Over the Hills and Far Away

The Dwarven and Mercianan diplomats lead you to a large stone door set into the end of a tunnel. You've been steadily climbing for the better part of an hour. They swing the door open and you're greeted by a rush of cold, crisp mountain air. For Warhol and Vossik it is a welcome relief after so much time underground. For Qhu it is...foreign...unusual...but he can see why some may consider it pleasant.  

You step through the door into a mountain pass dusted in fresh snow. It is a bright, brisk morning.








Just outside the entrance to the tunnel sits an ornate wagon. It would not be out of character in a circus procession




A pair of quarter horses are yoked to the front of the wagon. A young dwarf tends to the horses, readying them for travel. The Mercianan envoy turns to the party. "This is how you will travel to the Free City. Inside you will find a map of the realm and of the Free City itself with your destinations marked. Are there any final questions or requests?"

Qhu squints at the burning ball of fire in the sky. He pulls his cowl up to shield his eyes. He croaks and gurgles in awe. None of his thoughts are broadcast due to the magic of his new cloak, but he doesn't seem to notice.

Just to make sure, there is no issue with Vossik using his own mount, yes? He has one (its on my character page)

Mr. Waverly examines the giant lizard mount. “It will be a curiosity for certain. I don’t see why not. Be aware that the Free City is a ….cosmopolitan place. What might be unusual to a provincial viewer is likely beneath the notice of the urban dweller. That being said, should the presence of your mount jeapordize the King’s mission? I would ride that beast back to your homeland as fast as it would take me.”

"Marrshek is a well-disciplined mount and will cause no offense. If she needs to be left somewhere, that can be arranged. I do not wish to jeopardize this mission. I will take her for now unless you believe it would be counter-productive."

“Hey, thanks buddy,” Warhol pats the Envoy on the shoulder gently.  “Please give my warm regards to The King and his family. His trust means a lot to me and I will take this responsibility seriously.”

Then Warhol talks to the horses using his Druidic ability to do so. “Hey…” he looks underneath. “Hey ladies. I appreciate your helping me get around for a while. Is there anything I can do to make your job more pleasant? Maybe a food you prefer?”

Warhol also introduces himself to Vossik’s mount. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Let’s have a a look at this map.”

The horses eye Warhol warily. “Apples & carrots? No one’s ever asked before.” They both lean in and give him some affectionate nuzzles.

The lizard mount gives Warhol a nod and a curt “likewise” and goes back to stoically looking at the horizon.

Travel order? Wagon with Qhu & Warhol? Vossik mounted ahead or behind? Alongside?

Qhu in the wagon. He doesn't know how to drive a team, but will try after observing Warhol.

When time allows, he will apply his fashionable elven disguise kit. He suggests that his circus character be the elf as a Master of Ceremonies, given his charming personality (high CHA). His performance would be in the style of Cirque du Soleil silent mime and communicating telepathically with the others while reading the crowds' minds as needed. He can also do some mentalist tricks with audience members where they mark on a card and he picks their card, guess their mother's name, and other carnival tricks. He can also do levitation type tricks.

Vossik will ride about 20' ahead of the wagon for now.

“Good idea Qhu. I can provide several animal acts that dazzle the audience with feats of acrobatics and agility.”

“Hey Vossik, what could you do for our circus?”

As the party readies themselves for departure Waverly retrieves the maps from the wagon and spreads them on a flat boulder nearby. He motions the group to gather around him

"The first map is of the 7 Kingdoms. You will see in red your route from our location here in the mountains of Koroth to the Free City of Alshams Alqamara. If you maintain a steady pace and rest at night it should take you 3-4 days. The road will see some snow until you descend from the mountains, but it should not be impassable at this time of year."





He flips to the second map. "This is the Free City of Alshams Algamara. Many generations ago the city was founded by the first Abyssian Empire. It's protected location on the shores of the Bay of Taniyn and surrounded by mineral rich hills insured that it would be coveted by every ruler of each of the seven kingdoms. Throughout its history it's been subject to siege after siege, changing hands and banners many times. despite this violent history, the city still amassed a great wealth from mining activities and it's position at the intersection of sea and land traffic. 200 years ago, once again suffering under the rule of the Abyssian crown, the city's wealthiest merchants joined forces and committed their considerable resources to purchasing a mercenary army which fought and won the city's independence. The Azure Guard now protects the peace and prosperity under the City's own banner as the merchant families continue to amass incredible hoards of wealth."

• Middle City greets all of the City's visitors. It is dominated by taverns, inns, and the public facing offices of the Merchant Clan houses.
  

• Ayit Harbur welcomes commercial and passenger sea traffic and houses the import/export offices for the Clans and the City.
  

