It’s been five years since the ‘Troubles’ ended in Sandpoint and during those years life has returned to normal for the town and it’s residents. That is until recently. A local tribe of goblins known as the Licktoads has been attacking caravans along the Lost Coast road. Traditionally little more than nuisance, these attacks have become more frequent as the goblins have a new weapon in their arsenal, fireworks. Somehow, somewhere the little buggers have found a cache of them and are using them in their raids against merchants traveling between Sandpoint and Magnimar. The chaos caused by the noise, panic, and fire have been nearly as devastating as the attacks themselves and several people have been seriously injured, though none fatally. The Sheriff has appealed to Magnimar for help in dealing with these attacks although none has been forthcoming. Unfortunately the tiny militia in Sandpoint has its hands full dealing with the area immediately around the town and is unable to spare anyone to escort the caravans safely to their destination.
It’s a quiet afternoon at the Rusty Dragon inn. A few local day-laborers are scattered among the tables in the common room while at the bar Ryoko, Ameiko’s niece, is playing cards with the gnomish cook Ceru and from the string of curses in Tien is obviously losing, again.
At a nearby table sits a man of obvious Tian descent sits enjoying a late afternoon meal. While standing near the door is something of a local oddity, the ‘lost’ boy who follows Shalelu around like a lost puppy, waiting patiently while Shalelu and her friend Ameiko are in the back office discussing something of some importance.
The quiet is suddenly shattered when the doors to the inn swing open and Sheriff Hemlock enters followed by two men. One of whom is Sandru Vhiski, a local merchant and reputed smuggler, although that has never been proven. The other man is a blonde haired Ulfen with a greataxe strapped to his back, a warrior who has traveled with Sandru’s caravans from time to time.
the Sheriff bellows as he enters the room. All eyes turn to him as he continues ”The Gobbo’s have struck for the last time. They’ve attacked another caravan coming from Magnimar and several people were hurt, some badly burned by these damnable fireworks of theirs. It’s time we, I, put a stop to this. Those layabouts in Magniamr won’t do anything about this and I cannot let these attacks continue until someone is killed and they finally take notice.” His eyes scan the room taking in everyone present. ”So to that end I’m reinstating the bounty on goblins. The town council agrees and are offering 10 gold pieces for each goblin ear brought in, and, furthermore I’m offering 300 gold pieces to whomever brings me the head of the damn goblin chieftain. “
As the room erupts in cheers the sheriff holds up his hand until everyone calms down ”Relax everyone. Given the circumstances that caused the ban in the first place I suggest that you all form hunting groups of no less than four people. Anyone interested can meet me at my office tomorrow morning for further instructions.” As the Sheriff and Sandru turn to leave the merchant leans and whispers something into the giant Ulfen’s ear.
”Stay here and see if you can’t find yourself a hunting party. I want revenge for what those bastard’s did to us.”
During the Sheriff’s speech Ameiko and Shalelu emerge from the back room to see what the commotion is all about. As the Sheriff finishes his speech and exits the building Ameiko turns to her niece and says ” 你為什麼不自願, Ryoko？也許你可以賺到足夠的錢支付Ceru.”
” Why don't you volunteer, Ryoko? Maybe you could earn enough money to pay Ceru off.”
At this the Tian man begins to chuckle. Ameiko glares at him and says ”What’s so funny, Renjiro? I can see that you aren’t gainfully employed as of yet and who can’t use some extra coin, heh?”
During Ameiko’s rant, Shalelu wanders over to where her companion is standing and begins talking to him in an earnest voice ”Cén fáth nach bhfuil tú ar fáil chun cabhrú? D'fhéadfadh sé seo an deisatá tú ag lorg a d'oirfeadh isteach Tar éis an tsaoil, nach bhfuil grá ina laoch?”
” Why do not you offer to help? This could the opportunity you are seeking to fit in to After all, who doesn’t love a hero?”
With that she nods her head towards the others in the room as she and Ameiko once again return to the back office leaving behind an excited buzz of conversation.
