Rillka is busy taking compass readings, measuring the distance to the horizon and taking notes in her journal so she can accurately add this spot to the map. She listens to the tall folk make introductions as Andreas rolls up.
:: Pharast 22 - Early Afternoon - Somewhere in the Stolen Lands ::
"I am perfectly fine." Bokken says to Andreas. Turning to Zade Bokken says, "It's easier here. Fewer people. And it's easier to grow my plants." Bokken gestures at the garden as he speaks.
"If you like, I have a few healing potions for sale. And can make quite a few different potions if you have a request. It will cost of course."
Looking at everyone as the man talks of selling potions.
It would be nice to have something readily available instead of waiting on supplies to come in to the outpost...What do you think?
"Abadar smiles on our opportunity to establish a mutually-beneficial partnership! No doubt this will have a positive effect on market forces. Perhaps we could invest in a potion of invisibility to aid us in our upcoming activites?
"Should you ever need aid, please get word to Oleg's Trading Post. Are you familiar with it?"
"Bokken, my friend, I believe this is the start of a mutually beneficial relationship.
But tell us, are there any herbs you require but have not been able to find? Fishweed? Fang berries? Moon radishes? I've got a keen eye and can keep an eye out for you, and perhaps we can engage in some barter? Raw materials for basic potions?"
And I don’t mean to talk your ear off, you’re clearly a man who likes his privacy, but can you tell us of any other points of interest in the area? Or other dangers to look out for, like the mites we slew on your behalf?”
:: Pharast 22 - Early Afternoon - Somewhere in the Stolen Lands ::
"Yes. Yes. Business is good. I will do business with you." Bokken replies to the group in general as they discuss buying potions. "I am familiar with Oleg's. Send people here for potions sometimes."
Bokken thinks on it a moment before replying to Roke, "If you could bring me fangberries. A pound of them. I will give you a discount for a week!"
"As for land marks, there is the Shrike river to the south. And the Thorn river to the south west. I try not to stray too much. Not like my damned brother." Bokken holds up his hand, showing that he's missing a pinky finger. “Bastard cut that offa me the last time he hit my mother, Desna rest her soul. But he took off right after to live in a hollow tree down south rather than face the guards, so I guess it all worked out well enough.”
Your brother beat your mother, cut off your finger and lives in a hollow tree... please, tell us more dear Bokken! Who is this brother, and should we encounter him, what do you will for him? Rillka can't help but pop up at that introduction. That is just too interesting not to learn more!
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"Ha! Family can indeed be a pain in the ass!" Roke gives Zade a sly wink, and then leans in to hear Bokken's tale, if he's willing to tell it.
:: Pharast 22 - Early Afternoon - Somewhere in the Stolen Lands ::
"Well, he's a scoundrel. Doesn't deserve much mercy in my eyes." Bokken says, "You do with him what you will. But the stories my own."
"Let is continue our explorations. Bokken, it was a pleasure, and you can be sure to see my beautiful face, along with these miscreants, sometime soon."
To Sir Andreas:"Lead the way!"
Before we depart Master Bokken, is there anything that we can do for you...besides the Fangberries which I think Roke will have a good idea how to find such items. Your brother...is there anything we should be made aware of. How will we know who he is if we should meet him while exploring?
When everyone has finished...
Let us finish exploring this area before moving on...everyone ok with that?
As they start to ride away...
Please someone remind me to get another horse for the wagon. Having Daisey hooked up is fine and all but when I need her...I am wasting time unhooking her from the wagon. I was lucky this time but we might not be so lucky the next. That or we bring pack animals instead of hte wagon...more feed though...
Rillka frowns at hearing that Bokken will not share his tale, but understands that it is his story to tell or not as he chooses. She nods in acknowledgment and does not press further, although it must be a most interesting story.
As they are preparing to leave, Rillka responds to Andreas,
If you transfer my packs to the wagon, you could use Chetak until you acquire a draft horse for the wagon. Of course, that would limit the amount the wagon could otherwise carry, but at least you would be free to go charging off to your death unfettered.
Andreas looks around at his companions.
I failed to anticipate the possibility that I might not have the time needed to remove my own horse from the wagon in a combat situation. I should have seen that tangent...I need...I will be more thorough in the future.
Taking a look down at Rilka...
You are offer is generous and much appreciated but I think we should try to keep at least some of our supplies spread out...Just in case we run into another godly bear that drive off with all our wagon and all our supplies.
Nodding towards Gird
I think Gird has the right of it. Any horse would do fine in pulling a wagon but not all horses are trained in combat or have a connection that Daisey and I have. Judging from what we have encountered so far...We just might need that training a little more than I thought.
He motions for gird to stop and he starts unhitching his horse and re-hitching the wagon to Gird's horse. Once all this is done, Andreas continues on with the exploration.
Thank you Gird for the suggestion and you as well Rilka. I think we have solved the problem for now. Once we get back to Olegs, I will look into purchasing another horse for the wagon. We all should be ready to abandon the wagon if the need should arise but I think for now we should be fine.
