"I still think that is a little low after all we went through. But, we won't refuse the gold, either. I can't buy lunch on my good looks alone," she grumbles as she reaches for the gold.
"Thank you for the delightful opportunity, Mr. Tokor." Finlogan replies.
To himself, he thinks that his fifth share of the payment would almost cover a week worth of living expenses.
Naia looks as the others grab theirs and then takes her share uncertainly - she knows the value of gold, but not the intricacies of the contract she signed.
"I'll take it!" Gwenifer exclaims. She snatches up her bag of gold and leaps up on top of her chair. "Now let's see how fast we can spend it! I'm going to a tavern for some fun! First round is on me for anyone who wants to come along. Of course you should come too, Tokor, you odd little orc! I'd love to see you get down with your bad self."
She hops down then eyes the chair mischievously while grinning at Tokor but then waves it off and prepares to leave.
Gwenifer raises a hand in a mock toast. "Live life to the fullest! Enjoy the moment, I say!"
I knew that destiny stuff was a load of bull. Still, I don't like people messing with me head... The gods wouldn't have wasted a vision on something so mundane. I'm still not convinced it wasn't a wizard, but I've crossed Tokor off my list."
Wraith scoops up her share and pockets it. Anything else we might be able to help you with, Tokor?
When your business with Tokor and the academy is concluded, you each go your separate ways. Though you occasionally see your fellow "dreamers" in passing, you've each got your own business to attend to.
Your evenings are as fun and productive as you've been accustomed to, providing a welcome relief from your recent near-death experience. You spend a couple of afternoons joining with random aspiring adventurers to clear out wood skink nests, but can't seem to find any. While discussing the issue with your frustrated compatriots, a dwarven man dressed in the furs and beads you would associate with druids or shamans of some sort overhears you and points out that they don't usually nest near the road. It is at that point that you remember that you were a good distance from the road when you encountered that nest. Ah, nature; who really gets it, right?
The dwarf politely introduces himself as "Moonshadow", some kind of hippy-shaman type of guy, currently engaged in a wandering spiritual trek of enlightened walking something something, from the southern marshes to the northern mountains for blah blah spiritual blah. You didn't really get it, but in any case, he was in the process of traveling and he moved on the next morning.
One night, near the end of one of your performances, who should walk into the tavern but Teo Brisset. Seeing you, she cheers you on a bit, and when you've finished and ordered a meal of your own, she strikes up a conversation. Moments later, to your surprise, Wraith and Naia walk in together, and moments after that, even Finlogan shows up.
You decide to spend some time "working" this town and then move off. You start by brewing and selling the "long-term" cures that will take a while to figure out, gradually shifting toward the "quick fixes". Taking care not to piss off any more vengeful nobles like you did in Sempal, business goes well, and you're able to support yourself quite comfortably.
On what you think might be your last night in Linhaus, you head into a tavern for dinner. As luck would have it, you catch the tail end of one of Gwen's martial performances, and you strike up a conversation while she orders dinner of her own. You've only just begun chatting when none other than Wraith and Naia walk in, followed shortly thereafter by Finlogan.
You take a day to travel back to Sempal, and learn what you can of the fates of the poor scribes. It turns out that, based on your and the others' testimonies, it didn't take long to condemn and execute Vekk. Deliberation was ongoing regarding the others, and you were able to exert the weight of your title a bit: they were technically found guilty, but sentenced only to be banished from Sempal, which conveniently freed them to seek employment in Linhaus. After getting all that resolved, you traveled back south to Linhaus with them and wrote them each a letter of recommendation in hopes of helping them get settled.
Needing a break after a long day (and a long week), you wander around the streets of Linhaus in search of a place that sounds good for dinner. To your surprise, you turn a corner and see none other than Naia Tam and the lady called Wraith walk into a local tavern together, talking about something you can't hear. Curious, you decide it's as good a place as any for some food and drink, and follow them.
You revisit the academy in hopes of perusing their vast stores of knowledge, but as it turns out, their resources are for students only, and they charge an arm and a leg for tuition (not to mention long-term commitments to the curriculum). However, Mr. Tokor—grateful for your help—kindly gives you a recommendation of a free local library where you can read to your heart's content.
