Flit slips down off the back of his riding dog and sets himself. Grinning maliciously, Flit sights down his Crossbow at the big cat, his breathing steady. "Wrong place at the wrong time Kitty Cat!" Taking aim, he exhales slowly, before releasing.
Tardek catches a flash of movement in the tall grass off to the side of the trail and notices a fierce looking firepelt cougar stalking your party. Just before it moves in to pounce what it hopes to be its midmorning meal the half orc expertly lobs a forebomb, burning the hunting cat's fur as it roars in pain an anger. It charges forward to retaliate, with a ferocious flurry of claws and teeth.
Right after the cougar clamps down onto Tardek's throat and pulls him to the ground Flitter's bolt catches it above the chest. It whimpers and snarls in response. Alyoma takes a quick moment to ward herself from attack with a spell of magic armor. The heavily muscled mountain lion sidesteps a strong slash from Ansruath and snarls as it starts to drag off its wounded breakfast. The dwarven priest rushes forward unleashes a white-hot bolt of flame, causing the hungry cat to yelp in pain and surprise. Aldern takes a shot with his hunter's bow in an attempt to aid. He looks nervous, yet determined, but his snot only grazes the beast's hindquarters.
YOUR MAP
"YOU LET MY CONSULTANT GO YOU MANGY FLEA BITTEN SON OF AN ALLEY CAT!" Bellowing at the top of his lungs, Flit drops his crossbow and draws his battleaxe, as he darts off after the Firepelt.
Con check: vs. DC 20
Round 2, Init 11
Ansruath's face goes grim as the beast drags Tardek he moves than charges at the beast.
Ansruath moves toward the beast that took Tardek.
Round 2 - Initiative: Dead Last
Gorgoron is caught shocked for a moment, surprised by the beast's attack and stunned by how quickly it took down his comrade. Throwing caution to the wind, he dashes to Tardek's side, pulling out his wand and touching it to him, chanting a prayer before he even ceases moving.
As the large hunting cat drags off it's unconcious meals, Ansruath's blade enters its flank and drags up its side, opening an ugly gash and spraying blood about the trail. The cougar sways and drops, whimpering and panting from the rapid bloodloss as it slumps into a heap on the ground.
As the muscled feline falls, a fretful Aldern runs aside Tardek, looking franticly at the savage wound he sustained.
"Friend dwarf, you can heal him, yes?"
The nobleman breathes a heavy sigh of relief as the priest magically knits Tardek's moust serious wounds and keeps him from hovering at death's door.
"You, fine sir, are a saint. Blessed be Desna and prayers to Sarenrae this day. Is everyone else all right?"
"DIE YOU MAGGOTY CARPET!"
Flit launches himself on to the firepelt and swings his battleaxe down hard in to the base of its spine.
The massive cat spasms upright and yelps as the halfling cleaves its spine in two, before crashing back to the ground with a thud, finally dead after one last spray of dark blood.
Gorgoron's action will stand, so he still rushes to Tardek and heals him with the wand for 9. He'll follow it up with a second use for hitpoints.
Grumbling under his breath, Flit jumps off of the beast and crosses to Tar, kicking him in the ankle, before grabbing his knife from its sheath at his waist. "Damn Consultant... Gave me a scare!"
Grumbling some more, Flit moves back to the corpse and begins to look it over. "Alright throw rug... Give it up!"
Ansruath looks at the dead beast than says "Tardek are you alright?" He than tries to wipe the blood from his blade.
Tardek blearily opens his eyes, and sees only the sunlight and trees before the pain rudely brings him entirely back to conciousness. He groans loudly, the remaining cuts given to him by the cougar causing him great pain and leaving him a bloody ruin.
He nods gravely to Ansruath, still pale from his ordeal and grabs his reagant pouch, mixing and imbuing a potion with his own magic, he shakes it and then pops the stopper and drinks it back, his wounds knitting as if by magic for the third time in as many moments.
'I will be. I am made of stern stuff. Did you slay the beast? If so you have me great and eternal thanks. I had no wish to perish meaninglessly like this in the woods. Truth be told I have mo wish to perish at all.'
It takes a little while for Flitter to skin the massive beast, what with it being several times his size, but he does a fine a job. There are a few rents in the hide along with some singes from the fight, but nothing some free time with a needle, thread, and shears can't fix.
"What a excellent job, friends. [Aldern says excitedly, now that he s sure everyone will be all right.] A mighty fine trophy you've earned yourselves. I'm sure it will look great in your home. Remind me to take you on a tour of one of my manor's sometime. I think there are a few good pelts there too, along with trophies of all flavors. I know a few decent tanners and taxidermists as well, if you're interested in getting help in perserving that skin."
Ansruath shakes his head while saying "I did not slay the beast Flit did I however wounded it enough for it to let you go and start to die."
