Temerith watches the fey carefully, but removes his hand from his weapon. Though tricksters, they don't seem particularly dangerous or hostile, so he simply hangs back, curious but silent.
I hope this is not an elaborate plot... these things don't look very trustworthy... the tiefling thinks to himself, arms crossed.
Raxus stared at the tiny dragon in open-mouthed awe. Dragons were a particular love for him, a legend of his childhood dreams, and butterflies had been his mother's favorite creature. She seemed to draw them to her daily. He had no idea that butterfly dragons even existed.
He didn't even notice the water on his toes, but he did abruptly lay down his hook.
"Sorry. There. Hope... that's better."
Arianna's left eyebrow arches with curiosity as she considers the tiny dragon's words. She responds in the same language.
The dragon grins and launches itself into the air. It does a loop then lands beside Baron Tyg before answering.
"We have biggenes like you come through here to hunt and trap the creatures. Most of them are nice, some even make sure to drop sweets from time to time."
Tyg interrupts, "And liquor, some of them bring liquor!"
Perlivash sighs and rolls his eyes before bumping Tyg with his head. Giving his cohort a glare, he looks back and continues, "But there is one man who wasn't so nice. He was mean to us and mean to the animals. He set his traps around and didn't check them for weeks. Many of the animals starved to death before he came back for them. We don't like trapping, but we understand it happens. But we don't tolerate cruelty." The tiny dragon's voice has taken on a surprisingly hard edge.
Tyg nods, "We tried to talk to him, but he chased us away and even set some traps for us. Tried to catch us in net. After that, Perlivash and I decided to teach him a lesson, played a trick on him." Tyg giggles, but it is not the innocent laugh of a child that you hear.
Perlivash nods, "We did, and he won't be trying to catch us again. But now his traps are still out there. Since you're biggenes like him, you can help us find them. Go north until you find the old game trail, and follow that until you find his camp. There will be animal traps all along it. Go get rid of them, and then come back. After that, we'll tell you where to find Old Deadeye's lodge."
"Do we have a deal?"
Bydar turns to the others, "Well ladies and gents? Frankly this sounds like a good deed to do anyway so I'm for getting a few long sticks to poke with safely and head out. It may take us sometime, but it's better than some innocent traveler walking into the traps unawares."
Temerith looks to the others, nodding almost imperceptibly. Can probably trust them on this, the tiefling thinks to himself, shifting his stance. At Bydar's words, he nods more deeply, speaking for the first time in the fey's presence. "Agreed."
Arumil shrugs.
"It does not matter to me one way or the other."
Not that he trusted the fey, but exploring one location over another was no different in his mind. Not that he would fail to remind them that their single minded pursuit of the temple has side track them more so then a systemic search would have without the benefits of the latter.
Perlivash sighs and rolls his eyes before bumping Tyg with his head. Giving his cohort a glare, he looks back and continues, "But there is one man who wasn't so nice. He was mean to us and mean to the animals. He set his traps around and didn't check them for weeks. Many of the animals starved to death before he came back for them. We don't like trapping, but we understand it happens. But we don't tolerate cruelty." The tiny dragon's voice has taken on a surprisingly hard edge.
"That's absolutely horrible, it's beyond cruel."
Raxus was a trapper himself. The idea of leaving traps behind and unchecked obviously upset him. He nodded.
Perlivash sighs and rolls his eyes before bumping Tyg with his head. Giving his cohort a glare, he looks back and continues, "But there is one man who wasn't so nice. He was mean to us and mean to the animals. He set his traps around and didn't check them for weeks. Many of the animals starved to death before he came back for them. We don't like trapping, but we understand it happens. But we don't tolerate cruelty." The tiny dragon's voice has taken on a surprisingly hard edge.
"That's absolutely horrible, it's beyond cruel."
Tyg nods, "We tried to talk to him, but he chased us away and even set some traps for us. Tried to catch us in net. After that, Perlivash and I decided to teach him a lesson, played a trick on him." Tyg giggles, but it is not the innocent laugh of a child that you hear.
Perlivash nods, "We did, and he won't be trying to catch us again. But now his traps are still out there. Since you're biggenes like him, you can help us find them. Go north until you find the old game trail, and follow that until you find his camp. There will be animal traps all along it. Go get rid of them, and then come back. After that, we'll tell you where to find Old Deadeye's lodge."
"Do we have a deal?"
Bydar turns to the others, "Well ladies and gents? Frankly this sounds like a good deed to do anyway so I'm for getting a few long sticks to poke with safely and head out. It may take us sometime, but it's better than some innocent traveler walking into the traps unawares."
Temerith looks to the others, nodding almost imperceptibly. "Agreed."
Arumil shrugs. "It does not matter to me one way or the other."
Arianna fixes Arumil with a withering look as she replies to the fey creature. "If the man was foolish enough to ignore your warnings, then he deserved whatever fate befell him," she says dispassionately. Her normally sunny tone returns as she continues, "We are happy to accept your quest, good Barons, and look forward to treating with you again upon our return."
Arumil allowed a hint of a smirk to appear briefly before disappearing. He wondered if such a statement would be so well recieved if the positions were reversed. After all they were taming a land that had no connection to them.
