"I see your points but just know that my concern is for the safety of the innocent folk here. If the rest of you believe that getting to Thistletop by boat is the best way then let us proceed and remove the head before the claws reach out and cut deeply again."
Valoria speaks softly, "Best for us to get to Thistletop before a large group of goblins, quasits and whatever else has been brought together into a horde under the control of a succubus to bring destruction to the region. If we get rid of the leader, the goblin horde will simply fall apart and become very disorganized to allow the regions soldiers to get rid of them easier."
"I understand your concern, Kavrak, and indeed share it. But our task lies elsewhere. We can only pray that if the town is tested once more that those who live here can find the strength to perservere."
In a soft voice that carries across the room, Sephird comments, "It sounds like climbing gear and torches are in order, somehow I doubt that we will find our way easy through the underground passages of this redoubt. If the Mayor can arrange for some of these, then I believe it best that plan to arrive just prior to dawn, when most beings are at their poorest."
"Very well", says the Mayor. She stands and walks toward the door. "I will make the arangements. You will have row boats and sailors to steer you. I will ask them to take you up the coast although I doubt they will wait for you, out in the open sea. You may have to return via land. I'll see to it that you also have rope, spikes and whatever else you require. Its about an hour away from dusk now so I suggest you head to the beach an hour after sunset. It should give you plenty of time to prepare as well as give me time to organise your transport."She smile grimly, as she walks from the room, acompanied by the sage.
"I am ready as I will ever be. Already packed for travelling. I will collect the additional ropes and grappling hooks, then head off to the shoreline at sunset. Unless one of you stronger lads will be willing to help me carry the extra equipment.", giving a wink to muscle built individuals, before turning to speak to the guard for directions to the equipment storage.
"That'll give us enough time, I think. I shall meet you there in a bit. I am heading to the Rusty Dragon, if anyone needs me to grab the rest of their gear, I will bring it back with me."
Galstok waits a moment if anyone takes him up on the offer before heading out the door and returning to the inn.
Once there Galstok will look for Bethana. "Bethana, may I get a bowl of warm water?"
"Then it sounds like we have a plan." When he returns to the inn, he checks on how it's owner is doing before retiring to his room to meditate and clear his mind.
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Returning to the inn seems a good idea.
Once there, Tregar looks around the outside of the building, for signs of any attempt at spying or forced entry; disturbed flower beds, torn ivy, footprints up the wall, or jemmied window frames.
"Wouldn't put it past him to come by and finish what he started...".
Upon your return to the inn, the Rusty Dragon seems as you left it. Ameikio is up and about but is sat at a table talking with a couple of local merchants., her spot at the bar left vacant. She nods as you enter. Before long Bethana is seeing to your needs and bringing you warm oyster soup, Cauliflower in a strong pungent sauce and a brazed rack of lamb ribs, basted in a succulent wine sauce. "Appologies good sirs for the poor quality of the food, but it is late and we have had a bit of a run on this afternoon. Cook is preparing the evening fare right now but I guessed that you would all be a bit peckish, what with all your running around."
Ensu takes the food eagerly, not being completely a gourmet, but being a frequent traveler, he is able to appreciate a good cooked meal when he sees one. "Indeed, this is better fare than I usually experience, even in town. It's amazing how many priests cannot cook to save their own life, even those that have the luxury of staying in the same place. How is your mistress doing? Has she recovered from this morning's adventure's yet?"
Kavrik sets his massive shield against the wall and grabs a seat as the food comes out. "The food is much appreciated, it has been a long day for me and this will more than suffice."
Turning to the others: "Is this a base of operations for you? A nice place to rest your head at the end of the day. How far is the trip to Thistletop? What kind of skills do the rest of you bring to this hunting party, some are a little bit more obvious than others." He meets the gaze of the large Shoanti tribesman.
Sephird gives Kavrik a discerning look, glances down at the bow strapped to his pack, and looks back up "I like to poke holes in things. Preferably from further away than they can try and poke me."
Sephird grins, and tugs lightly on the brim of his hat to Kavrik. "So who is leading this expedition?"
"I thank you for the food." With that Galstok finds a bench and digs in to ribs with enthusiasm.
At Kavrik's statement he looks up at him, meeting his eyes, wondering how to take it. After a moment he continues eating, watching out of the corner of his eye.
Once she collected the extra gear for climbing, she carries it slowly towards the docks. Once she arrived near the docks, she takes a seat on a rock under the tree. Placing the gear next to her as she awaits for the rest to arrive.