Hjorleif remains standing by the door for a moment, his massive arms folded below a braided beard that hangs to his chest. He frowns as he looks over the tavern crowd before loudly speaking in a thick Skald accent, "Well, milk-drinkers, you heard the man! Coin or no, I'll be out hunting goblins on the morrow after what they did. You don't look much like the fightin' type, but my axe and I would welcome any help!"
His boots thud against the wooden floor as he walks to an empty table and sits down, banging a fist on the table with a smile. "Ha ha! Now all that talkin's made a man thirsty. How about some strong ale from this fine establishment? Biggest mug ya got! And a round for anyone who'll join me tomorrow!"
"Ameiko，你是认真的吗？我的意思是，你通常试图阻止我陷入麻烦，而现在你或多或少地邀请我进入一个冒险。我不能说我抱怨，你介意。那么，你不必问两次。 " Ryoko replied, somewhat hapazardly. She wasn't quite firm about the language, but found the words step by step.
Tien:
She put down her cards, hoped to bow out of the game that way - she was losing again, without much hope. Her strange, black-furred weasel perked up from beneath the table, and swiftly jumped on her lap. It eyed the assembled group with its strange, red-tinged eyes. "How about it, Ceru? You always tell me to get out more."
She folded up the cards neatly, and looked over the Ulfen. "We all meet Pharasma in the end, lets make sure we have a long line to wait through." She calmly replied, punctuating each word, and punctuating it with a creepily calm smile.
Eden is taken aback by the mention of hunting people for money (something he has never encountered).
Once Shalelu has entered and spoken to him, he nods, his usual bright smile now gone and replaced with a solemn look on his face. “I will try…” He says neither sure of himself or the prospect of hunting people, however vile they may be.
Unable to resist a personal request from Shalelu Eden steps forward and meekly announces. “Tisa and I will do what we can to help.” He says motioning to the she-wolf asleep under a nearby empty table.
Ceru scooped up her winnings, some of the coins disappearing under her sleeves before the rest entered her pockets. "I'm not one to go looking for a fight, but I'm no fan of goblins. Bounty or no, these raids need to stop, right?"
She grinned broadly, taking in the cards and shuffling them. "Besides, who can resist when there's such enthusiasm in the room? That's one-two-three-four of us volunteering already, right here, five if you count the lady under the table," she nodded to the wolf.
Yes, it was Sandru's caravan that was attacked and he seems quite pissed, not about the loss of merchandise, but more at the injuries "his" people suffered.
Renjiro stands and bows a stiff and formal bow to Ameiko and Ryoko.
"I will keep Ryoko safe, if it is truly her wish to hunt the goblins, Ameiko. I so swear it. ...and I could always use the coin." he smiles and relaxes a little. "Maybe Ceru can challenge them to some cards and win the fireworks off them?"
Hjorleif considers each person as they speak before nodding to himself in satisfaction. Once it seems no one else is about to volunteer, he speaks loudly once again, "So you four and me makes five, not including the pup there. An animal in a tavern! And you call us northerners crazy! Hahaha! As I said, a round of drinks for the brave warriors here!" As he waits for it to arrive he shouts, "We'll drink to the goblin hunters of Sandpoint! We'll make the crow-footed cowards pay for what they did! Bloody bastards caught us by surprise... those fireworks sting when you're just in your breeches!"
Eden smiles slightly at the gnome’s acknowledgment of Tisa as more than just a wolf. And then listens as one more joins in.
When the alcohol is presented to Eden he takes the mug and sniffs it. He then turns to Hjorleif and says “You don’t need to worry about Tisa, she wouldn’t hurt anyone… Unless they were a rabbit or a squirrel… or some other similarly small woodland creature.”
At this second mention of her name Tisa wakes up and rises to a sitting position yawning.
Eden puts the mug down on the table gently as not to spill it. He then looks at the volunteers with a wide smile on his face and says. “My name is Eden, I uh, am not much of a fighter but perhaps I can help you track the goblins.” He then opens his mouth as if he were going to say something else but stops remembering the conversation he had with Shalelu about learning when to stop talking.
