12 Pupemont

11 Pupemont-12 Pupemont- 13 Pupemont (Back to Logs)

### Major Events

Something creepy spooks the horses, the group arrives in Croysa. They go shopping, find a guide, and talk to a couple guys who fought a big thing in the woods.

## Meta

### Dates of Play

April 26-May 3, 2020

PM] DM: 12 Pupemont 3Y20

On the Spine again...

[6:25 PM] DM: Around noon, you're pulled off the road so Orifyr can tend the horses. Anyone stretching their legs or are you staying in out of the cold?

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will get out to stretch her legs.

[6:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak will as well

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir will also, though it's mostly the help with the horses because safe horses.

[6:27 PM] Brimeia: Bri's gonna stay inside

[6:27 PM] DM: Wisdom (sight) checks for those of you outside.

[6:27 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

[6:27 PM] Urrak: ((6))

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh: ((15))

[6:29 PM] DM: Seir, when you get up to the horses, you notice they seem really agitated, but you don't really see a reason. They're refusing their food and Orifyr's trying to calm them.

[6:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is sort of stretching near the carriage. She groans as her back pops.

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir's attention immediately turns to the forest, she grabs her staff, tapping it lightly on the ground (staff-speak with animals) and whispers to one of the horses, "What is it?"

[6:32 PM] DM: "Trees. Eyes. Trees. Eyes. Trees. Eyes. Trees. Eyes."

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a breath and then says to the others, "Trees have eyes... I think I'm glad I spoke to the horse instead of the trees. We need to stay alert, it's more than before if it's spooking the horses so much."

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh: "Can we maybe move on since they're spooked? They can eat once we get further up the road?"

[6:36 PM] DM: Orifyr: "If I can't calm them, getting them to move will just result in damage to them and the carriage."

[6:37 PM] Urrak: Urrak tries to calm the horses as well

[6:37 PM] Seirixori: "I can try to get them to." Seir whispers to them again, asking if they'll move forward and she'll stay out to keep watch.

[6:38 PM] DM: Urrak, roll wisdom with your horse skill, Seir, give me charisma (animals)

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: ((would that give me prof~?))

[6:39 PM] DM: If you have animal handling or similar.

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: ((28))

[6:39 PM] Urrak: ((15))

[6:41 PM] DM: Urrak takes the reins and leads the horses, trying to give them something to focus on while Seir convinces them she'll watch out for them and they start moving down the road, though at Urrak's backwards pace.

[6:42 PM] DM: After a couple minutes, the horses stop pawing at the ground and you're able to get into the carriage again.

[6:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir releases a heavy relieved breath, though she does keep her eye on the horses for the rest of their time.

[6:45 PM] Urrak: Urrak pats one of the horses' neck, "Somethin' really freaked 'em out...Poor lad."

[6:46 PM] Brimeia: "Sooo what do you think that was all about?"

[6:48 PM] Seirixori: "What it normally is, I'm guessing. Spooky forest. Always watching. We'll have to go into it eventually, but I'd rather not make it sooner than we need to."

[6:49 PM] Ryleigh: "The Fytulk is unlike most forests. Most domesticated things probably want to stay away as much as we do."

[6:50 PM] DM: As the day drags on later and later, you find yourselves entering a town surrounded by a stone wall. It's only about six feet tall and rough enough that it wouldn't be too hard to climb. It's probably more for peace of mind than actual protection. The town's not exactly tiny, but it's cramped, buildings shoved as close together on narrow streets as possible.

[6:51 PM] Seirixori: "It's like... a large camp, but more... uh, stationary."

[6:52 PM] DM: As the carriage comes to a stop, Orifyr and Anais say their goodbyes and point you at a building simply named "The Wall."

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ry thanks them and wishes them a safe journey. She leaves out all the "Asten's light" talk when she does.

[6:53 PM] DM: And that's as good a place as any to stop for the night since it's about that time.

