Shatra's story
Subject Camp
Agreeing with Kal, Ran replies "A kind invitation. We have been long on the road and are in need of rest. We thank you for your hospitality. Please, allow our friends here," Ran indicates Bel and Cai, "to assist in the hunting and gathering. They are accomplished rangers."
Ran beckons the group to come forward and as they do he speaks, "Please do not be alarmed by our companion Harp here. He is not one to be judged by his appearance. He is a loyal, honest, brave and compasionate man who cannot be held accountable for the nature of his birth."
Ran continues to introduce the group other than Surin who did a fine job of introducing himself.
From: Karl
Subject Camp
Salix bows politely at his introduction. After the introductions he will ask politely of the lady who appears to be leading the group, "To what end are you journeying in this part of the land? Are you on a specific quest or simply passing through?" (Diplomacy skill if it applies).
From: Kevin
Subject Camp
Harp, somewhat embarrassed by Ran's introduction, will nod his head in the direction of the other group as he is introduced. He will co-ordinate setting up camp, keeping his eyes out for any indication that this group is not what they have presented themselves as (i.e. a brief glimpse of the insignia of Hextor showing from under a robe or on an brooch somewhere.). He is cautious as he is concerned that this might be some type of trap set up by the man in their dreams, a follower of Hextor. Harp is familiar with the enmity between the followers of the two gods and will be suspicious of "chance" encounters until (and if) he completes this mission. He will suggest to Ran that they keep a two person watch, suggesting those with the best night vision (Harp especially) take the deep night watch. He will also tell Ran quietly that he will asks Heironious' guidance on the motives of these new "companions".
OOC: Mark I am going to update my spell/prayer list on Sakeriver to include a Detect Evil spell. If we make it through the night without an encounter, after Harp prays in the morning, he will do a detect evil on the members of other group as unobtrusively as possible. If he can make it look like he is just praying, then he will do so. My understanding is that the spell lasts for 10 minutes per caster level (so Harp would last for 20 minutes).That should give him enough time to cover most of the other group. If he gets a hit on any of the others, he will spend the extra rounds trying to determine the level of evil.
Make sense?
From: Mark
Subject Camp
Makes sense. However if the other party has a cleric of any sort they will get a chance to do a spellcraft check to know that you are casting a spell and not praying for one. It is considered bad form to cast spells with out telling others.
From: Kevin
Subject Camp
In that case, Harp will ask Ran's permission to undertake the prayer. If Ran decides no, then I will not change the spell list. If Ran decides yer, Harp will do as I previously sent. Harp will know before he spends the night if he will need to change the spell list.
Clear as mud?
From: Mark
Subject camp
Yes you are kicking it up the chain of command so that you will not be responsible when the shit hit the fan. Way to go jarhead.
From: Kevin
Subject Camp
I am simply offering a service that the head of our group may or may not want to avail himself of. Harp will mention to Ran that there is a chance that an opposing cleric will pick up on what he is doing.
From: Randy
Subject Camp
"I think that if these people mean us any harm we will know before morning. I don't believe it will be necessary to risk offence in the morning if they have been hospitable to us through the night." Ran replies to Harp, making sure they will not be overheard. "As for the watch, we will match whatever they use for the watch. If they provide one person, so will we."
From: Mark
Subject Shatra's story
OODM:Ok all the shows have had their finales this week or last so I have some free time in the evenings. Lets get caught up. I hope no one has a problem with a long turn.
At Ran's gesture the party moves forward and starts to make camp in their own little area close by. They take their usual jobs, but things seem to take a little longer. On both sides. Every one is eying everyone else. Jobs that are usually done in 10 minutes take 30. The other party seems to be what they say they are. So far only Shatra has spoken, but the others can be heard whispering to each other. (Listen check, Bel=21, Cai = 18, Fal =22, Harp = 12, Kal = 3, Ran = 23, Salix = 23, Surin = 21, any thing over 20 success).
The whispering mainly concerns whether or not Shatra's group can trust the newcomers. The dwarf is all for killing them now, but no one seems to take him seriously. Shatra and Felix and Jeral are all for seeing how things go. They mention that maybe they can get some information out of them. Amaril shows back up at camp then with some more rabbits and squirrels for the stew. At Ran's request Cai, Bel and Salix go foraging as well. Since it is close to dark they do not have much time and are only able to collect a few things.
However the additions seem welcome. Except for the dwarf, who is exceeding rude when approached, everyone in Shatra's party seems to be making some effort. Amaril seems a little shy, but that may be due to his age. He seems young for a ranger, for that is obviously what he is. However, Bel is able to get him to open up a bit when he talks about hunting. Cai listens in but it is obvious that the young man is uncomfortable around her. Surprisingly enough Harp and Jeral seem to hit it off, as they both seem to have some religious calling.
Surin and Felix hit it off as well and Alarion and Ran fall into conversation about combat styles. Alarion favors two long swords and demonstrates a bit before dark. Fal ends up talking to Althea. It turns out that she is also a magic user and they discuss magical things. When it is closer to bed time Althea makes a suggestion that Fal spend the night in her tent, for a price.
In response to Surin's question from earlier about their accent and being from ?another world? Shatra tells them the party's story. ?About six months ago we were hired by the daughter of a man we had done some work for. We were to find her father, who was missing. The man was a merchant who often traveled between cities with his goods in his wagon. He was several weeks past due and his daughter was worried. We found him, or what was left of him and brought back a magic item that he had hidden before his death.?
When we got back to the daughter, she was telling us about the item. It was an artifact for controlling dragons. Somehow, while we where in her house a red dragon showed up and started torching the place.?At this point the dwarf, Bear, starts cursing and shouting names out. Really ugly names. Rochelle turns away in disgust and even Amaril looks a bit green. Shatra and Jeral both tell Bear to shut up. He does so, still grumbling to himself.
?Well? Shatra continues ? our employer escorted us downstairs and to a room with a magic box. The box was a portal. She had us step through it before the house burned down. We all found ourselves here. The only problem is that the box requires magic items to work and sending all of us here used up all of its reserve power. Now we are questing to find magic items to power this portal so that we can return home. We have set up shop in Garlin, since that was the closest city to where the portal sent us and are now on quests to find magic items that we can use to power the portal to return home.?
Many other stories are told that night. Several hours after dark both parties decide to turn in for the night. They decide that one member of each party will share the watch. Bear, Shatra, Alarion and Amaril volunteer. At Ran's suggestion, Harp teams up with Amaril for the first watch, Alarion teams up with Surin for the second watch, Ran takes the third watch with Bear, and Cai takes the last watch with Shatra.
OODM: If any of you want to ask questions of the person you are spending the watch with let me know. If you have any questions you want to ask before bedding down for the night let me know.
From: Kevin
Subject Offer
OOC: I have a question - is Althea's offer open to everyone - players as well?
Just kidding.