Then we are all agreed, we'll go after Tuskgutter. Alkaid thank you for all you've done up till now, if you ever decide to come out with us again, you'll be more than welcome. Halloran looks up at the sky.
As it's getting late, I concur with Kira's suggestion that we stay here for the night and head out in the morning. As for sleeping arrangements, may I also suggest that the ladies, here he gestures at Elaine, Kira, Alerienne, and Alkaid take the bunkhouse, and Taldash and I sleep in the stables, I know I've slept in worse places.
While we're here does anyone want to purchase anything from Oleg's? At the very least I'd suggest a blanket, bedroll and waterskin if you plan on spending anytime out in the wilderness.
Kira shivers slightly, remembering the previous night. Thank you for reminding me Halloran. The nights under the stars are colder than I remember. I will make sure to purchase one before we leave tomorrow.
Also, hank you for the consideration of suggesting us being in the bunkhouse. It will be a nice change from being out under the stars for the past few nights.
She then goes over and (when he's available) purchases a blanket from Oleg. During the remainder of the day, she wanders around, getting familiar with Oleg's trading post, and possibly talking with Alkaid some more if she finds the opportunity.
As Kira goes about the outpost she spots Alkaid leading a exercise program for 4 other women in the outpost and you almost mistake one of the women for a boy.
And Alkaid spots Kira watching, approaches Kira and asks
"I get the feeling you have questions, young lamb?"
Oleg replies to Taldash
"A boars head would be a nice trophy, but a Tatzlwyrm's Head would be a great trophy."
Svetlana replies to Alerienne quiry
"We do have feed for your donkey, if you need it."
As Kira goes about the outpost she spots Alkaid leading a exercise program for 4 other women in the outpost and you almost mistake one of the women for a boy.
And Alkaid spots Kira watching, approaches Kira and asks
"I get the feeling you have questions, young lamb?"
Kira smiles at Alkaid and says, No, not really, well, er, um... just spit it out already Kira I was just hoping to get to know you better. I mean, you just seem so... familiar to me. That doesn't sound weird to you, does it?
Alkaid replies
"No, it is no. As I sense the familiar blood, the blood of demons. More accurately the blood of the Temptress or Seducer demon, the Succubus ."
To any who are still around Halloran says, Actually now that I think about it, maybe we should pool our equipment to see what we each have. Then we can see what if anything we need to buy from Oleg, better to do it now, than wait until we are out in the middle of the forest, to find out we're missing something we really need.
I'll go first. Halloran produces a backpack, a bedroll, a flint & steel, 6 trail rations, a waterskin, 5 torches and a compass.
Alerienne discusses payment for feed and then goes to see about getting her donkey situated and unpacked for the evening. Returning quickly, she sees that Halloran is going over supplies and asks, "What all might we expect to need? I have a good length of silk rope, a loud signal whistle, and supplies enough for myself, but my tent is really only large enough for one, I'm afraid." Almost as an afterthought, she adds, "And my Lady is generous with blessings of simple water, so we needn't worry about that, only food." A bulge in the pocket of her vest appears to be a compass, which she doesn't volunteer ownership of.
Taldash nods at Halloran's suggestion - "Very well" - placing his backpack on the ground and producing a mess kit (includes a plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, and spoon, made of wood, horn, or tin), a silk rope, six trail rations and a waterskin - "I usually have no issues with the cold, it is a part of my inheritance, but I believe a blanket should be in order" - he adds, lookng at his gear.
Halloran makes a gesture for a follower of Pharasma, Far be it from to imply criticism to the Lady or her servants, her blessings are many and varied. But if it's not too presumptuous of me, I would suggest buying a waterskin, Alerienne. If for no other reason than the convenience of having something to carry water in.
Halloran surveys the items on display, Well, off the top of my head I can think of several things we could get. Since there are now 5 of us and Alerienne already has a tent, we could get 2 medium tents, 1 for Kira and Elaine, and Taldash and I could share the other.
Halloran points to Taldash's mess kit, THAT, is a very useful item and I would strongly urge everyone here to get one as well, I certainly intend to. And now that I think about it, since I usually do most of the cooking, I should get a cooking kit as well.
We may not need them, but purely for the sake of comfort and having spent the past week sleeping on the ground, I feel confident that everyone will want a cot.
