[PFS2E] GM kuey's Trailblazer's Bounty (1-05) (Inactive)

Game Master kuey

Please ninja-dot, i.e. put up some random post then delete it immediately after, so that this campaign will appear on your campaign page.

The team of Pathfinders are recruited from the Absalom Lodge, with just the simple instructions to make your way to Elidir, the capital of Isger, and make contact with Karla Wesver, a fellow Pathfinder. Other than that the Horizon Hunters needed the team to help forge a trail through the Menador Mountains, few are details are available, and you're informed that Karla would be able to brief you more.

Transport was arranged beforehand, and next morning, the group of you meet up at the docks, and board a boat that would take you up the Iseld river in Cheliax. The lazy journey up the river leaves you some time to acquaint yourselves with each other...

Go ahead to describe what you're doing on the boat trip up and introduce your characters.

An thin goblin stands at the bow of the riverboat, dressed in unassuming clothing and wearing a pair of dogslicers on his belt. His small pack is on the deck beside him.

He seems lost in thought as he stares out at the winding river ahead.

What adventures await? It is better to be here in the fresh air than down in those sewers, for sure!

Arun spends most of his time on deck, eyes flickering across the horizon with his lips clenched together in what barely avoids being a snarl. He keeps his battered spear leaning next to him, and spends an inordinate amount of time cleaning his fingernails with a long, sharp knife.

When he unfolds himself from his perch he's clearly tall and heavily built, but he moves lightly nonetheless. Whenever he's approached, his blazing eyes bore into whoever it is, scanning for weapons, for weakness.

The most he offers unless someone attempts a deeper conversational sally is an almost imperceptible nod of greeting and a gravelly introduction, "Arun."

Mmph (an approximation of the gargling sound she made when she introduced herself to the others) spends most of her time on deck, half slumped over the railing. "Oooh. I wish I would get used to this already," she moans in her raspy voice. "150 years and many a voyage, and still the waves bring me to my knees."

If you didn't know any better, you might attribute her current appearance to the journey: her skin pale and ashen from seasickness, her hair a mess from the wind, her gait jerky and abrupt from trying to balance on the moving planks. However, she already looked much the same when you met at the lodge. The touch of undeath is plain to see in this elven woman.

Swaying from side to side, a Taldan man dressed in disheveled robes and shoulder length hair seems to be enjoying the rolling of the ship in the harbor.

"So this is what he went through after leaving home. It feels, nice," he mumbles to himself, fingering a pin on his cloak. Turning around, the man greets the other shipmates, "Greetings. I am Valdris of the Heartwell family, and I do hope we all can work well together."

Upon looking at the man, his robes are both a deep green, almost black, and an off white. Standing at about average height and build, with the brown hair and green eyes of Taldor, he seems to look like an ordinary citizen.

Was waiting for everyone to also introduce themselves but I think we can go ahead to start.

The Pathfinders transfer to a caravan after reaching the Conerica Straits, and after a few more days on the road, finally arrive in Elidir, the capital of Isger.

Karla Wesver is a fellow Pathfinder from Isger and a member of the Horizon Hunters, and your instructions are to meet her at the White Stag Inn, a large and bustling inn on the Conerica River. Traders rub shoulders with merchants and river bargemen as furs and goods are exchanged. A woman sporting an intricate braid and a well‑worn travel outfit waiting at the door of the inn waves you over upon seeing you. She greets each of you with a firm handshake before leading you to a booth in the corner of the taproom.

"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 package on the bench next to her before handing over a letter. (You can find a picture of Karla and Handout #1: Benarry’s Letter in the maps and handouts link.)

Once you finish reading the letter, she continues.

"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."

Any questions?

Some of you might recall useful knowledge about Menador Mountains, or about the rigors of surviving in the wilds.

(Basically, I rolled secret dice for all of you based on your skills in your profile page. Take note that there could be critical failures in your rolls.)

I just noticed I forgot to switch my lore skills after copying the stats from another character as a template. Changed it now (to mountain lore and herbalism lore).

