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E-Terah mulled over the options his words left her with.She was going to go ahead and assume 'bucks' we're some type of slang for the local currency although she found it odd they'd liken coin to male deer.She decided not to.delve too deeply on it.
The fact that they had worgs around yet considered goblins and orcs fodder for parables made her smile wryly. Find that odd. Worgs but no gobbies; even though Worgs are known as goblin-wolves.An' if'n you consider them to be story fodder,how'd you explain me,one of th' Stout Folk?...Eh.Probably better that way. Gobbies be right persistent parasites once you discover em holed up somewhere-- like pyromanic,gluttonous roaches.Damn near impossible to get rid o' save f'r eradicatin' th' entire tribe down t' the brats. Didja know gobs keep thier brats in cages til they old enough?
When she considered that she might be able to get a dog already trained to hunt down Worgs,she nodded thoughtfully.She'd definitely needed to look into that.Preferably a female. They always had the most heart,in her opinion.
I'll definitely be needin' anything conditioned t' take down Worgs.Any ideas where I could get one,who'd be interested in sellin one t' me?
When he told her of minotaurs and fire lizards with gems on thier backs.like.turtles had shells,it got.her interested.Minotaurs we Giant- kin, and well known for being cruel hunters who hunted intelligent humanoids down in the sprawling labyrinthine liars they called home to feast on thier flesh.Children of the vile goddess and demon Mother of Monsters and Madness. They were also known,like other Giantkin,to breed with any captive females to make more.of thier kind due to a majority of minotaurs to be born male.
She'd only killed one herself and he was a right vicious brute that had attempted to gore her with his horns but only succeeded in breaking them on her stone armor.She'd dragged his mangled remains back home with the aid of a donkey bold enough to follow her into the dungeon that had served as.it's lair.
High risk with minimal reward.But several means to an end.If she brought down a notorious beast known only as the Bull,she'd gain some weight behind her reputation among these strangers,do them a favor of ridding them of a menace,and gain some valuable practice facing another Giantkin for.She'd sell whatever remained of its corpse to this Corvallis faculty,which she assumed was a place of learning studying the local wildlife and monsters to better understand what they were up against. A noble reason for the sake of education,as well.
Hmmm.Fire lizards probably be type o' salamander o' carbuncle.Not too interesting t' me...but this 'Bull' you tell of sound like a right challenge.Think I'll try t' put im down and bring back 'is carcass fo' these Corvallis folk to study.Maybe take one o' his horns an' carve it into a drinking cup.Never know-- there might be more than one minotaur down in th' Lava Beds.Never hurts t' be sure. Any idea on exactly wher the Bull lairs? Don wanna waste mah time wanderin around seeking it out.
And if she had time,she'd see about getting one of these fire lizards.Hopefully alive. And hopefully not some type of salamander.
The she- dwarf refilled her glass,eyes glittering.
Jose's expression is bland, I never try to explain anything involving women. I will take your word for goblins.
At your mention of bringing down the Bull, he shakes his head. Girl, a lot of men have died going after that thing, and I like you too much for you to join 'em. Stick with something easy, liking wrestling bears.
Blossom, Ar draws yr Arctig? Dyna ffordd hir iawn. Pam na theithio mewn cwch? Joan's eyes widen in amazement.
At your invitation, she once again blushes and seems flustered. Mae'n anodd i ddawnsio yn unig. Dawnsfeydd mwyaf arferol yw gyda ffrindiau. Fy hoff yn dod o bobl y Fairfax, ond mae hynny'n gofyn llawer, y rhan fwyaf o'r Dun i wneud yn gywir. Byddaf yn ceisio rhywbeth.
She speaks to Greg and the others, who begin moving tables around to create a patch of open floor. Once cleared, the guitar begins another tune, this one also slow, but with plucking strings and cords that make it feel more lively. He soon begins to sing, though in a more normal voice rather than his earlier droning.
Joan dance is slow and deliberate, fitting the music, with lingering, and inviting, glances to those watching. As the beat picks up during the chorus, she grabs a cup and begins to twirl with hands overhead. The dance then begins to repeat. Once finished, she rejoins you.
