Tyrael rode in the back of the wagon, leaning against the side board and snoring lightly.  She had decided to ride in the wagon after she fell asleep riding her own horse and had tumbled to the ground.  Being the seasoned campaigner that she was, Tyrael was clutching her sword to her chest as if it were a plush animal.  She muttered something every time the wagon gave a hard bump.

Nulgaz walked along side the cart. She thought the others should be more comfortable and she knew she took up a lot of room. In the cold she pulled her cloak tightly around her. She tried to keep an eye out for possible ambushes but her mind often drifted to what spells might be needed in possible circumstances.

She saw the pack and gear and was unsure what to make of it. Did this belong to their missing compatriot? Did someone decide to make snow angels and forget their things? Maybe it was a free range gelatinous cube that liked things very tidy? She had no idea and would leave the response to the rest of the party. For her part she wanted to take things that they might need but she also didn’t dare take from someone who might need them more, their rightful owner.

Sitting in the back unaware of what was found, Gordo rests his eyes. Its hard to tell if he is asleep or not but his eyes open at times. The tortle is almost stone-like. Probably in a meditative stance.

OOC
Posted for Gordo.

Dreamljocht was drivingthe horses when he sees something at the side of the road in the snow. He holds the horses and when the cart has stopped, he calls upon Nulgaz and Hailie to search the find. He doesn't wish to disturb the rest of Tyrael and Gordo. Although he has not the slightest idea how the pack and gear had come to this place and why, he keeps in mind that the disappearance of Sam could be linked, even if doesn't know how and why.
"Halie, take a look: it could give you weapons and spare clothing for the time being," he mentions to his friend who has lost all his possessions.

Opening her eyes, the cold ranger gets off the back of the wagon and pets her horse before slowly moving towards the backpack. She grabs it and sees something hanging in the trees-goggles. She grabs them and the pack and puts it into the wagon and starts to check it. And realizes it was taken from her-everything she had. Even her bow and quiver. Why is it here? Slipping into her clothes in private of course, she is oddly quiet but least she has her gear back. Yet she regonizes the goggles.

Sam. But he never takes them off. And she puts them on, sighing.

Nulgaz carefully approached the front of the group. Seeing the way Hallie was acting she knew something had to be going on but was new and didn’t know the specifics. Gently she approached the ranger after she finished dressing. Leaning in slowly she asked in as light a voice she could manage, ”Are you alright enough to go on? Is there anything we can do to help?”

Once the cart stops, Gordo takes the opportunity to step out. It's a little too crowded there for his taste anyways, he'll just walk alongside it from now on. "What's going on?" he asks simply, not fully understanding what happened, since he was still in the cart when the gear was found.

Dreamljocht sees the look on Halie's face: "Is it yours?" he asks full of wonder. "And what did you take from that tree? I couldn't see it well." Dream jumps from the cart, and walks to Halie to see herself.

When the cleric comes around the corner-he can see goggles on Halie's forehead. And they might be Sam's "Yeah they are mine..." The ranger watches the cleric. The tortle walks up to them and the ranger grabs the pack from the back of the cart. She climbs on up and closes the door leaving Gordo, Dream, Nulz and Tyr outside. Strange.

Nulgaz called after Hallie, "Get some rest. I think the others could use a stretch of their legs." Nulgaz urged the others to move onwards. For a moment she looked around and listened for anything out of the ordinary before taking her place to walk along side again.

She sat there, clutching the pack, thoughts whirling about at what the goggles signified. Was it a sign that Sam was alive? If he was...why hasn't he come back? She frowned, taking several deep breaths to try and remain calm. What in the Hells, Sam..., she thought bitterly.

When Dream hears from Halie that the pack is hers and he recognizes the goggles as Sam's, he is almost flabbergasted! He thinks it all over: is Sam still alive and near? Has he his own reasons to stay hidden? Is their invisible attacker playing pranks with their minds? As he can't come to a conclusion yet, he walks along the cart, praying to his patron goddess Sarenrae for any guidance, insight and wisdom, not only to solve this riddle, but also to find a way to help Halie, who seems traumatized.