[6:53 PM] DM: Congratulations. You made it to Croysa.

[2:00 PM] DM: ---------

[2:02 PM] DM: It's Vydun evening, the 12th of Pupemont. You've just arrived at The Wall in Croysa. The sun's edging toward the horizon and people are headed for their evening meals. While you're here, you're probably going to have to figure out how to find Isonsall so you aren't wandering the woods.

[2:05 PM] Ryleigh: ((I'd like to have Ry go look for a place that sells maps or wilderness things))

[2:09 PM] DM: From what you can gather from the folks you ask, your best bet is a shop nearby that sells forester gear. The shopkeep is an older looking half-elf with a patchy beard that doesn't at all hide a deep scar down his jaw. The shop's warm inside with a big fire in a stone fireplace in the center of the room, but the rest of the room is all wood shelves covered in cloaks, winter gear, bows, and arrows.

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ry looks around as she approaches the counter. She keeps her hood up, and asks, "Excuse me, I was wondering if you might have any maps that would show a way through the Fytulk to... Isonsall?"

[2:13 PM] DM: The man scratches at his chin. "There's a road, few days south off the Spine. Can't guarantee it'll be entirely whole, but that'd probably be your best bet. Going straight there through the woods'd be tough, but I might be able to get you some landmarks to point your way. Don't exactly keep maps of the area. It's not usually worth a damn."

[2:15 PM] Ryleigh: Chuckling a little, Ry says, "You're not wrong, but I have family there."

[2:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir's poking around at the clothes, more curious than anything, and mumbling to herself, wondering if Donny could make something so she can be warm and not wear so many layers.

[2:16 PM] DM: He raises an eyebrow. "Oh? I don't envy them. Rough living west of here."

[2:16 PM] Urrak: Urrak stands as close to the fire as possible,  eyeing some of the bows.

[2:17 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm sure. A city pressed against the mountains and surrounded by the Fytulk can't be easy to live in."

[2:21 PM] DM: "Specially in the state it's in these days. It's a pity. Had family out there myself til they fled." He pulls out a piece of parchment. "I can give you decent enough directions for a silver, if you want. Might also be able to point you to a guide if you don't mind paying her enough to pique her interest."

[2:23 PM] Urrak: "A guide would be a good move," Urrak says, still focused on the bows. "Hey, how much fer a longbow? An' ammunition."

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ry hands over a silver. "Her name would be great. It'd be good for us to have someone who's more familiar with the Fytulk than I am."

[2:27 PM] DM: He replies to Urrak, "Each bow is 65 gold a piece, with a free quiver of 20 arrows included. Each quiver is 15 silver. Unless you want a really nice one. I have some special ones in back."

[2:27 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia browses idly through the wares while she waits, eyeing some of the cloaks.

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: "Can't it just be a regular forest? I can do regular forests," Seir grumbles as she continues to walk around, poking at things. She stops suddenly, "...Not just because I have a mother in the forest... right?"

[2:29 PM] DM: "My daughter, Brennys, does a lot of the gathering and traveling for me these days, and she's in town tonight. I can ask if she'd like to meet you later where you're staying."

[2:29 PM] Urrak: "I've got coin, I'd love t' see what ye mean by special." Urrak grins

[2:31 PM] Ryleigh: "That would great. We're staying at The Wall tonight."

[2:36 PM] DM: He nods at Ryleigh and sketches a quick diagram. "You'll head south 'til you get to the river, then follow it northwest til you can see the branches. Go over three of them and follow the fourth southwest. The forest'll thin a bit, and you can see the mountains, then go straight south from there until you see the peak of Dragon's Tooth to your right. From there, you'll need to head up into the foothills. If you lose sight of Dragon's Tooth behind the range, you've gone too far south."

[2:38 PM] DM: He then disappears into a room behind the counter and comes back out with a beautifully carved bow that looks as unruly and covered with sharp bits as Seir's horns. He holds it out to Urrak. "This one's a beaut. It runs a few thousand gold, but... just go ahead and put an arrow in her."