• Bazaar Sahar is renowned as a place where anything can be bought or sold from throughout the realm.
  

• Work town is aptly named, containing guild halls, boarding houses and workers' apartments, plus the entertainments designed to separate those workers from their coin.
  

• The Gutter is where the lowest classes of the City eek out a hardscrabble existence. Refugees and expats from around the realm gather here to build whatever community they can muster.
  

• Aleaylia is the largest section of the city geographically. It houses generational families and the more successful vendors & trades workers.
  

• The Sapphire district holds the residences of the Merchant Clans. This is where the wealth of the Free City is concentrated. An internal wall and battlements secures this district.
  

• Janub Harbur contains the sea-faring assets of the Merchant Clans. Longboats, sailing vessels, and the infrastructure to maintain them. It's also not unusual to see mysterious vessels under unknown insignia coming and going at odd hours of the day and night. Access to this harbor from the Sapphire district is a closely guarded secret by the Clans.
  

• The Governor's Keep houses the seat of the City's government. Most of the bureaucracy is bought and paid for by the Merchant Clans, but the Governor does have authority over the Azure Guards and they serve that office and hold no other allegiance, allegedly.
  

• Jazur Alhajiz are the barrier islands that protect the city from seaward storms. They are essentially uninhabited, but offer the best views of the City's annual regatta and will house temporary encampments during the festival.
  

Waverly takes a breath and looks at the group. "Questions?"

Qhu gurgles and chugs as he strokes his tentacles, a habit he acquired from observing Professor Whisp with his beard.

He stares expectantly at Waverly. He then remembers his new cloak and lowers the cowl. "The Free City has impressive organization on many levels. It is... surprising.... that so many free minds were able to build something together. Will we arrive by land and pass through the NE gate into Middle City?"

“Yes that’s correct. That is the only “official” land entrance into the city. You will encounter the Azure Guard inspecting the incoming traffic and may be subject to search yourselves. Your personal weapons & effects will not be an issue. They’ll mostly be looking for anything that might disrupt the festival on a large scale.”

Vossik looks at Warhol quizzically when he asks about the 'circus.' "Members of the 1st order of the Saurian Guard are not circus performers... we are a part of a greater calling."

To Waverly... "is this city currently at war with the rest of Abbyssaid? Do you think that we will face a greater danger from outside the city, or from within?"

“Well, the greatest danger in the city is blowing our cover. Part of the mission is to pretend to be a traveling circus act.”

“Outside the city we probably only need to be concerned with brigands, giants, or wild creatures looking for a meal.”

Qhu perks up at the suggestion of wild animals, "Wild animals, you say? Now, brigands are frequently drunkards.
Quite frankly, this spoils the soup, like too much salt. Giants, on the other hand, taste a like a hearty bone broth -nourishing and flavorful but lacking in any.... complexity on the palette. I wonder what new flavors we will discover with the local fauna? Oh, the.... anticipation" he muffles a few slurping sounds with his hand.

Vossik ponders Warhol's comment... "hmm, in that case, I could be... what would you call it... a tough man? A strong man? You probably know the proper term better than I do."

Waverly studies the warrior lizard judiciously. “This ruse has been carefully crafted to allow you access to a supremely sensitive exchange that will ultimately prevent a war that might reach all corners of the seven kingdoms. Is there no higher calling than ensuring the realm’s peace? To your question about the City’s enemies, they are not in active conflict with any of the kingdoms. While any one of them would relish the thought of securing the City’s riches, the trade imbalance caused by its overthrow would require some or all the other six countries to intercede.”

"hmm, very good. I only asked so that I could ascertain the strategic situation. How common are attacks by brigands and raiders?"

Waverly continues on the topic of threats. “The Merchant Hakim bin Salaam will have a well fortified residence and plenty of guards. The expeditions from Abyssaid and Merciana will also have their own guards in attendance. The battlements and gates of the Sapphire district will be manned by the Azures. The will not hesitate to put down any disorder, especially during the regatta.” He thinks through his next statement carefully, “The Free City is full of opportunists. While care has been taken to ensure these proceedings will remain secret, a great deal of mistrust remains in both camps. Should news of this dowry and its value reach the underworld or one of the less ethical Merchant Clans, a play might be made to intercept it. That is what you must be on guard for.”

“Inside the City walls petty crime does occur and some of the unsavory districts such as Worktown and the Gutter do see violent acts. The Azure Guard is well trained and appointed as a defense and police force. They maintain order reasonably well.

