Armin is of course, oblivious to the winking. He bites into another yellangelo as he inspects the bounty board.
"We could save ourselves the trouble and make sure the head comes off with the same blow," Armin agrees after reading the bounty, somehow finding it more interesting than the bandits and kobolds. But even more interesting was the tatzlwyrm bounty. He had never heard of the creatures before, but judging by the picture, it was clearly some kind of dragon. "Same deal with this thing. I've always wanted to slay a dragon. The beast must be truly enormous if Oleg wants its head so badly."
Ciri's black eyebrows disappear into her hair. "Ran into Happs, did you, lad? I take it you haven't gotten any help with your eyesight? Or did some hideous force raise him as an undead? If they did, I hope you put him back in the ground, because that's where he belongs."
Roswitha frowns at the bounty board. "What is a tattlezeworm? How big is it?" she inquires of the android and elf, who seem to know what they are talking about.
"I do not think this was a case of mistaken identity, and he did not seem undead. But I'm fairly certain he is dead now, barring some kind of strange time..." Miyari wiggles her clawed fingers in front of herself. "Stuff. I cut his throat, and he stopped moving. Seemed rather dead to me."
"Ali, did you see the-" Miyari cuts herself off, then explains the four different tasks that were posted up on the bounty board. "Do any of those appeal to you? I assume that we'll come across bandits quite naturally out there, so we'll likely work on that one without really seeking."
"If the kobolds are hurting trade and expansion, we should probably see what is wrong with them. And kill any bandits we encounter on the way," Roswitha chimes in, "But for the bandits - how do we prove their activity is down?"
"Oh! I wanted to ask, does anyone speak draconic? I believe that's what kobolds speak, anyhow... I can speak in my people's language, and some elven. I speak goblin as well, but it's admittedly pretty rough. It may be useful to find out what's stirring up the kobolds and settle things there with as little risk to ourselves as possible," says Miyari.
"They don't speak Common?" The noblewoman seems genuinely surprised. "Why wouldn't they speak Common like everyone else?"
"I hope he's dead for good this time. I don't want to have to kill all my enemies over and over again," Ciri muses, then catches the new thread of the conversation. "I can teach you a few words of Draconic. Like "how much" or "where is the loo". It's not hard. Easier than Abyssal, though a little more hissy."
Miyari stares blankly at Roswitha for a few moments. "Well... I suppose I assumed that they are a tribal group that does not do much trade with humans in the area. From what my parents told me, not everyone in the Jati spoke much for common. For some, it's not necessary. It's just a useful trade language. I imagine most races learn their native language as a priority and common second, but I can only speak to my own kind. I grew up in a human settlement, though, which is why my speech is not accented." Despite her explanation (and a hint of pride in her voice), Miyari's common is still tinged with some influence from her parents' language.
"You speak Draconic, Ciri?" asks Miyari, "I would not mind learning a few words, I can do hissy and it may be useful to ask the kobolds where the loo is, though I don't think it will be enough to negotiate with them."
"I just bet you can do hissy, pussycat," Ciri smirks.
Glen reads over the posters listed on the bounty board "Indeed these we would be fairly likely to come across just in our travels. We've already come across some bandits. Though Glen admits he is more interested in the mystery of these men who have lived twice."
When the talk turns to Kobolds and language glen nods "Common was the third language Glen learned, none of his family spoke common so they could not teach him... not that they really taught him anything."
"Glen is wondering however, should we help our friend Bokken before focusing on another task? He is looking for his brother, and Glen thinks he may have a way we may be able to find him. Do you remember the item he took off the miscreants in the inn?"
"And I just bet you'd like to find out," replies Miyari to Ciri.
"The bell?" wonders Miyari, looking towards Glen, "I guess that could be useful for finding him. I am a bit worried by Bokken's attitude towards the idea of finding his brother. There seemed to be some... tension there. I wonder what that's all about?" Miyari opens her journal again to finger through a couple of pages that now have text on them. "I guess that is the only one that we'd be looking for a specific person, though, and at least we have a possible lead. Getting gold to outfit ourselves, though, may be more pressing."
Kalica sizes up this mysterious, random person who has decided to just butt their way into their conversation. She looks over at the stranger and says plainly, "In my culture stranger. It is impolite to just jump into a conversation without any invitation to it.
The catwoman's rejoinder seems to take Ciri by surprise, leaving the cynical young woman speechless and baffled-looking for a moment as she tries to figure out whether she would, indeed, like to find out... or not. Or even what that means.
