Finding a somewhat comfortable seat on a log, Jerrik sat down and enjoyed the celebration. The try certainly knew how to throw a party. Hopefully they knew something about the bandits too. He sat for most of the night, drinking and trying different foods. It was something he had practiced for years in his father's court. He never really cared for the stuffy ceremonies, but this was more like drinking at the tavern with the farmers.
He started off mostly reserved, not wanting to offend anyone. Although the more he drank, the more the Ulfen came out of him. By the end of the night he was shouting as loud as he could and cheering for speeches he couldn't understand.
The night swings into full effect and blurs into the late hours with music and story telling. Alfentinius is able to further the relationship with the mites, as they see some of their fey nature in him. Though they prank him extensively on the poor quality of his singing and dancing. Jerrik's voice can be heard booming out of the den and into the surrounding countryside and the mites try their best to engage Aleksara and Arim into their madness. As the night draws late and people collapse where they stand. Wendell may not be able to remember it in the morning, but it would please him to know very few mites donned their pajamas tonight before falling asleep.
Luckily, everyone had either the stomachs or the mental foresight to not get too hammered. Once day breaks, a small figure approaches those who are outside. They are dressed in a surprisingly thorough set of armor made from scraps of metal and trash. From within this junk scale mail peers out the beady eyes of Prunus. Beside him is a giant Centipede, a bit more robust than the average centipede you saw in the breeding dens, as if this one has been trained for war.
Clang Clang! He slams the lance he holds against his makeshift armor to wake those on the ground or to gain the attention of those already awake. (Undercommon)"Where do we head from here? Our cartographer finished the map last night.. thought he was pretty drunk... but it should be accurate enough."
Alfentinius looks up from his bed and runs upto greet Prunus.
(undercommon)Wow, that's some nice armor. Our plan is to head down to the river. We'll spend the night with the Kobolds then take the river to the bandits lair. Then we'll prolly do some scouting and come up with a more definitive plan.
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Wendell wakes up next to an empty bottle of liquor with a foul taste in his mouth and a craving for greasy food. He staggers to his feet, gives his head a fierce shake, and casts Create Water above his head to help wake up.
The Mite he almost shot in the head the night before, Prunus, is surprisingly impressive in the morning light. Wendell gives him a nearly invisible nod.
The dwarf looks over the map and nods. "So, the Kobolds are next? I'm itchin' to get back on the road. We got a date with them bandits."
Prunus nods to Alfentinius, he seems hesitant of the water idea but tries to appear strong in front of you all. Wendell's disheveled display brings a smile to the little guy's gnarled face. He points a finger to the dwarf and mimics a handcross bow in jest.
(undercommon)"I'm ready to ride when you are and can scout on the way. Your call if you want me around with the kobolds though..."
He sneers a little as he speaks of his mortal enemy and trails off. Then tends to his centipede mount.
The journey into the Kobold's lands takes only three hours, though after roughly two you are met by a band of Kobold scouts and escorted inwards to the old Silver Mine.
They are wary of Prunus' presence and have you wait outside under a crude canopy made from wood and dried river reeds. Chief Sootscale comes out with 5 more ill equiped warriors and greet you.
(Draconic)"It is our pleasure to receive you so soon within the Sootscale kingdom. You ride with a Mite warrior though, what is the meaning of this visit?"
Chief Sootscale comes out with 5 more ill equiped warriors and greet you...[/b]
Chief Sootscale comes out with 5 more ill equiped warriors and greet you...[/b]
(Draconic)"Greetings great chief Sootscale of the mighty Sootscale tribe. It is good to see you well" Jerrik said as he kneeled down on one knee.
(Draconic)"We come with dire news. We march to war against those that would follow the one known as the Stag Lord. He and his, they prey on those less fortunate than themselves. We seek aid against this foe, to rid our shared lands from this diseased parasite. The honorable mites have sent their best warrior to accompany us. I would ask you to lend us warriors and any information you may have about this Stag Lord, his followers, and where they hide." Bowing his head after speaking, Jerrik prayed it would be enough.