Mmph speaks up, carefully enunciating each word (as she is wont to do). "Is there some... intel on promising avenues of exploration? Or will we arrive at a blank slate, to do as we think best?" She moves a stray strand of hair away from her eyes, staring intently at Karla.

Karla unconscously inches back as Mmph speaks. "Uh, I'm afraid not. Going up the branch of the Conerica river is likely a good start, but beyond that, this is really pioneering work here. I mean, there really wasn't a need in the past to find an alternative route. But that is also a bonus for us - fewer competition!"

Tapping his chin for a moment, Valdris looks at the others, contemplating his words after reading the letter and listening to Mmph.

"I think, while going on a somewhat blank slate, this could be quite beneficial. If I recall, the Shattered Fang orc tribe is in that region, and might know the land quite well. Perhaps we could also hail them, and have negotiations for safer traveling paths? They should know the land, and could benefit from a new trade route."

Mulling over for a few seconds, he then shakes his head slightly at a though and speaks up once again.

"Though, it may be a bit difficult to deal with the tribe, as orcs do tend to be quite brash and greedy from my research."

"If they have a sizable presence in the region, we might need to... deal with them one way or the other. At least I assume that the Chelish would not be very happy about a route where caravans are routinely ransacked by orcs."

"Though, it may be a bit difficult to deal with the tribe, as orcs do tend to be quite brash and greedy from my research."

"It is hard to say. There are orcs and there are orcs. The Menador Mountains is a secluded region so little is known of the Shattered Fang, and of the various rumours that have come my way, I don't trust most of it. Should you run across them, you would need to make your assessment on how best to deal with them to allow for the trade route."

"I'm not sure why Calisro Benarry sent us all this cold weather gear," comments Reev, "I heard that the Menador Mountains are not much more than low hills."

That is obviously a false rumor that Reev heard somewhere, but I'll play along. :)

Arun gives Reev a flat glare, clearly writing the goblin's advice off. "Wear the coat, Ears. It gets cold up there. Everyone will need rope so we can be tied together. There's avalanches out there, and if you get swept over a ledge, you'll want me to be able to catch you."

"Even if the orcs want to deal, we'll have a harder time doing it if we're not coming from a place of strength. So maybe don't kill any of 'em if you don't have to, I guess, but that doesn't mean go in soft."

Gunthar listens to the others and grows concerned about dealing with the orcs and surviving avalanches. "I can't say I've ever tried talking to an orc before. Does anyone know how to speak their language? That might help."

He looks at the goblin and tries to hide his confusion about Reev's statement. "I haven't spent a lot of time in the mountains, but I imagine if they were just low hills then they would be easy to cross and we wouldn't be here."

"That does seem to be an excellent point you make, Gunthar," concedes Reev, as he stuffs some of the cold weather clothing into his pack.

"Oddly enough, I was able to learn the orcish tongue while studying here. It is harsh on the throat, but has a..... tribal elegance to it. When they aren't trying to kill or insult someone, of course. As for that cold weather gear, I would prefer it to freezing to death, if the mountains do get that cold," Valdris says as he packs the clothes and cloak into his pack.

"Oh yes, we'll all need to bundle up!" an excitable gnome recommends. Motes of magic dance through his hair as he smooths it.

"The mountains are quite cold. We'll have to see with the orcs, I suppose. I'm glad you speak their language, Valdris. That should be helpful."

Sorry, wasn't get post notifications for some reason.

"That does sound reasonable. If you have nothing further, the barge would be leaving in a couple of hours. If you need to gear up, now is the time to do so. All the best, Pathfinders. Do us proud!"

Go ahead and slot your boons, and decide what Pathfinder training consumables you wish to have. (Post them in the Discussion thread, and ask if you're not quite sure what this mean.) Also, go ahead and purchase whatever other equipment you might wish. Similarly, log it in the discussion thread for my ease later in transferring to your chronicle sheets. But feel free to post here to roleplay here as well.

