Round Two
Free Action to speak to party: "The Chief is enchanted. Do NOT attack him!"
Having exhausted her offensive capabilities for the day, Zelaria will attempt to assist Caiden with his swings, and once again just barely manages to assist, granting him +2 to his next melee attack.
Round Three
Zelaria will continue the trend, moving with Caiden and assisting him to dispose of the lesser goblins, but her luck runs out.
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Walthus trots over to the precipice of the walkway that hangs out over the burned hut. He lines up a shot with his longbow, but doesn't take it after hearing your cry. "What!? I've been trying to kill that fat goblin for years!"
Kharia stands ready to heal Caiden, if he should be hit.
Caiden takes a more measured swing at his opponent...
The goblin retaliates, and his companion throws wide the second door to take a swipe at Caiden...
[ooc]Goblin 1 - Dogslicer: ,
...though neither is able to punch through his armor.
Walthus, seeing his chance to get past Caiden, looses an arrow at the goblin to Caiden's left...
...lodging an arrow in the creature's flank.
Kharia, now spying Walthus' vantage more clearly, runs back to join him and looses her own arrow at the same goblin...
...and just clips its arm. ((Silly 1s.))
Caiden swipes again at the first goblin...
[ooc]Caiden - Longsword: ,
...but cannot lock down a hit on the wounded goblin.
Each of the two in the doorway, now terribly wounded and not receiving any aid from their chief, withdraw from the fight, one backing up, throwing open a door and running through it, while the other does the same. ((Full withdrawal))
Chief Gutwad still sits on his throne, observing the fight with a look of confusion and sneering disinterest. His remaining guard stands there stupidly, occasionally jabbering in the Goblin tongue, and calls after his companions when they run out the side door.
Zelaria moves into the room and steps close to Chief Gutwad without threatening him in the least. Her one "reasonable" request of the goblin chief is:
"Please tell me where the fireworks are."
After that, she will allow Walthus, Kharia and Caiden to cut down any survivors.
Gutwad looks at you quizzically, then replies with a stream of jabbering goblin words. "Don't tell me the little bastard doesn't speak common!" Caiden bellows out. He whistles for Rutherford, who walks closer, unties the rope from the door and uses it to quickly bind Gutwad.
Walthus and Jharia rush into the room, longbows drawn, and go through the adjoining door that the other goblins escaped through.
"This is a conundrum," Zelaria agrees. She recognizes that Warden Proudstump and Kharia have left in pursuit of the remaining goblins, and does not wish to initiate an attack against Chief Gutwad and break his enchantment while she and Caiden are alone in the hut.
"Keep your wits about you, Caiden. I do not wish to open this while our companions are away. I hope the enchantment holds until they return."
In the next room, you hear a pair of arrows thudding into the wall, and then of Walthus cursing loudly. "Escape hatches?! Even I don't have escape hatches!"
Kharia runs past you on her way out the front door. "They've gone to ground! Walthus is following, but I couldn't fit."
Zelaria looks to Caiden. "We'll not be able to understand him, even if we put him to the question," she says to him. "When you threaten him, the spell will end. I will stay behind you, and lend you support."
Zelaria will move behind Caiden and continue to assist him to cut Gutwad down.
Caiden nods, and motions for you to attract Gutwad's attention for a moment while he takes up a position behind him...
,
... Gutwad screams and writhes in pain, and attempts to weasel out of the ropes that are binding him. Somehow, in a mighty and unfathomably slippery way, Gutwad slips free from his bonds! You hear Caiden curse as the goblin moves back closer to his throne and picks up a rather cruel looking spear at the base of his throne!
You hear another pair of bow twangs outside ...
,
,
... And hear a great cheer go up from Walthus, "Ha HAAA! Try to run from me again, you rotten bog-wastes!" You hear steps heading back toward you and Kharia soon emerges around the corner, watching the spectacle unfold.
((We got the initiative a little mucked up there, but essentially it's now like this:
Zelaria
Caiden
Gutwad (had been holding)
Walthus
Kharia
You are about ten feet from Gutwad, who stands next to his throne, and is about ten feet from Caiden, who is looking a mixture o proud at his very successful attack and damage, puzzlement as to how the tough little goblin is still standing, and dismay that his ropes didn't hold. Kharia stands in the doorway, and Walthus is, you must assume, still in another room of the hut.))
Round One vs. Gutwad
Zelaria moves out of the way of Kharia's bow, and uses her standard action to assume a total defensive stance.
Round Two vs. Gutwad((If needed)
Zelaria will retain her total defensive stance.
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Caiden steps forward to get between you and Gutwad, and launches a cut at Gutwad's torso...