"We can rotate the horses as well, so they don't get tired. This mare here would be happy to take a turn."
Kazmuk smiles as the others offer their horses. "Ha, sadly I can not offerr Magda... the poorr fing alrready has to carrry all o' me and me equipment and that is a lot! Specially the ME parrt..." He says, gesturing for his belly. "Neverrtheless, ve continue, rright? So let's not vaste the sun ve still have. I can walk even beforre it is darrk, but therre is no sense in doing so if ya arre going to be blind."
Yes, we should always take care of those that take care of us. We would be walking a lot of miles if not for our mounts. They deserve our best effort at taking care of them.
Master Bokken, If you are willing to part with them...I think we could use some healing potions. How many do you have available? Do you have an potion of Invisibility available for purchase? That may be too much for us but as my companion has stated, it might come in handy?
:: Pharast 22 - Early Afternoon - Bokken's Hut ::
"I have two potions of cure light wounds, and a potion of cure moderate wounds. They're 50 gp or 400 gp respectively." Bokken says, "The potion of invisibility would be 400 gp, but it will take a few days."
.
After dealing with Bokken, the group heads out to continue exploring. The remainder of the evening passes uneventfully, with camp being easy to setup and the nights watches peaceful.
.
:: Pharast 23 - Morning - Out on the Plains ::
Morning comes and the group packs up and continues exploring. By noon, you are certain that there is little else in the area to look at or find.
"Rillka, you are the mapmaker, where should we head?"
The potions of Cure Light would be most appreciated. I thank you. These will help us greatly in the coming days. I am afraid that the other potion will have to wait as we do not know when we will back this way and as of now I do not have the coin for it...
He turns to the others as Roke speaks of the mapmaker Rillka.
I still think using the Shrike river as a natural border and working our way south and south west down is the best way. We can ride back to Oleg's Out Post as we need to. What does everyone think?
:: Pharast 23 - Afternoon - Out on the Plains ::
Continuing your exploration southeast you wander through the grasslands, looking for new sites. By evening you have moved into wholly new territory.
As you set about making camp for the night, before twilight truly begins, you see a massive figure shambling through the grass towards you. After a moment you recognize it as a grizzly bear. As everyone comes over to see it, you realize the bear is walking alongside a human. The two continue to approach you camp before stopping about 100 ft out.
"Hallo the camp. Might we come in and enjoy your company for a time?" the man shouts to your group.
Cupping his hands around his mouth to project his voice better, Roke bellows:"Greetings! Who is your majestic companion? Does he like trail rations or horse feed? We have plenty of both. Come join our fire."
Rillka would have told Roke that she simply maps where the tall folk go, and she cares not what direction it is as long as it is someplace new.
She would also speak to Kazmuk as they travel, Forgemaster, I was wondering, if, once I find a suitable source of material, if you would be willing to forge me a symbol of the Sky Father, I ask not knowing if the Forge Father would object to your doing so, and if that is the case, I meant no offense. I simply meant to honor both.
Later as the bear approaches and Gird takes a cautious step back, Rillka will appear at his side, Does he look familiar to you...
Andreas stands and places himself in front of the supply wagon. He was not about to let a bear take anymore items without a fight.
Good evening to you good sir. Come forward and be recognized, shouting across the fields can draw unwanted attention.
Giving a slight no to the party to be ready for anything, Andreas steps forward a few steps.
His words are calm and neutral in tone. He does not show offense to the man and his pet. The knight is trying to figure out what the man is doing out here without being aggressive.
:: Pharast 23 - Afternoon - Out on the Plains ::
The man and bear walk forward, coming to your camp. The bear goes and starts sniffing around the wagon and the horses.
"That is Dagai." The man answers Roke, gesturing to the bear."And I am Nareth. He prefers horse, but will leave yours alone. We've no need of food currently, thank you though."
Settling in around the fire, Nareth comments to Andreas, "There's little attention out here I would care about drawing. What is you little group here doing out on the plains?"
Andreas lets his eyebrow raise a bit at the words directed towards him.
...but we might not want the attention...
Looking from the bear to the lone wolf man known as Nareth, Andreas keeps his words polite and cordial.
Come join our fire Nareth, as to what we are doing out here on the plains...we are explorers wanting to map the area. What brings you out onto the plains?
Kazmuk keeps his distance from the bear and watches the newcomer with attention and suspicion. "And vhat arre ya doing herre, misterr Narref?"
:: Pharast 23 - Dusk - Out on the Plains ::
Nareth laughs at your mention of mapping the area. "So, you are another set of fools come to map the area. Well, I won't tell you its a waste of time. Many groups like yourselves have died out here. Its easy now but wait until winter." Nareth takes a moment and looks over at Dagai, who seems to be happily sniffing pretty much everything. "As for why we are here. It is where we live. There are a few of us who wander the area you call the Stolen Lands. Some of us even go so far as to protect it from harm."