Nulgaz walked up towards the others. In quiet tones she stated, ”Maybe one of you should check on her. I know you all lost someone but it seems to be hitting her harder. I feel sad for the situation but she doesn’t know me from a log in the woods; I don’t think I would be the welcome sight as some of you might be.”

With that she backed off and took a proper scan around of the environment. Someone must have left these here. A reverse rust monster?

OOC Perception Check- 7
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Mon 11 Mar.

"And it should probably be one of you two, who know her the longest," he says, pointing at Ty and Dream, not wanting to sound as if he's trying to get out of it but really believing they're the right people for the task. "By the way, did those goggles I saw her taking seem similar to the pair Sam had, or is that just my imagination?" he asked them.

Tyrael was not shy about yawning in front of the others, so she did.  She stepped over to Dream and patted him on the shoulder.  "That would be you, handsome."  she said, rubbing her eyes.  "Hailie seems to respond to you better than to me.  'sides, I'd probably just curl up beside her and fall asleep."

"I wouldn't worry about Sam.  He's probably prowling out there in the woods, scowling at us all and planning to knife us in our sleep."  The Half-Elf said half-jokingly.  Sure Sam could be a pain in the ass with his suspicious and confrontational attitude but Tyrael had seen the man in action and had a healthy respect for him, even if she didn't come right out and say it.  "I mean, who leaves a backpack in the middle of the road for us to find.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.  Besides, Sam is tough and resourceful, he'll be fine and will rejoin us once he's through playing whatever game he is playing right now."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Wed 13 Mar.

Nulgaz questioned, "So then you think we shouldn’t go look for who left these here? I guess we get ready to head on after he talks to her then?"

She hadn’t seen anything herself but the others knew this Sam better than she did. Maybe it was best if Hallie cried it out. She would have suggested tracking, there had to be some evidence, but that was not something of which she had event the fainted clue.

Tyrael thought for a long moment.  From what she had seen of Sam, he didn't seem the sort to just leave stuff around.  Maybe he was making a special case for Hailie, but there was always a chance that it wasn't the rogue playing games.  "You have a good point there, Nuls.  I guess we can take a little look around while Dream goes to talk with Hailie.  Care to join me?  I might need someone to hold my hand in these scary woods.  Gordo?  You feel like joining in?  We haven't really had a chance to talk and I just love meeting new people.  Even better if I don't have to slay them."

Tyrael walked back to where the pack was and started looking around for any indication of how the pack ended up there.  Surely there must be tracks, given the falling snow there should be something visible.

OOC:
Tyrael Mournstrider rolled 27 for Perception.
Tyrael Mournstrider rolled 17 for Survival to look for tracks.

Gordo managed to note a slight look of worry in Ty's eyes, which made his concern rise ever so slightly. "I am definitely in," he replied to Ty, joining in beside him, and looking around cautiously. "It is true, we haven't had much time before I left to look for Halie, it's nice to finally make your acquaintance properly."

OOC:
Gordo Vet rolled 30 for Perception.

While Tyrael, Gordo and Nulgaz look for any signs how the pack had come to its place on the road, Dreamljocht enters the cart, looking for Halie. "How can I help you, Halie?" he asks, concerned about the wellbeing of the ranger. "Can you tell me more about what happened when you were abducted?" Dreamljocht tries to console Halie, but doesn't know where to start and hopes to get some ideas from Halie.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Sun 17 Mar.

Nulgaz joins the others in searching the area. She knew she would be little help but she could still be company and provide protection. She pulled her cloak around her and listened as the other two talked. She had yet to truly get know either of them but knew the least about the tortle.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:27, Sun 17 Mar.

Nothing was visible. Not a single track due to the snow the previous night and morning. Or anything else. Just the woodlands covered in the snow and the road. Its hard to tell who put the backpack out here and why. Maybe it was Sam or the one who took Haile. Perhaps someone else. It just seems very strange. Dream starts the cart moving at a slow paces as the others check the area. Haile sits up next to him but she is eerily silent. Probably due to a horrible night and probably doesn't want to talk about it immediatly. The cub sits in her arms covered with a blanket. Its cold out but it stopped snowing.

For now. And the sun is out, a sign of relief. Not a single cloud out.