Throwing the large pelt to Ansurath, Flit grins, his face covered in gore. "All yours for the downing friend. I just wanted to cut the beast up!" Whistling happily, Flit walks off chewing on a toe.
'Either way. Thank you. and you too Flit. That was a damned close call. I hope I don't repeat it any time soon.' Now totally healed, though his gear will need sewing and mending, Tardek stands up, shaky at first then regains his feet easily enough.
'If we must continue this hunt, lets get on about it. I'd rather not be away from town for too long.' Despite his words, Tardek is clearly quite shaken by the events and remains very pale.
Ansruath nods "Thank you Flit, Mr. Foxglove a tanner would be helpfully."
Aldern pauses to address the alchemist.
"If you'd rather, Tardek, we can return right away. Nearly being mauled to death by a firepelt, especially one of that size, is quite an ordeal, and nobody would blame you if you wish to lay back and recover. However, if my previous hunts have taught me anything, it is that where hungry cougars stalk there is sure to be boar nearby, so we must be getting close in following the tracks that Ansruath had found. The food needed to support a firepelt that size means that we may even get lucky enough to find a full on razorback in these woods. How exciting!"
"If this beast preys upon razorbacks, would it not be a greater prize? Any other kills you make today will seem shallow in light of this trophy. Why not content yourself with the firepelt, and let us be back on our way?"
'I'd rather not interrupt the hunt. Let's just carry on shall we.' Tardek looks to Dehrisan and shrugs, he agrees with the half-elf, but isn't willing to fight it, rathering just to keep queit.
"Every year I bring a prize boar to Miss Kaijitsu to prepared for the patrons of the Rusty Dragon. It's been more than half a decade since I've last missed a catch! Of course the pelt is a grand trophy, but it belongs to you and your friends, and one wouldn't want to eat cat meat. If Tardek feels up to pressing on I would certainly enjoy doing so, friend, and we can pop a bottle of fine Chelexian champagne upon our return in celebration."
Continuing to follow the tracks that Ansruath had initially found along the hog run, it is less than an hour before the party catches sight of a hefty boar up ahead, drinking from a small pond. Excited, the nobleman draws his bow, whispering about what a beautiful creature it is and how grand its tusks will look upon its wall while probably feeding dozens. Between the group's trackers, and the party's skill at arms, the boar is quickly outmatched and soon enough the group is successfully riding home, razorback in tow. Te first stop once back into town is Ameiko's tavern and inn, where the Tian lady thanks him for the free meat and begins preparing a roasted feast for her patrons later that afternoon and evening.
Mister Foxglove invites the group to stay while Ameiko expertly butchers the swine and the noble claims its tusks, but it is long and tiresome work. Aldern recommends Larz Rovanky as a tanner if the group is interested in getting professional work done on their firepelt hide.
Tardek watches the butchering with interest, and asks if he could be shown how Ameiko does it, his passion for madical sciences includes anatomy and he's never seen a boar splayed in such a way.
Ansruath nods sayings "Where can I find this Larz Rovanky?"
Aldern and Ameiko give you fairly solid directions to Larz's workshop. As you head that way you see a heavily muscled man running the business with ruthless efficiency. Resting on tables around the shop are leather boots, belts, and gloves, all fit for long travels, and regal fur lined cloaks. Hides hang out in the sun and there is a foul odor in the air of old, burning, animal fat. The man in charge turns to greet you from his work as you approach.
"Hello, I have heard that you a very good tanner from Mr. Foxglove. My companions and I were hunting with him when a firepelt attacked us. Could you do something with this pelt?" Ansruath than shows the man the pelt.
"That is some pelt you've won yourself, sir. There is many a thing I could do with it. A rug or wall hanging would make a fine ornament if you've a home, but it would almost seem a waste. The fur is plush enough that it would make fine a winter or mountaineering addition to a wardrobe, but here on the coast that doesn't seem to necessary. Perhaps a grand cloak with the head as a cowl, reminiscent of style of Mwangi huntsmen. I suppose it all comes down to what you think you'd prefer most, and how much you're looking to spend, o'course. [The man muses before extending a hand.] I'm Larz Rovanky, by the way."
Dherisan contents himself to walk outside, taking some time to stroll beneath the stars as he quietly patrols Sandpoint. He will join the local watch on their vigils for a while and make light conversation.
Alyoma remains in the background during the hunt, allowing the more skilled people to show off their skills.
Afterwards, she remains at the Rusty Dragon, chatting with Ameiko, the patrons, and the party that remained here (and Aldern). If asked by enough people, she will also show off her dancing skills with a few Varisian dances.
Taking the man's hand Ansruath look at Larz than says "I am Anruath. I have 20 gold pieces that I can spend on the skin. A cloak sounds like it would do well. The head as a cowl would be very intimidating but I would like to hear what other ideas that you would have with the pelt before I pick what to do with it."