As Nareth finishes his sentence, Dagai lets out a roar of agreement. The horses startle, but otherwise seem okay. Dagai decides to give the horses some space and wanders to the other side of camp where he flops onto his side.
"It's good to meet you! Although we are spending quite a bit of time surveying the area, we'd love for these lands to be a safe and productive place. My compatriots have cleared some dangers, and we're working on the bandit problem."
Zade is interested in the hunter's story, and wants to impress the visitor with his good intentions.
Rillka moves from behind Gird and walks over to the now prone Dagai. She gives him a close look, staring at him for a moment.
Its not him, but keep an eye on him. I am not feeding any more bears. Rillka says loudly, but to no one is particular. She then whirls on Nareth. Well, if you are so smart, why don't you make yourself useful and enlighten us little fools as to what lies out here in the Stolen Lands. Rillka lays out the map before him. Either he shuts up or says something useful - either way, its a win.
:: Pharast 23 - Dusk - Out on the Plains ::
Nareth looks at Zade as he talks to him. "These lands are already plenty safe for those worthy of them. And as productive as they need to be. As for the bandits, I'm glad to be rid of them, but if you're only going to replace them with villages I don't see much of an improvement." Nareth's voice is good natured, but he doesn't seem overly impressed with either you progress or ambitions.
When Rillka is finished, Nareth grins ans speaks to her, "I'd be happy to." you all notice his teeth are both pointed and serrated as he grins. "There's a lot of grass, trees, and water out here. And a whole forest to the west."
Nareth sits in silence for a moment, before chuckling and continuing, "You probably want something more useful though. Well I think we can help each other out if you've something to trade for my information."
Rillka looks him in the eyes, smiles as she rolls up the map and nods politely.
Nope. is all she says as she heads to her tent.
"As productive as they need to be?!" But look at these tracts of land! So many under-utilized resources.
Zade doesn't quite know what to make of the visitor's attitude, but he doesn't want to be rude.
"Erm...It is very...picturesque."
Roke heads over to Dagai and give him some scratches around the ears, if he'll allow it.
Watching and listening to group speak, Andreas keeps quiet for a long time. Hoping to not stop on the words of the others, the young knight decides to simply nod and watch...waiting to see how this man reacts to the exchange of his companions. He does not make any hostile moves but is relaxed knowing that his weapon is within reach. His eyes roam from the man to the bear and all the spaces in between. His mind starts to formulate all sorts of plans if this goes south.
:: Pharast 23 - Dusk - Out on the Plains ::
At Rillka's response, Nareth shrugs and smiles, then turns his gaze to the fire.
As Roke starts to scratch Dagai, the bear lets out a startled groan, standing up on his hind legs faster than it seems possible, his groan growing into more of a roar of complaint.
As Dagai stands, it seems like some of his fur begins to retract, his face becomes shallower as the nose flattens, and his shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows all change slightly.
Nareth begins laughing, "You've done it now. He's gonna chew your ear off!"
As Nareth finishes his sentence, Dagai finishes his change. Before Roke now stands a near nine foot tall man-creature, half-bear and half-human.
Dagai roars, his face one of disbelief as he looks at Roke. "If I were a real bear you'd be happy to be alive right now!"
Zade falls over, laughing at his brother's mishaps, and narrowly avoids rolling into the campfire.
Remaining calm, Andrea's watches the creature that stands before him.
perhaps we all can step away from each other and try to regain some sense of civility...
He does not address anyone person and his words are such that they are meant to disarm the tense situation.
Roke falls back onto his posterior in surprise. He was certain the beast had just sat down and was not yet asleep - he's no fool and knows the beasts of the forest better than most. At first embarrassed by his mistake, it quickly to turns to laughter that harmonizes with Zade's.
"That's quite a trick, friend! You'll have to teach me how you do that! But for now, go back to sleep by the warmth of our fire, and I promise no more scratches, unless you ask for them."
In case you want it, GM:
:: Pharast 23 - Dusk - Out on the Plains ::
"I've no problem with that." Dagai replies to Andreas. Turning to Roke he says, "This isn't something you want."
Dagai settles down where he was originally. As he lays on his side he resumes his bear form, his breath wuffling as he falls asleep.
"He likes it less than most. It's least painful for him in bear form, so he tries to stay there and embrace it." Nareth's voice has a forlorn note to it as he speaks.
Being well learned in the realities of the wilds, Roke realizes that these two men are werebears. They seem to have a remarkable amount of control over themselves, but if they happen to be afflicted lycanthropes with plenty of practice they will still lose most of their control during the full moon. If they are natural lycans they will remain in control at all times.
Kazmuk joins Zade in his laughter, but taking care not to get to close to any of the two man. "Forr The Fatherr... I thought all o' ya have alrready hearrd abou' the poking a bearr vith a shorrt stick saying..."
Roke's demeanor changes when he realizes what Nareth is saying.
"Nareth, I did not mean to make light of your . . . condition. Some masters of the wild are able to change shape at will, and I mistook you for those. Is this an affliction we might be able to aid you in removing?"