Eadric nocks another arrow but lowers his bow. Why don't you go give Imiria's new "dog" a pat on the head for a job well done then? I'll wait here while you do, with my bow at the ready, just in case.
I can't wait to see the looks at Oleg's when Imiria shows up with her new pet... should make us very popular with the locals.
"You big meanie of course they get hungry, and eat anything full of flavor, it is no wonder you are still around I am sure you taste terrible!
Imiria hands an item to Ellaria.
Ring of faether falling
"I no longer need this I can do it without it!"
I'll take that as a compliment I guess?
Ok... ok... ok... I call truce! We are wasting time and accomplishing nothing. Should we search the bandits and attempt to glean some useful information. Perhaps we can determine where these bandits were camped?
Is it possible the Thorn River bandit camp is active again?
"Good idea." Torod crosses over to the bandits and the deceased tatzlewurm.
Then let's continue with the plan, go back to Oleg's by way of the temple.
Ellaria watches the argument, listening to everyone but not saying anything. She is a bit surprised when Imiria suddenly gives her a ring, and thanks her for doing so before starting to walk towards the temple.
Obi follows Ellaria, occasionally giving his pony a pat for putting up with everything.
Eadric stows his bow and mounts up to follow the others to the temple, shield and lance in hand.
Torod does not respond to Jhod's question on their explorations.
"Having Garrick take the head back is a wonderful idea. I'd rather be out walking the land. Torod says. "We'll look for these kobolds and see to the threat they pose.
Eadric is similarly happy to see Jhod and returns his hearty greeting. He humbly accepts Jhod's divine blessings to repair the "minor fleshwound" he received from the "cowardly bandits" that ambushed them at the Tatzlwyrm's lair.
Eadric inquires of Jhod if he has heard any rumblings about the Thorn River bandit camp be active again.
Eadric expresses his frustrations at the slow progress the exploring has ground to lately, blaming the difficulties of navigating past the multiple rivers in the area.
Upon hearing of the Swordlord's bounty, Eadric asks Jhod if any other news from Brevoy has been passed along. He likewise asks how things are at Oleg's.
Eadric pens a letter to his mother and asks Imiria if she will see it sent to Restov with a travelling merchant, once she returns to Oleg's. (The letter contains little more than reassurances of Eadric's continued good health and safety, a little light hearted banter about his companions and his pride in the job that he, and they, are doing in the Greenbelt.)
Make sure you keep Garric out of trouble Imiria... Eadric adds with a smile.
Eadric scratches his chin thoughtfully at the mention of the kobolds, Perhaps we need to return to the patch and have a talk with our scaly friends...
1.Suppressing banditry in the Greenbelt. (partially)
2.Acquire Tatzlwyrm head for Oleg.
3.Eliminate Tuskgutter.
4.Fetch Moon Radishes foe Svetlana's soup.
1.Fangberries for Bokken.(?)
2.Find Svetlana's wedding ring. (See mites below)
3.Investigate the increased kobold activity.
4.Something about mites running amok.(?)
5.Continued suppression of banditry and defeat/capture of bandit leader (aka the Stag Lord).
6.Other?
Obi greets both Jhod and the new initiate warmly, quite an accomplishment for someone who is still a bit shy. He let's others explain what has happened while he goes to sit by the water and play his flute.
In a burst on inspiration, Obi begins to create music like he never has before. Everyone who can hear feels a warmth, at once both calm and exciting, growing inside of them. The notes floating through the air start out like a candle's flame, calm and light, but as the song continues they soon erupt like a volcano into a a crescendo of beautiful raw power, like the strength of Mother Nature herself put into song!
Eadric thoroughly enjoys Obi's performance. Brilliantly played my friend! Your talent is astounding!
Afterwards, Eadric studies the exploration maps and formulates a plan. He proposes that the Wardens check in on the Thorn River bandit camp for recent activity before heading down river to the rickety bridge. From there he suggests exploring east towards the large oak tree spotted earlier OR heading west and mapping the area between the bridge and the Tatzlwyrm's den.
Pondering the map further, he suggests east first and then swinging south and returning on a westerly tract back to the wyrm's den.
Eadric looks to the others for agreement...
Torod is fine with that.
Ellaria sits down and seems inspired by Obi's music. As he finishes, she claps her hands enthusiastically and thanks him for his excellent play so far in the wilderness. After thinking a bit more, she adds: "Your music reminds me of my home... I'd be grateful if you could play more often".
Ellaria agrees to Eadric's plan.
