Bethana shakes her head at Tavlors comment "Nay Lad..she went out just before dark. I think she was meeting Shalelu..something about star watching or some such nonsense. If I know them they won't be backe afore cockcrow"
Bethana shakes her head at Tavlors comment "Nay Lad..she went out just before dark. I think she was meeting Shalelu..something about star watching or some such nonsense. If I know them they won't be backe afore cockcrow"
"Ah well, ok... Good night, Bethana. It was a pleasant evening." He smiles his charming smile.
Omara sits down at the suddenly empty table and contemplates her options:
So. They are all going to meet at the temple at sun-up. I will be there, too. We're going into the marsh. My normal cloths will get pretty soggy after a while. I had better get out Papa's good boots. And his old armor. Why haven't I had any made for myself yet? It's too late to do it now. It's at the bottom of the chest in the attic. I'll get it out tonight, if I can get around Mom's stuff. Mom! What will she think of her little girl going out monster hunting? Hmm...wait a minute.
She looks in the direction from which the comment was made and says "What was that about a Soggy Bottom Monster?"
Úlf waits for Tavlor to leave the bar then glances side to side, making certain the others have left and no one is paying him particular attention. Then, clearing his throat, he approaches the bar, sitting and speaking in an uncharacteristically low voice to Bethana.
Heading out the door onto Market Street, Runa travels across the empty market towards Gaffer's Walk and the backdoor to the Turandarok Academy. Knowing that Master Ilsoari will be in his study in the basement, she opens the door and heads towards the stairs. The light at the base of the staiway confirms her suspisions, and soon she is wandering throught the mysterious and weird collection of artifacts Master Ilsoari has gathered over the years. At the back of this museum, a door is slightly ajar; light escapes around the ill fitted jam.
Knocking, Runa introduces herself, "Master Ilsoari, it is me, Runa. I am sorry to be calling so late, but I have some questions." She stands by the doorway, waiting to be invited in.
ULF
Runa
"What can you tell me of the Brinestump Marsh and the goblins which live within. Also someone mentioned some sort of river monster. And finally, what do you know of a halfling called Walthus Proudstump? Oh...and what are you looking for?"
Omara
The old farmer in question looks up with rheumy eyes
"That I did it were down in the swamp towards dusk an' I were returning to town.It stood taller than a man, had white skin, and had a mouth that opened up all the way down its neck. It was eating what looked like a goblin on the far side of the river, so I just ran as fast as I could till I got behind doors "
Runa
Ilsoari adopts his lecture voice as he continues to root through the trunk.
"Well in no particular order..The Soggy Bottom Moster is some sort of as yet unidentified humanoid..it's killed a few lone travellers as far as we can determine but mainly sticks to the marsh where it can find unwary goblins"
"The Licktoads are a fairly standard goblin tribe, in other words a bunch of fire raising psycopaths, but they have never really been this agressive on their own.If you could scatter them and kill their chief then it should end any forseeable threat to the town"
"The Marsh itself isn't really that large as such places go but it's a confusing place with lots of winding ways you'll need a good tracker to see you through it.Apart from the goblins and the Soggy Bottom Monster you will probably only face insects,which might be a good bit larger than the ones you are used to in town and a few snakes..maybe some leeches..and as to what I was looking for... " he concludes as he lifs up a rather ratty looking old wand "...here it is as I knew it must be..you might want to hold onto this my dear, it may come in useful to you..I'm afraid it's power is almost spent however so use it wisely. One of the last souveniers of my less settled past. It will help you with your healing "
You gain a Wand of Cure Moderate wounds with 3 charges
At Bethana's reply, Ulf laughed. "Bethana! So little faith you have! I will come back, as sure as the sun rises! You will see. Úlf will come back with a necklace of goblin ears! Ha!" he answers, offering her a farewell before departing for the night to gather his things and try to get some sleep.
Omara
The old man gulps down some more of his thick brown ale to the accompaniment of sombre nods from his drinking buddies
Runa stares at the old scholar then at the wand, then back again. This is probably the nicest gift she had ever received. Overwhelmed with strong emotion, she hugs Ilsoari, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Thank you. I do not know what to say" she mumbles from the fierce hug she is delivering to the old man.