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ry thanks him for the directions, then takes a look around the shop as Urrak buys her bow. "Is everyone warm enough? It'll only get colder the further south we go, and the closer we get to the mountains."

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: "Why!?" Seir throws up her arms and grumbles nonsense because she is cold and she hates it.

[2:41 PM] Urrak: "Good gods, man." She holds it, "I'm sure it fires well but I'm not in that price range just yet." She hands it back to him. " My buddies are gettin' ansty, here," she hands him 65 gold and 15 silver for some extra arrows. "I'll take th' floor model." She chuckles

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh: Laughing lightly, Ry answers Seir with, "Ascan weather is almost as shitty as the country itself."

[2:42 PM] DM: He chuckles and takes the bow back. "Fair enough. It's hard to find a buyer out here for something this special."

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: "Should get that bow for Mama," Seir mutters after her little outburst.

[2:43 PM] Brimeia: "It's.. definitely colder than I thought it'd be, but I'll be fine." Bri puts on her best grin, though she's huddled a bit  and hugging her cloak close to her body.

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: "I'm just going to be a fiery wolf while we travel, won't set the forest on fire at all like that. It'll be fine."

[2:45 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks over to the others with her purchases, "Ready when ye all are."

[2:45 PM] DM: Shopkeep: "I have some potions that'll keep the chill away. They're not so powerful as magic, but better than brandy. 50 gold a piece for a full day's worth of warmth."

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh: For the most part, Ryleigh hasn't shown any discomfort from the weather. She has kept her cloak on, as well as her gauntlets, but she hasn't huddled or shivered so far.

[2:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes light up but then immediately she frowns and sighs. "I'll be okay, thank you though."

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh: "Rukiya, would you like one?"

[2:47 PM] Urrak: Urrak hands him 50 gold, "Stubborn." she whispers to the shopkeep

[2:48 PM] DM: Rukiya smirks and says something in Elven, then says in Common, "We're going to be out there for a while, right? One day won't make much difference.... unless... does it help with exposure? Like if we're caught in snow or freezing water?"

[2:49 PM] DM: He nods and pulls out some wooden flasks with corks. "That's typically what we carry 'em for. Emergencies when you fall through the ice or get a couple feet of snow dumped on you."

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ry shakes her head, and there's humor in her tone as she reaches into the bag of holding to withdraw the funds. ((she'll give one to everyone, except Urrak who already bought one.))

[2:54 PM] DM: "I'll send Brennys to the Wall when I see her."

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh: "Thank you." Ry the opens the door and will wait for the others to file out before she does.

[2:55 PM] Urrak: "Aye, thanks." Urrak waves as she exits

[2:55 PM] DM: Anything else before you head back to the inn?

[2:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives her potion to Gunnloda. ((nah lol))

[2:57 PM] Urrak: ((nope!))

[3:01 PM] DM: As you're headed back to the Wall, a pair of humans pushes past you, entering first, but from their dinged armor and exhausted gait, you'd guess it's less because they're being mean and more that they just don't recognize that there was someone reaching for the doors. As you follow in behind, they slump into a booth and wearily raise a hand for a round.

[3:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ry half follows them, and when the waiter approches she says, "This rounds on me." She lowers her hood and quirks her head with a smile. "Rough day, gentlemen?"

## Ry and the guys

[3:10 PM] DM: The men grunt in thanks and take the drinks. One downs it quickly, the other sips. "Fuckin' forest. Never know what's gonna come out of it."

[3:14 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh hums a little, and waves to the bartender for another round. She invites herself to sit down and leans forwards like she's very interested and asks, "What did you come across? If you don't mind me asking."

[3:17 PM] DM: "Not really sure, but it was at least 10... 15 feet tall. Covered in marks and howlin' up a storm. Thought it was a giant, but didn't think they look like that."