,
...but just scrapes against the chief's chain shirt. Gutwad responds with a stab from his spear...
,
...and the diminutive figure finds a gap in Caiden's defenses, stabbing a wicked hole in his side.
Walthus rounds the corner to see Gutwad standing free, and the expression of jubilation on his face quickly turns to rage. As he approaches, he whips out a small axe, and lunges toward Gutwad, flanking with Caiden...
,
...and the axe catches the goblin in the leg, nearly hamstringing it.
Kharia, with a cry of her own, fires into the midst of the combat...
,
...but her arrow passes just over Gutwad's head. " I will assist momentarily, Caiden!" she bellows.
Caiden is grimacing at his wound, "That moment can come any time now, lady!" He continues to press his attack...
,
...cutting into Gutwad's arm. The chieftan is now clearly worried about his grievous wounds, and dives towards the door in an attempt to get some distance between himself and his attackers...
((HP tracking:Zelaria -0; Caiden -8; Gutwad -21; Walthus -0; Kharia -0))
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...somehow executing a perfect leap, dive, tuck, roll, and quick stand to get past both Caiden and Walthus' waiting weapons. He dashes through the door, shouldering past the unprepared Kharia and out onto the walkway.
Walthus drops his axe with a growl, and sprints out to the walkway, drawing an arrow as he does so and drawing up to a quick stop right outside, launching his projectile at the fleeing goblin...
,
...nearly slicing through his bowstring in his attempt to wreak death.
Kharia, torn between aidin her ally and taking a clear shot at the goblin, growls after moments hesittion, turns, and steps forward with her holy symbol blazing for healing light.
((Healing burst))
Caiden bellows out with renewed vigor and prepares to give chase down the walkway.
((I'll have a map of positioning up in about an hour. Need to run an errand. I also wanted to apologize that this combative session is taking so long. With a live group playing, it would probably take about an hour and a half, I think. If you are more interested in story than in battle tactics, we can adapt to find ways of making the combat take less time and focus more on the storytelling aspects. What do you think?))
((Ah, I would not worry too much. Every RPG has its combat elements. If it were full story, it would get rather monotonous. That said, hope "level" comes soon so Zelaria gets some offensive capability. And when/if Caiden comes back, he'll be wanting to use his Cav to its full capability, I assume.))
"Should have closed those doors!" Zelaria growls in frustration. She is unable to do anything this round, as Walthus is blocking the door, and recognizes that only the ranged combatants have the slightest chance to bring the chief down, now.
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Caiden roars out the door, full tilt past Kharia and Walthus, and barrels down the walkway toward Gutwad.
With no time to open the doors nearest his position Gutwad attempts to again dive away from Caiden to escape...
,
...somehow managing a tremendous feat of acrobatics with his first tuck and roll, but not evading the full extend of Caiden's reach with the second.
...though Caiden's sword only scrapes the chieftan's back, repelled by armor. Gutwad comes up from his roll, continues running down the walkway, apparently heading for the gate.
Walthus comes round the corner into the room, stops short again and launches another arrow...
,
...though this, too, flies past Gutwad and plops into the pond at the north end of the village.
Kharia rushes through, going as quickly as she can to set up a position to fire from, and maneuvering out of the way at the last minute as Caiden bellows "MOVE!" before storming down the walkway, coming right up to Gutwad...
,
...and by the blessing of Erastil just manages to strike a blow on Gutwad's shoulder, but the chieftan still does not go down!
Instead, Gutwad hops through another doorway, quickly draws a vial from his belt, uncorks and quaffs it, before setting up a defensive stance against Caiden.
((HP tracking:Zelaria -0; Caiden -3; Gutwad -23; Walthus -0; Kharia -0))
Round One
Zelaria moves to where Caiden is ((assuming that she can)) and assist him with his melee attacks.
If this is not possible, she will at the very least move out of the hut to observe and wait on her turn.
"Caiden, can Rutherford attack without your direction?" she wonders aloud.
Round 2
If it is possible Zelaria will move up to Caiden to assist with his melee attack, again.
Walthus, changing tactics, rushes over to the edge of the walkway by the burned building, and tries to gracefully drop the ten feet to the ground...
...but crunches to the ground and calls out, nursing a twisted ankle.
Kharia, apparently liking the look of these tactics for the sake of positioning, chooses similarly...
...and lands much more gracefully, heading around to the west.
Caiden steps up to Gutwad once more, clearly seeing the many wounds the chieftan has taken, and after your distracting maneuver, swings away with his longsword...
,
...and with your aid in place, cleaves a mighty blow through Gutwad's throat! The chieftan struggles for a moment, gurgling and clutching at his neck, before collapsing to the ground and quickly bleeding out to lie cold and dead.