Just a behind the scenes peek. this scenario adopts a Discovery Points mechanic. These represent how thorough PCs have been with gathering information about their path, recording it, and in some cases finding creative solutions in improving their route. Obviously, they will determine the success of your mission.

Picking out her scrolls, Mmph mumbles to herself: "Oh, yes, I can be quite scary by myself, hehe." She looks at her reflection in the door of a nearby glass cabinet and makes some grimaces, having her eyes go wide, making a lopsided grin, etc. "Still, some magical help would be welcome. And some healing, of course, for when I do not have the time to share my... gifts."

Afterwards, she rummages through her pockets, pulling out a few meager coins and looking at them with disappointment. "I... suppose I have all I need, then."

With a look of realization on his face, Valdris hurries off the ship for a a few moments before coming back on. His pack seeming to be a bit fuller than when he left, the wizard nods towards Mmph, "Mentioning the healing, reminded me of some training I received before coming to the Society. Hopefully this kit can help us with any minor wounds while on this excursion. I also picked up a couple of things to help out."

Upon a glance, it appears that quite a bit of his pack is full of rations.

Gunthar also grabs some cold weather gear and sticks it into his backpack. "Yes, Valris, it's nice to know you will be able to speak with the orcs should we need to. As far as any additional gear, I don't think I have the coin for anything, this being my first mission. Regarding the Pathfinder supplies, I imagine healing is always good, so I'll take a minor healing potion, but what else? Arun, what do you know about avalanches? What starts them?" he asks.

The trip up the branch of the Conerica river is uneventful. The roads alongside the river called the Conerica Straights are well‑patrolled by Isger’s army, supported with auxiliary troops from Cheliax. Once the river becomes too narrow for the barge to easily traverse, the Pathfinders disembark and continue on foot. Following the river is still the easiest way forward, as it has carved a relatively flat swath of land out of the hills.

After three days of travel, you spot a campfire just as dusk begins to fall. The river flooding during spring snowmelts has kept the terrain relatively free from large growth. No trees or bushes obscure the view. It is clear that five people have set up camp here. You can see them relatively clearly from the distance as they are lit up by the campfire, and with the failing light, they do not seem to have noticed your party. All five people in the camp seem to be busy with food preparation and setting up the camp for the night.

"Should you intend to approach these folks, I shall stay back for a moment. If I am the first thing people see, they tend do become... skittish. Do tell them that I am harmless, so I may join the fun."

Nodding, Valdris looks at the group by the campfire before whispering towards Reev and Arun, "Perhaps a look on them before we introduce ourselves? We are a bit far from civilization, so we mayhap have come upon bandits, or travellers. It would be best to exercise a bit of caution."

Muttering a few words and a waggle of his fingers, Valdris casts Mage Armor on himself.

"Certainly, Valdris. What do you say, Arun? Up for a sneak and peek?" The goblin leads the way down toward the camp.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Despite stepping on a number of dried twigs and leaves along the way, Reev manages to come rather close to the campsite without being observed. No wonder for the five people are engrossed with getting dinner ready and have not even set up a watch!

There are three young men and two young women in the camp. They wear practical outfits, well‑suited for the rough terrain, but the outfits and the gear all look very new.

Reev sneaks back to the others to report what he has seen. "Five people -- three men, two women, all rather young. They're making dinner. Smelled good. I think they new to adventuring, like me. All brand new clothes and equipment. Not even set lookout for trouble."

"Well, I wouldn't mind sitting by a fire, and I'm sure we could handle them if things get rough. Shall we join them?" Sparkin's chilly feet are sore and he's ready for a break.

Reev nods in agreement. "Dinner smelled yummy, and me getting hungry."

@Sparkin: I think you are our diplomat.

Nodding at the news, Valdris smiles at Sparkin's comments. "A nice hot meal next to a fire with others does sound tempting. I think we can join them for the night. Perhaps, they might have more information on the lands ahead. I'll light up my staff so they know we're coming without intentions of surprising them."

