Alexis will first concentrate on pinpointing the location of all the minds so that their group knows where they are (i.e. need a map).
"Seven animal-level intellects within 60-ft of us right now, she whispers. At least two are exhibiting wariness and fear."
Is this close enough to include the region from which that smoke was coming?
Alexis will first concentrate on pinpointing the location of all the minds so that their group knows where they are (i.e. need a map).
"Seven animal-level intellects within 60-ft of us right now, she whispers. At least two are exhibiting wariness and fear."
Is this close enough to include the region from which that smoke was coming?
Kuras isn't interested in anything formal, but he is interested in hanging out with Biter and talking shop.
So Alexis has determined that the source of the falling smoke (if it's being caused by an intelligent being or beings) is within the range of her spell which would mean something of animal intelligence is creating the smoke somehow). Rath can see about 40 feet up into the branches of the tree, and the source of the smoke would seem to be higher. The tree looks like it would be fairly easy to climb (DC 10) if somebody wished to try it.
Rath will sneak up to the tree and climb it as stealthily as possible, looking for the source of the smoke, while Alexis and Imogene cover him.
Once Rath breaks through the lower foliage, he spots a quartet of creatures unlike anything he's ever seen before. Two of them are about the size of badgers, but with prehensile tails like monkeys and long snouts like aardvarks. Dull gray smoke wafts out of the ends of their long noses. The other two are obviously younger versions of the larger creatures. One of the adults stands guard over the young, while the second has come down several branches, putting itself between Rath and its family. It's currently about 15 feet away.
Noting the creature's appearance carefully, Rath slowly backs down the tree, hoping the creature doesn't attack. He wonders if the creature uses the smoke as some sort of defensive measure in a fight.
If the creature holds it's position, Rath will take the opportunity to look around the area as he descends.
Assuming he makes it to the ground and back to Alexis without incident, he will report on the creatures' appearance and behavior calling it a "Smokenose".
The creature watches Rath as he descends, but does not engage or threaten him as he does so.
It's just an hour before sunset when the last group (Group 5) returns to the colony, everybody safe and sound. Group 1 has tales to tell of a fascinating creature they've discovered and named "Smokenoses", which Falcon Gray eagerly wishes to head out and see as soon as possible. Group 2 relates finding an abandoned village. Given the size of trees which had grown up through the remains of huts, Biter estimated that the village had been abandoned for at least ten years. The group had found no signs of violence and no human remains like you found in the village next to the colony. I'll leave it to Biter to describe the battle with the dire wolf. Group 3 returns with absolutely thrilling tales of river and more river. They're the most miserable group by far, having been ravaged by mosquitoes. For some reason, Nate Hogginside has returned in an especially foul mood and very, very wet, although he won't say why.
Group 4 also saw nothing of interest (and I'll leave it up to Elorin whether or not anything happened in the wilderness shortly before arriving back at the colony when Carylis pressed her wiles upon him one last time).
Group 5 returns with perhaps the most exciting news of all: a food source, if insufficient to feed the entire colony by itself, at least it will serve to supplement the food stores and add a bit of variety.
Group 5 brought back a sampling of the seafood for people (ie Lord Brycen and the other bigwigs) to sample. They only had a few minutes on the beach to explore before needing to start back. A more exhaustive, two-day excursion will be necessary to properly evaluate the site as a food source, and to harvest enough seafood for everybody.
Pete stomps his way back to the base camp. Those who are attuned to the dwarfs moods can tell he is in an especially foul mood, and he immediately leaves Nate in the capable hands of Gregor. Anyome who gets close to the dwarf can see , in addition to the insect bites, several scratches on his face and arms, not caused by tree branches. Considering what Gregor saw and heard on the scouting mission, the druid wisely does not utter a word of protest, or explaination.
He separates from everyone and heads out to a secluded spot on the beach where soom the smells of noxious smoke emanates from him, and is carried by the sea breezes.
Once the sun has finished setting he returns to the Ilona, and says nothing to anyone else for a while. Those who know the dwarf best think, someone with a honyed tongue should talk to him, if necessary.
someone with a honyed tongue should talk to him....
