GM Chesca's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Chesca Wyndamere

Dominic will cross to the small halfling, and inspect for damage from the faceless stalker, bandaging the best he can.

Heal Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Yeah, the Licktoads attacked a rider near here yesterday, and apparently are getting more aggressive, what can you tell us of them? Dominic straightens from tending the patient, and sits on the edge of a chair to listen to the halfling's words.

"Oof, sorry about all that, Mister Walthus. If we'd known that thing was pretending to be you we could've grabbed it and smashed it down quick and hard. Do you need anything? We can help out for a bit before we go chase down some goblins."

Zyren puts her back to the wall and listens, gathering information and watching to make sure the halfling was well enough to sit up and help them. He looked pretty shaky.

Flori stays out of the conversation, still regaining strength herself, but continues to listen intently with her eyes closed.

I never heard of these... Faceless stalkers. But I'm sure we will run into it again... I think it survived and fled. - says Akatsu, more interested in hearing the information about the nearby goblins.

I'm assuming you're all gathered in the main living room now, listening to Walthus?

Walthus gladly accepted the healing ministrations of the cleric; allowing the man to bandage the more serious, obvious wounds. "Very kind of you. Thank you. However, I feel the young lady, there, with her eyes closed, is in great need of healing if Volorog got to her."

After a moment's consideration, the halfling stood up and moved to a place behind his chair. Pulling out an old, beaten tin box, he opened it; and, after rummaging around, he took something out and then closing the lid; returned the tin box to its hiding place.

He walked to the resting/slumped Flori. He held a vial in his hand filled with a thickish red-coloured liquid. "This will improve your drained vigour. It has a sharp odour and it's bitter on the tongue, yet please accept it as a token of my gratitude. Trust me, lass; I know the pain of it well enough," nodding his head in reassurance.

It's a Potion of Lesser Restoration, curing 1 pt of temporary CON dmg. Flori, if you accept the gift of the vial and imbibe the potion, your CON score will return to normal.

Giving a lopsided grin, the halfling moved back to his padded chair and sat down, again.

"Do you need anything? We can help out for a bit before we go chase down some goblins."

"Yeah, the Licktoads attacked a rider near here yesterday, and apparently are getting more aggressive, what can you tell us of them?"

Walthus waved his hand and replied, "No, lad. I just need to rest and then see which of my snakes are still living. Then I'll lock myself in my house. Volorog may have run off, but he's too weak to return this day and try again. I'll be ready for him next time."

Then looking at the Tian male of the group, Walthus merely nodded, "If you wish to learn about these monsters, I can tell you a little more about them another time. Now... the goblin problem..."

I'm parched, he inwardly mused. The halfling licked his dry lips; silently lamenting he had not thought to get himself a mug of water when he was helping the girl. Oh, well.

"I've noted during my patrols of the island that the Licktoads have been acting a bit braver than usual; especially of late. I've no idea where they got those darn fireworks they're setting off, but I do know where you can find their village. It's to the south east of here. Walk back up the New Fish Trail and once you're back on the Lost Coast Road, continue southward until you reach another path leading from the main road. This is the Old Fish Trail. Follow it down to the Licktoad village. Careful how you step; the old trail isn't as well kept as the one, here; you don't want to be tripped up by thick roots and alike. Only the goblins use the old trail nowadays."

"If you mean to be traipsing around the swamp for goodness knows how long, then I'll offer my house as a safe place you can return to and rest during your exploration. Better than sleeping outside and being set upon during the foggy, rainy nights. You saved my life and I wish to repay my debt. If you mean to stay longer, so the injured lass can grow stronger, I can prepare some food. Are you hungry?" Walthus stood up, looking around the group.

Basic visual of position of Old Fish Trail in regard to where you currently are.

Thank you, some food would be nice. says Zyren, looking at Flori and wishing she hadn't wasted her healing spell on the imposter.

What do you guys think? Should we wait here until Flori is back to full strength?

Akatsu smiled and nodded at the halfling's generosity. Pondering for moments, the monk finally followed up.

