You continue traveling for a few more hours before reaching your destination. A small hill rises in the center of a copse of trees, their numbers thinning along the incline. A number of trees adorn the hill like the tines of a crown, and in their shadows grow odd-looking ferns, mushrooms, and bushes resplendent with berries of an unusual color.
Before you get to close, Simon notices something concealed among the bushes--a gnarled vine, as thick as a man's arm an bearing hand-shaped leaves, convulses slightly as it lies in wait.
|
"Watch Out! That is an assassin vine!
It can animate the plants around it to bind us.
Victrix, do you think you can take it out with your bow?"
Simon pulls out his sling, but looks at it dubiously, remembering how successful he has been with it so far.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I suppose it's only fair that if I spend a bunch of time eating the plants, eventually the plants will want to eat me. Good thing you've got that machete, Vicki. I'm sure it won't stand a chance. Then we can get a look at those strange colored berries."[/i]
Victrix begins hurling javelins at the vine while Simon peppers it with sling bullets. The thing animates and starts slowly crawling towards them, but they continue to backpedal as they attack. After running out of javelins, Victrix hurls her magical spear, impaling the vine and finishing it off!
With the threat neutralized, you are able to gather the reagents Alba needs. There is a veritable cornucopia of rare alchemical substances here.
With the turtle thing down and their goal in sight Ema rolled her eyes when she realized there was a "guardian" of the plant they were after, "It can never be easy can it?" As the plan was made she nodded in agreement and said, "That makes sense to me. I'll stay out of this fight, I don't have any magic prepared that will be of use right now."
Kip set about collecting the reagents needed and asked Simon, "While we're out here, is there anything else not on the list that would be worth looking for? I have a spell prepared that can help us track down special plants, if you can give me a description."
|
|
Ema rolled her eyes when she realized there was a "guardian" of the plant they were after, "It can never be easy can it?"
"It would seem not, Ema. This island seems to be very dangerous. I'm just glad that Alba and Lyra didn't try to explore this way on their own.
If they had come near this assassin vine, we may have never seen them again."
Kip set about collecting the reagents needed and asked Simon, "While we're out here, is there anything else not on the list that would be worth looking for?"
"There are probably all manner of plants that would be useful to Alba in certain situations, but these are the ones we were looking for specifically.
Now, for our purposes, being able to find some Darkwood would allow us to commission some lighter armor and weapons. I think that all Darkwood grows in the Mwangi Expanse, but it wouldn't hurt to try the spell, woud it?"
Simon will help gather the reagents, and will also wrap up the remains of the assassin vine. Perhaps it has some uses that he is unaware of.
Kip casts his spell and sweeps the area for any darkwood trees, but there don't seem to be any in the immediate vicinity. However, Ancorato is a large island. With enough exploration, you might be able to find a grove.
In the meantime, you gather the reagents and return to Talmandor's Bounty. Alba is grateful for the delivery. "Ah, these are exactly what I had hoped for! Thank you, my friends. Just let me know what alchemical items or potions you desire and I will get to work brewing them up!"
"I think a pack of healing potions would probably be best. We keep getting into scrapes out in the wilderness, and there's only so much I can do to keep everyone on their feet," Kip admitted as they were sorting and packaging the various reagents.
"Yeah. That turtle put a nasty dent in my 'ead." Victrix rubs the raw spot on her forehead.
"Anyone got a potion or a spell ta fix me?"
I don't want to show up on Antona's doorstep like this...
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Kip exclaimed, quickly working some healing mist up to wash over Victrix.
Victrix sighs in relief as the raw spot heals over and becomes a healthy bronzed colour.
"Thanks." She gives the grippli a grin.
"Now, what's everyone plannin' on doin' the rest o' the day?"
|
|
"I think a pack of healing potions would probably be best. We keep getting into scrapes out in the wilderness, and there's only so much I can do to keep everyone on their feet," Kip admitted as they were sorting and packaging the various reagents.
"Yes, Alba, I agree with Kip. We often find ourselves in need of healing. Six healing potions would be best."
Continuing, in a more conversational tone, "Quite the interesting experience we had today.