Outside the walls of the city there are a number of encampments set by traveling merchants, a variety of lesser guilds, and independent trade & craftsmen, and of course criminals less encouraged by the presence of the Azures inside the City. These are less regulated and one could find themselves in danger if not careful.

Further afield the threats vary wildly as the borderlands of Merciana, Koroth, and Abyssaid intersect. The Azure Guards remain focused on defending the city, so there is little oversight beyond the walls other than what the three kingdoms deem necessary on their own lands. We Mercianans take our border control VERY seriously, the Dwarves of Koroth less so, and the Abyssians even less than that.” Waverly puffs up a bit as he makes that last claim.

“I ought ta know that,” Warhol kids. “They shot me for taking a walk in the woods, but then the King spared my life.”

Any last questions or preparations before departing?

Whitey wrote:Any last questions or preparations before departing?

Qhu chassés to exaggerate the flow of his scintillating cloak, "Does this fit my part as MC of the act?"
(minor illusion cantrip for the visual effects)

Mr. Waverly gives Qhu a curiously…interested…once over. “Divine.”

Warhol summons a snowy owl to fly sorties under the tree tops on our perimeter as we travel. The owl regularly makes contact within 100’ of Warhol to give reports.

Warhol drives at first, showing Qhu what he’s seen humans do before with the reins. Occasionally he gesticulates wildly to imitate the barbarism some humans display towards horses, but he is a gentle driver and he uses his ability to speak with the horses to gain an advantage in his driving skills.

“Ladies, please remind me to pick up your favorite foods the next town we pass. There’s some oats in the wagon too. Oh, and let me know if yous wanna switch sides or if you’re getting tired.”

“Hey, do you girls know Arrod, the warhorse? I hope he made it home okay…”

Whitey wrote:Mr. Waverly gives Qhu a curiously…interested…once over. “Divine.”

Remember that Octurian poontang?
Yeah, but the one you had was a male.
Shit... it dont matter when its Octurian!

No further question for now.

(Chris gets blamed if we run into shit on the level of that movie at this point.)

whit10 wrote:
(Chris gets blamed if we run into shit on the level of that movie at this point.)

you already did

The party bids Mr. Waverly and the Dawi courtier farewell. The door to the tunnel swings closed with a definitive thud, leaving the trio to arrange their gear & provisions in the wagon and embark on their mission. The track leading from the tunnel to the main road is narrow but reasonably well trodden. Vossik on his strider leads the way as Warhol encourages the mares down the path behind him.




In short order you pick up the main road through this part of the mountains. The dwarves do reasonably well at road maintenance and the party finds the travel easy going.  The sun hits its zenith without incident and Warhol's owl has little to report other than spotting a mother bear emerging from hibernation with her cubs a half mile off. Other signs of mountain spring arriving are all around you, as ice flows thaw to waterfalls and birds and small mammals seek out their midday meal. It is early spring though, and plenty of snow surrounds you. Occasional flurries dust the wagon and blanket the world in the sweet silence that one can only find at this altitude. In late afternoon you pass by a high alpine lake with crisp, clean water.



It strikes you that this may be a good place to camp for the night. There is also still an hour or so of daylight. You may press on if you wish...

pitching camp is fine with me

"Fresh water is always a good place to stop, both for us and the horses."

Do we see anything resembling a campsite?  Maybe others have stopped here.  

If not, Qhu will use 5 sorc points to cast Telekinesis and start clearing an area.  He stands completely still giving no indication of action other the occasional flicker of his eyes.  Psionic spells are cast without any verbal, somatic or material components.  

He has 10 minutes or 100 rounds during which he can move anything under 1000 lbs up to 30ft per round.  So he could easily clear some boulders, trees, use a part of a dead tree (lighter) as a plow to clear to snow.  He will break apart the dead tree afterwards into chunks.  He will assemble river rocks into a fire ring.  He could probably even move the wagon off the trail, if needed.  


Maybe Vossik can chop the wood?

I assume Warhol can make fire?

Qhu uses a bonus action somewhere in there to sack a 2nd and 3rd slot to refill his sorc points to 9