He didn't have Alfentinius's gift for words, but he was counting on the chieftain to protect his own pride when presented with the mites' tribute.
(Draconic)"I saw. Please, let us talk in private. The mite waits outside." The Chief then leads into the old mine whoever wishes to accompany, except the mite who is forced to stay out.
(Draconic)"First know that I am honored that you came to our kingdom for aid. We indeed see our relationship as one of mutual conquest as well, but the recent events have weakened us too much to allow any warriors to head out on a campaign. We're just scraping by with hunting and paroling as it is.. please do not take this as a front, in the long term, suppose half a year from now when the current hatch is over... I would also advise not to let this information slip to that purple faced bug you're travelling with. We would take such an event as a sign of war and breach of your neutral standing between our kingdom and their puny den."
Anxiously Aleksara steps forward and tries to help.
"(Draconic)Please chieftain! We are not asking for your people to attack them directly then. We were only wondering if some of your warriors could provide an obvious distraction? A trick! One to draw some of their honor-less troops away for a day or so? No real combat needs take place. We wish to cut off this particular snake's head by sneaking in. These bandits will fall apart without him! This will leave all of our lands safe! You only risk some of your troops for a day or so of running around in the wilds near their base making noises. Very little risk for your tribe and high honors if you can help us succeed."
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Wendell accompanies his companions and the kobold leader into their den.
He decides to stay out of any further shows of diplomacy, expecting that his attempts only harm his group's appeal. However, when the kobold chieftain denies their request, he interjects to Aleksara.
"Aleksara, maybe they'd be more convinced if a reward were on the table. Might I remind you of that "cave" we found. Expand the partnership, so t' speak. Kobolds are natural diggers. Not as good's Dwarves, of course, but better than surface-dwellers."
Having wanted to give Jerrik a chance to take the lead with the kobolds Alfentinius stays in a supportive role and translates everything said into common as it is said.
As the party prepares to enter the caravan Alfentinius turns to Prunus
(undercommon) While your peoples are not openly fighting right now there is still some work to be done in stabilizing the alliance. I hope you don't mind waiting outside while we go in and talk to them.
For the first time Alfentinius chooses to step up.
[draconic] Great Chieftain. Surely you are aware that the bandits have been gaining power, biding their time, cementing their hold. They prey upon any that they can. And they have put out the call to unite men under their banner. When they are ready they will spill out of their keeps and kill any that are not human. You live close to them and they will desire the many treasures you have here. They will come, it is only a matter of time.
Alfentinius let's the words hang in the air as he walks up between Wendell and Arim casually tapping their arms.
(Draconic) We understand that all have value and strength. It matters not if you are dwarf, gnome, man, shadow, or Kobold. Our alliance grows stronger by the day, and we would see the human scourge dealt with before it becomes a threat. We could have let them fall upon your people and try to take their treasures and then fought them when they had been weakened by killing your people. But we value our friendship with the Kobolds too much for that. Surely you can see the value in aiding us in the protection of your kingdom.
Perhaps your people would be willing to match the mites in their offering. Sending even a single warrior would allow for our peoples to continue to create a bond. In addition they have shared with us what they know of the surrounding territory and the human's lands. I am sure you could help us in devising the safest approach to their keep.
As Aleksara further aids Jerrik's argument the Kobold Chief begins to pace as he mulls this debate internally. Alfentinius' remarks and white lies are met with nods of agreement. Though he doesn't seem too worried of the bandit men raiding his people, the idea of appearing less strong or worthy than the Mites resonates with the Chief.
