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Valnir's interest is notably piqued at the reference to a scheme hatched by Lady Morilla. He decides though to wait for a better time for clarification.
Once arrived back at the lodge, while waiting for Rees to arrive, Valnir decides to ask:
So what was this about a scheme of the Lady Morilla's?
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I believe I have adequate provisions for this trip, for myself at least. I have some trail rations, but will happily pitch in to have Garret cook some proper meals.
With this Valnir hands Garret 50 silver
Good day Master Rees. It shall be a pleasure to accompany you on this expedition. If there are no other pressing matters or need for discussion, I will finish preparing myself before we set out.
Valnir then sets about the task of preparing his 2 spells for the day: Burning Hands and Sleep.
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Shivaan eyes the snake-like cane of Nester and returns his gaze back to Garret
"Thank you for your kind offer to cook Garret but I must humbly decline; I suppose I wouldn't be much of pathfinder if I didn't spend some of my trip eating trail rations from my kit. Time is of the essence, the less time we spend on the trail, the faster we can get our new friend Nester out of harm's way."
Shivaan wanders over to Thayne and peers around his shoulders at the map.
"What do you make of our trek Thayne? I yearn to sssssee the jungle again, even if only in passing." With a neck jerk he cuts off his sentence.
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To Valnir:
I think the grandmaster referred to the scheme with the false crew manifest and course plans that Grandmaster Dreng and Lady Morilla told us about
To Balak:
Ouch!
To Shivaan
I don't agree, being a pathfinder is not about hardships. Enjoying life and performing our duties for the Decimvirate are not conflicting activities in my eyes. But of course you are entitled to your own opinions
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Valnir chuckles at Garret's explanation.
Ah, very good. A difference of perceived connotation, what he called a scheme I'd call a plan. Scheme has a certain ill ring to it in my mind. I appreciate you setting it at ease.
Valnir gestures in Shivaan's direction:
And I suppose we'll see how long trail rations can hold a man when the smell of a hot meal fills his nostrils.
Nester Rees seems quite happy to have good food provided for him during the journey, and happily pays Garret the requested gold for ingredients. "Anything to avoid those awful dry biscuits," he says with a friendly laugh.
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The Pathfinders do some brief shopping, check their gear, and catch whatever brief rest they can get before setting off on their mission before they lose too much more daylight. You leave through the north-western gate out of the Wise Quarter around midday, passing by the outskirts of Westerhold, one of the four outlying towns that surround the massive metropolis' walls. Rees seems to struggle a little to keep up with your pace but never complains nor slows the group's travel down at all.
Even before you've truly left the sounds of the city behind, you begin travel through the Cairnlands. The Cairnlands is a vast, dry, and broken landscape of blood-salted earth and the ruins of countless failed assaults on Absalom's walls. Despite the morose surroundings, the flat ground makes for easy passage, and you make good time heading roughly north, sighting many ruined siege castles, fragments of broken weapons, and old stone barrows along the way.
Within a few hours of travel, the rocky Cairnlands yields to open fields and fertile ground, stones and rubble replaced by grass and clover fields. Ahead, a vast forest covers the foothills of a large range of snow-capped mountains, visible from a far distance on the open plains. The well-trodden road soon ends at a tall wall of trees where the only paths within are the sparsely-used trails of trappers and hunters.
Barely fifteen minutes after you enter the woods, everyone except for Shivaan and Valnir hear the heavy and regular tha-thump of hoof beats, and the cleric and wizard are quickly warned of the potential threat. By the sound of things, it seems like there are three horses moving in your direction from the west. Before you can do much more than reach for your weapons and shields and move into a defensive posture, the source of the hoof beats comes closer.
"Hold, travellers!" A masculine voice calls out from behind the foliage; you hear the hoof beats slow to a gentle walk. Pushing past an overhanging branch, the speaker comes into view: it is a centaur, flanked on either side by two others, one male, one female. The speaker is obviously their leader, wearing much sturdier armour and wielding a well-made bow as opposed to his companions' spears. All the centaurs keep their weapons at the ready, although not threateningly so.
The centaur's leader slowly approaches, pausing about 20 feet away from the group. "We would speak with you! What are you doing in these woods?"
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Shivaan responds to the great creature, crossing his hands far from his weapon hilt.
"We greet you with respect forest dwellers and merely seek safe passage through your woods. We are on an errand for a society in Absalom, I assure you we are no threat. In fact, we would be honored by your presence and guidance if you could offer it."
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"I hope this map holds enough detail to keep us on the path." Thayn says, rolling the map up and storing it in his backpack. He purchases a silk rope and a grappling arrow from the local outfitter.