Hearing only your battle-weary panting, Walthus calls up, "Is it over? Thank Gozreh!" He, too, collapses where he lies on the pile of ashes, before Kharia walks over and helps him to his feet and leading him up to the watchtower where you and Caiden stand over the top of Gutwad's corpse.
Zelaria is first to get her priorities in order. "Caiden, take the chief's head. We'll need it as proof of the bounty," she says efficiently, then looks to Kharia and Warden Proudstump. "Sister, Master, I will assist you in searching the chief's hut for what may remain of the fireworks stores, but we'll not remain here any longer than is needed. We should try to return to Sandpoint this evening, and warn the sheriff."
((this is of course assuming that we've the mules to ride back to Sandpoint without the compound somewhere. Or did we leave them at the Warden's house?))
Walthus says, "Hold on a minute, before you make a mess..." He strips Gutwad of all possessions, and lays out the following on the floor:
- 6 regular arrows
- 5 cruel-looking arrows
- 1 vial of greenish liquid
- 1 long firework tube (the same style as the one he fired earlier)
- 1 small finely crafted chain shirt
- 1 small finely crafted composite longbow
- 1 small spear
- 2 tigereye gems
- 10 gold pieces
- 20 silver pieces
"...ok, that'll about do it. By all means, behead away." Walthus eyes a couple of the items, but keeps his peace for now. He follows you and Kharia to Gutwad's hut as Caiden sets about his messy business. Just after you enter, he picks up his handaxe and says, "Look, Balor will pay us by the ear, yes? Let me go do some harvesting, and I'll meet you back at the gate. There's a good number to take care of." He picks up a discarded dogslicer on the floor, sets about removing the ear of the one goblin on that floor, then hops out the door to find the others.
You and Kharia spend some time combing through the filth of Gutwad's hut. The first room behind the throneroom is apparently a 'bedroom': little more than a big, nasty pile of ratty blankets, moss, and foul-smelling animal furs. On the walls, the poorly preserved heads of three dogs and a horse hang suspended, along with other bits of grisly ephemera. "Ugh," Kharia blanches. "We went through here so qickly earlier that I didn't get a good chance to see what those were." She sets about to search the room, and gestures for you to take the next.
The chamber is nearly empty, but you move aside a few mouldy sacks and discover a single red chest. If the mud and filth that encrust its lacquered sides, it could well be a valuable work of art in itself. Depicted on the side are etches of cranes and frogs flolicking on a beach. It appears to be unlocked, and you don't spy any trap mechanisms in your examination. It opens to reveal a small pile of goods.
- 6 finely crafted shuriken
- 329 silver pieces
- 112 gold pieces
- 1 long hairpin with a red pearl at one end
- 1 gold and ivory fan, depicting a gecko walking amid cherry blossoms
As you turn the map over in your hands, you see that someone has drawn several lines on the page, and as you examine it for a moment, you see the outline of Brinemarsh Swamp. Comparing it to Shalelu's map, you see that the location of the Licktoad Village is marked, as well as three other points, which could be easily marked on your map.
There is nothing else of value in the room. Kharia enters after a short time, holding three firework tubes and a small pouch. "I found these under the 'bed,'" she states, looking a little green. "My life and love are to serve Erastil, but I did not count on this being part of the call."
---
You meet Caiden and Walthus out near the gate. Caiden has retrieved your mules from the other side of the rise, and has already lashed the goods taken off of Gutwad, plus a rather soggy looking sack, to Rutherford's saddle. Walthus stands whistling with a small stack of goods at his feet, and waves when he sees you. "Took thirteen ears today, and I think a couple even got away. Even with that, they each had a few other items. We can take 'em or leave 'em, but if we leave 'em, I say we throw 'em in the pond over there, so they aren't easily retrieved. Don't want another tribe getting outfitted with this stuff."
Each of the thirteen goblins appeared to carry a rather crude looking short sword - the dogchopper they so love to brandish. A couple of the earlier ones had serviceable bows, and several arrows total. There is a ratty leather coat for each, serving as armor, and pieces of reinforced bark that acted as shields.
((Zelaria, for now, will add the contents of the chest to her "inventory." She actually intends to give them to Ameiko for appraisal, but she'll effectively be carrying them. She cannot lift the chest, and since it is ruined, she will not attempt to bring it, but will describe its appearance to Ameiko later, if there is any significance to the symbols.))
"Your service is much appreciated, Sister. If those weapons are in your hands, they are out of others," Zelaria comforts Kharia with a smile. "I am also looking forward to quitting these accommodations."
"This garbage is of little inherent value," Zelaria says to Warden Proudstump concerning the goblin's dogslicers, armor and shields. "I believe that their ears will fetch a better price, and are less cumbersome to transport. The bows, however, and the arrows can be useful. I will assist with the disposal of the refuse."
