"Dear girl, I can drop the price to 1,000 gold only. This quiver has been locked in here for quite some time and is doing no one any good here. But I must still make a profit. If you return half of what I paid you for the earring, I would be willing to part with it for 500 less than the 1,000 I'm asking."
Corvus does the mental arithmetic and nods eagerly, a broad grin appearing across her face. "You're very kind Savah. I'll take the quiver for 500gp...I really appreciate what you're doing for me. I'll put it to good use."
Corvus decides to sells the amulet elsewhere, realisation dawning on her on the nature of commerce. 'I never thought like that before. Items that collect dust have have great value but they don't put food on the table. I guess Savah couldn't afford to keep too many expensive items in a town like this.'
Corvus hands Jean 997GP. "I owe you 3GP," she says in an upbeat way. "I couldn't resist this rather special quiver." She shows Jean the item with pride written all over her face. "It looks like it only holds about 20 arrows but it actually holds 60 arrows. Plus up to 18 objects like a javelin and 6 objects like a bow or spear. And none of them add to the weight! Impressive, huh?"
"I'll pay you the rest as soon as I can."
Jean will take the gold from Corvus and nod his thanks.
Sense Motive DC 10
Through out the rest of the evening Jean will attempt to pointedly ignore Corvus, averting his gaze quickly to avoid eye contact....frequently rubbing the scar tissue of his ears beneath his hair.
Corvus is immediately aware of Jean's coolness and wonders what she's done to offend him. She racks her brains wondering what she's said to give offence. 'He's touchy at the best of times, but this time I've done something serious. I traded his earring for him...'
And then it dawns on her. She sold the ear-ring rather than trade it for something more useful.
She rushes over to Jean and removes the locket from her pocket. "It's dragon-hide, I think. When you put it on, it toughens your skin to give you a natural enhancement to your armour. It would be better suited to you rather than me."
She offers the amulet, smiling - and hoping the half-elf will forgive her.
Jean visibly brightens with a smile 10 leagues wide.
"Thank you, fair maiden."
By Besmara, so long as I'm around and able, I shall letno harm come to this girl, this I swear!
As everyone gathers back at the tavern later that evening, Ameiko greets you all. "Thank you all for coming. First I'd like you all to know that Toshiro's condition has improved greatly under Koya's care, but he will unfortunately be bedridden for several weeks. As for this letter, I want to find out what it is referring to - the secret my grandfather could not even tell my father. If there's some clue left in this Brinewall Castle, then I must, as the last living Kaijitsu, find out what it is. Now, Sandru and I have already talked a little. We will be making our way north to Brinewall. Chartering a ship would be very expensive, even if we were lucky enough to find one headed northward. The northern seas are notoriously treacherous in the winter months. Instead, Sandru has offered his caravan as a means of travel. He knows the lands, we will be self-sufficient, and can control our own destiny." She looks to Sandru, who nods in agreement. She then looks at each of you, "You are true friends, family even, and have proven yourselves in opening this mystery. I would like you to join us, and see where this leads. What do you say?"
Sir Gavin smiles as he lays his hand on his heart and bows.
"Milady Ameiko, of course my lance is yours. For as long as it is needed."
He was curious too, of the family secrets hinted to in the letter, and perhaps he would come to understand the loyalty of Tsutamu that would last even beyond death...
He grasps hands with Sandru with a grin.
"Looks like you and travel together again my friend!"
At the offer from Ameiko, Mukluk bounds up to give Koya a friendly hug.
"Ah! I owe you one, Koya! Thanks for getting me on board. You know I ain't going to let you down. You know I can drive a team through the streets of Sarkoris if you needed," Mukluk grabs her hand and begins to shake it violently (and thankfully).
Mukluk finally lets go and nods to Ameiko that he is in and wonders if he should run to pack now or if he had time to finish his dinner first.
As some of the others agree, Treygan pauses a moment to consider the offer. This was the moment he had been waiting for. A chance to see more of the world beyond Sandpoint. Sure, he'd been to the cathedral where he was trained, but that wasn't the same, not as this. His hand brushes the pouch at his side for a moment, and he smiles, having decided. "Sounds like it'll be adventure. You can count me in as well."
During the evening, Treygan finds a moment to speak with Shalelu away from the others. "I got you something in town today." Treygan pulls the compass out of his pouch and passes it over to her. "I figured, back when you saved me, you kind of helped put me on the path I'm on now. If you weren't there, I probably wouldn't be here now. I'll still be trying to catch up to you, but I hope if you ever need help, you'll look to me as well. Just wanted to make sure you knew that before we set off."