As the wolf rose, the weasel on Ryoko's lap briefly focussed her, and showed her teeth - more than a yawn, but not quite a challenge yet, either. She seemed to simply try and make clear that "similar small woodland creature" did not cover her. Ryoko on the other hand didn't take the remark in any kind of poor sport - she still was trying to come up with a good response to Renjiro's announcement.
Giving up on that - the boy would probably just shrug off anything she said in order to impress Ameiko with his self-control and discipline - she turned her attention back towards Eden. "That's a good suggestion, Eden. While I have no hopes of winning the fireworks in a game of cards, we might win them in a game of 'kill you, kill me'." she offhandedly remarked, again in a joking tone of voice. She eyed the woodsmen for a moment, tried to gauge his reaction. The Ulfen hadn't been impressed, but Eden seemed more sheltered.
Ceru laughed at Renjiro's suggestion. "Oh, I wish that would work. Sadly, when I traveled here from Whistledown years ago, the goblin raiders I encountered on the way were never interested in games." There is a hint to her voice that she may have actually tried.
As the others fire off their comments, she accepts Hjorleif's offer of a drink gladly, and turns to the half-elf.
"I think a tracker who works with Shalelu is a good ally indeed! I am Ceru Cloakchaser, Eden -- and that's Ryoko and Renjiro and... Hjorleif, if I have it right? One of Sandru's guards."
Renjiro bows to Eden and Hjorleif.
"It is a pleasure and an honor to make your acquaintances. Together we should easily be able to bring peace back to this town. Driving these foul creatures from Sandpoint will be a righteous and worthy task."
Hjorleif grins at the gnome, "Aye, little one, right on both accounts. Hjorleif Rafnslayer, though that's not my family name. Mistook a raven for a crow and shot it dead... big mistake to make up in Irrisen, let me tell you! And I was one of Sandru's guards. Was just about ready to quit too before those goblins showed up. But figured I'd do him one last favor and hunt down those green-skinned bastards." Unlike the half-elf, Hjorleif doesn't really know when to stop talking.
Eden sensing that the atmosphere in the room isn’t combative or even hostile toward him listens intently to each person as they speak.
He listens as Ryoko speaks and then notices the weasel. He then looks to Tisa who obviously has seen the weasel but simply sits there staring off into nothing as if both bored and tired. Then with another yawn she drops to the ground once more and begins sleeping.
As he turns his attention back to her to speak he then hears Ceru speak to him and his attention once more shifts. He listens as she introduces everyone and gestures as appropriate (bow, wave, smile, etc.)
“Oh I don’t work with Shalelu, she is just my friend. I came here looking for her. It was a pretty long journey. I’m from the Churlwood.
I am confused though, why do you all assume the Goblins will be hostile? Maybe they don’t like games but they might like talking. I like to talk, I find most things like to talk, well those things that can talk anyway. Did you know some things can talk without mouths? Most of those are unnatural though… Wait what is a goblin anyway?” He says obviously losing his self control.
"Sorry, I just assumed..." and that's what she gets for eavesdropping on other people's conversations.
"Anyway--you've never seen a goblin?" Ceru shakes her head. "They're vicious folk, their only passions are inflicting pain and fear, and taking what doesn't belong to them. And fireworks, I guess. I know how to talk to them, but it's never done me much good. I guess if we scare them enough, we can talk them into leaving this place, but not till after a fight, probably.
"As for what they look like, they're about my size, with broad heads and big sharp teeth and green skin. There's probably others who can say more about them than I. Most of my encounters with them involved stabbing them quick and then running for my life."
Hjorleif listens to the half-elf and the gnome with a slowly growing grin. As Ceru finishes speaking, the Ulfen throws his head back in a fit of deep laughter. "BAH HA HA HA! Talking to goblins?! Hoo hoo hoo, that's a good one! I'd wager you couldn't get two words out before they'd slice you open. Nothin' against you! That's just the way the filthy little cretins are."
