Ebba didn't understand what was going on, but the man with the broken bottle looked aggressive and dangerous! She followed Ingolf closely, ready to protect her benefactor if necessary.
Stopping the boat the druid looks at the flustered half-elf. "I'm sure they will be fine. They are made from the land and have only been dropped into the sea. I can take a look if Ingolf's strategy doesn't work."[b] Offering a kindly smile he Nice, [b]"I am the one been named Splits the Leaves. I will be your ferryman for the time being. Please take a seat and we should go on." During the ride he is mostly silent with the occasional sounds appreciating the world around him.
Getting to the dock the druid takes his time to let the others off before giving a silent nod of acknowledgement to Gozreh. Once he reaches the dock he sees the aggressive man yelling at the dandy.
"You are drunk. Go home and get yourself better." He adds nothing else to the gnome's words but holds his staff tightly, he didn't want people to fight for such petty things.
The drunken man is surprised by Ingolf's interference and Splits' words. Although he does not run away, the gnome's words seem to have made some effect as he seems to stop his attack and instead turns towards you "This is unfair. Why shall we endure you parasites coming to steal our livelihood?" the man performs ample gestures moving around the glass spike in his hand without much control, sometimes dangerously close to Ingolf's head "Ei*naf*! This is ya' who need go back home elder!" he points Splits vehemently with the glass.
You sense the drunkard is not to attack now that he is outnumbered. He is getting emotional and it seems he could start crying at any moment.
Ingolf tried to engage the man in conversation, and get some insight into the matter, "I admit I've just arrived here. Can you tell me what your livelihood is, and how this man is endangering it?"
Bemused slightly as poor Tonny's exuberance gets the better of him, Adriana helps the half-elf into the longboat and with a sympathetic look at the pile of papers says "They'll dry in the sunlight, and look salvageable. Even if not, they'll be papers for sale in port." She states it as a given fact despite not knowing if it's true, but she's confident a common good like paper will be available.
When their longboat makes it to the docks, Adriana helps the others off the boat onto the docks, intending to be the last one to leave, and it is only by the sound of glass shattering does her attention shift to Gallio being threatened by a drunkard. Frowning she moves forward to attempt to at least draw the drunkards attention away from Ingolf, one ready hand on the hilt of her scimitar and the other raised in caution.
"Your anger is valid, but there are better ways." She says, her neutral tone tinged with remorse. "Let it go."
"How he endangers it? How he endangers it?!!" the man looks confused as if he does not know what to answer, he then breaks into crying "Oh good! *hick* He is carrying this illnesses that kill our wives and sons but we have to just hug them in..." the man starts to sob. Then when called by Adriana to let it go he tenses his hand and throws the glass in a burst of fury against Gallio's baggage but he misses and it strikes the wood shattering into pieces.
The aristocrat covers his face from the raining glass while the drunkard turns around and starts walking back into the colony streets. Gallio stands up still shaking "What kind of beasts inhabit in this dung smelling village? If it were not for you that creature of Hell would have outright murdered me just for being a newcomer" the man vows at you "I am in debt with you" he then claps and calls the attention of his servants who have remained back in shock during the whole scene.
Jonah sits back, to surprised to jump in right away and before he knows it the aggressive man just stops, starts crying and walks away.
"Well if that's the welcoming committee, this is going to be quite a morning! where should we go now?
Jonah looks around for a nearby tavern or inn, his feet not quite reacting the way the ground feels.
He looks toward the drunk man, "Go home I will take your insult as a part of your sickness. I cannot speak for the others but your livelihood is only ever improved by mine."
He hears something about a disease, "Wait young man. What disease?" The druid looks puzzled and tries his best to reach out to the drunkard. To him it was more important than coin or praise from the one who he disliked.
If the man heard he was not willing to answer Splits, as he just ignores the question and keeps walking away of the group.
When Jonah looks around, he spots three armed men approaching the group from the docks street.