You're right. I'm learning that 'don't split the party' applies just as well to social encounters as combat. I should have role-played yours out. Since I kind of jipped you, anything you'd like to do at the moment?
The dismounts while continues to speak vehemently, almost entirely to the air now. He spares Tibbers only a passing glance before throwing his hat down in disgust/despair/something and glaring at the flames. The voice in the wind is amused, giggling for lack of a better word for it. Look at him! See him stomp and shout! Oh he will use all the bad words! In a lightning fast change of images and tone, you see a female teifling, human likely, surrounded by brush and near a dead sheep. She is devouring it, and her expression is one of total rage. Oh they made her mad. Courting bull will get his... things torn off, and eaten. Again it changes, Fluffy!
Tibbers flexes his claws and starts to hunch his shoulders, signs that he's agitated, but it doesn't seem to be directed at the man. Annie, what is this... thing in the air?
You can't sense any poison. It appears to simply be a herbal, mostly mint, tea. Though if it were done by a master poisoner, you would probably never know now you. The baroness raises an eyebrow, Well said. Now, fair is fair, you asked if there was anything we wanted from you, we ask the same.
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It'll be funny to interact with the locals and kids that wanna mess with her.Along with the local adventurers.Hee hee. Gotta say I'm excited about what'll happen next.
Heh.How sweet o' you t' worry. No need. I've been trained to fight Giantkin since ah was a wee lass o' ten. All ya gotta do is cut 'em down 't size.She pointedly tapped a hand to the personalized maulaxe sheathed at her hip,the dwarven steel stylized with her name and clan emblem with a distinct face like a tooth sharp etched into the axe head's edge while the sledge bore a style like a angry bearded dwarf with teeth bared in a grimace. At the end of the handle it bore a small stuffed beanbag doll in the likeness of a grinning goblin with buttons for eyes knitted out of cord.It dangled at the end of a metal ring.
Hmmm...any other happenings round 'ere you'd reckon I could look into? Nothin' like a good battle to boil th' blood o' a good mystery t' solve t' boggle th' mind. An adventure would do me good. Ah can't just sit about flappin mah jaw--although you're a nice enough sort t' chat with.
Blossom applauds Joan's & the other's efforts enthusiastically as she has come to understand these Avistani do. When Joan returns. "这是美妙的!"
"So often my companions become so engrossed in their 'duties' they forget to refresh themselves. It becomes rather oppressive at times, I must admit."
Jose doesn't seem to think there is anything else right around here. People generally don't live in areas prone to battles. Though if you're looking for a bloodbath you could always try a salvaging run to one of the cities.
Jose and one of the other men join you outside where a few conversations lead you to someone who seems to have the kind of dog you're looking for. Large as a riding dog, but with a stouter build meant more for grabbing and crushing then tripping or circling. The breeder is one of the deputies responsible for hunting down worg packs that migrate to the area.
Blossom, Joan thanks you and stays at your table while Jose and E-terah head out.
.She holds up a gloved hand full of glittering coins when she saw the stout mastiff.
Impressive.Breed?
Don't worry tibbers. I think its a wind spirit, or an imp causing mischief, and it looks like I have fallen for it. but it does look like some is not to happy with the fire
maybe we should be ready for a battle just in case, yes?
Annie summons up a small flame out of nowhere and in engulfs tibbers protecting him like armor.
The man is startled by the sudden flames, and reaches for a knife on reflex. Glaring at you, moves in front of Tibbers and yourself. Pointing towards town and speaking in a firm, deliberate voice. The message is clear enough. Go away!
The baroness nods. Perhaps. I am not usually at court, but feel free to call on me if I am there or if you visit Netarts. With the conversation drawing to a close, the the noblewoman summons another boy to escort you out. They need to practice their etiquette before being unleashed on the world.
Jose translates for you. The man says it's a mix, mostly mastiff and rottweiler with bit of bulldog and pitbull for the locking on. When you attempt to pay, Jose explains something to you. Apparently gold is worth considerably more here.