"Miss Cloakchaser here's got the right idea, though. Except with a group like ours I imagine we'll not be the ones running for our lives! If they've still got their legs to run on, that is! Hahaha!" Hjorleif seems to find the idea of fighting goblins a little more exciting than one might call normal.
Renjiro raises an eyebrow at the outburst from the Ulfen giant.
"Eden, goblins are a fearful and superstitious creature, and their strength only lies in surprise and numbers. They lack honor, discipline and true intelligence. Truly, they are more pest than threat, but we must be careful all the same."
Eden listens to Ceru’s description of the vile beasts, taking their description to heart and listening to Hjorleif and Renjiro’s comments as well. “Oh, I didn’t know, I have never encountered beings that were so uniformly bad across an entire species before. I mean I have met mean humans and elves before, but I wouldn’t say all humans and elves were bad. But regardless I will track them if they leave tracks and from the sound of them, it seems they will be hard to not find.” He says trying to keep his smile and hide his uncomfort at being so clueless.
Ryoko could hardly believe Eden's words. Even she knew goblins were pests, not fit to be considered anything but that. "You'd sooner find mercy in a cleric of Asmodeus than a goblin who doesn't love fire, or hate dogs. If they weren't so vicious and nasty, they'd be almost comical. Trust me, "kill you, kill me" is really what we're going to be playing." She chuckled, but decided against not push it any further - suggesting Eden to go in first, and talk things through was too antagonistic, even to her.
"So, we have our tracker, we have a heavily muscled man to rip them apart down the middle, Ceru can probably carve them up before they even manage to wake up. With Renjiro and me added into the mix, we probably should be able to handle this."
"Eden, you're right that most of us capable of speech can be as good as bad. And I actually like that you would want to approach a people you've never met before with words before swords." She smiled at the half-elf encouragingly, raising her mug to him with both hands. "Let's hope the goblins are the exception that prove the rule."
After drinking, and Ryoko shared her thoughts, Ceru clapped her hands together. "Sounds like we've got something of a plan. When shall we go out?"
"Sheriff Hemlock said we should meet him at his office tomorrow in the morning. I say we wait until then. He might have some important things to say, after all." Ryoko replied, nudging Ceru playfully. "So no skipping out tonight to finish this all on your own."
Ceru sighed melodramatically. "Okay, but that bounty would buy a lot of nice cookpans." She picked up the deck of cards and artfully bridged them. "So that means we have time for one more game?"
The five of you enjoy the evening drinking and playing cards as the inn's common room fills up with the afterwork crowd. An excited buzz runs through the tavern as everybody seems to be talking about the sheriff's announcement. One man even has a handbill of the announcement and is showing his friends and thinking about buying a new boat with his reward money. Other similar stories run rampant throughout the room and the bar is busy well up until closing time.
The morning come bright and early as the five of you meet in front of the Rusty Dragon for the short walk to the Sheriff's office. Eden looks positively green around the gills, while even Hjorleif is walking slightly stiff.
As you approach the office you can see a crowd of people already surrounding the front door and despite Sheriff Hemlock's warning there are several people by themselves or with a friend. The crowd is armed with a motley array of weapons ranging from an antique sword all the way down to someone armed only with a rusty shovel.
As the Sheriff emerges from his office a look of dismay crosses his face as his eyes sweep across the mob assembled out front, until his eye come to the five of you his look changes to one of calculating appraisal. With a quick nod of greeting in your direction he begins organizing the townspeople into groups of at least five or more and with some last minute instructions send them on their way. Before your group wanders off the Sheriff catches your eye and nods toward his office indicating he would like to speak further with you.
Once inside the office the Sheriff spits in disgust "Bah, I'm beginning to regret my decision. My men and I will probably have to pull half, if not all, of them out of some kind of trouble before the day is out. But not so with you, I'm thinking, so I'll give you some extra advice." So saying he pulls out a map of Sandpoint and the areas immediately around it.
