THE CAMPAIGN: Chapter 1-"The Dragons in the Desert"

[Bob the Hamster]

Thank you

Ehaism accepts enough coins to buy the horse shank.

[Spoonweaver]

While you are all sitting and enjoying your meal. The dwarf that was looking at maps comes up to you.

Say now, you lot seem like you're looking for adventure. If that be true, I have a proposition. My companions and I were out scouting the deserts, searching for the dragons they say are out there. We heard these dragons had more than their fair hoards worth of gold due to their constant interception of Lord Neil's Caravans. After months of searching, we caught up with about a dozen in all. In the midst of our searching we saw great dragon battles occur overhead. We witnessed 3 great dragons die in these battles. after 2 more weeks of scouting we found the hoard of one of those fallen dragons. It was completely untouched. However the sneaky bastard of a dragon laid a trap. The trap took the lives of all of my companions. I alone reached the treasure.
So I bet you're wondering how any of this affects you. You see, I couldn't carry much of it back myself. Most of which I did bring back, I ended up using to pay off debts. I know the location of untold amounts of riches but instead of living in a mansion and being served by dozens of wenches, I'm here in this hole of a bar. All I need is a hardy bunch of willing young chaps to come with me and claim what's there. You'll all be rich and you'll have to do almost nothing. Whata ya say chaps?

the bartender rolls his eyes at the story, and none of the other patrons seem to pay attention to the tale at all. ( Aside from that couple that keeps staring at all of you.) You sense that they've perhaps heard this before.

[Mogri]

Vire scoffs.

No catch at all, I'm sure -- but I've gotten the same offer from too many "Nigerian princes" in my time to take it at face value. What's this trap, anyhow? And why don't you just take a few trips and claim the whole hoard? I'm sure just one trip more would buy you the carriage you'd need for the rest.

[Spoonweaver]

Ahh... You're correct. You see the desert is a treacherous place. Giant scorpions can spring out of no where at a moments notice.
I'd surely perish if I went alone. The wand I found in the dragon's hoard got me safely back to town but it's not working anymore and I'm out of resources.
I don't need people to come along to carry things. I've already prepared 2 carts and 2 Ox for the trip. I just need body guards.

[Momoka]

Echo silently concentrates on his Psicrystal. While not yet truly sentient, it clearly has a sympathetic worldview, and will help Echo better sense the motive of this odd dwarf.

[Bob the Hamster]

Munch munch gnaw gnaw gnaw (smack) gnaw gnaw

[Spoonweaver]

You sense that the dwarf seems upset by the thought of the treasure horde and hopeful at the thought of your party helping him. His motives seem genuine for now.

[Momoka]

Echo considers this. He seems trustworthy, but con-men often do. Still, the worst that can happen is death, and at least they'll be out of the city.

Okay, this sounds reasonable. I don't have any riches of my own (and thus am a terrible target for robbery), and I could use an excuse to get out of the city.

Because...I'm sick of it.

Anyway, why not? I'm between jobs at the moment anyway. Just don't expect us to pitch in costs on the way up; we're broke

[ajguy93]

Kytana says:

I have a few spare coins to pitch in, and worry not about the cost of arming us, We have our own weapons, and most of us have armor.

[Mogri]

Vire gives Kytana an untrusting look. What is it about the halfling that makes him so eager to part with his money? He must be the worst rogue I've ever seen.

[Spoonweaver]

Splendid! We can leave at once, unless there's supplies you think you'll need. Don't forget water! It's the most important thing to bring. I should have enough for all of us on the 10 day round trip. ( It's the main cargo on the first wagon. ) However, backup water is never a bad thing to carry. Food too, I have enough for all of us but you may want to purchase some for emergencies.
My name's Gregor by the way.
So let me know when you're all ready. I'll be waiting out back with the wagons.

[Bob the Hamster]

Ehaism finishes his horse, and starts picking his teeth with the bone.

What's all this? I wasn't paying attention.

[Momoka]

We're going to get killed by dragons and/or robbed. It says something about the state we find ourselves in that I know this going in, yet still agree to the quest because I've judged it an improvement on our chances. But then, ever since our home burned down, all our friends were murdered, and I got shot in the chest, I've been pessimistic.

Echo knows, of course, that the dwarf is still there. Con men might get nervous about proceeding given this information. If it's legit, he's desperate.

On the other hand, we get to go on a trip. There's that. Trip to a desert full of monsters, buy hey, what can you do?

[Bob the Hamster]

Before Echo even finishes his first sentence, Ehaism gets a far-away look in his eyes. His very favorite "priestess" at the Temple of Itovic dances under the stage name "Killed By Dragons". Ehaism is now daydreaming, and doesn't hear any of the rest of what Echo says.

Mmmmm.... that sounds niiiice....

[Momoka]

Excellant. It's unanimous, then!