Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Raith looks at Sorin while he's chewing a heaping mouthful of rice and crab, listening to what he's saying. He swallows, "Now Sorin, let me get this straight. You saying devil's from the Nine Hells make the people of Cheliax do bad things? That what you're saying? That seems mighty hard to believe they could influence an entire city. After hearing that, you won't see me itching to take a trip to Cheliax anytime soon. That's for damned sure. I've heard bad enough things about Magnimar, but I never heard talk of devils influencing the entire city."

"Make is a stronger word than I would choose. Influence is more accurate." Sorin scratches his chin for a moment thinking.

"Let me explain it this way: If the Sheriff, the town council, the mayor, and the leader of the town guilds were ruthless opportunists who, while abiding to the letter of the law, manipulated its intent to benefit themselves with greater control and wealth what would you suppose a shopkeeper would do? Would the shopkeeper look for every opportunity to protect himself from those above him? He would most likely try to take care of his family, perhaps using a law to his advangtage to put a competetor out of business, or amassing wealth and power, merely for protection mind you."

"That really smells good Raith, I need to try some of that." Sorin spoons some of the crab and rice dish onto his plate and spreads it out with a spoon to cool.

"You can see how those with power influence the structure of the society beneath them. Merely in order to survive, people of no ill intent will change the way that they deal with others. In Cheliax, the upper echelons of power are engaged in the same struggle as the shopkeeper. Making deals with the Infernal is a quick way for people to gain power, power to protect themselves from the society in which they live. Those who reject that construct are forced to leave because everyone around them is searching for their own angle, their own way to survive. If they stay in Cheliax and decide that they do not wish to play the same game as everyone else, they are quickly destroyed. So nobody is forced to conform to the system, but if they don't..."

Looking grim, Sorin falls silent, and begins eating his food mechanically. His eyes look unfocused as if his mind were thousands of leagues away.

"Sorin, sounds like you may be helping people that don't much deserve it. If folk are looking for an angle and a way to mistreat their neighbor because the folk at the top do it, I'd say they're most likely not needing much of an excuse for their own poor behavior. There isn't anyone making folk here be neighborly, and Desna knows we have our fair share of bad men, but if some evil folk tried to make us act otherwise we would ignore them or fight them. This I know for certain. But I'll tell you this, if you're talking of fighting a tyrant, I might join you. My wants aren't as lofty as yours. I only want a pretty and kind wife", he glances Ameiko's way,"to see a bit of the world, have some respect, and maybe even earn more coin than I know what to do with. But I don't much care for tyrants and evil men. Seeing as you're friends with Pavel and seem like the kind of man one can trust to have at your back and as a neighbor. I'll offer a hand if I'm able with these devils in Cheliax. Maybe we'll see if you're thinking on the people there is right."

Interesting conversation btw!

Throughout the discussion, Ameiko has stayed silent, head bowed, looking away from the table. She slowly turns and stares at you. Quickly the room falls silent.

"Brinewall... Yes, I think that's what I need to do. I would join your caravan Sandru, old friend, and would find that treasure my grandfather speaks of. Yes..." She looks around the room "Who would join me on such a perilous quest?"

Please check the ooc.

Sorin nods at Raith, a look of thanks at his offer in his eyes.

At Ameiko's comment he grins wryly.

"I don't think you will lack for people to accompany you to Brinewall Ameiko. Pavel here just got out of the swamp and he is already bored, and I am ready to go just for the sake of curiousity. As for Izumi and Raith, I believe that clamping them in irons would be the only way to keep them from venturing forth at your side." Sorin says, waving his spoon at each of them in turn.

Pavel gets just slightly defensive as he starts carving off pieces of the duck. He's had a few drinks by now and even if he doesn't show any signs of having too much, he's loosened up enough that he actually mentions his family.

"Wuh'well, you know, I grew up on a farm. Thuh'there was always luh'lots to do, 'n even when there weren't my br'brother was always ready to cause trouble. Mending fuh'fences, shoein' th' horses or sneakin' into Da's luh'liquor cabinet - y' always wound up tuh'tired out. I ain't knuh'knockin' Sandpoint, you understand, but it's tough fuh'findin' enough practical work to keep uh'occupied. Workin' a stable's fine but it ain't whu'what you'd call a career. So, you know, I suh'sit on my hands I end up suh'spending too much money on booze or..."

He gestures a second with his knife, but doesn't elaborate when he pulls a small pile of duck meat onto his plate.