Coming to her usual, reserved self, she steps back, brushes the tears from her face and nods curtly to him.
"I will repay you for this gift. I promise."
With that, she turns and heads back upstairs and out the door. Within a few minutes she is back at Hannah's place.
Omara
you count in the Gobbo's. Tricky little Bastards they are. Oh and then theres the quicksand so make sure you stay on the trails and cross the rivers on bridges an' even they ain't safe"
She leaves the Rusty Dragon and goes home to prepare.
@Omara remove 2 SP from your cash.
7AM the next morning..
The day dawns sullenly over Sandpoint the sun blocked by stubborn clouds that promise rain for later.The grey bulk of the cathedral dominates the main square where you begin to assemble.
Úlf arrives at the cathedral just as the dull, filtered rays of the sun appear through the sullen grey cloud. He seems ready, even eager, for a little action, the time passed between the previous evening in the Dragon having minimal effect on his enthusiasm for a bit of adventuring.
His long-ish red hair and beard are again pulled into braids, though a bit tighter than yesterday, to make sure that they won't interfere with any combat situations the group may find themselves in. The armor he wears is a suit of scale mail, dozens of small, metal plates overlapping each other; not the most effective suit of armor, but easily the most affordable, given the meager living he had been making in Sandpoint. The carry harness strapped to his back, meant for his greataxe, is currently empty, the haft of the weapon in his right hand as he anxiously bounces the top of the weapon's shaft lightly against his right shoulder.
Momentarily, he sets the weapon on the ground, leaning it against the side of the cathedral before stretching for a few minutes, seemingly trying to get his muscles ready to go for the day ahead of him. Taking up his axe once more, he constantly looks to all the visible paths leading up to the cathedral, eagerly waiting for his companions to arrive.
Before sunrise the next day, Runa assisted in caring for the patients. After she spoke to Hannah.
"I went to the inn and have joined a group of others who are going to explore the swamp. I was hoping to purchase some healing supplies, if you have any to spare. (OOC- healing kit) I was also wondering what you have heard of this swamp and are their any ailments we should be particularly cautious of."
Zaladrel quietly exits his room at the Rusty Dragon and drops off his keys at the main desk. Exiting into the dim, morning chill Zaladrel stops to stretch up his hands and breathes in deeply. Another day out on the road
Navigating the alleys and streets of Sandpoint Zaladrel leisurely makes his way towards the chapel, his elven eyes catching the edges and glass of the structure against the slowly lightening sky. A large figure stands in the courtyard, ax on shoulder, the large man sits down his weapon and begins to stretch. I thought I might be the first to arrive. No matter, I can complete my offerings to Desna while we wait
Coming upon the courtyard in full, Zaladrel offers a half wave to the man named Úlf. Good morning. I see we are the first to arrive. If you will bear my minor rudeness I have need to do my offerings to Desna before our journey begins
Zaladrel will look once more upon the chapel and folow its angles as it rises to the sky. A beutiful building to be sure, but I prefer for now to commune with the morning light upon my face.
Zaladrel slips his bag off of his back and set his sword and bow next to it. Sitting cross legged in the courtyard Zaladrel sets his starknife on one knee, his hand holding it in place, while his other hand, holy symbol entwined about his fingers, rests on the other knee. Straightening his back Zaladrel offers a quick smirk to the large red haired man before he focuses on his prayers. With the closing of his eyes Zaladrel enters a place of peace and focus as his mind opens to Desna's messengers.
I offer myself to your service and as your servant I ask for your blessing. Let me aid in your purpose. Let me follow the Great Road of Existence and allow me to challenge those who might use evil to rob your children of liberty or freedom. In your name I go forth and in your spirit am I humbled. May our journey prove fruitful and with your power may I keep my new companions safe. A new journey begins.
I'll probably not post a full prayer every morning but I thought the first one should be special :-)
Tavlor steps out of the cathedral, after having said a quick prayer to Desna for luck. He nods to Zaladrel in passing but doesn't want to disturb him.
"Ulf! I thought I would be here first. I guess I'm not the only eager one." He smiles at the big man.
