CHAPTER 8b: West on the Long Route

[Norjax]

...

The Long Route, 288-290D/81

After a solemn farewell to you companion Blixx, you once again journey west on the Long Route towards the entry path into the Gam’A Zone. At the end of the third day you near the familiar marker stones standing on the shallow, 30ft high cliffs where the salt waste ends and the sandy, rocky scrub-lands begin.

Map



Marker Stones

As happened before, you hear and notice activity around the stones where someone would make camp. You are around 300-400 yards away, but in plain sight of anyone observing down into the flat, featureless waste from the cliffs above.

Actions?

OOC: I will retroactively allow one last, final chance to resupply and complete any activities before leaving Hagalton.

...

[shaidar]

Silvestri gets out his spyglass and sees if he can discern who is at the stones

ooc: I forgot that Silvestri had a spyglass.

[Norjax]

...

The Long Route, 288-290D/81

Silvestri produces a spyglass and scans the horizon of the cliff. Gathered on either side of the road are over a dozen people, mingling about with a few appearing to stand guard.

Behind and to the west of them, he can see the upper sides and tops of several wagons which appear to be parked in a circle.

Actions?

...

[Zhym]

Kurot stands near Silvestri, viewing the encampment with his own spyglass. "Shall we try to avoid them?" he asks, "Or do you want to pick a fight?"

The option of greeting them and making friends seems so unlikely that the android doesn't even bring it up as a possibility.

[greyarea]

Or we could make new friends. Like the last time we met folk at this place (although I still don’t understand what a “whaling party” does), suggests Denslow. Two of us go and say hello, the others have your rifles out and scoped in in case things go south.

And don’t fall for that pigmonn thing this time.

[Scythius Equinus]

Frank Rock

I am up for whatever you guys want, but i aint gonna let some riff raff take out another one of my companions.

Checking the chamber in his rifle, and spitting to the side...

[shaidar]

Silvestri

"If I can get closer then I can try and use my powers to discern their intentions. I'd be happy to be one of those that goes to speak to them. I can leave my rifle here with somebody. We should probably all get a bit closer first before making contact."

[rossik]

"I can go, no problem!" say MacMak, eager to make a good impression at the party

[Norjax]

OOC: Is anyone else joining Silvestri and MacMak in the approach?

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shaidar, Silvestri's Empathy power range is line of sight. He need only get close enough to identify specific individuals. I'll say 200-yards away, and using the spyglass, is sufficient to determine individual identifying marks.

[greyarea]

Denslow will

[shaidar]

Silvestri suggests that the group closes to 200 yards so he can use his power. If that gives a good result then he, macmak and denslow can close and parlay.

[quozl]

Ron like Silvestri's idea and hopes nobody takes potshots at us.

[Urson]

Belial

Belial squats on his haunches with the 'staying back' group, absently grooming his belly fur while things proceed.

[shaidar]

Silvestri tries his Empathy power

Empathy: [1d20+6] = 13+6 = 19

I'll spend a point of luck to bring it up to a 20, so it affects 3 target creatures.

[Norjax]

...

The Long Route, 290D/81

Silvestri, MacMak and Denslow separate from the party and move a couple hundred yards forward to better observe the group at the marker stones.

Silvestri uses his spyglass to focus in on a group standing away from the main collection of people.

OOC: PM sent

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Hit Points [Luck Points]:

Belial – 57/57 [2/9]
Bruce – 50/50 [12/12]
Denslow – 42/42 [16/16]
Frank – 63/63 [13/13]
Kurot –50/50 [10/15]
Ron – 69/69 [15/15]
Silvestri – 60/60 [13/14]

...

[shaidar]

Silvestri

"They are cautious and defensive, but not hostile. We should be safe to approach. I'll keep the power running for as long as I can"

[Scythius Equinus]

Frank Rock

Stands anxiously waiting on word... itchy trigger finger...

[Norjax]

...

The Long Route, 290D/81

Silvestri, MacMak and Denslow continue down the Long Route and approach the hill leading up to the top of the cliffs. As they approach, a group of four meets them between the marker stones.

>PM Sent<

---

The remainder stay back 400 yards with the pack animals and Silvestri’s horse. You keep alert and prepare to act at the first sign of trouble. Kurot watches with his spyglass, and will be the first to notice any problems.

Actions?

Hit Points [Luck Points]:

Belial – 57/57 [2/9]
Bruce – 50/50 [12/12]
Denslow – 42/42 [16/16]
Frank – 63/63 [13/13]
Kurot –50/50 [10/15]
Ron – 69/69 [15/15]
Silvestri – 60/60 [13/14]

...

[Norjax]

...

The Long Route, 290D/81

Kurot can see Silvestri, Denslow and MacMak engaged in conversation with four people.

>PM Sent<

Actions?

Hit Points [Luck Points]:

Belial – 57/57 [2/9]
Bruce – 50/50 [12/12]
Denslow – 42/42 [16/16]
Frank – 63/63 [13/13]
Kurot –50/50 [10/15]
Ron – 69/69 [15/15]
Silvestri – 60/60 [13/14]

...

[Zhym]

Kurot watches and waits for Silvestri, Denslow and MacMak to give the signal for "all clear" or "HELP!"