This is a private fantasy adventure for Kriv and Olaf. This roleplay is invite only and we are not accepting any other players. If you have not been invited to participate, DO NOT POST HERE.
Krivaniros was not the only traveller by far making preparations to depart along with the rest of the pilgrimage, and he took the opportunity to observe those around him, noting armaments, defences, the sturdiness of the wagons, and any other such factors that he had been rigorously trained to take into account.
Dressed in leather armour that, while with a few dints and dents, was otherwise well-maintained, he looked over the scholar to whom he and Olaf had been assigned, along with the scholar, 'Tristil', who had accompanied hm from Beatha, a willowy dark-skinned androgynous figure with a satchel clutched tightly to them. Their dark robes complemented the armour.
They were engaged in deep discussion with the individual who had paid for the additional protection, a half-orc whose name he had learned was 'Danhel'. He looked to the other scholar's protection, the... he couldn't quite tell what he was, and a low clicking sound came from him as he worked the two sets of mandibles hidden within his jaws thoughtfully.
He shifted the pack at his back so then it settled more comfortably against his shoulders, keeping his dark eyes alert for signs of them moving off as one of his taloned hands rested on top of the obsidian khopesh at his side. But there seemed to be a little time, and so he made his way over to the considerably taller figure. "This one..." He nodded to the half-orc. "... have you known them before?"
His voice was to the point but not unkind in the tone underlying the words, and his grasp of Common was fluent.
Dressed in leather armour that, while with a few dints and dents, was otherwise well-maintained, he looked over the scholar to whom he and Olaf had been assigned, along with the scholar, 'Tristil', who had accompanied hm from Beatha, a willowy dark-skinned androgynous figure with a satchel clutched tightly to them. Their dark robes complemented the armour.
They were engaged in deep discussion with the individual who had paid for the additional protection, a half-orc whose name he had learned was 'Danhel'. He looked to the other scholar's protection, the... he couldn't quite tell what he was, and a low clicking sound came from him as he worked the two sets of mandibles hidden within his jaws thoughtfully.
He shifted the pack at his back so then it settled more comfortably against his shoulders, keeping his dark eyes alert for signs of them moving off as one of his taloned hands rested on top of the obsidian khopesh at his side. But there seemed to be a little time, and so he made his way over to the considerably taller figure. "This one..." He nodded to the half-orc. "... have you known them before?"
His voice was to the point but not unkind in the tone underlying the words, and his grasp of Common was fluent.
The caravan was assembling as the half ogre made his way over to the scholar and other half of the security detail that was to protect him. Olaf seldom ventured far from his cave, but had recently returned from a long adventure where he had accompanied a postal hobbit known as Slappy, protecting him on his route delivering parcels and letters between towns. That had lead the pair to join an elf maiden and cleric on some unplanned stops that had included protecting a temple from demons, retrieving the stolen official seal of a noble and rescuing a kidnapped town elder, but not in that order.
The half ogre had so much fun, that when he got word of a caravan in a nearby village looking for a variety of hired hands, he decided to sign on. He ended up assigned to the protection detail of a scholar accompanying the pilgrimage. Olaf was more than happy to help out. Protecting travelers was one of his specialties and he came highly recommended by his previous companions, each of whom had written a letter of recommendation before going their separate ways. At least, that's what they had told him the papers they had given him said. Olaf couldn't actually read. Word of their recent adventures had spread through the area, lending credibility to his claims, however.
"Hello, everyone," the ogre said as if addressing a large group, "I'm Olaf." Olaf spoke with slightest hint of a speech impediment. He wore leather armor and shin guards over his leather boots covering his legs below the knee. The sack he carried held his belongings which was slung over one shoulder and his great ax over the other. He sat the bag down for a moment so he had a free hand. "And this... is my friend Teddy! Can you say hello, Teddy?"
He removed a small stuff bear from his belt and held it up. Almost comically, the ogre made the stuffed bear nod and used his finger to have Teddy wave one of his paws. The bear was non-descript beyond being a brown, cloth toy a child would sleep with at night. The only features it had were two black, button eyes. The stuffed bear lacked a nose or any sign of a mouth and wore no clothes.