(Draconic)"Non-combat you say? What, would the mite stage a duel with whomever we send as a distraction? A handful of creatures doesn't make an army, and even less of an intimidation for a fortress..." The Sootscale namesake then sighs and stops his meandering gait. He gives an evil and toothy smile, (Draconic)"Fine, I'll send you Aibreann. She's virtually worthless to me anyhow, never listening to orders, never falling in line with her place in the tribe." The chief scoffs, "A woman warrior.." He then eyes Aleksara suspiciously and in thought before continuing, (Draconic)"she's just a distraction for my men here, refuses to weave or fish with the women, and every damn punishment doesn't seem to break it out of her. I guess I could be proud of her determination.. Maybe you can make something out of her afterall, but it doesn't matter, you're taking on more of a hindrance that anything."
The Chief nods to one of his men who disappears deeper into the caves. (Draconic)"Let us return to that thing you brought with you and enjoy some fish as Aibreann joins us."
Under the tents of dried reeds there are chairs and a table set out, all of small size. On the table is raw fish meat and roe. The Chief scoops a claw of roe and then offers the foodstuffs to the non-mite visitors. Prunus can be seen sitting out in the sun, quite miserable in the bright light and idly being watched by two guards.
A few minutes later a gray, white, and blue kobold is ushered out. She stumbles to the table and sits, eager to eat as if it had been some time. She is lean, which is easily explained by her "punishments" as the Chief put it. Her possessions are minimal; wearing weathered studded leather armor that is starting to fray and sporting a sling, a pouch of rocks on a rope belt, and a thin piece of metal with a leather wrapped handle that slightly resembles a rapier.
Having grown up eating raw fish with the lizardmen tribe, Aleksara takes to the meal easily. Smiling and laughing in draconic, while feasting, brings back warm memories of her youth with her father.
Seeing the female kobold's obvious wear and tear just for being herself, awhile maintaining her agility speaks volumes of the little warrior to Aleksara. Perhaps a kindred spirit to befriend?
Careful Aleksara! She's a kobold, not a lizardman. Her personal motivations are still unknown!
Alfentinius habngs around with the Kobolds continuing to interpret for them but is distracted from what is going on there by Prunus' obvious discomfort. He waits an appropriate amount of time, trying a small amount of the fish roe, and then leaves at the first opportune moment. He heads to the wagon grabbing some dried meat, cheese, and water. With the contents in hand he makes his way to Prunus and sits down next to the mite offering him some food. Trusting his friends to handle the Kobolds Alfentinius begins to weave ahis web on Grabbles heir, both to ensure he causes no problems here and is helpful in the distant future.
(Undercommon)- It would seem that one of the Kobolds will be sending one of their warriors to join us. Strange though. Where Grabbles sends you a young warrior in need of blooding... It would seem the Kobolds send one who is less bound by their own traditions and is difficult for them to understand or control.
When Aibreann makes an appearance Alfentinius gives her an appraising look from a distance.
(undercommon)Looks like she may be a scout of some kind. She should be pretty useful to our cause if she is. You know Prunus... You will make history Here. Has ever a Kobold and Mite fought against the same foe before. When the Alliance comes into its own and we smaller races take our rightful places at the table of leadership, the familiarity you gain here, with the traditions and abilities of other races, will make you invaluable to your people. You should try to become her friend and learn what you can from her. Something tells me you are both bound for greatness.
The mite nods to Alfentinius. The combination of his youthful nievity, Alfentius' subtle and familiar fey nature, and the Gnome's knack at making other's perceive what he wishes in them has already begun softening Prunus' point of view. The Mite casually responds honestly, (Undercommon)"These lizards are not to be trusted, just a setup for a betrayal. They'll pin us against the bandit's lair.. she's just worth being sacrificed in their eyes as collateral damage.. It'd be best to kill her after we move off, then circle back and stake out this den until they begin to move on our tail, catch them unaware from behind." The young mite then shutters uncomfortably, (Undercommon)"We should find a hole to hide in until dusk, this mid day sun is torturous." Although he heard your wise plea for forging peace within this younger generation, at the moment it has fallen on deaf ears overfilled with inherited paranoia.
The Kobolds aren't appearing to be the most hospitable. They do not rush you but it is clear that there is little else they are willing to offer than the fish and water. Evidently, the trauma of betrayal from within has caused a wave of distrust and this tribe will need time to heal. Aibreann finishes eating as quickly as she had started.
