Perched on Lynnda's shoulder, Shadow glares at Foxglove with narrowed amber eyes, her ears partly folded back. Her tail swishes in agitation.
--Don't like!--
As Lynnda and Aldern converse it becomes apparent that she is attempting to surreptitiously signal the rest of the group. As she sends a mixed jumble of facial and hand gestures her intentions are difficult to discern. It’s possible that she is signaling her desire to have some intimate time alone with Aldern.
Shortly, Aldern’s servants return and inform him that all preparations are in order. As the last of the drinks are finished Aldern rises from the table.
”Now it’s time for the hunt. For those of you who are joining Lynnda and I please make your way to the local stables where I’ve arranged for you to select steeds for the hunt. Please prepare yourselves and meet me at the northern gate of town. The hunting grounds are but a few short miles out of town and we should be back in time for supper.”
Halvor listens to the two exchange words, eyes taking on a confused look as Lynnda seems to be attempting to get something across to them. Ahhhh...she wanted to be alone with the nobleman. That was strange, wasn't it? She had been acting as though she found the man repulsive. Halvor guesses a bag of coins is enough to change the mind of some people, and shrugs inwardly.
He looks at the two, and is hit by a sudden twinge of jealousy. He certainly couldn't allow his companion to become a plaything for a muckety uppity nobleman, could he? Of course not!
"I would be happy to accept your offer, Mr. Foxglove. Thank you for the invitation!" With a smirk at Lynnda, he proceeds to wait for the rest of his group to respond.
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While Cerin wasn't quite sure what Lynnda had in mind, Foxglove looked like the type of rich fool who did not know the proper way to hunt. He was definitely going along to make sure he learned how to show respect for nature and the Hunt!
"I would be delighted to join you! I assume such a well-bred gentleman as yourself has some smaller ponies or riding dogs in your stables?"
Cracking a smile, Kyrian lets out a slight chuckle. "I would've been fine just letting her have her way with him, but apparently they felt they have to join too. See how this 'hunt' goes down then..." "Eh, sure. I suppose I'll come with as well since this seems to be a group outing. I can always use the practice with moving targets anyways. Seems I got rusty over some time." Walking up behind Lynnda, he puts his hand on her unoccupied shoulder and quickly whispers to her "Let me know when you need a distraction. You didn't interfere with me, and I hate being in debt." as he finishes with a click sound.
"I'll see you all back in the 'Dragon this evening."
Krissina nods to the others and makes herself scarce.
The group departs for the humorously named “Goblin Squash Stables” to select a mount for the hunt. It is situated directly adjacent to the Rusty Dragon Inn so you are all familiar with the location. One there you are greeted by a somewhat grisly display. Over the entrance to the stables covered barn there is a collection of Goblin ears: preserved and nailed to three different rafters, each bearing a Goblin’s name burned into the leathery flesh. Some of the ears appear to be quite fresh. It’s apparent the owner and operator has an intense hatred of Goblins. He introduces himself as Daviren Hosk. He is aware of the preparations for the hunt and Foxglove has taken care of the financial arrangements. All that is needed now is for you to select your mount from those available.
There is but one pony in available so Cerin has little choice. Fortunately Cerin estimates the pony to be of fine stock and temperament. Kyrian selects a bold charger which suits him. Lynnda seems to be drawn to a sturdy thoroughbred. Halvor on the other hand has selected a worn old mare with a mean temperament and a nasty kick. Everyone is busy with their own preparations so they do not take note of Halvor’s selection until you have departed the stables.
You trot towards the north gate of town to meet your host. Halvor fights with his mount the entire way there, nearly becoming unhorsed more than once.
Once you Arrive you find Foxglove and two attendants waiting.
”Excellent. Now that we are here we can finally depart. The place I have in mind is but a few miles down the Lost Coast Road. Have you ever explored the Tickwood Lynnda? Though named after the Giant Ticks that can be seen from time to time in the woods, the area is crawling with wild boar. This makes it the preferred spot for my annual hunt. If we bag a big enough beast we can have a feast prepared for us tonight!”
