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It was pleasant to return to Absalom after your last adventure or graduating to your first mission, although it was a sober moment when several missions returned without their full complement of Pathfinders. For those who died in their duty to the Society are remembered in the Wall of Names. There paying their last respects. Elsha Ustosh the famed half-elf alchemist, (Winner of the Golden Beaker at the 975th Absalom Alchemist Inventor's Convention), his long-time friends Stabby Staberson, a goblin known for their quick and deadly strikes and Granitt a dwarven blacksmith follower of Torag, hang their heads in silent thought, lost in contemplation about their late companion. A note received from Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen, praised the heroism of the late Mad Hopper, loosing his life in a desperate bid to save his companions against a most deadly foe in the snows of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. In the dark silence after the ceremony, the assembled few watch as Granitt hugs his two friends and in a gravelly voice continues "Should we meet again for a future mission, it would make me very happy, however for now I must return to the forge and hammer out my tribute to Hopper, good luck in the future." The dwarf picks up his heavy waraxe and shield, before slowly walking away through the trees, his adventures lie elsewhere.
At the last dying rays of the sun, sink into the earth, half-orc Calisro Benarry leader of the Horizen Hunters Faction, speaks. "Pathfinders, you have a mission in Isger. Be ready to board the Hungry Pelican in the morning, the boat will take you up the Iseld river in Cheliax to the Conerica Straight and thence you will travel with the Threepenny Caravan to Elidir the capital of Isger. My agent, Karla Wesver, a human woman will meet you in the White Stag on the Conerica River in Elidir. She has your instructions. I am wanted elsewhere, the Glorious Payoff is waiting." With that she turns smartly and leaves you all.
Brodock stood still as stone or an ancient tree as the memorial continued. The dwarf, with his simple black mustache and beard, wore his best outfit for the occasion. A simple, dark red shirt and cap with blue pants. He rested his hand on the head of his familiar, tiny creature all squishy in his mushroom like form with large cap all white with red spots.
When all was done he picks up the little mushroom and places him on his shoulder. As Calisro begins to leave he calls out "Tomorrow then, we'll be there."
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Elsha nods at Granitt and wishes him well, smiling softly as they part. Indeed, I look forward to seeing your tribute. Most importantly both I and Stabby shall be sure to return to you and see it!
Elsha turns to the druid to break the ice, as he often struggles to do.
Greetings Brodock, I'm Elsha. And what do you know of this place we're going to, if anything at all? I suspect it won't be as c-c-c-cold as the last place I went!
The tall Garundi man conveys an understated warmth but stutters nervously as he tries project a bit of confidence.
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Xun comes in the morning to the memorial ceremony. He knew the goblin, he remembers drinking with him a couple of times and even writing a song that allowed them to drink for the rest of the night. A sad day that was, a really sad day.
Xun is a tall half-elf of mwangi origin. His back skin with a touch of green makes his yellow eyes easier to spot. He carries a drum with a couple of symbols on its sides and attacked throwing darts to it. He carries a shortsword on his side and a flute on his hands. He plays a sad melody during the memorial.
A sad day indeed. He speaks to no one. In his culture you memory your fallen allies in silence for the amount of time that you need. Then it is followed by drinking and laughing recalling memories with the one. In his village, he was a storyteller and a shaman. He looks at the others as he keeps playing.
Xun listens to what Calisro is saying and nods to that. It means he has the time till the morning.
"My name is Xun Saburo, it is a pleasure to meet you."
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When Xun stops playing he looks at Elsha and responds
"I met him a couple of times in a tavern. I talked with him about his missions to get some stories for my tales." He pauses for a moment and you can see that he is holding some trinket made of leather attached to his clothing.
"We wrote a song together that got good reviews from his fellow goblins. Unfortunately, id didn't get any traction among other races. Maybe you heard it"
He clears his throat as he begins signing
"Milady, the slickest goblin Lady, She lifts your purse, she cuts your throat, With a class that no other holds..." he stops singing at that point and waits for a reaction
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Hmm, it's sounds awfully f-f-familiar... I'm trying to imagine it in his voice. Wow... I hope I don't forget it over time!
It suddenly worries Elsha that this is possible, that he can lose details of fallen comrades unless he holds onto their memories.
Excellent that you got to create something together. He and I were devising alchemical concoctions! We... never quite got anything working though.