Tyrael had been rather pre-occupied with looking for tracks around the backpack that she wasn't much for conversation.  That changed once the wagon started moving again.  She looked up and it seemed that the time had come to leave.

"What brought you out this way, Gordo?"  Tyri asked, turning her attention from the mysterious pack to her mysterious companion.  "I have to say that I'm not that familiar with your people."

"Oh, I was hired by the king to go search for you guys and for Wintermist," he replied. "Actually, this hasn't come up so far, but the king did say all contact with you was lost, I wonder if we can send him a message somehow without abandoning our quest, it was a long way going from the city...". When Tyri asks him about his "people", he responds: "I come from a small village in the area of the great swamplands down south. We're mostly Tortles in that village. Simple people, fishers, farmers, growing vegetables... Most are really nice," he says, reminiscing, with a longing look. After a short while, he understands that he's a bit impolite by not asking back, so he also asks: "How about you? What's your story?". It does seem, though, that although the question didn't come to him immediately, it's not because he isn't interested in hearing the answer.

Tyrael nodded and grinned back at Gordo.  "Then we're the same, sort of.  I'm originally from a small town...well not sure where it is from here.  It's been a while since I was forced...well...had to leave.  Been making my way swinging sword and shield since. Not much else to say.  Just big, dumb, fighter here."

"I heard about this Wintermist quest and it sounded like a nice change of pace, and the money was good.  So here I am."

Nulgaz added, "Big strong mage here, but otherwise mostly the same. I didn’t fit in well at home and took to liking travelling. This quest seemed like an opportunity to travel and actually accomplish something at the same time."

Nulgaz took out her book and perused the mages as she talked. She was considering a change for tomorrow but she wasn’t sure yet. It really depended on what challenges lay ahead. Would it be environmental or should be ready a more combative arsenal? Either way she wanted to get moving but she didn’t want to interrupt the conversations. She looked furtively at the wagon and decided it was better to know with whom she traveled than make a few feet of travel.

"Well met. Much better knowing who is fighting alongside you." Gordo looks around some more, with a small smile on his face, although it might not be so obvious if you haven't been with Tortles a lot and don't know what it looks like when they smile.

When Dream came into the cart and spoke to Halie, she just shook her head. Her abduction wasn’t what bothered her but she also just didn’t want to speak about Sam. The grief...it hurt too much. But there was some solace in Dream’s presence even if she was still a bit trepidatious, that fear of abandonment quelling any full on attachment. Even as Dream finally admits defeat and goes to get the wagon moving again, she moves to sit beside him, quiet yet calmed by his presence. With a slight shiver, Halie nuzzled the cubling, trying to pull herself from the spiral that she had descended.

Nulgaz turned an ear towards the cart and raised an eyebrow. She turned at looked at the two sitting up front.

She said, "Unless you detect something I think that is our cue to move on." She nodded towards the cart to accent what she was saying. She awaited a response and was ready to follow the others if they agreed.

"Let's go then," Gordo replied, walking along the side of the road and trying to keep about 20' ahead of the cart.

Dreamljocht gave up on helping Halie right away, settling for calming the ranger by his presence, as he notices the peace that seems to come upon her while she sits besides him, when he moves the cart again. He is glad the others walk next to the cart: at last there seems some resemblance to normal travel, as only superficial. When Halie seems to relax, he gives Gordo, Nulgaz and Tyarel a sign that all is as good as possible for the moment.

He keeps his attention on the road and especially at possible places where they could be ambushed, as their unknown attacker is still on the prowl.

Tyrael walked beside the wagon, alongside the lead horse, letting Gordo walk on ahead.  She was watching Gordo as much as the forest to the side of the wagon.  A Tortle was not something that she had come across before, and she had to admit to being curious about the Monk.  He seemed like a decent enough fellow.  Would he be upset to learn that Tyrael had enjoyed a meal of tortoise before?

Probably best not to mention that.

Once everyone is set, Dream gets the horses moving. There is no sign of Sam or the kidnapper. It may be good or bad. Little happens as they travel. Not a single person is seen, but they do see several animals. Fox. Birds. Even a doe. It seems like they keep travelling on and it starts to get dark. They can see maybe a days travel the start of a mountain range. Haile seems focus on the map with her cubling asleep on her lap. Woods, woods and more woods. Darkness begins to come and there is a small area to possibly park the wagon. The weather seemed decent at least. No snow but it is getting cold.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:50, Fri 05 Apr.

