Shilara gratefully accepts the Cure potion.
After she is finished she nods. "I can continue to scout then".
"Let us go then."
Thanqoul begins trying to help pull the carcass as fast as he can.
You all haul the additional carcasses and such and make your way to the town. You go undisturbed the rest of the trip.
Upon arrival you see in the think of the jungle a might looking log wall that stands a good 20 feet high. The great wooden gates open as you approach and a handful of humans and grippli race out to aid you.
As you enter the town you get a chorus of cheers, what appears to be a heroes welcome. The three hunters you are with are greeted warmly and the game you helped haul is taken by other townsfolk to what appears to be a local butcher.
The town is made of mostly wooden houses. They are stacked on top of each other as it seems they were unable to expand out so they went up instead. It is a small quaint town and you are more than pleased to be in a "civilized" location again.
As you wander into town you all feel as though you have learned much from your hardships and feel better confident in your abilities. (You are all now level 3)
Another grippli walks up to your group. "*Croak* Thank you for helping our hunters bring home this bounty. It will do to supply our stores for a good while. We welcome you to our town and bid you to please rest the night at our local in. You will not be charged.*croak*"
I look up at the wooden wall and smile but continue to pull the load with the others. I slide out of the harness once we have gotten through the gates and begin to rub my shoulders a bit where the harness has been rubbing. Seeing the other frog man I lower my head in a bow, "Thanks, it's good to be here, right bro?" I look to Felix. I then look back at the frog, "I'm quite tired actually 'n' a little hungry, does the inn have food too?"
The Druid shrugs off her harness with as much haste as she can muster, stepping away from it quickly. She glances around at the village. Civilization. She isn't used to such things. She crouches, drawing Razorclaw close for comfort. For his part, the leopard seems equally distressed.
Rishkarri looks at her companions inquisitively. "Staying?" she asks brusquely.
Thanqoul sighs, glad to finally be back in civilization once again where it's safe. He nods at the grippli who approached, and reassures Rishkarri.
"Don't worry. It will be safe here, and give us some time to recover from having to travel in that jungle."
Turing back to the grippli Thanqoul decides to give voice to some questions he's been having.
"Who are those men? They seem to be capable hunters in their own right. Also, have you heard of elves traveling in the area? One of my friends heard elven in the woods, but we didn't go to far in case it was trouble."
The grippli looks over at the men and nods. *Croak*"Many hunters in this town are capable hunters. Most of whom spend days in the wilds hunting dinosaurs for the towns food supply. They have to be strong and capable or we don't eat. They also make up the town militia and protect us from threats. Spend years fighting dinosaurs and you get to be a pretty good fighter as a result.*croak*"
He then smiles at Nyx. *Croak*"Thanks to your help there is plenty of food the inn will be able to prepare."*Croak*
He then turns back to Thanquol. *Croak*"There is an eleven settlement some ways south of here. They're tribal and a bit uncivilized but they are friendly enough and tend to welcome strangers warmly. They deal in medicinal herbs and healing and often we visit them and trade dinosaur bones for medicine and bows and arrows. They craft EXCELLENT ivory bows and arrows. They can also craft magic items, a skill we sorely lack. But our hunters are the toughest and when we bring dinosaurs like this allosaurus in, it's bones and hide go over very well with those elves."*Croak*
"Maybe we can help you there. If you need some people to go deliver these bones, and hides then we would be willing to do it. Of course we would ask for some type of payment, but I'm sure we could work it out in the inn over a mug of ale."
Thanqoul is ready to travel with the grippli to the inn if it so chooses.
Felixian nods in approval at Thanquol's suggestion. The prospect of a soft bed and a hot meal is enticing. It would also be nice if he could find someone skilled at woodwork as well - it's clear that Erastil's been protecting him and his friends, and he'd like to purchase a symbol of his newfound faith.
"We're glad to have helped, right brother." I look to Felix but see him contemplating a few things, so decide not to interrupt his thinking. I then turn as I hear the healing man offer our services, "You're the leader, so I'll do as you ask, as long as brother is happy with it." I turn to the Grippli that he is speaking to, "We'd be pleased to help ... but first a hot meal and a nice wash is needed, do you have a place to wash here?"
Shilara nods at Nyx's request to wash, and a hot meal sounds pretty good too.
Rishkarri grudgingly decides to follow the others, casting longing glances back towards the jungle as she does so.
The grippli nods. "*Croak* I am Traug the village represntative. Our leader is in the main house right now and wishes to not be disturb. He has been having something of a rough week. Please try and understand. Also, if you are in fact volunteering to help escort our traders to the elves to get supply for these bones then that would be most appreciative. If you were to do that we could provide you with food, lodging, and equipment good for a week. You may even take some of your pay from the elves goods traded for these bones if you desire. The trek is dangerous and we occasionally lose hunters on this trip. Worst of all, we lose negotiators. Our negotiators are harder to train than hunters and are far fewer and more important in these sorts of matters. Everyone we lose may as well be a years worth of resources for our home. In these jungles people prefer arms to words in trade, simply because most of the dangers of the wilds can't be reasoned with. Even skilled druids have trouble talking down a hungry Tyranosaurus. If you are certain, we can give you a map and prepare the supplies for tomorrow."*Croak**
Felixian nods. "We're happy to be of service. Before we retire, though, could you direct us to the marketplace so we can purchase supplies?"