You wander around a bit, trying to decide what topic to dive into first, when—much to your surprise—you run into Naia Tam, who is herself standing in a near stupor as she tries to figure out how to handle this whole "library" thing. Before you know it, you're working together to research what sorts of blights can afflict the ecosystems of marshes, which seems to be of interest to Naia. It seems an amiable partnership: Naia provides topics for you to gobble up information about, and in return you help her find her way around the library.
You read, research, and reference for days on end. At long last, you find a record of a mysterious blight which once afflicted the swamps and marshes to the south of here. The description is short and vague, mentioned only in passing; but it seems to interest Naia greatly, perhaps being what she was looking for all along.
You and Naia head to a tavern for some dinner and rest, discussing the possibility of an expedition to the southern marshes. As it turns out, your prior comrade Gwen has just finished a performance here and is talking with Teo, and shortly after you walk in, Finlogan shows up as well; perhaps they would be interested in helping out?
Mr. Tokor directs you to a local public library as a place to start your research. You find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the large shelves of books, unsure where to start. As you stand agape before the vaults of civilization's knowledge, who should approach you but the lady called Wraith with whom you so recently had an adventure.
With Wraith seeming eager to learn but lacking a starting point, and you having a goal and not being sure how to get there, the two of you end up on a research project together in search of answers regarding the ecosystems of marshes and the blights that can afflict them.
You read, research, and reference for days on end. At long last, you find a record of a mysterious blight which once afflicted the swamps and marshes to the south of here. The description is short and vague, mentioned only in passing; but it seems like it could be related to what you encountered, so perhaps answers could be found to the south?
You and Wraith head to a tavern for some dinner and rest, discussing the possibility of an expedition. As it turns out, your prior comrade Gwen has just finished a performance here and is talking with Teo, and shortly after you walk in, Finlogan shows up as well; perhaps they would be interested in helping out?
Finlogan follows his two former elven-maid companions into the tavern. He looks around the room to join them.
The burnished copper-colored hair of this wood elf is unusually cropped short exposing his sharpened ears. With his noble accoutrements packed, his whip lean figure is instead armored in studded leather. The prince stands a shade under six feet and shoulders a longbow, quiver, and backpack. Strapped to the backpack are a waterskin, a coil of hemp rope, and a waxed woolen, hooded cloak. On a wide, leather weapons’ belt around his lean waist hang scabbards of two shortswords on each side and a dagger in the small of his back. His liquid gold-colored eyes and easy smile attract those who are not jealous.
Gwenifer sits at the bar table with her friend Teo. She is wearing her skin-tight white and pink wrestling leotard but has removed her mask after the performance. Her skin glistens with sweat and her blond hair is matted against her painted face. She leans her chair back on two legs and her booted feet rest unceremoniously on the table's edge. She talks to Teo in between bites of an overlarge turkey leg.
"So, Teo, business has been going good? I'm making a killing in Linhaus at night. These men just don't know when to give up, which suits me just fine. It's kept my wallet fat and my stomach full. It doesn't get much better than that, right?"
When Gwenifer spots, Wraith, Naia, and Finlogan, she calls out to them and waves with her turkey leg. "Ho, elf friends! Come and join us! We've only just sat down. I had a good night tonight. I'll buy you all a round of drinks. I haven't seen you at all in the last week. Got any juicy stories to tell?"
Wraith silently accepts the invitation, claiming a seat and settling in. She waits for the others to speak first, observing what's happening.
_"Hey everybody! Gwen and I have just been catching up! Anything interesting going on? Teo's Tonics is turning a profit in town. I might have to go on a road trip soon, though. I'll probably need to drop in on some other prospective customers. Can't stay in one place too long...many others need healing too!"
"Wraith kindly helped me with some research. Books are so...compelling. Such an interesting use of paper. And full of so much lore. Though it is difficult to know where conjecture ends and truth begins. Or at least, a fact, if not..." Naia begins, then realises she is moving into territory that is not exactly companionable.
With years of practice at court, Finlogan expertly conceals his discomfort when the elf-maids join Gwen and Teo. While odious is a strong description of Gwen's behavior, he doesn't dwell on determining a better word.
He flashes a ready smile and joins his former companions sitting next to Naia, "ladies, what a surprise to find you all here. What were you and Wraith researching, Lady Tam?"