"What do you think?" she asked. She gestured ahead of them. "Do we continue on until we reach the mountains or do we make camp? I can put up a weather and temperature dome and an Alarm for us."

Her nose twitched as she sniffed at the air. She listened careful and scanned the area ahead for any signs it was clear of predators and hazards.

 14:07, Today: Nulgaz Fallen Ash rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6))
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Fri 05 Apr.

When they reach the small clearing at the end of the day, Dreamljocht holds the horses and the cart comes to a stop. He hears Nulgaz's porposal about the protecting dome and the alarm and reacts: "A good plan. Darkness is not good for us to travel. We have done beter today than I expected this morning. Let's make camp. We can make a small fire under cover of the cart not to draw more attention for the night. Halie and Tyreal, could you scout out the immediate surroundings against predators of any kind, and perhaps find us some wood for the fire?"

"You heard the man, Hailie."  Tyrael said cheerfully.  "Let's go for a stroll and see what we can find."

She walked to the back of the wagon, climbed up and began to search through the supplies.  "I thought that there was an....oh wait, found it."  Tyrael hopped off the wagon holding a hand axe.  "Gonna get me some wood."

OOC:
Tyrael Mournstrider rolled 18 for Survival.

“We...should probably rest,” Halie said softly, looking out towards the woods that surrounded them. It was unsettling at best...the idea of camping out in the open but at the same token, they didn’t have much choice. Her thoughts drifted as she continued to look out into the growing darkness, eyes seeing but not...

She jumped slightly when Dream suggested her and Tyrael go scouting, hazel eyes slightly wide as his words fully registered. “Oh...yes...scouting.” She gave a nod and slid down from the wagon. Once on her feet, she held the cubling up so she could look into her face. “I shall return alright...I promise...” Whether the cub understood her or not didn’t matter, she felt better for having said it. “Be good for Dream.” Halie passed the cubling off to the elf, giving him a partial smile before heading out with Tyrael.

---

06:43, Today: Halie Delmenn rolled 21 using 1d20+14.  Survival.

Nulgaz concentrated and put down the "tiny hut", that zone of comfortable warmth and dryness. She would wait on the alarm until the others were back. As she waited for them to return she worked on sharpening her sword.

Gordo looked to see where he can be of assistance. He helped with making a spot for the fire, for when Ty returned with wood. He helped make sure the cart is secure. He then started looking around and listening, making sure nothing surprised them.

10:00, Today: Gordo Vet rolled 26 using 1d20+14.  Perception.

Tyrael waited for Hailie to join her before heading off into the woods.  She started to gather up some bits of firewood and stuff to use as tinder, glancing around her for any tracks or signs of local wild life.  She'd also look over at Hailie, studying the other woman to try and get a sense of how she was doing.

"So." Tyri started, really not liking the quiet between the two of them.  "I know that I'm not one of your close companions, like Dream or Sam, but if you are ever looking for an ear to bend...I have two of them."  She chuckled awkwardly, hoping to lighten the mood but probably failing.  "I don't have a lot of details about what happened, and don't worry I'm not going to pry because I'm sure that it's all personal and such, but I've been through my share of folks disappearing or getting kil...injured.  I might not know what you are going through but maybe I can relate in a way and..."

Tyrael growled in frustration and banged one of the branches that she had just picked up against a tree.  She should be better at this sort of thing but at this moment every word felt like she was balancing on the edge of a trap.  The wrong word could worsen Hailies mood, and Tyrael really had little to go on about what was bothering the woman.  If this was something Sam did, Tyrael was going to have words with the Rogue when he got back.

Oddly everything seems quiet. Some bits of wood were found but rather cold and wet. Some were found in a downed log and probably can be used for a firepit. The tortle doesn't see anything out of place or odd. There is no sign of Sam either. If he is messing around after what occur a few nights back, its not funny. There is no sign of the kidnapper either. BEtween the entire group a decent area is made up. The horses are able to find some nutrition and seem at ease. Its quiet and calm and darkness comes down from above blanketing the land. The fire is nice.