Halloran points to the two coils of rope, Finally there are those, now it might be a bit redundant buying extra rope when we already have 100 ft., of it. But I would rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Well that's all I have for right now, looking at the others he asks, Kira, Elaine what do you have for equipment?
Blushing a bit at having omitted so many things, Alerienne says, "Oh, but I have a canteen, and also a cooking kit you're welcome to use. I'm no great cook, but I often have to cook for myself when travelling from place to place. It's not much, certainly not good for much more than roasting rabbits or making a stew, but it's not like there's going to be very many of us, right? Oh, and of course a mess kit of my own. I guess I just didn't think to list everything since, well..." She shrugs, looking a bit sheepish, "It seemed obvious? Hmm, but do we have an axe for chopping firewood? We'll need some for cooking and warmth, for those of us who do feel the chilling bite of the cold."
TO THE GROUP
Kira takes a moment before beginning her wandering around Oleg's, and reveals her great to the rest of the group, showing the she is only partially prepared for the road ahead. She slowly takes the following out of and off of her backpack.
- Bedroll,
- Fishhooks (10),
- Flint and Steel,
- Grappling Hook,
- 2 Outfits (1 Entertainer's, 1 Travellers),
- Trail Rations (7),
- Hemp Rope (50 ft),
- Thieves' Tools
Kira noticably appears ashamed at her lack of manners, not even having a simple plate or bowl, let alone a mess kit. A lady should be better prepared than this, even in the wilderness. What would mother say about me if she could see me now?
Halloran, you show great wisdom in your preparations. I can easily see that you are better suited to equip us than I could be. I think this would be of use to us all in your hands.
TO ALKAID
Kira feels a little puzzled, and asks do you mean to say that my true mother was a succubus? She pauses for a moment and contemplates what that could mean, and then as a small tear falls from the corner of her eye, she quietly says I guess that would explain why I was left on the side of the road.
Alkaid replies
"I would not say your mother, but the succubus was the mother somewhere in your mother's bloodline, as the blood of succubi will only be inherited by daughters."
"I see you ended up on a harsh start.
I was taken in at a monastery, and was trained there.
Didn't help that two of the master's were pervs, along with most of the male peers, and my female peers weren't so nice.
And when my heritage was made known due to some gossiping peers, I was both praised and cursed.
For though I am half-succubus, I'm also Aasimar."
How can that be? I have never heard anything positive of the succubi, how could that make you an Aasimar? Aren't they all descended from celestial beings?
I have always felt the darkness in my soul, and I had heatd my parents occasionally whisper the word, "Tiefling." I don't have to be a genius to know what that means, but perhaps...
Kira pulled in closer to Alkaid and said in a voice just above a whisper, You and I share in our bloodline, but mine has manifested in a darker way where I am considered to be a Tiefling. Tell me friend, we're you born Aasimar, or was your nature redeemed in some way?
"I see you you have little to average wisdom,
For my mother was a succubus, and my father an Aasimar, she seduced and tricked into her bed.
My experiences through life were not great, but knowing that there are those that do care for and love you can keep the darkness at bay."
Halloran looks a bit embarrassed at Kira's praise, Oh I'm not all that wise, I've just been here a bit longer than you, and I've managed not to get myself killed through my own ignorance. Mostly thanks to luck, and having companions who were willing to help me when I needed it.
No harm done Alerienne, and yes please I would like to use your cooking kit. Getting an axe would probably be a good idea, and a couple of shovels to, last time out we could've used one.
Halloran put his hands up, to ward off Kira's money, Let's not be hasty here, first we should decide what we want to buy, then we should see if Oleg has it in stock, after we total up the costs, we can figure out who pays what. As it happens I and my previous companions established a party fund for group expenses, and I would say this definitely qualifies. If you wish to contribute something after that, I would have no objection.
Speaking of the party fund, we should probably take this opportunity to discuss division of treasure. Now we haven't found a great deal of treasure in our explorations so far, but when we did, we tried to divide it up equally.
What's worked for us so far is equal divisions of coinage (gold, silver, etc.), with anything left over going to the party fund for group expenses. For example, their are 5 of us, if we found 220 gps. we would each take 40 gps., with the remaining 20 gps. going to the party fund. Armor, weapons and equipment that nobody wants generally get sold to Oleg, and the profits get divided up the same way. If someone wants a particular item and no one else objects they can have it, items that aren't easily divided such as gems, jewelery, art objects, etc. are put into the party fund. The party fund is stored here with Oleg, and is used for group expenses, buying equipment, healing, things like that. But since the group as a whole contributes to the party fund, the group as a whole has to agree on the expense to access it.