(Draconic)"Excuse me, I was starving.. I am Aibreann. Thank you for, reaching out to us and including me in you mission. It is my honor to be in the company of true heroes."
Some of the surrounding guards give her a side glance or roll their eyes as she speaks to you.
Seeing and hearing the anxiety in the reptilian's young face, leaves Aleksara a bit sad.
(Draconic)"Worry not my young friend. The journey will be fraught with danger and tortuous if we are caught. We may not even SURVIVE!"
Aleksara tries to wink conspiratorially at the reptilian while trying to reassure her AND the guards at the same time.
The Kobold smiles back at Aleksara and starts to look at her in a new way, as a potential ally. She chuckles as well and the guards look at the two of you like you're absolutely crazy.
For the first time Aibreann takes a moment to look over you all, the odd yet bonded group that you are. Her slight smile doesn't fade.
If the socially uncomfortable atmosphere continuing to linger, you all head off with Aibreann after only a few minutes of parley with the Kobolds. It was clear from the brief conversations that the tribe is uncertain of what to think of your expedition and chances for success.
Following the Shrike River south at Aibreann's lead, the water flows consistantly at a moderate to swift pace. At roughly 30ft across and, as Aibreann put it, "Deeper than the lot of you", there wasn't a good place to ford for roughly 10 miles. Prunus hangs back in the caravan line, slightly fanning out to cover the rear flank. The two members of warring nations do a relatively good job of ignoring each other.
Mid afternoon now, you all approach the convergance of the Thorn and Shrike rivers. Rather than being as exciting as one might imagine, the two join at a relatively shallow delta reaching across for a half mile at it's widest. The Throne is much more manage able and Aibreann leads you to a ford heading further west/north-west.
The hills of the Kamalands ease into a gentler landscape on this side of the Thorn river and the forest of the Narlmarshes comes into view just ahead on the northwestern horizon. A few hours from dusk, you come upon a dense patch of rare raspberry-like berries growing in a long, thin valley between two low hills. Much of the thorny thicket is draped in the white gossamer silk of spider webs.
fangberries. You've heard stories or seen the aftermath of travellers enticed by the fruit but weren't careful. Thousands of tiny slices and puncture wounds covering their body.
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For a while as they ride alongside the berry bushes their name is on the tip of Wendell's tongue. [i]Thornberries? Shrubbyteeth? Mawbush?
"Fangberries!" The dwarf remembers aloud with a great sense of relief.
"Tasty little f&&%ers, but those bushes'll chew you up like razors 'n a wind storm... Say, wasn't Bokken lookin' for fangberries? Ought to pick some for 'im. Never hurts to have alchemist friends 'round these parts... But how to avoid the fangs?"
As the party continues riding along Alfentinius looks thoughtfully around.
So what's the plan guys. Are we going to find a place to stash the wagon so we can scout? Maybe we could roll up and say we want to join them as a back up plan.
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Huh... seems like it would be a nice thing to do for Bokken. But do we really want to spend time on this now? Why don't we come pick them on the way home?
Grimacing at the lethal looking thorns, Aleksara blanches at the suggesting of picking them now.
"Those look sharp! I'm not eager to pick them without a full mail gauntlet protecting me! But...we should grab a few for now. Just in case we don't get a chance to get some later. Hey...we could plant the berries near the fort and they could make a good secondary layer of protection too - as well as a secondary food source!"
Using her basic telekinesis cantrip(Mage Hand), Aleksara grabs the best couple-dozen berries (or so) she can see as they pass! Putting them away int he wagon for safe keeping later.
Cleverly Aleksara summons a string of berries to float out from the threat of the Fangberries and into the wagon. Aibreann and Prunus both let out a soft "Oooooh" at the display of magic.
Alas, the odd movement and sound of your passing triggers the attention of something sinister within! Two swarms of spiders amass from the thicket, forming on the sides of the party with one to the West and one to the East.