Runa
"You can pay me from your bounty when you return..25 gold"
"You'll need to watch out for swamp fever, Ticks, rats, snake poison and the stuff the lick toads sometimes use to coat their weapons" she throws 2 vials into the bag "That should cover that...oh and bring me back some leeches while you are there, a dozen should do"
She shakes her head slightly "You be careful out there Runa don't go getting yourself killed for a few gold coins"
At the Cathedral
The town is beginning to stir with tradesmen heading for their places of employment,the smell of cooking drifting across the square..even a few all night revellers at the Dragon dragging themselves home.People give you curious looks then move on
Giving her thanks to Hannah, and promising to repay her, and gather the leeches, Runa quickly heads out the door. Noticing that the sun has just breached the horizon, she hurries towards the cathedral. As she gets closer, she slows to a more stately walk, Tofa at her side. She arrives just in time to see someone come out of the cathedral and walk down the stairs. She stands off to the side, watching the group form.
Lissa walks awkwardly, not used to the weight of the sword on her hip, nor the crossbow in the sling across her back. The early morning rays of sun warm her neck as she makes her way towards the "new" cathedral. Nervously she rubs her fingers across the soft leather of the pouch full of the random odds and ends she used for her spellwork, mentally reciting and re-reciting the ritual of summoning. It really has been a long time. She would call Cinder once they got a little way out of town. Best not cause a panic.
As Lissa nears the immense structure, she sees Tavlor talking with the big ulfen man (What was his name, again?), as well as the elf Zaladrel in some sort of trance or meditation. She takes a deep breath, adjusts her cloak to keep off the coming autumn bite, and approaches, her stomach in knots. With any luck, I'll be long and away before Mother notices I'm gone.
"Morning, gentlemen. I take it you all slept well last night," Lissa says, greeting the men with a disarming smile.
"As well as can be expected on the eve of adventure," he smiles back at Lissa. "I don't know about you, but I've been itching to do something for a while now. I don't want to say I'm bored, but well... I'm bored."
"What, bored in Sandpoint!? Perish the thought, it's so... exciting..."
Namuril arrives at the temple of Desna, a look of grim amusement on his face. His eyes, though alert, are ringed beneath with weariness; his sleep was not restfull last night. Nodding to each of those that have arrived--Ulf, Runa, Zaladrel, Tavlor, and Lissa--he shoulders off his backpack, setting it onto the ground.
"I trust the morning has found you well. Good morrow to you." He smiles, raising a hand in salutation.
"Bored are you..hmm..well I suppose the ramblings of an old man are likely to be boring to the young..such it always was" Father Tobin stands upon the Cathederal steps with a stern expression but a twinkle in his eye "Now who do we have here..a band of eager youngsters ready to face the might of the fearsome Licktoads..oh yes I heard all about your little conversation in the tavern..but aren't you missing someone?.It wouldn't be good form to leave without her you know"
"Aye" comes another voice from across the square "and it wouldn't do for some to sneak away without saying goodbye to their Mother's either"
Sherrif Hemlock strides across the open space shaking his head slightly as he inspects you and reserving an especially reproachful look for Lissa "Well I suppose if you are all we have you are all we have..puts you in mind of a few years ago does it not Father.Another group of fledglings assembling here I suppose the last ones didn't do so badly in the end."
Úlf smiles and greets each new member of the group as they arrive, offering a hearty call of good morning as they approach the cathedral. He seems alert, despite the early hour. "I had no trouble sleeping, for what it was worth. It seems that it makes no difference how excited I am for the day, I sleep the sleep of the dead. I am glad to see that everyone has decided to come along, though! Was a bit worried that perhaps some might change their minds." he told the other group members, a jovial tone in his voice. "I do not believe Sandpoint is so boring as people say, though it is true there has been very little excitement in the last little while. Oh! Also...I know I introduce myself to Tavlor at the tavern last night, but I do not remember if I introduce myself to anybody else." Momentarily, he paused, forming his left hand into a fist and lightly hitting it to his chest. "I am called Úlfheðinn Sigmundarson. It is my experience that Southlanders sometimes have trouble with the name, so most here call me Úlf. I do not mind if you call me this." he said to the assembled group.
Almost as soon as he'd finished speaking, the voice of Father Tobin greeted the party from behind, and Sheriff Hemlock called a reply from the other side of the square. "Good morning, Sheriff! Did not Úlf tell you? Today it is my day for adventure! You will see! We will all go and take care of these puny Licktoads for you. Then you will be happy to hear Sandpoint called 'boring' again, yes?" he answered the Sheriff, a broad and friendly grin spreading across his features.