Shilara nods her agreement. "That's fine by me, I guess. Thank you for being so hospitable."
I look thoughtful for a moment, lost in the thought of a hot meal and nice soak. I rub my cheek with the back of my hand then look at the frog, "Do you have a talker you want taken there? We can leave at first light tomorrow, after a decent sleep. No harm shall come to any who travel with us."
Traug looks at you confused. *Croak*"Oh, we don't really have a market here. Everything is shared. The only time we can do any form of trading is with the elves and all trading is barter. Gold only has value in larger towns and cities. There's a town a day and a half east of here that has a market and deals in gold. We will provide you with some rations and musk for your trip no worries"*Croak*
To Nyx he responds. *Croak*"We have three negotiators in town at the moment. We will send two with you tomorrow. Try not to let them get eaten. They are hard to come by.*Croak
Felixian nods. "That makes sense. Tell me, my friend, are here skilled at woodcarving or carpentry? I have some useful items I'd be willing to trade for a small symbol of Erastil. Mayhap he'll grant us protection on our journey tomorrow."
Thanqoul nods at the arrangement.
"We will see the negotiators tomorrow then."
Thanqoul doesn't sit with the others long. He eats and drinks some plain food. After that he just goes to a bath if they have one and enjoys the first sign of civilization he has seen all day.
Traug nods. *Croak*"We have excellent craftsman. You may need to describe it to them. Shouldn't be a big deal."*Croak*
You all go about the day and rest. They have baths and food. Does anyone do anything else or are we ready to move on to the next day?
"Greetings sir/madam! If you have the time, I'd be interested in commissioning a piece from you. Nothing to complicated - especially if what I've been told about your skill is true. Me and my friends are leaving in the morning, and I would greatly appreciate a symbol to show that the gods are looking after us. Perhaps a small medallion with Erastil's sigil on it? I don't have much coin, but I do have this." He holds up a vial of white powder. "If you put a bit of this around your house and shop, it'll keep insects and other vermin away."
I lower myself into the bath, shuddering at first but slowly relaxing until I am completely comfortable and before I know it, it is already dark. I climb out and dry myself down before heading to get some dinner. While at the table I stay within eye sight of Felix; as always, but decide to sit beside Rishkarri, we talk a little before heading to our own beds for the night.
Rishkarri has a bath and a hot meal, but she seems agitated the entire time, as though she isn't used to such things. She speaks little to Nyx, finding she has little to say, opting instead to nod, shake her head when appropriate, and give short responses when neither gesture will suffice. As nervous as she seems, Razorclaw seems worse - the leopard refuses to sit still, instead pacing back and forth.
The next morning, the pair seem well and truly ready to depart.
Shilara uses the bath she has been given to soak her sore body. "So much has gone on the past few days. My body aches all over... Oh well, so is the life of a hunter!" She dunks her head under and iches at her soon to be shedding scales. Taking great pleasure in having water on her shedding skin, to help it go faster.
Once out of the bath, she eats, smiling at the food.
@Felixian: the craftsman looks at you. "I am not familiar with the symbol of Erastil but if you had a picture or at least a good description of it, I would be happy to make one for you."
To describe it you would need to make a knowledge religion check DC 15. Or you can try and describe it from memory which is a simple intelligence check DC 20. If you are unable to describe it you may rest the night and try again tomorrow.
If you make the check you will have your symbol in the morning at the cost of the vial.
@Everyone else: The dinner is dino steaks and various jungle vegetables. The baths are nice and warm and the water is drawn and filtered from a nearby river. It is quite clean.
The beds are also comfortable and you are all able to rest the fatigue of the day off.
------Next Day-----
You rise early in the morning, and have breakfast. You may complete any in town activities or meet at the gate when you are ready to go.
I sleep comfortably, a lot more comfortable than in a long time, but still wake early as is habit. I get up and perform a couple of stretched before going out for a little walk around the village, quietly. Once the others are awake as well I will head to the gate, ready to give my assistance in transporting the talker to the elves.
Rishkarri eats dinner silently, and bathes, scrubbing the caked dirt and blood from Razorclaw's pelt with the used bathwater. While she herself doesn't quite smell so offensive now, her hair is still tangled. She attempts to comb her fingers through it before giving up, and approaching the cat-woman she'd been travelling with. "Cut?" she asks, pointing to the matted mass of hair.
-------------------
The next morning, she rises earlier than the others, spending an hour on the dirt outside in meditation. After locking away her magic for the day, she stands by the gate, pacing restlessly.
I smile at Rishkarri and nod, taking my time and making sure to only cut the parts she wants removed. It takes about half an hour to get it just how she wants it, but it is no longer matted and knotty.
----------------------------
Thanqoul greets the day ready for a new adventure. He looks over at Felxian who doesn't have a holy symbol, and looks at him strangely.