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Thayn quietly watches the two humans interact with the centaurs from the rear of the party.
The centaurs seem to appreciate your polite and humble greeting, and they noticeably relax their grips on their weapons. Their leader responds with a small nod of his head to Clacent and Shivaan. "No affront as of yet, do not worry. We simply wished to share a word of warning."
"I am Urdel Thunderhoof, greatest hunter of my tribe." Urdel stands tall and proud at this description of his skills. "Recently, a mysterious predator has entered the woods and is threatening our food supply. We are presently on the hunt for it."
"Judging by the corpses of deer and other animals, we believe the beast is some kind of large cat, most likely a panther. However..." Urdel pauses a moment, his expression grim. "I am beginning to think this is no simple animal. Just two days ago, we felt the cat's presence, following us as if it were herding us into an ambush."
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Shivaan greets Urdel Thunderhoof with a low head bow.
"Well met Great Hunter Thunderhoof. I have seen large and fearsome cats in my native Mwangi, but I do not recall of such odd behaviour. While we had hoped to travel through your lands unabated, perhaps we may be of assistance on our return voyage? We travel with two very capable woodsmen. Even at this stage they may be able to shed light on this curious activity.
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Balak bends over to eye Garret. "You may be small, but I don't think a little pat on the back'd hurt ya." he says to the Halfling with a knowing look.
The travel seems of no burden to Balak. He carries his own gear with no effort and at times offers to bear the burdens of others as well.
When the Centaurs arrive, he eyes them warily, having dropped his pack and placed a hand on one of his daggers.
Urdel seems increasingly pleased by Shivaan's humble manner of speaking to him, and he nods appreciatively.
"If you should see the predator on your journey, please do kill it. You would do our tribe an enormous favour. We would be most grateful." The centaur turns to his companions, quietly conversing with them for a few moments. The female centaur hands Urdel a small, leather satchel, while the male hands him his longspear. With the two items in hand, Urdel turns back to the group.
"If you would agree to kill the beast, we will give you these in assistance." The longspear appears well made, constructed from very fine wood and decorated with beading and feathers. Inside the satchel is 8 large, fresh strawberries. "The berries are enchanted with a goodberry spell. If you are injured, eating them will restore your strength. The berries will hold the spell for another 4 days; after that, they will become normal fruit."
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"I really don't like to harm other creatures, no matter how big or small, but I must respect and obey the balance of nature. You have my word, I shall do my best if I ran into the said creature."
"Any clues or tracks that you notice from previous encounters with the same creature?"
Knowledge Nature:
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Valnir address the other members of the party, but makes no attempt to prevent himself from being heard by the Centaur.
Comrades, I agree if we run into the beast along our path it would wise to put it down. We should exercise additional caution lest we end up ambushed.
However, I do not believe we should go out of our way to pursue the beast as our current task is of a rather timely nature.
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"If this creature is in the vicinity and is as dangerous as the centaur says, then it would be good for us to keep our eyes open and ears close to the ground. I shall scout the area as we progress along the path, if I see something, I will report to the party. We would not want this beast to make its presence known when we decide to pitch camp."
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"Great Hunters, your tribe honours us with this gift, we will assist in what ways we can as we progress through your woods. If we do not encounter the threat, we would return this gift to you here at the edge of the forest in a fortnight. Thank you, may the gods bless your hunt."
Shivaan turns to Thayn,
"Your sights in the forest are far more attuned than my own, I would feel comforted by your constant watch."
After the meeting, Shivaan will progress in the middle of the group, periodically tilting his head sideways and knocking one ear as if trying to empty water with muffled, quiet words.
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I suggest we divide the strawberries amongst ourselves, that way everyone has one at hand if needed. I also suggest that Clacent takes the last one. As our point man he will probably sight any danger first.
I have no need for the spear, it is twice as big as I am!
When we continue Garret stays close to Reese, meanwhile keeping an eye out for any trouble.
"Human, we do not have much more to say about the beast. We have seen only its shadowy form in the distance for a scant moment, and of course the corpses it leaves littered in its wake. If we could help you more, we would."
Urdel does not seem worried by the discussion of whether to delay your expedition or not in order to kill the shadowy feline; mostly, he appears to be pleased that you are considering it at all. The centaur gladly hands over the gifts to Shivaan before looking over the rest of the group once more. "May the wind speed your feet and the stars guide your passage," he says simply, before he and his small band move off back from whence they came into the trackless forests of Kortos.