Tyg nods and bounds away, back up into the dense foliage.
Perlivash flies up into the air and executes several loops before hovering before you. "Excellent, head north and you'll find it, just be careful! We'll see you back here when we return."
-----
The fey are directing you to the hex immediately north of the one you're currently exploring. (You may finish exploring your current hex before heading north if you so choose).
Once in that hex, I need six Perception or Knowledge (nature) checks from anybody who wants to search (either one or the other, not both). Given the circumstances, no taking 10 or 20. Feel free to improvise, come up with some clever tactics, cast spells, etc. If anybody has a RP angle they wish to play up - i.e. Raxus background mentions he is a trapper - then please make sure to mention it after rolling. I'm happy to give "bonuses" for creative solutions beyond just rolling the digital dice. :)
This activity will also count as exploring the hex for "official" mapping purposes.
Let met know if there are any other questions.
Arumil recalls his time with the Kyonin guard, finding and disarming traps was a common practice as many wished to hunt the virgin forest of his homeland. As such these hunters would have to learn that their traps were as good as lost upon being set, along with a few arrows in their behind when they came to collect. He also made use of a basic spell of Prestidigitation to ruffle the leaves away that could be hiding any traps he searched for without placing himself at risk of triggering one.
After the first sign of the trapper is found, Raxus lets his dogs get his scent and sets them on the trail, careful not to let them off the chain so they don't accidentally trigger a trap.
Over the next few days, Dawn and Dusk lead the characters along a winding route through a dense forest that intersects a game trail every few hundred yards.
In that time, you discover over twenty traps laid out along the path you follow, most cleverly hidden, and a couple placed so well you nearly stumble into them yourselves. To general surprise, and some disgust, the traps are in extremely poor condition. They are rusty and dull, but sadly, they are effective.
In addition to finding the traps, you also find the remains of several small animals that apparently died of starvation while captured.
Several aspects of this situation become clear late in the second day of searching. You find the body of a man beneath several logs. Looking around the area, you determine that this appears to be another trap for large animals that would have caused the pile of logs to roll over it when triggered. Apparently, the trap triggered prematurely and pinned the man's legs. His death was unpleasant, if the signs of carnivores around the site are any indication.
-----
You have spent two days in the hex and discovered everything you think you can. You are free to return to meet the fey, or continue in a different direction.
I will provide an updated hex map later tonight or tomorrow asap.
"You were right, Bridgette," Bydar says as he surveys the traps and the poor creatures left to starve in them, "This was beyond cruel"
When they find the man, he makes a low whistle, "Remind me never to anger the fae if I can possibly help it. The man probably doesn't deserve this, but..." Bydar says a quick prayer for the man's soul anyway.
Temerith shakes his head at the sight of the trapper killed under by his own trap. "Might be his just desserts... or maybe why the traps were left to rot..."
Not surprised at the man's fate, ever pragmatic he speaks.
"Well should we leave him? Regardless he should be searched for anything of use, he certainly wont need it."
Raxus nods, used to the idea of using whatever can be found and not really having much of a concept of 'dignity in death'. He carefully roots through the man's belongings.
"Looks like he was caught in his own trap. The fey creatures tricked him into that?"
You find a masterwork hand axe under his body. That appears to be the only thing of value.
Raxus stands and holds the axe out for whoever wants it. "Looks well made."
"Regardless of whether Barons Perlivash and Tyg were responsible for this man's fate, he got to experience a taste of what he was putting those other poor creatures through. Seems to me that justice was served," she says coldly.
Bydar declines the offer of the axe, and listens to Aianna. He's not sure how much he agrees, but he does think what the man did was foul. "Speaking of the barons, we should probably head back to them. Should we bring a trap as evidence of our deed?"
"We should bring all of the traps, so we can show the barons that we removed them all," Arianna suggests.
Bydar is about to point out that all of them might be a lot to carry, "Maybe... I don't care for the tactics, but maybe we should take all the traps that we can back to Oleg's. It seems to be that in case of some sort of battle that we had time to ready for, they might be useful yet."
The trip back to Oleg's is easy and pleasant, and you begin to notice familiar landmarks along they way.
Upon arrival, you find everyone busy at their appointed tasks. People greet you with smiles and waves, and there seems to be a busy harmony in the Trading Post. Definitely a change from the last time you came back after a trip into the wilds.
Captain Garess reports that they have not had any more odd visitors, and that the new guard schedule seems to be working well. In other news, Endel is awake and starting to feel better. He probably won't be fit for duty for another couple of weeks, but he'll be back on his feet soon. He was also happy to hear the bandits were put to death for the attack.
Captain Garess is impressed with the traps you bring back, and indicates they may be useful in defending certain parts of the Post - especially to delay attackers if they approach the walls. Should he have the traps set outside the walls, or should they be stored until later?
Oleg updates you on a couple of items. All of the letters that you wanted to send were given to the caravan that passed through a few days ago, and everything seemed to be in order. He also indicates that Arumil's requests were met with favorable responses, and that his items should arrive in approximately two weeks.