Soon the group, leaded by a serious Garundi woman, reaches your position. They take a breath while the woman approaches Gallio "Are you all ok?"
"Good, I am ok, these new colonists here saved me from that drunkard beast you have for a neighbor" the aristocrat points in the direction of the colony.
The woman nods and walks towards you "I am Sheriff Adaela Praet. I am sorry we did not arrive earlier to prevent Theo's outburst. We are overworked and understaffed. It is difficult to maintain everything under control at times"
"Anyway, Count Narsus is currently absent and could not receive the Kaava Cutter new colonists, so let me greet you in the name of Pridon's Hearth" the woman shows no sign of smiling but otherwise her tone is kind.
Ingolf surveyed the buildings and people. I wonder where we'll be living?
When the Sheriff's group arrived, he introduced himself and the boar, "Pleased to meet you — I'm Ingolf, and this is Emma. I'm looking forward to get to know everyone here!"
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Tonny, busy trying to wring as much riverwater out of his pack as possible, completely misses the first "welcoming committee". When the sheriff arrives, he perks up and scrambles to join the others newcomers.
"Oh, hello, yes, Sheriff!" the half-elf answers with a smile. "Tonny Prul, here to help with surveying the lands and whatever might be found amongst them. I, uh, don't suppose you have someplace I could dry this out?" He holds up the still-dripping pack, his smile now crestfallen.
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Adriana watches the drunkard go with a feeling of lingering concern, not helped by Gallio's ranting - She felt there would be more interventions in their future to keep that man alive.
For better or worse, bloodshed had been avoided, and just in time for the sheriff to arrive and take control of the situation. Remembering part of why she's here in the hearth she removes a small but important sealed letter. "Sheriff Praet? I have something for you."
"Pleased to meet you Ingolf" the woman greets too Tonny and the others "Oh yes. I suppose you are eager to have a rest after such a trip. If you take this street south and cross the bridge to the inland Walled Town, the first stone building you will find that is our only tavern, the Stone Hall. Alternatively, I can point you out a few families with some free rooms that lodge new colonists. Once you are more established you might want to negotiate with Count Narsus acquiring one of the houses that are empty due to the malaria or your own parcel to build a house"
Sheriff Adaela Praet picks up Adriana's letter and reads all through it very carefully "Ok. A couple of hands will come handy. Your own special room awaits you at the Watched Row. It is the set of buildings just past the Stone Hall. Tomorrow early morning present yourself at my office. For now... enjoy your evening..."
You might be surprised both by the tone of Adaela as she is not judgmental at all, differently to other ones that have discovered about your story before. Also, you might have expected your presence to be more tightly oversaw and not allowed to walk alone through the village.
Sheriff Adaela Praet frowns "Yes, malaria took Theo's wife and son. Fortunately some months ago explorers discovered the native fever tree, whose bark can be prepared into a tonic to ward off tropical diseases. I strongly recommend you secure a tonic drink before you go to sleep. You never know..."
The druid seems to have lost the man and comes back to the others, leaning on his staff. "I apologize if I missed the introductions. I am called Splits the Leaves, it is a pleasure to meet you."
He hears about the malaria and sighs, "Malaria? I don't know if I can help those who have it but if it is an issue I am more than happy to look at those who have it. My order demands such things." He hears about the tonic drink and wrinkles his nose in thought.
Ingolf asked Sheriff Praet, "Where can we get the tonic? Do they sell it at the tavern?"
Hmmm, yes. first order of business is dropping our things off at the Stone Hall. the tavern will suite me just fine until I find soemthing more stable. rather that than a house that has been infected with malaria! second order of business is getting some of that tonic. where can we find some? I don't have a lot of money on me just yet, but perhaps I can work something out. and third order of business is to get some other tonic at the tavern. it's been a long trip
The sheriff's reaction to her letter was a little surprising for Adriana, but she knows not to make light of the opportunity given - and she did want to make a good impression of what should be her new home for the forseeable future.
