As dusk sets in, the trade city of Eastwall is experiencing its evening rush. Carriages and horses flood the streets as businesses take their last customers for the day. Taverns are filling and children are laughing as they run home for dinner. Despite the evening rush, there is no hostility in the crowds. Instead, shop owners are working harder to finish their orders at a fast pace.
Near the gate however, a crowd is starting to gather. The murmurs grow louder as more people pour in, and before long you hear shouting. "Help! Somebody help us! A young boy and his father are carrying a large blanket into town. It's hard to see what's inside, but it looks like it's wrapped around a person. They make it past the initial crowd, close to the town fountain and set their load down. "We need help!" they shout. People are standing away from the two, and from the crowd comes a confused "What is it?
Long experience has taught Meridian not to step into the spotlight, but he also cannot leave someone crying for help. Taking a deep breath, and checking to see that his human disguise was still fully in place, Meridian approaches the man and his son.
Attempting a calming voice, Meridian inquires, What is the trouble, Goodsir?
"We found it on the shoreline." the man replied. 'It asked for help and passed out." A woman in the crowd commented on how ugly the creature was. With a sudden cough and hack, its eyes opened up.
Cliks coughs some more, the gills on his neck expanding as he gets some more air in. The gillman attempts to sit up, the blue of his eyes bright and vibrant as he looks around in a confused manner. "Where—where am I?" he says before coughing once again. His hands seem to be searching around for something. "Where are my things?"
Things? the man asks? We must have not seen them on the shore. Do you need to go back for them? It's almost dark!
Silent is busy pounding on a anvil when the boy and his father come in. He winces slightly with all the racket and ruckus they cause.
"Ye damn cantankerous fools!" Silent shouts to the crowd. He throws his anvil hammer into the shop with much anger and takes up his axe. Staring at the boy's father he states. "Just kill thee damn thing or put him back in the see where ye found him. Better let me get back to work, with just the sound of me anvil and not this damn crowd. So, stop ye blundering about."
Kiwyn watched for a moment as the stable hand led Noroikawa off into the stables. She hand given the young lad a smile and an extra two silver to put into his own pocket if he would make sure her dear traveling companion received only the best oats and bedding.
As she turned to walk towards the tavern several cries caught her attention, and her curiosity. Still in human form and dressed in her traveling clothes she shouldered her bag and made her way towards the shouts.
Making her way through the crowd she finally spots the small gathering by the fountain.
"Ye damn cantankerous fools!" Silent shouts to the crowd. He throws his anvil hammer into the shop with much anger and takes up his axe. Staring at the boy's father he states. "Just kill thee damn thing or put him back in the see where ye found him. Better let me get back to work, with just the sound of me anvil and not this damn crowd. So, stop ye blundering about."
Kiwyn looks across at the duergar and frowns. ”He is obviously in need of help. If you can offer none, then by all means, return to your forge good smith.”
She approaches the four by the fountain and sets her pack down. She reaches out slowly to the gillman and looks for any obvious injuries. ”Are you injured? Should we send for a healer?”(-5sp/stable + -2sp/lad = -7sp total)
Talking to the strange creature, Meridian speaks almost absently, You are in Eastwall, and safe. Meridian turns to the nearest group of onlookers and says to no one in particular, but with a snap to his voice as if disobedience was inconceivable, You! Go fetch a healer! Quickly, now!
Zhan puts down the chain links he was examining at the front of the Duergar's shop and gives a look of quiet caution to his campanion, Simon, before leaving his side and making his way over to the creature in the street and the crowd that is gathering there.
The man that approaches the crowd is very tall, but thin, with nearly gaunt looking features. A scarf covers the lower part of his face, covering most, but not all of the heavy scarring that seems to cover his cheeks. He wears a long heavy all-weather coat and has a shirt of mail over his chest. A few weapons and the hilt of a sword can be seen beneath his outer clothing. His hair is the most striking feature about him, for above pale blue eyes his hair is stark white, though he doesn't look old enough for the colour.
"I am a healer; among other things. May I help?
Leon stood back as Zhan announced himself, simply watching the crowd. For now he did nothing. Things seemed well in hand.
Silent's face seems to contort a bit, with the little human girl speaking up to him.
"You listen here girlie. I'll carry thee damn fish to the river if I have too. To get ye out of my hair and get some quite, so I can continue my work. Either that or I can put my axe in him, what ye have fish?" Silent shakes his head and mutters in undercommon.
"Stupid girl. Much better to kill him then letting that demon have him.
Kiwyn glanced up at the scarfed man who introduced himself as a healer even as she stood and moved aside to give him room. Ignoring the grumpy smith, she watched the healer work.
As the healer looks over the strange creature, he notices some bruises and cuts. He can tell the creature has exhaustion, but his mending hands bring relief. The young boy who was standing by his father moves up to the fish-man and the healer. Do you remember anything? he asks. There wasn't much on the shore with you. Just a few bags and things.
"I'm fine, I am," Cliks says to those who asked him and to the healer. "But thank you." He seems bewildered at the crowd gathering around him and seems tense even under the healer's hands. "Please, I do not wish to cause a ruckus."