Telekinesis
5 transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Target: See text
Components: V S
Duration: Up to 10 minutes
Classes: Sorcerer, Wizard
You gain the ability to move or manipulate creatures or objects by thought. When you cast the spell, and as your action each round for the duration, you can exert your will on one creature or object that you can see within range, causing the appropriate effect below. You can affect the same target round after round, or choose a new one at any time. If you switch targets, the prior target is no longer affected by the spell.
Creature. You can try to move a Huge or smaller creature. Make an ability check with your spellcasting ability contested by the creature’s Strength check. If you win the contest, you move the creature up to 30 feet in any direction, including upward but not beyond the range of this spell. Until the end of your next turn, the creature is restrained in your telekinetic grip. A creature lifted upward is suspended in mid-air.
On subsequent rounds, you can use your action to attempt to maintain your telekinetic grip on the creature by repeating the contest.
Object. You can try to move an object that weighs up to 1,000 pounds. If the object isn’t being worn or carried, you automatically move it up to 30 feet in any direction, but not beyond the range of this spell.
If the object is worn or carried by a creature, you must make an ability check with your spellcasting ability contested by that creature’s Strength check. If you succeed, you pull the object away from that creature and can move it up to 30 feet in any direction but not beyond the range of this spell.
You can exert fine control on objects with your telekinetic grip, such as manipulating a simple tool, opening a door or a container, stowing or retrieving an item from an open container, or pouring the contents from a vial.



just in case...

Chris wrote:QHU's STAT BLOCK

HP: 79/79
AC:  20
PP: 15
Sorc pts: 9/9
saves:  Cha +9  Con +7, ADV concentration, ADV all Int\Wis\Cha
resistant to psychic dmg
Spell DC = 8+cha+prof+1 = 18

Sorcerer Spell slots
4/4
2/3
2/3
3/3
1/1

Warlock spell slots
2/2

chopping wood... on it

Warhol is impressed. “park the wagon and that tree so as to make a small enclave against the hillside.”  He uses stone shape to form the stone ring into a covered fireplace, so the party and horses can stay warm without shedding bright light. Warhol starts pulling tac blankets from the wagon.

“Thanks Ladies. Ya did a good job today.” He looks around in the wagon for a crunchy horse snack or some sugar cubes.

The party finds a side track off the main road and sets up camp. The path winds through a craggy little canyon. There is a wooden platform resembling a pier or dock at the end of the track, it may just be an observation deck. The scenery is breathtaking.




Vossik gets his mount situated and chops wood. Warhol takes care of the fire pit and the horses. You are able to secure the wagon in a setback in the rocks with a tree nearby to lash the animals to.

There are signs of previous travelers camping here, so no need for Qhu's telekinesis. Anyone may roll Investigation to try and learn more.

Please declare watch order, if any. And just to keep things moving, please each give a Perception roll for your watch.

Vossik can go first.

Perception:

Sun Jan 29 2023 10:50:55 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 5 to total : 8, + 5, TOTAL: 13

well that could have been better....

Vossik is wearing his Headband, his Storm Rune is active and he can't be surprised. If that's relevant

Qhu doesnt care which watch he takes.

He will check out the camp area

Investigation
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 5 to total : 15, + 5, TOTAL: 20

Perception
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 5 to total : 9, + 5, TOTAL: 14

Since he has slots leftover.... Q will cast Gift of Alacrity on everyone using 3 sorc pts, replenish w a 3rd.

Gift of Alacrity

Source: Explorer's Guide to Wildemount

1st-level divination (dunamancy:chronurgy)

Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: 8 hours

You touch a willing creature. For the duration, the target can add 1d8 to its initiative rolls.


Q is looking forward to his first night under the stars!

Warhol summons another snow owl to take a 5 hour watch.

Mechanically this needs to be the first watch in order to use up the previous day’s resources.

Warhol also uses up 4 of the previous day’s lowest level spell slots to make good berries. These actions are routine unless otherwise indicated due to resource limitations.

 The owl looks for a high hiding spot where she can survey a distance from the sleeping party that takes full advantage of her 120’ dark vision.
Passive perception 13 (18 hearing & sight)
Active perception 13 (adv. hearing and sight)
Stealth
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +3" :

15 + 3 = 18

At the end of the owls watch, she wakes Vossik or Qhu.

Dang, I should have grabbed a find familiar scroll. We could all just sleep. Put it on the list for next time....

ah, good idea Alan. Second watch is fine then for Vossik

Qhu rummages around the remnants of other campsites in the canyon. Most of it is rather innocuous, old cookfires, discarded bones from meals. The tracks & refuse all appear to be made by humanoids and their typical service animals, some do seem quite large. You could make a Nature check to try and determine the species if you wish.

Warhol's owl takes the first watch and sails high into a tree at the crest of the canyon. It spies some nocturnal animals going about their business. It does hear something large in the pine forest some ways off, it could be that mama bear. The remainder of the watch passes without incident and Vossik is roused for the second watch.

It is a clear, cold night and Vossik enjoys the view of the galaxy of stars stretching overhead from horizon to horizon. An hour or so into his watch he hears the  mounts begin to get restless. As he scans beyond the fire his gaze passes over the massive icicles hanging off the walls of the canyon. For an instant he swears his eyes are playing tricks on him, and then he realizes they are not! Crystalline creatures have appeared where only ice seemed to exist before!



