Oleg points a finger at the old map....
"This area here is both in the charter area and a wood."
Points to "Gnarl Mark Wold"
"If I'm reading this right that's west of us," He scratches his head and looks at the others,"What do you think? It's just an idea mind you."
Markov sighs. "Well... Damn." Markov covers his face with the palm of his hand. "Okay. Since it looks like Alex decided to go, that means more for us when we're done. And I certainly want to have a share of that blasted gold mine!" Looking at the map with the others, Marko nods. "Right, then that will be our next stop then, huh. We will explore and survey to there, and maybe on the way back." As he gestures from the fort to the location of this 'Gnarl Mark Wold'.
With a destination in mind, he goes about getting his gear ready and making sure there is enough rations while out there.
Oleg: "Hard to tell from the scale, and all but I think we are right about here.".....points to the area labeled "Hros land" right near the word land....
"Given my interest in elven ruins," Orrik says, "I would like to push farther into the forest. But, I presume that we will explore most of the area in time, so I am content to move in any direction. I do like the idea of expanding out in such a manner that we explore regions closer to our base of operations first."
Mahdrig drains her glass of wine. "A dwarf with a predilection for Elven ruins? How fresh! I do love history, the past is our best professor, after all."
Mahdrig looks at the maps provided and shrugs.
"I'm familiar with the surrounding spaces, and it's all pretty wild. I'd guess that a few days riding would be fun! Markov, Nedyr, I trust you will lead us on our way? You both know better than I where you've been and what still needs to be explored. Though I suggest if we are to find a suitable place for a settlement, it contain a body of running water. Mills and vampires and such."
She stands and fusses with her coat. "Well, we best be ready to go, and I do hope you'll tell us of your adventures so far, Markov and Nedyr. What is this gold mine you speak of, and who is Alex?"
Mahdrig smiles at Oleg. "Thanks for the wine, Master Oleg. And Svetly, if your pies are even a shimmer of the deliciousness I've heard, I'll take two when we return!"
Oleg: "With Kesten Garess the Commander of three warriors
Cousins John, Wayne and Clint Eastwood along with Jhod Kavken the cleric of Erastil, Kressel is pretty handy with an axe and even young
Nicholas the stable boy can fire a crossbow. That and the initial scouting and battle twice with the bandits I feel like we are safe enough here for you to freely explore where you desire without concern for us back here at the fort."
While looking over the gear he has, Markov notices that there is quite a bit more than he remembers packing since last time. He wonders; Whats this? Hm? Wait... Oh! He takes the bag that all the extra items that are in and brings it out to the courtyard of the trading post.
Markov rushes over to a table with the large bag in hand and places it onto the table. "Looks like when we were last out at the kobold den, we forgot to go through the stuff we got!" Markov dumps the contents of the bag onto the table, nearly spilling onto the ground. "I think we have nice little pile of stuff here." He grins broadly and laughs slightly before recalling one of the items found. "Oh, thats right! Oleg, we may have found something for you." Digging through the loot, Markov finds what he is looking for. He grasps it in his hand and turns towards Oleg. When he comes close, Markov holds open his hand and show him the plain brass wedding ring set with a single pearl.
Orrik says to Mahdrig, "I am interested in history of all sorts. Ancient Thassilon has always held a special interest for me, but that's just one interest. Did you know that the Elves -- well, most of them -- left Golarion shortly before Earthfall, the same calamity that destroyed the ancient civilizations of Azlant and Thassilon? They were gone for millenia. Nobody knows where Sovyrian, the realm to which the elves are said to have retreated, is. Or, if they do know, they are not saying. I came to this area of the world looking for old elven ruins."
He looks back with some embarrassment at the others listening. "I apologize; I can go on for some time about the history of Golarion, given the opportunity."
When Markov reveals the additional gear found at the kobold den, Orrik sees the scroll and says, "I may be able to identify that for you."
He will cast Read Magic and inspect the scroll.
"I'm familiar with the surrounding spaces, and it's all pretty wild. I'd guess that a few days riding would be fun! Markov, Nedyr, I trust you will lead us on our way? You both know better than I where you've been and what still needs to be explored. Though I suggest if we are to find a suitable place for a settlement, it contain a body of running water. Mills and vampires and such."