Zelaria assists tossing the ratty leathers, shields and dog slicers into the pond. She does not tell any of the others about the map for now, believing that getting lost in the swamp attempting to find these things is detrimental to everyone. She would rather return to Sandpoint and discuss these points and the information with Balor, and Shalelu. Additionally, she is completely without offensive capabilities and worries about spending the night in the swamps with undead about.
The four of you head out with the spoils of your assault on the goblin village, and Walthus quickly finds a path on the other side of the ridge. "I'm not keen on leaving my house open for the night, but so long as I'm back there before long, I could do with a night in town. Ameiko does have some dem tasty vittles..."
The road winds through the swamp, and though Walthus assures you that only a few hours have passed since you left his house that morning, it feels as though a small era has passed between then and now. Every yard (meter, if you prefer) feels the same as the last, but after the better part of an hour you come to another long, low bridge. Walthus creeps up, looks around, sniffs...
... and declares, "Nothin there. Sometimes these bridges are where it hides."
Not missing more than a beat, Caiden pipes up, "It? What it, Walthus?"
"The soggy river monster a'course. Don't tell me Balor sent you in here with nary a word about it?"
((Seeing as how none have knowledge local...))
"The name is unfamiliar to me," Kharia flatly states. "Some local children's tale, Warden?"
"No, true enough, I assure you," he replies with a shrug. "never seen it myself, but enough traces to put three and three together with the old fishermen's tales. Only taken a one or two over the last few years, since I been here, anyways."
---
After leading the way across the bridge, the path continues for another half mile before coming to the ridge that encircles the eastern and southern reaches of the swamp. A lazy path meanders up the side, with enough room for each of you and your mounts. The way is much easier going from here, and you quickly work your way back to the Lost Coast Road. From there, it will be a couple hours heading into the sunset before reaching Sandpoint.
"So, Zelaria," Kharia starts, "You had a most compelling effect over our foes. Not only the goblins, but the creature we faced yesterday. Whence comes this power? It was quite effective."
"Compelling, yes... but naught else," Zelaria agrees with a soft smile. Zelaria taps her tattooed cheek with her tattooed fingertips. "You may sooner thank my brother when we return. It was the coin I stole from him that purchased these tattoos, which bolster my innate magics," she answers and then sighs. "Without them, I am quite useless."
Zelaria pauses and colors slightly, snaking a glance at Caiden, Warden Proudstump, and finally Kharia herself. "When you are not healing, Sister, you can still threaten with your bow. Without Rutherford, Caiden still has his shield and sword, and the Warden will always have his skill with the bow. Without magics I am... scarcely support," Zelaria laughs nervously.
Kharia shakes her head. "You provided critical aid when it was most required, and tactical planning that may have helped us stop as many if the goblins as we could. These are no mean feats." She gains a far-away look in her eye as she gazes toward Sandpoint on the horizon and piously intones, "Each of us will serve as we can, as we should, for the good of the community."
Walthus snorts, then changes it to a cough under Kharia's stern gaze. "Bug," he states with a sheepish grin.
---
When you reach Sandpoint, it is nearly dinner time, but Caiden rides confidently to the Garrison. "Sherriff Balor will be there, even now, and I am sure he will want to hear from us quickly."
You reach the garrison, a squat stone fortress with several servants bustling in and out as they complete their day's tasks. A few greet you pleasantly, and one runs inside at Caiden's request to retrieve the Sheriff. Balor emerges about ten minutes later, and greets Caiden with a hearty handshake. "So, Farasi, you have found fortune in the swamp, I hear? Come to tell me that our caravans are all safe now, yes?"
Caiden drops the sack containing Gutwad's head at Balor's feet, and Walthus tosses forward the string of goblin ears. "Safe from the Licktoad tribe, at least," Caiden replies.
Balor looks at the grisly pile, then calls over a servant to handle the grisly viscera. "I had figured there would be more of them, as much trouble as they caused. Did some run off into the swamp?"
"Perhaps two or three, Sheriff," Kharia offers. "These are all that we found and defeated just this morning."
"Kharia has neglected to mention that the goblin compound was impregnated before we arrived, but what seemed to be the dead," Zelaria volunteers. "And this map we discovered," she folds out the fan for Sheriff Balor and shows him the points indicated, "shows that the whomever made it had two separate points of interest in the swamp aside from the goblin village. We, however, thought it prudent to return to you and inform you of all that had transpired, and seek guidance. We would speak with Ameiko concerning a few articles we found within," Zelaria snaps the fan shut, "this fan notwithstanding.