[/spoiler]
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The she dwarf went still as a stone at the revelation Jose provided.Her face was oddly blank as she returned most of the coinage into a purse with a pinching clasp that she stored behind her breastplate.Counting out ten gold coins and 5 silver,she handed it over to the man holding the leash.
She eyed the mastiff bulldog mix with a critical eye,noting the loose folds of skin,short yellow-tan fur like pale ale,docked stumpy tail,hanging jowls,severe underwriter,squashed face set in a massive wedge shaped skull roughly the size of a cinderblock,clipped ears,and rosy nose.Pale yellow eyes gazed back at her neutrally.
She started to inspect it,noting it was a young male hardly two years old.She tugged on his hide,testing the give of his skin.It stood there stoically,it's stance that of a soldier awaiting instruction.
Aye...we'll see whether o' not you're worth your weight in gold,Pale Ale. Your trainin' begins now.she said in Dwarven,looking the hound straight in its eyes.
She'd start using commands in Terran and Dwarven.Then she'd craft it a suitable barding of studded leather and train it out in the field before she dared go adventuring or travelling with it.
It had to get used to her,first of all.
She took the leash and tied it to her belt and nodded respectfully.Oi,come.
Oi,Jose.Tell me...there wouldn't happen to be any mines or areas with precious minerals veins about,are there? And anything close to a smiths about? I'll need to make this dog some proper armor before I take him anywhere.
Beylinda will then go look for thom, Eterah and Blossom after leaving her interview.
if she happens to see annie so much for the better.
Annie looks at the man with confusion at first but it soon turns to amusement. his antics are rather comical to watch.
Come on Tibbers, lets go back to town the man doesn't appreciate a good flame, and besides he didn't attack us.
Annie leads Tibbers back to town. did you see that devil woman eating the sheep? I wonder if the fire made her appear?
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The owner tells you the command words. It will take a bit of practice to get it used to you, but everything seems in order.
Nah. Not around here. I think there are some around Bend, good 150+ miles from here, but those are all played out or claimed. There's also the sunstones if you go east, just pick 'em up off the ground. But that's a ways, at least as far Bend, and takes you into Rover territory.
Tibbers is aggitated, No. I didn't see a woman or devil.
As you approach town, You should send me back before the people notice. They don't need to know.
your right tibbers. I'm sorry. I'll Miss you
Annie dismisses tibbers back to his home before entering town.
Hmmm....bit far.But probably worth th' trip.I can bide mah time an' search foo' some deposits nearby. By th' way,Jose,what's a Rover?
Blossom continues her conversation with Joan until Belinda arrives or Joan takes her leave of her.
Thom joins Beylinda as she seeks out the rest her former crew, they notice a cloud of black smoke, far larger and darker than any of the others, rising from behind the line of low hills to the west and south of town. She notices Annie skipping down a road from that direction.
You find Blossom chatting with a local in the bar mentioned earlier. They seem to share a language. The man River finds you just as you are ready to leave. He has a proposal he'd like to discuss with the group.
The last to be found is E-terah, leading a large dog and accompanied by two young men.
Together again, Thom nods towards one of the local eating establishments and suggests filling each other in over a hearty meal.
Rovers are just what they sound like, bandits that travel with their herds, usually stolen from the ranchers, from one source of water to the next. Basically, anything south of here to the dead zones, or east of Lakeview to Boise or Deseret is rover country.
As you send Tibbers home, Be careful, the connection between here and the planes isn't steady, and things are watching.
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A scowl darkened her stotic face,Livestock thieves? Worse than standard skulks,preying on the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers.They should all be tied up in a burlap sack and beaten to death.If I ever come across one,I'll gladly rid the world o' them. If there's bounties out for them,I'll gladly hunt them down. Farmin be tryin enough without parasites like that hindering your survival...
The she dwarf spoke from experience.In the swaths of land the Deepheavy clan claimed ad their territories,above ground and below,thieves were considered the worst sort.Her family was known for seeking out and utterly decimating any sort of raiders or bandits within and around thier stomping grounds with extreme prejudice.