Halloran looks around at everyone, That's what's worked for us so far, does anyone object to continuing this policy? Or have something they wish to add to it?
"Having a pool of common resources seems like a wise decision Halloran" - Taldash nods - "So... Lets see... An axe, one or two extra coils of rope, I count... 3 waterskins, bedrolls, I am in doubt regarding tents - I am usually able to stave off the cold, and I enjoy the tranquility of the nightsky" - the tiefling smiles.
I would still like to contribute to funds for the party. I would hate to take advantage of the good fortune of the group when I have not done any of the work so far. I do not know if any of the other newcomers have money to spare, but I would be willing to give this amount for the common good. It doesn't leave me destitute, trust me.
As for having a tent, it might be a good idea. While things like mosquitoes or a raccoon would be an annoyance, other beasts like stirges could be deadly if they have open access. It might be best to have at least the protection of a tent so we are not taken by surprise while asleep. I once heard a story of a man and while who slept under the stars, and the husband woke to find his wife torn in two by a bear, and already half eaten. I would prefer to not meet the same fate as her, so a tent would not be a bad idea, I only regret not having thought of it myself earlier.
I am sorry that I didn't make that connection. My experiences have been limited, since after being found by humans, I spent most of my time with other humans. The only other "experiences" I have are through stories and legends. I am sorry to hear of the troubles that you have had with your masters and peers. That could not have been easy.
I will have to think on your position there about having people keep the darkness at bay. Hopefully I will find those here to keep this darkness at bay, rather than have the darkness grow and consume me.
Thank you again for your time. I will be sure to see you again once we return from the wild.
Kira returns to the bunkhouse, and spends the rest of the night there.
Elaine takes a while going through her equipment and coems with a list of "Lamellar leather armor 60
sling
backpack
scythe
saddle riding
bedroll .
hemp rope 50 feet
saddlebags
5 fishooks
fishing rod
drill
signal whistle
30 cold iron sling bullets
2 days trail rations
waterskin
Holly and misteltoe
Travelers outfit
Leather barding for megaloceros
"
Alerienne nods solemnly at Halloran's suggestion of shovels, "Pyres are an acceptable funeral, and help ensure that the poor soul will rest well without returning as a ghoul or zombie, but it's a poor one in the depths of the forest. And of course, they're useful for digging a latrine or unearthing something that's been buried."
She's not as eager as Kira to contribute to the party fund in advance, but agrees, "Of course it would be best to set aside a small portion of anything we find for our common good. There will always be things like my cooking set, where we need only one amongst us, yet we all benefit from it. Why not pool our resources for such purchases? And, should one of us then choose to part ways, we would not be left without a vital resource."
Yes, certainly we should pool resources for such matters. I just have little to contribute. I guess I shouldn't worry about giving more of specific items to the group, but I now see foolishness in what I had brought out with me. Kira looks over at Elaine. Somehow I thought that only having fishing hooks would be enough, unlike you who had the wisdom to buy a rod as well. If I was left in the wilderness for too long, I may have easily of starved.
I would just like to contribute more now that I have your wisdom to guide me. I must admit, I have just spent my last few years living in a city. While I did spend my early life homesteading with my family, I have not had much time as an adult out on my own in the wilderness. I will gladly supply my Fishhooks, Flint and Steel, Grappling Hook, and anything else you see in my supplies that would benefit the group. However, I see that my contribution pales in comparison to the rest of you. If you all would be willing, I would make some purchases to assure parity within the group. Tents, axes, shovels, anything that could support us better, I would be glad to support the group. You are all much better prepared than I am, and I would hate to cause failure because of my lack of fore-thought.
Eliane nods in agreement with the shovels.
Halloran smiles at Kira, You're being far too hard on yourself, I grew up in a city as well, so I'm not exactly used to living in the wilds, either. If there is one thing that my time out here has taught me, it's that you can't do everything by yourself. You may think you have nothing to contribute, but give yourself some time and I think you'll find a place where your talents we'll prove not only useful, but critical.
Halloran gestures to himself,Take me for example, I can't heal people, I'm not much good in a fight, I'm not that good with horses, and without someone to guide me in the woods I'd probably get lost and starve to death. One of the reasons I like to cook is I feel it allows me to be useful to the group. But at least a few times my spells have tipped the odds in our favor, and have probably made the difference between success and failure, if not life or death.