Brodock gives a little chuckle. "I know not of this place we go to but can say I am not the most fond of sailing. Short trips are fine but I prefer solid ground. Anyways, what do ya think it is we'll be doing?
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It is well known that Isger is a vassal state of Cheliax. It is known for it's trade route between Cheliax and the rich nations bordering Lake Encarthan to the northeast. This route leads up the Conerica River from Cheliax, past the capital of Elidir, and from there overland into the nation of Druma. The civilised communities live close to the Conerica, leaving the rest of the nation impoverished.
There are three separate mountain ranges within Isger: the Five Kings Mountains to the east, the Menador Mountains to the north and west, and the Aspodell Mountains to the south.
Elidir is both the capital of Isger and the nation's largest city. It stands at the center of the important Conerica Straits trade route and is a popular stopping point for caravans
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As Xun ends playing he hides his flute and joins Elsha speaking Brodock.
"Elidir? Never been there, but I can ask around. In the lodge there usually are plenty of travelers knowing different things."
He looks at the dwarf tilting his head a bit
"What about you Master dwarf, what is your origin? I come from the deep jungles of Mwangi where loas decide about the fate of men. The stories are revered and shared and the magic is dark as the color of my skin." smiles Xun.
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A human who you'd mistake at first as a farmer instead of a Pathfinder, especially with a piece of straw loosely hanging from his lips, walks up to join the group. However, most farmers don't tend to wear breastplate.
"Awwww shoot. Y'all look like the group I might be lookin' for." He looks at the assembled group and, exasperated, says, "Lemme guess- Venture Cap'n Benarry jus' left a little bit ago, yeah? I was supposed to join a group of Pathfin'ers that he was gonna send on a mission, but I got distracted in the fields an' I think I ran a li'l late. Couldn't find him anywhere!"
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It is well known that Isger is a vassal state of Cheliax. It is known for it's trade route between Cheliax and the rich nations bordering Lake Encarthan to the northeast. This route leads up the Conerica River from Cheliax, past the capital of Elidir, and from there overland into the nation of Druma. The civilised communities live close to the Conerica, leaving the rest of the nation impoverished.
In recent times Cheliax has seen the advantages of the trade route for their wares, including their renowned wines. Thus Cheliax has started to invest in Isger after years of under investment.
There are three separate mountain ranges within Isger: the Five Kings Mountains to the east, the Menador Mountains to the north and west, and the Aspodell Mountains to the south.
Isger was a battleground for the Gobinblood Wars, a series of conflicts between the goblinoid tribes from Chitterwood to the south and the Isger army, from 4697 AR to 4701 AR. It eventually expanded to include forces from neighboring nations in an effort to contain the rapidly expanding hordes.
The Goblinblood Wars were marked by heavy losses on both sides, especially among the Isgeri, and thousands of orphans were left to fend for themselves after hostilities ceased. Their numbers even continued to rise in the post-war period, as chaos and banditry swept through Isger's hinterlands. The only organization who stepped in to help these orphans was the church of Asmodeus supported by Cheliax's House Thrune. They built a number of monasteries throughout the country where they fed, clothed, and indoctrinated Isger's youth into the faith of the Prince of Law. The most famous of these is the monastery run by the Sisters of the Golden Erinyes, where children are not only schooled in infernal philosophy and politics, but also in hard-to-master martial arts.
Elidir is both the capital of Isger and the nation's largest city. It stands at the center of the important Conerica Straits trade route and is a popular stopping point for caravans.
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Elsha thinks and recalls details about Isger and Elidir, but it doesn't really help him divine what they'll be specifically doing there.
Well, Isger is under Cheliax control, and contains a trade route that is important to them and other rich, neighboring nations. Most of the proper development is in the cities along the Conerica River, which is on the trade route, so most of the rest of Isger is not so well off. Elidir is predictably the largest city on the trade route and an important stop-off for caravans. So, perhaps we're intercepting stolen goods? Or looking into a rare item that's coming along the trade route?
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The short young brunette in the long black ceremonial dress attended the funeral more out of sad curiosity, then out of grief. Social interactions were a bit difficult for Tess, since all of these people were brave warriors and students, while she was nothing more than ex-criminal.
These heels hurt... Probably should come in my armor...
She didn't know the dead hero. But Tess had to see, what happens if a Pathfinder will die. In the end, this was pretty likely to happen with her future comrades and herself. Young rogue tried to peer out her friends from Academia, but no one was here.
They probably have gone to the assignments already... Pity, I hoped someone I know, will join me in my first serious adventure.
