Chapter #5: Adventure #5 The Hermit's Riddle

[Dram]

Anuzal pulls a black gem from his leather pouch. slowly turning looking thru the gem. Whisper to the others. This wil me see if there is anything invisible around us. Do you believe there is a illusionist at work here? This has the power to dispel such things only once a day though.

[Cwreando]

Abrex

Abrex adds, "Well, something put on a show for us. I don't know much about magic but I'd say it's possible there was some sort of magic at work here."

Abrex looks at the tracks to see if he can figure out where they lead off to.

"The thing that troubles me is that the Jinn with the riddle had a hyena with them and it tried to lure us to it as well. Now we have what seems like more hyenas trying to lure us to them using an elaborate trick of some sort. I'd suggest we get to the Hermit and my guess is maybe the Hermit and the Jinn had a disagreement and the Jinn is punishing the Hermit for it. Let's go see what the Hermit has to say. In the end we may have to deal with the Jinn again."

[Scott308]

Benham Iskandar

I, too, feel we should press on and see the hermit. We may be able to gain information from him about these "hyenas."

[Monsieur Rose]

Dubb

Disappointed that the hyena hunt was a bust, Dubb quickly rebounds and focused his attention on the hermit. "Excellent breakfast Emma! It does appear that the hyenas are playing with us, but I agree that the hermit may be our best source of information."

Dubb looks around at the nearby canyon walls. "That is, I daresay, a lovely place for an ambush. Let's keep our wits about us and expect some trouble."

Dubb mounts his camel and makes ready to move into the canyon.

[Zeromancer]

Ameer returns to the camp and gathers his belongings, now sure that there was an intelligent foe out there playing games with them, and it wasn't over. There were a few possibilities, though each seemed as unlikely as the next. He knew that bandits did not operate in this area of the high desert, and the reason why was now becoming clear. It could very well be that jinn, but there didn't seem to be any logic in that. There was also the possibility of this being the work of the hermit himself, a means of keeping away unwanted intruders. "Hmm, very well. Let us forget the hyenas for now and push on to this hermit's hovel." he says.

[Cwreando]

Abrex

Driftlight - Set to dark.

Abrex says, "Agreed folks. Let's head on to the Hermit's location and stay alert. While the Hyena's have only been active during the night let's not take any chances, so be ready. Everyone make sure you get your gear."

Abrex does a once over on the camp to make sure he didn't forget anything. Get's his camels and starts heading toward the hermits place once the oterhs are ready in formation.

[Bluehorse]

I am not particularly sure of our geography. Would it be reasonable for someone to move up to the tops of the canyon walls as a lookout or are we already thoroughly boxed in? I think with all the goings on, maybe someone with sharp eyes (High WIS) and some archery ability would be good to have up top to look out for trouble from an ambush or snipe from above if needed. Thoughts and DM info?

[GreyWolfVT]

I am not particularly sure of our geography. Would it be reasonable for someone to move up to the tops of the canyon walls as a lookout or are we already thoroughly boxed in? I think with all the goings on, maybe someone with sharp eyes (High WIS) and some archery ability would be good to have up top to look out for trouble from an ambush or snipe from above if needed. Thoughts and DM info?

There isn't a 3d version of the map that I can find but it basically describes that the "Vale" is above the canyon that you all traversed to get here and there is only a "goat trail" that leads up to it. However to allow the camels and the cart/wagon of goods go up the trail I'm saying it is wide enough to go single file up the trail with the wagon just barely fitting on the trail say maybe a foot of extra space to allow the wagon to move and not have the wheels rub the rocky wall as you go up or have one wheel dangling off the cliff-side.

[GreyWolfVT]

The Hermit's Vale

Deciding that these hyenas are more than the average hyena the group investigates the area they were making noise from to find nothing there besides tracks of large dogs. There is talking about setting up another nights camp and setting a trap but ultimately the idea is given up on and the group decides to pack up camp and head up to the Hermit Mahara's Vale. Mahara lives in a small dale, reachable only by climbing a small goat trail up 800 feet from the base of the valley. At the top of the trail, a dell reaches back into the side of the mountain pass. The party can only proceed single file along the narrow trail leading up into the valley. The group heads up the trail and finally sees the valley. The small valley is barely 200 yards deep and littered with scrub growth, nourished by a feeble spring. Four caves are found in the small valley. Now comes the matter of figuring out which one is the hermit's cave. One cave is right near the end of the goat trail only a mere 10 yards away.