Treacherous seas, those I can handle...traveling by land will certainly be a change and an adventure...but perhaps some time at sea will come as well...maybe the return trip?
Speaking shyly to Ameiko, "If Mukluk is going and if the fair Corvus goes as well, then I shall certainly travel with is you will have me. Perhaps I could be some use on the return trip if we come by boat, I do have experience in those matters."
Jean will look expectantly towards Corvus and Mukluk...
Speaking to Mukluk, "Master dwarf, as you seem to be excited for this trip and claim knowledge of horsecraft and caravan travel, perhaps you would be so kind as to teach me these ways...I'm not certain how soon I could be returning to sea. But if we do in trade, then I shall happily teach you to embrace Besmara and her craft, if you would like!"
Speaking to Mukluk, "Master dwarf, as you seem to be excited for this trip and claim..."
Mukluk takes a nice sip of ale while he listens to Jean, his mind filled with gidd, happy thoughts of travel.
"What did you want to talk about, Jean? I can lend you an ear," Mukluk says, earnestly listening to what Jean has to say.
"Oh yeah, sure. I'll teach you all about working a team and caravan. Heck, that sounds like fun. I'll teach you all about mules, donkeys, and asses. Before long, you'll be quite the assman," Mukluk chitters excitedly, imagining both the planned trip and then a sea voyage where he explores the wonders of the ocean.
Desna bless me, that sounds like fun.
"Now, the first thing you'll want to know is terminology," Mukluk begins to recite the family business, talking like there is no tomorrow, nor time on the road for such talk.
"Now, see here, listen to this, memorize this so you know what I'm talking about,
Mukluk counts the names on his stubby fingers, ticking them off as he goes.
"Now, your standard donkey is about 36.01″ to 48″ at the withers. We usually call them burros!...blahblah...and then jack mule mates with hinny...blahblah...sometimes you can mount them...blahblah...drunk enough...blahblah...trying not to get kicked upon dismount...blahblah..."
Mukluk blathers and talks as long as the ale flows as he is having a good time, has work and travel planned.
Corvus looks at Ameiko. "Of course I'll journey with you. Did you ever doubt it?"
She turns to Jean. "And I'd be delighted to travel with you."
Jean will try to take in all the knowledge that Mukluk is sending his way...nodding as appropriate "Ok...uh-huh...yup...that makes sense...really?...hmm...yeah..."
"Muk, when the time comes I'll just have to show you...and you will need to show me. I learn better by doing things...and nautical life is also a lot more than just terms.
But if you want some definitions I'll give you some." Jeans runs into the kitchen shouting, "I NEED SOME GRAVY, NOW!"
Coming back to the table with the dwarf, he sets his prize down.
"This is a gravy boat. Pointing at the spout, "This is the bow. Pronounced like you are leaning over towards someone respectfully, not like a loopy thing that you get from a knot." Pointing at the handle, "This is the stern, like how talks when he's not happy...I mean all the time." Stroking the left side of the gravy boat "This is the port side...like the wine. I think it is called 'port' because that is the side you are always supposed to dock on when in a harbor (which is also called a port when in a city), where the gangplank is most easily reached." Rubbing the right side, "This is the starboard side...I got nothing..."
Jean looks to Mukluk, hoping for some glimmer of understanding.
"Oh and keelhauling and hanging from the yardarm are bad...no one ever likes that. Got all of that?"
Speaking after Corvus, "Yay!" clapping enthusiastically!
"This is a gravy boat. Pointing at the spout, "This is the bow...I got nothing..."
Jean looks to Mukluk, hoping for some glimmer of understanding.
Mukluk nods and listens, knowing that he was going to have to re-learn all this stuff again. It was different than mules and horses, you understand, the different parts of boats didn't need to be fed nor feet to be shod, things seemed a bit less interesting.
And despite that the scenery doesn't change all that much (especially compared to a long caravan slog), a long voyage seemed rather confining, but something he wanted to try at some point in his life.
"Ok...uh-huh...yup...that makes sense...really?...hmm...yeah..." Mukluk nods along happily.
"Now, how do you haul keel? Is it worth a lot of money? Who buys it?"
