Shalelu accepts the lemon. "Ydy. Wel ..." She appear to be trying to think of something else to say. Finally, she simply says, "Ydy."
After another slight pause, she adds, "Dyna pam mae'n rhaid i ni fod yn ofalus ohonynt."
** spoiler omitted **
Lio doesn't look too convinced at first; it takes her a moment of thinking about it to warm up to the idea.
"Ar dân. Amcana hynny'n golygu ddylwn i gael rhagor o lemwn."
Mel accepts the applause with a humility that is almost unnatural in a person who has just reached majority. Myriana's and Kalimac's comments in particular she responds to with a smile. However, she does seem slightly distracted, glancing at Ameiko and seeming to anticipate something other than a "Well done".
”Very nicely done,” Ameiko says quietly to Melinda. ”Especially on the quick fingering. I knew you had it in you.”
Sherriff Hemlock has been sitting in a corner, keeping an eye on the door. When Myriana addresses him, he nods. ”It’s probably about time we started getting ready anyway. Let me say a few things to the group, then you can change into something better suited to the swamp.”
The Sherriff lumbers to his feet.
“All right, folks,” he says to the room at large, ”I think we’ve got everyone we’re going to get this morning.” He turns to Shalelu. ”Shalelu, you know where your group is headed, so you can head out now. I’ll brief the others.”
Shalelu nods politely to Liothonae, breaking off her conversation, and briskly turns to face the room. ”Sandru, you take point,” the most experienced of the four seasoned adventurers says, addressing her comrades. ”Ameiko, rear guard. Koya and I will split the middle.”
”Sure, put the lovable rogue in front to soak up all the damage,” Sandru grumbles cheerfully.
”You’d rather it was me?” asks Koya. ”You’d have a whole extra six seconds of safety before they finish chewing on me.” Ameiko simply rolls her eyes at the others and gathers her gear together.
The four of them bid goodbye to their friends, and file out the door.
Sherriff Hemlock looks over the lot of you, and seems vaguely satisfied.
“In case some of you don’t already know – Brinestump Marsh may not be as large as the Mushfens down south, but it’s dense and tangled. It’s easy to get lost in the place. No one’s made a really detailed map of Brinestump – never been any need. But if anyone knows his way around in the marsh, it’d be Walthus Proudstump, the, ah ...” Sherriff Hemlock looks for words. “The warden of the swamp. Self-appointed warden. There’s a fishing trail that leads from the Lost Coast Road directly to Walthus’s shack. If you want to find out where there’s goblin activity in that part of the marsh, you all could do a lot worse than following that trail to seek out his advice.”
The Sherriff sits back down. ”Now, I don’t care if you go to Walthus directly, scout out the area first, or even ask around town to see if there’s anyone else who knows what might be going on in the swamp these days. It’s early yet. But you could be slogging through the swamp for a long time, so I’d advise you to head out before you lose too much of the daylight.”
Myriana’s gaze follows Shalelu’s back for a time, almost as if saying “Can’t I come with you?” But her ears follow the Sherriff’s words and she makes sure he is finished before asking, ”um, Mr. Hemlock sir, wouldn’t the townspeople kinda let you know if there were any goblin activity around or have they, um, just gotten used to it?
Shalelu nods politely to Liothonae, breaking off her conversation, and briskly turns to face the room. ”Sandru, you take point,” the most experienced of the four seasoned adventurers says, addressing her comrades. ”Ameiko, rear guard. Koya and I will split the middle.”...
The four of them bid goodbye to their friends, and file out the door.
Sherriff Hemlock looks over the lot of you, and seems vaguely satisfied.
“In case some of you don’t already know – Brinestump Marsh may not be as large as the Mushfens down south, but it’s dense and tangled. It’s easy to get lost in the place. No one’s made a really detailed map of Brinestump – never been any need. But if anyone knows his way around in the marsh, it’d be Walthus Proudstump, the, ah ...” Sherriff Hemlock looks for words. “The warden of the swamp. Self-appointed warden. There’s a fishing trail that leads from the Lost Coast Road directly to Walthus’s shack. If you want to find out...
Lio returns Shalelu's nod, then turns to listen to the Sherriff, her expression serious. As he speaks, she takes a quick moment to once again survey the adventurers in the room. Weapons, gear, clothing... all of these things register in her mind. Most of these people weren't dressed for slogging through a marsh. They had shiny armor and nice things. She hoped they knew what they were getting into.
She really only knew a couple of the people in the bar, and they were solid folk. For those she didn't know... if the blonde mountain of a man could fight as well as he talked, and if the short smiling man was as reliable as he was charismatic, then they would be in decent shape, she thought. She had heard of the wandering healer, and wasn't sure if she'd be up to the verbal sparring he liked to engage in. But he was a healer, and that was important.