"Also," Zelaria adds and blushes, "I am bereft of magics and did not fancy spending another night in the swamps, especially not with shelter. Whatever attacked the camp left the gate and several doors of the huts in shambles."
Zelaria shakes her head. "Would you be aware if my brother has moved on, Sheriff?"
"The dead? You are certain? Well, perhaps they messed with something they oughtn't, and serves them justice as a result!" Balor takes a quick look at the map, then gives you an irritated look at you when you snap it shut. "As to your brother, I have not heard that he has moved out yet, and would check at your mother's home.
"I suppose Shalelu would be the best to ask of this map, if the Warden here has no additional answers beyond fisher-folk tales for you?" When Walthus shrugs, Balor continues on, "Right then, like as not she is at the Rusty Dragon. Talk to her, and if she point sto some threat toward Sandpoint, like as not you can pursue it to you own profit. If you bring me evidence of a threat against our town, I'll extend the reward beyond just frag Goblin ears.
"As to rewards, come with me. You there!" He calls at the servant who gathered up the ears and head. "Have you made a count?"
"Thirteen ears, and - if they are to be believed - the head of chief Gutwad, Sherriff."
"I do believe them. Come." Balor leads you into the garrison to his office, and opens a strongbox behind his desk. "Do you wish coin or scrip within Sandpoint?"
"I shall take the scrip, Sherriff," Kharia replies. "It is best to keep funds within the town."
"Coins, if it please you, Sherriff," is Caiden's reply.
"Coins for me as well," Walthus asks.
---
After your response, Balor nods. "Very well then, an even split four ways of four hundred thirty, in scrip and coin." he doles out the appropriate amounts. "The scrip is good for any service in Sandpoint, as all take advantage of the Garrison's protective services."
---
After leaving the garrison, Kharia makes her way for the Cathedral. "I must check in with Fr, Zantus. Walthus, if you require additional aid after your recent ordeal, he may be able to help you."
Caiden leads Rutherford towards the Stables. "I'll be at the Dragon in a short while. Meet me there later, if you wish."
((Zelaria will take coin as well. Even split would be 107 gp, correct?)).
Zelaria accompanies Caiden to the stables to furnish Daviren Hosk with the remainder of the sum he required for the purchase of her mule ((1 gp, although she will give him the full 5 for the standard price to stable the creature for her)), and to let the poor creature rest comfortably and inside for a night. She casts Prestidigitation on herself and Caiden as they walk, freshening their clothes and at the very least lending herself a scent of apple blossoms which is no obnoxious.
"Will you demonstrate how to care for her?" Zelaria inquires with a smile, cleaving close to him in a flirtatious way. She flips her hair near knee length auburn hair out and giggles. "As you can likely tell, I've no small amount of experience with a brush."
Zelaria will remain to learn the basics of attending to the mule's needs, if Daviren will instruct her, wishing to do as right by the animal as possible considering her complete lack of skill with them.
"I will meet you at the Dragon shortly," Zelaria tells Caiden before they part. "I thought I should inform Koya that I have returned safely rather than her hearing it from the Sheriff, or any other mouth before mine."
Zelaria sighs as she turns home. Is Momma like to be cross with me still? she wonders, her feet seeming much heavier here than they ever were in the swamps. And Sandru... Zelaria colors and shakes her head. Engrossed in the mystery of the swamps, she had not allowed herself much thought for her brother, save for that this mission would square her debt to him. It was curious, but though failure had never crossed her mind, the ramifications of success had not, either. How might she open a conversation? The magics contained within make me irresistible to monsters? Don't worry, I only hurt myself when I fell? Zelaria giggles and knocks politely on Koya's front door before trying the door and entering her own house.
((10 PP, 7 GP, 5 SP))
Balor hands over the coins and encourages you, "Seek out the further dangers at your own peril, of course, but do keep me informed if you find further danger to Sandpoint."
"Of course, Sheriff," Kharia replies before bowing, turning and strolling out the room.
---
Daviren, completely flustered by your attention, is more than happy to take as much time as he can to show you the finer points of every brush stroke. The older man will take nearly an hour of your time to instruct you in good care for the animal.
((Boon: Daviren has taught you the finer points of mule care, and with this mule you can use the Handle Animal skill with a +1 bonus.))
Smelling of apples in a stable, however, garners you the attention of most other animals in the building, and each tries to get close enough to smell where you might be hiding fruit as snacks for them to eat. ((You are slobbered on a few times.))
---
Caiden nods, "I'll see you then. Might not be as much help with the fan map once I have a few pints in me, but no rush on my account."
---
The door creaks as it opens, and a flood of familiar scents flood your nostrils - herbs, spices, dried flowers, and a crock of stew all welcome you home.