"But, yuh'yeah, Sorin's right. I'm in- I'll see this duh'deserted town for myself."

Raith looks at Ameiko with concern, "Now Ameiko, you haven't been out adventuring for quite a while. We can track this treasure down for you and bring it back. No need for you to put yourself in harm's way. What would the Rusty Dragon do without you in it. It would be a whole lot less of a place worth coming to without the beautiful Ameiko to grace her. I don't mind running this errand for you and bringing back whatever we find. As much kindness as you've shown me over the years, I'd be more than willing.".

Izumi had just returned to the conversation when Ameiko makes her request. His face is now clean, with just a shallow cut across his cheek and the exhaustion of the day marring his features. A bulge along his chest indicates that under his simple grey tunic he has swathed his injury in much cloth. "Though we have never honoured the tradition Ameiko, I doubt my father would approve if I let the last Kaijutsu go on a perilous quest without her retainer." Izumi says gravely, but then breaks into a smile. "Besides, you left me behind to go adventuring once before. Don't think I'll let you abandon me again."

Ameiko smiles at each of you: "Thank Desna for all the good one finds in your hearts! I am blessed with the strongest of friends and reason would say that I should stay here and run the Dragon... But my heart tells me that the Dragon is not it, is not me, and that again, the roads should have me and make me... So I will go forth to Brinewall!"

Sandru here stands up: "Perfect! Then we all go, but let me tell you, this is a dangerous trip to a dangerous place. On the other hand, this is a great opportunity for a trader like me. With such strong qualities coming along, a caravan should be successful in bringing north the goods of Maginmar and Sandpoint to be traded. So I'll arrange for a caravan to be put together. We'll find safety in numbers, and opportunity for trade!"

All laugh and applaud at the announcement. Quietly Koya rises and makes her way to Ameiko. Silence falls slowly across the room as the two women embrace warmly. Koya then turns, extending her arms: "Desna has been my guide through the years and I have served her with all my heart. I have grown quite old, but the Goddess has gifted me with a young heart. As a servant of her's, and a servant of my friend, I have decided to live the cult to its fullest, and come along, if you'd have me..."

Ameiko's eyes fill with tears as she takes Koya's hands...

"And a mighty force we shall be!" Izumi smiles as Koya offers her service. "I believe a drink or two is in order, wouldn't you say?" As the tears begin to well up in Ameiko's eyes, Izumi is there beside her, his weathered hand touches her shoulder. He smiles warmly, and opens his arms, offering a hug. "Surely, you didn't think we'd let you go alone."

Raith fumes a bit. He rubs his fist in his hand. After a time he relaxes and starts drinking a few ales. When he's feeling unwound, he'll bid everyone good night. He gives Ameiko a hug and tells her, "I'll make sure to keep you safe. I'm off to sleep. See you tomorrow."

Sorin watches the byplay, lifting a glass to cheer on Sandru's announcement, and seeing Izumi's closeness to Ameiko.

So is Izumi a retainer or trying to retain her?

He breaks a broad grin at his little joke. After finishing his food, he sits back with his wine and listens to the conversations swirl about him.

Then it is settled! shouts Sandru, getting up and raising his glass. I'll arrange for my caravan to assemble. We couldn't leave before a few days though, for I need to hire a few men. Let's meet tomorrow evening to set up plans. I'll come with a map and an itinerary!"

Slowly, the patrons leave as the evening turns into night.

Please let me know what your plans are for the coming days. It will be a long voyage.

Garand's abortive attempt at striking up a conversation with Koya or Shalelu seems to have been upstaged by the more interesting events going on in Ameiko's life, so he finishes his meal in silence before leaving to get some rest, so that he can heal his companion and allies in the morning.

Over the next few days, Garand replaces his expended arrows, secures some rations, and attempts to adapt the designs he has seen for armored horses and war-dogs to design a leather cuirass for bear-spirit. He won't have time to even begin working on such a project, but will seek out a local leatherworker or armorer to ask if such a thing is feasible, and, if possible, place some coin down for one to be crafted.

Bear-spirit loathes the next couple days, as Garand bribes and cajoles him into wearing an assortment of straps and buckles and bits of makeshift 'armor,' just to accomodate him to the concept, even if it may be a month before they return and such armor is available.

Leather 'barding' for an unusual shaped size small creature should be 20 gp. and 7.5 lbs. It should be do-able in a week, on a Take 10 roll if the craftsman has at least a +2 to his check.