"Weren't you going to get a holy symbol of Erastil?"
Felixian looks embarrassed as he shoulders his longbow. "I talked to a craftsman about it, but he's not familiar with Old Deadeye. I was going to describe the symbol to him, but all the excitement's got my brain all jumbled up. Couldn't remember if it's an insect, a butterfly, or some kind of weapon? Hopefully this trip will give me time to get my thoughts back in order."
Felixian opens his shirt slightly to reveal a wooden medallion on a chain around his neck. "I did, friend. I'm keeping it close to my heart for good luck. Is everyone ready to depart?"
I see Felix open his shirt and reveal what looks to be a wooden bow hanging around his neck, "What's that brother? A good luck charm, do you think we'll need it then ... maybe I should get one too?" I nod as he asks if we are ready to depart.
Felixian gives a slight nod. "Remember those sayings Dad would always tell us? About the importance of family and community? Well, it turns out they come from this book." He pulls a leatherbound text partway out of his pack. It's titled Parables of Erastil. "Somebody's been watching out for us, and I think it's the deity Erastil. The little bit I read last night makes sense and matches what Dad taught us, so I thought I'd have a symbol made out of respect."
Rishkarri tilts her head curiously at the conversation between the cat-people. "We've survived," she says hoarsely. "The jungle has been kind. Nothing more."
I look a little confused at Felix, "So Dad knew of this deity, told us his beliefs and now he's watching over us? That sounds ... disconcerting, the idea of being watched all the time is a little un-nerving." I look over to Rishkarri and smile, "Not just that ... we've been very lucky!"
Felixian nods his head. "Yeah, it would be a little weird having your every move be watched. But, hey, Dad had lots of people he cared about, so I'm sure if he's keeping an eye on us, it's not constant. He's probably pretty busy wherever he is. And we have been very lucky." A thought strikes him. "That box you found with the stegosaurs: did you ever get it open?"
Thaqnoul stays quiet at all this talk of religion thinking to his own holy symbol.
Better not let Felix find out about that. I may not practice religion, but it is frowned upon in some societies.
"I don't believe we ever opened that lock though I have been devloping a new spell to try, and open it. Would you mind if I took a look at it?"
I nod and pull the box out of my pack handing it to Thanquol, "The lock was too complex for my tools and I don't have the skill to open it yet, but if you think you can open it be my guest."
Thanqoul holds up the box but remembers that there was no way he could open the thing if even Nix couldn't do it.
"We we better see these diplomats that we're supposed to be guarding."
Thanqoul hands the box back to Nix a little ashamed that he forgot how hard the box was to open.
You all head to the gate to meet the "Diplomats" and find a relatively well dressed male elf and human woman. You also see a four tough looking men and and cart filled with dinosaur bones. It looks as though those men are meant to pull the cart.
The woman speaks first. "My name is Tanya and I will be accompanying you as one of the traders who will negotiate with the elves. It is a pleasure to meet you I hope you will keep us safe."
The elf man then speaks. "I am Thuandril. I too am a negotiator and am fluent in the native elven tongue. I will be assisting as linguist and add additional diplomatic support."
Thuandril points to the cart being pulled by brutes. "Those men are simply pack mules for this trip and are not very good in a fight. You will be solely responsible for our protection, non of us have skills to lend any sufficient aid save for a cure wand if health is needed."
Tanya looks you over. "We will depart at your command mi'lords."
She says this with and elegance that is plagued with obvious effort. Her tone does not quite match her language.
I listen carefully to the people we shall be escorting, "Morning talkers, I'm Nyx and this is my brother Felixian ..." I wave my hand to Felix, "...We'll try our best to keep you safe, let's hope we have a nice and safe journey."
I take the box again once it is offered to me by Thanquol and place it back in my pack. It is clear that I am in a good mood this morning and the refreshing rest and bath last night is probably the cause of it.
Thanqoul nods at the two diplomats already ignoring the common laborers.
"We shall endeavor to make sure you stay safe as we travel in the jungle. I am Thanqoul and I will be the arcane help if it is needed. It is nice to meet you two here, and I think we will get along just fine."
"Rishkarri," the druid says, inclining her head slightly. She then nods to her leopard, adding, "Razorclaw." She offers nothing more to the conversation, but looks questioningly at her companions. The discomfort is evident on her face; she seems to be twitching towards the jungle, as if eager to get moving.
Razorclaw sniffs at the dinosaur bones, but at a hiss from Rishkarri, he draws back, sitting at her feet.
I smile as I see Rishkarri edge towards the edge of the jungle and nod to her, I look to Thanquol, "Shall we get going or do we need some supplies first?"
Thanqoul walks up to the Thuandril and begins to ask a few questions about the trip.
"Approximately how long do you foresee this trip taking? Also, if this trip might take more than one day do you and the others have food for the trip there, and back?"
Thuandril nods. "in all the trip should take five to six day depending on how long we stay with the elves. Usually we get a small supply of food here and then we get more at the elf village. You will be fed you don't need to worry. Are we ready to start? "