"Malaria tonic? Hmm." She says nothing else, keeping her thoughts to herself for the time being as she looks back to where Theo had left. She would ask tomorrow, if she could.
But in the now, her stomach rumbled a little and threw of her thinking. the word tavern an enticing thought after a weeks worth of galley food.
"The tavern sounds good. I would like a hot meal that isn't fish of some variety."
You have not heard before about such a drink but it makes sense that it exists, specially if it has only been recently discovered.
You say good bye to Sheriff Adaela Praet and find yourselves apparently journeying together to the tavern where she states you can ask for some tonic.
The bridge crossing from the island to the inland side of the colony results to be quite unstable. A couple of fishermen greet you with the hand as they cross on the opposite direction with baskets filled with large nests.
Once at the other side the bridge street finds with a wooden building that has a large sign that reads Heri's Conservatorium. Through the window you spot a halfling female setting potions and local remedies on the shelves. She smiles at you from the inside of the shop as you cross by.
A few feet towards the east you soon find a considerably large building and the only stone one. The sign The Stone Hall announces your destination. Inside you find a lively environment. A few day laborers stand on the counter having a drink and talking about oil orchards and needed rains. Meanwhile a couple of blonde haired halflings run between the counter and the many tables bringing jars and dishes full of corn and cooked dika. A couple tables are occupied by what seems artisans and farmers. At the very end of the tavern another couple of halflings are playing the flute and dancing.
Soon after ordering your tonics the halfling waiter brings jars for each of you "Ah new colonists at sight! The distinguished new comers will surely need a place to rest. Well, the Whithermoots and Longroads greet you to their inn. You are at the right place, and the lodging is quite affordable. A 4 silver pieces per single room, including meals. You won't find a better price at town" the halfling winks an eye at you.
Ingolf quickly inquired at Heri's Conservatorium, to see whether the malaria tonic was available there.
A couple of minutes later, outside The Stone Hall, he told Ebba, "Stay. Best to wait out here, while I see if you're allowed inside."
He went inside and joined his friends; He said to the waiter, "I need somewhere that my boar companion can stay as well."
Ebba waited outside the tavern patiently. She wondered what went on in there.
Passing by the Conservatorium, Splits the Leaves makes a note to go check there afterwards. A botanist might have some idea about what is going on weather-wise. He wasn't sure what to expect in this land but he wasn't too worried about it, it couldn't be that bad.
Stepping into the inn for a moment he looks around and smells the industry, wrinkling his nose at it. "I don't actually have that kind of coin so I will not be taking you up on that offer. Besides I need to be outside, there is something I need to observe this evening." He gives the others a wave, "It was a pleasure but if you need me for anything I will be just by the coast here."
He waits to see if anyone stops him, he wasn't opposed to a conversation with these folks, but it had been a long journey so far. He takes stock at the few people he had met, and the newcomers to the hall. A dinosaur hunter, someone with a shady past, a gnome with a spirit of nature, and a scatterbrained half-elf. Interesting enough. I suppose they might have stories to tell.
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"Oh, Mr. Spits? Splits? Mr. Leaves?" Tonny follows the druid, an embarrassed look on his face as he tries not to meet Splits the Leaves's eyes. "I... uh, well, I might have spent all my money on paper and parchment before leaving Absalom." He twists and turns one foot on the ground. "Which, um, means I don't have coin to rent a room. Would... uh, would you like someone to help you set up a tent? Or a lean-to? Find an unoccupied cave? I have a bedroll!" The half-elf proudly turns around to display his rolled-up bedroll attached to the base of his pack.
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"I would be surprised if somewhere did not allow an animal given how close we are to the jungle, but some creativity may be necessary. Perhaps if you pass her off as a guard animal?" Adriana suggests to Ingolf as Splits announces his plans for the evening, the druid followed immediately by Tonny - she could not help but be bemused at the man's enthusiasm, if nothing else.
With a quick nod to Ingolf she follows a touch behind Tonny and Splits before the two leave the inn.
