After having released Champ, Albrecht returns the next night (Day 2 of being in town) with a new animal companion in tow. He doesn't think that having a large bear lumbering through town will go over well, so he has the bear stay in the woods while he talks over a few things with the group. He takes his cut of the coins they had found and starts inquiring around town about some items he will be looking to buy when he gets back with the merchants.
Out of Character: I don't know how much equipment we can actually buy yet until we return from the cave for good with the merchants as a good 30,000 GP in credit is still waiting on us (Maybe in addition to the wardrobes and chests).
In Character: As the party gathers to depart the town Ildrahil takes his place, prepared to protect his new found friends from any threats that come from the rear.
Out of Character: Since we haven't actually started yet I'm going to make any awareness or spot rolls. I'll start that once we are actually on the road.
In Character: On the appointed morning, Bastion is at the Eastern gate early, ready to go with his horse Arion. He will take up a position near the head of the column, with his Rod in Battleaxe form.
In the evenings, when the group has stopped to allow the mounts to rest, he will pull his smithing tools from the saddlebags and continue work on his new shield.
Out of Character: I am presuming he won't be able to get in a full 8 hours of smithwork in the evening without someone's rest being disturbed, so just going for half progression at 4 hours.
It should also be noted that as a party we have jumped the gun a bit, and several items have been purchased with the inclusion of the trade credit we're currently in the process of earning. Rather than hassling with a retcon, we've simply resolved not to use most of the purchased items until we get back to town. Is this acceptable?
Edited: daishain on 17th Mar, 2017 - 4:33am
Krusten takes up her usual position near the front but just behind the first wagon. She is amazed by the number of wagons and doubt that so few can protect so many. She sends her birdie up in the air as she talks with the driver in the second wagon to find out about his experience and what he would do if he saw trouble ahead.
Albrecht left the city, as he does every night to go sleep in the woods with his new ally, Krama. Using Speak with Animals, Albrecht takes time to bond with him and start establishing report. The next morning he wakes up early and walks through the woods praying to the various aspects of nature as he reconsiders his spells and requests new ones for the journey ahead. He didn't want to surprise too many people by riding up on a bear, but didn't know a better way to be ready at the gate.
He showed up on the back of a black bear, who ambled up and sat with Albrecht on her back. The two waited as the merchants were getting ready and the other members of the party showed up. He introduced Krama to each of the party members as they were willing so that Krama would know their scents and recognize them as allies. As the merchants make their final preparations, Albrecht takes up his spot toward the front of the caravan to watch for any threats that might come at them. He didn't expect much as they had already cleared this route just a few days before, but goblins and bandits were quick to fill niches if left to their own devices.
Out of Character: Replying to: Krusten, I don't think we have to worry too much about any opposition. We may only be a few to protect so many wagons, but between shear numbers and our prowess, I think we could easily handle most anything that happens. Not to mention, we just cleared it like 3 days before, so there shouldn't be anything new that is difficult to deal with.
Albrecht has +6 modifier in his Ride skill, so I assume there is no problem with any standard riding (Even of a 'non-standard' animal). If it matters, I gave Krama the trained for combat riding trick set.
Avan scratches Fluffles behind the ears, assuring him that the large, loud caravan is nothing to worry about.
Out of Character: Preparing spells: Cure Light Wounds instead of Pass Without Trace.
I rolled my checks before.
I will assume I have no items bought, except I think it's reasonable we have the Wand of Cure Light Wounds for sharing. I haven't yet had confirmation of the prices for my items, so I don't have them yet.
However, I did claim: +3 Leather armour and the Potions of: CMW, CSW, 2 Gaseous Form, Fly, and Poison - the last is labelled in Druidic instead of Common.
Edited: iCon on 18th Mar, 2017 - 6:35am
Krusten is amazed that they reach there without incident. She checks the loading of the goods, makes a sweep of the cave and then gets ready to return to the town using the same method she chose to get to the cave. She sends her birdie up when everyone is ready to return.
Ildrahil is impressed at the efficiency the group displays in defending such a large caravan. He understands his role and hopes that one day he feels more as part of the team. At every opportunity he attempts to converse with the each member of the group. Once they get back to the caves he continues to be amazed at how well everyone works together. Having lived most of his life with his forester father, he really was never part of a team. And his uncle was always more of an enigma, he learned from him but never met his uncles "Associates." Now, watching his friends work together amazes him. He tries to learn where he should go and what to do, and he's not afraid to ask questions and hopes he isn't a pest. As the group prepares to leave he moves to the rear of the group without waiting for instructions and takes up his position as rear security.