Marching order please?

Actions?

[Bluehorse]

Emma

Could someone stay on higher ground and keep an eagle's eye on everything down here while we go forward? I'd feel better knowing our backs were guarded in case anything coming in from behind or above, or at least get an early warning. Otherwise, I think we should move forward to introduce ourselves to this hermit.

[ravenn4544]

Asad, cranky and even more impatient from the fruitless search, starts off down the trail "let's get this done already!"

[Dram]

Anuzal follows Asad up the trail. Bow at the ready.

[Scott308]

Benham Iskandar


As the party begins heading out, the sha'ir summons his gen. Jafar, go find me the Armor spell. I have a bad feeling about this, and would prefer to remain among the living for a little while longer, at least. The efreetkin disappears, returning in five minutes with the Armor spell, which Benham casts upon himself immediately.

He would prefer to be in the middle of the marching order.

1st Level Wizard Spell (70%): [1d100] = 37; Search Time (rounds): [1d6+1] = 4+1 = 5; Delay (if rolled 00): [1d10] = 4

[Cwreando]

Abrex

Abrex says, “Perhaps Ameer can have one of his men be our lookout? I can lead the way or near the front.”

[Zeromancer]

Ameer's expression becomes one of disappointment as Abrex makes his suggestion. "Regretfully, these hired men serve me as bodyguards, my friend. They are not marksmen."

[Cwreando]

Abrex

Abrex laughs, "You are the only one here that seems to feel the need for body guards and you can't use one to spot for us and yourself. We don't need a marksman just a lookout. That can't be too tough now can it? I suggest the following marching order as we move toward the hermit location. It's up to Ameer here if we get a scout/lookout or not. We may need some lighting in the caves. I can provide some of it for us if we need it just don't look back or know I will have a light shining so cover your eyes if you do."

Abrex will use his driftlight to provide some light and since I'm in the back it won't blind anyone ahead of him unless they look back.

Marching order recommendation

Anuzal Jeehab Scout/Traps
Asad the Lion
Ameer
Some or all of his bodyguards One as lookout?? Possibly
Benham Iskandar
Dubb Al-Tabil
Emma Springdawning
Abrex Myzeen

[Zeromancer]

Ameer smiles broadly, amused at the sudden outburst. After a few seconds, his expression becomes very serious and he replies, "Please do not attempt to dishonor me or my associates by redirecting blame unto us." He pauses for a moment, then adds, "As for their presence here, surely you do not believe me to be so foolish as to travel without them? The desert is a dangerous place." He directs all of his men to take position at the mouth of the cave, then joins them himself.

OOC: Ameer has decided that he and his men will "stand guard" outside the cave, pending an apology at least.

[Bluehorse]

Emma indicates she is ready to proceed. She keeps her potion of glibness close at hand.

[Scott308]

Benham Iskandar

So, it is settled, then. We will check this cave first, and we know our rear is covered to prevent anything from following us, perhaps from one of the other caves.

I'm assuming the cave Ameer and his bodyguards are protecting is the first one, right at the end of the goat path?

Before we go in, Jafar, be so good as to fetch me a Magic Missile spell. I fear I may have need of some sort of offensive magic in the near future. We may continue while he gets the spell- no need to wait out here for him to return. He'll find me wherever we may be at the time.

1st Level Wizard Spell (70%): [1d100] = 79; Search Time (rounds): [1d6+1] = 4+1 = 5; Delay (if rolled 00): [1d10] = 6
Looks like he is still going to need an offensive spell.

[GreyWolfVT]

The first cave would be it yes however you wont get a chance to enter the cave that is why i asked for a march order there is an encounter about to happen before the party gets entirely off the path per the module. I'll need a surprise roll for the players at the front of the marching order please.