9th Day of the Trip
The Merchant approaches your group. " understand half of you took to the forest to follow a single passenger. That is unacceptable, you left the main camp at half of its defense. I will make an announcement this morning regarding personal responsibility. Next time. Leave it".
Fenrarem offers the merchant a small nod.
''Apologies, but given that I was ''hired'' to protect your caravan from threats, I took it to mean that your passengers were to be protected as well. As such I was not going to allow her to wander off and die alone in these woods.''
Damn impudent man,has the gall to scold us when a quarter of us aren't even being paid for our efforts.
Griswold looks at the merchant steely eye, clenching his fist.
"I made mah f+%!ing oaths to the rangers to protect this forest and its people before ye were even a squirt from yer daddie's cock. Maybe I'm out of line, but I will be damned before I let an innocent be it man, woman or child die on my watch."
Griswold will take a swing from his flask to dull his senses. Having calmed down, Griswold posses but a single question to the Merchant.
"This may come off as a strong statement. You know what I find funny Merchant, ye seem to care little for the innocent but have a lot of care for that evil beast, what else are ye harboring?"
"It could be argued that risking the lives of many over the one, is the worst offense. He is the one paying us, placing him in charge to an extent, and he made his terms to all involved clear. If your word means nothing and you no longer wish to honor the terms laid. It would be best to leave and go about your business. It's one thing not to kill something that falls into your hands, it's another to risk everything by abandoning your post and charge."
He spared a glance at the merchant and Marya.
"Philosophizing or speaking about what if's is pointless. It's that simple."
He had the merchants number, he was easy to understand. The best of his breed would cultivate good guards, while the worst would hope to arrive with less guards then they started to carve out a little more profit. He only cared about getting to his destination, less so about everyone's best interest or well being if it did not align with his own.
"Paying ye maybe, I'm getting paid with food which I and the druid can get ourselves. Aye getting rid of us or I would be just as foolish, with ogres, trolls, lycans among other creatures that lurk these woods. His f!!&in guards can't even light a fire, probably even swing a blade."
Griswold walks past Igdus,"Strength in numbers boyo, strength in numbers." Having enough of the discussion, Griswold leaves to help around the camp and talk with the guards.
"Here I thought he asked us for shelter, food, and company after bumbling out of the bush."
He said to no one in particular. Leave it to a dwarf's pride to forget fact. If he was grumbling about pay then the fault was still his for negotiating poorly. At least he did what he wanted, got him to leave the wagons well enough alone. He suspected the merchants reaction and would not fault him. Better rid of two unknown woodsmen then the alternative.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Day of the Trip
The Merchant ignores the criticism and heads straight for the middle wagon climbing atop it more nimbly than any of you would have expected.
"I have been informed of the events of last night. Know that the guards along with us are protected to guard the caravan, not those who foolishly and recklessly decide to enter the woods afar from the safety of the wagons at night.
From now on we shall build five small fires at the perimeter of the camp each night, barring heavy rain. Stray beyond that perimeter and you take your life into your own hands. The guards have been instructed to remain within that perimeter at all times.
I hope I have made myself clear".
When Griswold confronts the merchant and accuses him of foul intentions, Fenrarem hides his reaction. Staring intently at the merchant for a moment he attempts to discern what he is feeling when faced with accusations.
After Igdus and Griswold are done their lively ''discussion'' Fenrarem approaches Igdus.
''Igdus, a word if you please. I know you don't trust us but surely you must see the value in having extra eyes and swords at your back? The ranger may be gruff and as delicate as a boulder but he is a good man. I would never admit this to him but he saved my life a short while ago and had no real reason to do so. I understand solitariness but you never know how the winds will change and extra allies are always helpful. In any case think on it.''
Having nothing else to say Fenrarem wanders over to where Groot is standing and tends to him.
My but Groot seems to be growing at an alarming rate. This is not natural, but mayhaps our bond is the cause?
Once the merchant is done giving his little speech, Fenrarem is even more suspicious than before.
He really has no care for the safety of the passengers. Perhaps the ranger really is on to something.
Igdus stops the elf before he departs.
"It is not a matter of trust. It is a matter of sensibility and duty. A man that places himself above the good of the group is a liability, not an ally. I would say your words are better placed on such a man. A good man and a responsible one are not necessarily one and the same. Favor which you will, but I try to keep my word and duties. That's all I can do while making the best choice."
If their is nothing more he goes back on watch. Granted his group and the merchants didn't need to be one and the same ether. He had his role to play in the plans ahead, he would play it well if he could. But as the ranger admitted he had his first loyalties, as did they all. It was for that sake as well as sensibility that he danced to the merchants tune, until the next song came along at least.