You lazily make your way out of town and follow the Lost Coast Road as it turns Eastwards. To your left beyond the Cliffside is a splendid view of the Varisian Gulf. Out to sea some miles distant, you can see an island (the Dragon’s Punchbowl). Up ahead on the right lies a ragged rage of broken hills interspersed with trees (Ravenroost). It’s sunny and warm today and the cool sea breeze is welcoming.
As you trot, Foxglove sides up to Lynnda the whole time and engages in conversation with her. His manner is friendly and charming and he seems innocent enough but after a half an hour of chattering he seems to be probing deeper and deeper. He doesn’t quite cross the line into inappropriate but you are starting to feel a little disturbed by the attention. You almost feel as though you are being interrogated or interviewed.
After about 45 minutes you reach the edge of the Tickwood forest. Foxglove rides a bit further on until you are flanked by another woods to the north (the Shankwood). It is here that he dismounts. He extracts his weapons from one of his servants mounts; A heavy crossbow, a spear and a mean looking knife (more of a short sword really). He wears no armor.
”Here is the place. My men shall watch our mounts while we hunt. We shall split up into two parties. Lynnda and I will cut down this game trail to the right and lie in ambush. The rest of you cut to left and then drive the beast towards us. We shall make the kill. Understood?”
Halvor curses under his breath at his ill fortune the entire ride, and the mount and him both likely share a set of bruises between his kicks to her side and the jouncing around in the saddle. Amazed to find himself in one piece, he wearily dismounts his horse, only to find his hackles raises at the nobleman's demand. His demeanor not the brightest after the ride, he nevertheless defers to the other, more social characters as he broods.
After both Cerin and Halvor express interest in joining the hunt, Lynnda looks relieved. At the stables, she quietly thanks them both for coming along. "This guy really rubs me the wrong way. Also, Shadow seems hate him." You aren't quite sure, but it almost looks like her cat nods its head at that statement.
"Still, he has money, and I might be able to get him to spend more of it on us." To Halvor's raised eyebrow, she wrinkles her face and responds, "NO! I'm not that kind of girl!"
* * *
In Tickwood, Lynnda tenses at Foxglove's suggestion of hiding in the woods with him while Halvor and Cerin try to scare up a boar.
Ugh. Just where he wants me. Still, I can probably take him out with magic if I need to. I need to learn more about him to find the right angle to play...
Shadow meets her gaze and shakes her feline head.
"Oh, what do you know?"
To Foxglove, she fakes a smile. "Well, I'd rather this place be crawling with boars than crawling with ticks. Yuck." Shadow meows loudly, and Lynnda picks her up. "Yes, I'll brush you extra-well tongight to make sure you don't have any normal-sized ticks." Shadow returns a not-amused look.
Setting Shadow on her shoulder, Lynnda takes out her her own light crossbow, and makes sure that it's in working order. She also has her shortspear in hand, and a dagger at her side.
She listens with a look of concern on her face as Foxglove lays out his plans for the actualy hunt. I don't like this guy giving us orders. In an attempt to subtly contradict him, she looks to Halvor and Cerin and says, "Well, Aldern's been hunting here before, and his suggestions seem sound to me. Is that plan okay with you two?"
"Okay, Aldern. Let's take that trail."
And if you try anything funny, you'll regret it!
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Cerin cocks his head and looks at Foxglove for a moment.
"I wouldn't think a man of your stature would take the easy way out. A real hunter would stalk and kill his own prey, not have it handed to him by others..."
He shrugs and looks for the spoor of any animals that have passed through the area, paying careful attention to not only the ground but also the trees and bushes.
"If that's what he wants, well then that's what he wants. I got no problem taking things down when others don't want their hands dirty."
Halvor nods curtly to Lynnda. As she had said before, she could take care of herself, and he was certainly not her nursemaid.