Biter's report to the greater authorities (Brycen, Alexis, etc.) is very simple and straightforward, outlining how the exploration itself went in detail without adding in commentary about the interplay between the Half-orc and himself and Abbas. He will be as specific and detailed as he can, especially when it comes to the two stand-out encounters (the mask and the village combat), showing off his portion of the wolf pelt if asked. "Prettying regular patrol, to being honest." If he is asked about how the convict worked with the pathfinders, he will again be honest and un-biased. "Notting too much trouble. Kuras was'ing to poke some fun at Brother Abbas, and was'ing to having some difficulty in the fight with the wolf, but other than that, it'ing went well."
He will try to get a chance to make a more specific report to Alexis and Friend Rath, however.
When Biter sees the dwarf sitting on the beach smoking, Biter does the only thing he knows to do. He grabs two cups and sneaks as much ale out to the dwarf as he can, silently drinking with him and watching the waves. If the dwarf doesn't speak, Biter is happy to let the waves be the only sound.
Pete accepts the drink gratefully and without a word. For a time, he is content to enjoy this simple pleasure of a good smoke, and drink.
After some time, he speaks, without looking at the goblin. ”Aye, so wanted ta leave ‘im back thar. That one be impossible ta deal wit’. I kin tell ye this, Biter. If’n I be stuck wit’ im agin, I be sure only one o’ us be returnin’. His tobne makes it clear he is referring to Nate.
He then turns to face Biter, ”Ye probably wanna keep that out ‘o the official report, he he.” He says this with a grim chuckle on his face. ”Well, best be getting back now.”
He gives the goblin a firm handshake, a rarity amongst the dwarf race. ”Ye is not a bad one, Biter.”
Biter simply listens to the dwarf vent, trying to nod at the appropriate times. He accepts the handshake, flashing a wide goblin grin at the dwarf's words.
As the dwarf wanders back towards the established beach-head, Biter looks back at the waves, waiting til his senses tell him he's alone.
"If was'ing Biter, stinking Loud-Mouth notting to come back awake."
Sense Motive:
In the meeting, Alexis reports, "Well, it seems like Burnsten's group at least had a 100% positive experience. For our part, the smokenoses and the warning masks were interesting discoveries. The masks tell us that there are in fact natives in the vicinity but that for now they are cautioned against approaching the area in which we have settled."
"In my opinion, we should take advantage of this to fortify our position over the course of the next few weeks rather than seeking out encounters before we can negotiate from a stable footing. As for the prisoners, Imogene's presence was a complete hindrance. If that woman is going to be of any use to this colony, then perhaps we can find something within the settlement itself that lends itself to her talents. In the field she's only apt to get herself or others killed."
After the meeting has ended, Alexis approaches Pete and asks:
Pete motions Alexis to a private corner, and replies to her softly,
Gentle prodding here...Lord Brycen is certainly keen to support Alexis' idea of taking advantage of the natives' absence from the area to fortify the colony and avoid attracting any notice, but will also support you if you wish to explore further afield (with the understanding that you avoid contact with natives). There is also this beach which needs further exploration and harvesting, Falcon Gray wishes to go back and conduct further studies of the smokenoses...
Basically, for the moment, where you go and what you do is up to you.
"We would be happy to lead you back to the region in which we found those interesting creatures, Grey. By the by, you wouldn't happen to have need of a spellcasting assistant, would you? I already have my hands full, but perhaps Miss Imogene could be of assistance to you..."
"Spell-casting assistant? It didn't go well, I take it. Well, I can't say as I'm surprised. I certainly wasn't supporting the idea or getting them involved, certainly not so soon. That's Harrolayne's handiwork, that. There's no rush in going to see those creatures, though. They probably aren't going anywhere. Whenever you folks are ready."
"No, it didn't work out at all. Rath and I had to trick her into believing the natives were cannibals with a special fondness for red-heads in order to get her to behave. She was acting like, and I hope you appreciate the irony of me saying this, a spoiled princess."
"Well we also found some sort of marking in the wilderness, don't know if they are warnings or just tarritorial markings, our explorer Hildani is better in the subject"
Falcon is visibly biting his lip at Alexis' last statement.
He turns to Burnsten and Hildandi to get a description of the mask they saw, which is almost identical to the one everybody else saw. "A source of food such as you describe should definitely come in handy. Well done, you two. You three."