"Excuse my interruption," She turns to Tonny. "Different lodgings have been prepared for me, if you would like a night at the inn, I can provide." She gives Splits an understanding look."I do not mean to deprive you of company friend." Her tone is apologetic but there's a little bemusement mixed in.
The druid looks to Tonny, the half-elf. "Splits the Leaves yes, but you can call me what you wish it doesn't change my being." He gives a small laugh and leans on his staff, "I am always willing to provide help should you want to work for it." He is just about to leave with the half-elf when the human with the bandages shows up, "Not at all. Besides this kind of life isn't for everyone afterall. You would do better in a lodge where you can spread your papers out anyway and not have them exposed to further elements."
He waited in case he wished to join, not wanting the rush the frazzled half-elf and his dealings with Adriana.
Jonah is also basically out of money, having spent everything on supplies to make it this far.
Is there any way we can set up a tab? I have the feeling we will be here for a while, but for the moment I am light on coin. i understand it is a risk to you, but you have my word that we will be good for it. we just need to pick up a few odd jobs here and we'll be squared away in no time. speaking of which, do you know of anyone looking for some extra hands? we have quite an eclectic set of skills represented here.
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Tonny remembers to pick his jaw up off the floor after a few seconds, but he still gives Adriana an incredulous look. "No!" he exhales softly. "I couldn't! Well, I could, but how could I repay you? I could fold your clothes and bring you your meals for a day or two - oh, but that's forced servitude and Ma always told me not to get involved with anyone who'd encourage that. No no no, but you're not encouraging it, I'm encouraging it. Does that make me a bad person? Would I have to not associate with myself? Can I even do that?" The half-elf's train of thought fades into self-reflective silence.
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The silence lasts barely a second before Tonny breaks it. "Oh!" he exclaims, eagerness shining in his eyes once more. "I know! I could help you with your work! I mean, I don't know what kind of work it is, but I'm sure I could help out somehow! I can lift boxes, and make tonics, and file papers, and hang laundry, and patrol, and even tell stories! And you don't have to worry about me holding you back if you're doing something dangerous like going into the jungle - me and Switch here have got your back!" He pats the whip coiled at his belt with one hand and looks at the human hopefully. "And you look like someone involved in interesting things. And I love interesting things! Please let me come with you!" The original quest for a bed seems to have been forgotten at this point.
Adriana is a little taken aback by Tonny's manic enthusiasm and raises her bandaged hands to try to calm the man down (Her left is missing a finger) and she gently, if awkwardly, does her best to talk him down.
"N-no, it's okay, you would not need to repay me, I do not-I'm not- Uhhm."She takes a second to regather herself and gently places her hands on Tonny's shoulders, mostly to calm the young half-elf and partially to ground herself as she explains some of the truth to her being there.
"As much as your help would be welcome, I am not a free person - I am, unfortunately, the sheriff's burden." She does not elaborate, but her tone makes it clear she is both embarrassed and ashamed by her past as she attempts to move on from what she's just said and focus on making Tonny grounded.
"But you will be fine - it is a growing colony, there will be work somewhere. The governor, or perhaps, hmm, perhaps that Gallio, if - no, if you choose to work with Gallio, take me with you. His kind can be slippery dealers." She hopes both her offer of help and a little disparagement thrown at Gallio help Tonny and distract from questions.
"Your animals can stay at the courtyard. There is a water basin and we can set some grain for them" answers the hafling to Ingolf.