She doesn't seem to hear much else until the elf speaks, upon which she looks down and smirks.
"Short memory, or do all us humans look alike? Ali knows me, at least, though he might not want to admit it. I saved his life from Bokken," she explains, stretching the truth until it practically snaps.
"I used to have trouble telling humans apart," admits Miyari, "It still sometimes throws me off when someone changes hairstyles. But..."
To Kalica, "Ali and I were speaking to Ciri already, so I would not say she butted in any more than I did."
"In fact, they were talking about hiring me as a translator, because nobody seems to speak Draconic. Unless you do, elf. Wouldn't be a surprise," Ciri drawls.
"Do we really have to talk to the little lizard people?" Armin asks sincerely, picking at his ear with a small finger. It didn't actually itch; having seen humans do it in the past, it struck him as the 'normal' thing to do while standing by idly. "We could always just, you know."
The android mimes hacking an invisible adversary into pieces.
Roswitha ponders Armin's suggestion. "Are kobolds completely uncivilized, or could they be a viable part of our new domain? Maybe we can reach a mutually-advantageous agreement with them."
"I wouldn't want to destroy them without at least trying to be diplomatic first," says Miyari to Armin. "Just because someone is from a race considered monstrous does not mean that they have a monstrous nature. I would rather do what is right and risky, than wrong and easy."
To Roswitha, she continues, "Kobolds are not completely uncivilized, as far as I know, but maybe less civilized than many races. It's quite possible that we can sort something out with them."
"Hmm. Fair enough," Armin replies after a moment of thought, not so barbaric as to exterminate the creatures without adequate reason. Among other things, the Kellid propensity for pugnaciousness had rubbed off on him during his time in Numeria. "Perhaps we should ask around, get a better idea of what direction where everything might be."
Looking back at the board, Armin frowns and taps his finger against the boar bounty. "Is this 'Vekkel Benzen' around here? He might be able to tell us where we should keep an eye out for the beast."
Looking at Ciri with a raised eyebrow. "Hmm, I have never thought about it like that before but I guess all vermin, I mean humans look alike to me." She then dismisses Ciri to look over at Armin."Good idea Armin. It would be good to find him so we can get started on this hunt!"
"Huh. Can't tell the difference between humans and non-humans, either. They must have kicked you out of Elfhome for some remedial humanoid distinction training," Ciri laughs down at Kalica, then turns to Miyari. "Seriously, if you need a translator, I'm your woman. It'd be nice to get out of this hole for a while, and your returning alive from killing Happs II gives me some confidence in your ability to survive. Just let me know. Or not. Makes me no never mind." Ciri yawns hugely and settles back down behind the palisade for a nap to go on watch.
"Hey, Kalica... how about we talk to Oleg. Let's see if he can remember that bandit bloke dying. Or maybe he knows where tha' Wyrm's lair is." Ali says trying to cautiously put an arm around the elf's shoulders and lead her to the proprietor of the outpost.
Miyari's ears flick back when Kalica calls humans 'vermin', "Er, humans can be valued allies." She wants to distance herself from Kalica's opinions in the face of all the humans who seem to be in their little group. "You are what you are, not much to be done about that."
"I appreciate it, Ciri. I will let you know if we decide to deal with the kobolds first," says Miyari pleasantly. "Hopefully we will be able to sort things out without too much headache."
Roswitha folds her arms as she peruses the board. "Didn't we just kill some bandits? And we will probably kill more if they accost us. We should find out where all the named creatures lurk and see if we can find them in one trip. But Glen makes a good point: we told Bokken we would seek his brother. We should probably try to keep our word first and foremost before taking on new obligations."
"Aye, that and get t' dragon stuff fer 'im. Maybe yonder Tatzelwyrm counts as a dragon - it has Wyrm in it's name...." Ali says hopefully to Roswitha, whilst cajoling Kalica's elbow.
"That's a good thought, Ali!" Roswitha nods approvingly. "Now, lets talk to the people who posted the bounties and get the locations, as near as we can!"
"Sounds good to me," says Miyari, "Though if we are prioritizing Bokken's brother, I'd like to suggest we look after the kobolds next."
Roswitha nods, hands Stem's reins to Armin, and ambles off to the common room to try to find Vekkel and get the latest news about Tuskgutter, as well as if he's heard anything about Bokken's brother, the kobolds, or a tatzelwyrm.