Tobar nodded at the merchant, looking at the others who abandoned their posts to see their reaction.
It takes all Gerwyn can do not to bear his teeth at the merchant's words. You didn't just abandon pack members to die! But this was a bad alpha, the sort that some of the other packs had, that thought their harshness made them stronger.
Well, he'd just hold his tongue until it got him in trouble, then.
"I paid for my passage, you worthless pile of pork drippings!" Rhun tells the merchant, poking a finger into his chest. "I deign to add my gun to the defense of the caravan, not because you paid me, but because I choose to increase the odds of us all making it to the destination! How dare you open your mouth to me about how I choose to spend my bullets and time! Now get your worthless fat ass back up there and get this caravan moving before I demand a refund out of your fat worthless arse!" Rhun is quite loud with her annoyance.
Rhun continues practicing knife fighting with Kate, ignoring the fat merchant and his antics.
Vaki hops down from his perch after the merchant leaves. "I'm no saint, but I don't like the idea of allowing one of the people we're supposed to be protecting to die. Even if it was due to her own stupidity."
He cuts off what he is sure will be a rebuke from Igdus. "We are being paid to guard the caravan, which includes those traveling with it. Honestly, I'm starting to get the feeling it might just be better to overthrow this merchant and take the wagons for ourselves."
He was starting to see why some were justified in hunting lycans, at least some lycans. Apparently most here only thought with their own point of view, instead of a open mind. He supposed he would need to have someone speak their language to them instead, as his words had no effect if their were not delivered sweetly as with children. He went to find Marya, upon finding her he motions for her to come away from anyone or stray ears. He keeps his back turned towards the rest of the group for good measure as he whispers to her once they are alone.
"I suggest you tighten everyone's leash. We don't need to like the man or start acting like a bunch of brutes with all the answers. We need to do our job and what he says with in reason. Quietly and quickly. Above all else, we do not need to disturb his cargo or press that issue. No good will come of it. While I am not sure, I would rather not take the risk of being proven right. The short of it is, it's dangerous. Even to us, maybe more so then to others."
He was hoping Marya would cool things. If they didn't respect or fear her then nothing else could be done and everything would fall apart on this course. Even if he was wrong, the point was the job not banditry. At least that was how it seemed to him. He added one more thing.
"If things come to a head or worst yet I turn out to be right about the cargo. You'll get no help from me. I am no bandit or petty thief, nor will I take part in a fatal mistake should the worst be confirmed."
Rhun shakes her head at Vaki's suggestion. "No..." She then whispers quietly. "That would make our task much harder. Arguments with an employer are perfectly normal, stealing his goods is not. So far, we've done nothing that normal bickering humans would not do. Let us not step from normal bickering to banditry. Not that I'm opposed to banditry, but not without a damn good reason. Not now."
Griswold fuming pissed, storms off to plan which trees need to be cut down and chop those trees for firewood.
If that merchant so much as walks alonr into the woods to take a s$*@e, I'm going him what happens when you piss of a f~@%in bear.
While walking around the camp, finding the suitable trees to fell. He takes the time to look for guards to speak to, survey the campsite site for weaknesses and and walk near the cargo they're transporting.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Day of the Trip
The Merchant pauses at Rhun's words for indeed he was chastising her, "My dear. You are indeed quite right, I apologize for chastising you thusly. Feel free to choose the time and manner of your own death as you see fit. I shan't prevent you from doing so..."
That said, he heads back to the wagon.
Griswold, whatever is inside that wagon is locked up tight. No sounds or smells come from within. If the gnolls are still in there they are bound up tight...
As the caravan gets ready to ride with Marya at the lead she calls Fenrarem to her side, "As you and the dwarf get along and your night sight is better than that of most humans, I am putting you on evening detail. I suggest you get some sleep".
The caravan moves again by day at a bit brisker pace with the rain mostly having cleared out.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Night of the Trip
Soon enough the caravan rumbles to a stop taking advantage of another clearing on the side of the road. Marya barks out, "Full stop! Time to set up evening camp!"
Rhun yawns and stretches, 'accidentally' catching Kate on the shoulder and knocking her arse over teakettle in the wagon. "You need to learn to sleep lighter so that doesn't happen." She tells the woman with a foxish grin. Then she rapidly exits the wagon, straightening out her clothes grabbing her gear with alacrity. After putting on her armor and weapons, she sighs, and after a longing thought for a hot bath, stalks the perimeter of the clearing, doing a circuit looking for issues.