The halfling turns then to Jonah "Perhaps Martel Wymackie needs one or two more lumberjacks. Wymackie Lumber is just out of the walls, in the forest border. Most of the colony is being built from wood so I guess that is quite profitable"
One of the laborers in the counter turns to you and shouts "Yes, the reckless woman has taken a lot of profit from her lost leg and four fingers"
The other laborers laugh with the man while an artisan adds to the delight of others "I heard she is to build a sawmill now. Perhaps you can have her head next"
The halfling shrugs "Well... Zander Carr employs a dozen townsfolk on Pridon's Masonry. The man dreams with constructing a town hall or cathedral, but he is quite busy finishing the walls where you can find him nowadays... but most people just work at the crop and dika fields. The salary is lower, but you do not risk to lose your hand or falling from height. For that you will have to check at Narsus State, at the east of the colony"
Splits has a look outside and finds many spots where to set a tent. Of course that will be ugly during rains. A cursory look in the surrounding area allows him to find a couple of abandoned shacks near the walls.
"what do you all think? I think I'll check out this lumberjack job, maybe do that for a little while until I can get a hunting excursion planned. any of you are welcome to join me, would be nice to work with other newcomers. if not, no worries, I'm sure I'll see you all around this town at some point"
Ingolf didn't want to leave Ebba to sleep alone in the courtyard. He asked around to see what alternative arrangements were possible.
Happy that the two newcomers seemed to have come to some understanding he pulls his staff from the ground and smiles, "You'll be better off with her it seems. Don't fret at all, I'll still be here rain or shine if you want to learn some survival skills." He hears Adriana talk about being a sheriff's burden and his eyebrows raise a little; though it is hard to tell under the mask.
"Is that what brings you here? Some sense of redemption?" The question isn't judging, it is a statement of fact. "I find that it is honourable to right one's wrongs. If you want someone to talk to who has stories of his own, I may know someone like that." He lets the offer hang in the air before going back to getting his surveying done.
Looking up to the sky he takes a deep breath, hoping to know what was coming. It would help him prepare his lodgings properly.
Short after your drink at the Stone Hall you make your way out of the colony walls through the southern gates. As you do so, you find in that street some interesting buildings, mainly a smith, "Northwind Simthy", a printing press, "Penbury Printing" and another stone building, the "Countinghouse of Abadar".
A couple hundreds of feet away from the gates you find a large wooden building and hear a chopping sound coming from its back. As you approach you find five colonists cutting a couple of palm trees on the border of the forest. They all seem corpulent and have multiple scars and bruises. Once you let them now you are looking for a job a woman turns to you. She has a self-reliant smile and large green eyes, but her most prominent feature is her wooden leg "Hi, you came to the perfect place. My name is Martel Wymackie. If you are a hard worker and you are not scared of falling trees you can make a decent living here. A piece of gold for each chopped tree. A decent lumberjack can chop and clean 7 trees per week"
Once you make it to the Watched Row for the night, you are appointed to one of the small shacks that compose the structure. The man who receives you takes you to the shack where you find out another woman. When the man leaves the woman tells you "If you are wondering why they do not bother to cage us... everyone knows there's nowhere for escapees to go, unless you are planning on testing your survival skills in the harsh jungle and braving the vicious lizardfolk and boggard tribes to the north of the river."
The next morning you are pointed out where to find Sheriff Adaela Praet. The woman seems busy at her office and barely looking at you she requests you "I have an important mission for you, but you are going to need help on this. The people you were yesterday with... they resolved the problem with Theos quite efficiently. Gather them all, I will met them at the Stone Hall before breakfast"
Short after your drink at the Stone Hall you all depart in different directions, looking to pursue your own objectives and set a living in the colony.
Wherever you decide to pass the night, the next morning Adriana wakes you up and requires you to meet at the Stone Hall before breakfast.
Those who decide to attend find the woman and Sheriff Adaela Praet sit at one of the larger tables at the Stone Hall. The table is full with a hearty breakfast composed of eggs, roasted dika seeds, and fried taro "Please, bring some milk or any other drink our friends here will desire" the Sheriff invites you to sit after requesting drinks for you.