"Ah, back to me then, my daughter," you hear Koya call from the back room. "I knew the swamps would not be too much for you." the old woman emerges, greets you with a warm hug, then bustles you over to the table. "I'm envious, young lady, that I should not get to have such a grand adventure as spending the night in the swamps," she teases with a smile. "Come, tell me of it while I make tea. Sandru will be back for dinner eventually. I believe he is trying to drum up business with local merchants, but is having little luck of it so far." She quickly fills and begins warming a pot of water, then turns to a jar, pulls forth a small bundle of leaves, and begins deftly dicing them up. "So, of your companions... The young man works for Sandru, does he not? Is he a good man, or a mere mercenary? Is the young woman as overbearing as I have found her to be in the temple? Come, details, lass!"
((I'm going to apologize in advance, as I haven't quite locked down exactly what I want Koya to 'sound' like. Still working on it!))
"Is she?" Zelaria wonders dramatically, and taps her jawline with her tattooed fingertips. "I should answer 'yes,' although considering her mission, it is wicked of me to say so. She has no discernible tact or wisdom," Zelaria continues, "while Caiden and I waited on the Warden's stoop, she went ranging several hours ahead - alone!"
Zelaria sighs. "Pray forgive my impertinence. Surely Desna lights the young woman's path, as She does mine, but Kharia was hardly a pleasant conversational partner. The same could be said for Caiden," Zelaria recognizes.
"What is to be said for a warrior? He defended us ably, and appeared to take no joy in the killing. He listens well to instruction, which I am sure is a boon to my brother..."
Zelaria accepts a cup of tea and is grateful for the pause created by 'cooling' the beverage with her breath. The warmth of the cup itself is comforting, and the scent... much greater than Warden Proudstump's ale or the swamps.
"Is Sandru still angry with me?" Zelaria asks of Sandru. "I am not certain how long I will remain in the city, but I might assist him with the merchants. We found evidence of undead in the swamps which is... troubling to say the least. We are to meet Shalelu later, Caiden and I to discuss the map we found in the goblin village."
((Playing that Zelaria is not particularly 'heroic' in that she's going to sit there and recount how her magics essentially saved the day, or willing to go into detail about how the goblins were routed out, or worry her mother that she was in danger.))
It is good. I had a horrible time getting home with the closure of Newark Airport. I had 3 different flight iteneraries in six hours, and my bags are still in London.
I could easily use a week of rest after everything. Take your time.
Wow, that was a crazy couple months.
Ok, I'm a little more flexible now, and am still in and interested if you are. Just say the word and we'll get going again.
Looking ahead, I'll be out of town from Christmas to New Year, so those may be down/away times for me, depending on Internet connections.
Being out in those times is completely understandable. I'll give my lady a read over and refamiliarize myself with her.
Hope everything worked out well.
"Ha! One can hardly expect that a follower of Erastil will act sensibly. Too busy thinking of protecting their communities to think wisely about any course of action!" Koya continues to chuckle. "Caiden, then? I have heard Sandru speak his appreciation for this young man. He seems to be appreciated well enough, when there was work for him to do."
----
Koya shakes her head. "He is angry that there is so little work for him in such a busy town. Until word gets out that the goblins have been dealt with, there will be little work. Now if word of undead also spreads," she shakes her head. "Perhaps even less work then. If you have a chance to deal with it, you should take it, lest his caravan fall to complete ruin."
((Sense Motive: ))
"Perhaps when you have done so, he will take more kindly to your use of his funds, and then perhaps you will tell me the full truth of your tale. Here, dinner will take but a short time more, then you will rest and rejoin your compatriots."
-----
In a short while, Sandru returns, much improved in spirits. "Well, little sister," he claps your shoulder amiably, "I hear talk at the Rusty Dragon that you and my former guard have cleared out the entire Licktoad Tribe, with little more than scratches to mar you! Surely this bodes well for my caravan, to have my own family overcome that which plagues me, yes?" Koya gives each of you an approving smile before settling bowls of stew out on the table and seating herself before raising her hands in blessing, "Wandering Mistress, I thank you for bringing home my children, and for providing this food. Travel with us, always." Sandru digs in heartily to the stew, clearly quite pleased that his business is about to start looking up.
((OOC: Well enough, thanks. Sorry you had such rough traveling back then.))
Zelaria blushes when Sandru refers to her as family, more than a little frustrated. "It may at that. And it should please you to learn that my magics were instrumental in defeating the tribe," she says softly. "Gutwad himself was besotted with me, till Caiden hacked at his head. If you wish it, you will have your... investment, and more when I receive my share of the bounty."
Zelaria speaks the last while drumming her tattooed fingertips against the water glass.