Koya smiles at Mukluk and pats him gently on the head as he hugs her. "Oh dear Mukluk. It was nothing really. There's plenty of room. And I'll be accompanying you as well. I'm an old woman, but I've seen almost nothing of the world. I'd love to rake this chance to do so. And we may well be able to share more wonderful stories. Ultimately I should be thanking you, dearie." She takes his hand and returns the shake though somewhat less violently.
Meanwhile, with Shalelu, the elf takes the proffered compass. "This is certainly unexpected. When I saved you all those years ago, it's because there was a young man in trouble. Well, that and there were some goblins who'd yet been introduced to their fell gods. I've yet to regret my decision. Will you ever catch up with me?" Shalelu smirks as she asks the question. "Maybe, but don't expect to stay there for long." Treygan knows enough to know that this is as close as he's going to get to a thank you from the elven huntress.
Sandru laughs jovially as the group decides to join their expedition. "Yes it does appear that way, my dear Monteforte. It will be good to have your arm on our trip. Your assistance through to Magnimar was most appreciated the last time. I surmise it will be the same this time around though the trip be a bit further.". He slaps the cavalier heartily upon the back, continuing to smile as he does.
Upon Jean's request, Ameiko chuckles at the somewhat odd manner with which the man asks. "Of course you're welcome on this journey, Jean. As my dearest sister said - and yes, dear Corvus, I consider you a sister - I'd be delighted to travel with you. As I would be to travel with all of you. I know together we'll uncover the origin of this mystery."
At that time, the bells of the Rusty Dragon enter and the stern demeanor of Sheriff Belor Hemlock graces your presence. In his hand he carries a few items wrapped up in bolts of cloth. "Not taking off without a goodbye, are we?" The sheriff makes his way to the each of you and thanks you for the service done for Sandpoint, but he lingers particularly long at Corvus. "My dear girl, back then I wasn't sure you were a cause worth fighting for, but I pursued training you nonetheless. I'm glad to see that it didn't go to waste. You've come so far from the young girl I met at Old Light. Be safe on your journey, Corvus, and though I'm sure an adventurer such as yourself likely has something more valuable and useful than this, I've brought you something for your journey. I trust you remember it?" From one of the bolts of cloth, the sheriff withdraws a worn-looking rapier, scabbard and all, and hands it gently over to Corvus before nodding solemnly, giving her a brief hug, and moving to Treygan.
He keeps his voice at an audible level as he unwraps the second item, an ornate longsword with an engraving matching that upon the sheriff's armor - both a symbol of its creator and a symbol of the house it belongs to - the House of the Guard. "We're most fortunate as well to have it be Oathday or else I wouldn't allow you to leave for a week." Treygan instinctively knows the ritual soon-to-be performed, but is struck speechless that he does not follow the steps. Jokingly, Hemlock vocally nudges him. "You going to take a knee or do we have to wrestle you down?" This pushes Treygan to clear thought and he kneels as Hemlock places the sword upon Treygan's head. "Treygan Gorski, whether your blessed god looks out for us or not, I know not, but what I do know is that you do. As town sheriff, I hereby deputize you under the veil of Sandpoint law and in the presence of all witnesses herein to include a knight of the honorable Order of the Sword." At this he glances at Sir Gavin. "On this 13th day of Calistril in the 4714th year, I, Belor Hemlock, sheriff of the town of Sandpoint, grant you, Treygan Gorski, the rite of the Guardsman's Oath." He removes the blade and turns it hilt first to Treygan, proffering it to the paladin along with his new title. "If you so swear, Captain?"
Sir Gavin returns Sandrus greetings with a grin and a forearm clasp.
"Of course Milord Sandru! I am honored to be among your company again. If we can avoid that armpit of a town Riddleport, we should be alright."
At Treygan's ceremony, Gavin is proud and honored to bear witness to Treygan's ascension to his new rank.
"Allow me to give you your first salute." He said before snapping a formal salute of a knight. "Sir Treygan!"
"Of course Milord Sandru! I am honored to be among your company again. If we can avoid that armpit of a town Riddleport, we should be alright."
Putting his hand up to comment,
"I agree with 'Sir Stern A Lot', avoiding Riddleport is a good idea!"
Mukluk whoops and cheers as earn accolades, dwarf-style, pounding his fist and mug with accompanying roars.
"Order of the Sword, huh? Couldn't happen to a nicer fellow," Mukluk concurs. "What the heck does that mean, Jean? You know? Corvus? Any idea? Are they like married now? You know, I know it's okay to love your weapons," Mukluk says, patting his cold iron heavy pick, "...but it's not okay to love your weapons."