”The Brinestump is not very big but it’s not without its dangers. That’s because it’s never been adequately mapped, never been a reason to. If you’re going to go exploring there I suggest you go talk to Walthus Proudstump, he’s a hermit that lives in the swamp. Some say he’s crazy, but I think he just wants to be left alone. Anyway, if anyone knows his way around that swamp it’d be him. Just follow the fishing trail from the coast road and you’ll end up at his place near Sog’s Bay. You could do worse than to follow his advice.” He rolls up the map and hands it to Hjorleif ”Good luck and Good hunting.”
Renjiro nods to the sheriff.
"Thank you, this will be most helpful." He turns to his new companions. "I believe we had best be prepared for the unforseen. Do we have rope? Torches? Bandages and the like?"
Hjorleif frowns as he takes the map, looking for a pack or pouch to store it in. Finding none, he resigns himself to carrying it until he can buy some supplies. "Can't say I'm looking forward to trudging through a swamp, but if you think that's where the goblins are hidin' I won't complain. Thanks for the advice!"
The Ulfen turns to his companions after Hemlock finishes, "So, what d'you say we pay this Walthus fellow a visit? Sounds like our best bet on finding the filthy goblin-hole where the bastards live." Then in response to Renjiro's question, "I'll need to buy some supplies first, then I'll be ready to go. Rope's a good idea, maybe some food as well in case we're out there a couple days."
Before leaving the city, Hjorleif will head to a general store of some sort to buy the following items:
Backpack - 2 gp - 2 lbs.
Bedroll - 1 sp - 5 lbs.
Map case (for the map!) - 1 gp - 0.5 lbs.
Flint and steel - 1 gp
Trail rations (5 days) - 2 gp, 5 sp - 5 lbs.
50 ft. Silk rope - 10 gp - 5 lbs.
4 Sunrods - 8 gp - 4 lbs.
Waterskin - 1 gp - 4 lbs.
Total - 25 gp, 6 sp - 25.5 lbs.
Eden looks at the map remaining fairly quiet, his faithful companion by his side the whole time.
When Renjiro asks his question Eden drops his backpack and rummages through it presenting the items one at a time. “I have some rope, fifty foot actually. Some Caltrops; always useful, helped me get away from some bandits on my way here.” He says moving to the other pouches. “A smoke stick, and two bottles of this…” He says holding up two bottles of Alchemist’s Fire. “The merchant I bought them from said they were really powerful when thrown, he was so enthusiastic I couldn’t help but buy some, but I don’t know what they do.” Digging further he says. “Nope no bandages or torches, but I can heal with magic so hopefully we won’t need any bandages.”
Ceru's eyes light at the alchemist's fire Eden holds up. "Oh! Carefully mixed with ginger and verjuice that makes an excellent marinade for a side of pork. But by itself, you just throw it at something, and it sets it on fire instantly and most magnificently. Take care not to throw it at the goblin's fireworks, okay? Unless they're standing next to the fireworks and we aren't..." Ceru grins, quite liking that plan.
As for supplies, I've got a lantern and some oil, and something to light it with. Chalk, always useful to mark things. A couple vials of acid. Less spectacular than Eden's alchemical fire, but it has its uses. Some lockpicks and handtools--never know when you get locked out of something you didn't mean to lock. Or in the goblins' case, need to snip a boobytrap. Oh, and a very lovely stew recipe I got from the Mvashtis."
She looked up at Hjorleif. "I think checking on this hermit's a good idea too. Plus, want to make sure the goblins haven't hurt him, either."
"It seems we are very well prepared then. We should be on our way as soon as possible."
Renjiro checks his blades and armor, and pauses.
"I have my mount, Nari... I would usually bring her into a potential fight, but being a swamp..." He shrugs, clearly unsure.
"I don't think we should risk a fine warhorse in this bog - from what little I saw, it's treacherous, filthy and rarely has enough dry land for a good charge anyway" Ryoko replied, looking at the Sheriff for some kind of acknowledgement or support.
"Finding Walthus seems sensible. Anyone who knows these swamps will help us evade alligators, giant leeches, stirge nests, or anything worse there. Would be a bit disappointing to Ameiko if not at least a few of us made it back." she returned to Hjorleif's train of thought.
