Addy isn't sure what the issue is, so she replies to Harmond, "Me parents' business did well in Silverhall, so we went from living in the wild to living in high society.
"I think enjoying life's fine, but I wouldn't set yer moral compass to Joy. For two o' the men the Vixen killed—helped kill in one case—their joy came at the expense o' young women and girls. Even some o' the bandits we've reformed... some're mixed up o'ergrown boys believing 'emselves to be adventurous. Some believe they ain't so bad if they can steal without killing, and even blame the victim should a robbery turn into a deadly scuffle."
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"Gluttony and excess, as practiced by Urgathoa's more casual adherents, is at least, a sin with a silver lining," Ahto says. "One who desires fine food, fine clothing, and fine accoutrements is willing to spend large sums of money on them, money that they are no longer hoarding in their coffers. That money, instead, goes to the cooks, butchers, farmers, bakers, weavers, tailors, seamstresses, woodwrights, silversmiths, and jewelers who provide those luxuries through their labor. They in turn use that money to provide for themselves and their families. The Glutton is far more beneficial to civilization than the dragon-hearted miser, who counts every coin and loathes to part with a single one. Money that doesn't circulate from hand to hand in equitable exchange does not fulfill its purpose."
He pauses a moment, then adds, "I certainly hope your mother did not raise you as one of Urgathoa's more zealous followers, those who facilitate the spreading of disease and the dark magics of undeath."
He looks at Harmond with an air of concern.
Ah... so that's the issue.
Addy swims over to Eunomia. She speaks in a low tone so the men can talk. Anyone who hears her might note the first spoken word is "Vikki."
As Addy speaks, it's clear to Eunomia that the intent behind the Sylvan whisper is intended to discourage others from listening to words that may spoil the relaxation of the bath.
"Vikki and I used to pretend we were mermaids. We'd go under long as we could and search the lake floor for shells and such.
"If ye'd like to swim with me and see what lies underwater, I trust yer violet eyes far more than me own. It might be deepest where the biggest frog was. Vikki didn't like going under more than ten feet, so sometimes she'd point out a shell and I'd go get it for her.
"I can do the same if ye see something that's hard to reach for ye. Or maybe ye're a skilled swimmer and don't need me help. But I need yer eyes, if ye think it's worth the effort to search for valuables.
"Sadly, I ain't looking for shells, but the possessions of people killed by the frogs."
Eunomia feels sorry for Harmond, who probably had no idea that his casual mention of Urgathoa would produce such a reaction. "I agree that there's nothing wrong with enjoying oneself, so long as that enjoyment doesn't cause any harm to anyone else." She smiles at Harmond, (or at least in his general direction, given that he's looking elsewhere). "I can understand why a noble would be inclined to favor a deity of excess. But given your presence here, it seems that's not something you had in common."
To Addy, she whispers back in Sylvan.
Addy asks Eunomia, "Can ye cast yer Message spell on me so we can talk underwater?" If so, she gives Eunomia time to cast, then says, "If I'm gonna dive, I certainly intend to enjoy it!"
She gets out around where the biggest frog was and, stands at the water's edge ready to dive in—
—but it occurs to her that she's baring it all in mixed company! The dive isn't a flop, but is rushed and definitely a substandard leap for the girl who jumped over a wyvern.
But once submerged—
—her mighty legs move her through the water with such ease, it almost seems she isn't merely pretending she's a mermaid.
See Addy's Sylvan spoiler two posts up for the details of her intent.
Oh, mother doesn't have a bit of magic in her. She couldn't make a zombie if she wanted to. As for myself, I have brought back a dead animal or two, but it never really sticks for long, and their mental construct is always overly aggressive. That's why I prefer to use my dolls. They have a much friendlier outlook."
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Ahto nods his head and gives a grunt of acknowledgement, then leans back and resumes soaking.
”I do not mean to disparage your family or make implications, ” Ahto says. ”Some of the darker faiths often seek out people with power and influence for financial and political advantage. Such corruption undermines people’s faith in the equanimity of law and justice.”
Eunomia and Addy plumb the bottom of the hot spring, which sits about eight feet at its deepest. Although it is quite entertaining sport, they find no sunken treasures. Only algae and smooth stones line the bottom.