Mukluk looks around for someone to explain, plainly curious about the culture around here and amongst Sarenraens.
Whispering conspiritorilly to Mukluk "What does Order of the Sword mean? How should I know, I've been around these folks for all of 6 months, maybe...and I don't even know what is right and proper about acting around everyone. Folks are so touchy around here, so serious. Lets just smile, nod, say 'congratulations' since he looks happy about it and return to the drinking!"
A deep laugh erupts from György at Mukluk's jest."I too would join you all on this journey. I've rarely been as far north as Brinewall and it would be good to go back on the road." He blushes slightly as he adds with a glance at Ameiko, "Especially with such excellent company. I would be honored to help you get to the bottom of the mystery."
"Ignore him Master Mukluk! His opinion is useless as usual. I will instruct you in the secrets of the Order of the Sword!"
Sir Gavin guides Mukluk and Treygan to the tavern.
"First, we pick up enormous tankards of ale to thereby wet down the new knight's rank! Next, the fundamental core of the Order is at base the Code of Chivalry. Now what that means is..."
Enjoying the evening, Treygan looks on feeling glad as Corvus receives the weapon from Sheriff Hemlock. She had proved herself as much as everyone and deserved the recognition.
When he then turns to Treygan, he's more than a little shocked at what was happening. He listen's to the words, not quite believing, until he's offered the sword.
"If you so swear, Captain?"
"So I swear." He says the words, not just in response but knowing the weight they carry. Taking the blade he stands as everyone comes back into focus. "Thank you for this honor, Sheriff. It means more than I can express."
Treygan eagerly joins back into the conversation, coming up to drink with them. "This is a good evening for all. Childhood friends having grown together, friends forged in defense of home and of honor, friends about to set foot on a new journey. Let's enjoy this evening, because tomorrow brings preparation for our adventure. To friends!"
Mukluk accepts Sir Gavin's guide tour from his table up to the bar for more refreshments, only checking his coinpurse once or twice with Gavin being so close by.
"Yep...these are the kinds of rituals, I am more familiar with. But still not sure what the Order of the Guardian's Sword Oath is," Mukluk asks as he listens to Sir Gavin.
He interrupts infrequently as Gavin speaks, trying to understand the man and gain some measure for what he stands.
Mukluk will drink deep with Sir Treygan, worried about having his many 'Sirs' around him.
Jean will drink himself drunk...simply because he is happy to be accepted and because he doesn't know his limits
Corvus hugs Ameiko at her kind words but before she can speak the sheriff enters the bar and approaches her. She’s left speechless by the gift. Hemlock is a man she’s always held in the highest regard. She knows it’s the very sword that he used to dispatch those three goblins all those years ago.
She manages a smile and knows the wetness in her eyes conveys what this gift means to her.
She pulls herself out of her daze to see Treygan honoured and laughs at the banter she's come to expect from the men. She exchanges a knowing wink with Ameiko and decides to keep an eye on Jean. There's something about him that brings out the maternal instincts in her.
"Here, here Treygan! Congratulations!" György raises a glass in honor of the knight. "So, north then Mukluk. I don't think you and I ever traveled that far together along the coast. Every been past Riddleport?"
You remember little from the night before save for the camaraderie and Koya resigning herself to her wagon the night before commenting on how, "This revelry is best left to the young ones."
Just after dawn crests, Sandru gathers all of you at the Rusty Dragon for your pre-departure briefing. Sandru introduces you to a few of the others who will be traveling with you before giving you a quick rundown of the route you'll be taking. You'll start by heading across the Hinterlands to Galduria on the northern edge of Ember Lake. From there you'll follow the Lampblack River north to Wolf's Ear where you'll cut through the Churlwood and Roderic's Cove before beginning your northwest trek. You'll follow the Velashu River in between the Velashu Uplands and the Red Mountains to the Nolands until at last you reach Brinewall. "I regret to inform those of you who'd been looking forward to it that we will not be visiting Riddleport. Roderic's Cove should make for more than enough trouble for one trip." After that, he begins to run down a list of jobs he's assigned to the each of you.*
Upon completion, he leads all of you out to the caravan where you're greeted with a heroes' celebration. Most of Sandpoint has come to greet you including the sheriff, the mayor, Kendra Deverin, and several of the more prominent people living in Sandpoint. Mayor Deverin apologizes profusely for her absence citing political matters, but showers you with praise for the services done for Sandpoint. She also promises to throw you a proper celebration upon your return.