First, we came across a 7 ft long turtle that had climbed to the top of a ridge. When it caught sight of us, it launched itself from the ridge and glided down toward us like a flying squirrel. It apparently though that Victrix looked a little nutty"
Simon chuckles to himself.
"Fortunately for us, its armor didn't prove to be much of a match for Victrix. If you have any use for a giant turtle shell, we can lead a group back to gather it up. Kip had mentioned wanting to make some turtle stew.
I also brought back the remains of the assassin vine that was guarding the reagents. Not sure if it has any useful properties. If not, I'll add it to the compost pile."
"A giant gliding turtle? Now that is something I have never seen before!" Alba shakes her head in wonder. "I have no use for the shell, but perhaps Luetin would like to make a shield from it. Or a small raft! I don't think any recipes call for assassin vine parts either. But I will get right to work on those healing potions for you!"
|
|
"Now, what's everyone plannin' on doin' the rest o' the day?"
"I'd like to have a conversation with Carver, but I've got no other plans. We could always do some exploring of the island ourselves. Eventually we'll need to start looking for the previous settlers."
Simon looks around while he is talking, taking in the changes that continue in the town.
His eyes eventually go over to the plum tree, where he tries to guage from a distance how long it will be till the tree will bear fruit.
Just then he sees a large black bird sitting on a branch at the top of the tree, calmly looking in the direction of the party.
"Hmmm... There's another raven. I haven't seen many of them before today."
Laughing to himself, he continues. "Maybe its the same raven, eh? Decided to start following us around.
Well, off to find Carver. I'll catch up with the rest of you later unless you'd like to tag along."
"That's right! I figure that a turtle that large could feed the whole town. Why don't we make a party of it, lots of delicious soup and we could sing and dance and play games."
Alba laughs at Kip's enthusiasm. "That sounds wonderful. You should talk to Anya about organizing a group to retrieve the turtle."
The plum tree is currently bearing fruit. Numerous reddish-purple, apple shaped plums hang in the branches, ready to be picked and eaten.
Simon (and whoever wishes to tag along) manages to track down Carver Hastings. The soldier has short, wavy hair, blue eyes and a full beard. He is currently patrolling the palisade alongside Anya Sandstrider. The Shoanti woman has her head shaved and sports several tattoos of runic and animal totems representing the moon and owls. She has been frequently trading for shifts of soldier duty and extra hunting patrols to avoid having to farm.
"Simon," Carver says, nodding brusquely to the half-orc in greeting.
Once she's made sure everyone's away from the house, Victrix grins in anticipation and goes looking for Antona.
Here's hoping she's off duty right now...
|
|
"Carver! I hope you don't mind if I walk with you for a bit.
Anya, good to see you."
Simon attempts a friedly smile at the Shoanti woman that his tusks turn into more of a snarl.
If any small talk is offered, Simon will attempt to respond politely but will shortly break off into the purpose of his visit.
"Carver, we've talked many times on the boat. You know that I came here to officially write the book on Azlanti history.
On the way back to the villiage today, after narrowly defeating a giant, gliding turtle, I was attempting to make some notes on the encounter.
I suddenly realized that I don't know the first thing about telling a story. I don't want to just write a dusty textbook, I want to add stories that will help the reader see what this island is like and experience the exploartions as if they were really here.
I've heard the way you talk about your past explorations. You have a knack for story telling. Can I impose on you to give me a few pointers?"
Victrix finds Antona sitting on the stoop of the barracks, polishing her breastplate. She smiles up at the barbarian as she approaches. "Hey there. Have a nice walk in the woods?"
----
Anya returns Simon's smile with a bit more success than the half-orc. "Good to see you," she returns in a thick Cinderlands accent.
When Simon mentions the giant turtle, the Shoanti perks up. "Ah! Good meat for the colony! Tell me how to get there and I will bring it back for dinner."
Meanwhile, Carver smiles at Simon's enthusiasm. "Of course! The trick is to provide vivid, detailed descriptions. With enough sensory details, the reader will feel like he was actually along for your adventures!"
