The Search For Xambaala

[Rex]

Drest

"I am not familiar with the area, sounds like we may be in for some more interesting times as the saying goes."

[shaidar]

Xenos grunts

"I have no wish to stay in Xambaala any longer than I need too."

[sastaz]

Tuurma

"How's that?"

[shaidar]

Xenos frowns

"My reasons are mine and mine alone. Once I have the coin for passage on a ship I will be gone from here."

[sastaz]

Tuurma throws something inbetween a surprised look and a smile.

"I can respect that. I'm Tuurma, pleased to meet you. I will lend you my shield and my sword, if need be."

[Rex]

Drest

"If it is as you said, we will most likely need it. I am Drest."

[shaidar]

Xenos

It's the Ixian's turn to look surprised.

"Xenos. Do you normally offer your sword to those you hardly know?...Not that it isn't appreciated. The desert is full of creatures looking for their next meal, and that's without the undead."

[sastaz]

Tuurma

"Easy now, it's not like I'm asking you to wed me and raise my children. We stand a better chance against any ravagers together. I get to travel with you, I help to fight. It's fair."

[shaidar]

Xenos laughs, a short bark, then nods.

"Yes, it's fair."

[Rex]

Drest

"We are in agreement, lets get moving then."

Drest will take point, following the directions they were given.

[Bluetongue]

Valkrina

As the explorers ready the camp for sleeping through the night, they spot something strange off in the distance

"Keen to set off? If you are wide awake you can take first watch."

The bard rolls over in her sleeping bag.

[shaidar]

Xenos

"I will take the last watch, so my mind is rested for my spells."

[sastaz]

Tuurma

"I will take first watch. I have to dry from the swim here anyway."

She plunges her sword in the ground, sits down and starts going through her backpack, putting anything moisty out to dry in the desert night.

[OGRE MAGE]

The rather annoying Pict starts to head off alone, completely forgetting they had already made camp for the night. When he nearly stumbles over the prone Valkrina trying to sleep, she reminds him to sit down and take it easy till Helios shows itself again.

It isn't long before they realize that sleeping near the only fresh water source for miles might be a bad idea. Numerous mundane desert creatures make their way to the camp during the night, causing them to have to move away a short distance once first watch ends.

None of the animals prove dangerous, though a few wild dogs sniff around camp and bark throughout the night while you sleep. Straining your ears, a strange pounding or chanting noise can be heard upon the indomitable night winds, but every time you try to pinpoint the direction it comes from, the winds change and the sound dies out again. Needless to say, something sinister is likely afoot somewhere out in this wasteland.

Once the dim light from the dying Hyperborean sun starts to show itself on the horizon, the party arises, eager to put the rest of their journey behind them and find civilization. There is no indication that the 4 scouts who Tuurma came ashore with have ever returned, though their vessel can still be seen anchored out at sea through the caliginosity.

After eating a few more dates and replenishing their water at the spring, the party and their new strange looking companion appear ready to depart.

Any actions before you leave camp?

[shaidar]

Xenos tucks away his spellbook, magic fresh in his mind. He's pleasantly surprised that he now seems to understand some magical notes that were beyond him before the strange dream, if that is what it was.

"Fill your bellies with water before we go and we should take some fruit to supplement the food we were given. Keep your eyes peeled and pray to whatever god you follow that those from the ship have satiated whatever creatures are out there."

[Rex]

Drest

Drest follows Xenos' advice for preparations and takes point when they head out.

In his defense he is recovering from a concussion. Not sure what my defense is.

[Bluetongue]

Valkrina

Has no specific routines, her spell craft is more instinctive than schooled but if time allows, she will practice various chords and tunes on her instruments and memorize the recitals needed to cast her craft.

Wrapping her head in a turban to shield from the burning sun, she follows in the tracks of the others.

[sastaz]

Tuurma spends her watch throwing rocks in the water/at a nearby tree. She seems to have pretty vivid dreams, especially during the distant pounding of the drums. In the morning she seems
pretty eager to get going.

[shaidar]

Xenos

Before they leave the Ixian will assess the current clothing and armour of the group and make any suitable suggestions on changes required to help survive the desert (covering faces to protect from sand and sun, removal of heavy armour, that kind of thing).

[sastaz]

Tuurma grunts as Xenos instructs her to remove her scale armor, but finally agrees.

"Any idea of what to expect in the desert? Marauders?