Yiv has not yet returned from his adventures. Additionally, Happs is also out scouting around. He has been gone for three days.
Aside from that, the only other item of note is a small package that was delivered to the Post for Bridgette.
She opens the package
"Oh my, It's beautiful.
I must thank Soloman, when I see him next time.
He's such a sweet heart."
Temerith tries to covertly sneak a glance at the necklace, but he sort of bumbles into Bridgette in the process. Apologizing, he pulls his hood down lower and wanders off to sulk for a bit. It was pretty, he thinks to himself as he goes to restock some of his supplies.
Bydar checks on Endel's health, and is glad to see him recovering, "Perhaps more powerful healing magics will come to us in the future to help your recovery even more."
Garress' comments about the traps have him wondering which method IS best, "What do you think, Raxus? You know traps better than I do."
While he hopes Yiv is alright, he has his doubts about Happs still, though it may not be fair to mention them. The man has been seemingly loyal ever since he signed on.
Arumil nods at Captain Garess.
"I would say place them outside the walls, well hidden, but off the main road area to the post. That way attackers and sneaks will likely trigger them and not travelers."
Raxus shrugs. "Put them off the roads out where people are most likely to approach under stealth. Low areas of the land. Ask the men how they would approach if they were raiding. Put the traps along those paths. Also, put them in the tree line toward sunrise and sunset. Those are the places lookouts will be."
Captain Garess nods as the group discusses the traps, and promises to have them placed accordingly.
Endel nods at Bydar, and thanks him for the magic he used. Jhod apparently told Endel of Bydar's efforts.
Bydar is also pleasantly surprised to learn that Roden and Gedon has continued reading the information he gave them. Though Roden continues to admire specific parts of Shelyn's faith more than others - primarily the story about her beating up Kon-Zubril and taking his glaive.
-----
Miles comes to find the group later with some information. "Greetings. I mentioned some business to Raxus while we were building the houses that I want to speak to all of you about. Terrin has a young daughter that is currently living with another family. Now that he has a home, and steady pay... and is in a position to care for her, he wants to go retrieve her. It's a long journey, but one he is confident he can make. For a variety of reasons, one of Captain Garess' men wants to go too. He apparently has family in the same city, so he would like to see them. "
"I didn't think you would mind, but I wanted to mention it."
Miles sort of coughs and his face takes on a sheepish look, "Also, we all took a vote while you were away. We know we used to be bandits, but now... well, we see ourselves as proper men, with jobs, money, and houses. We aren't under sentence any longer, so while we used to be bandits, we don't want to be called that any more."
He hurries on, "So, like I was saying, we took a vote, and we've started calling ourselves the Free Brothers. It's not that important, but I wanted you to know. It's just better than being called the 'former bandits' all the time."
"And not to offend anyone, but we're calling you all the Liberators. It's easier than listing off all your names every time. Hope that's not a problem."
-----
Bydar is also pleasantly surprised to learn that Roden and Gedon has continued reading the information he gave them. Though Roden continues to admire specific parts of Shelyn's faith more than others - primarily the story about her beating up Kon-Zubril and taking his glaive.
'Ah, Roden, I am glad it brings you some joy, but Shelyn's true power is not might, but rather the slow and gentle war she has to help grow beauty in this world. Remember, she took the glaive away not to conquer, but to save." Bydar tries not to chide, he just hopes the message isn't lost in the action.
Miles comes to find the group later with some information. "Greetings. I mentioned some business to Raxus while we were building the houses that I want to speak to all of you about. Terrin has a young daughter that is currently living with another family. Now that he has a home, and steady pay... and is in a position to care for her, he wants to go retrieve her. It's a long journey, but one he is confident he can make. For a variety of reasons, one of Captain Garess' men wants to go too. He apparently has family in the same city, so he would like to see them. "
"I didn't think you would mind, but I wanted to mention it."
"Yes, and thank you. I feel much better knowing they're not going alone. Do you know when they'll expect to be back, and do they have enough supplies?"
Miles sort of coughs and his face takes on a sheepish look, "Also, we all took a vote while you were away. We know we used to be bandits, but now... well, we see ourselves as proper men, with jobs, money, and houses. We aren't under sentence any longer, so while we used to be bandits, we don't want to be called that any more."He hurries on, "So, like I was saying, we took a vote, and we've started calling ourselves the Free Brothers. It's not that important, but I wanted you to know. It's just better than being called the 'former bandits' all the time."
Bydar smiles at that, "We've wondered the same thing. It felt wrong to refer to you by the tethers of your past constantly, and we were trying to think of better terms collectively. It is good to know you've come to something you all like. 'Free Brothers' it is."
"And not to offend anyone, but we're calling you all the Liberators. It's easier than listing off all your names every time. Hope that's not a problem."
Bydar is humbled by the title, "It's...very kind of you actually, most flattering. Thank you."
-----...
Raxus nods at the discussion of retrieving family. "Be safe." he says, hoping for the best.
When Miles mentions The Liberators, he looked confused, not quite sure of what the word meant. Not wanting to seem ungrateful, he nodded. "Free Brothers. That is good."