Maybe we should rest for some hours for Flori to recover. However, I fear I already used my repellent. - then turning to Walthus - Should we be worried about diseases or poison across these swamps? I'd hate for us to fall ill when trying to hunt the goblinoids.

He scratched his beard for moments.

If you say they're braver than before... Maybe they're working with someone else? Being coordinated by an orc, a hobgoblin, maybe even a giant? Have you seen anything else around this area that could suggest such presence?

Flori nods and smiles with relief as the others suggest that she needs to recover.

"I would very much appreciate having a little time to get my head screwed on again. Maybe Dom could help me out a bit more?" She asks with a twinkle in her eye.

Turning to Walthus, Flori adds, "I'm always hungry!"

"Thank you, some food would be nice," says Zyren...

Turning to Walthus, Flori adds, "I'm always hungry!"

"Good. My dining room is too small for this many people. If one of you can move the table to the living room, we can eat without being on top of one another. I apologise for the lack of seating, but the floors will do just fine." However, before he could make his way to the pantry to put together some food for his guests, the Tian man's question caught Walthus' attention and he turned to him and replied,

"Maybe they're working with someone else? Being coordinated by an orc, a hobgoblin, maybe even a giant? Have you seen anything else around this area that could suggest such presence?"

"I can't say that I have. If they've made themselves known in the past day or so, then I haven't seen them because I've been hiding in my safe room." An embarrassed flush spread across the halfling's cheeks at the renewed confession and Walthus moved toward the dining room to prepare the food he had offered.

"Should we be worried about diseases or poison across these swamps? I'd hate for us to fall ill when trying to hunt the goblinoids."

Remembering the Tian had also asked an earlier question, he sheepishly turned and offered,

"I forgot to answer your first question, lad; my mind's tired, apologies. Keep to the trail; single file, walking in the middle and away from the edges. Careful not to fall into any bogs or creeks; the water can be foul and you may cross paths with reefclaws. We have a variety of giant vermin such as spiders and constrictor snakes; be mindful of the giant leeches, too. Don't go under low-hanging branches and keep away from spiderwebs. The goblins snakes shouldn't be taken lightly either. The mosquitoes love to bite and their sting is not pleasant. So many hungry and venomous creatures live in Brinestump. So, don't travel in the dark or when the fog is at its thickest. You need to see what's coming at you."

Walthus opened the door to the pantry, entered and soon came out with arms loaded with various items: a large block of pale yellow cheese, a jar of honey, a rustic loaf of bread with a thick crust, smoked fish and a jug of apple cider and laid them on the table. Bringing over a jug of clean drinking water, he then placed down some crude cutlery and wooden mugs.

"I don't receive many visitors, but the food and drink is fresh, so please help yourself. I'm ravenous myself!," and that was the truth for he had not eaten or drunk a thing since the morning of the previous day. Walthus cut a thick slice of bread and cheese and added a small, long smoked fish atop. Pouring himself a mug of cider, he moved to his chair and sat down and promptly started to drink and eat; wiping his mouth with the back of his hand every now and again.

Dargu gladly carries the furniture over where directed, then removes his heavier gear and sets it by the entrance way, out of the path of everyone.

"Sis, eat up, and get some strength back. I'll do a quick scan around the outside and make sure that creature isn't setting up an ambush or anything. Walthus, would you like some assistance cleaning up around here? I can lift and carry and sweep like you wouldn't believe, Mom always made sure I did my share of chores around the house."

Zyren cuts some bread and cheese for herself and also cuts some for Flori, since she doesn't want her to have to get up, and then hands it to her.

Then she retreats back to her corner, sitting on the floor and continuing to listen to the conversation and advice.

"I'll do a quick scan around the outside and make sure that creature isn't setting up an ambush or anything. Walthus, would you like some assistance cleaning up around here? I can lift and carry and sweep like you wouldn't believe, Mom always made sure I did my share of chores around the house."