He goes on to advise Simon about sticking to the proper tense, the use of active voice, and how to narrate exciting action scenes.
Victrix waves to Antona before sitting next to her. "It was alroight. Would've been better if I didn't take a giant flyin' turtle ta the dome."
"Got ourselves a bunch o' reagents & stuff fer Alba--we're 'opin' she'll be able ta brew up some 'ealin' potions with 'em."
"Ouch. That sounds like it hurt," Antona says, rubbing Victrix's forehead compassionately. "I'm glad you found what you were looking for. Say, um, I've heard of some alchemical salves that are supposed to, uh, 'enhance' one's experience, if you know what I mean. Think Alba could make some of those for us?"
|
|
"Ah! Good meat for the colony! Tell me how to get there and I will bring it back for dinner."
"Anya, you and Kip must share some mental wavelengths, as he was just trying to find you to talk about organizing a party revolving around said tutle meat. He should be around here somewhere.
When you are off patrol, I would be glad to accompany you back to the site of the battle."
He goes on to advise Simon about sticking to the proper tense, the use of active voice, and how to narrate exciting action scenes.
"Carver, you make an excellent teacher. Let me make a few attempts to describe the battle with the turtle, then perhaps you could review them and make some pointers?
Maybe this book could be more of a collaboration."
"Ouch. That sounds like it hurt," Antona says, rubbing Victrix's forehead compassionately. "I'm glad you found what you were looking for. Say, um, I've heard of some alchemical salves that are supposed to, uh, 'enhance' one's experience, if you know what I mean. Think Alba could make some of those for us?"
Victrix rests a hand on Antona's as she rubs her forehead. "...I could ask 'er, if she's got some free time."
"In the meanwhile..." She grins. "...there's no one else at the house, if yeh know what I mean."
"Colony is low on meat since roaches ate all the food," Anya says. "Turtle will help. I am going to lead big boar hunt soon. You are good at killing turtle, maybe you good at killing boars, too?"
Carver nods at Simon. "I would be happy to collaborate, Simon. I am sure we are going to make all sorts of interesting discoveries on this island. I would love to hear about anything that you happen across in your explorations."
----
"Ah, finally! Lead the way," Antona says as she squeezes Victrix's hand.
The aasimar grips Antona's hand tightly and starts running back to the house.
gotta be quick gotta be quick no idea when they'll be back gotta be quick
The risk seems to have put a spring in her step.
Some of the other colonists give the two women bemused looks as they race through the settlement. Antona giggles like a school girl as Victrix leads her into the house. As soon as the door is closed, the blonde soldier wraps her arms around the red-haired aasimar and pulls her in for a passionate kiss.
Victrix pays any onlookers no mind until the two of them are safely behind closed doors, and returns Antona’s embrace with as much raw desire as she wishes. She starts making her way upstairs, the guardswoman still clinging to her.
Once they're upstairs, Antona disentangles herself from Victrix long enough to close the shutters. Then her clothes fall to the floor as she guides her lover to the bed...
Kip hurried about town collecting a team of strong-backed townsfolk to help collect the meaty prize. Once they had sufficient numbers, as well as a good amount of rope, they met up with Anya and headed off into the woods. Kip suggested flipping the turtle on its back, then tying ropes to its feet so they could drag it back to town, but Anya pointed out that the bumpy path through the forest would make that difficult. Instead, they fashioned two long poles from the surrounding trees and lashed them to the turtle's shell, then carried the great thing back. Kip couldn't reach the poles, so he helped by pointing out difficult terrain, cutting away encroaching plants, and leading the way back to town.
With their journey finished and their report delivered Ema found herself wandering around town again. She wasn't sure what she would do or who she might talk to and figured she'd let Desna guide her to something or someone of interest.
|
|
On the way back to town with the turtle, Simon decides to restart the previous conversation with Anya.
"So, a boar hunt, is it? I have to admit that I didn't really have that much to do with defeating the turtle. That was all Victrix.
Regardless, I am more than willing to help get the town on its feet, so count me in. Perhaps I could help flushing them out. Is that how you hunt boar?"
Simon patiently listens as Anya describes the mechanics behind a boar hunt.