"Teddy doesn't talk, so please don't be offended by his shyness. We're both pleased to meet you and reporting for duty," the ogre concluded.
The half ogre had so much fun, that when he got word of a caravan in a nearby village looking for a variety of hired hands, he decided to sign on. He ended up assigned to the protection detail of a scholar accompanying the pilgrimage. Olaf was more than happy to help out. Protecting travelers was one of his specialties and he came highly recommended by his previous companions, each of whom had written a letter of recommendation before going their separate ways. At least, that's what they had told him the papers they had given him said. Olaf couldn't actually read. Word of their recent adventures had spread through the area, lending credibility to his claims, however.
"Hello, everyone," the ogre said as if addressing a large group, "I'm Olaf." Olaf spoke with slightest hint of a speech impediment. He wore leather armor and shin guards over his leather boots covering his legs below the knee. The sack he carried held his belongings which was slung over one shoulder and his great ax over the other. He sat the bag down for a moment so he had a free hand. "And this... is my friend Teddy! Can you say hello, Teddy?"
He removed a small stuff bear from his belt and held it up. Almost comically, the ogre made the stuffed bear nod and used his finger to have Teddy wave one of his paws. The bear was non-descript beyond being a brown, cloth toy a child would sleep with at night. The only features it had were two black, button eyes. The stuffed bear lacked a nose or any sign of a mouth and wore no clothes.
"Teddy doesn't talk, so please don't be offended by his shyness. We're both pleased to meet you and reporting for duty," the ogre concluded.
Word had reached at least Danhel, even if not the two Fae. While the half-orc was on the side of being more transient than local, he had been around the area long enough to pick up on some of the rumours going around, and the long adventure or at least bits of it had been among what had reached his curious, slightly pointed ears.
As the towering, strong-looking figure approached, Krivaniros's antennae vibrated just slightly to either side of his head in curiousity. The quirk of speech was not regarded negatively, the Myrmidon being well-travelled enough by that point to have heard quite a number of impediments and dialects both. With a fascination for language that was not appropriate for a warrior of his kind to have, secretly nurtured and definitely so on expeditions like the one that he was on, he listened eagerly.
The introduction was expected. The introduction of a cuddly toy, perhaps not so much. But his lips curved up at the sheer innocence that was displayed in the gesture. It was wholesome and it was not what he had anticipated. As much as it was inwardly rather more jarring against what he knew or at least, what was expected of him, this was a new world and he was open to what the world brought him to witness. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, Olaf and Teddy. Have you been adventuring together for long?"
Danhel and Tristil waited until after the fae had spoken before giving their own names in turn. Tristil only addressed Olaf with an open look of some confusion while the half-orc seemed a little more willing to just adapt to things as they made themselves known, teddy bear included. What was the harm?
As the towering, strong-looking figure approached, Krivaniros's antennae vibrated just slightly to either side of his head in curiousity. The quirk of speech was not regarded negatively, the Myrmidon being well-travelled enough by that point to have heard quite a number of impediments and dialects both. With a fascination for language that was not appropriate for a warrior of his kind to have, secretly nurtured and definitely so on expeditions like the one that he was on, he listened eagerly.
The introduction was expected. The introduction of a cuddly toy, perhaps not so much. But his lips curved up at the sheer innocence that was displayed in the gesture. It was wholesome and it was not what he had anticipated. As much as it was inwardly rather more jarring against what he knew or at least, what was expected of him, this was a new world and he was open to what the world brought him to witness. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, Olaf and Teddy. Have you been adventuring together for long?"
Danhel and Tristil waited until after the fae had spoken before giving their own names in turn. Tristil only addressed Olaf with an open look of some confusion while the half-orc seemed a little more willing to just adapt to things as they made themselves known, teddy bear included. What was the harm?
"Teddy and I have been friends for a long time," Olaf replied. "We only started adventuring a short while ago, but we've been helping travelers along the road near our cave for as long as we can remember. Teddy even got a medal! Isn't that right, Teddy?"