When the boy approaches him, he replies, "I—I remember little. My last memory was meditating in the sea. I … ." He trails off then looks at the boy. "You and your father saved me. Thank you. I am in your debt." He bows his head.
"Is the shore near? I must get my things. Please, I do not want to risk them disappearing in the night. They hold everything I have."
The gillman attempts to stand.
(Wisdom check )
"I don't think it's too far to the water." Kiwyn guesses. "Since these two were able to bring you here before night fall. But even being new to the area myself, I don't think you want to venture out once the sun has set."
"I'm sure one of the inns would be willing to put you up for the night if you plead your case." She suggests as she picks up her pack.
*shakes his head* Silent straps his axe on his back and heads back to forge.
Craft (armor):
"I will take my chances," Cliks says. "Can someone guide me to the shore?"
"Are you sure these possessions are things you cannot live without? I am somewhat new to this region, but from what I've learned, being out after dark is a good way to invite no longer living."
Zhan looks around, serveying the group of people remaining, and trying to judge the amount of remaining sun. He looks for a long moment in the direction of the sea.
"If you are dead set upon it, I will accompany you. It is about time I learned how much substance these rumours have."
He turns to Simon and gives him a questioning glance, as if to say, 'Well, you coming?'
Meridian lifts his musket to his shoulder as he stands, I will accompany you, should dark catch us outside the gates, you will be happy to have Sammie here speak for us. He give the musket a familiar pat as he mentions the name Sammie. My name is Meridian. What be yours?
The nobleman in the long coat standing near the man with the scarf-covered face looks slightly exasperated at the entire exchange, but he nods and falls into step with the rest.
"I can live without them," Cliks replies to Zhan. "But they are irreplaceable and I consider them dear to me."
When they offer to accompany him, Cliks bows to them.
"I thank you. I am without weapon so your aid is much appreciated."
The man informs you that his son found the gillman about a mile and a half down the shoreline north of the city.
One of the guards nearby hears the exchange and approaches the group. "If you're leaving the city, know that our guard watches constantly through the night. If you make it back safely, we'll let you back in. But if your return threatens the city, our gate will remain locked to you." He gestures for you all to follow and starts to walk toward the main gate. I'll inform the innkeeper of your leave, and have the stable hands watch over your horses." He bows before the Deurgar as he passes the forge, thanking him for completing the order for the barracks. Reaching into his belt pouch he pulls out a handful of gold coins and hands them to the smith. He continues to escort the group to the gate.
"Thank you, goodman. We will try to be quick."
Zhan will help the gillman back to his feet, and start to lead him back towards the beach, at as fast a pace as his new companion can manage.
On the way he turns to the man and asks, "You said you are unarmed; can you use a weapon?"
Kywin can hardly believe her ears as she hears the men actually considering the trek to the shore so late. "Are they mad or just daft" She thought as she turned to walk back towards the inn. "Men can be so stubborn sometimes. Nothing can be worth such a risk."
Unconsciously her hand touches the choker around her neck. Upon realizing she was holding it she sighed. "I suppose there maybe things worth taking the chance. Besides, mother and father would be disappointed with me if I did not help someone in such need."
Quickly the kitsune turned and hurried to catch up with the small group. Quietly, the seeming small human girl falls in step with them.
Silent gladly accepts tip from Soldier. Nods in his appreciation.
Seeing the group pass by he just shakes his head. Silents been out there before, he's come to town for a reason. A darn good one.
Shortly, after he watches Kiwyn pass by, he thinks to himself that darn girl is gonna get herself killed chasing after these would be adventurers.
He rushes to catch up. Yelling to the group, "Ye damn blundering idiots. Yer gonna ventures into the night on a fool's errand?" With a sour expression and a shake of his head Silent states, "If ye want to throw ye lives away, fine. But don't take that durn fool of a girl with ye. She's be likely to slow ye down and get herself killed."
Zhan turns and takes stalk of their newest member as if seeing her for the first time.
"The young woman appears to be of an age to make her own decisions; and there is safety in numbers. From the look of her spellbook and pouches, I'd wager this one is a wizard. Arcane help might be of use where we are going. Of course, we are far more likely to make it back before nightfall if we are not unnecessarily delayed. If you are truly concerned for her safety you can try to talk her out of it, or come along to keep her safe."
Zhan turns back to the road, but not before giving the diminutive woman a raised eyebrow saying, 'you sure about this?'
He nods at Meridian. "My name is—" then he gives a sequence of chirps and clicks that is hard to decipher, but the closest you can understand of it is "Cliks C'szek". "Though most call me Robert," he adds.
Later, he replies to Zhan's question. "Well enough," he says."But I am most proficient with bows."
When the Duergar catches up with them, Robert stays quiet as Zhan talks it over, feeling somewhat embarrassed at causing so much of a disturbance.
