Sorry I'm late
I grimace "Blazes, I knew something was up with that guy inside."
Option 1:
I move in quickly after Masaru.
Initiative:
I draw my wakazashi and attempt to tumble past Masaru and the foe to flank
Acrobatics:
Attack:d For:
Option 2:
I move in alongside Masaru and attack with no flank.
Move action to reload
Action 1
I stabeth. For:
Oh a possible crit: For:
Action 2.
If I have to, I move an stabeth again, there is not much else I can do at this level
Nice job, Tanimoto or can I just call you Tani? Wow. I would not have expected such a result from you. Do not take this poorly, but rather that I am very impressed. I must listen and learn from your abilities. There is more to you than first is presented. I shall have to watch you more carefully from now on.
Here, Masaru, you have taken a wound let me tend to that. Channel energy excluding the creature. There that should help. Now, should we make sure there aren't any more of these creatures around before we bring in Walthus. I would hate for him to remain unconscious outside, but if there are others present I don't want him brought into danger. Then again, the safest spot might be inside here. Masaru, would you be so kind as to carry the poor gentleman inside?
"As long as you figure out what this thing is," Masaru said as he sheathed his sword, kicking the corpse. He proceeded to collect the wounded man and carried him inside, laying him down in a comfortable and stable location -- or where Mary directed him. He was careful all the while, his jaw set as his adrenaline began to stop coursing his veins.
I clean the blood from my blade. "I thought there was something fishy about this thing when I met it. Never suspected something that hideous though. It's dead now. So how long do you think Proudstump needs to recover?"
heal check for recovery time
If he is not better by tomorrow, then I suggest that we bring him back to town and see if Mother Koya or Father Zantus can help him. In the meantime the best we can do know is wait and care for him the best we can.
Oh I almost forgot in all this to do. My pony is still outside. Would one of you attend to Walthus here while I fetch him. That way we can unload the supplies and make him ready to carry Mr. Proudstump in the morning if he should not wake. Kerry, you asked if there was any herbs I brought. Yes there are some on the pony. A nice broth that he could drink would keep him hydrated and somewhat nourished.
if needed heal check to provide long term care
If we are here for an extended period of time.What brings you all out here anyways?
I look to Mary, "We are here to remove the Goblin problem that has plagued Sandpoint and hurt both Ameiko and Shalelu. How many of your herbs are edible? I am a chef you see and always looking for new ways to improve the taste of food while travelling."
I follow Masaru into the building, staying by his side the whole time. After a short while the air around my gets warmer and my skin turns back from the bluish hue to its usual colour, as I start to grow in size. I eventually stop growing until I am roughly the same height as Mary.
"Mary, I haven't seen you before, I would remember seeing another Hin in the village. Do you visit the Rusty dragon often? I spend most of my time there with Ameiko, or on the town outskirts."
Well those herbs are for Mr. Proudstump, but I am sure he won't mind. Yes there are some. They should be in one of the sacks on the right side of Chauncy. That is the pony's name: Chauncy. He is not even my pony but I can use him to haul the goods out here. Sure beats trying to take them myself. Anyways, there is some Rosemary, thyme, basil, and a few others in there that Walthus can't find or grow himself out here.
That sounds quite dangerous, hunting goblins. I didn't know that they were such a problem any more. I mean goblins can always be problems, but not that they have caused much more than usual lately. Of course if you hadn't been here when I delivered the goods to Mr. Proudstump, I would have been attacked and in the same condition as he is by now. Fortune smiles upon us indeed.
I am sorry to hear about Madam Ameiko. I have only attended her establishment twice since I got back to Sandpoint. I used to live here but left to train as a merchant and disciple to Abadar. While I was gone my father contracted a disease. when I returned home a couple of months ago, it was in time to help my father pass and set up my mother to go live with her family back in her hometown. I guess my free time has been spent with Mother Koya learning what I can from her about healing. I was hoping that would help my father but unfortunately that didn't work out as I hoped it would. Mary's voice starts to crack a little as she tells you this. Quickly she turns to Mr. Proudstump and busies herself tending to him. Focusing on work her voice regains some of its composure. I don't know why I am telling you this being a stranger and all, but I guess its because insome ways we are kin. It helps to tell someone. Sorry if this is too much for you. But father wa able to see that I made it through being an acolyte and was a full member of hte order of Abadar. He hoped this would allow me to take on his profession of being a traveling merchant and see the world. Something he wated to do again with me but was getting to old to do so. That was his last wish and someday I will honor it. Seeing that there is no more to be done for Walthus right now, Mary slumps down and does everything she can not to let her emotions run away with her.