Mukluk has his stubby fingers crossed as Sandru reads off the assignments...
C'mon driver! C'mon driver!
...and cheers audibly when he is selected as such, as if that position was the plum job of the entire caravan.
Already packed, Mukluk is first out the doors to choose the 'best' cart for him to drive based on a selection criteria that makes little sense to any outside observer.
Eventually, he settles on the Fortune Teller's wagon as he like to gab and figures that the most interesting gabbing will happen around that wagon.
Jean will work to stay near the Fortune Tellers as well with Mukluk due to his relationship with the dwarf and with Koya.
György is pleased to fall back into a familiar role, that of storyteller and entertainer for the caravan. It suits his outgoing nature and the opportunity to help keep everyone's spirits up makes him quite happy. He spends time throughout the caravan, talking to everyone, but unsurprisingly he seems to spend a little more time close to Ameiko.
Sir Gavin smiles at Sandru.
"You know you are my closest friend in Avistan and I love you like a brother, BUT I am not spending this journey staring at the aft end of a dray animal getting splinters in my backside."
He glances back at Mukluk.
"No offence Master Mukluk!"
"I'll just take my usual guard position; On Sovereign I can be anywhere the caravan is attacked in seconds. I'll be far more useful that way."
Tregyan leaves early, hoping to spend some part of the evening with his parents before leaving. He stops by Rhobart's sharing a drink with him and a few quick stories of the past before wishing him well. He does the same with his parents, embracing them both and displaying with pride the sword presented by Hemlock. Heading to bed, he barely sleeps, eager for tomorrow.
In the morning, he heads to the Rusty Dragon to meet with the others. "A fine day to travel."
"No offence Master Mukluk!"
Mukluk forces a smile in return, certain that he has just dodged an arrow.
"No offense, at all. I'm sure you'll be a good guard..." ...you've certainly proven yourself capable of finding trouble.
Mukluk makes himself at home in the Fortune Tellers wagon, loading his crossbow and keeping it on the seat next to him. In a waterproof sack, his favorite book also lies within easy reach.
No better way to pass the time.
"Hey Jean! There is room up here if you don't mind having your ear talked off," Mukluk says with his usual start-of-trip excitement.
Jean will ride up next with Mukluk. During stops he will begin to attach short lengths of rope to the roof of each wagon, 1-2 lengths on each side, connected at one point and rolled along the top edge.
Nonchalantly and in passing
"So Muk, how close and steady can you drive to another wagon?"
With considerable relish, Sir Gavin assists Treygan and Corvus with the selection of appropriate mounts, saddles and other such equipment, as well as how attach everything.
He asks Sir Treygan if his mount is battle trained or not, as he has a spare set of leather horse barding (armor) to be had if it would be useful.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corvus and Ameiko visit Toshiro. News of their departure will have reached him and but for his recent ill-health, he would be accompanying them. Corvus looks to play down the excitement she’s feeling inside, hoping to make the goodbye less painful on the sensei. But, as ever, he sees through her bluff and lets them know he wishes them well. Relieved, she allows Ameiko the final goodbye with him and waits outside for her friend.
The hawk is circling overhead. ’Looks like you’re impatient to go too. Funny, I always wanted adventure – but now it’s presented, I’m scared. Not scared of what we might find. Scared of what I’m leaving behind. The marsh was as far as I’ve ever gone outside Sandpoint before. Jean and Mukluk are seasoned travellers and György is always on the move and Treygan has been on a caravan before. I alone have never flown the nest.’ She smiles at her choice of words. ’Perhaps that’s why fate sent you to me. Or me to you? Time to stretch my wings, eh?’
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corvus lets Sir Gavin lead the way to the Goblin Squash Stables. He is clearly passionate about the subject of horses and he regales her with stories and advice on the most appropriate mount, saddle and other such equipment. She pays particular attention to his instruction on how to attach everything.
Despite her typically scholarly approach to matters, when it came to pretty things, Corvus was always led by her instinct. And her gut was telling her that the bluish coloured horse, strongly built, compact and elegant with a thick mane and tail was for her. ”She’s combat trained, and as a light horse she’s perfect for you.” Daviren Hosk had run this stable for as long as she could remember. ”And like any horse, she’ll keep the goblins away.”