Initiative! (Vossik is immune to this surprise but Qhu and Warhol are sleeping and will not have an action this round).

Map:

Vossik's intiative:
+1d8 from Qhu's spell

Sun Jan 29 2023 13:02:04 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d8 + 0 to total : 8, TOTAL: 8

Hot dog!

Sun Jan 29 2023 13:02:39 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 9 to total : 11, + 9, TOTAL: 20

well that helped!

Vossik can only act, including yelling a warning, on his turn, correct?



Stat Block:

AC: 21
Initiative: +1
Movement: 30’
HP: 114
Saves: Str. +10, Con. +9, Dex. +2, Int. +1, Wis. +2, Cha. 0
Darkvision – 120’
Resistant to being poisoned and Poison Damage, Advantage on Insight Checks
Advantage on Poison Saves and Strength Saves
Ring of Protection +1

Vossik will have his full turn in initiative order. Just waiting on the other initiative rolls.

thought so, just wanted to make sure

Stat Block
Warhol
Move 30’
AC 22
Hp 88/88

Ring of Free Action
Owl 5 hours
Gift of alacrity +1d8 initiative
Initiative roll
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +1d8 -1" :

17 + 2 - 1 = 18

Rolling line 1 : 1d8 + 0 to total : 6, TOTAL: 6

Sun Jan 29 2023 15:53:06 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 1 to total : 14, + 1, TOTAL: 15

21 total


Zzzzzzzzzz



Great map!  Fits the pictures perfectly


Go get 'em, Josh!

Chris wrote:QHU's STAT BLOCK

HP: 79/79
AC:  20
PP: 15
Sorc pts: 9/9
saves:  Cha +9  Con +7, ADV concentration, ADV all Int\Wis\Cha
resistant to psychic dmg
Spell DC = 8+cha+prof+1 = 18

Sorcerer Spell slots
4/4
3/3
2/3
3/3
1/1

Warlock spell slots
2/2

Initiative
28 Vossik
21 Qhu (Surprised)
20 ???
18 Warhol (Surprised)
18 Ice Mephits

Vossik is up!

Vossik surveys the field.... He shouts "Alarm, to arms! Defend the mounts!"

As a bonus action he increases his size to Large.

Mr. GM, wouldn't that automatically put him next to at least one of the baddies? The one at T-15?

will wait for that before he attacks

Large is 2x2 squares, so yes it would. Proceed, sir.

Ok, sword out and it's wreathed in flames


3 strikes at the nearest baddie....

Sun Jan 29 2023 17:36:25 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 10 to total : 19, + 10, TOTAL: 29

Sun Jan 29 2023 17:36:24 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 10 to total : 17, + 10, TOTAL: 27

Sun Jan 29 2023 17:36:23 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 10 to total : 3, + 10, TOTAL: 13

two hits and one miss I assume?

damage for the two hits:

the first hit will get the 1d8 for him being large and he will invoke his fire rune for Fiery Shackles

In addition, when you hit a creature with an attack using a weapon, you can invoke the rune to summon fiery shackles: the target takes an extra 2d6 fire damage, and it must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute. While restrained by the shackles, the target takes 2d6 fire damage at the start of each of its turns. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, banishing the shackles on a success. Once you invoke this rune, you can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest.

1st damage roll:
Rolling line 1 : 2d6 + 6 to total : 6, 3, + 6, TOTAL: 15
this gets 3d6 fire due to the sword's 1d6 fire damage
Rolling line 1 : 3d6 + 0 to total : 2, 3, 6, TOTAL: 11

+1d8
Sun Jan 29 2023 17:45:00 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d8 + 0 to total : 7, TOTAL: 7

so 33 for the first damage roll with a DC 17 Strength save or be restrained.

2nd damage roll:
Sun Jan 29 2023 17:46:09 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 2d6 + 6 to total : 3, 1, + 6, TOTAL: 10

plus 1d6 fire from the sword
Sun Jan 29 2023 17:46:46 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d6 + 0 to total : 5, TOTAL: 5

15 total damage from the second attack.  

48 total for this attack; 16 is fire damage if that matters

Stat Block:

AC: 21
Initiative: +1
Movement: 30’
HP: 114
Saves: Str. +10, Con. +9, Dex. +2, Int. +1, Wis. +2, Cha. 0
Darkvision – 120’
Resistant to being poisoned and Poison Damage, Advantage on Insight Checks
Advantage on Poison Saves and Strength Saves
Ring of Protection +1
Fiery Shackles used until short rest

Done