Rhasa and Lothar continue to watch from the trail.
Lothar:
Rhasa stands near the others where she'd stopped when Gorguk led them over to the radish patch. Eyebrow raised, she watches Lothar lead his mule back to the trail. With a smile and a shrug of her slim shoulders, she says, "I will wait with Lothar."
With that, she leads Sunset (and the cart) back to the trail where the Vudrani patiently waits with his mule.
Lothar:
** spoiler omitted **
Lothar listened to the elf's words and seemed very thoughtful. If only that had been always true. He then leveled a stern gaze upon Rhasadilara that was soon broken by a warm smile, the first he'd had in sometime. This humble one walks a path that most people cannot begin to comprehend. You may yet prove to be an exception to this. This we shall discover together in time.
Rhasa and Lothar continue to watch from the trail.
Lothar:
** spoiler omitted **
Lothar shrugged. Dragons can be civilized too. That doesn't make them any less dangerous. That they managed to land on the upside of this exchange is no small thing. For it is as my mentor once said, ' "When the tiger shows its fangs, it isn't because its smiling." ' Wise words that this humble one carries with him in all dealings. Few of us are what we truly seem to be.
"Well it sounds like they are in no danger of dying from their present affliction, so I believe that we can safely let them be. If they are willing to trade then perhaps a relationship with them can begin in this way."
"Although Lothar's words of caution are wise indeed, if we come here treating every person or creature as an enemy and take this land through force, then we are no better then the Staglord and his bandits."
"While we don't have to be best friends with everyone in this land, we have no need to be driving everyone from this land, only those that would fight against our purpose. As we have seen already, not everyone is against what we are doing.
With that Calinder moves back to his horse and heads back to the trail where Lothar and Rhasadilara are waiting.
Once the others turn away
Will heal the kobold and leave with 9 radishes and payment of 9 silver
Lothar shrugged. Dragons can be civilized too. That doesn't make them any less dangerous. That they managed to land on the upside of this exchange is no small thing. For it is as my mentor once said, ' "When the tiger shows its fangs, it isn't because its smiling." ' Wise words that this humble one carries with him in all dealings. Few of us are what we truly seem to be.
Still watching the others as they conduct business and leave the kobolds to their indigestion, "You give these too much credit. Dragons, though solitary and powerful, or because they are, can be civilized or bestial as they choose. These, though, despite their claim of bloodline, are far more likely to behave as vermin. I've not heard them behave in any other way. I've learned something today."
With a sideways glance at the Vudrani, she adds, "Know this - civilized or not, if they threaten one of us, I will do my best to neutralize that threat. I lost one group of companions to depredations, I choose not to do so again." Despite her choice of words, she is relaxed and speaking in a conversational tone. She doesn't appear to hold any animosity against the creatures.
Lothar shrugged. Dragons can be civilized too. That doesn't make them any less dangerous. That they managed to land on the upside of this exchange is no small thing. For it is as my mentor once said, ' "When the tiger shows its fangs, it isn't because its smiling." ' Wise words that this humble one carries with him in all dealings. Few of us are what we truly seem to be.Still watching the others as they conduct business and leave the kobolds to their indigestion, "You give these too much credit. Dragons, though solitary and powerful, or because they are, can be civilized or bestial as they choose. These, though, despite their claim of bloodline, are far more likely to behave as vermin. I've not heard them behave in any other way. I've learned something today."
With a sideways glance at the Vudrani, she adds, "Know this - civilized or not, if they threaten one of us, I will do my best to neutralize that threat. I lost one group of companions to depredations, I choose not to do so again." Despite her choice of words, she is relaxed and speaking in a conversational tone. She doesn't appear to hold any animosity against the creatures.
Lothar nodded as he regarded his partner, then turned back to watching the others as they made their way back to the trail. As will I, Rhasadilara. As will I.
Back to Oleg's then?
Rhasa knows of no reason not to continue to the trek back to Oleg's.