When Thom approached her,she nodded in greetings and followed him to the indicated gathering place.It was time to put something nourishing in her belly.
Hmm.Aye,some nosh would be nice.Not wise to drink on an empty belly.What is it you wanted to discuss...?she looked at the newcomer River who accompanied them.
She kept a firm hand and close eye on the dog as she lead it to a table,ordering it to lay at her feet.
At Annie,she frowned,...Who or what did you turn into a two-legged torch,Firebug? And will it come bite to bite us in the arse?
At Annie,she frowned,...Who or what did you turn into a two-legged torch,Firebug? And will it come bite to bite us in the arse?
Annie looked to dwarf I am not a bug! and I did not burn anyone. I merely assisted an old man to burn up some old dried out swamp reeds. But what I was wondering was about the horned devil girl I saw eating a sheep. she seemed to be visible in the flames
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Once the group is together River asks So, did anyone learn anything?
After listening to the group he puts forward an idea.
One thing we could do is offer to help the town go looking for their men. That patrol station you found should have had 12 men stationed there. There were what, two dead there? That means up to 10 were taken. They hope to find a trail or at least signs of where the rest of the men are. The locals also want to send out a team to take a look at the summoning site for themselves and see if there are any other signs of Brotherhood or Cali activity. Their current plan is to get about two dozen men and head straight in along Hill Road with a pair of battle-wagons. Since you all have been to both sites I figure they would love to have us along as back up and might even hire us to help. What do you think?
I have nothing planned for the next few days so you can count me in River
...Sounds reasonable enough. Aye,I'm all for it. When do we begin?
Blossom nods in agreement, her attention once more familiarly diverted by new music to which to dance.
Alright then river we are in agreement. I will let you hammer out the operational details with the sheriff and the council. Meanwhile blossom, Terah lets get our stuff she said eyeing the big mastiff
I'll get mah things after I've eaten a bit.I'm already wearin' mah arms an' armor.Oh,this be mah new warhound,Pale Ale.Imma be trainin' him as we go. I'll need to make him some barding before he sees combat--I've already paid fo' him,I may as well keep investin'.
She bit her lower lip and gave a shrill whistle to get the attention of whom she believed to be servers,pointing to her mouth and then her stomach to get her point across.
I'm starved.I want some cheese,meat,potatoes,an' some kinda leafy ruffage.They have those here,right?
River goes to find the sheriff. When he does he starts the conversation with Have I got a deal for you.. He offers the group's help as guide, scout, trouble shooter and muscle, trying to negotiate some reasonable payment for their efforts. He reminds the sheriff that the group of newcomers needs to have some way to contribute and "earn" their keep. I've seen them in a fight. I tell you that you are gonna want them on you side.
While River is away
turning her gaze toward Eterah
Please tell me you didn't pay your dog with gold coin you brought from over there? They are stamped with emblems they won't ever find here and the duchess is already looking closely into us. I rather not spend my life in a lab. You are from a race that none has seen so far on this side of the continent. And so are you Blossom although in your case there are cousin you can pass for a small elven branch. If any race question are asked. Remember that the change 30 years ago introduced race long forgotten or considered a myth. You all should bury item, coins or other stuff that can not be found here.
turning toward Annie
i can work with the others for this mission but anie i need to know i can count on you to refrain from behaving oddly and using your powers just for a whim. I have seen past the illusion so i am addressing the older you. For now wear all equals but if i feel there is a need in the future we can either separate after this mission as i will have fulfilled my sense of obligation to those that came here or you can come with me under my leadership. Thom has already informed me that he is leaving on his own tonight. I have managed to work a deal that will be to his benefit in his future.