"Please eat as much as you need. It seems it has been a tough night for some of you, and your trip was sure tough too." the woman opens her hands as she speak letting those more perceptive of you see the tattoo of a sword and a sunburst "Yesterday you showed to be resourceful and witted on resolving the quarrel between Theos and the new colonists. As of current I would even say you are probably the most trustworthy of the people in here. It is such a luck to count with people like you in our small community"
"I have heard of some of you have already started to look for a living here. But I would like to know more about your life. Whatever you were doing before coming to Pridon's Hearth, why did you chose to come to our colony?" Adaela Praet looks at each of you one by one listening patiently.
Jonah accepts the terms of working at the lumber yard, at least for now.
"I make no promises as to how long I will be available, but gods know I need some starting income in this place. if you're paying by the tree that works perfectly well for me.
even though he isn't experienced in doing so, Jonah shouldn't have any trouble figuring out how to weild an axe and chop down some trees. some might find such work demeaning, Jonah enjoys the workout and activity after being stuck indoors on a boat for so long. he does end the day very tired, and does not have enough to pay for a room yet (most likely), so will have to sleep outdoors.
in the morning he is happy to speak with the sheriff, keeping an ear out for any possibility of employment better suited to him than chopping trees.
he jumps right in when she lets them speak
"my name is Jonah, ma'am. I have done a bit of this and a bit of that over the years, but my true passion is hunting. big game hunting specifically. I have been on hunts for all sorts of interesting and exotic animals. sometimes for food, sometimes for a bounty. I heard tell of some stories of rather... unique animals found in this region, and I want to seek them out. I'm looking to make a name for myself, and a bit of coin if that can be found as well. my falcon and I have come a long way to see this colony. I'm hoping for quite a story to bring back with me when i finally go home.
Ingolf didn't want to leaved Ebba by herself, without being able to explain what's going on to her first. He searched around for a sheltered spot, and camped out for the night.
He didn't sleep well, and resolved to arrange proper accommodations for the next night. He made his way to the Stone Hall for much-needed breakfast.
Sitting at the table with his new friends, he answered Adaela Praet's question, "I'm looking for a change from Port Peril — it's too crowded and busy there. I know something about map-making, so I figured my skills would be wanted here."
He didn't mention his curse. Too soon for that; most people don't understand.
The lumberjacks make some puns to receive you, but once you start to demonstrate skill with the axe in your hands all of them are quickly to accept you. Soon they show you the basics of using the large saw and to operate it by two people. Martel herself teaches you and you are surprised how a single legged woman can saw that effectively.
By the end of the day you have cut down one of the trees and cleared it from branches. Martel comes to you and gives you a gold "We normally pay by the end of the week, but you probably are in need of this right now. Well done Jonah. It is difficult to find hard boys like you nowadays"
Sheriff Adeala Praet listens both at Jonah and Ingolf attentively "A hunter and a map-maker... those are very useful skills in a frontier land like this one. I am confident you will soon become distinguished inhabitants of Pridon's Hearth" the woman turns at the other faces at the table "What about you?"
The previous night...
Adriana finds it surprising that not only is she allowed to keep her meager possessions but that she had a roommate, who explained much about their shared imprisonment and why there were minimal security.
"It's still unusual to not see bars and shackles. It's almost nice."
The Morning
Having retrieved all of her shipmates to join the sheriff at the inn for breakfast, thankful that everybody had been easy to find (most had stayed at the inn) and that she was still welcome to join them all for breakfast.
Their hosts tattoo looks familiar, she just can't quite place it, and she finds that being called trustworthy to be rather uncomfortable, finding herself put on the spot and fumbles with being open about her being in Pridon's Hearth.
"I, uh, I...I have been given a second chance. I hope to make the best of it." Is all she says about her being in Pridon's Hearth, hoping she doesn't have to elaborate until she's ready.
Waking up the next morning the druid feels refreshed. Going through his prayers he hears someone approaching and it seems to be Adriana. "Oh a meeting?" He wrinkles his nose, "Very well." Taking his walking stick he follows her.
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Going into the hall, the one named Splits the Leaves is impressed at the welcome, but wonders what reason it it here for. For the time being he waits and listens to the sheriff's introduction. He notices a flash of a tattoo but doesn't seem to recognize what it might be, and shrugs.
