Koya comes over to Sir Alfric, checking on his hearing and general status. Once she's sure he'll hear her, she shays "I understand your frustration. I'm sure that after all this time, you understand Shalelu's -issues- with goblins. She's calmed down quite a lot since the whole Runelords business, though. And she knows you and that you don't support indiscriminate slaughter of any sentient creature. Give her an hour or so and she'll calm down...especially with this seeming threat to Ameiko. have you ever heard of a 'white-skinned' bandit in this area?"
Having taken his helm off, the ringing in his ears faded enough that he was able to hear Koya speak.
"Was that what that was all about?" He said, turning to look back at Shalelu. "I couldn't hear what was going on. I kind of understand her anger though; no matter how many times they are brought to heel and a deal made, they always seem to degenerate to dangerous vermin."
He ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his forehead.
"I suppose we should try again though.
"As for a white-skinned bandit, let me think now..."
"Perhaps it is the famous Ranulfr the White, whom Sandru mentioned before we left?"
"If it is this 'legendary bandit'..", Braydon smirks, "He is having trouble..recruiting good help."
"The female druid, Skeeter, said that the leader, Sputterlick, recently returned to the tribe and took over due to an alliance with a white-skinned longlegs ally. And that this ally wanted Ameiko, or something of hers. Skeeter doesn't trust this person's motives. Understandably, I suppose."
"It's possible, Braydon. I still think it's someone trading on his name, though. Maybe a son, taking after dad."
He turns to look a the nervous druid. "You know that all of us 'horse-house' folk always learn about trail issues. If I hear form any of our groups that you or your tribe are on the road again before the time is up...we will immediately send notice to Shalelu here. I don't think you want that, now do you?
The now thoroughly terrified druid shakes her head and says, pleadingly "I go now? Please?" as she sidles toward the edge of the road.
Shalelu looks up, unconcerned, then suddenly spins around and fires an arrow that lands, quivering in the dirt between the poor goblin's legs.
"I will remember you. Remember ME!"
"Whomever he is, it seems wiser to deal with him now instead of having him continue after us. Though I bow to the caravan master's decision, of course."
"If he comes after us again, at that point I would not mind giving him a little present."
"Do we even know where this white-legged bandit is? My opinion is we press on. We'll be out of his territory soon enough."
The Vudrani shakes his head slowly. "Ordinarily I would agree with you, Sir Alfric. But if--and I admit it to be unlikely--if the goblin can be trusted, this bandit is after Ameiko, and we do not know why. That is troubling to me, yes?"
"I think that moving on is the most practical solution. Once we get to Galduria, we can check to see if there are any further reports of this bandit."
Sandru pauses, thinking. "We should still be on our guard. I'll have a few of the extra drivers ride guard, and we'll double up on watch at night. We're about two and a half days out from Galduria, so that shouldn't put too much of a strain on us."
"We can hand over Skeeter in Galduria. They will decide what to do with her."
"Actually, the agreement we just made is to let her go, and she will keep her tribe from attacking the road for 'one full season'."
Ameiko looks over at Shalelu. "I think we've put enough fear into her that she will keep her promise."
Shaleu nods curtly and goes back to mount her horse.
"I'll scout ahead to be sure she has no other allies on the road."
She chuckles, amused if a bit sour. "Maybe you should make her and the survivors help clear that tree?"
Ikshvaku eyes the diminutive goblins and shakes his head slightly. "I would prefer that we are able to continue quickly, yes? They would seem to be more trouble than their help is worth."
"Agreed, Let's get out of here."
Sir Alfric saluted Sandru, mounted and galloped off after Shalelu. He scouted back and forth ahead of the caravan; though mostly confined himself to the road or open areas.
The elf nods at the exchange. After the goblins leave.
"I cannot feel good that those goblins escape justice. If they attack innocents after we had the power to stop them, it will weigh heavily on my soul."
The normally talkative elf seems to get more introspective, as if pondering both sides of a debate. The right choice wasn't always easy or even clear.
There are no further issues as you arrive in Galduria. Once you arrive there, Sandru sets out to report the attack to the local authorities and to restock whatever is necessary.
Ameiko suggests a little persona shopping and will drag along anyone who wants to go...and maybe a few shy folks who don't.