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I'll follow yer lead an' whatnot,but I'll draw th' line at others. Buryin mah coin in an unfamiliar place where any fool can find it be one.I can make me own coinage.All you do is melt th gold down and stamp it wit a design.All you really need is a pot an' some open flame. Besides,if it's been three decades since this so-called upheaval,an such things as Worgs an' minotaur,an' drakes an such have appeared,why can't dwarves? When we pursued the Quest of Sky a millennia past and drove the orcs o the surface as a consequent effect of our action,three new races were know to the surface of Golarion.Dwarven folk like me,the orks,and the wretched,unfortunate demiork....Why can't the same be said there aren't dwarves living beneath the earth here,still in isolated underground fortress holds? That's easy enough to explain.
I bet you I could find a vein of gold ore,mine it,melt it, and make our own currency.I also found out that a single coin of gold be worth ten times as much as it did back home. I can pretty much buy with impunity and still have coin left over.It's nor like I'm flaunting it openly like a highnosed noble.
Looking the woman in the eye,she crossed her arms over her breastplate.Besides,what else was I supposed to pay with?
Annie just meets Beylinda's gaze. listening to what she has to say.
She nods but there is a little bit of reluctance in her.
I can try my best. but I am telling you, if i need to, I will use whatever i have to use at my disposal. I won't refrain from using my talents just to be told I am dead weight and not helping
as for what to do after? well we'll wait and see when the time comes.
I am not talking about in combat when our lives are at stake annie. I am talking outside of combat situation. she says with a reassuring smile
Did you really need one this second ? couldn't it wait until we got payed for this mission couldn't you have traded some nondescript items?Do you know is they actually use gold as currency? The fact that we don't know puts you and the rest of us at risk here. You don't know for a fact that there are other dwarves here. From what i could understand from the Duchess who does have extensive contact on this continent and the other one we saw on the big round map, no dwarf have ever been seen. I do agree with you that they don't know or have information on their whole world. I am just really trying to make my point. Yes you can melt gold and make your own currency, but did the gold you give that merchant came from the same place or like mine you have gold coins from a whole bunch of different country? All i am trying to say is not to take things we use to do , see , know on golarion for granted granted. We are already under suspicion and if you, we attract enough attention well some of us might end up in a bad place.
You find Sheriff Green talking with several other men. They're are readying one of the 'battle wagons'. A modified flat-bed with tractor tires of extra clearance and steel plating for protection, it looks like it would be impenetrable to most personal weapons. Based on the dents, and even a few dowel wide holes, it has seen hard use.
Listening to your offer, he leads you aside and rubs his chin thoughtfully. You're right that a few extra swords wouldn't hurt. This isn't Portland though, so don't be expecting gold chains. Speaking of which, I thought of something that should be proper thanks for saving the girls. Pointing to one of the numerous stables in town. Broken with tack. One for each of you, including yourself. They're payed for to the week, but you should probably get to know them before then.
Green tells you that there could be problems, whether the party goes with Green or stays in town. Your, the group as a whole, friendliness to April and general foreignness has some people mighty unhappy, and the deaths and kidnappings brought a long problem to boil. Someone is going to do something stupid and there'll be blood and bodies. Doesn't matter whether it's one of them or somebody in town. I'm f&*&ed whichever way it goes. Just make sure you and them stay out of it. Outsiders being involved would just make it worse.
You eventually negotiate a reasonable settlement. Some basic supplies plus food and fodder for the new horses. If, which based on the preparation seems very likely, there is fighting reward will be based on party contributions. The more you do, the more you get. Green hints there may be some mint pre-change arrows available.
Its generous for the town. They are sharing what they have. he explains. And its a chance to shine some and earn both reward and gratitude of the town. Plus honor and glory, if you are into that. While River wants to help the town you are pretty sure he is not into "that".
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...I very much doubt they're capable of anything worse than trying to detain us or kill us.Which is pretty basic--I've dealt with worse.Like the time I got polymorphed into a badger but retained my sense of self.Worse thing was having no thumbs and being unable to speak.I understand your paranoia and I'll respect your concerns as best I can.I just won't promise anything--as I know all too well how precarious our current situation be. We're outlanders in a world that sees us as aliens just as we see it.I'm just sticking to what I know-- I'm a farmer,a smith,and a healer. And most of all,a dwarf.I'll not lie outright-- besides,I've discovered that the term ' dwarf' also refers to humans afflicted with a deformity called dwarfism,whereas they are are stunted in sizes similar to children or halflings.Unflattering,but a decent cover. Thom an' Blossom are recognized as fey and positivly viewed,you can pass for a exotic beauty of a human despite your...natural biology.An the 'brat' here can pass herself off as a child-- not too uncommon.We can claim she's along for training to control her gifts should she use them in public.