"You are quite the skilled outdoorswoman, aren't you? The settlement is lucky to have someone like you in its ranks, with real desire to provide for everyone and equally skilled.
You remind me a lot of my mother."
Simon is quiet for a second before realizing that might have been the wrong thing to say.
"I mean, not that I think you are old... Or that you look anything like her... Or.. Um...
I just mean how you care about others. That behind your rough exterior is a softness that nobody expects and most people can't take the time to see."
"Boars roam forests when foraging, but I have found good spot that they pass through in evening. Easiest way to hunt is set ambush or make a trap. I will show you spot tomorrow," Anya says.
She arches an eyebrow when Simon compares her to his mother. "You are wrong. Behind rough exterior is rough interior. Rough and tough and take no guff." Her grin belies her joke. "You are tribe of soft people. Need somebody to take care of you."
----
As Ema wanders through the colony, she sees Carver Hastings speaking with Ramona in front of the government house. Their conversation winds down, and the soldier nods and turns to walk away. When he sees Ema, his eyes light up. "Oh, there you are. I've been meaning to talk to you--do you have a few moments? Might we go somewhere private?"
Ema spotted Carver and Ramona at the government house as she passed and noticed their conversation ending as she wandered. When Carver began to leave the place and saw her she caught his gaze as his eyes lit up and he spoke to her. Walking over to the distinguished, and handsome, middle aged man Emalliandra responded, "Of course Mr Hastings, I was wandering at loose ends just now. Where would you like to go?"
"Away from prying eyes," Carver says softly. He leads Ema a short ways north of the palisade, near the edge of the woods. He glances around to make sure nobody is within earshot, then reaches into his shirt. He pulls forth a small compass emblazoned with the Glyph of the Open Road--a wayfinder, the symbol of the Pathfinder Society.
"I recognized you from the lodge back in Almas. Venture Captain Brackett was worried about Aspis Consortium spies, so he ordered me to keep a low profile."
Ema let the man lead her out of the palisade and near the woods and watched him curiously. She was a little leery of blindly trusting him but he'd done nothing to show her he was a threat to her so far. When he pulled out the wayfinder and revealed his affiliations she felt slightly relieved and said, "I see," her eyes sparkled slightly in mischief as she asked teasingly, "and how do you I know you aren't Aspis and stole that from a dead Pathfinder?" Her tone said she wasn't being serious and she covered her mouth slightly as she gave a tinkling giggle.
Ema's expression became more serious as she continued, "You wouldn't know of my connection if you hadn't seen me there since I'm not officially a member. I only provided translations for them so I'm not on any roll of members." She reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm, "So how can I help you Mr Hastings?"
Carver smiles at Ema. "Well, I'm sure you're aware that the Pathfinder Society is very interested in artifacts and ruins from the Azlant Empire. Specifically, they believe this island may be near the ruins originally explored by Durvin Gest, the Society's founder. My goal here is to survey and explore. I would be happy for assistance in accomplishing my mission. I would like you to report back to me about any Azlanti ruins you might discover during your explorations. In return, I'd be happy to offer you a field commission if you'd like to become a full-fledged Pathfinder."
Ema considered what the man said, one hip cocked and a toe tapping the ground, while she watched him. It didn't take her long to decide and she said, "Our goals certainly align, at least as far as the exploration go. I will certainly let you know of any ruins we discover or that I hear of from anyone else." She stepped forward, approaching him, and reached up to put her arms around his neck and embrace him a moment before leaning in to plant a kiss on his neck and whisper, "As for joining the Pathfinders formally..." She gave his ear a brief nibble, "I'll consider it." She gave another giggle as she released him and stepped back.
Carver seems surprised by Ema's sudden affection, but it is not unwelcome. He lets out a soft sigh as the arcanist embraces him, a bit of color rising in his cheeks.
"Well, um, I am grateful for your aid. And if there's anything else I can do for you in return..." He lets the statement linger as he gives her body an appraising look, the implications clear.
She arches an eyebrow when Simon compares her to his mother. "You are wrong. Behind rough exterior is rough interior. Rough and tough and take no guff." Her grin belies her joke. "You are tribe of soft people. Need somebody to take care of you."