Ceru pursed her lips. "It would be a bit disappointing to all of us if we did not make it back."
Renjiro laughs.
"Ceru, you are certainly correct in that. Ryoko, I will leave Nari at home, then. Thank you for the advice. Now come, we are wasting daylight."
Renjiro will head out toward the swamp, assuming no other business comes up to delay them.
Eden's smile creeps back onto his face and he jumps up and attempts to catch up to Renjiro, Tisa close on his heels.
"You hear that Tisa we are actually going on an adventure!" He says barely able to contain his enthusiasm. The grizzled old she-wolf lets out a long sigh in response to Eden once the two of them have caught up to Renjiro.
Hjorleif strides after Renjiro, a small grin hidden under his long beard. He chuckles at the half-elf's enthusiasm and gives the druid a friendly (yet strong) slap on the back. "Haha! Aye, an adventure! Was looking to ditch the guard duty and go adventuring, myself... clobberin' monsters over the head, hidden treasure, nothing to tie ya down..."
As you regroup after buying supplies you begin your travel along the Lost Coast road. A light breeze off the water combined with the morning sunshine make for a delightful spring day. After a short two hour walk you reach a small trail leading off from the main road. This is what the local fishermen call the 'new' fish trail , as opposed to the 'old' fish trail which was abandoned over a decade ago, when the Licktoad's first arrived in the area, as too dangerous.
You can see off in the distance the palisades that form the southern edge of the marsh as the coast road continues it’s way toward Magnimar.
As you follow the trail into the swamp the light and noises of the day vanish, replaced by gloom as the sun is mostly blocked by the overhanging branches and moss covered trees that line the trail and an oppressive silence hangs in the air. occasionally punctuated by the buzz of a nearby insect or the croak of a toad. Other barely recognizable sounds can be heard as you journey farther into the gloom.
Ceru looks about nervously. The trees so broad and the undergrowth high in spots, she has trouble seeing over much of anything---but does her best to keep her ears and other senses open to what her eyes may not be able to see.
"So we just follow this trail to Proudstump's, eh? Should we keep going? The sun barely gets through here but it's better than none at all."
The marsh may be ominous to the others but not to Eden. The place is simply smothered in life and vegetation; a veritable paradise for any who love nature (at least in the way a Druid does). And his gleeful demeanor never seems to waver.
“That place is awesome!” He says. “I bet they have huge toads in there, maybe some cool kinds of snakes, and I bet there are tons of insects in there I have never seen! This Walthus Proudstump picked one of the coolest places to live!” He exclaims seemingly forgetting the reason he is on this journey in the first place.
Tisa on the other hand does not look like she wants to journey into the marsh in the slightest.
"I can check this, if there is anything the creatures of the swamp know, it is their home terrain. Maybe we even get some directions" Ryoko replied to Ceru's question. She crouched down, and let a hoarse, dark croak from her throat. The sound was at the same time natural, but of an infliction that wasn't entirely human.
<< Where are you ? Are you awake ? >> she intoned in the not-speech of the animals, imprinting her will into sounds as much as actually using their mode of communication.
As the party ventures further into the swamp, Hjorleif's usual jovial demeanor becomes more and more subdued. It's plainly evident that he is not enjoying this... his skin glistens with sweat, he constantly swats himself to fend off various biting insects, he looks around nervously trying to find the source of the various swampy noises...
He gives Eden a sideways glare at the half-elf's exuberant outburst, but otherwise remains silent aside from an occasional grumble.
The rest of the party is shocked as a series of croaks issue from Ryoko's throat. Almost as amazing is the chorus of croaks that come from all around you, as if in reply.
<<"We are here, we are awake.">>
"Ryoko, you never cease to amaze..." Renjiro says, clearly ill at ease. His hand floats close to the handle of his Katana. "Not to insult your friends that live here, of course, but it is an unsettling place. Please, pray tell what you've found." Renjiro scans the sawmp with wary eyes.