Lissa winces at the withering look Sheriff Hemlock gives her. "I... I... uh... I did leave a note explaining the situation. Now Sheriff," she says regaining some confidence, "You know good and well that I need to do this, and you know equally as well that if I had discussed this with her that I'd be opening up for business in a few hours and regretting every minute of it."
A faint hint of a smile..or at least you think might just possibly be a smile..crosses Hemlocks lips.."Ah Lissa, you are far more like her than you know..and for that reason I suppose the gods will have to have pity on the poor fool who has to tell her where you went this morn.."
He turns his attention then to Ulf.."Just remember what I've taught you Lad, keep your wits about you and your eyes peeled..at least you'll have others to guard your back."
"The same goes for you all.." he continues looking from one to the next of you "..remember what your teachers have shown you and rely on each other..don't go chasing off looking for personal glory, that's a quick way into a goblin stewpot."
Runa cringes as she hears the booming voice of Ulf. She mutters under her breath Flott OAF, gjør han tenkt å Bellow alle sine samtaler. Typiske Linnorm!
With the arrival of the priest and sheriff, Runa moves closer to the party, almost hiding behind the beautiful young lady whom the sheriff seems to by eying.
Wrapping up his communion with Desna, Zaladrel opens his eyes to see more companions have come to set off. At the booming of Ulf's voice Zaladrel notices that Father Zanthus and Sheriff Hemlock have also joined the group. Standing, Zaladrel deftly hefts his gear onto his back. Moving to Father Zanthus, Zaladrel will bow slightly at the elder priest. I'm no fool Father but I have to tell you that the are many signs. I promise to be careful, we all promise to be careful but a great journey seems to be beginning.
Omara arrives at the gathering panting, having run all the way from home. Her studded leather armor and thigh high boots look to be about two sizes too big. They are strapped and tied to make them fit better, but they still make her look like a child playing dress-up. The rapier at her hip, however, is exquisite. "Sorry I'm late. It took forever to get the armor to fit right." She wiggles her shoulders for emphasis. "Did I miss anything?"
DC25 Perception check to hear that comment Ulf..she barely breathed it and is standing some distance from you
DC25 Perception check to hear that comment Ulf..she barely breathed it and is standing some distance from you
Úlf nodded, returning his axe to the carry harness strapped to his back before offering his right hand to the sheriff. He draws himself up, seeming to stand a bit taller and straighter, fierce pride in his features. His voice drops its boisterousness and joviality, tone now serious and respectful. It is clear that he thinks very highly of Sheriff Hemlock. "Do not worry, Sheriff. I am not the same scrawny pup I was when I came to you six years ago. I will remember all you have taught me and I will be careful. I give my word, on the blood of my father. We will all protect each other." he answered, extending his right hand to the Sheriff to offer a handshake. "Úlf will make you proud." he adds.
Once the moment is past, he looks to the sound of rattling armor approaching and smiles seeing Omara approach. [b]"It sound like you need to use goblin-ear money to buy better armor, friend!" he greets her with a grin. "We all are here now, yes?" he asks, taking a quick head count. "Yes...all seven are here. It is good that no one had second thoughts! Úlf is proud to go goblin hunting with you all."
Namuril nods to Ulf. "It seems we are all accounted for. Shall we begin our marshland foray, or do we have other matters to attend to beforehand?"
Noticing Runa standing behind Lissa, he smiles and offers a quick bow. "Good morning, Runa. Are you ready for our trip?"
Runa quirks a smile as she picks up her pack and settles it comfortably on her shoulder.
"Good morning Namuril. I trust you had a good nights sleep and are ready for our foray into the swamp?
She speeds up slightly until she has caught up to the elf, then matches his pace as the group heads out of town.
Zaladrel nods at the group. I am ready to go. If it please the group I will follow up on the end of the line; in a dire circumstance I am faster than the average person and I am not unskilled with a bow. Not that I am expecting trouble, but forward thinking is generally an appropriate precaution when traveling as we are. Zaladrel shifts his gear so his bow is easily pulled from his back and his sword and starknife stay out of his way while he walks. He gestures to Namuril to lead on. I think it might make sense that Namuril lead the way.