I look in thought as Mary mentions the herbs, then turn back to face her. "If they're for him, then I cannot take them. I'll have to find some on the road." I glance over at Masaru and Tani before looking back to Mary, "The Goblins have gotten hold of some fire-sticks, that have been used to hurt people. We are going to stop them before they can hurt anyone else."
I head over to Masaru and sit down beside him, looking voer to Mary again, "Who is Abadar? You want to travel the world and sell your wares, that sounds like a big adventure. What wares do you have for sale now?" I seem more relaxed beside Masaru. I glance over and the unconscious man with a concerned look upon my face.
Mary takes a long pause as she tries to figure out how to explain Abadar. Finally, Abadar is the reason you and I are here. Although for different reasons. Some regard him as the beginning of civilization. What you are doing out here is collecting goblin ears. I am sure that the money is an incentive, but you also do it for the safety of the town with your companions. Without that civilization, you would be either be by yourself looking to make a profit, or you wouldn't be out hear at all as there would be no one to place the bounty. Abadar can have such a subtle influence that most are unaware of his intervention.
Some see Abadar as the patron of exploration and discovery. For in these exploits, the tenets of civilization can be spread to all corners of the world. Not only does his religion spread by such means, but the belief is that thsoe that are reach will have their lives improved witht he wonders that the civilized world can provide. This does not mean that Abadar comes in like a conquering army and subjugates all to his will, but rather like a big brother looking out for his little sister. He tries to help and give advice and experience, but ultimately it is up to the sister to decide how to live.
Finally, Abadar can be called the final arbiter of the law. His tenets are to uphold those laws and decrees that are neither silly or useless. A law stating that yo may not stand on your head after 3:00 is useless and therefore not worth the notice and care of Abadar. Often you will see judges and courts made up of Abadarian priests.
Mary quiets down after her telling of Abadar, Part of my desire to become a traveling merchant is this tenet to spread civilization to the world. However, I have no means currently to obtain the funds needed to start my endeavor. I used most of them in the attempts to help my father and the rest to move my mother. If I could afford my own wagon and a couple of horses to pull it, then I am sure I would be able to make it on my own. Someday soon, I just know it.
Perhaps you will let me join you and retrieving goblin ears. I am not much good in a fight but I can heal you should you get injured. Alas, I don't seem to be able to help Mr. Proudstump here so I don't know if you will want my services.
I get up and walk over to Mary, my eyes flaring to an icy blue and a cold air forming around me, My voice is like ice, cold, quiet and sharp, I whisper into her ear "WE are here because WE want to make the Goblins; who hurt Ameiko, suffer. She was the first friend that she made since leaving the village and WE don't want her hurt again. WE don't do this for profit!" With that my eyes return to normal and the air returns to the normal temperature. I look a little lost and head back to Masaru, sitting down again.
I look confused but speak to Mary with a soft smile on my face and laughter in my voice, "Who would stand on their head? You couldn't get far like that, Hee, hee, hee!." My laughing tone disappears into a more serious one, but still happy, "I would gladly have you come with us, the more the merrier and this is a dangerous mission, what with all the Goblins." My voice now has its usual soft tone again.
Somewhat taken aback, but also somewhat accepting to the reactions of those that do not follow Abadar, Mary will listening quietly as Kerri whispers to her. Even though the halfling appears to be furious with her, Mary is calm and almost business like.Like I said earlier, the money may be an incentive, but your doing this for the safety of the town. By town that would naturally include Ameiko. It is these sentiments exactly that is part of the the benefit of civilization, and thus part of Abadar's teachings. The chaos that these goblins represent is just the sort of thing that Abadar dislikes. He would see them more structured and law abiding citizens if possible. However, if they are not going to follow civilization, then tey should be left alone. If they intrude and disrupt civilization, like these goblins have, then they need to be removed for the saftey of said civilization.
If anything, I am happy to hear that you are doing this for more than just money. It means that you have moral responsibility and reasoning. I think that we will make a suitable team. Our first responsibility is to Walthus here. Hopefully he will revive shortly and we can hear his tale. As far as the herbs, I will pay for them myself, as I do think that it would benefit him to have the broth.
Turning to Tani and Masaru, What about you two? You seem quiet and shy for big folk. What is your story while we are waiting here?
I carry on looking at Mary, "I think your Abadar would get along with The Ancestors, although their methods may vary somewhat. The Ancestors are not known for their love of Law, in fact the revel in the freedom of mortals." I give out a girly laugh, "Quiet? no, you just haven't given them time to say anything, Hee, hee, hee!"
knowledge religion on the Ancestors: I seem to remember the term 'The Ancestors' in my studies, but I can't remember if that in reference to deity worship or literally a person's ancestors. Would you please tell me more about who 'The Ancestors' are?