Obi is caught off-guard by the praise, and his normally pale face reddens.
"I.. I don't know what came over me... It was like the music was just there, and I grabbed it and.."
"If it really reminds you of your home, I'll try to play more often." He says quietly.
Eadric guides his horse in the direction of the tree...
Eadric, as is usual when he is out exploring, is riding along with his shield and lance in hand.
Eadric continues approaching the tree in hopes of using its shade as a nice place to stop for a rest and maybe take in a quick lunch.
Ellaria moves closer to the tree's huge roots and examines them.
Eadric munches happily on his lunch...
Perception
Torod walks around the tree feeling it's age. He extends his perceptions to see the tree's impact in ever broadening circles. He knows that he must remember this location. As he brings his senses back in, Torod takes note of something... "Friends, there is a tunnel here."
Does it seem to be animal or man made?
Survival
Eadric stuffs the last of his lunch into his mouth and scrambles to his feet to join Torod. Drawing his longsword as he peers over Torod's shoulder, he mumbles through his mouthful, Any ideas as to what is in there?
"It's easy enough to find out." Obi says. Taking out a copper piece, he rubs it with his thumb until it glows with a soft light. Then he tosses it into the tunnel.
Eadric watches the coin fall...
Well, I guess if there is something down there, it probably knows we are here now...
Ellaria looks into the tunnel while listening for anything unusual.
Well? Shall we climb down and see who or what is home?
Perception 1d20+11
Torod walks around the tree feeling it's age. He extends his perceptions to see the tree's impact in ever broadening circles. He knows that he must remember this location. As he brings his senses back in, Torod takes note of something... "Friends, there is a tunnel here."
Does it seem to be animal or man made?
Survival 1d20+14
????
Ellaria joins Eadric and starts climbing down the tunnel to the first intersection. Although the cave is very dark, she quickly realizes it is quite big. As she descends down the first slope, she glances at both passages and quietly says: "Both of them seem the same. Let's go left first".
Perhaps you could cast that light upon my sword, Obi?
I hate to announce our arrival and give away our position to whatever lurks beneath this tree, but I see no other way...
Eadric retrieves a length of rope from his horse and ties one end to a sturdy anchor point (ie root or branch). He then ties a series of knots in the rope before lowering the other end into the hole.
That should hopefully make it easier to get in, and easier to get out quickly if that should prove desirable!
Before grabbing hold of the rope, and descending into the ground, Eadric calls out to Selaes in elven, Kes!
Eadric thens climbs down the shaft into the tunnel below along with Ellaria.
Left it is then...
Eadric waves his glowing sword about, attempting his best to pierce the darkness.
Upon spying the mounds, Eadric whispers quizzically, Um... Torod? Any ideas what these are?
Torod gives Eadric a look as if to say 'What? You don't know what those are? "Yes they are insect eggs."
Torod keeps a light spell active as well.
"So there are really big bugs in here?" Obi asks as he goes over to a mound to get a better look at the eggs.
Eadric nudges one of the eggs with the flat of his sword, What kind of insects? Anything dangerous? Like perhaps whiptail centipedes? Eadric's hand reflexively touches his knee as he remembers the powerful bite he received there a short time ago.
Do they have any value? Or should we destroy them before they become a menace?
Eadric glances about, noting this chambers proximity to the entrance, before continuing, It seems an odd choice to put ones offspring in such a vulnerable place. I assume that whatever laid these eggs did so at the direction of another species? Anyone have any knowledge of who or what might keep bugs as pets?
"Planning to put your sword to work again so soon, Eadric?"" Obi says as he runs a finger over one egg, feeling it's texture.
Eadric responds over his shoulder to Obi, not taking his eyes off of the tunnels ahead, If it proves... necessary...
"There you go not killing everything you can find again."
"Things could get cramped if a fight starts. Careful where you swing that blade." Obi continues to examine the eggs, amazed that something as big as what bit Eadrc so long ago could grow from something so small. He even goes so far as to pick one up so he could see it in better light.
"I'll do my best to make sure I only hit the bugs when I start flailing about..."
As Eadric sees Obi pick up and examine the egg, a small shiver runs up his spine. "I'd be careful with that... you might make its momma angry," Eadric quips dryly.
Eadric's poor attempt at humor causes him to pause and consider. One word repeats over and over in his mind. Momma... Momma...
Eadric's eyes dart back and forth, searching the darkness, while he whispers in a frantic tone, "Why is this chamber unprotected?! Surly something watches over the eggs! This is not good! We need to be on guard! I knew the light would give us away!"