For a brief moment, she empathized with Myriana's thoughts, but she knew that this group of people could use her skills, and Shalelu could take care of herself.
She didn't voice her opinions, at least, not yet. She liked to think things through, and watch and wait.
Sheriff Hemlock shrugs at Myriana's question. "I don't hear every rumor. I think Walthus is probably your best bet for information, but if you want to do a little asking around town, there might be a chance someone has heard something useful. Or you might just hear complete nonsense -- half the people in this town are probably convinced that the goblins have already burned down Magnimar."
Chaba dis me kishk di ba.
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Myriana smiles to herself at the Sheriff’s response. She nods to him, ”Very well, and thank you for the information.” And then to everyone and no one in particular, ”I’ll be right back.”
She makes her way quickly up the stairs, taking them two at a time & returns before too long dressed slightly more appropriately for slogging through mud and hunting goblins. A longbow is in one hand, while a quiver with a sheaf of arrows along with a seemingly very well made backpack slung across a shoulder. Her boots are perhaps a bit too short for the swamps and her studded leather armor perhaps doesn't fit quite right, but appears serviceable. Curiously, she still retains her sash around her waist.
Seeing Myriana dressed suitably for adventure, Kalimac stands up. "I suppose it is time to get ready. I need to saddle up Attatoq and get my armor on." He heads for the door of the tavern. "Shall we meet up in the town square in fifteen minutes? We can decide how to proceed on this...quest, once we're all ready."
Kalimac waits to see if everyone agrees, then exits the tavern to collect his belongings and prepare for the day ahead.
Alaric nods, downs the rest of his beer, and rises from his chair. He winces under the weight of his armor, and picks up the morningstar. To the sheriff: "I feel as though I should ask you something, but I can't think of anything to ask. I imagine I'll come up with the perfect question when goblins are using me for an impromptu anatomy lesson."
He shuffles out to the town square, humming to himself. After a moment, it's apparent that what he's attempting to hum is a mangled version of the song he just heard. Once outside, he'll find a comfortable spot in the shade and wait for his new companions.
Sheriff Hemlock steps up for a quick word with Alaric just before Alaric heads out the door, although what he says is audible to anyone who cares to listen.
"Just wanted to mention to you ..." says the Sheriff. "My understanding is that you're what they call an ethical man. We have a few of those around these parts, odd as that sometimes seems, and I listen to what everyone has to say.
"Now, there's plenty around here who say all the goblins need killin', and one or two who say all the goblins need cuddlin'. I just wanted to tell you that my only concern as Sheriff is that the attacks on travelers stop. As far as I'm concerned, you can kill 'em, disarm 'em, forge a treaty with 'em, or ..."
He pauses and regards Alaric. "Well, I supposed you're not the type who would want to set yourself up as their god, from what I hear.
"Now, my strong suspicion is that they're gonna try to cut your head off as soon as you set foot in their territory, and I'm pretty sure that attitude'll last at least as long as that lunatic Chief Gutwad is alive and in charge. My personal belief is that killing the lot of 'em is the best way to solve the problem. But I just thought I'd say ..." He shrugs. "If you find a way to handle it different, I've got no particular objection to ethics, if they work."
With that, he steps back to let Alaric continue out the door.
Alaric listens intently, then offers the sheriff a curt nod.
He then exits, pausing only once to muse: "Why Licktoad?"
Because they are tasty to lick, and yummy pickled or dried. Mel says as she carefully passes Alaric. As soon as she steps out side she sneezes twice, her eyes watering slightly as she squints against the glare. Looking back at Alaric she smiles, Goblins like pickled stuff if you want a distraction. A pause, What's an Attatoq?
"I imagine we'll find out shortly, no pun intended."
Myriana fills up her waterskin before moving to exit the Rusty Dragon, ”Lio? Care to join us or are you going to stay here a bit longer? When you’re ready, I’ll be outside.” She steps through the door and towards the small group of would be goblin hunters. She drops her slight pack, leaning against the wall and under the eaves to take advantage of the remaining shade. She seems to be lost in her own thoughts for a moment, hand reflexively touching her right hip, where it seems she expected something to be. A look of mild disappointment crosses her face, but drops in an instant. Her eyes refocus; she gives Mel a look and a smile. Her head turns in Alaric’s direction, but not necessarily directly at him. ”So, …um… while we wait, …um… out of curiosity, what brings you to these parts?”