When the time came, she approached captain Calisro and slightly nodded to beautiful woman, she remembered after her pretty nice trip to Shackles some days ago.
When details were received, Skerrett came by her future companions to present herself with a pleasantly shy and silent voice:
"Hi, everybody! I'm Tess Skerrett, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm... I finished the academia roughly a week ago and still don't know anybody here, but I hope we can work together fine
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With the ceremonies over, the assembled group look at each other, wondering what adventures and dangers await them, knowing that a long journey to Elidir to meet Karla Wesver will reveal their mission. The journey on the Hungry Pelican is anything but fun, cramped quarters, unappetising food and boredom are the keywords for the journey. It does however give time for everyone to get to know one another better, tell stories of their histories and past adventures, expose their strengths and weaknesses. To coalesce and become more of a team than just a group of people.
Eventually, after many days of uneventful travel, you arrive in Elidir, with enthusiasm and excitement, not to mention a little apprehension as to what you are going to be asked to do. The ship is docked at a busy quay, people buzz around like flies loading and unloading vessels. Chests of solid dark wood are carried on shoulders by strong human, half-orc and dwarven workers. Shouts are heard everywhere, instructions to tie up or depart. The riverside is alive and full of humanity, after the days, nay weeks of near solitude on the ship.
Along the quayside, warehouse store sacks of grain, casks of fine brandy, cases of ruby red wine, piles of black rock, coal to fire the forges of blacksmiths, all manner of goods pass through this way.
Various roads and alleys make their way inland, through gaps between the quayside buildings. Signs hang outside the timber framed, denoting a tradesman selling their wares, but almost always the first sign, is that of an inn, beckoning travellers in to the warmth and comfort of civilisation, or if not that the a stone floor and sawdust to enjoy a strong drink and a fight.
You walk along the quayside, enjoying the life of Elidir, noting the inns on the way, before you come to one particular establishment, "The White Stag Inn". It was here that Calisaro instructed you to meet her agent. Entering this large bustling inn, you see the place packed full of merchants, traders and bargemen drinking happily the ale, eating the sweet smelling stew and dumplings. In various corners of the inn, furs are being traded and other goods exchanged.
You stop by the door for a second as you take it all in.
A woman sporting an intricate braid and well worn travel outfit stands close to the door, as though expecting someone or something. She beckons you over, leading you over to a quieter booth in the corner of the inn. Giving each of you a firm handshake, she speaks,"Ah, good. You made it. I’m Karla Wesver. Welcome to Elidir, and welcome to the White Stag. It used to be that we Pathfinders had a bit of a strained relationship with the Chelaxian government. It still isn’t all sunshine and roses, but with the opportunity before us, we can now move about in public without fear of conflict or reprisal."
"As you may know, Isger is still a vassal state of Cheliax. The Chelaxians have bled Isger dry for years, but the increased demand for goods like Chelaxian brandy and other luxury items in Molthune and beyond has resulted in Cheliax finally getting off its ass and investing some resources in Isger. Normally these goods go through Druma to reach Molthune, but Druma has been raising import taxes. Cheliax issued an open bounty to explorers the world over: establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune, suitable for pack animals to traverse."
So, this presents a rather rare opportunity for us to find a way through the Menador Mountains into Molthune. Calisro Benarry, leader of the Horizon Hunters faction, has a special interest in this bounty. She is hoping you will take to this challenge with gusto. She sent a package ahead for you.”
Karla pats a large brown paper on the bench next to her, before handing over a letter.
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Xun greets the newcomers and leaves to mourn the fallen agent.
The next day on the ship Xun is fully packed as he boards the ship.
"I am not a big fan of those vessels. In my hometown, we use boats to travel across rivers or lakes. I never got accustomed on swimming through the seas." Says to no one in particular.
During the trip, Xun focuses on playing instruments and attempting to write new songs or stories that could aid him to earn some money. He tries to ease the travel for others but weaving tales during supper about distant lands and forgotten kings. The stories don't speak about any real region, and the protagonist is mostly fictional, but most of the stories tend to be entertaining. When Xun describes battles he plays the drum in a way that makes you inspired for great deeds. You are not sure if this is the boredom of travel or is he such good of a storyteller but for a limited amount of time, it provides some distraction.
As the begin to roam through Elidir, Xun is glad to be on a steady land. He follows to the inn and listens to the information shared by Karla.
