eye on Iago's actions. Iago Waits some time and tell Darrin, this time loud enough for all to hear : " Where did you find this paragon of honour?. Didn't you had any problem with it before?. Is this customary to speak of honour and basest insults at the same time in your culture ?" (waits for an answer...Whatever, if any, the reply) " May I suggest you gag her while she stays with the caravan. It woudln't become to your group if she speaks of honour to someone else, you see"... cackles a bit...". Of course if your group, or part of..., raise some trouble, I would be very willing to restore order. I may be patient, but up to a point..." and calmly waits for further insults from the she-dwarf. Onyx >While normally I would be right there beside Foldis helping carve up this annoying Orc, this appears to be a personal thing and I will not interfere unless asked by Foldis. However, I will get my axe ready and I will help if Foldis asks or if she gets in trouble and is in danger of being killed. I will not let Iago kill her. >>If you threaten us again you had better be prepared to back it up. I don't >take kindly to loud mouthed Orcs. Iago head tilt, "hmm, threats, no that's not it. I like the caravan to be peaceful. Since your manners are moree guarded than the one of your mate, I will consider you may exert some influence on her. You are a strange one..." cackle and shakes head a lot "So you defend your mate, she made threats not me. But mark this, if any of you raise undue trouble with the caravan, you must better be prepared to back it up whatever or whoever you are, as you says." cackles more... " I like what you said, if I see any orc one day will tell them, then mighty laugh..." Onyx >Foldis is not my mate and I do not have a great deal of influence over her. If you anger her it is her you will have to deal with. But understand this, I will not allow you to kill any of my companions. I would like to avoid trouble if we can, but if you wnat to get to any of my companions you will also have to deal with me. This is not a threat. I am just letting you know what odds you will be up against if a fight starts. Iago "So you don't fight fair, what else is new above the ground. Say, obviously you are getting this quite wrong, she is the one who issue threats and insults. Whatever influence you may have, then use it. I like the caravan, very much, if you do not create trouble then all the better, else.. Just let me say I will be kindler to some than to others..." shakes head left and right a lot, made tsking sound "strange , these specie talks a lot, the gray one fights a lot. Maybe they fight with words, wounds heal faster then". and shakes head more... When all seems to be settled with them, Iago goes back to his usual place and catches on to his sleep. He expects a busy night... As the Half-Orc turns to leave, he suddenly trips and falls to his hands and knees. Christeel "You know something Iago, I have given your words some thought about you saying that I know nothing of the tough life and that I best go run back to my folks. The way I see it is life is what you make of it, you can be a victim of it and blame your troubles on hard luck, or you can choose your own path in life. I choose to make my own path in life. How about you?"