"I agree, Teo. We should probably move on and spread our influence. It's best not to run one place too dry. Do you have anywhere in mind?"
Naia is circumspect, and provides a fairly brief rundown of what she witnessed in the swamp lands near her home, and of the occurrence, at least according to her and Wraith's research of a similar pestilence elsewhere...
Naia explains that she has been researching (with Wraith's help) a strange wetland blight she once encountered, in which all the normal bugs and other "minor" life that infests such a locale was simply absent. She found a clue that something similar happened in the southern swamps sometime in the past, and thought heading out to investigate might yield some useful information.
Wraith nods supportively, chiming in to correct or add information, and agrees that heading south to investigate further would be a logical next course of action.
Finlogan receives the grave news of blight seriously, "What are the bad consequences of no bugs? I've never liked them. And what was your clue that you hope to find in the southern swamps?" He asks wanting more information.
"A blight? That's sounds onerous. Other animals like birds need to eat bugs, so less bugs mean less birds and other animals. We don't want that, that's for sure. I'm not sure if there's any gold in it, but we might find something useful out there."
"And what was your clue that you hope to find in the southern swamps?"
"Really guys? A swamp? Do you have any idea what that is going to do to my hair? And I suppose that means I can't wear my long dresses either." Gwenifer huffs. "But how can I turn a friend in need down? Of course I'm coming!"
"Investigating the southern marches for a lack of bugs, because it once happened back in the day?" Finlogan repeats back the mission as he understands it from Naia.
"Sounds like a snipe hunt. But, if it means that much to you Lady Tam, I will accompany you, too." I've nothing better to do at the moment anyway, the wood elf prince continues speaking in his inside voice.
Teo nods and claps her hands. "Well, it's decided then. Let's go look for clues. We can't have the whole land eaten up with The Blight . I'm sure there is all kinds of hidden treasures in the swamp too."
If you head south from Linhaus, after several miles you will pass through a gap in some craggy foothills and enter untamed grasslands. Continuing south, the terrain gets gradually wetter and wetter until (probably a good 50 miles or so from Linhaus) you find yourself in a region of swampy reeds, muck, and the occasional pond or lake.
Possible natural threats in the area would include mammalian predators (like big cats, etc) in the tall grasses before you reach the wetlands, and then semi-aquatic creatures like alligators and venomous snakes once you get to the marshes. Terrain hazards might be encountered as well, such as deep muck or quicksand.
The southern wetlands are remote and undeveloped, mostly because the terrain is difficult to build on and offers little in return for the effort. Though it's possible you could encounter a wandering shaman or a small band of tribal nomads or some such, you will be very far from any sort of permanent settlement.
As a result, the area is basically "no-man's land", with little in the way of laws or rights. There are no authorities to report to, and "ownership" means nothing more than "possession". Whether this works in your benefit or not will depend on how fortunate you are.
If asked for specifics, Wraith will gladly give some:
"Well I see some pros and cons to this venture. Cons: It is going to be wet and sucky. Pros: If I'm going to have to wade through the swamp, the blight should at least keep me leech and mosquito free. But anyway, this sounds like a problem for tomorrow's Gwenifer. Tonight, we should party! Wench, another round!"
Gwenifer breaks out her drum at the table and begins banging out a raunchy tune.
Nature
History
"Well, from what I recall about the lay of the land, if we head south from Linhaus, after several miles we will pass through a gap in some craggy foothills and enter untamed grasslands. Continuing south, the terrain gets gradually wetter and wetter until (probably a good 50 miles or so from Linhaus) we find ourselves in a region of swampy reeds, muck, and the occasional pond or lake. Possible natural threats in the area would include mammalian predators (like big cats, etc) in the tall grasses before we reach the wetlands, and then semi-aquatic creatures like alligators and venomous snakes once we get to the marshes. Terrain hazards might be encountered as well, such as deep muck or quicksand. Sounds like a tough trip."
"Also, the southern wetlands are remote and undeveloped, mostly because the terrain is difficult to build on and offers little in return for the effort. Though it's possible we could encounter a wandering shaman or a small band of tribal nomads or some such, we will be very far from any sort of permanent settlement. As a result, the area is basically "no-man's land", with little in the way of laws or rights. There are no authorities to report to, and "ownership" means nothing more than "possession". It's basically the Wild Wild West down there," Teo adds, filling in the others on what she knew.