The ogre made the stuffed bear nod. "He's a bit modest and doesn't like to talk about it," Olaf continued. "But maybe we can tell you about our adventures while we are traveling together. What about you?"
The ogre moved his ax so he could lean on its handle, putting the bladed end on the ground. He continued to let the sack sit at his feat and held Teddy with his free hand. Usually, the ogre held the toy behind the head, using 2 of his fingers to move the bear's , and his thumb and remaining fingers to keep a grip on the bear's neck.
The ogre made the stuffed bear nod. "He's a bit modest and doesn't like to talk about it," Olaf continued. "But maybe we can tell you about our adventures while we are traveling together. What about you?"
The ogre moved his ax so he could lean on its handle, putting the bladed end on the ground. He continued to let the sack sit at his feat and held Teddy with his free hand. Usually, the ogre held the toy behind the head, using 2 of his fingers to move the bear's , and his thumb and remaining fingers to keep a grip on the bear's neck.
Krivaniros listened intently, and such was able to be discerned by the subtle angling of his head and the intense focus of those dark eyes. His lips curved up at that, concealed mandibles making a subtle clicking sound, a vocalisation of approval. "To earn an accolade so soon after beginning adventuring is no small feat." His tone was genuine, not sarcastic. The Myrmidon had no talent nor taste for guile and misdirection, and so did not even try. What he expressed was honest and to the point. "To answer, no. This is my first adventure here but not my first overall. I have been on a few expeditions before." He kept the numbers vague simply out of habit, but he didn't have a boastful presentation to him either.
Danhel smiled, regarding the axe once it was leaned on. It looked like a weapon that was used, and that only helped add further credibility to the tale. On the newer side to adventuring himself, he was learning how to tell those who were more experienced apart from those who were more like himself.
Tristil was paying attention to the caravan overall, allowing the small group that seemed to have gathered between them to converse, their antennae up and alert, flicking occasionally as they took in the sights and sounds of the preparations. "I think we are going to be moving off soon, people seem to be loading more things into wagons." They looked to Olaf. "Do you need anything to go in one or do you carry your stuff?" They motioned with a clawed hand to the nearest wagon, not all that far from them, where a few merchant types were settling in and securing the last of their cargo, the supplies for the journey.
Danhel smiled, regarding the axe once it was leaned on. It looked like a weapon that was used, and that only helped add further credibility to the tale. On the newer side to adventuring himself, he was learning how to tell those who were more experienced apart from those who were more like himself.
Tristil was paying attention to the caravan overall, allowing the small group that seemed to have gathered between them to converse, their antennae up and alert, flicking occasionally as they took in the sights and sounds of the preparations. "I think we are going to be moving off soon, people seem to be loading more things into wagons." They looked to Olaf. "Do you need anything to go in one or do you carry your stuff?" They motioned with a clawed hand to the nearest wagon, not all that far from them, where a few merchant types were settling in and securing the last of their cargo, the supplies for the journey.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you," Olaf replied in a cheerful voice. "Teddy and I are both looking forward to working with you." The ogre didn't pry for any further details and seemed to take the information offered at face value.
Olaf nodded at the observation that it looked like the caravan was nearing departure time. When the offer was made to allow him to put his belongings in one of the wagons. The ogre nodded. "Why yes, I think it would be nice to put my sack in here," he said picking the bag up off of the ground. "That way I can have my hands free in case we have any emergencies. Being in a caravan can be dangerous!"
While that statement seemed obvious and maybe sounded a bit naive, Olaf had been involved in enough ambushes and other encounters from his adventures to know that it was crucial to stay ready at all times and be alert. A moment of letting one's guard down could prove to be a fatal mistake.
He sat his possessions in the back of the wagon and now held his ax with both hands, keeping it ready, but not in a threatening position. Teddy was once again secured to his belt. "Is there a particular position you want me to guard along our wagon once we start moving," he inquired. Generally, the hired hands walked along side the carts and wagons. Big caravans moved very slowly. Typically, he would walk along one side of the wagon or behind it. He'd find a spot that made sense if his employer had no specific preference.