Raith hopes the loot will be claimed and what remains sold and divided. He hopes he gets a cut like last time. He's going to train harder than he ever has before. (A montage of hard, sweaty, painful training sessions with Eye of the Tiger playing in the background.) He's driven by his desire to protect Ameiko. He can't let her down because he wasn't prepared. He'll attend all meetings and be prepared to leave on a dime. He spends some time at The Rusty Dragon for meals and to gaze at Ameiko dreaming of her as his wife and lover.

Pavel will help Sandru out with organizing things as best he can, procuring his supplies and discussing what kind of terrain to expect (whether he'll need to get warmer clothes, when we'll resupply, etc.). Seeing as new faces will be joining the five of them on the trip, he'll try to get over his inclination to avoid talking to anyone and at least spend a little time with each (Shalelu, Koya and Ameiko) before spending a month or more on the road with them.

In spare moments, he'll take some time to get familiar with the weird sword the talking skeleton was using (Whispering Shrike).

With the decision made, Izumi will smile in anticipation. Now Ameiko would see his bravery first-hand. Izumi will settle in and have some of Ameiko's delicious cooking. Unsure if anyone has heard of the story of earlier in the day, he will tell that story to the table. The finding of the trail, the bear almost drowning them as the forded the river (this is a funny moment in the story), and the clearing with the mound of refuse. The story will include mention of how the Caleb Frodsek's armor protected him against the Brinestump Horrors, and how the creature had tried to wield his family steel.

If his story is well received, he will continue on to tell of the trek through the swamp, the two ships decaying there. Eventually he comes to the battle with Tsutamu and his skeletons. Unable to hide a bit of embarrassment on his own part, Izumi tells of what he could remember... the skill of Tsutamu, and his own close call with death.

Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

The next day, Izumi will return to the blacksmith, thanking him for the use of his armor. He points the damage it sustained yesterday (no actual damage, so should be an easy fix.), and offers to help repair it. Izumi had brought his katana with him and he draws it out. If Caleb hadn't heard the story yet, Izumi will relate how it got so damaged, and will ask if he might use Caleb's forge to repair the blade. Of course, compensation would be provided. (thinking 1sp/day)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Garand still has much to learn about etiquette as he stands respectfully at Koya's approach, but does not 'get her chair.'

"I greet you, seer. Please share this exceptional meal."

Noting Shalelu, with none to specifically greet her, he waves to her as well, "You as well, huntress, come, there is bounty for all."

Turning again to Koya, he draws forth the wrapped bit of wood, "We located ships in the mire, that had been brought far inland, it seemed, by some terrible storm. They bore Tian markings, and contained both wonders and horrors." he unwraps the decorated plank and shows it to her, "I found few items that had not succumbed to the swamp's touch, but this seemed to show a Tian appreciation for the beauty that can be found in the natural world, and I thought you might also appreciate it." he finishes, handing it to her.

If Shalelu joins them, he will ask if she can identify the arrows they found, "These are not magical, but they are unfamiliar to my untrained eye. Could these arrows have come from the same distant lands?"

Kpya turns to Garand as she's about to leave: "How thoughtful of you. I can see what a fine young man you're becoming. The divine flows through you more than ever. Let it guide you, but remember, you walk your won path. ... Anyhow, I look forward to walking at your side."

As for Shalelu, she looks and looks at the arrows, but her eyes are empty: "I've seen many arrows, but I haven't seen these. Could be they're from Tien make. That would explain it."

Pavel busies himself gathering his supplies. He commissions a lighter shield more suitable for attacking and defense and picks out a longbow. When the breeders show their stock of horses at the market, he carefully chooses a fine beast trained for riding- a powerful red stallion named Ogre. When not planning for the impending journey or giving his terse farewells in town, Pavel can be found training his beast to hold its own in combat.
I put the heavy horse's stats in my profile- the bestiary said that you should add the advanced template to the base horse stats for a heavy horse. Not trained for combat yet- in three weeks I can make a DC 20 handle animal check to get him prepared for it unless we just won't have time on the road.

Sorin spends the next few days shopping for spells, researching geography and legends, placing new scrolls in his two spellbooks, learning Tien and preparing for the trip north.

Raith will visit Ameiko and see if she needs anything.

Raith will ask Pavel, "What do you think I need for the journey?"

The next evening, you all gather at the Rusty Dragon. Sandru has put a large map of Varisia. Around the map you can find platters of food, chicken, porc, squid and vegetables.