Finlogan nods with Teo's description of the state of the South, "that's what I've heard, too. Not very much civilization down there."
Naia is quietly overwhelmed by her friends offer of assistance, though she realises the possibility that the blight might affect more than just her homeland has some bearing on their decision.
"There is only one "law" that applies in the natural world, and the "lore" that comes from it. It is Wild. And we will have to be wild to meet it." Naia looks at each in turn - Teo, Fin, Wraith, and lastly Gwen.
"You my friends, are definitely Wild."
You pass one last comfortable night in town, and wake up bright and early to trek out the next morning.
Walking south, the countryside is tame at first. Linhaus fades into the distance, and from time to time you see the occasional rural homestead off to the left or right. Gradually, the terrain gets rougher, and you finish your first day of travel in sight of the rocky pass leading into the true wilderness of the foothills. You set up camp and prepare yourselves for the next day's transition from "country walk" to "wilderness trek".
The night passes uneventfully, and you once again set off toward the south.
=20
The morning sees you crossing the craggy foothills into the grasslands, making good time.
=18
By midday, you are quite satisfied with your progress. Your adventure is off to a good start!
=19
You continue on into the afternoon, the combined skills of Finlogan and Wraith cutting a clean path through the nearly chest-high grass. Wraith, as is her habit, spends most of the walking time removed from the group and trying to keep low and silent, wary of threats.
Wraith missteps slightly, causing a slight but abrupt rustle in the grass. Responding to her own slip, she quickly scans the area to see if anything takes notice of her, and indeed she sees something!
The rest of you all see Wraith suddenly tense up as though for combat, but you can't tell what she's looking at.
Before any of you have time to react, a large cat of some sort leaps from the grass a full 15 feet through the air toward Wraith!
,
,
=18,
The cat slams into Wraith, both front paws digging wicked claws into her flesh and dragging her to the ground, where you hear the sound of it biting her as well!
The most common big cat of the region, this meadowstalker is well-camouflaged in the grassy areas it calls home. It stalks its prey quietly and pounces, overwhelming a single target in hopes of dragging it away for a meal.
Round 1
Gwenifer runs up and swings her greatsword at the strange cat's face and is rewarded with a satisfying gush of blood.
"Oh no you don't! You may have been an alpha predator before, but that's before Gwenifer entered your domain! Rarrr!!!" Gwenifer lets out a primal roar.
Finlogan runs over to Wraith drawing both shortswords. Then, he tries to stick them in the large feline.
If it still lives, he says, "keep the meadowstalker from taking Wraith."
Gwen slashes the big cat hard, and it shudders and roars from the blow, giving Fin the chance to follow up with a well-placed stab!
Teo casts a spell and a spectral hand appears trying to touch the cat. If it connects the cat takes necromantic damage.
Ranged Soell Attack
Damage
Naia chews her lip in a mix of sadness and dismay as Gwen and Fin strike back with deadly efficacy...
The meadowstalker follows its natural instincts. We are the trespassers here...
Holding her hands out, Naia makes gripping motions and thrusts upward, vines and grasses springing forth around the great cat to hold it fast...
Round 1
Cast entangle. Range 90', in a 20' square - that area is now difficult terrain.
Teo manages to poke the cat with darkness, and it falls!
When the meadowstalker drops, Finlogan sheathes his shortswords and moves to Wraith's unconscious form. He focuses on his elven magic and gently touches one of the wounds.
Wraith awakens, and silently resumes her role working with Finlogan in navigating the plains.
=21
You finish out the afternoon without trouble, and after a long day of trekking, seek out a place to camp for the night.
Luckily, nothing bothers you during the night, and you are able to start your next day of travel refreshed and ready.
You've made good progress, as you can see ahead of you that the terrain is getting wetter and muddier. You begin your venture into the southern marshes.
=22
Your get off to a good start in the cool of the morning, though the going gets unpleasant as the day warms up and the humidity carries the stink of muck and bugs.