As the group gets on its way, Lissa begins to get really nervous. She had never called Cinder around anyone before, and really had no idea how they might react. After they get a decent way out of Sandpoint, she stops suddenly.
"Well this seems to be as good a time as any. If I may have a moment to prepare." With that, Lissa bends down and begins to draw the elaborate summoning circle in the dirt. When she is finished she reaches into the small pouch on her belt and pulls out a small vial. She begins to pour a fine white substance upon the contours of the circle. After completing all the necessary precautions and preparations, Lissa seats herself comfortably cross-legged in the center of the circle now outlined in the dust. She closes her eyes and empties her mind of distractions. You can do this. You remember how to do this.
She begins to chant softly yet intently, her words emerging from her mouth in a profound monotony that comes only with extensive practice. "Confn forth de wer amuul rionib treskriri; confn vur majak aso ekess jaciv svaust relgric wux! Si relgr acht wux Iqthilmar Bel'Shalor, wer valignatir adulese! Confn sari nomeno treskri vur origato shio vucot dout visage!"
The circle upon which Lissa sits begins to smoke and smoulder, heat issuing forth from her position in waves. The air around her begins to crackle with barely restrained power whilst the space around her begins to distort with the visible heat. The ripples then begin to coalesce around Lissa's body, forming a semi-transparent image of a molten creature superimposed around Lissa. The creature that seems to surround her appears like one of the marsh-dwelling lizardfolk, yet its horned head bears a much longer and thinner jaw, and its body seems to be formed of constantly flowing magma.
The reptilian creature whose body now encompasses that of Lissa Tesarani stands slowly and ROARS! with barely contained fury. Its eyes, like pools of molten gold, open, and within the form of Lissa Tesarani grins.
"" It says with a voice like a lava flow.
"Ved Baba yaga er spener, hva er den tingen?, Runa exclaims, forgetting in her surprise that she is speaking Skald.
She looks at the creature, with the lovely young woman INSIDE of it!! Tofa growls deep in his throat, his tail puffing up to twice its size.
Tavlor walks up to Lissa and puts hand to chin contemplatively. "Well, it's an improvement on your looks, but we'll have to see about battle readiness." He winks roguishly.
Úlf takes a step backward when the creature forms around Lissa, his eyes going as wide as saucers. "Ved Erastil's baug..." he spoke quietly, whistling in awe and looking to Tavlor. "You are arcanist, yes? Can you do that?" he asked. Before he could get an answer, though, the creature spoke up, and Úlf's mouth spread into a slow smile before he laughed heartily. "I do not know what you are, creature, but any thing that is so eager to slay goblins is a friend of mine!" he said, then paused, folding his arms over his chest and seeming to think for a moment. "But...please remember. We only get gold if we bring goblin ears back to sheriff. We will not get paid if you are to be melting them off! Ha ha!"
"" it says drawing the sword from the scabbard on its hip, ""
Zaladrel will literally stand agape with his mouth open. Taking on an almost childlike enthusiasm he points at Lissa and cries out, I bet the last heroes of Sandpoint couldn't do THAT! Taking a moment to calm himself down Zaladrel will take to smoothing out his clothes and re-wrapping his scarf in an overly methodical manner chuckling to himself.
Looking over at Runa Zaladrel takes on a more conciliatory tone. At ease friend Runa, I think it safe to say that many in our group have unique gifts or connections to the world beyond? Zaladrel will look at Tofa for effect and offer a soft smile to put Runa at ease.
Looking at Lissa Zaladrel will add with a cautious tone, We will need to be careful though, while the effect is stunning it obviously might bring unwarranted attention in certain delicate circumstances. Is it hard for you to make such a transition? Can you go back and forth with ease?
Namuril grins at Lissa's display, a bit unnerved but trying to appear stoic.
"That's quite a trick, Lissa! I wonder how many more you know?" He chuckles and casts a sidelong glance at Runa. "Fear not; yon beast is simply a form worn by Lissa, much like donned armor . . ."
Barely above a whisper, he adds: ". . . or undergarments."
He looks down at Runa's rattled fox. "What is his name? Is he a pet?"