Tyg leaps into the water, and when she surfaces, she kicks herself along - her cricket-like legs propelling her like oars. She lazily plies the water like a tiny ship, and she even holds her arms out, mimicking the pose of a figurehead. Perlivash curls up atop a broad, flat stone sitting at the water's edge and basks in the warmth emanating from the hot spring.
As you luxuriate in the pleasing waters in the waning light of afternoon, you become aware of sounds coming from nearby. Something large is lumbering closer, snapping twigs and jostling the underbrush of the forest.
"It was fun while it lasted," Addy laments. Though she's skilled at feigning calm, she moves with a sense of urgency. Being a strong swimmer/athlete certainly helps.
Addy gets out, and dons her mask. As one persona fades, she throws on her bloomers and her mithril shirt. By the time she is armored, the Vixen is in control.
Only if time permits will the Vixen wear her boots.
"Looks like we've got incoming" Harmond shouts as he stands up.
Eunomia casts Mage Armor on herself while moving to her clothes. She dresses as quickly as possible and grabs her weapons, even though she’s unlikely to use them as long as her spells last.
You scramble to prepare yourselves, dripping wet and still in varying states of bare vulnerability. Meanwhile, the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs grows closer. Tyg and Perlivash dive for cover among the smooth rocks alongside the hot spring, taking turns fearfully grilling each other about whether this is a prank one is pulling upon the other.
Finally, the bushes part...
...and out waddles...
...a porcupine.
Of course, it is no ordinary porcupine. This is a phenomenally large specimen, with the tips of the quills bristling upon its back reaching a height of nearly six feet. Thankfully, being of giant size does not necessarily translate into aggression. The overlarge, prickly animal proves far more interested in stripping the leaves and small, reddish berries from the surrounding bushes. It seems utterly unperturbed by your presence and sodden battle stances, bravely ignoring you in order to continue foraging.
Addy decides to bathe with the mask on and remain otherwise naked. Before her Vixen persona kicks in, she giggles and says, "It's awfully cute."
She asks Wonky, "Any theory 'bout why these animals're like five times their normal size?"
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Wonky surfaces from within the hot springs where she had submerged herself. She chastens Sprocket, the dog standing erect, hackles raised as a low growl emits from its bared teeth.
"Sprocket!" The dog breaks off its guarded position, trotting back to the side of the hot springs with a whine.
"That is truly an impressive specimen," Wonky remarks, moving calmly out of the waters and to Sprocket's side before hastily donning her clothes. "I would assume some connection to the natural world, or perhaps even the First World," here, Wonky looks in the direction of where she last saw the two fey pranksters, "would be my initial hypothesis with respect to the size of this creature and the amphibian that we encountered."
Wonky ponders for a moment.
Now that the Vixen is in control, she feels that the Child's body is adequately protected.
She assured her, If the next passerby's an enemy, I won't be looking for a pair o' shorts or a bow. I'll be looking for a fight!
Showoff, the Child replies.
The Vixen decides to stop talking to herself. She replies to Ahto, "A porcupine that can feed a family for a week sounds promising. Ain't natural though," in acknowledgement of Wonky's hypothesis, she adds, "least not in this world."
Looking around for the fey, the Vixen calls out, "Hey, Tyg. Ye happen to know of any other animals that're growing bigger than, uhhh... Biggunses?"
Harmond seems much more leery of the porcupine than the rest of the party, jumping slightly when it moves closer.
"Not to question your expertise Ms. Prong, but are you sure it isn't dangerous. It looks dangerous." He moves to keep the animal as far away from himself as possible.
Wonky's hypothesis holds merit, as lands that bear strong connections with the First World can birth preternaturally large creatures, replete with many other uncanny features. Of course, in many untamed regions, animals can also reach prodigious sizes without the influence of magic. The existence of megafauna and the infamous "dire" beasts can attest to the strange forms that the pressures of competition and the lack of human predation can produce.
Much to Harmond's dismay, however, Wonky also affirms that such giant varieties of porcupines possess a foolhardy bravery that leaves them willing to fight creatures even larger than itself when it feels threatened. What's more, unlike their normal-sized kin, these specimens will supplement their diet with both carrion and fresh meat.
Tyg pokes her head up from the pile of moss she hides in. Standing up again on her multiple legs, she comes away wearing the moss like a fur coat.
