In the midst of his conversation with Kayosin, Sumisu comes over and tugs on Braydon's sleeve to get his attention. "When we have some time later, I would like to ask you some questions, for academic purposes." Tanooki, who was looking at something else in the store, turned his head backwards to look at Braydon before turning his body around and bobbing his head in a agreeable manner.
Ajerviskanis follows along, commenting to no one in particular.
"Such wondrous and outlandish companions I find myself joined with. A man with a most amazing and apparently sentient hat! One soul, spread over two bodies, a spirit warrior, a chef of some violent renown, a magically gifted carpenter, and one of my fellow countrymen. In all my years I'v rarely been so blessed with such fascinating company!"
Braydon, clearly pleased with the outcome of his admission, mutters "That went better than I thought - far better."
to Kayosin: "Thanks for that. It explains why when I'd ask him where he was from, he'd just joke that he's a 'minkey', and do the arms thing like a monkey."
"..but more seriously, I only admitted to it once I saw how they acted about you. You're seriously..different, but they treat you like anyone else. I'm certain you've felt the way I have, quite often. And I can't speak for other were-rats, best to treat them as the situation suggests. The few infected ones I met were..deserving the reputation."
Perception:
Braydon sniffs a bit, then mutters "Ah! It's the owl that threw me off."
to Sumisu: "I'll certainly answer what I can..." He then leans in close to Sumisu and whispers something..
Fibek smiles at his new friends, "Well, I have lived many years, and have many more to go--many more than you do. Let me know when you are ready to hunt these goblins."
Braydon examines the map..
"Hmm, about 2 miles across, mile and a half high at it's longest. Might help if we had a boat, approach from the water side."
He thinks a bit about the people he'd met who are going..
"Maybe best to stay on land, after all. A *lot* of folks (cats, owls) to fit in a boat."
Before Braydon can finish his second sentence, he hears a low growl from the golden cat, sees a tail twitch, and the head drop slightly.
After his speech, the cat is much more relaxed.
Vesnutt Paroot, the mature but vibrant gnome owner, comments "Please be aware that except for Walthus' shack, most of the locations are guesses. And be real careful. Several folks have gone in and never come out. Also, there's been a rash of young folk vanishing lately as well. Sheriff thinks they just took off for the big city, but I know at least two of 'em were planning on checking out the rumors of an old ruin. Don't think much of it myself, nor does Brodert Quink, which says a lot. Still, if you do pass by the place, could you take a look? Several families have put up rewards."
He pauses and points at a few spots on the map. "This is New Fish Trail, that's the path that leads to Proudstump's place. It's become a lot more popular since he moved in...and the gobins started taking an interst in Old Fish Trail. If anyone knows where their village is, it'd be him. Or maybe Old Megus."
He points to the faint trail leading down the cliffside to a bridge. "That's Witch's Walk. That's where she's most often been seen. But it's fallen into disrepair lately as well. That's why I don't think the gobs are using it. The cliff are about 40 feet high in most places. That's kinda what makes the swamp. You'll run across most of the usual marsh and swamp stuff. Nettles, bogs, bugs, leaches, trees, reeds. There's the usual run of criters, too. Big fish, too, which is why the fishermen take the risk. If you take what's left of Old Fish Trail, supposedly you can see a path to that old 'ruin'. Main waterway is the Soggy River. Any other questions?"
Ikshvaku returns from the Rusty Dragon wearing a chain shirt and carrying a longbow and pack. "Tell me, Master Parooh...do the Licktoad goblins still steal from the town dump?"
Sumisu freezes as Braydon whispers and after a moment, sighs out in his native Tian,
Parooh respones "They had been. the stopped for a whie after the Troubles, but started up again once they thought we forgot. As for recently, since the fireworks attacks? I'm not sure. Ask Gorvi."
Braydon looks confused at Sumisu's reaction, then stammers "I didn't mean to imply.. Phoo."
He looks dejectedly around.