Ensu takes the food eagerly, not being completely a gourmet, but being a frequent traveler, he is able to appreciate a good cooked meal when he sees one. "Indeed, this is better fare than I usually experience, even in town. It's amazing how many priests cannot cook to save their own life, even those that have the luxury of staying in the same place. How is your mistress doing? Has she recovered from this morning's adventure's yet?"
Ameiko raises her head from the conversation she has been having and looks in your direction. "I am better,Ensu. Thank you. Thanks to all of your companions. I will not lie and say I am fine as I am not. I don't know if I will ever deal with my brothers treachery. But life must move onwards. I must move forwards. One never knows what is ahead in life, don't you agree? And oh, I forget my manners. I have a message from your friend, Kendrick. He appologises for his abscense but I had an errand that I needed running and he offered to undertake it for me. As we speak he is riding for Magnimar in hopes of catching young Master Foxglove, carrying a message to him from me."
Once she collected the extra gear for climbing, she carries it slowly towards the docks. Once she arrived near the docks, she takes a seat on a rock under the tree. Placing the gear next to her as she awaits for the rest to arrive.
At the quay side you can see that several small boats have been hastily assembled and their crew are milling around swapping tales and jokes.
Watching the scene of men working on the boats to prepare them, she smiles as she thinks to herself, "Good to see they making jokes and the like, to forget the recent hardship this village has gone through. I just hope this is the last of these attacks they will have to endure in a long time."
Mayor Deverin arrives at the quay side and spots Valori. "Ahh. Good. As you can see, transport is arranged. I have made sure that supplies appropriate to the expedition are with you as well...rope, climbing gear, provisions...that sort of thing. Hopefuly it will be of good use. Now, I wonder where the rest of your fellows have got to?"
Sephird quirks an eyebrow, and looks around, just how many people were going on this expedition?
Ensu will head down to the quay at the appropriate time, but doesn't want to get in the way any more than necessary.
After finishing his food, Galstok takes the warm water he gets from Bethana and reshaves his scalp readying himself for battle. Preparations complete he gathers his things and follows the others to the docks.
Kavrik leaves some coins on the table, grabs his huge shield from it;s resting place against the wall and joins the rest as they head down to the docks to find the waiting vessel.
"I never really found time to learn any," Sephird settles down into a seat across from Tregar. He slides his pack off his back and settles it on the bench next to him. One look at the bottom of the ketch is enough to know he doesn't want his gear dipped in the briny muck sloshing around his feet.
"I've heard a few in my time, but I suspect that the folks running the boats would be a better source to ask." Ensu finds a small spot on the boat.
Seeing some of the other adventurers arriving and boarding the boats, she speaks softly to mayor Deverin, "I hope we are successful in determining the source of these attacks on your community. Also we be able to neutralize the threat for good. Just keep an eye on those areas we have identified as possible attack entry points. Bid you farewell now, and good luck here while we are away.".
She gives a bow before standing up to put her backpack on and collect the other items to take onto the boats. She makes her way onto a boat where others have gathered, standing a good look for a spot where she can remain dry as possible.
Speaking softly once seated to those already on the boats, "Seems we almost ready to be on our way. I hope I am prepared for what we may encountered."
"I hope we all are ready for we are walking into." Ensu adds very quietly as he tries to clear his mind before the upcoming challenge.
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"I hope we all are ready for we are walking into."
"It's them you should feel sorry fer. I still got me a load of pent-up rage, that I never got to vent, fer what they did to old man Kaijitsu.
Even though he may have reopened the old smuggling path, he didn't deserve to go that way. Not to filthy goblins; and not to an ungrateful son. There's a special circle of Hell reserved, for sons who turn on their fathers, and I intend to send him there, first chance I get."
The three boats that have been provided for you slowly move away from the shore into open water. Each is crewed by two hearty fishermen who pull steadily on the oars. The sun is setting and dusk is fast approaching. As the boats head North, sticking within a few hundred yards of the rocky coast, one of the sailors informs you that the Isle of Thistletop should be in site in around another 4 hours and so suggests you all take the time to rest if you can.
At the sight of the boats, Galstok, looking doubtful, leans over to Tregar, "These things will get us there in one piece, right? I'm agreeing with the need for haste, but loosing half before the hunt can truly begin is a bad way to go about it."
"I hope we all are ready for we are walking into."
"The Spirits willing this will be a successful hunt, but if they call me to them I will go."
As they head out, Galstok finds a place to settle down. "I suppose now is as gooda time as any to plan the next part."[b] Looking over at one of the fisherman, [b]"Where exactly are you dropping us off at?"
Valoria sits in such a way she can observe the shoreline all the time as the boats make their way to the chosen destination. She remains silence while pondering the information from the discussions with the old sage about the ancient ruins and the journal that was presented to them.