"Markov definitely has a better head on his shoulders than I for direction. Excellent notion about the water," he says "Now if only we can raid some ancient ruin for a magic bathtub."
She stands and fusses with her coat. "Well, we best be ready to go, and I do hope you'll tell us of your adventures so far, Markov and Nedyr. What is this gold mine you speak of, and who is Alex?"
"Alexander Medvyed is a skilled magus with more than his share of useful lore and blade talent. I regret his absence. He's an easy going fellow with some excellent ideas," Nedyr says, "And he was part of an interesting romantic entanglement.. but I'm not sure how much I should say about that. The gold mine is the luckiest fine we've stumbled onto in this matter. Around.. here I think." He stabs at the map, "But let's keep that under our collective hats."
"Oh, thats right! Oleg, we may have found something for you." Digging through the loot, Markov finds what he is looking for. He grasps it in his hand and turns towards Oleg. When he comes close, Markov holds open his hand and show him the plain brass wedding ring set with a single pearl.
"What cads we are to forget to bring this up right away," Nedyr beams, "I take it back, the gold mine is the second luckiest find."
When the good dwarf speaks of his mother's people, he grows curious, but for once doesn't comment.
Oleg inspects the ring....
"Good news lads you have earned some coin from me for bringing back Svetlana's ring. Do you want it in coin, room and board, goods, or do I need to order something for you?"
"The romantic in me tells me that you owe us nothing for the return of your wife's property, the food lover in me says room and board would be nice given how well she cooks" The swashbuckler chuckles.
Mahdrig grins as she rifles through the many pockets of her traveling coat.
"Orrik I do hope you fill our time with your knowledge, and I'll trade your history with ecology. The River Kingdoms and the surrounding wilds are rife with history and mystery. An old wives' tale tells of a village that blinks in and out of existence- can you believe that!?"
As Markov and Nedyr present Oleg and Svetlana with the ring, Mahdrig claps.
"Well I am happy to know I'll be in the company of gentlemen out in the wilds! Your gesture here is one of honesty, and that is a trait seldom seen among the brigands, the false prophets, and the worse out here."
Mahdrig extracts a small snake from a pocket, contemplates it for a moment and returns it to her pocket.
"Oleg your gesture is welcomed with grateful hearts, and it is assuaging to know you are well protected here. I'm with Nedyr, there's nothing more invigorating than a warm fire, a clean bed, and some pie after a few weeks in the wilds. Though free rope and pitons are nice, too..."
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"If you want to look at the inventory we can, orders will take at least two weeks, I could give you coin and you could have Bokken brew you up some potions. No need to decide right away."
@Mahdrig
"I would welcome such tales when you are here."
After combing through the inventory, Mahdrig sets aside the tent, the 2 antitoxins, and the rations.
"I agree, Markov, these will be of good use in the wilds." she says to the rest of the explorers.
"Orrik, Nedyr, there are torches, some axes and spears, leather armor, some rope, anything you might need? We shouldn't keep Oleg too long, I'm sure he has plenty of work to do around here here," she says, smiling.
Mahdrig picks up a spear and checks its balance, closely eyeing the point.
"Oleg, I see you, too, seek some of the Greenbriar's more legendary denizens. There is a delicate balance we must protect in the wilds. I think this spear will do me well; no sense pig-hunting with this butter knife!" Mahdrig chuckles as she rattles her scimitar.
"And how much, Dearie? This one's on me, gentlemen. This bag of coin is too heavy to carry, yet too heavy to leave behind in the birches."
"You can leave it here, but I can not risk myself to protect it."
Mahdrig shifts her eyes and seems uncomfortable for the first time since she arrived at Oleg's.
"I speak in riddles sometimes. The birches are my home. Me and Char have a small place there; I'm loathe to leave my coin there for a brigand to steal."
"My father told me to take everything and never let it go. He died in the fire. I meant it's just a pile of coins, Master Oleg. Best spent before it's gone, yah? I'd never ask you to... My Dad... It's just money, but 'tis a burden all the same, no?"
Mahdrig takes a deep breath and smiles again.
"Oleg, Svetly! Is this thieves' wine? It sure does sneak up on you!"
"Seems a valid concern....nah it is elderberry wine, though consumed swiftly may sneak up on one."