"I..I have a knack for saying the wrong thing. Especailly when trying to be friendly. I'm..unused to it. That's why my escort does all the talking."
to Kayosin: "Thanks for that. It explains why when I'd ask him where he was from, he'd just joke that he's a 'minkey', and do the arms thing like a monkey."
Kayosin gives the rest of their strange new group a considering scan. "I'll admit its been a nicer reception than I'm used to. But experience tells me to give it time." He shrugs, "Not that I'm expecting them all to suddenly turn on me... you just have to look at things in context. You and those two," he nods to Vak and the old man, "are foreigners. Which means you understand what it is to be an outsider. That may mean they're open to our strangeness. Could also mean they simply don't know how they'll be treated if they were to treat me poor, on the off-chance that I'm a local." He frowns at the old man like unsolved blacksmith's puzzle, "Though I think the old one might have bad eyes... if he's not down-right blind. I'm not so sure he could actually see me or our mysterious little friend's 'hat'."
Which makes me nervous about keeping him safe in the marsh.
He turns to regard the two short members of the group. "I don't have a clue about our owl-wearing friend here. And while I've only known Master Straehan for a short while, he seems the open sort. I haven't known many gnomes, but none of them were monastery- trained, and none of them looked or acted like our little cook." He shrugs again with a half-smile, "Seems to some extent we may have a party of outsiders."
As the conversation turns to the marshes and the upcoming venture there-in, Kayosin pinches his lower lip in thought as he listens to the aging gnome.
"Everyone that's walked a long road has been an outsider at some time. Some of us make a habit of it." Straehan shrugs, "I try to take people as I find them."
The jaded elf turns philisophical: "I think this talk of outsiders is accurate, but I worry it can turn pessimistic. We have an opportunity to fit in and help these people, even impress some of the local heroes. Once our worth is established, things will work out. In a time when lands are ruled by devils, I have learned that many of the norms of the past are being put on their head. If an entire nation will accept devils as their sovereigns, surely a group such as ours will not be a problem."
He snaps back to business. "Let's take the first track here. Find this Proudstump and learn more. Shall I lead?"
Ajerviskanis smiles at Kayosin.
"While my sight may not be what it was, my hearing has not suffered a bit. Worry not after me. Blind luck alone won't carry one all the way here from far Vudra, yes?" Ajerviskanis taps Kayosin's nose once with his walking stick and cackles at his own joke.
"We have an opportunity to fit in... even impress... Once our worth is established..."
The ersatz Gnome looks slightly surprised. "'Fitting in' has never been an aspiration of mine... And what could possibly be more impressive than skills with a sautée pan? It's a wonder my hand hasn't been sought by all of the eligible ladies in town already... Must be a 'height' thing."
Braydon still seems a bit dejected. "F..Fitting in is something I've never been..able to do. I'd like to..to give it a try once."
Braydon thinks back a bit, then asks Kayosin "You mentioned Sumisu and this 'Koya' know each other? Who is Koya?"
As for heading out, it's now around 2 pm. Vesnutt has told you that Warden Proudfoot is a bit of a recluse and he's not sure Walthus would let you stay the night.
Gorvi tells you he hasn't seen any of the Licktoad goblins at Junker's Point lately.
Kayosin answers absently, obviously preoccupied by the map, "She adopted me when the Old Man was killed."
He points to the general area the gnome indicated the ruins were, "If two kids are missing there, we should at least swing by. The ruins are supposedly some old dome. Some local folks think it's connected to the old complex underneath Sandpoint. And some folks think its haunted… moans and howls heard at night and whatnot." He shrugs as he looks at everyone, "Never been there. Don't have a clue if its just a legend or what."
"So it looks like we'd have a handful of hours until sundown. We could make a run tonight, but I'm not sure we want to be mucking around if it goes full dark out there.. .kind of at the mercy of the goblins at that point. Though honestly i can see as good or better in the dark than they can, so I'm fine with that." He looks around one more time, "Anyone else have an opinion?