Myriana fills up her waterskin before moving to exit the Rusty Dragon, ”Lio? Care to join us or are you going to stay here a bit longer? When you’re ready, I’ll be outside.” She steps through the door and towards the small group of would be goblin hunters. She drops her slight pack, leaning against the wall and under the eaves to take advantage of the remaining shade. She seems to be lost in her own thoughts for a moment, hand reflexively touching her right hip, where it seems she expected something to be. A look of mild disappointment crosses her face, but drops in an instant. Her eyes refocus; she gives Mel a look and a smile. Her head turns in Alaric’s direction, but not necessarily directly at him. ”So, …um… while we wait, …um… out of curiosity, what brings you to these parts?”
Lio nods at Myriana, and follows her out, her own bow slung casually over her left shoulder. She, too, puts her backpack down, and then leans against the wall in the shade. Pulling some errant locks of hair back behind an ear, and then securing the hair with a scrap of cloth so it stays out of the way, a tattoo which runs down the side of her face becomes clearly visible.
Her head turns in Alaric’s direction, but not necessarily directly at him. ”So, …um… while we wait, …um… out of curiosity, what brings you to these parts?”
Alaric considers the question carefully before answering. "The same thing that brings me anywhere else: heresy. As to what keeps me... friendly smiles, a decent stout, dances and songs from pretty girls," his voice softens a little, "and trading barbs with old women with more heart than brains. I'll stay here until the night the torches come up the road, then I'll flee to the next town. Then the one after that, until I'm too old to run."
He chuckles. "Probably more than you wanted, but less than you asked for."
Because they are tasty to lick, and yummy pickled or dried. Mel says as she carefully passes Alaric. As soon as she steps out side she sneezes twice, her eyes watering slightly as she squints against the glare. Looking back at Alaric she smiles, Goblins like pickled stuff if you want a distraction. A pause, What's an Attatoq?
Lio, amused at the comment on what Goblins enjoy for food, smiles. She agreed with Alaric, that eventually they would find out what an Attatoq was. There was no need for fretting when the answers would come in time. She does pipe in with a quick word after Melinda's sneeze "Lechyd." she says, to the tall girl.
Myriana arches an eyebrow and remarks non-committaly, ”Perhaps.” She turns to the group in general, ”By the way, sorry if I’m being obtuse, but what are these ‘fireworks’ these Licktoads have got their hands on?”
As you wait for the full group to assemble, it might be a good time to reflect on what you know about the Brinestump Marsh. All of you are aware that the Marsh is a couple of hour’s travel on foot south along the Lost Coast Road. The Marsh lies in the area between the road and Sog’s Bay, about where the road crosses the Soggy River.
Myriana takes 10 on Knowledge Geography and Nature. 16 total in each.
Lio thinks about what she knows of the area...
Knowledge Geography:
Knowledge Nature:
However, the trails usually have bridges across the many small waterways which crisscross the swamp; the waters are placid, but in a place without a bridge, everyone would have to swim.
Walthus Proudstump lives at the end of the “New Fish Trail” – despite Brinestump’s reputation, many local fishermen swear by the fine fishing in the swamp, using this trail to access the marsh’s best fishing holes. It is the northernmost of the trails through the swamp, and therefore the first one you will encounter as you travel on the road.
Even further south than that is the “Witch’s Walk”, which is said to lead to the home of Old Megus the Swamp Witch. This old swamp witch has been living in Brinestump Marsh since the foundation of Sandpoint itself. She has an unsavory reputation, and comes into town very infrequently. It’s been many months since her last visit.
Myriana leans towards Lio and whispers to her, ”Um, considering all the heavy armor, do you think we might need more rope? I don’t have any, just some line for my fish hook. Do you think they can swim? I seem to have lost my kukri on the way here, going to have to make do. Hope I don’t end up being a bother, I feel so unprepared.”
Mel waits patiently in the eave shadows for the group to assemble in adventuring attire. When Kalimac returns with his mount, she seems a little disappointed, Oh, I thought he'd be a dragon. Attatoq seemed like a good dragon name, she finishes with a wistful smile. I'm glad he's not a dog thou, goblins really, really hate dogs, and I wouldn't want such a fine looking animal unfairly abused. Of course she says this from a safe distance, since wolves can be quite dangerous.
She smiles over at Myriana and the elven stranger, I know that the Lost Coast Road starts right across the river, pointing just a short way down the street the Rusty Dragon sits on, but I don't have a clue who Walthus Proudstump is, or where the fishing trail that leads to his home is. Do either of you want to lead the way? As she completely misses the quiet comments between the two wilderness experts.
Perception
She then pulls a sheathed curved blade from her bag and with a few quick twists uses the weapon to secure her hair up and back.