=23
The later half of the morning sees you trudging through deep muck. The tall folks sink down almost to their knees, and it takes great effort just to pull up a leg out of the brown paste to take another step. Poor little Teo is practically climbing the whole way.
As you slowly and exhaustingly continue to place one foot in front of the other, you eventually come upon a curious sight: ahead, in the muck, you see the top half of a dwarf. You can only see what's above his waist, with the rest presumably concealed (perhaps sitting?) under the muck. He grasps a gnarled, wooden staff in one hand, and his eyes are closed. Between his debris-filled beard and the brown sludge all over him, you can't even be sure whether he's wearing anything but "nature".
He seems either to have not noticed you, or to be indifferent to you.
"Hey there dwarf, you alright over there? Need any help? You don't look the best, no offense meant, of course. I'm sure none of look great with all this muck on us?"
Finlogan dresses and cooks the tasty bits of the meadowstalker. It's nothing like court banquets, but it was better than salted pork. He kept a surreptitious eye on the elf-maid Wraith wanting to ensure she survived her brawl with the mighty cat.
When they reached the dwarf, he let the glib halfling lead the introductions. The wood elf prince stretched his imagination for anything useful to say to a naked dwarf standing in waist high muck.
The muddy dwarf opens his eyes, but says nothing as he surveys your group. He stands to his feet (having apparently been sitting cross-legged in the muck) and heavy brown clumps of what you hope is mud fall from his legs. Thankfully, as he moves you can make out the contours of some sort of furs or pelts against his body, suggesting at least some sense of modesty.
The dwarf grips his staff and eyes you all suspiciously for a moment, then (completely ignoring Teo's greeting) says, "What would a troop of armed city-folk like you be doing way out here in the swamp? Has your 'civilized' ego once again outgrown your cities, and you seek to further expand the domain of 'progress'?"
Finlogan smiles at the anachronistic dwarf. "We are on a mission of discovery, master dwarf. Our Lady Tam here seeks information about a devastating blight that kills all the bugs. It has affected her homeland, and she believes that it has has happened down here, too. Would you happen to have heard of this blight?" The wool elf prince treats the dwarf as a peer.
Uh oh, I'm not a fan of his tone, Teo thinks as she pales at his gruff response against city folk. She didn't mention anything else, letting the Prince try to reason with the dwarf.
Wraith simply watches, content to let the others do the talking.
The water elf in her rejoices as they reach the wetlands, and the swampy, muddy travel is heartening to her. She helps the others where possible, trying not to make judgments for their self-imposed inconveniences.
Naia watches the dwarf with intense interest. She says nothing, hoping to discern his purpose, and to let the "civilised" folk treat with nature.
Like unto looking at myself, though here I am the outsider
The dwarf seems stalwartly defensive, with a genuine interest in defending the swamp's natural state against "civilized folk".
As such, he locks his eyes quite firmly on Finlogan as the elf noble speaks. Even so, his eyes flick over toward Naia when Fin mentions her, and the dwarf seems to un-tense ever so slightly upon seeing the druid.
After a pensive moment, he replies to Finlogan, saying, "Very well. I know of the blight of which you speak. It was from before my time, but I have heard of it. The area it afflicted is further south yet, and a bit to the west. Should you pursue this quest, you will likely run into other, older dwarven shamans than myself nearer that area who could tell you more."
The dwarf stares at you all, leaving it unclear as to whether he awaits a response or simply your departure.
"Would you be available to guide us out of your personal area, so we don't stumble on anything that can be avoided, Master Dwarf? And I am Finlogan, a prince of Escalus, and pleased to meet you. Would you also be able to provide us introductions to these other dwarven shamans, so we may greet them by name if we meet them?" Finlogan continues to treat with the dwarven shaman.
Teo briefly considers offering the shaman one of her tasty alchemical solutions but thought better as the group would have to backtrack through this area, assuming they were successful in stopping the blight. Assuming the dwarf decides to go no further, Teo waves goodbye to him and thanks him for the advice. "Much appreciated mr. Shaman. If we can ever do you a favor, just let us know!"
"I will do no such thing, Finlogan." the dwarf replies. "The land is no one's; you are not in my area, nor am I in yours. As a courtesy, I will tell you that I am known as Earthseat, but I will not sway anyone's opinion of you with an introduction; they will judge you for themselves."