"I already have some rope, silk no less. I think I'm good, thank you." Nedyr says
Oleg:"Will you be back to exploring in the morning? It looks like it will be a fine day, a slight chill in the air early on, but warm enough the remainder of the day."
Svetlana "I will make biscuits, eggs, bacon and fruits, butter and honey for the morning."
"We definitely should go out while the weather is good,"Nedyr knows good advice when he hears it.
"Yes Nedyr, we should. It's a bit cramped in here, no offense Oleg," Mahdrig says. "It'll be refreshing to be back in the wilds."
"Oh, Svetly, all the trappings of a proper breakfast! Thank you! Well, boys, let's get some sleep tonight, tomorrow is a blink away."
"Aye. Just a night before we get back to work." He nods a couple times in agreement, and maybe in thought. Hm. Those items will be useful. He looks over what is left over. "Hm, well we got a few items left. Anyone want any?" Markov gestures over the left over items.
"Business is picking up!"
"Let's hang on to those bolts, Markov. Orrik, what was that scroll you examined? I'd say let's hang on to it anyways, whatever it is. If we can't use it, it might be worth a barter."
Mahdrig points to the map.
"Gentlemen, where are we headed? I prefer to bed down knowing what dreams will guide my talents tomorrow."
Looking over the map, Markov looks over what has already been done. Not too sure where the Kobold Caves were, nor where the radish patch was. He puts a finger on the map and traces out where the map has been updated around the trading post. He then traces his finger to the northern tip of the forest. "Maybe we can start clearing out the northern tip of the forest and the western part of the region. How about that?"
"Sounds good to me, Markov," Nedyr says, "We really haven't covered much yet, so seems as good a place as any to me."
Markov hands the journal and the scroll to Orrik to decipher it. "We found most... Well, all of it in a Kobold's lair. From their so called Shaman Tartuk. Was one of those..." He waves his hand in a circular fashion. "Summoner guys. Was lying to the kobolds and we helped them push out Tartuk out of their lair. And with that done, we got all of this!" He gestures to what is left on the table. "That damned purple kobold is still out there though. So if you see purple somewhere and it is moving, it is most likely it."
Markov looks over the map once again and notes a location he doesn't really want to talk about. He sighs; I really don't want to tell them about this. Only Nedyr and I know about it so far. And... Damn it, I should probably tell them anyway. The dwarf might know of a good mining group to see about that gold vein. He thinks. Picking up the map and turns to Orrik, he points out a section of a map. "You see this spot here? Before you two came along, we found a gold vein there. Maybe when all said and done, we might be able to see about starting a gold mine there. Should be a good business once our work here is done." He grins to Orrik.
With setting out, not much new is seen in this location. Riding along on his horse, Snow, Markov muses about where to go. "Well... We should just keep going. Alex and the others got this part mapped out already. Nothing much here." He points towards where the Bandit Camp should be by where it is on the map. "That way should be the old bandits camp. We should check out that area first before we check out the nearby lands. But..." Markov points towards another destination. "We really need to check out the lands closest to the trading post. So that way would be a good idea."
"Your honesty is an asset, Markov. We shall strike down the Summoner should it show its cowardly snout, and take a trophy to further bolster the alliance you have struck with the kobolds. What name does the tribe take?"
Suppressing a giggle, Mahdrig adds, "And you can be sure I shan't be mining any gold by myself! The thought alone is excruciating! But it is a fine asset to have, once we complete our Charter obligations. I am sure Master Orrik can enlighten us in this endeavor."
Mahdrig looks over the map Markov references. "So are we headed to the eastern edge of the forest, or the grasslands farther east? Makes sense to secure the Trading Post first. I welcome the journey!"
"There goes our fortune, Markov. We shall have to settle for merely being filthy rich instead of disgustingly filthy rich," Nedyr grins.
With it becoming later into the day, Markov begins to look around for a place to camp. Okay... Where to set up camp. Maybe over there? Markov ponders the situation.
With finding a location, Markov looks towards the rest of the group for their input. "So... Since it is getting late, how does this spot look?"
As Markov dismounts, instead of slowly stepping down, he goes falling with the saddle. As Markov shouts, and hits the ground.