"On to Oleg's!"
Back to Oleg's then?
works for me for now. Can someone map where this location is so that we may return later if we need to.
Once everyone is back on the trail, Calinder climbs onto his horse and says, "I'm ready to continue on to Oleg's."
I will leave the story telling to Lothar and Barnabus. Hello Vekkel, my name is Gorguk Tsadok. What are you doing here at this fine establishment? If I may be of service to you while I am here please let me know, for we are here to aid those that live in the Stolenlands by ridding the area of bandits and make this a peaceful area for people to live.
Rhaasa greets the old man with a nod of her head, but says nothing. After listening to his story, she says, "And where would one find this headcheese-on-the-hoof?"
"I have good news look moon radishes! I am sure you can establish a garden with this root stock and maybe even cook a few if you want!"
"Purchased from kobolds at great cost!
Rhasa will concentrate on caring for the animals while they are at Oleg's, sleeping in the stable and pretty much staying out of the main building except to eat or clean up -- unless specifically invited otherwise, of course. She's not wanting to be rude, she's just more comfortable outside.
I will leave the story telling to Lothar and Barnabus. Hello Vekkel, my name is Gorguk Tsadok. What are you doing here at this fine establishment? If I may be of service to you while I am here please let me know, for we are here to aid those that live in the Stolenlands by ridding the area of bandits and make this a peaceful area for people to live.
"Tha must be some kinda pig out there inna wilds yah know anything bout where he might be found?"
"Wha kinda arrows yah got tha is so special?"
(aside to Dyfrig)
"What dangers did tha bandits knows about? You know about this durn big pig he's talkin bout?"
Rhasa, please come and join us. We will make room so you don't have to sleep in teh stable. I felt the same myslef when we first arrived here and was forced to change my mind as well. Maybe with all of us here, we can help Oleg to expand his guest quarters to accomodate all of us easily. If we attach the outer wall to the guest house that should give us enough room for the fifth bed.
Vekkel, I appreciate the offer of the ale but graciously decline. A clear water is good enough for me. Maybe when there is less to do and less to worry about, then I will take you up on the offer. Does your daughter live nearby? If so I am sure that we can send her some correspondance to let her know how you fare. Where is this Tuskgutter that you ran into. If we can find him and prevent any more injuries, we would be glad to do so.
"Good to meet ya, Gorguk Tsadok. Have an ale." says Vekkel. "I useta hunt this area, and trade hides and meat, often through Oleg here or sometimes further afield... then this darn pig got the better of me, vast beast known hereabouts as Tuskgutter, all tusks and bristles he is, gored me he did and I lost my leg to the damage, although I got to some clerics they couldna save it. So's I've been at my daughter's place recovering, like, but thought I'd come back, sees what I can still do. Not hunting no more, but maybe trading... if ya sees any hunters, tell 'em I'd be interested if they've a mind to bring hides, furs, cured meat... perhaps I'll set up to do curing hereabouts, if Oleg doesna mind a neighbour...
"And if anyone brings me Tuskgutter's head, well, I'd be that delighted he were no more, I'd gift them my best longbow and some fine bone arrows to go with it. And share the headcheese I'll make of him... he may have my leg, but I'll eat his head and count us all square. You like headcheese?"
Lothar listened to Vekkel's offer to bring down Tuskgutter, which he assumed was a rather large boar. He thought that the group should take the one-legged hunter up on his request and was pleased when both Gorguk and Rhasadilara's interests were piqued. The magician looked at this from several different angles. It would not only make for a good team-building exercise, but if they succeeded in bringing it down, then the fame achieved would help in cementing a good relationship with the people here in the Greenbelt. Which would serve nicely in undercutting some of the tension they felt. One less danger they would have to worry about. And considering that they had given this boar such a fearsome name, it was something that could not be taken lightly. But of course there was yet another reason for taking this request and the thought of it brought a smile to Lothar's face:
It was the right thing to do.