<< We are looking for a man-dwelling. One lives there, alone. Can you get there on the dry path? Birds and fish do we do not fear. Are there alligators or other dangers on the way? >> Ryoko continued her eerie communication, before flashing Renjiro a smile.
"I am asking them if our path is safe, and if this path leads us there" The transition between her normal voice and the croaks was seamless and seemingly effortless as well. She did not leave her lowered position, though, waiting for an answer from the wildlife.
The weasel jumped onto her shoulder, its eyes tinged with red, and its unlikely black fur melting into the evening shadows. It tilted its head at Renjiro, its fanged mouth opening to a smile - or yawn.
Ceru watches Ryoko, fascinated. She says, more to herself than anything, "My cousin Sillar used to do that with voles."
Eden looks to Ryoko in amazement. “You can speak with animals too? Cool!” He says before he notices the weasel and becomes aware of just how unnatural it is. At which point his expression changes to one between confusion and apprehension.
He then notices Hjorlief’s own apprehension and recovers from his own after a second. “You don’t need to worry Hjorlief. Most of the animals are harmless, the bugs might be a bit annoying if you are not used to them, but the less you sweat and the calmer you become the less rowdy they become, unless being commanded by someone. They are attracted to your scent and the more you sweat and breath hard the more they know you are there.” When he notices his weariness at the sounds coming from the marsh, Eden begins naming the creatures off to help put the man at ease. “Frog, another frog, an alligator, the mating call of a Moorhen… a kind of bird.” He then stops realizing he is probably not helping much.
Eden then looks at the water and says “While this place is awesome… I would advise not drinking the water. Looks like it could make someone pretty sick if not treated.”
Once in the marsh Tisa is on edge. And refuses to go anywhere near any kind of water making sure to even go around puddles in the road giving them only the briefest of sniffs, probably to determine danger.
Hjorleif snorts/laughs at the half-elf after swatting yet another pesky bug looking for a meal. "Feels like I'm walking through a steam bath! Nice up north where it's colder than a witch's teat, but not down here and wearin' all this metal!" He snickers to himself, "Or wearin' anything at all, for that matter, heh heh! I'll spare you that sight!"
His mirth is short-lived, however, as he steps squarely into a muddy puddle. "Gah! This is no place for an Ulfen! Give me tall mountains and snowy plains any day!"
<<We do not go much farther than the man-crossing so we cannot say. Why would man would build a way across the water when he could just swim across we do not understand. Many men come by here, some hunt the fish in the water, others hunt us with sharp sticks. Why do they do that. The Snap-jaws swim in the water but we cannot say where they live. Although 'It' hunts near here. 'It' killed a man here once. 'It' kills all sorts of animals, although 'It' has not noticed us, and we are thankful.>>
Ceru smiles and says playfully, "Yes, please spare us that sight, Hjorleif, I think from my point of view I couldn't take it."
She takes a breath. "Well, at least Eden knows the dangers in a place like this, that's good." She muses, "I wonder what IS edible or potable around here..."
Ryoko remained low for a moment longer, intrigued but at the same time regretful of the limited intelligence of the beasts. She learned a lot, given their limited perspective << Thank you, and plentiful hunts to you >>
Ryoko rose, and looked past. "They know not where to path leads - their minds are too limited to comprehend. But we know there one significant risk here. Something they couldn't identify, but know as a maneater. If we can't make it to this cabin by nightfall, we need to be very careful"
Hjorleif looks at Ryoko apprehensively... his life in Irrisen imparted an ingrained sense of distrust regarding witchcraft and sorcery, and as far as he knows humans don't talk to swamp creatures naturally.
"Hrm... aye, I say we get a move on. More to get out of this swelterin' humidity than outta fear of some meaneater. That's what the axe is for... it's a maneater... eater."
After learning what you can from the local fauna the group continues onward. After about 10 minutes travel you arrive at a bridge crossing a small stream. the bridge seems in good repair although a couple of planks seem to be missing and the whole thing is covered in moss and mildew.
Hearing about a man-eater (or gnome-eater!), Ceru does her best to remain vigilant as they travel to the bridge.