"You've greater claim to it than I. Were it not for these markings, I doubt we would have succeeded. The spells allowed critical time to assess the threat and our surroundings and retreat when it was necessary."
"Instrumental, indeed? And a bounty share to come with it! Ha! I should have known. We should discuss terms, then, ah?" He slaps the table heartily with a free hand. "Or perhaps I should consider an additional investment, yes?" He chuckles as he digs into his stew. "Very well, then, when will Balor provide the bounty? Do let me know if you require any supplies for your next... outing! Hunting trip! When might such a next trip be?"
"Soon. Likely tomorrow," Zelaria answers. "I will meet Caiden at the Dragon to discuss a map we found with Shalelu."
Zelaria manages a pained smile. "I've a mount, and food. There's very little else I could need," she demurs at his offer of aide, then rises. "I will notify Belor of our arrangement when next I see him."
"Good evening, Mama," she says and offers the elder woman a kiss on her cheek. "I'll not be out too late," she promises before starting towards the tavern.
The Rusty Dragon is no more busy than normal, but the entirety of her custom appears to be seated around a fairly inebriated Warden, and a giddy Caiden leaning up against the bar. Ameiko is busy refilling the cups of those closest to the bar, which are then raised quickly to Caiden and summarily drained, accompanied by a great cheer. Ameiko shakes her head, makes a series of tallies on a piece of slate, and waves at you as you enter.
You turn left and see Shalelu seated at a table in the main area. She is pondering some markings on a piece of parchment, and if you look closer you make out a rough version of the map that was on the back of the fan.
Shalelu looks up as you enter and waves you over. "The Warden sketched the following for me from your fan before he began celebrating. I have a sense of where it would have you go, but would like to check against the fan itself. Do you have it with you?"
At the same time, you hear Caiden's voice rise from the bar in exclamation, "And CRASH! Down came Gutwad, and with him, the rest of the Licktoad's future - ha HA!" General frivolity resumes.
Zelaria spares a glance for Caiden's cheerfulness, and produces the fan fro her belt pouch before handing it to Shalelu.
"Seems like so little," Zelaria says and gestures to Caiden with a nod. "If not for magic, it would have been Gutwad telling that story to his warriors and generations of his monstrous kin."
Zelaria waves Ameiko over. "Have the heroes of Sandpoint already drunk their bounty?" she asks. "There was a box at the site, where the fan and others were found. I did not see the use in bringing the thing itself, but I thought you might be familiar with the figures that were painted on its surface."
Zelaria will attempt to recall the details of the box and reproduce them with the Prestidigitation spell.
Ameiko grins at your quip, noting, "Kharia was here for a brief time, but I think she found the celebration a bit base."
Her grin turns into a thoughtful look as she studies your recreation. "You are certain, these are he carvings on the box? And you have it in your possession? I should very much like to see the thing itself. The design is similar to something of my mothers, but would not have been hers." She frowns, then states, "Yes, if you could do bring this by when you can." she returns to her post at the bar, but does not have the same expression of appreciation for the customers.
"I would expect no less of the priestess," Zelaria says to Ameiko and winks. "The masterful way that she greets men in their own homes is ever so... reserved," she jests.
"I regret that we did not bring the box. It was stuck in the mire," Zelaria replies to Ameiko's questioning.
When Ameiko goes back to the bar, Zelaria peers at the map that Shalelu is drawing, occasionally looking to see that Caiden and the Warden's revelry has not yet been exhausted. While her contribution to their victory could not be denied, the magics that forestalled the goblins scarcely outweighed the warriors that dispatched the monsters. The true heroes of Sandpoint.
"There was a creature at the Warden's home," she tells the elven warrior while she draws, "a monster capable of disguising himself as the Warden. Perhaps of anyone," she says and bites her lower lip. "Might Old Megus have succeeded in producing him?"
"Not able to...? Most unfortunate that it should be so stuck." Ameiko shakes her head again as she heads behind the bar, now somewhat maudlin.
Shalelu ponders your question for a moment, cocking her head to the side while studying you, then shaking her head. "Such an unnatural thing sounds far from her works. Hers are mostly rooted in taking that which is natural and twisting or reshaping it to her desires, so far as memory serves. It is possible, I suppose it is possible, though I think it unlikely. Either way, I am unfamiliar with such a creature, but you did well to kill it."
Shalelu proffers her version of the map. "My estimation of the design would put you, clearly, right at the water. It is curious that you should mention Megus - this route as marked will take you directly past her hut. I might caution you to go around it, but for my own sense of curiosity. Bring me word of that place and I'll pay you for the information."