Myriana looks around, ”Well, if we’re all ready?” She hefts her light pack back to her shoulder. ”Actually, you know as much as I do about Walthus Proudstump, just what we heard from the good Sheriff, but it sounds like we need to pay Mr. Proudstump a visit. … I do know that that area is supposed to be good for fishing.” Her head turns to Lio and her voice lowers an octave, ”Are you ready, dear?”
Myriana leans towards Lio and whispers to her, ”Um, considering all the heavy armor, do you think we might need more rope? I don’t have any, just some line for my fish hook. Do you think they can swim? I seem to have lost my kukri on the way here, going to have to make do. Hope I don’t end up being a bother, I feel so unprepared.”
Switching to common, Lio replies to Myriana "Only if teh brid'gs are out ag'n, but maybs tey hav rop? Can't hurt tu asck if tey can swim... you'll beh fine." She reassures her friend.
To Melinda, and the rest of the group, Lio speaks quietly, but with authority, "Aye tink teh Goblin's likely be un teh ole fish tral, but bettr to check in wit Proudstump, his e' teh firs tral wheel kom across. Goblin's mite alsa be oer by ole Megus, havn't seen teh swamp witch e' a wile. Ah know teh way, e's hard goin, gonna need ta swim mayhaps and teh tral's are o'ergrown."
”So does anyone have anything they think is important to bring up?” She looks around one more time, then starts down the trail. ”By the way”, she turns her head towards Mel. ”That is one cool hairpiece. … When this is done, do you think I can see it.” She seems to be a bit less light on her feet now that she’s encumbered with traveling gear.
She pulls the weapon from it's sheath to show Myriana, it looks like a normal, if smallish sickle. Mom's karambit? It's nothing special. But I like it when my weapons are close to hand.
Her voice drops low, hopefully low enough that only Myriana can hear her.
Stealth:
Myriana looks a little relieved, and replies in kind
Stealth:
She takes out her waterskin, takes a quick swig, swishes it around her mouth before swallowing, then hands it to Mel.
She pulls the weapon from it's sheath to show Myriana, it looks like a normal, if smallish sickle. Mom's karambit? It's nothing special. But I like it when my weapons are close to hand.
Her voice drops low, hopefully low enough that only Myriana can hear her.
Stealth: 1d20+2
** spoiler omitted **
Lio Perception:
Myriana looks a little relieved, and replies in kind
Stealth:1d20+6
** spoiler omitted **
She takes out her waterskin, takes a quick swig, swishes it around her mouth before swallowing, then hands it to Mel.
Lio perception:
The day is still a bit gray and overcast, but the temperature is a good one for traveling as early morning yields to the coming day. If everyone keeps to the pace of the slowest of those walking on foot, it will take you a couple of hours to reach the edges of the Brinestump Marsh.
Lio glances over at Myriana. Her expression is reasuring, and her tone low, although she's not whispering. "Peidiwch â bod yn wirion, ni allwn i gyd fod yn uchel, dynion yn atgas, cyhyrau chwyddo melyn super. Rydych yn berffaith y ffordd yr ydych yn. Rydych yn gyflym a thawel, a dyna'r peth pwysicaf y gallwch chi fod yn y corsydd." She looks over the group, her eyes resting on the large blonde warrior for a brief moment as she speaks to Myriana.
Kalimac appears in the town square leading a large wolf. The wolf--evidently this is "Attatoq" from Kalimac's gentle urgings to the beast--is as tall at the shoulder as Kalimac himself. Attatoq is black and gray, with large and intelligent yellow eyes. He is clad in studded leather barding, which must have been specially crafted for him. He has a saddle with bags on his back. Kalimac's weapons, including his sword and a lance, complete the outfit.
Kalimac is wearing a suit of scale mail. Unlike Alaric, Kalimac wears his armor as if he was born with it on. With a wave to the group, he springs into the saddle, and he and Attatoq join the procession.
Addressing Melinda, Lio says "Teh Sorn Karamb't not specul? If yus ay so. T'ngs du'na neeta beh mag'cul ta beh importunt toh yu. Buh ta's jus mah take on et." She thinks a moment, realizing she hasn't introduced herself to the group yet. "Ahm calld Lee'oh, teh grov sent mah ta kom 'long un help."
Kalimac appears in the town square leading a large wolf. The wolf--evidently this is "Attatoq" from Kalimac's gentle urgings to the beast--is as tall at the shoulder as Kalimac himself. Attatoq is black and gray, with large and intelligent yellow eyes. He is clad in studded leather barding, which must have been specially crafted for him. He has a saddle with bags on his back. Kalimac's weapons, including his sword and a lance, complete the outfit.