Once done, she does her normal evening workout with Kate, and anyone else who shows interest. She finally has Kate use a real knife against a tree, using her own knife to scrape a human outline on the tree bark, and then putting heart, head, and groin target on the outline.
Nodding at Marya's orders regarding his change of shift. Fenrarem offers her a small bow.
''Very well, Captain''
Better get some sleep in that case. But first, Groot.
Heading over to where he left Groot, he casts Create Water and feeds Groot, then heads off towards his wagon for some rest.
Waking up that night, Fenrarem performs his wake up stretches to warm up his body in case of any future combat that night.
Exiting the wagon, he regards the camp and remembering that Griswold claimed the merchant's men had no talent for fire lighting decides to spend some time getting fires going.
Getting a couple of fires burning nicely, he then does a perimeter walk around the camp with Groot, both looking our for any danger or threats.
Griswold wakes up stumbling out of the wagon like a drunkard kicked out on last nights call. Groggy he walks over to his chopping block he begins to chop firewood to keep the camp alight.
"Oi! wood is chopped, we need to feed those fires!"
He bellows, calling for any free guard to haul an arm load of firewood.
He was going to walk the perimeter, but decided not to when he saw Fenrarem already walk it.
Eh, the elf boy has good eyes. The fires should give him the light he needs.
Griswold begins to look for someone to speak and drink with, a group of guards or a passenger. Should he find none, he will look for Bella. Curious as to why she took off also to make sure it didn't happen again.
Gerwyn sleeps soundly through the day. In the evening he's more withdrawn than usual, and perhaps a bit sullen, keeping watch without much talk unless spoken to.
Tobar rests during the day and at night keeps within the confines of the fires. He seems on edge more than usual.
Valaronex was starting to wonder at the wisdom of their quest.
The idea itself wasn’t bad Valar had to admit. Taking advantage of a noticeable increase in danger within a forest in order to get agents in place in that forest. Hoping to use the nullification of that danger to make their reputation better, which in turn would make it easier to establish an actual safe haven for Lycan kind... perhaps rather idealistic, but Valar would always favour the idealistic approach over the cynical one any day.
It was the execution that was making Valaronex question its wisdom. To throw together a random group of strangers and hope that their common goal would allow them to put aside any differences that cropped up was foolish. Especially when they themselves did not know who the strangers were. Igdus alone was practically fracturing the group asunder with his paranoia and ruthless pragmatism, and the merchant that they were travelling with was frustrating others as well with his supposed uncaring attitude to the people of the caravan.
Yet at the same time, the way that everyone in the group was so swift to label the merchant as simply being concerned about his gains was incredibly unsettling... after all, the merchant's words made a lot of sense. There was little need for so many of them to go after one person, just two would have been enough, and if there was trouble they could have called out for assistance or retreated back to the camp. Not to mention wandering off into the woods by yourself was an incredibly stupid idea... and you can’t protect every stupid person in the world.
Natural selection existed for a reason after all.
In the end, Valar decided that he couldn’t just keep himself away from the group. They were too divided and split for him to be willing to trust them with his secret, the truth of his powers and lack of lycanthropy... so instead, he decided it was best to approach them individually. His first consideration was Rhun, in part because she was the only female of the group. But with the fact she wasn’t actually part of the group or guards, and how she was being so obviously watched by Igdus, Valar decided to opt out on that idea. Instead, settling for the fellow quiet wolf: Gerwyn.
“Mind if I join you here?” He asked politely as he came up to stand next to them.
Gerwyn perked up a bit at Valar's question. He didn't really know Valar well... in fact, it'd be safe to say he knew basically nothing about him. But Valar hadn't been exacerbating the friction in the pack, so he was much more okay with him than with some of the others.
"Go ahead!" he says, smiling just a bit.
Igdus did not take heart in Marya's words. Still he had done what he could and said what was needed. If ignorance was bliss then he would never know it, an even trade in hindsight he considered. As the days before he went about his business discreetly and kept watch with his abilities. As much outward as inward, in case any among their own got curious. He would be ready to deal with whatever came, that's how one thrived.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Night of the Trip
At first Kate is so startled that she curses, she laughs at Rhun's explanation and practices diligently as always making great strides for such a short period of time!
---
Raze makes his way over as well as the two of you gather at the perimeter of the camp and the sun fades once more over the treeline whispering, "I figured this was a pack meeting so I ought to come on by..."
---
As you stay within the confines of the camp Marya approaches you whispering, "This is Grandfather's show, how do you feel about it so far?"