"Yeah, there's a few big beasties out here that give me the creeps," she squeaks softly, wary of spooking the porcupine grazing not far from the water's edge. "Besides this prickly partner and the old frogs, there's some huge elk with antlers wide as tree branches, there's some big nasty wolfs, and those wolf...cat...dog things? I don't know what they're called, but they've got some big teeth when you anger them."
"Don't forget the tatzlwyrms and owlbears," Perlivash adds. "They're some of the meanest beasties around."
A porcupine. A large porcupine, but still just a porcupine. Eunomia feels a little foolish at her overreaction, but at least she wasn't the only one.
She glances at the pond, then sighs. "I think that will be enough bathing for me. I'll join Harmond on watch, or take over if he wishes to relax." Her eyebrows raise as Tyg and Perlivash describe the dangerous creatures in the area. "Tatzlwyrms and owlbears? It seems there's no shortage of creatures in this area capable of preying on civilians. No wonder these lands have remained unsettled for so long!"
Sitting on a convenient rock, she spends her time writing letters to friends and family back in Liberthane.
"So, where are we going next?" Tyg gleefully asks. "We could see the elk statue or go visit our friend, Horace."
Perlivash turns to the Vixen and Eunomia.
"You were probably disappointed that there wasn't any treasure at the bottom of the pond," the faerie dragon says. "But there's this old pile of stones northwest from our home. There might be something underneath."
Tyg squeaks, scandalized that her friend would bring up such a place. She fretfully reminds Perlivash that they're not supposed to go there.
"We're not supposed to. But no one ever said they couldn't," the dragon says, tilting his head towards the party.
The Vixen is already quite pleased with the bath. But this talk of treasure widens her grin.
"Treasure-hunting is an interest o' the Child in me," she starts, but then goes on to say, "I am interested in this forbidden place ye're mentioning. O' course, only if it ain't dangerous to ye."
She only asks for information and doesn't answer the where-to-next part. Once that decision is made, bath time is over. The Vixen is buying herself a few more minutes before having to dry and dress—
—or dress and dry, if it's more convenient.
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Feeling as if the long soak has done its job for both his sore muscles and his rash, Ahto climbs out of the pond, srubs the excess water from his hair, and proceeds to get dressed.
"Is it far?" he asks the fae. "We still have quite a bit of investigating to do, and can't afford to go too far afield."
As everyone else gets dressed Harmond speaks up.
"If its not to far away I say we go for it, but not if it would put us off schedule."
Eunomia doesn't have a preference for where they go next. "I'm not familiar enough with the area to have any idea of what would be ideal. Do we actually have a schedule?"
"Well," the faerie dragon says, sheepishly touching two of his clawed digits together, "It is pretty far, even past our homes. I guess it would be best to visit on the way back?"
Tyg jumps up, intervening between Perlivash and the party as though to interrupt her friend's suggestions.
"Yeah! And besides, they still have to find that frog-man!" she squeaks. "He could have treasure, too! After all, he lives in that old ruin."
"Seems the simplest path is to hunt down the frog-man. Have we enough daylight to do that today?"
The Vixen is still in the spring, but decides it's best for Harmond if she remains partially-submerged while talking so the poor guy doesn't have to worry about averting his eyes. And it is soooo warmmmm...!
The Vixen hears Wonky's suggestion and leans back into the bubbling warmth.
"I second this notion. Motion. Whatever."
The Vixen sinks her head underwater.
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Wonky pulls out the mossy stone as the group make camp for the night. The gnome feels some sense of destiny in seeking out answers for this strange talisman in this glade of natural wonder and dives back in, looking to unlock its secrets.
Alas, the answers don't seem to come to her easily. Wonky blames the violence of the amphibious encounter, and possibly the tickle of Perlivash's wings.
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"Let's get some rest," Ahto says. "Don't fall asleep in the pond, Miss Vixen," he adds dryly, "We wouldn't want you to drown, or worse, go all pruny."
Of course he's joking. It just seems odd coming from such a dour person. It seems Ahto's loosening up a bit.
The humor goes right over Harmond's head
"Well, Mr Ulrych, given the amount of time she has already been in the water odds are her fingers have already undergone water immersion wrinkling."
The Vixen replies, "Wrinkles go away after ten minutes, but if I've a mask-tan, that'll require... a make-up artist. Or maybe a magician."