He glances around the woods, and quickly realizes that he hasn't the foggiest clue as to what to do. Not wanting to seem a fool, he keeps an eye on Cerin and Kyrian and emulates what they are doing, silently thankful for every minute that he is off that stupid nag of a horse.
Krissina spends some time looking for any records regarding Father Tobryn's death, the burning of the church and related information.
Lynnda lets Aldern take the lead down the trail. She cocks her crossbow and loads a bolt. Shadow trots along at her side, looking wary.
After the group leaves for the hunt Krissina takes a short walk over to the home of Brodert Quink – Sandpoint’s resident sage and historian. Situated very close to the Old Light (The giant ruined tower located in the north-western part of town along the coast), Brodert’s home is an ancient looking stone dwelling covered in moss and vines. The grounds around the yard remain choked with seeds and tall sprouts of grass. There is a crumbling stone low wall surrounding the grounds. If one didn’t know better it almost looks as though the home was abandoned.
A long-time resident of Sandpoint, Brodert is a balding Varisian scholar. He is reclusive and eccentric but acknowledged to be an expert in the fields of history and engineering. It is known that his passion for many years now has been the study of the ruins of the Old Light. He does not frequent the inns or taverns of Sandpoint but he can often be found lurking at the local bookshop.
As you knock on the old but sturdy looking wooden door, Brodert soon arrives and though at first he seems rather bothered by the intrusion he soon welcomes you inside. You immediately notice that the interior of the home is considerably cleaner and organized than the exterior. There are numerous shelves ringing the main room with countless scrolls and books neatly stacks and organized. He seems delighted to have a guest - especially one seeking knowledge of the history of Sandpoint. He politely serves you some tea and you sit to have a chat.
Eventually, after revealing several theories he has regarding the Thassilonian runes that the town is built on, you discuss the fire that claimed the old church.
“As yes. Most assumed that a tragic accident was to blame for the fire and deaths that resulted. The accepted theory is that the fire was caused by the store of lamp oil igniting, either through negligence or calamity. Desna knows, the cellar was certainly overstocked with oil. It was used to keep the prayer fires lit and also to illuminate the entire place of worship. Ha, even now at the new cathedral they keep the oil stored in an outbuilding separate from the main structure. A prudent measure to be sure, but there are those who remain unconvinced that an accident was to blame for fire.”
Brodert rises feebly from his chair and retrieves some papers from a nearby shelf. He unfolds the parchment on the table and bids you to come and look.
”After the fire was put out the Mayor asked me personally to look into the its cause. Imagine, me Brodert Quink , former catologer for the Founder’s archive in Magnimar, digging around in the ashes trying to discover the fate of a few locals. As if I didn’t have more important matters to tend to. Humf. No matter. You see here, this is a sketch I completed after the fire. It shows the ruins of the old church. Now, if you look here you can see where the body of our former high priest was found. He was in his chambers propped against the door. This likely means that he awoke during the fire and attempted to flee but was trapped in his room. It possible that the doorway had become blocked by debris and escape was impossible. However, it is also a possibility that he was deliberately locked in his room.”
Brodert lets his last statement sink in for a moment before continuing.
”Also, it should be noted that Father Tobyn’s adopted daughter Nualia’s body was never located. Do you know how hot flames have to burn to completely consume a body, bones and all. I can tell you that the fire was not intense enough to completely destroy her body. It was also confirmed by others that magic of significant power was not used in or on the church that night. To this day I still hold to my original assertion that Nualia was not killed in the fire. As to her whereabouts, I cannot say. Perhaps she was stolen away by thugs, slavers or worse before the fire was set. She may yet live somewhere out there. Now, do you have any other specific questions my dear?”
"Hmmm, I still wonder if Nualia set the fire herself...
On another note, is there anyone else of Minkian descent in the town, other than Ameiko and Tsuto I mean?