"How far away is this swamp? We're already into afternoon, and if we'd be arriving at dusk, that's..that's not so good. Swamps are bad enough on a good road, in daylight. I can see..um..pretty well in dim light, but not in darkness."
Braydon regards the map again...
"It doesn't really place Sandpoint, so I don't know how far."
Ikshvaku shakes his head at Gorvi's news. "Well, then. I had thought to ambush a few there, but that will not work...they have larger fish to fry, yes? If there is time, we can begin by visiting the Warden; that should be enough for the first day."
Paroot says "Brinestump's about 6 miles south of Sandpoint. Oh, and 5 silver, please."
The Vudrani shakes his head. "That is not good news. Our travel time would be three hours each way for Straehan and Sumisu, unless we purchase riding animals for you. Master Parooh, what is between here and Brinestump? Is there a place we could stay overnight that is closer to the swamp?"
No. Most folk avoid the place."
"I will find us a camp somewhere--Erastil will provide. Or would you rather start in the early morning? That would be uncharacteristically prudent of an adventuring group. Jan Farstrider never waited until morning to set out."
The elf looks longingly at the trail, eager to start.
Braydon, almost instictively, pulls the coins from his belt pouch.
He then realizes he's still holding his little 'courage bag', which he deftly flips shut and stows in a pocket on his backpack.
"Given everything, it might..be better to get started..early tomorrow then?"
"I agree it would be wiser to set out early tomorrow morning, yes. However, I for one am not familiar with the path to the swamp. If you are all feeling up for a short trip, we can walk for an hour or two to scout the way." He smiles tightly. "And who knows? If we are very lucky indeed, a group of goblins might decide that we look like we are worth attacking."
Fibek shakes his head--"Scouting would just get my hopes up. Tomorrow morning it is. I can stay a night in an inn and have a big human breakfast. C'mon Goldy."
Fibek and the cat head back to town.
Kayosin shakes his head in frustration, grabbing the sleeve of the retreating elf. "One thought before we disperse." He indicates the old Sandpoint gnome who's been so helpful, "He said a few local kids have wandered in there and not come back. If goblins are getting restless and violent, I'm not comfortable leaving them another night."
He looks around, "Any of you trackers? And willing to go looking for those kids by the ruins? Ya know, even if it is dangerously stupid?"
"I can follow a trail, yes, though I am not the only one...Braydon also has the skill, and Fibek has spent some time in the wild."
"Well, I plan on heading out as quickly as i can so salvage any daylight possible. Anyone willing to come with me, gear up and meet me out by the gate out of town. Everyone else, we'll leave markings of our passage for you to quickly catch up in th morning."
Giving everyone a quick moment to make any final objections or suggestions, Kayosin hitches his pack and puts words to action, nodding to the gnomish shopkeeper as he heads to the gate.
"Our travel time would be three hours each way for Straehan and Sumisu, unless we purchase riding animals for you."
The gnome gives an irritated hrumph, "Do I look like your average gnome? No. I'm not like them in how I look or how I move. I'm as fast as most tall folks, at any rate." It seems pretty clear that a sore spot has been hit. Straehan tosses silver coins to the other gnome.
"Well, I plan on heading out as quickly as i can so salvage any daylight possible. Anyone willing to come with me, gear up and meet me out by the gate out of town. Everyone else, we'll leave markings of our passage for you to quickly catch up in th morning."
Giving everyone a quick moment to make any final objections or suggestions, Kayosin hitches his pack and puts words to action, nodding to the gnomish shopkeeper as he heads to the gate.
Straehan shoulders his pack and heads for the door, "I'll go along, if you don't mind. I see pretty well in the dark."
"And did you say you were fast when we spoke of capabilities and planning? I do not remember that. Next time, do not hold back important items such as that, and I will include them in consideration. Now, are you proposing a reconnaissance in force, Kayosin? That sounds like a good idea to me." The tall Vudrani follows the gnome and tiefling.
"I didn't want to leave the kids. I wanted to be at Proudstump's by dinner time getting information."
He looks at those with the original objections to his plan.