Checking with the locals and the authorities can provide the following bits of info:
A band of bandits have become organized under some strong leader, and have conducted raids north of Galduria. The worst activity has actually been reported north of Wolvington, so the trip is considered safe at least that far.
The bandits not only steal goods, but take prisoners—who have not been seen since. Survivors tell stories of the bandit leader as being an Ulfen, and called “the White Wolf”.
The bandit leader is said to get his name from his white hair man and pale skin.
"I little shopping won't hurt. I'm curious about what's available here."
Mai takes 10 on her Dip checks
Sir Alfric asks around about the road ahead, talking to other caravans, town guards, rangers, tavern barkeeps, etc.
Ikshvaku has neither Diplomacy nor Knowledge (Local), but is a decent enough merchant that he's got a chance of identifying people who might know something about trade. He'll accompany Sir Alfric (if the cavalier is willing) and point him at likely people to talk to.
"This is a little worrisome Master Ikshvaku; bandits who kidnap travelers without demanding ransom, and led by an Ulfen called 'The White Wolf'".
"That is sounding like what we heard in Sandpoint and from the goblin, yes? 'Ranulfr the White' is close to 'White Wolf;' perhaps there was some difficulty in translation. I fear we will face this wolf, and soon. We must prepare."
Braydon uses his unassuming bland looks and keen ears to derive the general feel for the locals.
"No ransom implies..slavers..or worse. I can't discover..why he'd send goblin scouts..against us, though. How would he..even know..who we were?"
After the time feeling out the locals for information, Braydon will peruse the market for spices & foodstock, and if he can get a good price, maybe sell off some of his cargo.
"I don't know what more we can do than we already have. Still forewarned is forearmed. No matter the opposition, we will prevail." Sir Alfric replied confidently.
"I would like to meet these bandits."
Ikshvaku nods. "Trade is very important, yes? And I would like to know why they are so interested in Lady Kaijutsu."
"I'm a bit curious, as well. I mean, I AM a noble, technically. But there's no one left who'd pay a ransom. Well, maybe Sandpoint..." here she chuckles, unconcerned. "Unless they asked the Scarnettis, that is."
"We'll be here overnight at least, so everyone enjoy yourselves. If you all will feel better about it, I'll stay with at least two of you at all times. Shalelu, Mai, want to have a Girls Night Out?"
Fibek decides to visit the Twilight Academy and look for opportunities to study in the library.
Sir Alfric, despite having an impulse to follow the girls, will look for a tavern with a decent minstrel playing instead.
"Mistress Koya--you said, I believe, that you were interested in visiting the Twilight Academy, yes? If you like, I will accompany you there."
"Why thank you, Vak. I hope you can find something of interest there as well."
Mai goes shopping for clothes and useful things with Shalelu.
Fibek notices others are going to the Academy, so he falls into step with them.
"I just like books. It may be an elven stereotype, but the more I learn about magic, the better I fell about using it."
Vak & Fibek: There's a bit of excitement at the Academy. It seems there's been a theft.
A rare tome, the Folio of the Faebinder has been stolen from the Academy's library, in spite of the many traps and wards placed on it.
Sir Alfric: You can find a tavern 'the Singing Frog' which has quite a talented bard playing tonight.
Mai: The local shopping district is rather upscale compared to Sandpoint, possibly due to the presence of the Academy. Are you looking for anything in particular? If not, Ameiko will drag everyone to a music shop, looking for unusual stringed instruments and new music. Shalelu, as usual, will be less impressed by the clothing shops and more interested in weaponry.
Braydon: You can set up a lively business in the Caravanserai, along with Sandru, who seems to be interested in how you handle yourself, and to be loosening up about your presence as well.
Fibek is curious about the book theft.
"It seems a rare book with limited demand and limited access. Are there any clues?"
Fibek will actually try to examine the area and look for tracks starting near wear the book was kept.
Although it is typically difficult to find any tracks indoors and many have tread outdoors, Fibek seems to be at his best at tracking today.
Ikshvaku follows the elf, impressed by his tracking skills.
Sir Alfric leans back on his chair nursing a glass of local wine (not bad at all) and listening to a fine bard. He wonders idly how the others are spending their down time...