"Of course. Rough like a dragonfruit, I think." Simon chuckles.
"Seriously, we must seem a soft lot to you. Your people have suffered greatly at the hands of the Chelaxians. It must be an interesting story how you came to travel with a group of soft Taldanes. Perhaps a story best left for another day though.
However, I would love to know more about your tattoos. They are quite remarkable. The artist must have been quite skilled. Tell me, do they have a special meaning amongst your people?"
At this point, Simon clearly hears someone call out his name. Looking over his shoulder, he sees Kip passing by.
"Yes, what is it, Kip?". Kip looks around quizically, shrugs, and continues what he was doing.
As Simon turns back to Anya, he thinks he hears a cawing sound almost like laughter and the beating of wings in the trees.
"Tattoos are symbols of Lyrune-Quah--clan of the moon. Totems represent wisdom and clarity. Guide me on the right path," Anya says. There's a slight edge to her voice, though, as if she is uncomfortable discussing her past.
As you carry the turtle to the center of the colony, several colonists gather around to marvel at the size of the beast. As the blackmith Luetin Calewick approaches, though, it's clear his gaze is squarely fixed on Anya. The balding man sports a bushy mustache. He has a stocky frame, but far more of it is muscle than fat.
"My, my, what a catch!" Luetin says. "And the turtle ain't bad, neither! I'm surprised you needed anybody else to help you bring that thing home, Anya. I bet you're strong enough to have carried it all by yourself."
Anya grimaces. "Easier to work as team."
"Oh, yeah, definitely. Y'know, I think the two of us would make a good team. I could show you a thing or two about civilized life. Whaddaya say?" Luetin asks, waggling his eyebrows.
"I say you should bang your head against turtle shell and see which one is harder," Anya replies.
Luetin chuckles. "Feisty, girl! I like that!"
Anya mutters something in Shoanti that defies translation.
Watching Carver's reaction, seeing him eye her body, Emalliandra knew she had been too long without such entertainment. She moved up to him once more and leaned in as she let her hands lay against his chest and said, "It's been too long since I've been touched handsome." Her voice was throaty now and she leaned closer, her body pressed against his, and nibble at his neck while lifting one leg to wrap around one of his and said, "Why don't you give me a demonstration Mr Carver?"
As Ema presses her body against Carver's, she feels his breastplate is soft and gives way more than metal should. The Pathfinder laughs and speaks a command word, and his armor suddenly shimmers and appears to be studded leather. "A minor glamer to help me fit in as a soldier better. The good thing about light armor is that it comes off easily."
He kisses Ema, his beard tickling her soft cheeks. His hands roam under her scant top as he guides her into the woods, then he breaks the embrace momentarily so he can start unbuckling his armor.
Ema was shocked at the feel of Carver's breastplate and giggled again when he told her the truth. [b}"Sneaky, I like it."[/b] She leaned in close and let his hand wander beneath her scant clothing as they entered the woods, pouting when he broke the embrace to remove his armor and and then backing against a nearby tree when he was done, pulling him to her and pressing her lips against his as she waited to see just what he would do next.
Soft moans and sighs emanate from the woods, but nobody is around to hear them. Several minutes later, Carver and Ema lie naked among a bed of leaves and dirt. The Pathfinder holds the arcanist to his side, skin flush and hair in disarray.
"Wow. You had a lot of repressed energy, didn't you?" he observes wryly.
Content now that she had enjoyed herself Emalliandra snuggled against Carver and said, "Yes, I certainly did Mr Carver." She nuzzled his neck and said, "It's been a long time since I've been taken so thoroughly." She propped herself up on one elbow and said, "We may have to do this again sometime," she gave him a pleased look, "I haven't enjoyed myself that much for some time." Rising she began to dress as she glanced back at the town, "If we're gone too long we'll be missed I'm afraid and any spies might get suspicious."
"Yes, well, we don't want to arouse suspicion," Carver says with a wink as he wiggles back into his pants. "I'd be happy to partake in an encore performance whenever you'd be so inclined."