The quiet one just scoffs. "Y've never seen a giant to know better."

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh: "Why were you two out there? I've heard stories about the Fytulk... but I've never spent time in it."

[3:21 PM] DM: The talkative one gives her an odd kind of look, then brushes his cloak open to show a badge of some sort.

[3:24 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh," she says, putting a look of realization on her face. "Well thank you for your service. This city is safer because of you." Ry bites her lip in mock worry, then asks, "Has it been particularly bad lately? Or... was today an exception?"

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((18 Charisma check))

[3:26 PM] DM: "Nah. Weird shit's always coming by, just more often from the east. And this is the first time I've seen one of those."

[3:31 PM] Ryleigh: She looks relieved. "Thank Asten." Ry starts to slowly stand. "I should probably leave you to your drinks and relaxation." Tilting her head and smiling at them both, she adds, "I'm sorry if I was a bother... you looked so defeated and I just wanted to brighten your mood."

[3:32 PM] DM: The talkative one raises his mug. "Thanks for the drink. Stay on the roads and you'll be fine."

[3:34 PM] Ryleigh: "Of course, it's the least I can do as a thank you for your protection." She smiles at the less talkative one and winks at the talkative one before making her way over to the others.

## Back to the group

[3:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches them closely. "This is looking more and more fun the farther we get." She frowns and asks the others as Ryleigh walks away, "Do you think we should look in on Moki? Or-or send him a message?"

[3:06 PM] Brimeia: "Wouldn't hurt." Brimeia shrugs.

[3:08 PM] Urrak: "Moki? Why?" Urrak looks genuinely confused, "Ye think he'll help us or...?"

[3:09 PM] Seirixori: "Because he's here looking into things and I'm worried?"

[3:10 PM] Urrak: "Sorry, I don't think ye told me about that," Urrak rubs the back of her neck, "Or if ye did...well it's been a wild few weeks..."

[3:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir's watching the exchange, "Mmm, well, considering the guards, Takara's warning, and these guys..." She sighs, "Even if I did look in on him I wouldn't know where he was."

[3:15 PM] Urrak: "Still, might be good jus' t' check in on him." she says with a shrug

[3:18 PM] Seirixori: She nods, distracted, "Later though."

[3:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak cocks her head to the side, "Watchin' Ryleigh work her charm is both hilarious an' scary."

[3:27 PM] Seirixori: "Scary?" Seir tilts her head, her eyes not leaving the conversation.

[3:27 PM] DM: Rukiya grins into her drink. "When you know she's doing it to someone else. You wouldn't even recognize it if she did it to you."

[3:28 PM] Urrak: "I wouldn't. That's what's scary."

[3:33 PM] Seirixori: "You think she hasn't already?"

[3:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak shivers "Guess I wouldn't be surprised..."

[3:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a seat at the table they're all at. She's clearly still putting on a show, in case they're watching. Her smile is wide and she leans in, looking like she's excitedly telling the group what happened, but her tone is normal as she explains they ran into a monster in the Fytulk.

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: "I was thinking of checking in on Moki, but I'm not sure what help it would be, considering I don't know where he would be."

[3:39 PM] Brimeia: "Did they say what it was?"

[3:39 PM] Ryleigh: "You can reach out to him and let him know we're in Ascus, and where we're headed. So if he does need anything, he knows we're close-ish."

[3:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head. "The chatty one was scared by whatever it was. He said that he didn't know what it was, just a 10 foot creature with marks that howled."

[3:43 PM] DM: It's not long before a well-bundled person steps through the door and glances around before heading for your table. She pulls her head covering off as she moves towards you, revealing slightly pointed ears and a greenish tint to her hair. She has no visible weapons on her.

[3:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir whispers to Gunnloda about checking in on Moki after they're in their rooms.

[3:44 PM] DM: "Heard you were looking for a guide."