"Mind the snake garden, lad. The monster Volorog killed six of my swamp snakes and the remaining three are somewhere out there, probably hiding in the underbrush. I hope they still live. I consider them my children as I raised them from hatchlings. Their poison helped save me from Volorog's attack. My snakes are more timid than not and won't strike first. But please be careful where you step inside the garden. I don't think Volorog will go in there again for he hates snakes for their venom."

Walthus took another bite of his smoked fish sandwich, followed by a long drink of cider. "As to helping with chores, there's no need, lad. I'll remove the broken pots from this room in the next few days. The rest of the house is in order," he smiled and nodded, and as your gaze roamed around the dusty room with the dirty floors you wonder at the halfling's definition of 'order'.

Then looking around the group, he added, "There were no formal introductions made when I came downstairs. I'd like to know your names, if I may."

Dargu: From your initial circuit around the house when you first arrived, you recollect there was a section immediately to the south of the house walled off by a tall, substantial 10 ft high brick wall. This you believed to be an enclosed yard of sorts. This is Walthus' snake garden which is open to the sky, yet walled in.

Nodding at Flori, I can certainly help out, and we'll move ahead in the morning? If we're tangling with goblins, I'd prefer not to be out of my ability to channel Desna into defenses or healing spells certainly.

With that Dominic grasps his holy symbol and concentrates a moment, Desna's light fills him and washes over everyone in the small room
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 1

the holy energy pulses through the small house, cleansing wounds and filling the party with refreshing energy. Looking back at Flori, Dominic sighs, That Vorolog got you pretty good, hold on a sec cous.

Reaching out his hand to her he places it on her head, Desna, help me heal Flori, she needs it, and we'll need her in the morning!

Casting Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Looking over the ranger, Dominic nods, seemingly satisfied with his magical cures, There, right as rain again. I don't recommend we scrap with any other critters or goblins today, as I can't put out much more than that, and I certainly cannot use any of my defensive magics again today.

[ooc]3 channel positive energy 3/5; convert Bless into Cure Light Wounds

Looking back to the halfling, Dominic introduces himself, sweeping his somewhat ridiculous hat off his head, I'm Dominic Kaiba, of the Kaiba Trading Corporation. I follow Desna's lead where she takes me, and I'm pretty good with a hammer and nails too! Nice to meet you Walthus! Thank you for your hospitality.

Placing a slab on cheese on top of a piece of the bread, Dominic sits down next to his patient, and begins munching merrily on the bread and cheese, humming a vaguely reminiscent drinking tune under his breath.

"I'm Radjiik," the Shoanti boy briefly introduces himself. He'd been feeling ill-at-ease since the beginning of the conversation, staring at Walthus as if he was expecting him to turn into a horrifying creature at any second. Learning that what they just fought was supposed to be a mere runt didn't do much to reassure him.

"I'll join you," he offers as Dargu gets ready to scout around the house, secretly hoping to catch five minutes to find a relatively remote spot from the house where he can throw up his meal. One unbearable thought about the faceless monster ought to do the trick.

Besides, Walthus had more food at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Zyren approaches the halfling to shake his hand.

Hi Walthus, I'm Zyren. We really appreciate your help. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you in return.

Then she backs off again to let other people close as needed.

"I'll do a quick scan around the outside and make sure that creature isn't setting up an ambush or anything..."

"I'll join you," he offers as Dargu gets ready to scout around the house, secretly hoping to catch five minutes to find a relatively remote spot from the house where he can throw up his meal.

Dargu and Radjiik exited the house and started to scour the surrounds for any sign of the faceless stalker's presence. They commenced their search from the place Dargu witnessed the monster dive into a water source; however an uncommon scourge of mosquitoes were whining around the area, drawing closer to him and he could not concentrate on the area for signs of tracks or a blood trail. Radjiik, found a spot just to the side - a small, wet, muddy hole and promptly threw up the the meal prepared by Volorog; wiping his mouth once he was done. Then then walked steadily toward Dargu and as he drew nearer, he saw footprints in the wet earth and large drops of blood; most probably from the wounded Volorog. They stopped at the edge of the bank of the riverlet and could find no further sign or evidence of the monster. The only sounds were those of the small creatures of the swamp and the stinging pests hovering around them. Walking back toward Walthus' house, Dargu stopped to pick up his fallen javelin, and both men continued to look around for the gravely injured Volorog. Still, there was no sign of him. As they passed the enclosed yard - Walthus' pet snake garden - Radjiik paused to listen by the tall, brick wall. After several moments of silence, he heard a low, quiet *hiss* from beyond and then nothing. Was it real or just his imagination?