Tyrael sat by the fire, running a sharpening stone up and down the blade of her Greatsword.  The blade was already sharp but the act of running the stone along the edge was here way of polishing and caring for her equipment.  After all, her survival and the survival of her companions relied upon the Half-Elf having blades in hand so it was her duty to make sure that said blades were taken care of.

"It's nice that we're all back together...mostly."  Tyrael said, speaking to the assembled group.  She lifted the heavy blade to examine the cutting edge in the fire light.  "Anyone know any good camp songs?"

Nulgaz gave her tusky grin and attempted to sing. "Oh my dear brother, dear brother, dear brother. Oooh my dear brother ev’rythings gone."

Sh looked at the faces and took a deep breath before continuing. "Sausage gone, egg is gone, toast is gone, cheese is gone. Oooh, my dear brother ev’rythings gone."

She sang the chorus hoping others would join in. She led into the second verse, "Night is gone, wind is gone, snow is gone, cold is gone. Oooh my dear brother ev’rythings gone."

Nulgaz joyful sang through the chorus again before ending with the final verse. "Miles are done, days are done, all our long travel done. Oooh dear brother ev’rythings done."

08:15, Today: Nulgaz Fallen Ash rolled 18 using 1d20+2 ((16)).

“I appreciate it, Tyreal,” Halie said softly as they continued their search for usable wood. She didn’t really speak much but it wasn’t because it was Tyreal with her and more to do with her trying to process everything that she had been through and what Sam had done for her and the others. It hurt to think that he could still be out there alive...injured...mortally wounded and dying alone. She let out a heavy sigh in an attempt to keep her thoughts from spiraling. He made his choice and she could only hope he found his way back to them...but she also had to accept the fact that he might not...ever.

They made their way back to camp with their finds, Halie seemingly more subdued if anything. After unloading her armload, Halie moved to care for Peto, lovingly brushing him down and ensuring that he was comfortable before taking the cubling from Dream’s care smiling warmly at the little beast. “Thank you, Dream.” She found a spot near the cleric (unless he showed any signs of discomfort) and settled, watching the fire as she scratched behind the bear's ears.

The camp is quite and, for the moment, peaceful. Dreamljocht takes the time to enjoy the small pleasures of safety, warmth and the companionship of his friends. When Halie takes the cubling back from him, he smiles: "My pleasure Halie" and when Halie with the cub settles besides him, he covers him with his cloack to give addional shelter. "You like some hot broth or tea?", he asks her.

Gordo keeps on standing watch and lightly patrolling around the camp area. If anyone looks, they can see he moves his head to the rhythm of Nulgaz's singing, seeming to remember a song with a similar tune, perhaps even the same one. He snaps his beak lightly every now and then with the song's rhythm.

Tyrael, angling her long blade to check its edge, nodded her head along with Nulgazs song.  A smile formed as the cleric sang on.  Unfortunately, there was not enough alcohol present to make the Half-Elfs rough voice sound as pleasant as the Half-Orcs, so Tyrael just hummed along as best as she could.

"You've got a nice voice, Nuls.  For some reason that song is making me hungry."

Nulgaz gave a light hearted laugh. "That is because everything is gone. But yeah now I was some sausages and beer and maybe some fermented cabbage." She looked at her dry ration with a disapproving smirk. At least she had an advantage the others did not. Using her tusks she gnawed at the food whose best quality was it could be called food.

Looking to the group at large she asked, "So, what is the plan for tomorrow?"

The area seems nice and calm. For now. The tortle looks around, doing his rounds as the wizard does her rhyme and her song. Everything seems peaceful. Haile continues to scratch the bear who falls asleep. The goggles on her head drop down over he eyes. The horses are feed and are asleep standing up. The night sky looms above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:49, Fri 26 Apr.

She gave a nod to Dream along with a soft smile as he placed his cloak around the cubling. “Some hot broth will do nicely,” she said as she pulled her gaze from the fire to regard the cleric and then the others. It was an odd little group to be sure...but somehow, they all were looking out for each other...even Gordo provided her aid when he didn’t even know her. With everyone relaxing and enjoying the company provided, Halie let her thoughts drift...until the goggles came down which shook her from the reverie. She blinked and adjusted them slightly, looking through the lenses for a moment. Should nothing show with the lenses’ aid, she will shift them back up to perch upon her head where they had been initially.