So cut yourself some slack, at least until you've had a chance to see what you can do in a combat situation, this upcoming encounter with Tuskgutter should give you a chance to prove yourself, to us and yourself.
Turning back to the group as a whole, Halloran says, Now then, from what I can see it looks like we should purchase 3 mess kits, 4 cots, 5 blankets, 2 shovels and an axe. I'd also recommend, buying 2 medium tents, I don't know about repelling animal attacks, but I do know they are good at keeping out rain.
Halloran turns to Taldash,Taldash, your free to sleep inside the tent or not as you choose, but if I may I would suggest buying a bedroll.
Halloran looks to Elaine and Kira, Since everyone else has rope, I'll get some to, but if you want some free advice, I'd suggest that if Oleg has them in stock you exchange those hemp ropes, for silk. Their more expensive, but they are also lighter and stronger.
So all together, our shopping list consists of: 2 medium tents, 3 mess kits, 4 cots, 3 coils of silk rope, 1 bedroll, 5 blankets, 2 shovels and an axe. As Alerienne pointed out she can conjure water, and between our trail rations and foraging we should be able to survive for a couple of days. Does everyone agree with the list?
All those items sound useful, although I'd put the cots down as the lowest priority. I would love them for sleeping, but would do without if we need to wait for that purchase.
"Cots are not my top prority as well."
Alerienne shrugs and says of the cots, "It's really not something you feel a desperate desire for until you've spent at least a couple weeks sleeping outdoors with just your bedroll between you and the hard ground. If we return here regularly to sleep in proper beds, your back might be just fine without it."
Well let's see what Oleg has in stock and how much it costs, before we decide what we do and don't need.
Halloran goes over to Oleg, Oleg we would like to purchase these items if you have them available. Halloran gives him the list.
Oleg replies
"I have most of it, though I don't have any cots instock, and only have 2 mess kits, 1 coil of silk rope, and 3 blankets left in stock."
So besides the 2 mess kits, 1 coil of silk rope, and 3 blankets that you said you have the limits on, you have all of the rest of the items?
(2 medium tents, 1 bedroll, 2 shovels and an axe)
Oleg replies
"Yep, I have those, though you'll be taking the last 2 shovels."
Fair enough we can order the rest now, and pick it up when you get new stock in. So how much for what you do have in stock?
Oleg replies
"About 50 Gold pieces should cover it."
Well that seems reasonable, turning to all the party members present, he asks, so what do you think? Split 5 ways, that would be 10 gps., each. Does that sound fair to everyone?
I don't have an objection to giving that much.
Alerienne is rather hesitant, since most of the equipment is for others less provisioned than herself, but measures out ten gold crowns to hand over to Oleg. "I suppose that's only fair..."
After paying Oleg for the gear he has, and placing an order for the equipment he doesn't, Halloran says to the group, Well that's taken care of, so since we are welcoming some new people to our group, I believe this calls for something special. I've got some bottles of liquor set aside, let me go pick one, so we can toast our new partnership, over dinner.
Halloran grabs one, it has no label.
Dragon's Ale(1), Elven Mead(2), Ager's 11(3), The Black Jack(4), Dwarven Beer(5), Bond's Booze(6), The MacGuffin(7) or Love Wine(8)
I look forward to joining you for dinner, and sampling whatever wares you may have gotten out here on the frontier. Until then. Kira smiles and gives a small wave, going off to find Alkaid, and then after her discussion she will take a short rest in the bunkhouse until dinner when she will rejoin the rest of the group for dinner.
@Kira
you find Alkaid finishing up today's training.
If you approach Alkaid says
"You look like you have more questions, young one."
After paying Oleg for the gear he has, and placing an order for the equipment he doesn't, Halloran says to the group, Well that's taken care of, so since we are welcoming some new people to our group, I believe this calls for something special. I've got some bottles of liquor set aside, let me go pick one, so we can toast our new partnership, over dinner.
"You are a true host friend Halloran - I will take you up on your offer, as long as you agree that the next time we have the time to partake in such fine drinking, it will be on me" - the tiefling adds with an open smile.
Thank me after you've sampled the bottle I picked, Halloran says.
The bottles in question, were recovered in a bandit camp, I don't know much about them, but at least once, after taking just one drink, I found myself face down on the table, passed out. The drinks are free, but proceed at your own risk.