Dargu & Radjiik, if you wish to look inside the enclosed snake garden, you will need to scale the 10 ft brick wall. I'll need a climb check, if you wish to try this (DC 10). Remember, there are 3 missing snakes (Walthus' "babies") which could be hiding in the garden. Thanks!

Flori was the once-injured lass, Dominic the priest, Radjiik the Shoanti and Zyren, the watchful tall, blue-skinned woman. He was putting to memory each name to each face. Walthus inclined his head or shook hands upon each introduction. "Pleased to meet you," he returned to each person.

Walthus continued to eat his sandwich - happily enjoying the smoked fish and perfectly sharp cheese. He felt much happier now he was safe and his belly full.

"So you'll be staying 'til next morning?" the curious halfling asked, rubbing his belly.

(Current time in game is around 9.30am. Sunset isn't until around 8.30pm, when the rain and fog begins anew. So, you technically still have a whole day up your sleeve. What do you guys wish to do?)

"Wait," Radjiik suddenly stops Dargu. "I think I heard a snake."

He looks up at the wall, evaluating its height. It's a feasible climb- though he has no idea what to expect on the other side. Catching snakes bare-handed isn't something that he's particularly used to do, and he can't say he's eager to try.

"Do you think we ought to take a look? It might run -er- I mean, get away if we don't." Almost absent-mindedly, the Shoanti rogue starts reaching for his silk rope.

That might be best, although if Flori feels well enough, perhaps we should go back out to Lost Coast Road and camp there, starting down the Old Fish Trail tomorrow morning. The New Fish Trail seemed safe enough coming here, but we certainly don't want to run into any other dangers today.

Dominic looks at the halfling, Well, if you are happy enough for us to put up here, I'm for that, we could do some things around the place if you'd like. As I said earlier, I swing a mean hammer.

Dominic looks at Zyren when she makes her suggestion, Oh, that's a really good point, we could get to that spot and then have a jump on heading further, although I'd hate to run into something else today. Flori, what do you think? Would you be up for moving ahead and camping, or prefer to stay here with Walthus for the day?

Flori stretches and flexes her back, arms and legs.

"I think I can manage it. We don't want to wait too long just in case the goblins manage to get too advanced in their plans!"

Dargu looks at the wall and his stomach-sick compatriot.

"You all right? Did that flesh-guy from inside give you bad food to eat?"

After retrieving his javelin and Radjiik saying something about snakes, Dargu examines the garden wall a bit closer.

"I mean, we can go looking for snakes, I guess. I'm not super thrilled around them, though, but I guess we can help out Walthus with his serpents if he needs it."

Dargu looks a bit less than thrilled to play herpetologist in the swamp, but tries to hide it as best he can.

The snakes are Walthus's. As he said, if we don't bother them, they won't bother us. Let's just leave them be. - says Akatsu, before continuing - If Flori is feeling better, however, we should probably take the road on the path he said. It's still early enough that we can do some good progress.

He finally turns to the halfling.

My apologies, my good man. I am Akatsu - Ameiko's sibling. A pleasure to meet the real you.

===

"That might be best, although if Flori feels well enough, perhaps we should go back out to Lost Coast Road and camp there, starting down the Old Fish Trail tomorrow morning...."

"Well, if you are happy enough for us to put up here, I'm for that, we could do some things around the place if you'd like. As I said earlier, I swing a mean hammer..."

At first it appeared that the strangers wished to remain until the next day and the halfling readily accepted it. Yet, they also considered moving back up the current trail and camping near the road before moving to the goblin trail. So, the halfling grew a little confused.