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Kalica lets Ali lead her away. Her temper slowing growing after that person's insult. "Yes, Yes, Ali, lead me away before I loft her head off." She whispers venomously underneath her breath while smiling politely with gritted teeth at Ciri.
Kalica focuses on the task at hand and agrees with Ali. "Let's go talk to Oleg." She then winks at Ali, pats her on the head and allows her temper to move to the background.
Roswitha enters the small room used for the business of trading and finds it empty except for one familiar halfling standing in the open door that surely leads to a kitchen where an unseen Svetlana must be cooking and baking.
"Oh, come now, sweet Svetlana, it's almost six hours until dinner. I'll surely starve," Grub says in a wheedling voice.
Another unknown man dressed as a priest sits at one of the stools before the small trade counter sipping some tea. He looks older and balding, and his eyes seem to take Roswitha's measure in a flash.
At the party's approach, Oleg is assisting a couple men unload a donkey of fresh trade goods.
"Ho! Back already?" he asks in his usual gruff manner. The stalwart man lifts a hefty chest and places it on a small wheelbarrow.
Approaching Oleg, Ali smiles; "Aye, we had a bit of trouble after we talked to Bokken. Tho' t' bandits won't be troubling anyone again." the levity of tone belies the worry. "Now my mate Kalica 'ere, well she were wondering if tha' knew where to find that there Tatzelwyrm! T' bounty looks a might grand."
Oleg grunts at the youth.
"If I knew exactly where..." Oleg starts with an exasperated tone, but stops short with a sigh.
"I guess it's a fair enough question, but truth be told, I don't know. For all the rumors, the tatzlwyrms actually seem to be pretty rare if'n I'm being honest. The last I know, Grub said he saw some chasing down a boggard in the forest somewhere off to the southeast. That's how I even knew they were around."
Oleg shakes his head with a roll of his eyes.
"Of course, Grub's version of the story includes him wrestling the beast down in the mud and making it beg to be released which he did after it acknowledged his prowess. Take that how you'd like, I 'spose."
"Aye, that Grubs a character. Now I guess we'd best try and get resupplied, tell t' guard about t' bandits we stopped and get t' properly mapping the area." Ali says with a small smile; "What does you think t' weather will be like?" Knowing that most locals like to talk about the weather and how vital it can be for those who are caught out of doors after dark.
Roswitha's attempt to make chit-chat and discover information:
- Find Vekkel and get the latest news about Tuskgutter:
As the wanted poster announced, the various people in and around the trading post who have done any hunting or had contact with any regional hunters has a story about Tuskgutter. Some are clearly fourth-hand making the beast seem more like a demon or some kind of divine representation of the god of all wild pigs. They all agree on one thing though, the pig is definitely a survivor and very dangerously canny for one of its kind. Roswitha is able to learn that Vekkel actually lives across the Brevoy border to the north about a day's ride coming down to visit every few months mostly to swap stories with other hunters. - Heard anything about Bokken's brother:
If anyone has actually met the mad alchemist, they simply roll their eyes and shake their heads at the subject of the long lost brother. Some rumors suggest some incidents that could maybe possibly be attributed to the "boy" Bokken describes far to the south. Nothing new has been heard in years, and the stories have been retold so many times, it's hard to say for sure if anything is still accurate or if they were ever true beyond the suggestion planted by Bokken's crazy request of nearly everyone who visits his hut.Knowledge (local) DC 20:One female caravan guard looks very thoughtful before snapping her fingers. "There was a man who worked with us who ran off to join a bandit group run by a murderous woman named Kressle who claimed to have traveled further south than most and said he was plagued by nightmares caused by a crazed man with sorcery in his vials. Could be the guy, maybe?" - Heard anything about the kobolds:
Mostly grumbling about how irritating they are as well as one or two guard or merchant who seems to hate the things having clearly had a lethal encounter in the past. Most don't seem to know or care what the problem is, but just want it to end. - Heard anything about a tatzelwyrm:
Most people began to tell stories even further removed or thrice upon thrice told tales regarding the dragon problems. Most are clearly ignorant of the distinction of tatzelwyrms and other draconic relatives. Everyone seems to defer to Oleg's expertise in this area.
The Levetons offer to host the expedition before they set out again and during the night both Oleg and Svetlana each discretely approach someone from the party with a request doing their best to avoid the other from overhearing.
Completion: Bring Svetlana a basket of moon radishes.
Reward: Svetlana is ready to pay a 250 gp reward to anyone who can bring her enough moon radishes to make soup.