"Master Vekkel, I am always glad to meet one who is familar with this area. I studied the history of the stolen lands and the shrines to Erastil that used to be here. Seeking those shrines is part of the reason that I joined with my fellow adventurers to take on this quest."
"Do you perhaps know where some of these shrines may be located."
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Rhasa will make a point of presenting the leatherbound book to Oleg and ask him what it would cost to ship it to Alewayne, hoping that he left an address with the innkeeper when they headed back north.
"Gorguk, if I had my preference, I would sleep outside under the stars. If it truly concerns you, I will share a roof, but it is really not necessary." With that, she will gather up her bedroll and such and relocate it into the main building.
While at Oleg's, anyone present, can see him spending more time conversing with anyone who stops by. Whether it is a local hunter coming for supplies and dropping off goods, or travelers just passing by, Gorguk is making an effort to meet the people that he and his companions are here to protect and to serve. When not busy talking to locals, he can be found either sparring with Lothar and Rhasa just outside the fort or inside with Cal learning the healing wisdom that Cal can pass on to him. Along with this extra training, Gorguk is more at ease around people. He is not afraid of what others think of him as much as he used to. If others wish to judge him at first glance being a ferocious half-orc then let them. He will still listen to anyone who speaks out. This change is not self-preservation, but more of an acceptance of who he is and what he is becoming: a leader among the populace. Someone for them to follow, with strong convictions, that can show others the way through difficult times.
I am also training more with Durok and riding him into more stressful situation. Getting him used to fighting with me on horseback. Although he has been trained for this, it is not something that we have done yet and will focus more on in the future.
Rhasa will happily spar with her new allies and visit with travelers, in particular the hunters and those familiar with the Greenbelt (but that's always been her way, really).
She will also be practicing visualizing her archery -- specifically firing into melee so as to miss her allies. She'll watch Lothar's less-conventional methods of fighting in hopes of getting some idea of when he moves right, when he moves left, when he stands still, so she can anticipate his movements for an opportunity to put a missile by him.
The Vudrani's skin glistened with a sheen of sweat from his physical exertions. Over the past few days, Lothar had taken to the training regimen set by himself, Gorguk, and even Rhasadilara with great relish. He pushed his body as far as he could, and when Lothar thought that he had reached his limit, he would push just a little bit more.
But the physical training was only the beginning. The magician, thanks to his studies, understood that the body possessed natural patterns of energy, called chakra, that circulated in channels. By adjusting the flow of chakra, a skilled practitioner, like the monks of Jalmeray, could accomplish amazing physical feats. But Lothar's training also enabled him to use his metabolic energy to cast spells, something the monks themselves were incapable of doing. The reason, as explained to him by his mentor, was that Lothar possessed great stores of chakra and that he was merely tapping into the easily accessible excess. Given the proper time and training, the feats that he would be capable of performing feats that were truly supernatural. But Lothar never got to undergo that training, as the head of the Untwisting Iron had other plans for him...
The magician reined in his thoughts and went back to his meditations. On his own, Lothar had learned much. But he was teaching himself more advanced techiques. Such as sheathing his hands with chakra to enhance his own combat prowess (something Lothar was still working on) or to heighten his perception of his surroundings or even to wrap himself in a glamer that would render him instantly unseen to the eyes of others for short periods of time.
He was learning, yet Lothar wasn't sure it was fast enough to be of any use to those that could truly benefit from them. The magician looked up from where he sat under a tree, watching Rhasadilara as she nocked another arrow to her bow even as Gorguk readied himself for yet another session. He smiled.
Break time over already?
He rose up and assumed the familiar offensive stance. For the half-orc, he had focused on the more direct applications of his style, as that suited his demeanor and personality as opposed to Lothar's usual shifty and elusive method. Mainly elbow strikes, specifically single and follow up strikes (a second strike from the same arm, usually done in the form of a hook or straight punch with an elbow follow-up). Kicks, though taught, were not as big a priority.