"Well, if you wish to stay, you are welcome to. You may consider my house a shelter for your good deed this day. I leave the decision to you," agreeably nodding his head, shaking the mop of unruly dark curls in the process.

Looking to the priest, he added, "Father Dominic, if you do mean to stay, perhaps you can help with the broken shutters? Some are barely hanging up and I would appreciate someone handy fixing them. Better protection against unwanted intruders. But like I said, if you need to leave, it'll be fine and can wait."

"My apologies, my good man. I am Akatsu - Ameiko's sibling. A pleasure to meet the real you."

The halfling's brow quirked at the announcement he had a Kaijitsu in his home.

"Mistress Ameiko has shown me great kindness over the years, so I am pleased to meet her relation. It is good to have family. Or so I am told. You are welcome, Master Akatsu."

Looking to the windows, We could fix the shutters pretty quickly and then head out Walthus, least we can do for the offer of hospitality. Leave here around lunchtime? he pleads with the group.

Sounds good to me says Zyren, who starts helping Dominic with the shutters as best she can.

Dargu returns to the household and nods to Walthus.

"Looks like the monster fled deeper into the swamp to lick its wounds. I didn't see any sign of your pet snakes, but Radjiik heard some movement in the walled off garden area. I'd guess they're still inside hiding like snakes do."

Replacing his javelin in its sheath, he busses himself setting things aright and sort of tidying up a bit.

"Dom is the craftsman, but I'm more than happy to help out around the place. I'm Dargu, by the way, I'm Koyas boy."

"Koya's better-behaved boy at that! Who knows what, or whose, trouble Sandru is getting into right now." Flori says, ribbing her brother at his introduction.

Flori tries to help out best she can, but conserves her strength knowing they are to head out shortly.

She makes sure that the group have everything they need before they head out to leave and asks Walthus if they could fill up their water before they set off.

""You all right? Did that flesh-guy from inside give you bad food to eat?"

"I don't know," Radjiik wipes his mouth with a grimace. "But I'm not going to risk it."

Quickly agreeing with the fighter that it is best to leave the snakes alone, he follows him back inside. Before the group exits the house, he takes some time to fill his stomach with proper food, seeming particularly partial to the cheese. At first, he doesn't dare asking for anything, but Flori's inquiry allows him to work up the courage to ask rather timidly if he can make himself a sandwich before being on his way out.

"Dom is the craftsman, but I'm more than happy to help out around the place. I'm Dargu, by the way, I'm Koyas boy."

"Ah. I haven't seen Koya in a long time. Good to know you, lad, If my children are inside the walled garden, then I will check on them and see how many remain after the monster's attack."

Dominic, with the aid of Zyren, got to work on hammering the shutters back into place as best as they could. The task took them an hour in total and even though the shutters weren't entirely even, they were more secure than before. Flori attempted to help outside, yet she grew frustrated and quickly gave it up to go and rest in the living room as Dargu moved to put to right the room by removing the broken pot plants and sweeping the dirt away.

Radjiik asked their halfling host for permission to make a sandwich for the road, and Walthus smiled, nodded and said, "Make two sandwiches, in case you are stuck in Brinestump."

Akatsu continued his vigilance around the property - ensuring that no threat would approach unawares as the others worked on the shutters and the cleaning up of the living space.

Once the work was completed and any food prepared, the party collected their gear and congregated outside, below the porch of Walthus' shack. The dishevelled Walthus came out of his house with something in his hand. Looking about the party, he spoke, "Once, again, you have my gratitude for all you have done this day. I have something to give you in appreciation," then moving toward Akatsu, he extended his hands toward Ameiko's brother, being the Tian man was part of one of the noble families of Sandpoint. The party could see the gift was a beautiful grey-blue cloak with a silver trim. On closer inspection, flecks of steel could be seen amid the fabric of the cloak.

"Please accept this enchanted cloak; imbued with protective magic. It's my most valuable possession. May it protect the wearer. Good luck, my friends."