Okay team thanks for your patience. Lets continue.
Cerin, Kyrian and Halvor set forth into the woods with Cerin in the lead. Following the game trail, Cerin pauses from time to time to carefully consider the ground ahead. As he knees to more closely examine the trail he notes the passage of many small creatures – rabbits, mice, racoons and other mundane woodland creatures. After about 15 minutes they come across a wider trail deeper into the woods, cutting across their current trail. After Cerin notes the gnashed condition of several tree trunks in the vicinity. He turns to his companions.
“Boars! Large beasts by the look of it.”
The trio carefully winds their way down the trail until they can hear the passage of one or more large boars coming up from behind them!
Aldern Foxglove and Lynnda enter the woods a short distance away from the rest of the group. Foxglove leads the way all the time chattering on about his prowess and regaling you with previous successes. Soon you arrive at a small clearing in the woods.
”This is the perfect spot. If the rest of your men do their job we should be seeing something coming down this trail soon.”
Lynnda sets herself up by taking shelter behind a rock and aiming her crossbow towards the trail. Aldern glances over and looks disappointed.
”No no my dear. You’ll never hit if you hold it like that. Here…”
Aldern slides in behind you and wraps his arm around you. He grips your wrist and your forearm and attempts to adjust your hold and aim on your crossbow. You can feel his warm breath brushing your hair and ear.
Krissina: There are no other Minkian families in town. There are Minkian sailors that show up from time to time down by the harbour but no other permanent residents that you can think of.
Halvor draws his sword out of habit, looking to Cerin, who is by far better in this environment. Listening for instructions, he also keeps an eye out for the wild pigs they seek.
Tensing at his touch, Lynnda steps out of his hands-on instructions. "Actually, Aldern, I'm pretty good shot with a crossbow. See that sycamore with the big branch coming out of the side?" She turns toward him with her crossbow, pointing it at a tree that's behind him and slightly to his left. With a grin, and without waiting for him to move, she aims at the tree and fires, sending the bolt whizzing past his ear-- close, but not too close.
She then gagues Aldern's reaction.
Shadow stands at her ankles, glaring balefully at the nobleman. Her black tail swishes quickly in agitation.
"Mrrrow!"
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Cerin cocks his head and listens to the boars. "They are coming this way. Move out of their path that way and hide." he whispers urgently, pointing away from the direction of Lynnda and Aldern.
"Once they pass, look for a straggler and we will ambush it and drive it towards 'the mighty hunter'." he continues as they hurry to a hiding spot.
Halvor bangs and crashes his way through the woods to where Cerin indicated, trying to make less noise than an approaching army. He keeps his eyes open for a straggler, as Cerin suggests, all the while wondering at the wisdom of trying to flush out these wild beasts.
The trampling and snorting of the approaching boar grows louder as Cerin, Kyrian and Halvor hurry to conceal themselves in the undergrowth just off of the trail. Cerin and Kyrian have little difficulty in melting into the bushes and trees. Halvor on the other hand clumsily knocks loose some rocks and loses his footing. He suddenly finds himself flat on his arse in the middle of the trail as the large, nasty looking wild boar rounds the corner and eye’s him suspiciously. The boar lets out a menacing growl and rushes forward, charging Halvor.
Combat Round 1
Initiative: Kyrian, Cerin, Boar, Halvor. Halvor is surprised this round. Everyone else aware. No combat map.
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As Cerin settles into the bushes he hears a loud crash. Peeking out, he sees Halvor's plight and sighs in frustration with himself.
I should have known better! No one that big in full armor could be quiet enough!
He quickly summons a rainstorm to try and drive the boar away from his friend and hopefully towards the ambushers.
As the crossbow bolt swishes past Aldern and sinks into the tree beyond with a heavy thunk, the man just blinks and stares for moment. Once he registers what has happened a sickening and gleeful smile crosses his face. He seems to be in awe and overcome with euphoric joy at the sight of your assertive behaviour.