If Kerri is making the antidote, Mary will cast guidance on her and whomever is helping her.
In addition to the antidote, Mary will try to help give a +4 with a heal check (guidance included)
I walk over to Mary and hand the vial I am working on to her, "You heal others, correct? Would you mind finishing this antidote off please, I've just put some of the venom in the vial and am stuck as what to do now."
I then head back to Masaru, where I sit down again, "The Ancestors were the beings who gave my tribe the power to defend themselves, but since their intervention the number of children born with "The Ancestors Blessing" has become fewer and fewer. I'm the latest in about a 100 cycles and I'm also the weakest, but due to my weak body The Ancestors have granted me more of their powers at the cost of being white skinned. I'm honoured to be blessed by the Ancestors and they guide me to where I need to be. You may have heard people speaking of their ancestors, but unless you have visited the Gronzi Forest, I doubt they are The Ancestors. My tribe is very secretive though as the tall folk of the region are usually vicious and attack us on sight."
What you say is true. I t was probably in reference to honoring their ancestors, not The Ancestors. So in what form do these Ancestors bless you. I have noticed you shapechanging abilities, can you also change color like a chameleon? That would be mighty impressive and helpful if you are trying to hide from the tall folk in your area. Are you also then the leader of your clan since you are blessed by The Ancestors?
I do not have the skill in making of antidotes, although I have learned about them in my studies. I will try if you would like.
Untrained skill check if allowed with guidance:
Survival
"They bless me with some of their powers, these powers include my reduction in height and weight; which is extremely useful for hiding, I can project their will at targets a long distance away and will always hit. They are the most recent powers they have shared with me, I can also throw balls of Ice; whenever I want, they can detect if there are any magical aura's around and inform me of their strength and location, I can create 4 Ice balls which give off light; that can be used as torches for a short duration, they can also whisper messages to someone and they will hear it clearly and can reply the same way. Other than that, they have blessed me with the power to create balls of Ice in my mouth, which I use in emergencies. You can tell when I use The Ancestors powers, as my skin turns to an Icy hue as do my eyes and nails. I have also been told that the air around me grows cold too, but I don't know about that."
I look embarrassed to have said so much, "Forgive me, I rarely speak so much and I'm not used to it. I'm too young to be the tribe leader, I'm only in my 22nd cycle. If spent most of my time with the leader though and he taught me about the history of our people and it's my dream to learn more and one day return to become the leader and lead our people to safety."
Listening to the girls communicate I merely wander outside and stand vigil to keep an eye out for any more trouble.
Masaru said nothing as his friend Kerri and the newcomer Mary discussed religion. He had no opinion one way over the other on the matters of faith and preferred not to preach or be preached to. Growing up he didn't have an interest in what a heavenly being could do for him with faith. His father was killed in cold blood in the light of day. What deity would allow that to happen?
He shrugged and stepped outside without saying much further. He sat outside with his sword, unsheathing it beginning to polish the naked steel with a rag he produced from his haversack.
To Kerri, They really are the strong silent types. Well,that's ok, I am sure they will warm up eventually. Until then I guess I might as well start unpacking the pony. It will give me something to do while we wait for Walthus to revive.
"we shall be here until tomorrow, you say? In that case I will get some sleep while we wait for Mr Proudstump to recover, but first something to eat." I step outside, nodding to Masaru and Tanimoto, "I'm about to cook some dinner, are you hungry?"
I start to gather some firewood and begin to start making the fire.
Once the fire is burning happily on its own I grab some nearby edible vegetables and herbs. Put them into my pot and add some water.
After about half an hour the food is ready and I start to hand out bowls of it, "Would anyone like to try snake?"
Grimacing slightly at the idea of snake, Mary is quite hesitant until the smells start to permeate the house. I will try smoe of that stew actually. I didn't think I could handle it at first, but it smells pretty good. A Lot better than my own cooking. where did you learn the art? From your mother I suppose. Mom didn't teach me too much about domestic activities. I was always around me dad when I was little watching and helping him.
After letting some of the broth cool, Mary will try to coax some down Walthus's throat without him choking on it. Thanks, Kerri. If you want to sleep go ahead I will continue to watch him for a while. Perhaps, once you wake up I will catch some sleep and you can wake me if his condition changes. Hopefully that arrangement works for those 2 as well. No sense all of us getting tired and worn out just by waiting and staying up too late doing nothing.