"Spitting forces is almost always a bad idea. But now that it has been decided, I am going. It should be easy for you to find Proudstump's place in the morning. We will leave word there if we are not there to meet you."
Fibek hustles off after the gnome with his cat easily catching up.
"And did you say you were fast when we spoke of capabilities and planning? I do not remember that. Next time, do not hold back important items such as that, and I will include them in consideration."
Strae chokes out a cold laugh, "I don't recall you, or anyone else, sharing their running speed either. Hmm... It seems I'm to blame for your racist assumptions. Interesting. Include that in your facts for considerations... I know I will."
The gnome turns and continues his walk alongside Kayosin, silently fuming.
Before the expeditionary force leaves, Sumisu steps forward as he had been listening to the whole conversation. "I don't think many would be left behind, and I can see in the dark just as well as in the light. Neither matter to me all that much. Besides, if I want to go faster, I can purchase a ... What were they called? They are inexpensive and hardy. Usagiuma... Donkey." He seemed a bit more lively than he was a few minutes ago, but Tanooki remained asleep on his head.
More seriously, OK, once Braydon posts I'll get you to Walthus' place.
"I can track. Get..get a piece of their clothing, and I can pick up thier..scent. Are..are we really going now? I mean, I'm ready. But..I.."
Ajerviskanis puts a hand on Braydon's shoulder.
"You are in excellent company. You are young and capable and carrying a powerful and terrible gift. You are ready, young one. Let us be on our way, and follows what paths fate lays before us."
Before the group sets out, Paroot adds one more comment. "By the way, if you're headed to visit Walthus, I should let you know he raises snakes as pets. So don't panic if they're all over his place."
The main road skirts the coast and seems fairly well kept. You have no real problems until you hit the small but well worn path that is New Fish Trail.
Ajerviskanis:
Braydon:
Fibek:
Goldilocks:
Ikshvaku:
Kayosin:
Straehan:
Sumisu:
And after a bit of travel you all notice movement from behind a small hillock as two giant spiders drop their current capture and head toward you! Both are the size of the humans in the party.
Init:
Ajerviskanis:
Braydon:
Fibek:
Goldilocks:
Ikshvaku:
Kayosin:
Straehan:
Sumisu:
spiders:
Ajer=1, Braydon=2, Fibek=3, Goldilocks=4, Ikshvaku=5, Kayosin=6, Straehan=7, Sumisu=8
Victim 1
Victim 2
Round 1:
Fibek
Goldilocks
Vak
spiders
Braydon
Kayosin
Ajerviskanis
Straehan
Sumisu
Spider 1 vs Straehan
+ poison; fort save DC 14
Spider 2 vs Vak
+ poison; fort save DC 14
Tanooki, remaining asleep on Sumisu's head does not warn him before the spiders are upon them. He fumbles with some items held under his cloak, but eventually prepares to cast a spell in case things go awry.
As the group heads out, Ikshvaku responds to the atypical gnome, "You are correct. I apologize for making the unwarranted assumption."
Round 1:
With a spider advancing on him, Ikshvaku inhales and focuses. A sharp expulsion of breath, and a pair of gleaming, translucent blades appear in his hands. He takes a short step forward to meet the spider and buries one blade in its carapace with a crunch of chitin. Its return bite opens a gash on his arm, but he's able to pull away before it can poison him.
Braydon focuses his attention on his empty hand, and states, "Seishin no ha o kite, wareware wa shigoto o motte iru"
A jade green mist congeals in his hand to form a translucent 4' blade, single-edged and slightly curved. It streams a thin mist from it's edges, almost like it was evaporating.
Braydon steps up, and swings on the spider Vak is fighting..
Attack:
Damage:
..and swings a good foot wide of the beast.
Let us loose the first arrow.
Kayosin reacts by instinct rather than any level of training, skirting the fight as he looks for an advantageous position from which to strike. As he moves, he flicks his wrist, a dagger springing into place. He slides up around the back of the spider attacking Straehan and slams the blade in as deep as he can.