You can feel Sandru's passion. His eyes come alive as he explains, his finger flying over the map: "Things are looking up! I've ordered provisions and supplies, as well as bought some items to trade with THE NORTH. I'm looking to hire a few people and the word has been spread. Ameiko is helping with mo-ny. we should have a few wagons ready to go in five days I'd say! The journey to Brinewall will take us from Sandpoint up along the Lost Coast Road, passing through the villages of Galduria and Wolf ’s Ear, cutting through the northeastern reach of Churlwood, and eventually reaching the northern town of Roderic’s Cove. We'll then wind up into the Velashu Uplands, following the river northwest to a low pass in the mountains and then DUE NORTH into the Nolands and, eventually, to Haunted Brinewall!"

Koya is in the back, helping Ameiko with paperwork it seems, though this is certainly a risky endeavour for two desnans to undertake... Especially as they rely on each other!

Shalelu sits in a corner of the room. as Sandru finishes his plan, he looks at the ranger. She replies, voiceful: "I DIDN'T SAY I'D BE COMING!"

"Suuuure! Of couuuurse you haven't..." says Sandru as he winks at you and whistles a well known air of travel and adventure...

"Sounds good to me Sandru. You certainly have never steered us wrong in the past. I am certain that you will find goods enough to keep us well established as we go north. Do you need any additional funds? I have a small amount of gold saved that might get pooled to help get us going." Sorin turns to look at the ranger, "Shalelu, I understand that you have a great deal of experience travelling through most of Varisa. Since you aren't coming with us, do you have any knowledge that you can impart about the terrain that we will be travelling through or peoples that we may encounter?"

What weather conditions should Sorin expect that far north, as he is now aware of the location of Brinewall?

Raith will visit Ameiko and see if she needs anything.

Raith will ask Pavel, "What do you think I need for the journey?"

"W'well, I'd say definitely bring some wuh'warm clothes- 'specially if Suh'Sandru's route takes us through the muh'mountains. Food's tuh'taken care of; extra blanket's all'always a good idea, suh'some good sturdy boots. Gr'grooming stuff, anything you need luh'like that... You could get a lotta fuh'fancy gear and all that stuff, buh'but really, it's just the suh'simple common sense things that you'd ruh'really miss if you didn't huh'have 'em."

He scratches the back of his head.

"Luh'lotta travelers act like it ain't suh'somethin' that comes up, but uh'anything that helps wuh'ward off homesickness is a good thing to take. Once you been muh'marchin' through the mud an' rain and things ain't luh'lookin' so good anymore, it's good to have somethin' to ruh'ruh'remind you of better times. And of cuh'course any potions or things you muh'may need when trouble fuh'finds us."

"In that case Pavel, I think that I do have a few more things to purchase. I hadn't considered the climetological changes due to high elevation. Most of our previous caravans with Sandru had stayed in the lower elevations."

I forgot what season it was right now. Is it summer?

Raith Shadar wrote:

Raith will visit Ameiko and see if she needs anything.

Raith will ask Pavel, "What do you think I need for the journey?"

"W'well, I'd say definitely bring some wuh'warm clothes- 'specially if Suh'Sandru's route takes us through the muh'mountains. Food's tuh'taken care of; extra blanket's all'always a good idea, suh'some good sturdy boots. Gr'grooming stuff, anything you need luh'like that... You could get a lotta fuh'fancy gear and all that stuff, buh'but really, it's just the suh'simple common sense things that you'd ruh'really miss if you didn't huh'have 'em."

He scratches the back of his head.

"Luh'lotta travelers act like it ain't suh'somethin' that comes up, but uh'anything that helps wuh'ward off homesickness is a good thing to take. Once you been muh'marchin' through the mud an' rain and things ain't luh'lookin' so good anymore, it's good to have somethin' to ruh'ruh'remind you of better times. And of cuh'course any potions or things you muh'may need when trouble fuh'finds us."

"Thanks for the advice. Ameiko will be there. She's about all I need to remind me of home. Never had this much coin in my life, not even sure what to do with it all. I guess this will start me off. Maybe while we're traveling you can teach me how to fight with more weapons. Need to learn to shoot a bow and swing a sword.", says Raith.

Shalelu, with a neutral voice, looks at Sorin: "As it is Gozran (April), you can expect the unusual snow and cold weather as you move north. Mountain passes, if they are high enough, could have a snow still, but as time moves on, weather should improve. Warm weather for sure! Terrain? well, I've never been that far north truth be told. I'm expecting more and more Ulfen as we get nearer Nolands, and meaner monsters! Oh yeah, and bandits, especially since we're not taking a route that stays closer to civilization..."