After the long day Masaru didn't complain about the prospect of a hot meal. His stomach actually churned with the thought of something to settle. He went ahead and settled down with Mary, Kerri, and Tanimoto and cleaned his sword while Kerri cooked. He listened quietly as the two halflings chattered back and forth like old hens and just focused on the naked steel of his blade. Blood stained the sword and saya and he methodically cleaned off the dried goblin ichor that stained the weapon.
When dinner was preapred he accepted a bowl from Kerri. "I'll try it," he said, nodding his head. "If Mary is going to take the first watch, I will take the second watch -- I know its harder to sleep properly by taking the middle watches opposed to the first and last."
Thank you Masaru. I did not intend for watches necessarily. Only that someone keep an eye out on Mr. Proudstump here. I suppose your idea of an actual watch would be a god idea since who knows however many of these creatures are still out there in the swamp. Hopefuly no more show up as I am quite happy to have met with only one of them and wish to see no more.
I look to the others enjoying the soup, and take a bowl for myself. I look at my bowl and calmly put a spoonful of the soup into my mouth, chew and swallow before smiling. The next spoonful is slightly quicker. I look back to Masaru, Tani and Mary, "I would like last watch, if that is acceptable? When the Ancestors grant me the use of their powers, I'm left weakened and I've found that only a good rest helps. Also they can get a bit angry if they don't rest and when they're angry they don't grant me their powers."
By all means take the last watch. If that helps you commune with your Ancestors then who am I to say no. Your path is different than mine as I need to rest first. This allows my thoughts to settle and clear so I may pray and listen to Abadar's guidance. Daily meditation is a must for me to feel that spiritual connection. Sleep well and wake me if you have need of anything during your watch.
With consent to take the last watch I head over to my bag and pull out my tent. It takes me about 10 minutes to set it up and once it is done, I crawl inside and fall into a silent sleep.
Good mornign Mr. Proudstump. I am glad you made it through the night safe and sound. We were worried about you. I wasn't sure if you would make it or not since you didn't stir for so long. Please don't try and get up you have been through a lot. You can stay right there and rest while you tell us what happened. We can fill you in after we know what happened to you. Mary will go over Walthus again in the morning to see how his wounds have healed and if there is anything else she can do for him.
During her morning meditation Mary will renew her spells for the day as well.
Seeing Mr Proudstump awake and speaking I walk over to him, "Greetings fellow Hin, I'm glad you're feeling better. I'm afraid your two big snakes were slain, one attacked us and the other we used for an antidote to heal your wounds."
Indicating the blood spots from the thing on the living room floor, Whatever it was must have run back inside when these 3 showed up. They saw you and it started talking to them. When I showed up it, I didn't know what was gong on. You were lying there on the ground and this thing that looked like you was yelling from the window. Well, I didn't think you would yell at me like that so I double checked if it was you on the ground. Sure enough it was. When the gentleman over there opened the door it changed it shape and attacked him. Luckily he was prepared and Tani and him were able to kill it before it did anymore harm. During the telling, she is actively trying to limit her involvement to little more than just showing up at the wrong time. Not that she has anything to hide, but rather exploring the swamp wasn't the reason she was here. The others business is there business for now. Maybe after Walthus is better she could join them to make the money she is hoping for to start her own business.
The following morning Masaru wakes up and prepares for the day with a few stretches and tending to his equipment. He polishes his sword, cleans his armor, and secures the fittings on all of his belongings. Afterwards he goes out to practice his swordplay, moving through drills to sharp his accuracy. When Mr. Proudstump wakes up Kerri and Mary begin speaking with the man and he returns to the house.
I pick up the new small cloak, admiring it. I look to the others, "Who would like this? It is really good quality and has a magical aura about it."
Mary will reach out and rub Walthus's shoulder. Walthus, I am sorry I never knew that about your previous life. I always thought you grew up here and loved nature. Now I feel even worse about the death of your snakes. They protected you and now they are gone. Is there anything I can do for you besides tell no one your story. Your only safe as long as no one knows you are out here or that you came here the way you did.
That cloak is quite a treasure Walthus. Thank you for your generosity. I am sure one of them would be able to put it to good use. Abadar protects me you see so I have no need for such a cloak. It is a fine gesture indeed though.
Masaru thanks the halfling for the cloak and looks to his companions. "We could always flip a coin for it," he suggested. "It is a nice cloak. What about you Tanimoto? It looks like it will keep you warm so I'd concede it to you ladies."
Realizing Tanimoto was not with them, he looked to Kerri. "Go ahead and take it, it will keep you warm," Masaru offered.