Casting light on his staff, the wizard makes his way to the group ahead, leaving his hands in the open, "I don't mean to startle you, but do you folk have more room about the fire? My companions and I have been traveling for almost half a week, and extra company would be quite nice."

Sparkin is definitely our diplomat. I'm just in the open to show no hostilities.

Mmph runs her fingers through her hair a few times to straighten it out a bit. She then shakes herself. After some seconds spent in what seems like deep concentration, she begins moving her arms and legs carefully, as if she had grown new limbs and was just getting a feel for how to use them. Surprisingly, the movements are almost fluid: there is only the faintest trace left of the abruptness that usually characterizes all of her motions. "Ugh, how I hate this game of make-believe." She gives a nod to her companions. "Well, I am ready." She will approach with the others, in a walk much more 'normal' than her usual gait, though still behind them, so that her countenance is not the first thing these strangers get to see.

Arun hangs back in the foliage for now, keeping to the shadows while his companions make the first move. Before he departs he gives a quick glare at his new wayfinder and explains himself before leaving his allies in a potential lurch.

"If they're friends, they could use the lesson in watchfulness, and if they're foes, they'll get it anyways."

As the Pathfinders approach the camp, the group does not notice them until the last moment. They are startled for a moment, but with the friendly manner that you are approaching, they calm down quickly, but remain wary.

"I don't mean to startle you, but do you folk have more room about the fire? My companions and I have been traveling for almost half a week, and extra company would be quite nice."

The five of them look among themselves but very quickly, it is obvious that four of them are looking to one of them in particular to take the lead. The flamboyantly-dressed young man with an unruly mop of red hair, dressed in an expensive greatcoat dyed scarlet and carrying high quality hiking gear, steps forward, and in a calm demeanour replies, "Certainly, you may. Warm company in a cold night like this is always welcomed. My name is Amyas Charthagnion. I'll allow the rest of my companions to introduce themselves." (Picture in handouts)

Another young man who appears to be the youngest of the group quickly steps forward. You notice he is staring at Arun's wayfinder excitedly with a broad grin on his face. "Hi! I'm Jasper! Jasper Caperinas. Nice to meet some Pathfinders here!"

That, however, elicits a loud grunt from one of the young woman. She sniffs loudly, barely looking at the Pathfinders before simply introducing herself, "Leonie Ciucci."

The other young woman glances at Leonie and sighs. She looks more withdrawn, melancholic even. She wears her family crest prominently displayed as a brooch, a purple shield covered and surrounded in blades, pinning her cloak together at the shoulder. "Good evening. My name is Sarevi Tilernos."

The last young man then steps forward, looking down his nose at the Pathfinders. "And I am Dacian Julistarc! Remember that name for one day for one day, all shall know that name!" He looks like he was going to boast further but stops with a gentle cough from Amyas.

Amyas, with a faintly amused smile on his face, invites you to join the group round the fire. "Please, come join us in the warmth of the fire. I apologise though that we have only prepared sufficient food for just the five of us, but if you give us some time, we can prepare more." He hesitates briefly before continuing, "Forgive me for being forward, but could I ask what your team is doing here? This is not a trail that sees frequent use."

"Well, your companion has already deduced that we are Pathfinders--good eye, Jasper--and that is why we are here: Finding a path, that is. We're out on one of our exploring expeditions." Sparkin evaluates the companions around the fire. "What brings you to these cold foothills? Is this a hunting expedition?"

Diplomacy (Make an Impression): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

There was a collective pause when Sparkin shares that. Leonie and Dacian in particular looks irked, while Jasper looks troubled. Finally, Amyas responds, still displaying grace and courtesy. "Well, it is as I suspected. This is for the Cheliaxian bounty to find a new trail over these mountains, isn't it? If so, it looks like we are competitors then." He pauses briefly, then smiles. "May the best team win, then! But for tonight, let's just set that aside, shall we? And just enjoy each other's company." It is clear that he is addressing his companions as much as he is speaking to the Pathfinders.