"Do we know who else will be trying to find the route? When I hear bounty I feel other hunters trying to kill you." asks Xun
Brodock spent much of the time while sailing on the top deck. He didn't particularly enjoy sailing. His feet felt unstable, everything was wet and salty, but the air was fresh and there was plenty of new life to see. He tried to keep himself cheery but as the days dragged his mood slumped until they reached land. The second his feet hit solid ground, Brodock was down right cheerful.
Following the others, Brodock listened carefully to Karla. "So we ain't protectin cargo, we be forgin a new trail, through the mountains no less, Brodock said and then clapped his hands loudly causing his little mushroom friend to jump a little. "Hot damn, I knew I be picked for a good reason. When can we start?"
OOC: +7 to nature check for into about surviving Menador Mountains.
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Elsha smiles warmly at Tess, trying to project the confidence that he ought to be able to after a couple of missions under his belt.
W-w-welcome. I'm sure we will work together quite well. You meet people of m-m-m-many talents in the Society!
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On the boat, the normally reticent alchemist takes the opportunity to regail his companions with tails of the late Hopper, and the epic snow trek, the Balgirdtrek, they had enjoyed together until his untimely demise.
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Later in Elidir, the White Stag Inn...
Elsha listens intently to Karla and asks And what d-d-do you think of Cheliax's usage of the society for this? Do you believe the reward will be worth our advancing their economic position? As he stutters through some of the words he rolls his left hand in something of a ritual to work himself through it quickly.
The typically kindly Elsha winces at how cynical this question sounds, but still it's something that's weighed on his mind.
When she provides the package the alchemists eye's light up at the Urglin gin. A tonic... that can be used like a versatile alchemical concoction! Brilliant! We must budget how much is for drinking (almost none), warmth (maybe almost half), and explosions (most of it!)
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"Do we know who else will be trying to find the route? When I hear bounty I feel other hunters trying to kill you." asks Xun
Elsha nods at this question and adds, Indeed, and do you suppose Druma would want to prevent this to keep their tax revenue f-f-flowing.
After the briefing Elsha approaches Xun privately and offers I really liked your tales on the boat. They were somehow very delightful even though not very specific.
He doesn't really let this flow into a conversation and nods and backs away after several awkward moments.
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When the group receives the winter coats Elsha frowns, remarking I thought this Garundi man had enough taste of the deep cold... it seems the society is intent on getting me used to it.
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While the journey had its negative sides, Tess actually quite enjoyed it.
After living almost all her life in Puddles, the young woman was accustomed to restricted living spaces and poor food. She definitely enjoyed the stories her new companions told and sung about, and enthusiastically tried to share with them some scary horror tales about creatures who live at the bottom of the seas.
But her real delight was the sea. She enjoyed all of it. Gentile breeze and his stronger bothers, who tried to mess with rogue's hair and dropped little "sea tears" on her face. The true salty smell, that didn't misc with all Puddle's garbage at the high tide. And of course, there were dawns and sunsets. Every day in the morning and before the dusk, crew and her teammates could see Skerrett at the upper deck in her leather armor with signs from all of her friends from academia, looking at the horizon. As the sun was slowly emerging or drowning in the maritime infinite landscape.
At the briefing, she was silent, slightly nodding at boss' words.
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There's nothing of note to know about this mountain range.
The Menador Mountains are home to orcs of the Shattered Fang tribe.
There's nothing of note to know about this mountain range or it's nature.
Calisaro's agent sits leaning forward as she listens to your questions, answering quietly across the table.
"Do we know who else will be trying to find the route? When I hear bounty I feel other hunters trying to kill you."
"I cannot say who else will be searching for a route too, but this is a race to survey a route, not hunt a man. It is not to say that your competitors will not try to disrupt or even attack you, but the Menador Mountains are a big range, you might meet no other competitors at all."
Karla Wesver concludes “All good then? I’ve arranged for a river barge to take you out to the Menador Mountains and packed some provisions for the journey. Not all of the food you’ll need for the journey, mind—carrying all of that would be too heavy, and likely to attract unwanted attention from the wildlife. You’ll want to forage along the way, if you can. My friend Jasikah Marten will be waiting for you in Canorate. She will help you file your paperwork with the Chelaxian officials, and she’ll also have a warm and comfy bed ready for you.”
She puts down her mug, "If I were you I'd get your things together, make your final preparations and get a good nights sleep. This could be the last night you are in a civilised city for many weeks, buy what you need today, tomorrow you leave."