Olaf nodded at the observation that it looked like the caravan was nearing departure time. When the offer was made to allow him to put his belongings in one of the wagons. The ogre nodded. "Why yes, I think it would be nice to put my sack in here," he said picking the bag up off of the ground. "That way I can have my hands free in case we have any emergencies. Being in a caravan can be dangerous!"
While that statement seemed obvious and maybe sounded a bit naive, Olaf had been involved in enough ambushes and other encounters from his adventures to know that it was crucial to stay ready at all times and be alert. A moment of letting one's guard down could prove to be a fatal mistake.
He sat his possessions in the back of the wagon and now held his ax with both hands, keeping it ready, but not in a threatening position. Teddy was once again secured to his belt. "Is there a particular position you want me to guard along our wagon once we start moving," he inquired. Generally, the hired hands walked along side the carts and wagons. Big caravans moved very slowly. Typically, he would walk along one side of the wagon or behind it. He'd find a spot that made sense if his employer had no specific preference.
Krivaniros was, inwardly, deeply relieved. He had been on a few adventuring journeys like the one currently before, back where he had hailed from, and where multiple parties of bodyguards were involved, the inevitable proverbial mandible-measuring contests had followed. This easy acceptance of more people doing the same job? It was an intense relief. "Likewise!" His tone was warm; he genuinely meant it.
The statement didn't bother him, even if it made Danhel raise an eyebrow slightly. But he was only fleetingly distracted and was soon back to engaging with one of the other scholars. Already they were theorising. How expected! Even with the language barrier at points, gestures and minor illusion magics to illustrate a point helped to convey what was needed.
One of the guards helping to direct things paused at the question and then motioned to back rear side of the wagon he had just put his things on. "Here and thereabouts will work, just be a barrier to the wagons as we walk." A moving line of defence. Kriv' was given the same instruction. While he wasn't initially comfortable with being parted from the scholar of his own kind, clicking his hidden mandibles a little, there were enough guards that he felt secure enough doing so, after some consideration. Which meant that he was able to look sidelong and talk to Olaf, if desired.
And so, the caravan set off at a methodical pace, neither too fast for those on foot but not at a snail's pacing either.
The statement didn't bother him, even if it made Danhel raise an eyebrow slightly. But he was only fleetingly distracted and was soon back to engaging with one of the other scholars. Already they were theorising. How expected! Even with the language barrier at points, gestures and minor illusion magics to illustrate a point helped to convey what was needed.
One of the guards helping to direct things paused at the question and then motioned to back rear side of the wagon he had just put his things on. "Here and thereabouts will work, just be a barrier to the wagons as we walk." A moving line of defence. Kriv' was given the same instruction. While he wasn't initially comfortable with being parted from the scholar of his own kind, clicking his hidden mandibles a little, there were enough guards that he felt secure enough doing so, after some consideration. Which meant that he was able to look sidelong and talk to Olaf, if desired.
And so, the caravan set off at a methodical pace, neither too fast for those on foot but not at a snail's pacing either.
Olaf nodded. "Okay, Teddy. We have our place! We have to pay careful attention that no one sneaks up on us! Why don't you rest a bit and I'll guard first," He told the stuffed bear and put in on his belt. Olaf then turned to Kriv.
"Teddy likes to feel included, but don't worry, he won't get in the way," the ogre promised. Olaf had his ax out in the event of any attacks but did not take a threatening pose with it.
The caravan set off. The many wagons filled with wares and various pack animals were accompanied by many on foot. In general, only wagon drivers, the elderly or children rode in the carts and wagons. The pace was slow, not faster than a casual walk to accommodate the many different beings of all sizes. Kriv and Olaf were among the largest on the caravan all the way down to human children, gnomes and halflings.
Wagons would join and depart the caravan as they traveled. There was safety in numbers and no formal requirements to travel with the group. As the large procession left the town behind, Olaf turned to Kriv. "Do you know how far we plan to travel today," He asked. The ogre couldn't really think of anything else to ask to make conversation.
"Teddy likes to feel included, but don't worry, he won't get in the way," the ogre promised. Olaf had his ax out in the event of any attacks but did not take a threatening pose with it.