Completion: Track down the ring. The bandits were the last to have it, but they might have lost or sold it already.
Reward: Oleg promises 1,000 gp in trading post credit if his wife’s ring can be recovered.
On the morning the expedition is once again ready to head out, the head of the guards sent to assist with the trading post's security, Kesten Garess, hails the party and makes a request.
Completion: Capture Falgrim Sneeg, alive if possible.
Reward: Kesten can arrange a reward of four masterwork weapons of the capturer’s choice if Falgrim is delivered alive. If he’s delivered dead, Kesten can only promise two weapons.
Glen figures out he must state the activation word (Locate) along with the name of a living creature while holding their image in his mind. The bell begins to chime more or less rapidly depending on proximity. Glen can also project the chime to others' mind in a radius of 20 feet per level or keep it to himself only.
Your magical study of the bell determines it has been imbued with the magical energy associated with transmutation and divination. Most likely the root spells are locate creature and message, and you would be safe to assume the bell operates on similar principles. The exception as already noted is that the sharing of the bell's results are always in a 20 ft per level burst from the wielder's location.
The rain has continued pretty steadily, and pretty soon all the people at Oleg's have crowded into their tents or inside the post's trading room or under the waterproofed canvases covering the outside eating area. Warm cider and spirits are produced, and the late afternoon begins with much intoxicated laughter. One drunkenly brave caravan guard even makes a pass at the pretty magus who has become a nigh permanent fixture at the trading post.
Gathering everyone together Ali addresses the group; "Alright, I don't really fancy hanging about here with drunk soldiers." the tone is very wry. "We've got some stuff to be looking out for and a charter to get this place all mapped up. So we should head out sharpish...?!"
Make sure we've also a description of Svetlana's Ring & Falgrim Sneeg.
Unfortunately no ranks in Know (Local), Ali was too isolated growing up it seems.
"...well when I say sharpish, I mean in the morning." Ali says looking out of the window at the rainy evening. "Did we want to see if Ciri wants to come along - or I could see if I could learn a few words in Draconic?"
At learning how far south the man who might be Bokken's brother is and noting the information down in her journal, Miyari suggests to Glen, "Perhaps it would be best to get better established before seeking him out. However, I have a name, that he might have joined a bandit group led by someone named Kressle? Possibly something worthwhile to keep in mind."
"I would not mind seeing if Ciri wants to come along," says Miyari in reply to Ali's question. "If we're going to be using an interpreter, I want to make sure that it's translated smoothly. Though it might be worthwhile to at least start studying it, but I want to handle the kobold situation first."
"A hunt is all well and good, and I would absolutely like some of that head cheese, but if something is riling up the kobolds, it may be more time sensitive..." The young catfolk shrugs. "Unless there are objections?"
"Aye, sounds good. Though unless we know exactly where t' kobolds are - we could end up doing summat else. But agreed Miss Miyari, that talkin' to kobolds should be our first priority." Ali agrees.
Glen nods to Miyari's suggestion. "Indeed, it may be better to pursue some closer objectives first. The kobolds would be a good place to begin, Glen knows you are eager to assist them." Looking up at Ali as he mentions not knowing where the kobolds are located Glen nods " That could be a problem. Perhaps Glen's bell could help, it can be used to locate a person. Does anyone know the name of a kobold? As Glen understands the bell can locate a person if he knows their name and thinks of them it can help lead him to them."
To the east and southeast the plains continue while to the west the plains fade into forest some distance away. The southwest has scrub vegetation blooming into full-fledged forest quickly. The lands are lush and full of greenery while wildlife is also abundant.
Oleg hails you. "I think I heard you were interested in trying to investigate the kobold issue that's disrupting the hunting and minor trade with a few of the homesteads south of the, uh, South Rostland Road. As far as I can tell, the kobolds must be laired somewhere south but have been ranging further north than usual. You'll probably have more luck finding them if you visit one of the farms being affected. The Potly Farm is east past Bokken's place if you know where he's based."
Ali's smile brightens at the information; "Aye, that we do. Thanks for the information, Oleg." the youth adds gently slapping him on the shoulder in a friendly manner, before turning to the rest of the group.
Shiny eyed, ali looks to them - the words coming out in a jumble; "How about we explore to the south of Bokkens and then cut north. We can start first thing.... or whenever Ms. Ciri wants."
As everyone discusses the next direction, the party realizes Arielle is nowhere to be found.