”I knew my mistress had claws…”
He comes in close and tries to embrace you. He leans forward and presses his face close to yours. You are about to extricate yourself by means of extreme violence when suddenly a rumbling crash of thunder breaks the silence. Either there is sudden and intense thunderstorm brewing or your friend Cerin is up to his old tricks nearby. The noise emanates from the game trail you have staked out. Aldern releases you and a perturbed look comes across his face.
”Those fools. They’ll ruin everything. Come quick!
Without bothering to look and see if you’re following he bolts off down the trail in pursuit of the noise brandishing his spear.
Shadow feels her mistress' disgust and surprise at the male human's attack.
"Hsssss!! Growwwwr!"
The cat jumps on the man's ankles, biting and scratching him.
The cat jumps off when the man bolts down the trail.
--Hate!--
Me too, Shadow!
Lynnda cocks the crossbow and loads another bolt. Next time, Aldern, I'm aiming for your chest!
"Come on, Shadow. Let's see what that @$$h0le's up to!"
Loaded crossbow in hand, she follows Foxglove down the trail.
As the snorting beast charges the downed Halvor, Kyrian lets fly an arrow. The missile strikes the boar in the shoulder and it lets out a roar of pain. Cerin then summons a sudden and violent thunderstorm which bombards the creature. Undeterred by the barrage of effective attacks, the Boar presses onward and rams Halvor hard in the chest. Reeling in pain and winded Halvor attempts to regain his feet. The boar slashes at him with his tusks as he rises but does no further harm. Once properly footed Halvor sweeps his blade viciously at the side of the boar’s head but it clangs off of the beasts’ thick tusk.
Combat Round 2
Kyrian>Cerin>Boar>Halvor (Aldern Foxglove and Lynnda rushing down the trail towards the combat)
Halvor is more than happy to assent to Cerin's instructions, backing away from the boar while keeping his shield in front of him to fend off the wild boar.
Lynnda chases after the nobleman of questionable morals. "Hey! Wait up!"
Shadow runs alongside.
Kyrian and Cerin continue to pelt the wild boar with their ranged weapons. Both warriors strike telling blows and the creature howls in rage and pain and looks as though it may collapse. Halvor backs away from the beast and hesitates for a moment unsure if the creature intends to pursue him. The crazed animal lets out a bellow and charges after Halvor again. As Halvor struggles to lead the beast down the game trail it quickly catches up to him. The Boar thrusts its tusks out and tries to ram the young warrior. Halvor deftly avoids the rampaging animal.
Lynnda chases after Aldern Foxglove and clearly hears the sounds of battle from just beyond the next twist in the trail.
Combat Round 3
Kyrian>Cerin>Halvor>Boar (Foxglove and Lynnda most likely arrive next round)
Halvor never thought a pig would be so ferocious! He quickly tires of being the decoy, instead choosing a more offensive route. He lines up a swing and lets loose, swinging his sword in a downward motion as he tries to keep his shield between him and the dangerous tusks of the beast.
Lynnda and Shadow, both quite annoyed at this point, continue to chase Foxglove down the path toward the sounds of the fight.
Kyrian continues to send arrows towards the dangerous creature. His shot misses the target however. Cerin steps onto the trail and aims another missile at the boar. The stone slams into the boar but it thick hide protects it from harm. The ranged attacks prove to be difficult because Kyrian and Cerin are careful not to hit Halvor. The boar continues to strike at Halvor but its attacks are warded off by the warriors’ sturdy shield. Intending to end the fight, Halvor swings his sword downward and lands a telling blow onto the skull of the wounded beast. With a bone crunching slice the creature makes one final bellow and collapses to the ground - dead.
Shortly after the boar is felled, Aldern Foxglove bursts onto the scene and stops in his tracks when he sees the fallen beast with Halvor stood over the body. Lynnda quickly comes up behind him. As he stares at Halvor and the boar he seems transfixed for a moment and in a state of shock. Slowly under his breath he mutters:
”You stole my kill…?