Over the course of the dinner as conversations warm up, the Pathfinders piece together that the five of them are fourth or fifth sons and daughters of Chelaxian noble houses. While their families might not get along, they have known each other for quite some time, since they all attended the same boarding schools and social functions. They have decided to make names for themselves by accomplishing their own great deed. When the bounty was announced, they leaped at the chance to do so.

Roleplaying scenes are always a little tricky to carry out in PBP. Go ahead and address your conversations to the group or to specific members of the five. Everyone is sitting around the campfire so anyone can jump in at anytime. Depending on how various conversations go, might ask for specific skill checks, but don't worry about that for now. Will handwave which conversations go first and treat time as more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly... time-y wimey... stuff.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Reev addresses whichever Chelaxian is cooking (or Amyas if it isn't clear), "What you making for dinner? Smells yummy!"

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Maybe a bit of friendly competition wouldn't be so bad. Yes, yes, may the best team win!" Sniffing the air, the wizard looks about and grins. "I believe my stomach is in the same place as my little green friend's. Perhaps I can help a bit with the food? I generally over pack food stuffs myself, so I dont mind forgoing a few rations to make the dinner a bit larger, though it is mostly dried vegetables for soups."

Taking a moment as he begins going through his pack, Valdris speaks up, "I forgot to introduce myself after you fine folk did so. I am Valdris Heartwell, youngest of the Heartwell family. I would offer you a stay at my brother's abode, but we aren't in Absalom, so I will remember to put your names as potential guests, in case you feel to visit!"

Gunthar lets the others initiate the conversation, keeping his eyes on the group to make sure they don't try anything. Once it's apparent they are not an immediate threat, he relaxes a little.

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Greetings, I'm Gunthar. Have any of you been out travelling in the wilderness like this before or traveled through the mountains?"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Very well! We Pathfinders always try to cooperate with each other, but we're not afraid of a little competition. Sometimes pursuing the same goal from multiple avenues leads to the most efficient route!"

Sparkin examines the gear of the Chelaxians. "It looks as if you are well-equipped for your journey. Would you like some tips from us veterans about the best way to use it?"

Mountain Lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"I am... Alana." Mmph wrinkles her nose at the assorted gear she sees on this motley group. "Have you done an expedition like this before? You seem to have barely any rope, and your coat" - she looks at Jasper - "looks a bit thin. Conditions up in the mountains are harsh. If you get attacked by orcs or wild animals, do you know how to defend yourselves?"

She lets out a sigh before continuing.

"Listen. You are young. You want to see the world. You want to make a name for yourselves." (At this, she turns and looks at Dacian sternly.) "I know your type and I've seen how this often ends." Mmph's countenance is beginning to slip. Her voice grows coarser and harder. The control of her movements falters as she gesticulates more abruptly, more jerkily - the way the group knows her to behave when not making an effort to blend in. "You should give up. This is not your place. Without the proper preparations, all that awaits in the mountains is death. Go home. Live your lives."

Arun briefly considered sabotage, but these over-geared brats're more likely to die on the mountain than beat us to the bounty.

He didn't like giving speeches, so instead he pulled up a seat next to the youngest. Jasper

"Look, you knew what to bring, so this isn't your first time, but is it your first time without retainers and minders? You know the Pathfinders wouldn't be involved if this was gonna be easy."

"Now now you two. We could have shared a bit of what we knew with these folk, rather than try and scare them off. Then again, there are dangers that I'm not that knowledgeable about, so thank you for the lesson Mmph," he says, while pulling out a block of dried mushrooms and onions. Perhaps I shouldn't be as friendly, but I dont want these younger folk to die, he thought,

Mmph frowns. "There are things that words will not teach you. I can see not a single experienced face in this group. Any advice we can give them is more incentive for them to go off and get themselves killed. I see no point in trying to help on a course of action they should not be taking to begin with. If they want to see the world, fine, but start somewhere less hostile." At this point, she is back to her usual mannerisms, her gracious facade all but gone. She pauses for a second before adding, slightly more softly: "Trust me, I know what I am speaking of."