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Hmm, if competitors happen to avoid violence, I'm guessing the orcs of the Shattered Fang tribe will have no problem with it. They may see it as infringing on their t-t-territory, as well.
Elsha shudders as he thinks about being ambushed by savages. The alchemist looks around at the group.
Anybody have a compass?
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During the sea voyage, Pa could often be found wandering the deck, looking in astonishment at everything. He signed up with the Horizon Hunters precisely to get out and see things beyond his little farm, which you've all no doubt heard countless times over the voyage. When Xun is telling stories, Pa always sits in rapt attention, hanging on every word just so.
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During the arrival into Elidir, Pa is content to mostly just follow along with the general direction of the group. It's pretty easy to tell that he's a little overwhelmed, being in a new (to him) large city. Even though he's gotten some sort of used to Absalom, this is wholly new and different.
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"Thank ya kindly for the heavy cloaks an' boots, Karla. An' good call on that there foragin'. Guess it's time fer me to be puttin' som'uv that Pathfin'in trainin' to use!"
Aside from that, he seems mostly content to let the others ask their questions and nod along, either understanding and having little to add, or just being polite. However, to Xun's last question, he pipes up "Well, the way I reckon, if bringin' all the food we might need fer th' trip might be too much, ain't no way in heck that bringin' a few mules along'll make us less of a target. 'Sides, I kin probly help carry a bit o'that extra gear we might need." Pa's clearly built like he's pretty used to a life of hard labor, and can probably haul a lot, even with his armor, gear, and cold weather gear.
"Orcs!" Brodock exclaims. "If that be the case best bring some weapons with too." Toad, his mushroom shaped familiar, started to gently pat the side of his head helping to calm him down. He reaches over and pats him back.
"As for supplies, we should take food stubs that will last a while. Potatoes, onions, apples, flour, jerky. The likes. I can forage the rest for us."
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Xun listens to Pa
"Your advice is reasonable, no mules will help us carry enough so why bring them. I have no experience in crossing mountains, so I will rely on your expertise."
Xun feels uncomfortable, he begins to play with his mug of ale as others speak of 'Orcs' like some sort of disease. He to some degree is one of them. He is fully aware of how dangerous they can be, but his allies speaking with hatred make him feels bad.
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"Would it make sense to take some mules with us to carry the gear? I don't know much about those mountains."
With her hands apart and palms open Karla shrugs at Xun "I doubt you can do that, I didn't book room on the barge for anything other than you."
Anybody, n-n-no compass at all?
Karla looks at you, a little puzzled, "The stars and the sun can guide you, but if you need to buy one, Grego's Great Big General Store on Forhansa Street will have some at a regular price. It's out of here, turn left and third street on the right."
Karla Wesver lifts her cup of ale and salutes you, "Good Luck my friends, here's to your successful journey." She downs the remants of her drink and bids you farewell, shaking each of your hands and giving you a docket for the travel on the river barge. Tips her hat and leaves you to your own devices.
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The next morning you set your feet upon another river barge, with a heavy feeling that life has turned into a boat trip and nothing more. The heavy ropes fore and aft are unwound from the quay and the 'River Turtle' pushes off as it slowly departs Elidir. The barge continues upstream, following one of the Conerica's many tributaries, this one used as the basis for a well travelled road, used by Isger's arrmy. Several times, you see gleaming under the cold sunlight and grey skies the helmets and breastplates of the Isger army patrols. their lances proudly pointing to the sky, the red and black banners flap in the breeze, and plumes in their helmets magnificent as they ride their noble horses. Behind, the footsoldiers march in a controlled and uniform and disciplined way. For now safety is assured.
Eventually the river narrows and barge comes to a rest, unable to continue further up the river. The road veers to the south east, but your way lies to the north east, through the Menador Mountains. You all disembark and the long trek to find a passable passage to Canorate begins in earnest.The river continues north east, carving its way through the a relatively flat swath of land amongst the low hills all around. The going is easy, despite the recent spring thaw and progress is quickly made. So it continues for 3 days, until the third afternoon, as dusk is falling and you are about to make camp. You continue on, looking for a decent dry and comfortable spot, when ....
across the bare terrain, the red glow of a fire and black wispy smoke floating upwards into the greying skies is seen in the distance. You see no obvious hiding places, as the ground has been cleared of most obstacles by the flooding from the recent snow melts. No trees or bushes obscure the view.