Alfentinius seeing the swarms yells can we drive out of here fast?
And hastily throws a bolt of ice that goes nowhere close to it's intended target thanks to a bump in the road.
Seeing the swarms approaching, Aleksara calls out to Prunus as she digs in her belt for her lone vial of alchemist's fire and moves close enough to toss it!
"Can you control spiders too mighty Prunus? Because....well..."
Arim has been amused watching Aleksara's magical legerdemain, leaning on the front of his saddle. When the spiders emerge he snatches up his reins and pulls his horse away from the threat.
[b]"Something tells me a big sword isn't going to help here, even as fast as you can swing it Aleksara! Any ideas? Shall we just high tale it?"[/ooc]
As Alfent's ray freezes some of the fangberry bush, Aleksara hurls a flask at the swarm just missing it to her right. The splash causes the swarm to shudder though and it hisses in pain.
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Realizing his friend his helpless against the spider swarms, Wendell shouts "Chett, stay back!"
The hunter rubs his rough hand across the bandit horse's mane and whispers in its ear. Easy, boy." For once, the beast obeys.
He then casts Create Water just above the nearby swarm, hoping the weight of the water and splash will crush or drown them.
After the spell is cast, Wendell will spur the horse with his heels and move away from the swarm.
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Chett spots the spiders and begins to chirp and click.
When the dwarf commands him to move away, the tiger springs up and moves towards the cart but finds there is no room.
Wendell douses the swarm that crept out near him and Aleksara with a deluge of water. It does a moderate job of effecting the swarm but some of the spiders are able to cling to each other and outlast the flow of water trying to flush them away. You all can see that these two attacks have left roughly half the spiders left within that mass.
"Sure!" Jarrik yelled. "Give it your best shot" he shouted as he tossed the reigns to Alfentinius and hopped into the back of the wagon. He hastily started going through the supplies, opening pack and crate alike until he finally found it. Oil. He ripped some of his shirt off and began trying to shove the scrap into the top of the oil jug.
"Can someone light these? Bugs burn right?"
As the party starts to react to the spiders bellowing out of the Fangberry grove the arachnid swarms pounce on the explorers. The damaged swarm climbs up Aleksara's horse to begin biting her on exposed flesh. The other heads straight to the wagon and begins to bite at Alfentinius while they pour across the deck.
"OUCH!! GO! Out-pace them if you can!"
Aleksara is able to kick her steed into action, as she dashes away the swarm peals off of her by some combination or the wind, the movement, or their desire to stay near the fangberries.
Wendell then douses the spiders a second time and floods them away, breaking up the swarm permanently and killing most of the diminutive creatures.
In the cart Aibreann shrieks and starts smacking the spiders on Alfentinius. Seeing there are too many to simple squish, she tries to push the gnome out of the way.
Succeeding in shoving Alfentinius back enough to temporarily remove him from the swarm.
Prunus is quite dumbfounded. He watches this all with his mouth gaped open, unsure why everyone is fleeing the spiders and unsure why the spiders are attacking them.
Arim kicks his horse over to the cart horses and gives the nearest one a bit of a prod
"Yah yah! Move it!"
With one hand on the bench and the other holding his make-shift bomb, Jerrik hopped back onto the bench with Alfentinius. He shouted at Jasper.
"Come on boy! Get us moving. Those spiders can't keep up with you."
Seeing the spiders swarm onto the wagon Alfentinius steps back and trips to be covered by the small insects. He opens his mouth to yell for hope only to have the small squirming creatures climb into his open mouth.
blghhthng
As you all begin to flee, the swarm follows you for part of the way but then breaks off as to not separate itself from the fangberries.
You are all able to ride off and flee the remaining swarm. Aibreann guides you until the river makes a turn southwest. There she states that deep bandit territory lies before you and traveling much further will soon get you within range of the Staglord's sentries and lookouts.
The time of day is growing late and dusk is only hours from approaching. While you deliberate on what your next step and plan is, each of you can prepare as you see fit.