"The plan for tomorrow?"  Satisfied with the edge of her Greatsword, Tyrael looked over at the Half-Orc.  "Why, we're going to do the same thing that we did today.  Search the land for a lost city."

The Greatsword slid into its scabbard and Tyrael pulled out her dark bladed longsword.  This weapon she began to scrutinize in the firelight.  "Well, we didn't do too much of that today but tomorrow might yield a clue or sighting."

OOC:
Tyrael Mournstrider rolled 16 for Perception

While listening to the song and looking after Halie, Dreamljochts seems content to sit. But his senses were sharp to pick up anything unusual, as he has the feeling their ordeal is not over now.

OOC:
Dreamljocht rolled 27 using 1d20+8 ((19)).

Nulgaz was mostly lost in relaxing and trying to get the day’s travel behind her. She was far from paying attention beyond, hoping her Alarm or the Tiny Hut would help one way or another. Plus, wasn’t that what the others were for? She had indeed made herself hungry with the song but that will be her reward at the end of all this. A proper feast at a public house, all the foods and drinks. She pondered all the possibilities as she looked up and listened to conversation.

Nulgaz Fallen Ash rolled 6 using 1d20.  Perception check.

Gordo kept on patrolling, also feeling like he would appreciate a bite of food later.

Gordo Vet rolled 22.  Perception.

Nothing occurs when Haile tries to use the goggles. But then something comes out of the woods. Bloodied, tired and freezing Sam goes over to the ranger. And kisses her. Not holding it back. And then he collapses in front of her. What Dream and Gordo noticed was the direction-southeast. Hard to tell what is in it but probably where the last time the group saw the kidnapper. Its hard to tell how bad Sam is hurt. Or if the blood is his.

Tyrael looked up from sharpening her sword when Sam walked into the camp.  She was tempted to say something sarcastic but decided that it would be best if she didn't.  Hailie needed his presence, if only to drive away and wondering thoughts that may have included his demise.

She was on her feet a heartbeat after the rogue collapsed.  A few quick steps and she was by his side.  While not a healer in any sense of the word, she had experience with battle wounds, and Sam had obviously run into something, or someone, or maybe it had been from their previous encounter.  In any case, she knelt by him and checked him over.  The light from the fire was not making things clear and the rogues bloody clothing was not helping either.

"Gorum wept." The Fighter complained, not able to make heads or tails of what was going on with Sam.  "Dream, need you here."

OOC:
 Tyrael Mournstrider rolled 3 for her Heal check

Gordo runs quickly and joins Ty, his ioun torch providing some light in addition to the campfire. Not really knowing what to do with Sam's condition, but knowing that Dream probably would, he leaves the treatment to him and watches intently in all directions, with special focus on the direction from which Sam came, being ready to charge at any enemy that might appear.

Gordo Vet rolled 26.  Perception.

Tyrael beats Dreamljocht to Sam, but when he reaches Sam, he gently brushes Tyrael to the side. He takes his time to examine Sam, washing blood from his face and hands, to look for any wounds. He lets Sam stay with Halie, as it gives both of them some much needed peace of their minds.
When he finds wounds, he tends to them and casts spells if necessary.
The only things he says to Sam, or asks him, are about his physical or mental condition: all explanation has to wait, and will come (if any) when Sam deems it time.

Today: Dreamljocht rolled 33 using 1d20+15. Heal.
Dreamljocht casts CLW, CMW or Lesser Restoration when necessary.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Tue 07 May.

Nulgaz had no clue what was going on but she saw the others spring into action. As the other left she stayed with the bear and the wagon. She kept humming tunes as she drew her falchion and tried to stay alert.

Dream pushed Tyrael out of his way, so the fighter took several steps back to give him room.  He was the expert anyways.

The Half-Elf strode to where her shield and sword lay and picked them up.  She might be all thumbs when it came to healing but she could keep watch over her companions should Sam have brought trouble back with him.

"Oh yeah, Nuls, that's Sam."  Tyrael said by way of introducing the two.  "Might have to wait a bit for proper introductions though."