But this was not just about teaching unarmed fighting to the paladin. The training extended to himself and Rhasadilara as well. Learning to anticipate the other's movements in battle had actually been her idea and he approved whole-heartedly. Getting Gorguk to go along with it proved not to be as insurmountable as they had initially thought, though they kept Calinder on hand in the event that "accidents" occurred (and they did).
Much had occurred with more yet to come. Though they couldn't be ready for everything, they would better prepared for whatever came their way.
Barnabus watches the others at work and play but strange as he may seem he realizes he is first and formost a spellcaster, so spends days learning arcane lore and rare languages.........
"Good news I have learned the language of dragons and can now understand and speak with the kobolds"
At some point, Rhasa will show the old hunter one of the arrows that she gained at the bandit camp. "What do you make of this, old-timer? They appear to have some time and attention in the making - do they hold significance?"
During the evening, she will work to gather up raw materials to make more arrows. If she can find everything she needs, she will start making some. Otherwise, she will stash what materials she does find in the cart for use later.
Barnabus: That is a valuable skill to have Barnabus. Hopefully it will be worth your effort as we communicate our goals and wishes to them. I am hoping that they are amicable enough that we can deal with them and even learn about the surrounding country side from them. What is your opinion, shall we return and speak with them before we continue looking for the mites? If the dragon kin have any information, it might make dealing with the mites easier.
Continuing to practice with Lothar and Rhasa, the ability to coordinate efforts is getting easier and easier. Where-as before it seemed to be random movements by everyone, now is becoming an elaborate dance. Lothar and Gorguk together for 1 instance, only to split in the middle mere seconds later, allowing Rhasa a clean shot right between them at her target. I must say, these exercises are good for the body and the soul. there is nothing like a pure clean training session to right the mind and focus on our task at hand.During a break in teh sparring, What do you think is next on our agenda? Shall we return to the dragon kin and speak with them? shall we look fo rhte mites and fulfill the oath to return Svetlana her ring, or shall we explore the area around us so as not to be taken by surprise while traveling through it? My vote is the dragon kin to see what information they have and then proceed to the mites.
Rhasa listens to the paladin as she mops sweat from her brow. When he's done, she smiles and shrugs her shoulders. "If you suggest something I find to be folly, I will let you know. In this case, I see no reason to choose one course over the other. Choose, and I accompany you."
"Where to first? It seems everyone is begining to suffer from cabin fever!"
"There is of course only one cure for that!"
DM:
How comfortable is oleg with our "re-formed bandit"?
(to Oleg&Svetlana
"Was there enough radishes to start a garden?"
While at Oleg's, Calinder takes time meditate and practice his daily preparations that allows him to ready the spells that Erastil has granted him the ability to cast. He soon finds that he can prepare more spells per day, and gives thanks to Erastil for the new gifts given to him.
He also spends time getting to know his horse better, but not in the same way as the mighty Gorguk. Since he never had much opportunity to ride before coming on this journey, he is increasing his skill in riding and becoming more comfortable on horse back.
He also spends his time in discussions with Gorguk and the others in the group of adventurers, and with anyone else that comes to the trading post. He also offers his healing skills to anyone in need and his spiritual guidance to those who seek it.
Calinder especially enjoyed conversations with anyone who knows the history of this land they are charged with taming.
"I think we should check the areas close to Oleg's first so that we have a place to return to, eventually we will neutralize all threats to this outpost, by travelling further each day."
"In time we may come tah tha mights but fer now other nearby dangers are certain to lie in wait. No need tah look fer trouble we are sure tah find it regardless."
Rhasadilara will aid Dyfrig in his excavations when she's not sparring with the others, making small talk and trying to glean any additional information about the area from him.