The caravan set off. The many wagons filled with wares and various pack animals were accompanied by many on foot. In general, only wagon drivers, the elderly or children rode in the carts and wagons. The pace was slow, not faster than a casual walk to accommodate the many different beings of all sizes. Kriv and Olaf were among the largest on the caravan all the way down to human children, gnomes and halflings.
Wagons would join and depart the caravan as they traveled. There was safety in numbers and no formal requirements to travel with the group. As the large procession left the town behind, Olaf turned to Kriv. "Do you know how far we plan to travel today," He asked. The ogre couldn't really think of anything else to ask to make conversation.
Krivaniros, witnessing the ogre effectively tucking the bear in to sleep even if he did not stop to watch properly, couldn't help but smile when his observing was noticed. Strange as it still was, his expression was one of subtle fondness, while still trying to maintain more of the stoic emotional reservation that was expected of him. "Quite alright, I am sure he will not be a bother."
And so, off the caravan went.
He fell into the gait required of him rather easily, keeping himself level enough with the caravan that the scholar was in while not being so close for the lean, slender subtly insect-featured humanoid to feel that he was being stifled. Not that he was paying too much attention, as he was two books deep into a debate of some sort with the scholar they had initially met. It looked heated but not violent. Passionate rather than there being a risk of fists being thrown.
At Olaf's question, he tilted his head a little. "I do not. I would imagine until an hour or two before sundown, to give time to set up camp so then we are not doing so in the dark. So I know roughly when we will be stopping but not how far that will be."
While they were conversing, one of the smaller wagons that had tagged along - more of a cart, really - came within earshot.
"Hello! Yes, shinies for trade? We have pretty bottles and crystals, books with shiny bits on the front? More shinies, food, we are happy to trade for all!" The speaker was a ruby-scaled kobold, stood on the back of the cart that was being pulled by a rather sturdy-looking donkey, driven by a grey-scaled kobold with a lute strapped to his back. Another, with pink scales, was looking off out of the other side, enamoured by their surroundings.
And so, off the caravan went.
He fell into the gait required of him rather easily, keeping himself level enough with the caravan that the scholar was in while not being so close for the lean, slender subtly insect-featured humanoid to feel that he was being stifled. Not that he was paying too much attention, as he was two books deep into a debate of some sort with the scholar they had initially met. It looked heated but not violent. Passionate rather than there being a risk of fists being thrown.
At Olaf's question, he tilted his head a little. "I do not. I would imagine until an hour or two before sundown, to give time to set up camp so then we are not doing so in the dark. So I know roughly when we will be stopping but not how far that will be."
While they were conversing, one of the smaller wagons that had tagged along - more of a cart, really - came within earshot.
"Hello! Yes, shinies for trade? We have pretty bottles and crystals, books with shiny bits on the front? More shinies, food, we are happy to trade for all!" The speaker was a ruby-scaled kobold, stood on the back of the cart that was being pulled by a rather sturdy-looking donkey, driven by a grey-scaled kobold with a lute strapped to his back. Another, with pink scales, was looking off out of the other side, enamoured by their surroundings.
Olaf watched the kobold traders hocking their wares. He shook his head. It was a good thing Teddy was resting. Otherwise, he might want something. The ogre turned his attention to his surroundings. It was important to be alert at all times. He would talk more with Kriv, but he couldn't think of anything to say and it might not look good if he was chit chatting constantly.
The time passed uneventfully as the sun rose higher into the sky. Nothing happened until they entered the edge of the forest. It was then that the caravan ground to a halt. Many minutes passed before information reached their part of the caravan. One of the servants of the caravan masters finally made his way toward them.
"Attention," He said. He was a middle-aged graying human. "The path ahead is blocked from a great fallen tree. We cannot proceed until it is removed. If any are able to help, please come with me."
Olaf turned to Kriv. "I have an ax and you are strong like me," The ogre said. "Perhaps we can clear the downed tree." Olaf removed Teddy from his belt and sat him near his employer's wagon.
"Here, Teddy," Olaf instructed. "You can watch the wagon while I move the tree. Be careful and stay alert!"