"She was rgeat aid also, thanks for not forgeting her" as he pats her in the shoulder "Fine sword and good at taking orders"
Daciana offers the palest of smiles, but it seems genuine.
The powers-that-be still in discussion, Rath notes Biter sitting alone on the beach. He goes to join the diminutive warrior, flopping down next to him.
"Friend Biter, how are you liking to be 'Scout Master'? I have idea - we build small boat and go up-river or down coast for own adventures. Maybe find some Skraeling girls. What do you think?"
Nazard: Crafting Plans & Checks
Nazard: Crafting Plans & Checks
Biter's red eyes light up at the mention of more scouting, "Justing give Biter a direction!"
The powers-that-be still in discussion, Rath notes Biter sitting alone on the beach. He goes to join the diminutive warrior, flopping down next to him.
"Friend Biter, how are you liking to be 'Scout Master'? I have idea - we build small boat and go up-river or down coast for own adventures. Maybe find some Skraeling girls. What do you think?"
Biter's feral grin nearly splits his face in two, "Now Friend Rath is'ing speaking to Biter in Biter's own language. Notting a problem with Friend Rath's guarding duties?"
Biter shrugs about the title, "Biter is'ing happy to be scouting. Others listening to Biter is'ing nice, too... long as they'ing not do something stupid."
"Biter, why don't you and Elorin take a longer foray into the wilderness using your stealthiness to seek out new sources of game further inland? I'll leave it up to your discretion whether or not you take Kuras with you, but since I have heard no complaints about Carylis, I think you should at least have her accompany you."
"Gregor, since you have offered to aid with the leatherworking, perhaps you could stay closer and use your eagle eye spell to help map out the vicinity adjacent to the old village over the next few days. That would give Lord Brycen a great deal of data on arable fields and sites on which we might build."
"Pete, why don't you help Gregor. With any luck, his spells coupled with your geological expertise would be of great benefit. Since it seems that Mr. Hogginside has no interest in being a useful member of your team, we'll let him stay in the brig for now while his companions get to stretch their legs."
"Rath, how about you and Abbas take Imogene and show Falcon where you found the Smokenoses and the warning masks."
"Burnsten, please confer with Governor Brycen regarding the clam beds you discovered. I suspect that he will ask you, Daciana, and Hildani to lead a group of fishermen back there to assay its potential."
"In the meanwhile, I'm going to use the next week or so to start work on some magic items to help us out on the road ahead. If you find any unique resources while you are in the field, please note their location if you are unable to harvest them with all due care. Such items may prove useful in enchanting new items for all of us."
She looks about as if trying to find something distracting. "Oh, look at the time! Well I really should get back to working on these Wayfinders. Lots to do you know. Oh and if you learn anything else, be sure to let Ravarath know since I'll be er– am busy! Busy, busy, busy!"
"Keep up the good work now!"
With that, Alexis helps Elorin back out of her room closing the door the instant he's cleared the threshold. Inside he can just make out the sound of her groaning followed by a creak and then the splash of water.
After a swim to clear her head, Alexis climbs back up to her cabin feeling much better. Clearly I shall have to find a special way to convey my thanks to sister dearest for her interview work. Although, what would 'Lis do in this situation...?
"I have idea - we build small boat and go up-river or down coast for own adventures. Maybe find some Skraeling girls. What do you think?"Biter's feral grin nearly splits his face in two, "Now Friend Rath is'ing speaking to Biter in Biter's own language. Notting a problem with Friend Rath's guarding duties?"
Rath laughs. "It be BIG problem, I think. Unless knock out Rajkumari and bring her along... and then have whole other set of problems. What are polite rules for conking out Princesses?"
"I don't mind guarding Rajkumari but nurse-maiding whole village of farmers... ehhh. Would rather be exploring with friends who can fight." He sighs. "Don't think that will happen soon."
"Hey, Biter! Got something you can help me with. Attaching loopy rope around ear with feather on it bugs me. Maybe you could pierce my ear like yours and I wear feather that way? What think? Could start hm fashion trend... noticed many people starting to wear pink hats after you did." Rath tries not to bust up.
Biter whips out his great blade and makes for Friend Rath's ear simultaneously, "Biter is'ing to like that idea.. hold still."