Akatsu graciously accepted the gift on behalf of the party, "We will keep it safe and use it well, Walthus. Thank you."

=====

(Cloak of Resistance +1 worth 1,000 gp. I've placed it on the loot list (link in header). If someone wishes to claim it as their own, please place your name beside the item. At present, Akasu is holding it. You can rp who ultimately carries/wears it. Thanks!)

=====

(Leaving from Walthus' house at 11.30am - the walk back up the trail takes two hours and you should arrive back to the main road entry/exit point at 1.30pm.)

With a final wave of farewell, the party assembled in their travelling order - Flori leading in front and Radjiik protecting the rear and started their long, steady walk back up the New Fish Trail to the Lone Coast Road. Dargu's superior navigating talent supplemented by Flori's knack for travelling in the wilderness in front and Radjiik's from behind, managed to keep them squarely on trail without pitfalls due to wet potholes, slippery mud or venomous swamp creatures. By the time the group reached the top of the trail, the only minor injury/inconvenience came in the form of an itchy mosquito bite to Zyren's face (one pesky vermin managed to draw some blood but it could not properly attach and dropped/flew away. The Samsaran's present state of health managed to stay any accompanying disease. Dominic swiftly cleaned and salved the bite site/welt, helping to reduce its size and general itchiness.) (No loss of HP or ability dmg to Zyren. Just a bite/welt mark that's been taken care of by Dominic.)

Alright, your party has reached the clearing adjacent to the Lone Coast Road without major incident. You're currently near the marker for the New Fish Trail. Do you wish to make camp, here, again, or will you continue (south) down the main road to the Old Fish Trail turnoff and camp in the clearing there? Current time in game is 1.30pm and the weather is still clear, sunny and quite warm.

Zyren says sheepishly

Thanks, Dominic. I was trying to save my vermin repellent for the trip tomorrow, but I guess I should have used it sooner.

When they get back to the main road Zyren asks Should we go a little further and camp near the turnoff to the Old Fish trail?

Smiling at Zyren, Its no worry, it'll be just fine. Keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get worse! I'm good with pushing a little further today.

Dominic wipes his brown, looking into the swamps surrounding the party. This is so exciting! This is a great chance for us to see new things, and work together. But I don't want us to get in over our heads since we're all low on spells.

Dominic would honor Walthus' gift to Akatsu, and not say anything. And with his good saves he wouldn't want to take it on.

Radjiik feels as though he's seen plenty of new things already, and doesn't look nearly as enthusiastic about it as Dominic.

"It's still quite early. We can try and find the Old Trail," he says, albeit a little reluctantly.

Does anyone prefer to use the cloak? I can use, of course, but I don't mind if anyone feels that could make better use. At this point, any of us could pretty much benefit from it.

I agree, Dominic and Radjiik. - says Akatsu, with a smile - Let's keep pushing and camp by the next clearing.

The monk takes point with Dargu and keeps moving South. He has his sledge drawn.

"No worries all, we will be fine. Let's find this trail." Flori says with a smile, aiming to ease others' fears who are not so used to the wilderness.

Keep it for now Akatsu, when it comes to divvying loot etc we will sort it all out then and shares etc.

Alright, Akatsu, the cloak of resistance +1 is yours, it would seem.

Looking about the main road and then eyeing the stretch of rustic road lying southward, the decision was made to continue travelling now while the sun was out and the weather was fine. Dargu and Akatsu led the others down; the Tian monk looking imposing with his sledge in hand as he walked. Dargu made some calculations in his head based on what Walthus had said in regard to the location of the Old Fish Trail.

The growing breeze brushed the heated cheeks of all. The only sound, apart from gulls overhead, was the crunch of boots on the sandy, rocky clay road. The sun was warm overhead as the group walked down the road. The party had only been walking for ten minutes before Akatsu, Flori and Zyren quietly signalled/warned them to halt.

Zyren quietly pulls out her bow. She doesn't shoot, waiting to see whether the situation will resolve itself, but remains prepared to shoot if the boar or whatever is in the brush moves to attack the party.