Listening in he finally learns a little of the hunter and his mettle. The druid winces when he mentions that he kills just for the thrill of it but decides it would be best to not say anything; there was a saying about flies and honey that he was very used to. If he was going to learn about the man's reasons it wouldn't be useful if he got off on a bad foot off the start.
He had not known that the gnome was a map-maker and closed his eyes for a moment to consider it. Perhaps there was a way to map out weather patterns... He would pursue that train of thought another time though.
The druid looked toward the sheriff and introduced himself to her, "You may call me Splits the Leaves or something else if you wish; as I told the others a name is hardly important." He offers a bow and takes a drink of the water, swishing it in his mouth to feel the area. "I am from the Expanse. I follow the teachings of the Old-Mage and the Wind and the Waves." He taps his chin thoughtfully, "Have you noticed any strange weather patterns as of late? I am here to investigate them. You may call it providence if you like." He speaks matter-of-factly and then looks at the others in case of any questions.
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Tonny offers to spend the night with Ingolf and Elba, ”to help keep the nice pig safe.”
Groggy-eyed over breakfast the next morning, the half-elf finally realizes the sheriff is addressing him. ”Wha- oh, hi. Me? Well, I studied at the university in Lepidstadt, and I learned about all sorts of strange and dangerous creatures that live on the outskirts of civilization, and this is, like, about as much on the edge of civilization as we can get, yeah?” Tonny’s words pick up tempo as if his brain were some sort of steam engine starting to get hot. ”So I’m here to, like, study the local wildlife and societies and ruins and other interesting stuff. I also tinker with alchemical stuff, if you’re interested in that stuff.”
”Oh, is that tattoo the Inheritor’s holy symbol? Did you have it done here, or have you had it for a while?” The half-elf’s eyes widen as if he’s woken up enough to realize what he just said, and he claps his hands over his mouth. ”Oh no - I shouldn’t have asked that! I’m so sorry!”
Sasha has tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes, and is missing the pinky finger of her left hand. Slender and athletic she constantly moves around your room not standing still for more than a second.
Adeala listens attentively at the rest of you "We all deserve a second chance" she stretches her eyes listening to Splits "Strange weather patterns? Not really, just normal crazy tropical weather here. The raining season is coming to an end though, but the humidity will remain high. You get used overtime. Still... this is very interesting... a follower of the Old-Mage, there was another of those begging for money in the streets not that long ago"
"The university of Lepidstadt? Hum... that is a prestigious institution man. Is there any reason you think one of those otherwordly creatures might be lurking around our colony?" the Sheriff looks at you concerned. Her face changes when inquired about her divine symbol, she rolls down her sleeves and brushes off the topic "That is something from a time past long ago"
"But that's enough getting to know each other for now. Let's talk about our colony. As you might have understood by now Pridon’s Hearth is an insular community that has had little contact with the region just outside its borders, with the exception of some adjacent farmlands. The colony maintains a single, small fort to the south to watch for potential problems." the woman frowns and tenses her lips "Well, Fort Breakthrough hasn’t sent a report in nearly 2 weeks—this isn’t unheard of for the poorly organized military presence, but I am still concerned. Normally, the fort’s personnel eagerly jump at the opportunity to return to civilization, if only for a single day."
"I was planning to send Adriana on this duty, but I would like to dispatch a small team with her, in case there has been any trouble. With my militia already understaffed, though, I can’t spare even a single recruit. Well, considering you are mostly unemployed yet, and how consciously you managed Theo's quarrel yesterday, I thought you might do a good job traveling those 12 miles south to investigate the fort and report back, without me having to worry for a lost colonist placing her foot on a serpent's nest or going drinking on a swamped fountain" the woman eases on and gives you a kinder look "I can hand 100 gp up front to cover any equipment or expenses, and extra 50 gp to each of you upon your return"
Jonah looks around to see how the others respond.
