[TheLongRoad] The Road to Thustrata

[foproy]

i may be worried if we were just soldiers.

shadefire says this just loud enough for the sheriffs men to hear.

[Catodon]

Sianrith mutters  "for my part I felt better before you told us" then turing to the guards he speaks with bravado "If I return I would have you name those of your number who bet against me, for the rest will share in the songs and wine of my triumph"

Turing to the others. "should I leave Epsiyr, my mount, with these fellows? I fear for him below but he is a spirited stallion and will not take to a fenced in life should I not return. Below at least we would fight as the borthers we are."

For his part the small horse snarls nervously like a dog revealing wolf-like canines.

[Jigger]

Guard Chorus

"Say, anybody bets which one of them will be the first to die?

Wallace in a Gambling Mood

To the the soldiers, "What odds you giving? If the silver is right, I'll take your bet.".

[LordKruelos]

Guard Chorus

I bet it's that little Pikey bastard "Nay, look at `em, he's fey if he's breathing. Them sort get others killed first. What do you think? If I'm going to gamble with a dead man, I'll know enough to demand the stakes up front. How much you got in your pockets, gambling-man?

[Jigger]

Wallace in a Gambling Mood

To the the soldiers, "Let you group of backbirths hold my money?  Do I look like some cony cove from Freeport to you? Tell you what, four to one odds the pech comes back alive in less then a month. I got five, you four put up twenty between you. Marrakt can hold  the money.".

[foproy]

so what you are saying is that this fairy is braver than you are?

[LordKruelos]

Guard Chorus

Easy to say for an elf. You and the fairy can live as long as someone don't kill ya. If it was so easy to kill a fairy, wouldn't be any left.

[foproy]

as i thought cowards.

[Catodon]

Sainrith "Do not be so harsh on these poor fellows. Like beggers with a few dull coppers is it no wonder that mere mortals are so miserly with those few grey and fleeting moments they call a life. We Fey meanwhile are as kings at a horse race daring to lose vast sums of years and by gambling so much feel more alive. Let the mayflys keep thier day, such insects would be little use in battles of warriors. However, if there is a fighting man among these low bugs he is most welcome to join us; I will stake my great wealth of years to ensure he emerges from the ruins to bask in glory, wine, and song. There my friends is a bet for a true gambler."

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EDIT added a skill roll:

Used intimidate since i am attacking their honor and shaming them. If referee decides Impress is to be used only +2 not +9 (1d20+9=26)

[LordKruelos]

Perhaps due to unwillingness to part with their coin, or perhaps due to distrust of Marrakt, the guards seem unwilling to place a bet unless they're holding the stakes. None of them seem inclined to join you venturing into the temple.

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Through the wonders of teamwork you've managed to shift the Disposition of these guards toward you as a group from Cold to Unfriendly. I'm sure you're all very proud.  

Within the Walls of Morning
Inside the Temple Compound

The PCs pass through the southern portal into the grounds surrounding the burnt temple. A bridge over a burbling stream leads to the temple, with another path leading to the western portal in the compound's walls. The temple grounds, while slightly overgrown, still evoke a pleasant peacefulness when you're not looking at the soot-stained shell of the temple itself.  In the background behind the structure of the temple is a small garden of fruit trees.
At the southern end of the temple lies a cracked marble basin, streaked with soot and entirely empty. It looks as if water once poured from a fountain in the center of the basin, but it has long-since dried-up.



From here you can see the ruins of the temple. On the eastern side, you see a pile of debris and blackened timbers  from the recent excavation that Marrakt mentioned. While the low stone walls of the temple still stand, the temple's beautiful glass windows and fine sculptures are long-destroyed amid the fire-blackened rubble.

[Catodon]

Sainrith "Apples! Let us eat our fill in the sunshine and know that life is good before the coming moments of fierce blood in the dark"

[foproy]

what part of entering dark and foreboding temple in the middle of a town ravaged by a mysterious illness don't you understand? on second thought go ahead eat one, could make this trip much more peaceful.

[Fiendbasher]

Vár insists upon fetching his bestial companion before entering the temple grounds, as well as picking up a lantern and some oil. Once inside the walls, he removes Grimmar's harness entirely, slinging the collection of leather straps and bags over his own shoulder.

what part of entering dark and foreboding temple in the middle of a town ravaged by a mysterious illness don't you understand? on second thought go ahead eat one, could make this trip much more peaceful.

The savage rider addresses Shadefire:

"In such situations it's often wise to take any opportunity to eat, drink or rest... you can never be sure when you'll get another chance." Vár then tells Sainrith, "Do bring your friend, if you do not think being underground will panick him. Horses are social beasts. If he trusts you he will be much better off with you than alone." Finally he addresses the others, "When space will allow for it, I'll go in front, Wallace and Shadefire follow up and Grimmar will bring up the rear, assuming it's not too cramped entirely for him to follow and no one has any objections." He scratches his chin, considering Sarinith for a moment. "How sharp are your senses, hunter? Perhaps it'd be best for you to bring up the rear as Grimmar may not be able to turn around easily if things get tight. Though you may place yourself wherever you feel you will be most effective."

Once the harness is off, Grimmar shakes out his fur. Somehow the vargyr manages to look even larger and shaggier than before.

Grimmar stares at the small fey and his horse both... the way the corners of his lips pull back, and the glint of his red-rimmed yellow eyes come together in an expression that is unsettlingly like a leer. He isn't moving on them aggressively, but does look like a rather smug mountain of muscle.

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Put me down for a lantern and some oil if allowed. Would prefer a hooded lantern with oil but can probably only afford a candle lantern and candles. Better'n nothin.

Grimmar has a 1x2 footprint and should be able to fit anywhere Vár can, but may have some trouble turning in a tight corridor.

[Catodon]

Perhaps they are accustom to hunting boars, bears, or worse for the the little stallion bares his canines and Sainrith non-chalantly fires off a cheeky wink and smile.
This done Sainrith and Epsyir set off in a jaunty canter towards the orchard.


Sainrith by Coronoides, on Flickr

[LordKruelos]

Sainrith

These apples are delicious.