Turning to Thom,she bumped fists with the swordsman with a warm smirk,You take of yourself,boy.May your blade carve a decent path for you to tread.Shame you have to leave us so soon.Grit,gold,an' glory to you.
When the native River approached their table and told them of an opportune proposal from the Sheriff,she nodded.Aye,that sounds acceptable.Gotta build a reputation and start small before you can even consider greater rewards for your actions.You gotta earn it.I'm more interested in cattle than bushels of grain-- although some hardy donkeys or goats would do just as well.Or some more warhounds....I'll jus need to get the rest of mah gear from the room I was in.
When he mentioned rented horses she made a face,...Horses,eh.Not too found of them.Rather ride a pig or a donkey.Some paladin's mean bastard of a mount tried to squash me flat one time.But I'll make do.
The she dwarf fished out a coin from behind her breastplate after a few moments of squirming about to fit her hand into the stone armor,which fit as snugly as a turtle' s shell. It gleamed when she pressed it into the other woman's palm for her to see.
...And to answer your question about mah gold,Beylinda...these are my own personal spin on standard gold coin.They stand out from Golarion standard but can easily be passed off as pendant jewelry.The Deepheavy clanints our own coinage.
Not Bad Terah, but you can discover that a country and big organization has more means available than just detention or death. Of an careful you mentioned paladin and polymorph. Not sure they have these. As Long as everyone is careful and mindful is all I ask.
Oh one more things to remember we know more about magic and what advantage and problems a magic environment brings and we have the opportunity to be some of the most powerful spell caster this continent has seen.
to river when he is back
You choose the way and the mission lets just get out of here for the moment we all could use the fresh air and exercise, before trouble comes to find us in town
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The she dwarf patted Beylinda on the hand with a wide grin.Hehehe.Now you got me interest piqued! That'll be much fun to be had! I always wanted to dabble a bit further into th' blessings o' the earth but bein an oracle limits me.I'll have time to tap into th' leylines here and see what I can draw out.I wouldn't mind bein' known far and wide as a mighty geomancer.Bet I could even move the very mountains...but,of course,I can't neglect mah martial prowess.Gotta work on bein a warrior as well.Tis always a good idea to train every skill to its utmost potential.I should practice mah smithery as well-- start by improving mah armor and axes. Why,Beylinda,I bet given enough time and resources,a brilliant lass like you could...raise your very own Pathfinder organization here!With you head of the whole bit! Imagine what would be said about you back home,eh? Bet no one thought of that!
I have a working theory about who these people are and i will indeed try to find out the old and lost lore of this place. Hum raise my very own pathfinder's that is a tough. she says trying to ponder with our without a political agenda that is the question. she finished, you can see here yes moving in different direction as is she is visualizing different documents in the mind.
Annie just sits there. keeping her distance from the dwarf.
I am not a Brat, I've never done anything to you
her arms cross her chest in defiance to the accusation.
Lets just get going to where ever we need to go. Tibbers probably wants to come out and play eventually.
I know annie you have probably reach adulthood for a halfling already.
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I never said you DID anything to me--except,you know,fib about being a child.Children are meant to be protected and cherished-- not a convenient disguise.I find it unsettling.Forgive me for bein brutally honest but that's just how I feel about such a thing...'Annie'.E-Terah leaned in close,half-kidded gaze penetrating.Her sun-filtered honey eyes bored into the disguised gnome. ' I dislike trickery.I like bein honest and open with those I deal with-- it helps when I risk my arse for you to heal you or shield you from harm using mah own flesh.Coz that's what companions do,or so I was taught.So,until you stop looking like someone' s brat,I'll refer to you as brat,eh?