Ameiko looks at Pavel: "True indeed! I shall bring music with us. Sandru will bring his Varisian violin and Koya her flute. With my shamisen and my tambourin, we'll be a fine set of troubadours!"

Garand samples from each of the platters as he peers at the map, trying to imagine the land as it would seem from the ground, instead of this eagles eye view. He slips items to bear-spirit as well, who seems much more companionable today, his wounds healed and his fur cleaned, and bear-spirit seems to be great fascinated with the squid, alternately sniffing it, poking at it, taking a nip of it and then batting it around the floor before finally eating it.

After Sandru has excitedly proclaimed the intended path, Garand asks, "Would a stop at Nybor be useful to you, to increase your chance of trading goods, or simply a waste of time, given how close it is to Sandpoint anyway? Also, I notice that Riddleport is along our path, between Roderic's Cove and the Velashu Highlands, but you do not intend to stop to trade there? Is Riddleport simply not profitable for a local caravan, due to the amount of shipping trade the port receives, or because of local banditry and smuggling?

He also looks to Shalelu, "Any information you might have about the dangers that may face us in the northern Churlwood would be welcome, huntress."

"Thanks for the advice. Ameiko will be there. She's about all I need to remind me of home. Never had this much coin in my life, not even sure what to do with it all. I guess this will start me off. Maybe while we're traveling you can teach me how to fight with more weapons. Need to learn to shoot a bow and swing a sword.", says Raith.

"Sh'sure, if you wuh'want to. Seems like you do pr'pretty good with your fists and fuh'feet, but cuh'couldn't hurt to widen your horizons."

Pavel thinks quick about what he knows of the flora and fauna in Churlwood up north, trying to prove the he can be as knowledgable as Shalelu- despite never having been there.
Knowledge-Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Sorin ponders Shalelu's words, talking mostly to himself. "Ulfen, I must look into learning that language...and Skald as well I suppose. The runic system won't be an issue, its just based off Draconic."

He blinks, and looks up at Shalelu, "Thank you for your guidance. It is a shame that you will not be travelling north with us. Especially as this is terrain that you have not seen before, I imagine that it would have been particularly exciting to find new vistas and encounter different cultures."

Knowledge:Local 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Furthermore, Shalelu, from what I have heard, you are quite exceptional with bow and blade, and since this will not be a quiet forest picnic, your aid would be greatly appreciated."

Sorin ponders Shalelu's words, talking mostly to himself. "Ulfen, I must look into learning that language...and Skald as well I suppose. The runic system won't be an issue, its just based off Draconic."

He blinks, and looks up at Shalelu, "Thank you for your guidance. It is a shame that you will not be travelling north with us. Especially as this is terrain that you have not seen before, I imagine that it would have been particularly exciting to find new vistas and encounter different cultures."

Knowledge:Local 1d20+7

"Furthermore, Shalelu, from what I have heard, you are quite exceptional with bow and blade, and since this will not be a quiet forest picnic, your aid would be greatly appreciated."

"Sk'Skald is the language's name- Ul'Ulfen is the ethnic grouping."

Pavel clears his throat.
"Den raske rødrev hopper over den søvnige grevling."

Skald:

"Excellent Pavel! I look forward to learning Skald from you then. What did you say in Skald?"

Being part-Varisian himself, Izumi couldn't hate caravans, but he did not relish the thought of sitting atop a wagon all day, speedier or no. He would need his own mount.

Izumi keeps relatively quiet during the meeting. His travels had always taken him south, not north. He could speak Taldan as well as any from that country, but he found the Ulfen language of Skald hard and brutish. He does pipe up when the conversation turns to bandits.

"I doubt bandits would attack so well-armed a caravan, and if they did, I think they'd find quite a shock in store for them."

"Excellent Pavel! I look forward to learning Skald from you then. What did you say in Skald?"

" 'The quick red fuh'fox jumps over the sluh'sleepy badger.' Ju'just one of those suh'simple sentences for language lessons."

Garand samples from each of the platters as he peers at the map, trying to imagine the land as it would seem from the ground, instead of this eagles eye view. He slips items to bear-spirit as well, who seems much more companionable today, his wounds healed and his fur cleaned, and bear-spirit seems to be great fascinated with the squid, alternately sniffing it, poking at it, taking a nip of it and then batting it around the floor before finally eating it.