---
Joten is the new human guard on duty tonight, he is a workhorse carrying wood to the several fires almost as fast as the Ranger can chop it.
Griswold finds Bella alone seemingly in a bad mood once more. She looks up, "Thank you again sir for your assistance yesterday, sorry I ran off like that". Her tone is incongruous with her facial affect.
---
As you walk the perimeter with Groot Joten joins you, "You must be a powerful wood caster to have a tree with you elflord".
---
Vaki & Igdus as always watch from above, one physically one metaphysically...
"Alert everyone! A group is approaching towards us from the forest."
He makes sure somethings are between him and the approaching group. He takes out his dagger, mostly for show.
Vaki, as always during the night, is perched up in a tree, better to snipe any incoming foes before swooping down on them. At Igdus' warning, he readies his crossbow.
Fenrarem nods his head when the human greets him, but then shakes his head.
''Not so powerful as you might think. I saved his life from a mad woodsman, who did not understand that he was not a tree. That is why he follows me, my druidic magic merely strengthens our bond. You may call me Fenrarem by the way.''
He then grimaces as though pained and looks down for a moment before continuing.
''And for the record I am not an elf, I am a fey creature called a Triaxian. even if the idiot ranger calls me an elf''
The last bit is muttered under his breath quickly, not having meant for it to slip out.
He shakes his head for a moment and looks back at the human.
''I seem to have forgotten my manners, what is your name human?''
Fenrarem looks up sharply at Igdus' shout. He draws his sword and looks towards the forest. He keeps his blade low in case the group are not foes.
Rhun is about to quietly alert Marya, when Igdus cries out. She sighs, and waves to Kate, silently motioning toward where the intruders are coming from.
"Rocky start. Like a stone in the river, the difficulties will smooth out, I hope."
“Thanks. Decided I’ve spent enough time keeping my distance from everyone.” Valaronex said, glad that Gerwyn didn’t mind him join them. The ex-werewolf soon being distracted as his cousin came over to join them, however, Valar giving them a nod in greeting as he spoke out loud. “More of bonding time than a meeting...”
Through Igdus announcement at an approaching group soon disrupted that and Valar sighed, even as he crafted his moonlight fangs once more. “Well, guess we’ll have to see who these folks are... bet it’s gonna cause conflict in the group again.”
Griswold swings his axe into the chopping block, wiping the sweat off of his brow.
"By Ehlonna's t$+!, ye work hard boy. Keep up the good work, yer going to run me dry. What's your name? If we make it out of here and yer looking for work. I'd be happy to bring ye into the rangers." He pulls his axe out of the block and continues his work, he tries to hide how out of breath he is.
Griswold hears out Bella, noticing that her tone doesn't match her body language he tries to make sense of her.
"Aye, It's nothing. I just want to make sure everyone is safe here. I lived with a druid for most of me life and with the rangers for the rest of it. I've seen my fair share of what these woods can do, I wouldn't wish it on ye or anyone else for that matter."
Griswold abruptly turns his head when he heard Igdus cry out.
"Bella find cover among the wagons, be on yer guard." He drew his waraxe, heading closer to where the looming threat gathered.
"I hope not," Gerwyn replies to Valar's comment on group conflict. He gets his axe out and moves to join the rest of the guards.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Night of the Trip
Bella takes cover.
Kate approaches behind Rhun, her confidence clearly growing.
Joten as well grabs his weapon.
The rest of the men are wary but weary...
As the group closes in Igdus can see they are of all things woodsmen!
Each of the six men carries a few different axes none are being wielded and each has a backpack.
"Ho there friends! I am Carlotta. We mean no harm but heard you commotion through the trees and decided to come investigate and perhaps trade?"
Raze grunts, "Trade in the middle of nowhere..."
Marya calls out, "Approach slowly Carlotta, we would see you better by our light".
He begins to do so and appears quite human. Large and hairy but human.
Rhun leaves it to Marya to watch the newcomers. She turns to Kate, and hiding her fingers from the new comers, she points to her eyes, and motions behind them, indicating Kate should watch behind in case there are others sneaking up on them.
Rhun as well watches both the back and the sides, in case there is another group with them sneaking up from behind.
Igdus watches them carefully while studying them. He wondered if they truely were woodsmen or lycans. Normal humans did not fair well in the Gnarley unless they were very skilled or very cunning, more so when they were so deep in the forest. Nether sat well with him, but better to be sure.
"Where are the others in your band?"
Gerwyn stays alert. "Have you seen any trouble recently?" he asks. "We've seen some strange things on the way."