Fibek: No tracks, but you do find a spot of blood near where the book was kept. It appears the thief didn't find ALL of the traps.
As you investigate, you also notice a young human female, dressed as an inquisitor of Abadar, speaking with the library head.
Braydon: Sandru has been studying you, and during a break for lunch, will ask you "How long have you been - like that?" He seems genuinely curious, and also to not want to draw the attention of the locals to you condition.
"I've never met a were-rat before. That I know of. I'm not sure if I've even met a werecreature. Though with Wolf's Ear..."
As you two are talking, you notice the new people in conversation with a stranger, a gnome carrying a satchel and wearing a backpack. He hands over the satchel and a small pouch, then turns to look over to where you're sitting.
Ikshvaku taps Fibek on the shoulder and indicates the young woman. "Perhaps she has some official standing? Best we speak with her and offer our assistance."
Fibek approaches the woman and introduces himself:
"The theft of a book is a great tragedy and crime. Can I be of help?"
Fibek: The young woman turns to you and introduces herself. "I am Lexia Harken, and I have been hired by the university to recover the book. I appreciate the offer, but right now I think I can handle it, I've cast bloodhound from a sample of the blood the thief lost to a trap, and I think I'll be ale to locate him (or her) with ease. Still, if you do find any information, there is a reward."
At the moment, she seems a bit stand-offish and suspicious.
"The thief may have friends. You may want some help??"
"Fibek, look at this from her point of view. She has a thief to deal with, and she does not know either of us. For all she knows, we could be allies of the thief. Unless there is someone known to her who will speak for us, she is wise not to trust us.
"I am fearful, though, that a wise and cunning thief may take blood from an innocent and leave it on a trap, counting on the use of magic to distract pursuit while the thief escapes. Perhaps we should continue with the use of mundane means. Our companion Mai is very good at finding things out--we should call her to assist."
Sir Alfric roars his approval (with or without the rest of the audience) as the bard finishes her set. He waives her over and offers her a drink.
"Marvellous! Really, really good!" He gushes all over her.
In conversation he will casually probe her for information/rumors, especially of any banditry-along-the-roads type.
"I've been..a wererat my entire life. My earliest memory was..me playing..in half-rat form. It gets..rather sad from there.", Braydon says, but looking rather distressed about the subject, "I really don't know what 'normal' or even 'human'..really means. As for..other man-beasts, I've met a..few. The ones I met were..short-tempered and violent. They were most..likely..infected, rather than born to it. My training as an inquisitor..covers..such..material. As for Wolf Ear..I only know..what they tell us. Which is..it's perfectly safe. I'll know..rather quickly..if that is true."
Braydon: Sandru says "That could be useful. So, being 'born to it' lets you control it?"
The he pauses, as the strange gnome heads towards you. "what can I do for you, sir?"
The gnome bows to Sandru and says "Pardon my intrusion, good caravan master. I am Vaylenchek, and I'm a wizard on my way back home to Sanos. I understand that you're headed north. Would you be willing to accept me as a passenger, or possibly a new, if temporary, crew member? I was supposed to meet with a group of my kin, but I was delayed. They are stopping at Wolf's Ear for some trading, so I should be able to catch up with them there. If not, I've a package that can be given to them. I've already given it to your aide over there for delivery."
Sir Alfric: The young woman introduces herself as Ceara d'Rhys. "There's been talk of a bandit, the White Wolf or somesuch. More interesting, *I* think is the robbery at the Academy. I'm actually kinda disappointed, as well as excited. I'd hoped to get a glimpse of the Folio. It's supposed to be a treatise on Fey magic, written over a hundred years ago."
Vac, it takes you around a hour to find the girls.
After a lengthy search through an unfamiliar town, Ikshvaku finds Mai, Shalelu, and Ameiko. "I am sorry to intrude on your shopping trip, but we have need of Mai's skills. A rare folio has been stolen from the Twilight Academy, and their searcher is using magic to hunt that may be fooled. You have a way with people, yes?" He puts up a placating hand. "I realize that this is not our business as such, yes? Mistress Koya, though, may benefit if we are able to locate the stolen book."
"Stolen Goods,
I could possibly find it and retrieve it."