After Sandru has excitedly proclaimed the intended path, Garand asks, "Would a stop at Nybor be useful to you, to increase your chance of trading goods, or simply a waste of time, given how close it is to Sandpoint anyway? Also, I notice that Riddleport is along our path, between Roderic's Cove and the Velashu Highlands, but you do not intend to stop to trade there? Is Riddleport simply not profitable for a local caravan, due to the amount of shipping trade the port receives, or because of local banditry and smuggling?

He also looks to Shalelu, "Any information you might have about the dangers that may face us in the northern Churlwood would be welcome, huntress."

Sandru smiles at the druid and answers as he fights a bite of squid: "Part of the itinerary is to get quickly to Brinewall, part is for trade. Now, there are certain places that I would prefer to avoid... for a few years more at least, IF you know what I mean..." He winks at you and pushes the bucket of chicken pieces towards you.

Shalelu, on the other hand, remains pensive, she grows darker and darker as she speaks: "Perhaps bandits can be dealt with, certainly there is safety in numbers, but Churlwood and the Velashu are also infamous for the orc tribes that move through the area. They are mean and stubborn creatures that will come at you in relentless waves of hatred and madness. You'll slay fifty and still they'll come at you, until you just drop... I'm also worried about ogres, especially in Churlwood... They'll snatch you in the night, beat and torture you for days, cut cook and eat your comrades in front of you, then feed on your toes and fingers, careful to leave you conscious..."

She pauses for a moment... "All right then, I'm coming! AND WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF YOUR FACE SANDRU!!!"

Garand's eyes grow wide as Shalelu details first the horrors of the orcs, and then the far more gruesome nature of the Churlwood Ogres.

Bear-spirit whines slightly, picking up on his companions' anxiety through whatever natural bond their share, and Garand distracts his companion with a a few pieces of chicken, reminding himself that he must master his fears, as his concerns are no longer his alone.

The famous Shoanti stoicism may have seemed emotionally dishonest and cold growing up among the unsmiling and grim people, but he now is beginning to recognize that it is sometimes necessary.

Raith stares intently at Shalelu while she is speaking. He clasps his hands together. By the time she is done his knuckles are white and he is a bit pale. If someone were to touch his skin, it would be cold and clammy.

Pavel downs the rest of his beer and slaps Raith on the back.
"Ogres die like an'anything else. And I'm sure Sha'Shalelu's happy to show us huh'how it's done. Nuh'not worth gettin' worked up over suh'somethin' that probably wuh'won't happen anyway."

Sandru let's the air cool off a bit before moving the conversation back to the tasks at hand: "So that's me, Shalelu (*wink*), Ameiko, Garand, Raith, Izumi, Pavel, Koya and Sorin. Quite the bunch!!! I will need to hire a few new hands. Remind me again what your task will be on the journey? I'll be piloting!"

"From our earlier travels, I would be best suited to serve as a scout, I believe, although I could also fill many other roles, such as guard, guide or healer, if Shalelu would be more logical in the scout role..." Garand says to Sandru.

Raith gives a half-hearted grin to Pavel, "I guess we'll find out."

Raith looks to Sandru. "I fix things. It's what I've spent a good deal of my life doing. If a wagon wheel breaks or a lantern don't seem to be working right, I can usually get it fixed. And I certainly don't mind hard work. So any kind of loading or unloading you need, I can give a hand. I can fight a little too. Not as well as the others, but I can hold my own."

"Eh, yuh'you know what I can do, Sandru. I could pull gu'guard duty or scouting... or I guess dr'drive, even though that's a luh'little boring."

"Even with the best scouts in the world, you need some fighting men with the caravan. I can take that role." Izumi pauses here to glance at Ameiko and smile. "I've a few tales to tell as well if the mood in the caravan were ever to sour. I also have learned something of the merchant trade in my time as an apprentice blacksmith. If we are bringing goods to trade, I certainly could help with the negotiations."

"Thank you Shalelu, I am thankful that you are accompanying us."

"As before Sandru, I will be filling the position of a guard. I have been working on my spells and scrolls and think that I will be even more effective than I have been in the past."

Raith pulls Izumi off to the side when he gets a chance at The Rusty Dragon.

** spoiler omitted **

Izumi then turns on his heel and angrily exits the Rusty Dragon, heading down the path to the ocean.

Raith says it loud enough that Izumi will hear, "I'll take care of it myself then."