Flailing about and grumbling, Markov stands, cursing what ever did that. "Alright! Who messed with He looks around quickly, trying to figure out if they are under attack or something else. When he doesn't notice anything, Markov lifts up his saddle to place back onto Snow. "What the F%*^. The saddle straps were undone."
"I'd ask our lady druid, I'm not sure the best place to settle down in the wilderness... seems good to me though."
Nedyr chuckles at the sight of Markov, a fine horseman, actually doing a faceplant, then quickly straightens his features, "First, I didn't do it. Second, yes, I laughed. But I'm a man of weak discipline in more than one area, and in my defense it was funny in the third person. Fourth, are you and your horse alright?" He dismounts himself to help set up camp.
Nedyr flips onto his ass in the most undignified manner possible for such a normally nimble fellow "Ow. So this is... what's that far Eastern concept? Karma." He gets up slowly, wiping off the dirt and grass, and actually laughs a bit at himself, "I suppose I had it coming."
He moves to check on his own horse and saddle, "Not cut, just undone, like yours, Markov. It couldn't have been like this long, or one of us would have fallen before this, right?"
After watching Markov and Nedyr slide ungracefully to the ground, Mahdrig grins.
"Well, this looks like a good place to bed down. Since you fine gentlemen have already dismounted, perhaps you could assist a lady from her mount? I'll ask Char if she's feeling friendly first."
"Easy, girl, I'd rather not tumble down to the ground," Mahdrig whispers to her horse, Char. "These boys are our friends, you'll see. Easy, girl."
Once unmounted, Mahdrig also finds her saddle unstrapped.
Hmm. Odd we didn't tumble off our horses until just now. I wonder how that could be..."
Nedyr says, "Allow me," He's happy to help her down, "That's what I'm trying to figure out. Strange, still, if the worse damage we take is to our dignity, I think we should call it a win."
The grumbling continues from Markov as he refastens the straps on his saddle so it doesn't slide off again. "Ya know... Maybe..."
"Maybe it might be some kind of bug, maybe?" He shrugs, clearly not having any idea what may have caused the incident. He turns to the dwarf. "Do you have any idea what could have caused this?"
(From before we left.) Orrik nods appreciatively at the mention of a gold mine. Although not his primary interest, there is enough Dwarven blood in him that his eyes can't help but light up at the mention of it. "A gold mine is a good solid resource. There are mountains to the East of here, if I'm not mistaken; I would have expected to find such a thing more there than in this area, but Golarion's bounty can be found in many unexpected places."
(On the road.)
Seeing the pranks played on the horses, Orrik says, "There are rumors that these woods are haunted. But, I suspect that's not what's behind this. Mischevious fey are known to be in the woods around here. Some are deadly and hostile, some are just merry pranksters. Given that what has happened so far has been inconvenient rather than outright deadly, we may well be dealing with the latter, in which case, I would recommend not starting hostilities if we don't have to. Still, it would be nice to find out who's doing this, and kindly ask them to stop, for what to a fey can seem a harmless prank will sometimes become accidentally deadly to a mortal."
What does Orrik know about mischevious fey creature that might help us find them?
...nothing.
With most of the camp set up, Markov gets ready to start the fire for the night. Gathering firewood, he piles it in a shallow pit and pulls out the flint and tinder. Markov squats down next to the firepit and strikes the flint and lights the fire.
And it seems he sets off a slight explosion. It coats his face in soot as he slowly tilts backwards, landing on his back. "Duuurrr...."
Mahdrig sets about gathering dry leaves, grass and kindling and some sturdier sticks and limbs to pile on the fire.
"Fire is in my blood, gentlemen, allow me."
Mahdrig builds a nice little wooden cabin to set ablaze and taps the steel against the flint.
Mahdrig herself is surprised when what should have been a tiny spark to ignite the kindling turns out to be a bright burst of light!
After catching her breath, Mahdrig calls out in a very welcoming, honeyed tone to nothing in particular-
"There is something going on here! Listen to the dwarf- your games are cute, you got us! But we do so need a fire for supper, and if you behave yourself, you can sup with us tonight, if you like."
Mahdrig winks at Orrik. "A bump in the road, or a bump in the night, I'm not sure. I was not expecting shenanigans this close to civilization!"