"What is it? Something or someone laying an ambush?"

Dargu draws a javelin slowly as he whispers to Flori.

Dominic wanders along the pathway, picking his steps carefully, looking at the bugs, plants, and other natural phenomenon. He seems somewhat lost in his own thoughts, The juggler eh? Strange that twice in a row I'm not connecting with the future being laid out for me by the cards. I wonder what Desna's got up her sleeve today for me to experience. This is a lovely walk in a swamp, and its not terrible so far, huh, why is everyone stopping and pulling... crap...

Dominic, realizing that they maybe see something he doesn't see stops and crouches on the path, Radjiik, what's going on? the cleric casts his vision about wildly, settling on nothing other than the swamp sounds which surround him. Deciding that discretion is the better part of valor, he swings his crossbow off his shoulder, and slowly withdraws a bolt, fitting it to the action of the crossbow, just in case...

"Shhhh, theres a weary hog just up there." Flori says, quietly, slowly drawing her Nodachi and focusing her eyes.

Yeah, first I thought it was just dinner eager to meet us too... - whispered Akatsu, signalizing with his hands towards the boar - ... But there's something else startling that swine, growling from about 70 or 80 feet from us. Be on your guard... Spread a little bit.

As he completes, he tries to move to position himself between the animal and the party, nodding his head towards Dargu on his side. He keeps his sledge at hands and braces in case the boar decides to charge - but keeps an special eye focusing behind the animal in case he can spot wherever is lowly growling and calling its attention.

Radjiik isn't fast enough to answer Dominic's question before Flori does. He readies his bow, though he doesn't know exactly where to look, instead glancing wildly around him to spot the boar.

(If Akatsu moves between her and her sightline of the boar and the bushes, Zyren will also move so that she can continue to watch both.)

An adult leopard, its steely muscles rippling beneath its spotted fur, charged-pounced on the wild boar; forcefully pushing it back five feet. Then lifting its powerful paws, it began clawing at the creature; yet for all its deadly intention, the claws could not find quarry in its tough hide. Even with such a predator before it, the feral boar lifted its sharp tusks and took the chance to try to gorge the cat; and it proved more fortunate in its endeavour and left a nasty, bleeding gash above the feline's right shoulder.

Issuing a hoarse, angry roar, the leopard then lunged, viciously biting at the boar's neck and sinking its sharp teeth into the softer flesh there; wounding and pining the creature to the ground. Then with its razor-sharp claws, it struck once and twice, tearing deeply into the squealing wild boar. Even gravely wounded as it was, the wild boar attempted to break free of the tight grip of the leopard's maw; yet its struggles were in vain and it remained securely grappled. Sensing victory was close at hand, the leopard quickly released its hold on its prey and took one last final bite; so critically injuring the boar that it stopped struggling and lay limp, lifeless and bleeding beneath the cat. Grabbing the boar around the neck, the injured leopard started to drag its kill away.

The party silently and keenly watched as the creatures fought one another - taking turns as predator and prey. Yet, the leopard won out and claimed its bloody prize; ignoring the humans on the road, either due to its seeping injury or because it wished to find a secure place to bury its kill and then rest and recover.

Dargu, the leopard is too far away for you to hit with your thrown javelin. Zyren, do you wish to try to kill the leopard with your bow? Or will you leave it to take its prize and your party continue on its way?

If you do decide to move on, your party is currently half way to the Old Fish Trail.

Zyren lowers her bow, allowing the leopard to claim its hard-won prey. She is relieved that the party is safe.

Awed by the predator's moves, Dominic unhooks his crossbow bolt, watching the cycle of life play out before the party. Simply amazing. Such power in a noble beast. Dominic stands, subdued and waits for the party to carry on.

Akatsu spins his sledge and steps back with a smile, shaking his head to his companions.

Agreed... Let's get back on track. - he says, turning his side and moving back to share the head of the line with Dargu and keep moving the group back to Old Fish Trail.

Flori turns to follow behind her brother and Akatsu, allowing them to take the lead for a while, giving herself a break.