Corvus glanced up at the collection of goblin ears, preserved and nailed to three different rafters of the barn, each bearing the goblin’s name burned into the leathery flesh. ’Good thing Jean isn’t here,’ she thought.
”She’s roan not gray, so her coat won’t lighten with age,” Daviren continued. ’She’s called Española,’ thought Corvus, clearly not listening. The stable-owner chuckled and sorted out a military saddle for her – as well as the remainder of the tack required. He knew her riding skills were passable – she had a natural flair, notwithstanding her lack of practice, and the saddle would help her chances of remaining on the horse.
As Corvus rubbed the horse’s nose, she mused, I do hope Accipiter doesn’t get jealous.
After about an hour of preparation, Sandru's finally ready to get on the road and it couldn't come at a better time. It seems that Ameiko's been getting more antsy as the time passes and when Sandru finally announces, "Mount up!", Ameiko lets out a breath she appears to have kept drawn the entire night. "Finally, she adds. Koya speaks a few soft words to calm Ameiko's nerves before you mount up.
A few final goodbyes are exchanged and then you're underway.
Looking back as you leave Sandpoint, many of you are moved by the village's nostalgia and natural beauty. Resting in a natural cove along the cliff-lined Lost Coast and teetering on the edge of the Varisian Gulf, Sandpoint exemplifies the varied people of the land. Following the curving roads about a mile of Sandpoint takes you southeast at first towards the limestone escarpment of the Devil's Platter so named because of the fabled Sandpoint Devil abut soon curves back northeast, taking you away from the Platter and leading instead past the ragged, broken hills just to the east of Sandpoint - the Ravenroost. It has some isolated groups of trees, such as eucalyptus, pepperwood, and pines. Some wild animals live here, but nothing particularly harmful. Two or so miles outside of Sandpoint present you with a breathtaking view of the Thistle River as you approach.
You're forced to follow the Lost Coast Road for some time and onward still after it's name changes to something less memorable. Gyorgy attempts to regale the few people around him with tales of derring-do and wonderful sermons on the blessings of Desna and Ameiko does as well when your caravan isn't stopped and relaxing for the evening, allowing for Corvus, Ameiko, and Ramsay to make one of the best on-the-road meals you've had in a long time. Working hand-in-hand, Shalelu and Amarinth manage to maneuver the caravan around natural dangers that could have incapacitated the caravan for several days.
As the days tick by, Jean, much to the chagrin of some, begins to craft an ornate set of ropes and pulleys between the wagons. Koya peeks out once or twice at the swashbuckler and then out to Mukluk. "Jean has gotten a bit more vexing, hasn't he?" Sandru waves him off every time he ventures near his wagon and sends him off to the others. "Keep to your own wagon, man. Got no need to make the rigging worse here."
For Captain Treygan, he finds a new friend in Hephaestus, the gnomish wainwright hired on to the caravan. "I used to be a smithy too, you see. Always had a knack for breaking and making. Just something I picked up. Could help it. I'd just get the urge. Would you? I bet you did. Yeah, that's what got me into this gig. Wasn't a lot of armoring going on, so I made repairs and such. Got so good that I started hiring myself out. Met up with Bevelek and Vankor and they started recommending me. That's how I got here and after awhile I got hired on a bit by them. Said I was good. Oh that reminds me when..." It seems as if he goes on for days - response or no.
On the third night of travel as you begin to pass through more rural farmland, and upon bedding down, the group takes watch as normal. "We should reach Galduria shortly after midday." Sandru and Amarinth explain at supper. Ameiko, Corvus, and Ramsay seem to make the perfect trio when it comes to preparing delicious meals. Ramsay has directed the preparation of another "Five-Star Meal" as he calls it and whatever that's supposed to mean, it's hard to disagree with the quality. As you dig in, though, you're interrupted by a rumbling within the ground. Several of the other caravan members cease eating. "What in the Nine Hells is this? Ramsay cries out. "An earthquake?" Amarinth bears his answer. "Varisia isn't known for earthquakes, my dear chef. This is something else. This is..."
She's cut off by the earth around the caravan exploding outward, sending chunks of dirt and general dust into the air. When the lot of it settles, you look before you to see two bug-like monster scuttling about on six legs, drooling noxious green ichor from its clacking mandibles. Next to you, Ameiko, Sandru, and Shalelu take up arms while they push the others to the back. "You lot take the one on the left!" Ameiko orders. "We'll take this one. Bevelek, Vankor! Stay with the others!" Koya gently dusts herself off. "I'll do what I can to help as well, dearies." Amarinth keeps back with the two drivers while Ramsay, wielding a ladle and frying pan, steps up next to the group along with Hephaestus, wielding a hammer and nail. "Don't think we're all useless now." Hephaestus says. "Yeah," Ramsay adds, "Let's finish this before the food gets cold."