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While traveling, unless there are signs of other creatures, Pa will be using Sense Direction. If he notices signs of other creatures (like the aforementioned fire), he'll switch to Scout unless there's someone better suited. This grants everyone a +1 to initiative checks.
Pa seems to pick up on Xun's discomfort about how people are talking about the orcs, and actively tries to shift the tone around them, presenting them less as "savages" and more as "nomads". He also expresses more concern around rival teams than the orcs native to these lands.
.....
The entire trek, Pa seems to spend most of his time just looking around amazed, checking his compass every half hour or so just to try and keep his bearings. This is his first real expedition, and he just couldn't be happier about it. However, at the first signs of the fire, his tone shifts towards one of more practical concern.
He joins Elsha and Xun, trying to get a better glimpse of the fire, while also keeping his ears open for any sounds they might be hearing from that direction to indicate what kind of people or creatures are around the fire.
"Awwww shoooot. Do y'all think that's a band o' them orcs? Or maybe some other people lookin' fer some trails like us?"
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"Yeah, you're right guys, it can be all sorts of trouble. Or just a friendly campfire of fellow travelers. I'm sure if they're friendly vagrants we could get some useful information and if this is the competition, we could also check them."
Tess had pulled her hair into a ponytail and reluctantly had taken out her short bow.
Though I don't know if it's the right move when we can just go long way around them. It could be smart not leaving the enemy behind, but also wrong to attract attention... Nah, nevermind, we have to take action.
After brief moments of insecurity young Pathfinder is ready to take action. If everybody agrees, she starts moving silently toward the fire.
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Elsha concedes to Xun's suggestion.
I s-s-suppose we have to get at least close enough to characterize their activities, or discern their associations. It may not be possible before talking to them, if they're even friendly.
Again he winces at his own cynicism. These distrusting thoughts are becoming too natural. But, cautious reigns supreme. I guess it's in the line of work now.
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[color=green]Current: Exploration Mode[/color]
Xun moves forward quietly circling through the dusk towards the camp, he beckons Tess and Elsha forward as they make their way slowly and silently across the open ground. Brock and Pa stay back, following slowly after Tess and Elsha. Xun, Tess and Elsha are almost upon the camp.
As they get closer, around the fire you see a young man and woman talking as they poke a pot cooking over the fire. Another two men and a woman are busy preparing for the evening, tightening the guy ropes around one of the two tents. They wear practical travellers gear for rough terrain. Their outer coats are clean and spotless, with barely a crease in the material. The tents are in a similar state, looking like they have not been used many times.
The sandy haired woman by the tent says, "Amyas, is this tight enough." A man approaches her, his fresh looking face smiling under a mop of unruly red hair, "Yes Leonie, that's fine." His scarlet greatcoat swirls round as he returns to his duties. The greatcoat looks an expensive coat and must have cost a pretty packet.
At the fire, the two can be overheard saying, "I have, I shot a stag down at 400 yards, it's head now hangs in the lodge. You needn't doubt it, I shall invite you, and if the chance comes on this trip, I shall show you." the man says rather petulantly to the woman. The woman looks into the fire, a crest prominently displayed as a broach pinning her cloak around her shoulder. She sighs "Fine Dacian, just fine."
They don't seemed to have noticed your approach.
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"They look like travelers, I will speak with them"
Xun hides the arrow and hangs the bow on his back. He takes a bit of soil on his hands and begins murmuring a tune as his palms make few gestures. He lowers his head towards the grass and breathes the air in, hie eyes illuminating slightly
Xun stands up and walks towards the fire. He stops after a few steps and speaks loudly
"Hello friends. Do my ears deceive me? Can I hear fellow travelers on the track? My name is Xun Saburo bard and storyteller. Traveling through these mountains with my group of companions. We were just looking for a place to camp when I heard your voices."
Xun smiles broadly and looks at the people in front of him
"How about we set our tents next to yours and join you next to the fire for the night? The times are troubling and we heard some stories about thieves and robbers attacking travelers. I can provide entertainment by singing a song or telling a ballad about far lands. What say you?"
Before leaving, Bodock will pick up a climbing kit.
Moving out towards the wildness had Brodock in a jovial mood. He laughed deeper and spoke a little more. Even moving into a rousing tale of some time moving from the mountain into a forest and having to learn the new terrain. He stopped short when he saw the smoke.