"I agree with Barnabus - we should make every effort to make the area around Oleg's safe as a priority. But once that's done, I would like to pursue this Tuskgutter - it would appear that he's either blessed by the Bow-Father directly or, and I find this more likely, he represents an upset of the natural balance. I feel that is something we should investigate, as well.
"Vekkel, thank you for that information, it is very much appreciated."
Calinder after talking to Vekkel, goes and finds a quite place to record the new information in his journal.
Upon hearing the discussion begun by Barnubus as to what to do next, he is in full agreement.
"One other reason to take time in clearing other areas before going after the Mites is that if Oleg doesn't have the new weapons that are needed if it comes to a fight with the Mites, then we may have to wait while they are sent for."
"If Oleg has not what we need then Vekkel or someone else could perhaps be sent to get them for us."
"One other reason to take time in clearing other areas before going after the Mites is that if Oleg doesn't have the new weapons that are needed if it comes to a fight with the Mites, then we may have to wait while they are sent for."
"If Oleg has not what we need then Vekkel or someone else could perhaps be sent to get them for us."
"Oh, yes - the little rodents. What sort of weapons do we need to combat them, again?"
"Cold iron!"
Interjects Barnabus.......
"We will need cold iron against tha fey, mites be fey an there are sure tah be more fey later on as well."
Well then, as a couple of us wish to scout the lay of the land waiting for supplies to come in, what say we clear the land around Oleg's and continue to head southeast exploring in a loop as we go and eventually come back to Oleg's This should give us plenty of clear space with which to work and still be back within the week that it takes Oleg to get us our supplies.
"I think your plan is sound, but I think that much territory will require more than a week to map. That said, returning in one week, regardless of how far we have gotten, sounds like a good idea to me."
"How much detail does your charter require? When we map these areas, I mean?"
Survival
"I think your plan is sound, but I think that much territory will require more than a week to map. That said, returning in one week, regardless of how far we have gotten, sounds like a good idea to me."
"How much detail does your charter require? When we map these areas, I mean?"
Survival 1d20 + 9
Lothar thought for a moment. This humble one agrees with Rhasadilara. On both counts. Your plan is a sound one and it could take longer than a week to fully explore the area suggested, given the complications that can be afforded by just the terrain. Remember, we have an area 36 miles east and west of Oleg's, with another 60 miles to the south. As per the charter, we are to explore and travel within that limit, dealing with any bandits we come across while doing so. That is not a small area. The points you're suggesting are not small either and there's no telling what hazards we could encounter. Mites, bandits, and a regional legend may be the least of our concerns once we actually begin this.
Very well then, how about we still proceed to the SW and and explore the NW area of our charter. This way we stay close to Oleg's and should be able to travel back within a day if we need more supplies or come across something that we are unprepared for.. I am hoping that we won't run afoul anything too fierce this far north in our charter and this close to more civilized lands.
"Shall we start in the morning? We should be able to forage for at least some of our food, but it would be smart to carry some with us, as well."
"Do we know where we will find the mites? Are they tree-dwellers, for example? It might make a difference in the cold iron weapons we find useful to fight them. Dagger, short sword, handaxe? I'm thinking to choose something that I can carry as a second weapon after we have dealt with them. That or cold iron arrowheads if it's going to be that sort of fight."
Barnabus packs his pack and saddle bags also brushing out his horse in preparation for the morning, as well as sharpening weapons.
"Ready when you are."
"Oleg if you can get us some cold iron weapons tha would help us greatly. I am thinking for myself a few crossbow bolts and a morning star would be fine."
"I agree with the revised exploration plan. Let's stay a bit closer to the trading post for now."
"A cold iron dagger and/or some crossbow bolts would be fine for me. I'm not sure what the cost for such items are master Oleg, but I think some arrangement for payment can be made."
"Hmm, well... Since I know not what we face, I'm not sure what the best option would be. A shortspear might be best if we face the creatures underground, arrows if they are in the trees, or a shortsword if we face them in a straight-up fight. Have you any idea, Oleg, what such items would cost?"