Before the group sets off again, Thayn does a quick scout of the nearby area. As you are not far from the edge of the woods, the undergrowth is not nearly as thick here, allowing for easier passage; however, it's clear that it would be nonetheless quite difficult to follow a sneaky predator's tracks below the trees. He discovers no sign of the panther in the immediate vicinity, and returns to the group to report. Shortly thereafter the Pathfinders continue deeper into the forest, using the combined wilderness skills of Clacent and Thayn to guide their way.
Working together, the rangers are able to at least roughly follow the smuggler's map through the woodland. Compared to the easy road across the Cairnlands, the forest is incredibly difficult to traverse, and you must climb over fallen logs, take wide detours around vast patches of tangling thorny vines, and avoid tripping over tree roots or low-growing shrubbery as you go. Clacent and Thayn do their best to follow game trails where they can, but there are many stretches where this is impossible; a lot of time is lost simply by them attempting to orient themselves within the forest. You feel as if you have not travelled very far at all before the scattered light from the canopy begins to darken and become shadows as the sun falls below the horizon. Before it gets too dark, you find a wide enough clearing where you can pitch your tents, set up your bedrolls, and otherwise make camp for the night.
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After Garret has taken care of his animals and pitched his tent he starts cooking dinner.
Reese, Valnir and Barak! Dinner is ready.
Garret has made a nice lamb stew, with assorted vegetables and bread to go with it.
Fellow pathfinders, I have to confess something. Lady Morianna asked me to deliver a letter on her behalf to the gillmen. After quickly discussing this matter with Venture Captain Dreng I agreed to deliver the letter for her. I apologize that I did not mention it before, but there never seemed to be a right time for that.
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Valnir accepts one of the goodberries and stows it away in a pouch hanging from his belt.
Later, Valnir thanks Garret for the hot meal, devours it. Afterwords, Valnir sits by fire performing low level spells, barely cantrips, to amuse himself. A fallen leaf jumps from the ground, dances around the campfire, and then darts into the fire itself. Valnir compliments Garret on his cooking prowess.
After Garret's confession about Lady Morianna's request:
Might I inquire, if you know, as to the contents of Lady Moriana's letter? I must say I'm not quite comfortable delivering a communique with no idea as to its purpose.
At Clacent's mention of of a watch:
No argument here. With at least one serious threat we know of, and countless unknown we can not be too safe. I've no problem taking the second watch.
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Thayn keeps a little distance from the main group, silently patrolling the surrounding area,looking for any signs that may indicate danger, and wincing occasionally at the louder sounds from the parties activities as they settle into camp. He occasionally examines plants for anything edible, as well as keeps an eye out for small game.
He returns and discusses any findings with Clacent and the rest of the group.
I will take the final watch. We will move at first light. Please, be ready.
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The letter is supposed to contain an offer for an alliance between the gillmen and the nation of Taldor. The Lady asked me to deliver it to the Low Azlanti embassy.
My plan was to wait with the delivery until the negotiations for the relic are finished and we have the relic in hand. That way the letter can't jeopardize our mission.
As Clacent mentioned setting a watch
I will take the second to last watch, that way I can prepare breakfast during Thayn's watch, so that we will all be ready at dawn. Nothing beats waking up to sizzling bacon and the smell of coffee.
On another note, I saw some of you with quite heavy burdens. I am sure Victor there can carry more then just my stuff and provisions.
While saying this Garret points to his mule
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"I would prefer you not do that on my watch. The scent of cooking meat wafting through the early morning woods will only make my job of keeping our party safe that much harder." Thayn says. "As the you have heard from the centaurs, we are not the only beasts in these woods and they can smell your meals better then you. So, unless your intent is to attract the attention of the hungrier inhabitants, please hold your cooking for a safer environment."
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Shivaan also joins by the cooking fire, munching his dried rations after passing the pouch of goodberries around. The food Garret has prepared is obviously armoatic and tasetful in appearance but a life in the Mwangi has made Shivaan indifferent to luxury.
"It appears my watch has been chosen, I shall follow Valnir and wake Garret. I would require some time for prayer & rest, this evening is opportune to prepare my mind for magic more suited to our environment."
1 (2/day) Murderous Command (DC 14), Expeditious Retreat, Bless
0 (at will) Resistance, Stabilize, Light
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Dinner is whipped up quite expertly by Garret, and those who chose to indulge in the halfling's skills fall to their bedrolls with full bellies and a wonderful after-taste. Nester Rees happily chats with Garret about the food, complimenting his culinary skills and asking him where he picked up the talent--and, of course, noting how odd it is for a Pathfinder to have such a skill! The others are forced to rely on the bounty of nature; a couple of hours hunting scores Thayn a rather fat rabbit plus some simple wild herbs to season it with. In his scouting of the nearby area, he finds nothing to suggest that the beast mentioned by the centaurs is around, whether tracks, droppings, or animal corpses, a fact that no doubt heartens the Pathfinders considerably.