Griswold approaches the group, standing next to Mayra. He whispers to her,"the woodsmen are a good lot, just living on the fringes trying to survive. But why are they out so far? Did something drive them out of their village? Best take this carefully, Captain."
Griswold puts the top on his axe on the ground, leaning against the handle.
"Oi Carlotta and yer merry men, yer further out here than most woodsmen I've known that weren't rangers. Is yer village near by?"
Griswold acts are gregarious as he can, though still unsure of that to think of the band of men.
With everyone else already having spoken, Valar found himself without anything left to say. As he was by far the only one that was a little... surprised to find woodsman so deep in a forest that was meant to be having so much trouble. He had no reason to speak up in warning either. So instead Valar simply inspected the woodsman in front of him, trying to spy anything wrong with them, or if they had ill intentions.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Night of the Trip
Carlotta's head spins back and forth with all of the questions thrown at him, "It's a bit reckless to be so far out in the woods like we are but we've been doin' it a while now. You'd be amazed at how many traders'll buy wood from the oaks deep in the forest like this.
It's the most dangerous but the best logging. Ya see my da was a Wizard so I've a magic hut that we use to rest to protect us from the worst of the predators out here".
He then points backwards with a thumb at the man behind him, "Franching here is a Ranger by trade so that helps. We're from Greyhawk so the city is nearby but no so nearby. We've stayed away from Dyvers with all the dangers lately. It's almost like there's a dividing line and once ya cross it, the attacks seem to increase..."
Marya replies, "You can share one of our fires as we would hear more of what you have seen and heard out here".
Gerwyn's brow furrows in confusion, or maybe just thought. "It's more dangerous near Dyvers? That seems strange..."
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Night of the Trip
Franching nods at Gerwyn's question, "Travelers speak of a fell fey that has settled in the area. I figure it is a matter of time before adventurers from the city, either seeking glory or commissioned by the city, seek out this meddlesome creature.
Until then, travelers going north should be wary".
"Aye, things aren't much better in the south. This whole world is going to s*#!e."
Griswold shakes his head, attaching his axe back onto his harness.
"So hunting for old growth oak? Careful lads, druids will come for ye if you keep it up, not even us rangers could save ye from then on. Well welcome to that camp, always good to see a couple of friendly faces and fellow ranger. How are things back at headquarters?, Been some times since I've been."
Rhun yawns, then figures she might as well ask. "Have you seen any deposits of Sulfur, or any caves steeped in guano?"
Groot will whimper slightly when Griswold mentions the woodsmen hunting for old wood and Fenrarem will glare at Griswold when he makes reference to druids, assuming that Griswold is talking about Fenrarem.
Running his hand over Groot's side comfortingly, his interest is peaked when the ranger Franching mentions the fey that has taken over parts of the woods. Seeing as the group seems not to be a threat, Fenrarem will return his sword to its sheath and address the group.
''Fey enjoy playing practical jokes on mortals, often these jokes can be fatal. Have there been many deaths attributed to this fey or are there more injuries than fatalities?''
This calls for further investigation. Fey are natural but a rogue fey actively killing people is not to be left to its own devices.
Fenrarem will be somewhat surprised by Rhun's question but will not comment.
Guano? What is her interest in bats?
When Marya offers the woodsmen a fire, Fenrarem will approach them once they are settled in.
''Do you mind if I join you? I am Fenrarem Sherendyl, Druid of the Gnarley. I would hear more of this fey if you have any other information.'' Addressing the ranger specifically he adds. ''And I would love to get to know another ranger. The only one ive had much contact with is a bit of a lout, despite his ferociousness in battle.''
He jerks his thumb over his shoulders to indicate Griswold.
"Magic hut, eh?" Tobar pipes up from the rear.
"I'd like to hear if you know more, too," Gerwyn adds.
557 CY - 10th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 9th Night of the Trip
Carlotta shakes his head, "No caves, at least none nearby at any rate".
Franching smiles at Griswold, "Been some time for me too. I've been out with these fine men, coin to be made and I am putting my knowledge to use. Preserving as much as we are cutting.
Well met Fenrarem. Afraid I don't know much more than rumor that they fey is dark and has control over the evil humanoids who are drawn to its power. If you have to go north pray..."
Carlotta responds to Tobar's question, "Yes, the last item I have fro his days with magic. All else was sold off when I was still young. As Franching said we've not seen much out here but at night we are safely hidden away.
Last few nights we've heard some howling so that's new but we head in just after daylight fades and we've no interest in finding out more. Franch is the warrior here, the rest of us are men with axes and families to feed".
The rest of the men just seem happy to be sharing food by the firelight and don't make anything more than small talk.