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The orcs laugh as the threat is quite clear. They like you, and decide to take you up to Ploog; free of charge.
The broad summit of Ploog’s keep in the Bloodworks sometimes serves as a second stage for particularly elaborate events, but more often than not he uses it to entertain particularly important guests. Two 15-foot-deep covered cisterns are cut into the floor and collect the rare rainwater that falls on the Bloodworks’ massive footprint.
Four imposing orc guards reside in this room and look ready to attack at the slightest hint of aggression.
Ploog’s office is an uncommonly well-built, domed structure of leather, wood, and an irregular assortment of stone blocks that occupies the back half of the keep. At its highest, the ceiling rises twenty feet, and several windows cut into the leather walls allow a refreshing breeze to ventilate the room. A pile of large rocks sits beneath one of these windows, and several nearby potted trees lean toward the light.
On the opposite end of the room are several chairs and a divan upholstered in tanned leather. In the room’s center stands a desk covered in sheets of parchment and stacks of coins whose irregular sizes and shapes betray origins in at least a dozen nations, and a pair of decoratively crossed swords hang on the desk’s front.
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The orcs motion you in and grunt at you to stand at a respectful distance in front of the desk. Ploog sits at the opposite end of the desk; a fat yet muscular orc who wears a red cape and dresses fancifully. He is leaning low counting coins on his desk, piling them one on top of the other. He seems to be ignoring you entirely, or rather just doesn't want to acknowledge you until he is ready.
They have motioned you in and placed at least four of you on top of a trap.
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Daedîn smiles and bows to Ploog. "Yes, we were sent to track down Eando Kline; our superiors are anxious to know where he has run off to. Any information you can give will be greatly appreciated; perhaps we may pay or do something for you in return? And you can be sure that we will cause you no trouble, for we have no wish to find out where this trap door we're standing on leads to..."
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The only reaction you get out of him is a slight raise of the eyebrow when Daedin mentions the trap door. "You're very perceptive." His shoulders relax, and he returns to his seat. Hands in front of him on the desk and fingers crossed over a relaxed set of fists.
"Yeah Kline was here, and what you have probably heard is true. Years ago he killed my bulette in the arena. The consequences were after that fight I could never hire another group to successfully capture another bulette, and I've been losing money cause of it."
"I can find you a person to help you find Kline. Ofcourse, I won't be doing this solely out of the generosity of my heart. Finding a guide to him is a bit of a rare commodity, you must understand. In exchange for my influence to help you find your quarry, you must find me mine."
"My price is one bulette; live and healthy. If you agree, I'll give you a day to find one and return it. Should you succeed, I will give you your guide to him."
"I'll even give you information on where to find one, just so your not too lost."
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Daedîn gives a low whistle. "A landshark? A high price...but maybe achievable. We might be able to knock one unconscious but that wouldn't be our biggest problem...how would we get it back here to you? We couldn't carry it by ourselves; surely a man of your means might have a large enough wagon we could borrow upon which we could bring the beast back to you?"
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Lorian listened to the interaction between the two. "Given that you had the same creature in your arena in the past, unless it was raised here as a hatchling,there would have been means to transport it. I would like to know how you were able to prevent it from digging out. I have heard others mention the creatures but never came across one.
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He lets loose smile, as his mood seems to brighten.
"The Cinderlands are your best place to find one. Seven miles south of Urglin."
With that information, he bids farewell, and the orcs escort you out of the Bloodworks. Back on the ground and away from the orcs, you have a few potential leads on where to acquire two wagons, a cage, and some pack animals to pull the contraption. Otherwise, gathering information is an option on sturdy equipment and strong animals.
Also now free of the orc's trapped room and possible danger, you can attempt to recall what you may already know about a bulette.
This creature is commonly called the landshark because its fin often cuts a distinctive wake behind it like that of a shark. It burrows rapidly, and it can launch itself from the soil. Its tunnels are often referred to as “shark holes.”
The foul-tempered creature attacks prey much larger than it, and there is usually little left of its meal, as it consumes bone and even armor and weapons. The bulette’s preferred tactic is to charge, launch itself in the air, and then land on prey, attacking with all four razor-sharp claws extended.
The creature is generally nocturnal and sleeps in craters called “drifts” during the warmest parts of the day. It is most often found alone or with a mate.
Bulettes hunt an area in a circuitous pattern, keeping crater-like drifts in different areas to rest along their routes.
By checking the creature’s scat at the drift’s bottom, you can tell how quickly the creature will return. Fresh droppings indicate the creature may still be in the area; very dry droppings indicate it may be returning soon from its circuit.
However, scat that is dry on the outside but moist within indicates the creature may not return for some time.
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Bargaining with the merchants around town, you are able to find wagons and Yaks.
Light Wagon 50gp Each: Wagons of this type are most commonly employed by farmers and craftsmen transporting their goods short distances or by vendors in and around cities. A light wagon carries up to 1,000 pounds of cargo and requires two Medium creatures or one Large creature to pull it.
Medium Wagon 75gp Each: Wagons of this type are typically employed for heavy duty work, often in agricultural, mining, or construction settings. A medium wagon can carry up to 2,000 pounds of cargo and requires four Medium or two Large creatures to pull it.
Heavy Wagon 100gp Each: Wagons of this type are large, four-wheeled vehicles primarily used in caravans to transport goods over long stretches of territory. A heavy wagon carries up to 4,000 pounds of cargo, and is pulled by either eight Medium creatures or four Large creatures.
N Large animal
Init +0; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +8
DEFENSE
AC 17, touch 9, flat-footed 17 (+8 natural, –1 size)
hp 42 (5d8+20)
Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft.
Melee gore +10 (2d6+12)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Attacks stampede, trample (2d6+12, DC 20)
STATISTICS
Str 27, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4
Base Atk +3; CMB +12; CMD 22 (26 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack
Skills Perception +8
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Stampede (Ex)
A stampede occurs if three or more creatures with stampede make a trample attack while remaining adjacent to each other. While stampeding, the creatures can trample foes of their size or smaller, and the trample's save DC increases by +2.
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Lorian checked with the merchants about acquiring wagons for his caravan. "Good day, I am the Marquis Lorian, called the Peacemaker. I am hoping to start a trading route between here and Taldor. That would require large wagons for hauling and spare parts to keep them moving. I would also need a good number of beasts of burden and replacements. Maybe we can come to some kind of agreement? he asked.
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Lorian checked with the merchants about acquiring wagons for his caravan. "Good day, I am the Marquis Lorian, called the Peacemaker. I am hoping to start a trading route between here and Taldor. That would require large wagons for hauling and spare parts to keep them moving. I would also need a good number of beasts of burden and replacements. Maybe we can come to some kind of agreement? he asked.
The orc merchant looks you over, then rubs his hand on his chin in thought. A trade route between here and Taldor may be beneficial to him. "Alright, so what can I do for yez? Welcome to Crazy-Gurklok's Used Wagon and Yak lot!"
After some time, you manage an agreement to rent up to 2 wagons and enough yaks to pull them at 1/4th price as a rental.