The sun lowers beyond the horizon. As you all (assuming you all went, if not just interject) walk through the gate you hear the iron creak and bolt of the doors locking behind you. The trail is easy enough to follow in the dark, and the familiar woods around you are singing with the songs of owls and bugs. Around two hours into the trek, the sound of rushing waves reach your ears, and upon a short stride you come to a clearing of sand and water. When you reach the beach you see washed up ship wreckage, and a transport vessel with a large hole in the hull. Next to the beached vessel, there are iron and wood shards, and a drag trail. There are a few bags, and some other items scattered in the wreckage.
Kiwyn looked back at the old smith as he caught up to the group. She gives the codger a friendly smile. "So, there is some kindness in those old bones."
Turning her attention to Zhan she nodded politely. "Indeed, I am a student of the arcane arts. I may not know much, but I'll try not to get in the way." At his raised eyebrow she flashes a mischievous smile.
The walk is uneventful thankfully. When they reach the shore Kiwyn takes note of the wreckage but pays it little mind. She happily chimes up as she trots ahead. "If that's what knocked you out I can see why you can't remember much."
The kitsune starts to search through the wreckage on shore and help Robert collect his belongings.
Robert observes the wreckage wonderingly. "I don't remember it at all," he says to Kiwyn.
He approaches the wreckage to get his things when he catches sight of the hole and realizes something strange. "That's odd. The hole was made from inside the ship."
He tilts his head before shaking it, deciding to gather his belongings first.
"Strange indeed. The boy and his father never mentioned a ship; nor did you... do you remember it?"
Looking at Zhan, Silent retorts "I aint seen magic stand up to a good o'l axe or hammer. Good luck cast'n ye spells if ye being chased girlie." Silent shakes his head. "Alright girlie, I'll be watch ye back. Just don't get ye darn fool self killed."
Silent will grudgingly keep pace with Kiwyn. He'll stick within 20 yards or so.
Perception:
Silent walks up to the fish man, "Alright you tool-snatching fish. What ye be pulling?"
Robert raises his hands in a gesture of innocence. "I don't know anything about this."
While the others investigated the boat and quarreled amongst themselves, the nobleman scanned the surroundings with a focused beam of light that emanated from a compass-like medallion around his neck.
The light is going to announce our presence to anything out there, but with all these voices out here we're already doing that. Best to risk the light.
"Just get ye gear and let's go, it's get'n dark. Silent paces a little nervously.
As you approach the wreckage, from inside the hull comes a distinctly wet sound. The closer that a few of you get, the louder it gets, and as the talking commences, a gutteral growl eminates from within the ship. When Simon illuminates the area and passes the light over the ship, you all see a rather large beast turning to exit the ship. It's grey fur covering it from head to toe, with claws and teeth as sharp as steel. It's face is covered in blood, and it looks to have flesh still in its teeth. It howls before charging the light bearer. Roll initiative.
Kiwyn's straightens as the low growl emanates from the wreckage. "Wha-? Her inquiry though is cut short as a howl erupts from a mass of hairy rage.
As the beast charged him unexpectedly, his mind whirled as time seemed to slow to a crawl. 'Best to risk the light.' I just had to say it, didn't I...
Upon reaching the wreck, Meridian holds his musket in what is obviously a ready stance and begins scanning the gathering darkness around.
When the creature snarls and charges Simon, Meridian whirls around raising the weapon to his shoulder.
Robert gathers his gear though his mind keeps getting distracted by the wreckage. He finds his Efficient Quiver and breathes a sigh of relief, putting an arm through the sling and donning it when he hears howling and turns towards it source, seeing some sort of beast charging at Simon.
"Watch out!"
Silent steps up in between Simon and monster, with axe and shield in hand. Silent shouts, "Damn fish, what kind of creature ye be attacting."
Init:
The beast rushes upon Simon with an eerie speed. When he closes the distance, he slashes at Simon with his claws () for damage. If a straightforward attack provokes an AOO from you Simon, take it.
Simon hisses through the pain as the savage beast-man takes him by surprise. Yanking Quill free of it's scabbard and quick-stepping to the side, Simon give a quick thrust and dropped into a defensive stance
Robert takes his bow out from his quiver, an odd sight since its opening stretches around the weapon when it clearly wasn't visible from outside.
He aims at the werewolf with a practiced eye, widening his stance and letting his robes flow around his arms as he notches an arrow into the drawstring and pulling it back until he lets it go with a solid thwick.
Move Action: Draw Weapon (Composite Longbow)
Standard Action: Shoot at werewolf with bow using Durable Arrow
The sudden shock of the monstrosity quickly wears off as the furry mass of muscle launches across the short distance, drawing blood from the quiet one with a swipe of its claws. The cheerfulness the wizard had shone since the town square vanished in a flash, replaced with practiced focus.
Her eyes lock on the the raging creature and one hand flows through a few complex gestures. Simple words of arcane power drifting from her lips as her other hand pulls several small rose petals from her bag. With the final exhalation of her chant she blows the delicate petals from her fingers and in that moment, deep inside a special place inside her, the dedicated web of symbols and energy that is the spell of sleep flares to life and burns through and out of her towards her intended target consuming the petals as it does so.