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Jubilost rubs his blackened eye absently mindedly, "No, none of us were hurt. If you don't mind We'll set up a permanent camp a little ways form here. We've just scouted the entire southern Greenbelt and are looking to move on to the northern part."
He begins ordering his men to re-hitch the wagon in order to keep moving.
"Please wait Sir Jubilost. Maybe in exchange for help given you could tell us a bit about your exploration. We do seek a dragon, maybe you saw one in your travels. Also I wouldn´t mind to share your map with ours, we also did some fair exploration. I am even willing to compensate you, if your map is worth it."
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Jubilost stops in his tracks, "Ha! a dragon, sure, sure, you'd think that." Suddenly his mood improves and he seems to holding on to some joke.
"Ok, I'll make you a deal, since you're fellow explorers. Me and my team have just mapped the southern Greenbelt. I'll sell you some maps for 1000gp per landmark we discovered, or I'll trade you one location you discovered for one that I did. Fair and even." He smiles, satidfied with himself.
After rearming Etienne comes forward."We seek a dragon, or trolls or some evil plant thing. Do you have evil or dangeros areas?"
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The gnome chuckles to himself. "I know where your dragon lays it's head. Can't help you with trolls of plants. I know where there's a ford over the Gurdin river, a ruined tower and an abandoned ferry station. I've met with a crazy hermit, seen the lair of a fearsome worg, a hill with undead humans in it, a place where all the plants have died and bones litter the ground and a snapping turtle as big as you."
"If you want to know where these places are you'll have to show some gold, or share a few secrets of your own."
Sitting silently on his horse, keeping watch.
Anton smiles to the gnome, saying to Miyuki
"I think we can exchange some of our discoveries, mine lady"
Miyuki suddenly smiles and with all her charm adresses Jubilost and his fellowship." Well master Jubilost, I have even a opportunity for you. I need a good map around my capital. As you can see some work is done. But I have a feeling you can offer more, the work of a true artisan. Also the area is cleared of danger. A safe, easy job. Maybe not for now but you might think about it."
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"If I wanted to sleep in a bed I wouldn't have left my wife," he says, returning to his prior grouchy mood.
"You can think about it all you like. We're going to set up camp near here and you can come and find us whenever you like. Either pay up or spill the beans, but either way you are not getting my maps for free."
"Oh, master Jubilost, I apologize for not being clear. We will trade what we know with you now. And I did not want to offer you a safe job, but an opportunity for rest and recreation. To resupply and more. I was just hoping to get a true masterpiece for my council table, so that we can plan our duties better. And it seems to me you were an expert in this field."
"Yes, what mine lady is saying is that you and yours will be always welcome in Emermark. We don't want to disturb your business, but it will be better for you knowing there is a safe and friendly place where you can go, if in needing of something."
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Jubilost snaps his fingers and his companions quickly begin copying your maps.
He hands over maps labeled, S. King of the Forest. O. Candlemere Tower and I. The Mad Hermit.
He says the other maps are all east of the Tuskwater. He still owes you two maps, He says the one's closest to Freewater are the worg and turtle, followed by the undead and the ford. The Ferry station is pretty far south.
Aside from that the Dragon lair is two hexes to the southwest (S. King of the forest) Go southwest passed the hermit and then southwest some more. You'll find it, you can't miss, not with that map in hand.
Good. We should go there now.
Anton updates his maps carefully, taking notes of the way to the Dragon lair. He also asks the gnome
"Did any of you saw this dragon and can tell us something about it? What was his color, and so on?
Carefully observing Narthropple while he describes the dragon...
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You spend the night with Jubilost Narthrople and his expedition. They are companionable and the gnomes seem pleased to have the company. Even Jubilost warms up a bit and begins telling a few tall tales. He's quite skilled and has you on the edge of your seats for nearly all of it, don't tell her but he could give Marlani a run for her money.
The next morning you head southwest in search of your dragon. As you have the maps this hex does not technically need to be explored but there's nothing stopping you from doing so.
There's also the issue of the mad hermit, whom the map claims lived in these woods. You know exactly where he lives so you may visit or avoid him as you see fit.
We should check him out.
Anton enjoyed the gnome's company at the camp.
The next morning he prays for new spells , then leads the party in the daily exploration.
He simply checks if the information they already have are accurate or not. And if there is something missing. That's not because he is not trusting the gnomes, but because he thinks there could be some things even them have missed for many reasons.
During the ride he asks his teammates if from the description of the dragon there is something to be aware.
"As much as I hate to say this, Anton, if this dragon can fly then we will need your archery skills to annoy it enough to get it on the ground where Etienne and I can get at it." Sebastian says as he rides.
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Heading south you pass into a thick copse of trees. While enjoying the dappled sunlight under the shady canopy you hear a sound like wings thrashing the air. Suddenly there is a reptilian screech. You struggle to figure out where it came from, twisting your necks every which way. Bows are drawn and swords are readied.
Suddenly you spot something through the leaves, flying past you to the south, a flash of blue.
Would anyone care to make a perception roll?
"Yes, mine arrows will be ready. I'm thinking more of what expect us. Does this green dragon spit out fire? Does it reflect magic? I've never studied dragon abilities in mine life."
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Dragon Lore is covered by Knowledge (Arcana)
Sorry Sebastien you do not see it. Those that manage to break DC 15 take a look here.
"Valorius Iomedea. This one is beautiful!"
"Beautiful and dangerous!" says Anton while stopping his mount, Berego, and starting looking around for possible dangers
Finally Miyuki speaks. This should have been a wyvern. They are dangerous, but not necessarily evil.
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Miyuki is, of course, correct.
As you approach the marked area on your map you hear someone talking. You try to get a closer look and find this gentleman, in the company of a puma. He is capering about near a large oak, which appears to have been hollowed out. At current he is lecturing to the puma, which he simply calls "cat" about the importance of proper manners. He has not seen you yet.
I guess a puma is not a big cat?
Sebastian dismounts, holding Justice's reigns and waiting for Anton or Miyuki to speak.
Anton dismounts too, but he stays silent, focusing his attention on the puma instead of the man, and leaving the sweet voice of Miyuki in dealing with him.
Miyuki walks slowly closer, showing her empty hands. "Well met. You have a lovely cat there, sir!" She is prepared to cast colour spray if attacked..
A very happy smiling Etienne holds up 4 fingers and smiles at Miyuki.
Smiles back and holds 4 fingers up... too!!!
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The old man turns and stares with unnerving stillness.
Then he explodes back into jerking erratic movement. "You!" he says accusingly. "How did you get out of my head? It was the little people, they stole you. Well now your back, so I'm going to put you back in my head with all the other voices."
He begins to move towards Miyuki, his cat following behind him. You are keely aware that he has a short sword and a whip on his belt.
Sebastian moves forward to place himself between Miyuki and the old man. "Stand down sir!" He says, shield at the ready and hand on his sword hilt. "We mean you no harm!"
Miyuki is prepared to cast colour spray, if the hermit shows any signs of danger.
Anton is ready to cast charm animal on the puma if the animal attacks or is pushed to do something else against the members of the team.
With pride Etienne walks to the other side of Miyuki, also shield ready and hand on his sword hilt!
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"You! You all escaped? How is that possible? I should have killed all those little people when I had the chance."
He draws his sword and begins to attack.
Miyuki fires her colour spray but he seems unfazed by it. Similarly his animal is unaffected by Anton's spell.
The old man sidles up jerking and twitching bizarrely, he swipes at Sebastian but his blade goes nowhere near him. He seems to realize this is not going to work as well as he hoped. "Get them Cat, eat their bones!"
The cat surges forward to attack.
Initiative