The time passed uneventfully as the sun rose higher into the sky. Nothing happened until they entered the edge of the forest. It was then that the caravan ground to a halt. Many minutes passed before information reached their part of the caravan. One of the servants of the caravan masters finally made his way toward them.
"Attention," He said. He was a middle-aged graying human. "The path ahead is blocked from a great fallen tree. We cannot proceed until it is removed. If any are able to help, please come with me."
Olaf turned to Kriv. "I have an ax and you are strong like me," The ogre said. "Perhaps we can clear the downed tree." Olaf removed Teddy from his belt and sat him near his employer's wagon.
"Here, Teddy," Olaf instructed. "You can watch the wagon while I move the tree. Be careful and stay alert!"
The kobolds were regarded with curiousity and suspicion both. The world he had come from had similar creatures but not quite the same, and he made a sound in his throat that was one of wonder. But he had nothing with which to trade, not really, not that he did not need on some level. Such were the practicalities of the Myrmidon.
The moth-featured scholar who had come with him, however, looked nothing less than delighted and ended up exchanging a pretty etched blue glass bottle in which he could store something in exchange for a couple of gems. He hadn't put any enchantments in them yet, so they didn't hold additional value.
Krivaniros was comfortable enough to pass the time in quiet, remaining on alert like his counterpart. He paused then at the approach of the older man, noting the signs of aging with fascination, rare as they were among the Dokkalfar. At Olaf's suggestion, he nodded firmly, setting his pack down in the wagon and picking an axe from amongst the weapons strapped to his person. One made for such a purpose as tree clearing, durable and practical.
Stood with axe in hand, he was ready to move to where he was indicated to go, alongside the ogre.
The moth-featured scholar who had come with him, however, looked nothing less than delighted and ended up exchanging a pretty etched blue glass bottle in which he could store something in exchange for a couple of gems. He hadn't put any enchantments in them yet, so they didn't hold additional value.
Krivaniros was comfortable enough to pass the time in quiet, remaining on alert like his counterpart. He paused then at the approach of the older man, noting the signs of aging with fascination, rare as they were among the Dokkalfar. At Olaf's suggestion, he nodded firmly, setting his pack down in the wagon and picking an axe from amongst the weapons strapped to his person. One made for such a purpose as tree clearing, durable and practical.
Stood with axe in hand, he was ready to move to where he was indicated to go, alongside the ogre.
The caravan stretched for almost a mile, and that was just what was in front of their wagon. It took more than a few minutes to get to the front of the caravan where the lead wagon master was. Just in front of it, a huge great oak had fallen blocking the road. The great tree made even Kriv and Olaf look small.
1-2: There is no issue beyond moving the tree
3-4: Someone or something demands the tree be left
5-6: It's an ambush
1-2: There is no issue beyond moving the tree
3-4: Someone or something demands the tree be left
5-6: It's an ambush
rolled 1d6 and got a natural 1.
Note: What happens
"We must be cautious," Olaf advised his comrade. "This could be a trick!"
The caravan master was glad to see the help. Several others had answered the call to assist in moving the tree.
"My friends," He announced addressing the group. "My detail has carefully inspected the situation. There is no ambush and there is no evidence of sinister intentions. We need only move this tree in order to continue on."
Olaf turned to Kriv. "Should we try chopping it up or just attempt to shove it aside?"
None of the other muscle immediately stepped forward to take charge of the situation. Each looked to the other for someone to take the lead. The caravan master had said his piece and waited for one of the men to direct the situation after summarizing their plight.
The caravan master was glad to see the help. Several others had answered the call to assist in moving the tree.
"My friends," He announced addressing the group. "My detail has carefully inspected the situation. There is no ambush and there is no evidence of sinister intentions. We need only move this tree in order to continue on."
Olaf turned to Kriv. "Should we try chopping it up or just attempt to shove it aside?"
None of the other muscle immediately stepped forward to take charge of the situation. Each looked to the other for someone to take the lead. The caravan master had said his piece and waited for one of the men to direct the situation after summarizing their plight.
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