He appears visibly shaken and begins to tremble. His eyes open wide with murderous hate. Veins bulge from his neck and his knuckles turn white as he forcefully grips his spear.
”YOU STOLE MY KILL!! YOU DUMB APE. I SHOULD KILL YOU!!”
For a moment it looks as if he is about to charge with his spear in rage. Then he slowly calms down and backs away. With an aloof and perturbed air he says:
”Clean the beast and prepare it for transport back to town if you wish. I care not…
He suddenly turns and departs into the bush headed back towards the Lost Coast Road and the horses.
Hurt by the boar and confused at the nobleman's reaction, Halvor raises his sword and shield, preparing to cut the man down should he charge. When Foxglove walks away, the warrior turns away, looking to Cerin. Surely he knew how to clean the animal? Halvor had attempted such things back home, but he usually ruined as much meat as he salvaged.
He doesn't even think about the fact that the nobleman might take the horses as a slight for stealing 'his' kill.
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Foxglove's sudden rage startles Cerin for a moment, but he steps forward to try to calm him.
"Easy! We're sorry, but it was him or us! We started to lead it towards you. These boars are easily enraged, though and Halvor had no choice. Perhaps if you had been a bit closer..." he shrugs.
Once the 'noble' has left, he looks at Halvor and asks "Are you all right? It looked like that boar caught you pretty badly with it's tusks there."
After his friend is taken care of, he lifts his head and closes his eyes, offering a silent prayer of thanks for the successful hunt before pulling out his dagger and starting to clean the animal.
As Lynnda comes out of the trail, she watches Halvor fight the boar with a sense of dread, and then relief as he slays the beast. Her expression turns to one of contempt at Aldern's behavior toward Halvor. When it appears that Aldern is about to attack Halvor, she raises her hands and starts to cast a spell at the nobleman, but breaks it off when he backs down.
She rushes over to Halvor, "That was fantastic! Are you all right?"
As Aldern turns his back and barks orders at her friends, she calls after him, "Hey, Aldern! If you weren't such an @$$hole, you might have had a chance! Remember that for the next time a girl strikes your fancy!"
Turning back to her friends, she says, "Well, let's clean this boar and bring it back to the Dragon. I'm sure Ameiko's kitchen will roast it for us-- especially if we share! Pig roast for dinner tonight!"
Halvor nods an affirmation to the sorceress, relieved he is to still be here after the vicious attacks of the beast. "I believe Kyrian and Cerin deserve most of the credit. They hit it and distracted it enough to not kill me and allow the final blow."
His brow furrows in confusion at the woman's parting words to the nobleman, but he lets it go. Whatever it was it was between the two of them alone, apparently.
As Cerin starts to finish, Halvor will carry the heavier parts, unless his companions object.
Halvor quickly catches his breath as Cerin cheerfully goes about his work. The sounds of the living forest can be heard all around. It has turned out to be a fine day and the warm rays of the sun breach the canopy of trees overhead and shine onto the forest trail. A short time later Cerin completes his task and the boar is skinned and quartered ready for transport. Halvor’s impressive strength allows his to carry the bulk of the Burdon while the others assist.
Under Cerin's guidance, it takes less than 30 minutes to return to the Lost Coast Road. As you approach the spot where your horses were tethered you arrive upon a ghastly scene. Lying off to the side of the road in a ditch near the tree line lie the remains of your three horses. The beasts have been butchered in a grisly fashion. They have been stabbed repeatedly with what appears to be a triangular shaped spear blade. Each carcass is mutilated and wears a multitude of stab and slash wounds - far beyond that which would have been required to kill.
After examining the tracks around the scene, it is evident that the deed was done by a single man. Riding boot prints have left an impression in the dirt. Off to the side two other men waited with tended horses. After the foul deed was committed the three rode off together heading south towards Sandpoint.