Gorgoron will head outdoors to meet people around the village. He will offer help to anyone who appears to be labouring, keeping an eye out for anyone with young children who might need help. He'll ask around to see if there are any widows in town, again asking first after those with kids. If he cannot find anyone in need of assistance in this manner, he'll head towards the orphanage and offer a hand there, anything from shoring up the roof or fence, to pulling weeds, to peeling vegetables.
"She'd make a fine cloak, though a bit heavy. In a few months when the air gets a bit more chilly at night you'd be glad to have 'er. It'd take me three days to be happy with it and would cost you 12 gold. If you just wanted some comfortable blankets, after it dries ans shrinks I could probably get two, maybe three, out of her, and it'd be but 5 silver a peice. Simple piece o' work like that wouldn't take more than a day. However, if you didn't need the head at all we could pull the teeth to make a mighty fine bladed guantlet. But sewing in those fangs to a decent leather glove could take several weeks to do right, and a weapon like that would cost a bit more than 300 gold coins, although I am willing to finance if you don't have that kind of coin on hand. I could rush the job and make something passable in less than a day, but other than its appearance, it won't be anything special."
Thinking over the options that he was giving Ansruath stands for a moment. After thinking for a moment he says "The cloak would be fine. I will be back in a few days for it." He than hands the man 12 gold pieces.
Once Ansruath leaves the tanner's shop to go back to the inn to see if he can find the others. When he sees some of the group he tells them "I gave my word to help Shayliss when I had some time if you need me I will be fulfilling my word." He than leaves the inn again to find Shayliss.
Gorgoron gives a lesson on the major deities of Golarion, and does his best to keep the attention of the youngsters. He'll offer to watch the kids during the afternoon as well, and suggest the teacher/caretakers take some personal time, as it is likely a luxury.
Not having expected this particular kind of request for help, and not having brought any notes, Gorgoron keeps the lecture very basic, sticking mostly to common-knowledge information about the common religions.
Alyoma entertains the crowd as best she can, telling tales of the group's deeds (and making sure everyone in the group gets a bit of the spotlight), and dancing as best as she can.
"I was beginning to think that you had forgotten about me. [She says seductively, twirling a finger through her hair.] But you have good timing- father's all the way up at the sawmill looking for my sister. She has a bit of a reputation that he needs to keep in check. [She winks.] But he and I will both be glad if you could finish the job before he returns."
After only a few minutes of dancing the people have tossed coin for you. Most it is in copper pieces, but it totals 3 silver. Aldern applauds and cheers boisterously; the patrons do as well and seem very pleased with your well honed performance, though not nearly as overly enthusiastic compared to the noble.
Ansruath nods to Shayliss than says "I had some time today so I came to fulfill my word to help you. What did you need done?"
She lights a candle with a tindertwig as you descend, dimly illuminating the area. Once you reach the bottom and you look about with keen half-elven low-light senses, you notice no monstrous dire-rats as she had complained about previously, merely a neatly kept storage room with a cot set in the corner. Once Shayliss reaches the bottom next to you she forcefully tries to push you back towards the bed against the far wall as she makes and attempt to kiss you.
Pushing Shayliss off of him Ansruath says "What are you doing? I came to help you not do any of that. I also do not even know you well why would you try to come onto me?"
Tardek nods along, paying keen attention to the methods Ameiko uses, as they talk he asks her more about her adventuring days, telling her some tales of his own adventures with Flitter.
Shayliss looks taken aback as you halt her advances. Her eyes narrow for a moment, seemingly confused and maybe mildly hurt or angry.
"What do you mean 'why?' You're an adventurer. And now hero to boot! You think I'd let my sister get to one of you first? [Her tone has taken a rapid shift from the naive casualness it once was, now the girl seems rather haughty and arrogant.] Come now; just think of the reputation I'll- we'll get once we're together! [She pauses and you notices her ears perk up as her brows raise in surprise and she begins to appear rather harried as she glances around the storage room.] I think father just returned. Quickly, hide! He's a foul temper and regardless if we did anything or not he'll assume the worst of you!"
Ansruath eyes narrow as Shayliss speaks than says "I am not a thief or a man who has done anything to dishonor you but I will hide."
The trouble-making girl helps you hide as the door to the cellar is pulled open and the elongated shadow of a large, heavy set man is cast down the staircase. He bellows out, calling for his daughter and asking why she isn't watching the shop above, as he starts to descend.
Unfortunately Shayliss couldn't have pointed out a worse hiding spot.
Gorgoron politely declines dinner at the academy, letting them know he expected back with his comrades. However, he lets the staff know that a boar was taken during the hunt, and will be served in what sounds like a bit of a party at the inn.
Ansruath thinks to himself about what is going on and how unbelievable it is.