Kalimac is wearing a suit of scale mail. Unlike Alaric, Kalimac wears his armor as if he was born with it on. With a wave to the group, he springs into the saddle, and he and Attatoq join the procession.
Lio looks with interest upon the wolf. She seems to find him much more interesting than Kalimac. She doesn't approach though, because that would be rude, and she would be interesting in talking with the impressive animal, but has come to the realization that she hasn't prepared the right spells for the day at all.
Addressing Melinda, Lio says "Teh Sorn Karamb't not specul? If yus ay so. T'ngs du'na neeta beh mag'cul ta beh importunt toh yu. Buh ta's jus mah take on et." She thinks a moment, realizing she hasn't introduced herself to the group yet. "Ahm calld Lee'oh, teh grov sent mah ta kom 'long un help."
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Lio. And pardon my manners. I am Kalimac Proudfoot. Kalimac to my friends." He reaches up to scratch Attatoq behind the ears. "And this fine fellow is Attatoq.
Noticing Lio's interest in Attatoq, he says, "If you wish to speak with him or scratch his ears, don't be shy. He's quite friendly and well behaved. Outside of battle, that is."
Mel stops suddenly, You're right Ms. Lio, and I didn't mean to disparage mom's weapon. She smiles, Perhaps I should have said that its not a unique weapon, just one of the few that I can use.
She takes the waterskin from Myriana and carefully stows it in her bag, despite the disgruntled meow from within.
Lio glances over at Myriana. Her expression is reasuring, and her tone low, although she's not whispering. "Peidiwch â bod yn wirion, ni allwn i gyd fod yn uchel, dynion yn atgas, cyhyrau chwyddo melyn super. Rydych yn berffaith y ffordd yr ydych yn. Rydych yn gyflym a thawel, a dyna'r peth pwysicaf y gallwch chi fod yn y corsydd." She looks over the group, her eyes resting on the large blonde warrior for a brief moment as she speaks to Myriana.
At Lio’s words, Myriana visibly starts and the blood rushes to her cheeks. ” Rwy'n ... Doeddwn i ddim yn golygu ei bod ffordd,” she glance apologetically at Hrunndalf, ” Shay dim ond yn dweud y dylwn i fod yn ddibynnol hun dyna i gyd. Rwy'n gwybod fy mod angen i wella ...., Ond diolch i chi. Yr wyf yn golygu ei fod, mewn gwirionedd, diolch.”
During the early part of the journey Myriana makes a point to drop back and after a confirming glance at Kalimac tries to make nice with Attatoq, scratching the ruff of his neck and around his ears. ” Rydych chi nad yw un anifail yr ydych yn hardd, fachgen mawr?”
Wild Empathy:
Alaric nods. "Pleasure to meet you, Lio."
A smile and a salute to Kalimac.
And the Knowledge (Geography) roll
Myriana keeps her eyes open on the off chance there may be something to supplement her/there rations along the way:
Survival:
And for the opening of the “New Fish Trail’ if it happens to be slightly overgrown or hidden once she thinks they're getting close:
Perception:
Or Survival:
Realistically, she is not much concerned about a trap or ambush, but on the off-chance:
Perception:
Myriana makes a good point. If the goblins are feeling strong from their fireworks, you never know if we might run into them earlier than we thought.
Accordingly, keeping an eye out for goblin shenanigans.
Perception:
Lio wonders if she should offer to shake hands with Kalimac and Alaric, as people in town often did when meeting each other. She thinks about it long enough, that it becomes a moot point. Disregarding her own advice, she begins to wonder about her adventuring companions. Clearly everyone in this group was worldly, well traveled, or at least well schooled, and would thus know all sorts of interesting things. She wondered if anyone had brought scrolls or books to read. She had read the few books that she could get her hands on repeatedly. "Mayhap weh cud plan ah strateg'e now th't teh marsh e' clos?"
In addition to her question, Lio walks along with the group, sometimes ranging just a little ahead, to keep a look out for trouble, and when things look safe, she drops back to introduce herself to the wolf.
Handle Animal
Survival for trapezing through the wilderness
Knowledge Nature
also, Perception
The group is a alert and watchful as they travel, but there appears to be no goblin or other threatening activity along the Lost Coast Road today.
Myriana keeps a sharp eye out for game and edible plants along the way. This slows down the group slightly, adding an extra hour to your journey. However, thanks to her skill with a bow and a few wild rabbits, and the fortuitous discovery of a blackberry patch, she is able to find enough food to feed a total of six people for the day.
Once she's convinced that travel will be uneventful, Lio is happy to see if she can add to the food supply. Rations really aren't that tasty, after all.
Survival