When Xun volunteered he said, "Go ahead, lets see what ya got." Then stood back and let Xun take the lead. If need be he'd rush in but maybe they wouldn't need to.
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Elsha
Elsha studies as best he can the crest on Saveri's broach, but despite his best efforts looking from afar, he is unable to recognise it despite his excellent view.
As Xun comes out of the shadows of dusk, his black skin and bright shining eyes appear as some sort of monster to the young adventurers. They all back away, those by the fire stumble backwards as they rise. Shouts of alarm leave their lips, and if you could see, their hearts pound in their chests. However as Xun introduces himself, they seem to down calm a little and the one with the red mop of hair, speaks "Umm, I suppose so ... I mean if you have stories, they will while away the time." He regains his composure and his face relaxes a little. "And does a storyteller really need so many companions to travel here, why are you really here? I think, no we, see no reason why honest travellers cannot pitch close by. You are honest travellers, all of you?" he asks, the last words demanding an answer.
The rest of the group remain tense, waiting for an answer.
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Then Garundi man walks up next to Xun and smiles warmly.
Yes, indeed, w-w-we travel in such a group for safety. I think that can be easily understood. We've been enjoying Xun's stories for many days now, but I think we can share him with you.
Elsha winks before turning to scope out the ground nearby, and decide where the Pathfinder group might make a campfire and lay out bedrolls and tents.
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Pa walks up to the group and says, "Awwwwww shoot. I'm 'bout as honest as th' day is long. Mos' folk jus' call me Pa. An' I reckon you don' have much to worry 'bout with our li'l band of travelers. An' I gots to say, Xun here is one of the best damn storytellers I ever heard in my entire darn life!" And with that, Pa gives his best friendly smile.
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The young explorers, look uncomfortably at one another, before Amyas speaks "So an honest set of trobadours and peasants, once we have finished our preparations, we will be eating. Perhaps that gives you time to make your own prepations before you can perform for us, after our hunger has been saited. It will make the monotony of the night pass quicker." They watch you start your preparations before they return to theirs, before the sweet and savory smell of their stew wafts your way, the aroma of exotic peppers, wild mushrooms from the Sodden Coast. Obviously food made from the highest quality ingredients.
The group are friendly enough and as you tell stories around their camp fire, you learn their names and a little bit about this group of young Chelaxian nobles, out to make names for themselves. They are competitors in the race to find passage from Elidir to Canorate. They are excited about the prospect and appreciate that a party of troubadors have crossed our path.
Jasper Caperinas - The youngest looking boy of the group, you learn from the Dacian and the girls, as they tease him about his family having holdings in Absalom.
Sarevi Tilernos - Is wearing the the cloak pinned with a broach of her family crest. She explains that the journey is an attempt to to honor the adventurous spirit of hedr sister, a Knight of Ozem who was slain when the Whispering Tyrant destroyed the former nation of Lastwall. As you learn this a tear trickles down her cheek and she becomes sullen and melancholy.
Amyas Charthagnion - with an unruly mop of carrot hair, this flamboyant young man seems to be the leader of this group of young nobles. Dressed in an expensive greatcoat dyed scarlet.
Leonie Ciucci - Is quiet and listens to the tales with great interest.
Dacian Julistarc - Dacian is arrogant, even by the
standards of his noble peers. Cocky and aloof, Dacian chafes at the fact that his compatriots look up to Amyas rather than to him, but this attitude quickly fades when you questioned him about directly since he also respects and instinctively follows Amyas’s lead.
As you watch them prepare their equipment, you see they have is very expensive and quality equipment, but they are unprepared for the rigors of crossing a mountain range and the challenges that poses.
Brodock lets the others introduce themselves while he goes for a little walk around the camp site with toad. Maybe this group of upstarts had scoped out the area and maybe they hadn't, he would check just to make sure. Take a slow and careful pace, both he and Toad moved about the outskirts looking for danger.
"What is that Toad?" Brodocj asked. He got the image of a tree and warmth. "You're right, its been to long since we were back in the forest. Good thing we got pick for this. Now we just need ta make it to the end."
looking for threats
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Elsha notes the overpriced but mismatched gear of the group of young nobles. Yet, he knows if challenged directly they might dig in to prove a point. He attempts to try a subtle angle.
He sidles up to the groups apparent leader.
So, Amyas, it's no trivial or safe task to traverse a mountain range. What level of danger have you all decided is acceptable as you make a run at it? A leader must know him groups limits to protect them from ultimate d-d-demise.