Your latest look at the Warden and Caiden reveals that Walthus has passed out completely, and is snoring in his seat, while the warrior is leaning heavily on the bar, looking somewhat unsteady. A pair of the town guard help him upright before thanking Ameiko and helping him out to his rented room near the garrison. They tip their caps to you before heading out into the night. Their source of drinks having dried up, the remaining revelers soon disperse, buoyed by the excitement of victory and new spoils. After ushering them out, Ameiko goes behind to a back room for a moment, returns with a blanket, and drapes it over the unconscious Walthus. She begins bustling back and forth to clean up the remnants of the party.
Shalelu points once more at the coastline on her map. "I have not been to this particular portion, but then perhaps it has simply been too long. I shall ponder over this during my reverie, but for now I desire to... stretch my legs, is the phrase. I shall return here in the morning. Do you mean to be after this possible undead menace on the morrow?"
"That depends entirely upon the priestess," Zelaria answers. "And Caiden," she adds after a moment's thought. "Though I am confident in my very limited magical prowess, I've no knowledge of the undead. However, I believe it safe to assume that my enchantment magics will not affect creatures without a mind."
Zelaria frowns and considers the inebriated warden and sighs. "If Kharia can be roused so early in the morning, I will meet you here. If not, it would be best not to be seen dawdling in my mother's house while Sandru-" Zelaria arrests herself and colors slightly. "Happy hunting, Lady," she says and offers Shalelu a somewhat awkward grin.
Zelaria says goodbye to Ameiko before retiring to the house she shares with her family. She will light a lamp before she goes to bed. In the morning she will spend the quarter hour required to meditate on the mysteries of the arcane speaking in Thassalonian with her eyes closed to restore her spells, then hurry to the cathedral and hopefully entice Kharia into joining her at the Rusty Dragon with an offer to buy her breakfast.
((OOC, hope your holidays with your family were merry and bright, and continue to be through the New Year!))
((Thanks, and a very merry Christmas to you and your husband as well!))
Shalelu cocks her head curiously at your odd change of conversation, but simply shrugs, nods, and bids you a good evening. Ameiko gives a half-hearted wave as you depart.
---
You find Kharia in the Cathedral the following morning, at prayer. She is dressed quite simply, wearing the clothes of a peasant worker, and kneels silently before the shrine to Erastil. It is not until several long moments later that she stands and turns. "Good morning, Zelaria," she greets you, "I trust you are well rested after our exploits from the last two days?" At your offer of breakfast, she nods. "I have not yet broken fast, but it would be a good time to do so. Allow me a moment." She heads to a back room, and emerges while wrapping a light cloak around her shoulders. "Well, let us see how the others have fared their evening."
---
You enter the Rusty Dragon, and it is as though Ameiko never left, still serving up dishes of food to all comers. Many of the men of town, day laborers for the various businesses, take breakfast here, and they appear to be wrapping up their meals. It is not loud, but there is a small din, such that when you come upon Walthus, still slumped in his chair, he is holding his head and attempting to plug his ears. "This is why I stay in the swamp. Nothing comes announcing its presence when it wants to kill you after a good drink up. Guhhh..."
Kharia gives him a cross look, and says, "I did warn you against consuming so much, Warden. Perhaps you will learn better now?"
"Lass, if there's anything I've learned from last night, it's to not stop drinking until I'm back in the swamp," Walthus retorts, following up with a very sickly-sounding, "Ooooog..."
---
Several minutes later a fairly bleary eyed Caiden stumbles through the door as well. A few of the men present this morning were also there last night, and give a great cheer when they see him, then a general laugh comes up from the whole crowd when he gives a weak wave as he stumbles toward your group.
"Forgive my delay," he begins, then thinks better of it and simply waves toward Ameiko to indicate his request for breakfast.
She brings out a platter for the four of you, with a small crock of baked porridge, fresh rolls, poached eggs, and a smoked fish for the four of you to split. Kharia ritually raises her hands over the food and intones, "We give you thanks, Lord of the Hunt, for the food provided us this day. May it give us strength to protect this community." She then picks up the top bowl from the stack and begins serving out the food.
Zelaria giggles a bit at the Warden's slow struggle to rise, feeling blessed by Desna with the intellect to recognize her physical limits and never having fallen into the cycle of imbibing to sickness. She sits quietly while Kharia says grace over the food, silently observing the woman's faith when not confronted with with an alternative perspective.
After the Warden and Caiden have managed to hold down some food, Zelaria speaks, and quietly, mindful of their condition.
"I have no knowledge of undead," she says. "Kharia, will enchantment magics be helpful against them in the least?"
Zelaria manages a faint smile and looks to Caiden. "I should think that if we find them, provided it is in a place that our mounts can follow, I should be able to protect them with my spells at the least."