Gyorgy -
Jean -
Corvus -
Mukluk -
Treygan -
Sir Gavin -
Caravan -
Ankhegs -
Cook or not, Corvus knew better than to walk around unarmed. Pulling her new blade from its scabbard, she mused, 'No time for sparring to get used to you, looks like now's the time to see what you're made of.' Without so much as a practice swing, Corvus launched at the monster.
Round 1, Init 20
Mukluk rises up, drawing his cold iron pick, looking at the monster that dares interrupt them.
Know (Arcana/Nature)
"Ah...whatwegothere?"
Round 1
HP 28/28
AC 16 T8 FF14 CMD 16
F/R/W 8/4/6
Smite Evil 1/1
Lay on Hands 6/6
Effects
"We can handle this one!" Instincitively reaching for the large weapon on his back, Treygan moves towards the indicated creature, bringing the weapon down upon it.
Jean will draw his rapier as he proceeds to approach the giant bug, hoping to flank it with Corvus.
He will then try to drive his rapier between its chitinous plates looking for a sweet spot...
Attack (flanking)
to confirm a Crit Attack (flanking)
or
Attack (no flanking)
Damage (flanking)
to confirm Crit Damage Damage (flanking)
or
Damage (because it has not yet acted in initiative and is therefore flatfooted)
"I think I'll be sleeping on top of your wagon tonight Koya!"
Disgusted that the enemy would attack while he was dismounted, Sir Gavin briefly considered going to get Sovereign. He shook his head, dismissing the thought and simply snatched up his shield and mace.
"Have at thee!" He shouts as he moved to attack the creature.
for a possible crush damage.
Round 1, Init 20
Mukluk, after standing and unable to get closer safely this round, takes total defense.
"I'll get you soon you overgrown ant!"
György doesn't wait to be told twice. He draws his longspear and tries to position himself where a move by he ankheg might leave him an opening to attack. "Desna, these creatures intend to impede your faithful travelers. Grant us the strength at arms to fell them quickly."
As Ameiko and her team leap into action, so too does your party. Quick on the draw as always, Corvus moves forward to slash at the creature only to have her blade glance off the beast's chitin shell. Positioning themselves in just the right position to take advantage of the ankheg's large size and small reach, Gyorgy and Jean devise a decent flanking position for both Corvus and, by extension, themselves. Jean strikes out with his rapier, his keen eyes slipping between two of the creature's plates and finding soft flesh. As a knofe in butter, Jean's rapier finds the bug's vital point and pierces it, dealing a little extra damage to the beast in the process. As the ankheg reels back from the pain and turns it's mandibles on Jean, Mukluk narrowly avoids being trampled by going total defense and protecting his own vitals. With yet another vital blow, Treygan steps to and delivers a crushing attack with his own weapon, taking advantage of the creature's intent to maim Jean. Just as the ankheg's mandible clack around the swashbuckler, Treygan's attack tears the creatures plates off and a chunk of flesh as well. The creature convulses in throes of pain and, in the cusp of the anticlimactic battle, falls dead to the ground.
Seeing his allies deftly handle the first Ankheg, Sor Gavin turns his attention to the second, deeply wounded by the combined efforts of Ameiko, Sandru, and Shalelu. Steeling forward a few feet, Sir Gavin is thrown off by Ameiko's sudden imposition into his space, the woman unaware of his assistance. His mace crashes into her and knocks her off balance. Fortunately she remains wholly unharmed as she shoots a knowing glare at Sir Gavin. Then she returns to the fight.
Corvus was impressed by the handling of her new blade and put thoughts out of her mind that her rapier would have found the mark. Despite that, she was mindful that she was still getting used to the weight of the scimitar, so she uses her reservoir of arcane energy to aid her strike.
Simultaneously Corvus lets two bolts of magical energy loose at the giant bug.
HP 28/28
AC 16 T8 FF14 CMD 16
F/R/W 8/4/6
Smite Evil 1/1
Lay on Hands 6/6
Effects
Treygan moves around and attempts to find a spot to aid against the other creature.