Reev looks back and forth between Valdris and Mmph in the uncomfortable silence.

"When dinner?"

Apologies for the late update. Weekend got away from me.

Reev addresses whichever Chelaxian is cooking (or Amyas if it isn't clear), "What you making for dinner? Smells yummy!"

Amyas nods politely at the goblin, albeit somewhat hesitantly. "We have barley and mutton stew going. Hope that is to your taste?" He then gestures to Sarevi who is manning the cooking to make way for Valdris to contribute as well.

"I forgot to introduce myself after you fine folk did so. I am Valdris Heartwell, youngest of the Heartwell family. I would offer you a stay at my brother's abode, but we aren't in Absalom, so I will remember to put your names as potential guests, in case you feel to visit!"

Jasper looks visibly excited and quickly respond. "Oh, you are from Absalom? My family's holdings are there, too!" Dacian then cuts in, "Yeah, so what's the weather like there now?" Jasper looks somewhat deflated and mumbles, "But I have not been back there for a while."

"Greetings, I'm Gunthar. Have any of you been out travelling in the wilderness like this before or traveled through the mountains?"

Amyas

As the Pathfinders start questioning the five noble youths of their preparedness, they gradually get quiet, some looking uneasy. It would appear that you have voiced what some of them had been thinking but not been voicing.

""You should give up. This is not your place. Without the proper preparations, all that awaits in the mountains is death. Go home. Live your lives."

Dacian

Sparkin examines the gear of the Chelaxians. "It looks as if you are well-equipped for your journey. Would you like some tips from us veterans about the best way to use it?"

Sarevi

"Look, you knew what to bring, so this isn't your first time, but is it your first time without retainers and minders? You know the Pathfinders wouldn't be involved if this was gonna be easy."

Jasper

Leonie
"Hmmph. I've heard much of the Pathfinder Society, very little of it good. No more than glorified grave robbers is what I hear. Why should we take any guidance from you?"

Trying the checks in order.
Survival DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Nature DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Athletics DC 15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Nature DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Well, I got one at least...

Mmph raises an eyebrow at Dacian. "If you find any archery targets in the mountains, let me know." Hope this doesn't overstep the failed Nature check.

She then turns toward Jasper, her features softening a bit. "I am sure you put a lot of work and preparation into this, Jasper. But books cannot tell you everything. Some of it is experience. You would need a guide to teach you these things by actions and example. Knowing tracks is good and well, but what will you do if you come face to face with such a wild animal? Or higher up in the mountains, where the terrain is rocky and animals do not leave tracks; will you still be able to recognize their passing with other methods?"

Maybe Arun and I can talk some sense into this one at least. He seems impressionable enough.

Should we attempt multiple checks? Or just the ones that are responding to us?

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Nodding at the talk, Valdris turns his head towards Amyas and Jasper, "The weather is fine, quite so in Absalom. As for being in the outdoors, Lord Amyas, I would say that hunting on one's estate is quite, safe, compared to the wilderness. The only people you can rely on would be the group you are with now. There is no safe shelter or civilization close at hand if things go wrong, whether it be the flora, fauna, or the wild terrain."

Continuing on with Jasper, while pointing at the survival guide in his hand, "I don't blame you for reading and memorizing that book, as it offers sound advise, but what it doesn't show you is also important. Can you tell if predator or prey is close at hand by the tellings of their excrement? Can you determine their intended paths not just by footprint, but other clues?"

Sighing, Valdris pats his for a moment before commenting on Leonie's remark, [b]"The rumors, I can say, aren't untrue. Though I do say most would prefer the term relic hunters. I am offering a word of caution that although you may have gear that seems quite nice, the practice of use to improve one's skill in the wilderness are vastly different than at an estate. My next question, is for all of you." Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, the wizard opens his eyes, making sure he has eye contact with the group of nobles, "How prepared are you to die with no way to find your corpse in the wilds?"