After snatching what appeared to be an unattended sandwich from a table nearby,the she dwarf gnawed on it to sate her hunger before tossing the rest to Pale Ale to gobble up.She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and stood.
Aye,let's go trekkin.
Annie looks as though she is about to respond agerly at the dwarf but stops.
instead she simply explains herself.
I disguse myself like this so I could survive. I guess you never knew what its like to be alone and cold and hungry. with nobody to care about you. this was the only way that I could eat. the only way I could get off the cold streets.
She removes her disguise and Annie's gnome features reveal themselves. though her looks do not change much, but she is definately gnome.
she then grabs asome food and turns away from everyone embarrassed becuase of her deception, but now they know, maybe they will understand.
I am not judging you based on your past annie, i don't really care about the past. I am one of those people that had a very ruff past myself and not much food at the table back then also. I consider people starting from the day i meet them so that i can make my own opinion. You can keep the act for everyone else i just want the adult gnome intelligence to be in control and to be the one i talk to she says with a smile
putting her hand on the her shoulder and gently turning annie tower her as she lower herself to eye level.
Keeping those people around us unsure about our true abilities is a valid tactical strategy, having them underestimate us a point i am striving for. I have been a team leader for hire for a while now and as such i feel strongly about bringing home all those involved every time we leave port. But that implies that everyone plays balls during those missions. I am the type that is hard but fair and once my friendship is won it last for a lifetime.
you choose how you are going to spend you life here on this side. As for myself. Well Terah gave me something to think about really hard
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After a time eating and strategizing, you leave to meet with Sheriff Green and his band. They've assembled underneath the metal tower, a good two dozen men, mounted and resting easily in their saddles. Most have the star badges of deputies, and all look experienced. No boys or recruits here. Jose and his group are here as well.
The deputies seem to be uniformly equipped: Crossbow, horsebow, saber, lance, and breastplate. The other's equipment isn't identical, but fairly similar. The wagons are more mobile forts, with their steel plating and twin ballistae mounted in turrets front and rear. The bolt heads are fearsome, wickedly barbed and razor-edged. These are meant to ruin flesh.
Green rides over to greet you.
We would have used the service roads on sheepy, but somebody,
Any of you that can see in the dark I want upfront once we pass the lake. Keep your eyes on the rocks, particularly any dips or lines run towards the devil's homestead. See something, quietly point it out to those next to you so they can double check. We don't want a false alarm giving us away. Otherhand, if you see something, and you are certain it's a taur, shoot it and yell like a b@@!*, but do not follow into the rocks.
Once we're at the overlook we'll wait for morning, so we can get a good look at the crossing. If we spot anything, the ballistas will nail it and we cross fast. Then it's up to the lookout to see what we can see and investigate what happened. We'll decide what to do from there.
Jose rides up to greet you. We're heading off. We'll be headed around the east end of the lake and enter the beds from the other side. Idea is lookouts will spot us and let you guys slip by. Once you sucker-punch 'em and they start looking back your way, we go through and make for the southern caves where the lizards are. Good luck.
The time of departure arrives and crows seeing you off. Blossom and E-terah recognize the bartender from the Watering Hole laughing and talking with the Sheriff.
Near Stateline, April, the accused witch, and another girl ride up to greet you. She hands Beylinda a metal water bottle and shiny piece of obsidian. Turning to River, You saved my life and took revenge for my father. If one of you is dying or has a deadly wound, drink this. It should give you a chance or at least help. Throw the stone at an enemy. A spirit will appear to fight it.
Once dusk settles, the group moves south along the lakeshore. Aside from the croaking of frogs and other nighttime sounds. It is quiet. The horse-shoes clop on the cracked road surface and the wagon's roll silently forward, pulled by several horses.
As the lake ends and the dark river of the devil's homestead becomes visible, Green motions you, those of you who indicated you might be suited for the purpose, forward to join the lead riders. The convoy begins to move again, with hands tense on weapons.