Begrudgingly, she gets out of the water and slips into her bloomers and a light, silky robe. She remains masked for now, in case she needs to kick a giant duck or something.
She asks Tyg, "What is this seemingly-forbidden treasure ye think the frog-man took?"
"It's not the frog-man that has the forbidden treasure," Tyg explains. "Although I figure he's probably hoarded this and that, too. The forbidden stuff is to the north, under a pile of rocks. I think the human tribes that used to be here a long, long time ago left it."
As the fey attempt to describe it further, you suspect that the "pile of rocks" they refer to is likely an old barbarian cairn. If it is the burial site of an ancient chieftain or champion, a prized weapon may be entombed with them, along with old jewelry and riches.
Focused on her letters, Eunomia doesn't get any extra meaning from Ahto's statement.
As they start talking about their next moves, she caps the ink vial and leans forward. "So the plan is to rest tonight and head for the boggard tomorrow? Sounds good to me." She starts working on setting up camp.
"Same watch schedule as before?"
"Works for me!" Harmond says cheerfully
Harmond helps set up camp, and after most of the others have settled down excuses himself for an hour or so to take a dip in the hotsprings himself, much more comfortable without everyone else watching.
Nothing so large as even a normal-sized porcupine disturbs the watch schedule, although the buzzing of many mosquitoes and gnats remains a vexation throughout the night. Despite Tyg's teasing accusations, Perlivash vehemently denies eating any of the mosquitoes.
In the morning - after prayers, studying, and breakfast - camp is struck, and your fey guides lead you southeastward along the Skunk River. Thankfully, despite the waterway's odoriferous name, the smell lessens as you leave the hot springs behind.
The ground soon slumps away, however, descending into a soggy mire. Ahead, you can see that a game trail marks the remnants of an old road or wagon trail. Down this path, winding through the swamp, you can see a pair of squat ruined stone buildings nestled among the trees.
"That's where the frog-man lives," Tyg says nervously, pointing her slim arm in the direction of the ruins.
After being informed that we are getting near the lair of the frog man, Harmond casts a few spells on himself. He then pulls out a stuffed rabbit and whispers into hits ear. "Velvetino, grant me your speed." The stuffed rabbit comes to life and hops out of his hands.
"See anything?" the Vixen asks, voice low.
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Wonky swaps out a few extracts for others as she prepares at the banks of the hot springs. Once the boggard's lair has been point out, Wonky sidles up to the Vixen and presses an extract in her hand.
"This extract, I believe, will suit you better than the 'make bigger' extract favoured previously by Sams," she says, then smiles at the confused expression on the Vixen's face. "It allows you to disappear from view until you choose to strike at your foe," she explains.
Once handed off, Wonky quaffs another extract , using up 3 of her gold pieces. She then readies her stone bow.
"Sprocket, garda."
The smile on the Vixen's face is that of a Child on Crystalhue morning.
"Oh, thanks Wonky. This'll be perfect for getting close to a foe, and I'm actually a li'l sensitive about me thighs, so not making 'em any bigger's fine by me. Not that I'm an ingrate. I trust yer tactics and, no matter what ye gimme, I mean to put it to good use."
Though of course the magic ends once VV strikes, she wonders... and then asks, since Wonky would know: "How long'd the potion last if I drank it, but didn't kick or shoot anyone?"
Eunomia casts Mage Armor as well, keeping a wary eye out as she moves forward.
Sprocket remains utterly calm and offers not a single woof as the party prepares for the worst while observing the ruins. The stone shells are so encrusted with moss and creepers that its is impossible to discern their architecture, at least from a distance. One distinct feature, though, is the small, crumbling tower rising from the smaller of the two ruined buildings.
On a patch of solid ground between the two ruins, you espy the frog-man. The creature is stoop-shouldered, but would likely stand five-feet tall if stretched to his full height. His warty hide is the color of rich mud, and is fittingly caked in much actual mud. A stout wooden cudgel stands nearby, leaning against one of the ruins' tumbled stones. The frogman busies himself weaving some sort of container from reeds, and he remains seemingly unaware of your presence.
The Vixen asks, "Will we attempt conversation. Do any among us have magic that would help with that?"
As her hands are not needed for combat, the Vixen keeps the potion in hand. She will likely want to disappear, and digging through her purse will waste precious time.
Harmond speaks up. "I have a spell that well let me understand it, but not let it understand me."