"I would be more than happy to help with this ma'am. it sounds more suited to my skills than other work I've found so far. seems like a generous payment, though, are you expecting this to be a difficult trip?
hmmm, wonder if there are any of these dinosaurs near the fort. could end up turning quite interesting
Even though they had just arrived in Pridon's Heath, Ingolf liked the sound of an expedition outside of the colony. He said, "I'm willing to go and check on the fort. I might want to buy a tent; I tried camping outside last night, and I didn't sleep well. Maybe I could get a pair of saddlebags made for Ebba so she can help carry things."
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"Is there any reason you think one of those otherwordly creatures might be lurking around our colony?"
"Oh no!" Tonny quickly corrects the sheriff. "Just that there's usually more unknown things outside of cities and towns and places people travel a lot and that exploring the unknown and reporting on it is... fun, very fun!"
The half-elf's eyes widen as the sheriff continues talking, and under the table his leg starts bouncing. "Oh yes, I would certainly go with!" he blurts. "Adriana was so nice yesterday and offered to help me, so the least I can do is help her back!" And think of how much parchment and paper you could buy with 50 pieces of gold!
Sheriff Adaela Praet tries to relax her face "You can't be cautious enough, I want to make sure you are well equipped for any eventuality. Although there is a trail to the fort and it should take you around three hours, going out into the wilderness is always a risk. This are not Andoran plains you know, even Sargava's outskirts might seem civilized in comparison with our surroundings"
"I was not expecting less from you. I am glad you are accepting to do this for Pridon's Hearth" Adeala nods when she hears you accept the task.
If Sheriff Adeala glimpsed something on Tonny's response she took it for her for now as she just accepts his response and moves to another topic.
The woman takes something from a pouch and gives it to Adrianna "This is a note of credit for the value of the promised coin. You can redeem it at the Countinghouse of Abadar near the town gates. I do suggest you visit Heri's Conservatorium, Northwind Smithy and Oyin Emporium to equip yourselves before you start your walk. But do not distract yourselves much, you do not want the night to fall before you reach Fort Breakthrough"
Ingolf replied, "Very well. Let's go shopping after we finish breakfast." He needed a good meal to revitalize himself after a bad night. Since boars didn't seem to be allowed in the dining area, he pocketed some food for Ebba.
Adriana looks a little put on the spot at being de-facto in charge of the expedition to Fort Breakthrough, but at least she found herself working with those she had come to know aboard the Kaava Cutter. Hopefully being the sheriff's liaison would make things easier for the others, and if nothing else it would help her keep an eye on Tonny - If only to keep an eye on the lad.
She doesn't say anything to the half elf about his hastily chosen words but it's clear she noticed he corrected himself, but lets it go. No sense having issues until after they've returned from the fort.
She takes the note from Adaela and nods once in understanding as she carefully pockets the paper and looks at the assembled group.
"Thank you sheriff. Well, if we're going into the jungle, then we'll need tonic for malaria. What else do we think we'll need?"
Splits the Leaves thinks about the situation and speaks up, "I have no qualms with going out there. I'll get a better lay of the land and how things change if I move with the air and wind. 12 miles to the fort? I am able to speak through the wind but that distance is much for my skills sadly." He remembers something the sheriff said, I'll be on the lookout for the other nameless one in this colony, thank you for letting me know."
He turns to the others, "I am experienced in the wild and will do my best to help our journey be as smooth as possible. Hopefully we do not encounter anything of note, I was preparing to help some people with the malaria outbreak today and I am not equipped to face off head-on against many animals and foes."
Pulling out some small items of note he continues, "Should we get stranded I do have ways to help us survive the night but please be prepared." In his hand are just regular berries, but to the trained eye one might know them as an important component for goodberry. The druid looks at the others, "I do not want for much but I will consider what to do with my share currently."
I do not need much, I have most of what I need with me. but I would certainly like ot get some of this Malaria medicine. don't want to mess with that stuff... so it's settled then, all of us are in on this?