[3:45 PM] Urrak: "Yer Brennys, then?" Urrak asks

[3:46 PM] DM: "I am. You are?"

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh: "We're the Dawnguard," Ry says with a smile. "I'm Ryleigh, and these are my guildmates." She introduces everyone and then offers to purchase Brennys a drink if she'd like one.

[3:49 PM] DM: "Sure. I like to get to know who I'm traveling with so I know it's not just a ploy to get me out in the woods and murder me for my stuff." She grins as she pulls up a chair. "I work for three gold a day round trip. If it's one-way, it's four."

[3:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ry waves over the barkeep and orders whatever it is that Brennys wants. Then she asks, "Roughly how long would it take us to get to Isonsall?"

[3:51 PM] DM: "Depends on if you want the hard trip or the harder one."

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs.

[3:52 PM] Ryleigh: Chuckling good naturedly, and tapping her chin, Ry says, "The hard trip, please."

[3:54 PM] DM: "Two dozen days, give or take, depending on the weather. Can cut it down a bit by hiring my friend and his horses to take us as far as they'll go. He'll bring the horses back once we have to go on foot. Assuming you can all ride."

[3:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts laughing again, nearly choking on her water.

[3:56 PM] Urrak: Urrak quirks an eyebrow at Seirixori as she sips her drink.

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh: "How much would that be?" Ry asks. "I can actually summon a steed for myself, but the others would need transportation."

[3:58 PM] Seirixori: "I can manage on my own as well."

[3:59 PM] DM: "He'll go for a gold a day, with all the horses. Number of horses doesn't change cost."

[4:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks like she's trying to do mental math.

[4:02 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles and leans in to tell Ryleigh what the estimated total cost would be.

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh: She nods. "I think that's fair. Right now, we're pretty positive it'll be a one way trip."

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir raises her hand a little with a grin, "Pretty sure anywhere we go now could technically be one."

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: "...as long as there are trees."

[4:06 PM] Ryleigh: "Do we need to get in touch with your friend who has the horses?"

[4:06 PM] DM: "I'll let him know. Leave at first light?"

[4:07 PM] DM: "Four of you on horses?"

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: "Unless you want a ride on a mossy wolf instead?" Seir winks at Gunnloda.

[4:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods 'yes', then rolls her eyes at Seir.

[4:10 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "I'd rather ride you, but that doesn't sound very comfortable."

[4:10 PM] Urrak: Urrak barely holds in a laugh

[4:11 PM] DM: Brennys just blinks and nods. "I'll see you then, then. He'll need to be paid before we head out. I'll collect at whatever town I'm dropping you in."

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Okay, we'll have his payment ready before we leave in the morning. And thank you, having you with us will help us not get completely lost."

[4:13 PM] DM: "South gate, first light." She bundles up again and leaves the inn.

[4:14 PM] Urrak: "Ah, g'nig--fuck." Urrak mumbles

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ry looks at Urrak. "You okay?"

[4:16 PM] Urrak: "Hmm? I'm fine, Ry." she takes a long draw from her mug

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir points at Urrak and then after a second points at Bri as well, "No."

[4:18 PM] Brimeia: Bri gives Seir a puzzled look. "...What?"

[4:18 PM] Urrak: "I don't have t' listen t' these wild accusations," Urrak says jokingly

[4:20 PM] Ryleigh: Ry looks between all three of them, and then realization hits her and her eyes grow wide. "Really?" She stands with a shake of her head and offers her hand to Rukiya. "Get some sleep everyone. First light comes early."

[4:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "But since you know what I'm talking about..."

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: "First light is terrible!" But she does get ready to head up, asking Gunnloda to send that message to Moki if she can.

[4:23 PM] Urrak: Urrak stands, "First light. Yay." she rolls her shoulders, "See ya then." She heads up to her room

11 Pupemont-12 Pupemont- 13 Pupemont (Back to Logs)