This night is cloudless, the moon casting a dim glow over the slumbering camp and low embers of the camp fire. An occasional zephyr moves through the area, rustling the boughs of the trees and sending the tall grass into a shivering dance. The sounds of an owl's hooting echoes loud and far, carried great distances by the silence of the night. The only disturbance during the night is a tiny chittering bat that swoops suddenly down in front of Shivaan's face and scares the living daylights out of the cleric; however, all other watches are (thankfully) boring.
True to his word, Thayn wakes the party at dawn, and with a quick breakfast and some warm coffee to stimulate their sleepy eyes and protesting muscles the group soon sets off again into the forest. Wild bird songs serenade the Pathfinders as they travel, and you occasionally catch a glimpse of a rabbit or deer hiding in the undergrowth. You pass by tall, thick oak trees whose canopies seem to be almost a mile above you, their trunks wider than two or three people joining hands around them. The further you travel, the more ancient and untouched the woods seem to become; it is no wonder that this land sustains creatures like the centaurs.
Around lunch time, you begin to hear the familiar tinkling of running water echoing from somewhere ahead. Several muted beams of light pierce the thick forest canopy, and for a short while, the travel becomes easier as the trees become more sparse. Soon the dense forest opens up ahead of you, revealing a river that blocks the way forward. A large, felled tree offers a way over the swift moving river, but lying in the way just before the river bed is a gruesome sight indeed. The half-eaten carcass of a large deer stains the forest's foliage, the crimson lifeblood still fresh. With the exception of the rushing sound of the water, an eerie silence pervades the area, as does the fresh smell of death.
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Garret ties the reins of his mule to the saddle of his pony and dismounts. Meanwhile he says something to his pony in Halfling
After dismounting he carefully looks around to see if he can spot the predator.
If he sees anything he will point in that direction, otherwise he will look at Clacent and Thayn for guidance. Meanwhile he is loading his sling.
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Shivaan notes Thayn's readied bow and Garret's quick dismount and eyes the gruesome sight ahead.
"Well, I'm no ranger but it seems to me this animal died quite recently. Does the kill appear to be a natural one fair woodsmen? I see some vital wounds but I'm not sure what took it down, or, if what did constitutes a threat.
Shivaan thumbs the haft of his morning star as he steps forward and stoops down next to the animal.
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Valnir moves his hand to his dagger and peers around the forest's edge.
Valnir mentions to his companions:
It looks like a log may have served as the sole means to cross this river. We may have to find another way around. I'm not much of a woodsman however, Thayn or Clacent, does this look crossable to you?
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"This is so cruel, I wonder what kind of creature did this. I understand that creatures need food, but at least take only what you need." as Clacent investigates the carcass.
After looking around the area,
"It would seem that this is the path they have used, and maybe the creature that slaughtered this carcass used it and broke it. Careful guys, we might be dealing with a large one, that is an expert in stealth. Amazing. Who has an extra set of rope?"
If somebody has one, Clacent will tie the rope around him, the other end is held be his team. He will carry the one with him.
Clacent will also remove his armor and try to cross the river.
Dex check:
Upon reaching the other side,
Perception: if there's no danger he will tie the rope to a tree and toss it for his team to use.
None of the Pathfinders spot any immediate danger lurking in the undergrowth, nor there are no mysterious snapping twigs or rustling bushes, although they remain on the alert.
Shivaan inspects the corpse, but is unsure what he's looking at - apart from it being a bloody mess, of course. Clacent joins him in checking out the carcass, and he notices that there are several rake marks scarring the body of the deer, much as Urdel Thunderhoof had described. This is most likely the work of the feline beast they hunt. Here along the softer ground by the river's edge he identifies some fresh paw indentations in the forest's dirt floor; they appear to lead away from the corpse to the large oak tree trunk that bridges the gap over the river.
Clacent has no problem balancing along the log; it seems to be quite stable and allows for easy crossing to the other side.
As the group approaches the river, Balak, Garret, Thayn, and Valnir suddenly feel a chill go down their spines and detect a strange piercing presence... almost as if something is watching them. Balak's mystical senses direct him to look to the north-western patch of woods across the river, where his eyes meet with another pair of deep violet ones, watching everyone from afar... for a brief moment he spots the black cat hiding in the undergrowth, but upon realising it has been seen the feline runs off into the dense woods, disappearing into the shadows once more.