Seeing Baradim and Filona head off to check out the wharf, Zura decides to do some research of her own. Excited to have something to do in town other than the usual errands, Zura walks through town letting her thoughts wander. Walthus lives in the marsh, so where would someone who might know about the marsh be?
After pondering for a bit, Zura heads into Hannah's down by the docks. She waits a moment for Hannah to have time between customers. "Excuse me, Miss Hannah, but do you know anything about Brinestump Marsh? Like how one might travel through it safely, or where good places for setting up camp would be?"
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The fishermen chuckle a little at Filona's query and one of them responds "Salmon? Here? Little lady them fish like the *cold* water - from up Linnorm Kings way. They get shipped into Magnimar and if we are lucky, Mayor Kendra gets some of it shipped here. We mostly catch shrimp and catfish along these parts."
The second fisherman from Baradim's conversation adds "Well, tell Ameiko hi from all of us. She is one mighty fine customer of ours. We nearly doubled our sales once she took over the Rusty Dragon. No one else can make our catch taste as good as she can."
Breathing a heavy sigh the third fisherman answers the question about Walthus "I know he has a hard time feeding his snakes and he doesn't like them going off into the marsh - them herons and raccoons will eat them in a heartbeat. If you can find any live mice, I'm sure Walthus would be real appreciative ma'am."
At Hannah's, Zura's inquiry leads Miss Verelin to describe a white paste in a clay container that is beneficial at keeping bugs, mosquitoes and other insects at bay. "You just rub this on your exposed skin and the bugs will leave you alone. You don't need to spread it too thick either. A think layer should last you up to four hours. I have a few doses in the back here - just 5 gp each. About the marsh ..."
She thinks for a minute before continuing "My customers tell me that as long as you stick to the path, most of the critters in the marsh will leave you alone. The bridges don't look very sturdy, but as long as you cross one at a time, you should be ok."
Baradim hadn't noticed the little gnome at first, the bright mop of hair eventually giving her away. The half-orc eagerly waved for her to walk with him, finding her exuberance enjoyable. It was enjoyable being with someone who vibrated with such life.
"Thank you, all of you, for your help. May the Everlight shine upon you." He says proudly, waving them off before walking alongside with the gnome once they gave her an answer. The sun was shining overhead and Her warmth felt wonderful upon him. Hannah's was nearby and if they were going to find herbal remedies to protect from an insect's bite, it would be there.
Zura fished the gold pieces out of her pocket. "I'll take some," she says, setting the coins on the counter. While she waits for the product to be prepared, Zura asks "Do you know anything about the goblins? Or someone named Walthus?"
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As she receives the gold, Hannah smiles "Your business is much appreciated. All I know about those goblins is on that flyer over there that the sheriff posted." she points to a flyer on a post visible through her front window. "Haven't seen Walthus in a few years. He wasn't much of a talker - not sure anyone really knew him very well. The town dumps all their garbage just out back of us to be tossed into the sea - which is a terrible thing you know - anyway, it attracts mice and rats. Walthus used to stop by and catch himself a bunch every now and then. Catch 'em alive he did. Said they were for his snakes."
Having been left behind by his prospective companions, Posh decides to take a quick trip up to the temple and cemetery, to see his parents graves. While there, he’ll inquire of the Abadarians what they know of the goblins, the marsh, Walthus, trade being affected, etc. He will also assure them of his intent to set things aright.
Temur will bid the group goodbye before going to check on the soup. "Gundar, thank you for the offer, I'd love to take you up on it. We have more than enough soup here would you mind carrying a couple of trays with me?" Temur will ask as he brings out a number of trays to bring to the Cathedral.
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Posh and Temur bring a large pot of hot soup to the Cathedral using a cart lent to them by Ameiko. Upon arriving Posh begins to make inquiries while Temur oversees the distribution of the soup with the help of some of the acolytes. The acolytes tell Posh that it is best if he speaks with Father Abstalar. They guide you to the waiting area for his office. After a few minutes, Father Zantus and another man come out of the office.
"... And may our lady's luck be with you in bringing in this year's harvest." he tells the man who exits the waiting room with a smile and a sense of peace.
Turning to Posh he says "Welcome to the Sandpoint Cathedral friend. What is it that the Cathedral can do for you?"
After Posh explains the sheriff's flyer and the troubles with the goblins, he asks about the marsh and Walthus. Father Zantus listens carefully and after a few moments to consider the questions, he responds
"I know that because of those goblins we have been busy dispensing healing services for that last few weeks. Some burns but mostly cuts, bruises and an occasional broken bone.
I'm afraid I don't know much about the marsh, you'd be better off asking down at the wharf. The fishermen there could probably tell you a lot more than anyone here could.
As for Walthus, we haven't seen him for quite some time. I think it has been a few years. In the past he would come in need of our healing services. He seemed to be an outdoorsy kind of fellow. A bit skittish though, I tried to get him to open up about it - maybe provide him some comfort, but he wasn't willing to share anything. People around town are under the impression he is hiding out in the marsh - but I think those are just rumors.
Well, that is everything I can think of. If you plan on going out into the marsh looking for Walthus, perhaps you might need some divine assistance. Would you be interested in any healing potions? Perhaps you might be traveling with a companion who is capable of using a wand to cure wounds. We at the Sandpoint Cathedral are always available to assist you - you need only inquire."
As he opens the door to exit his office, he motions another man in the waiting room to enter. "Good day to you Posh. Hello Charles, please come in ..."
"Hahaha, like I can afford a wand or a potion," Posh thinks to himself after thanking the priest.
"Back to meet the others," Posh suggests to Temur.
"Gundar, thank you for the offer, I'd love to take you up on it. We have more than enough soup here would you mind carrying a couple of trays with me?"
I am happy to do it! Help others and they will help you, I always say! he says as he grabs a couple of trays.
Gundar helps Temur with the soup and then accompanies him back to meet up with the others.
Filona walks beside Baradim, the two making an interesting sight, as he heads towards Hannah's establishment. Yet as he arrives there, he looks at the paltry sum of silver left within his pouches and frowns for a moment.
"I doubt that a few silver pieces would be able to suffice." He thinks to himself, closing the pouch and thinking better and stepping inside and wasting the owner's time. If he is to suffer from bites and irritations from mosquitoes, it is his own fault for having spent so lavishly during his travels. The gnome's idea was a good one and he would grin a toothy smile, nodding.
"That is a good offering Filona, yes it is. I know that a lot of trash is dumped over on that side of the town. We'd need to be careful but perhaps we could catch a couple. The others were saying that they would be awhile. Help me setup up some snares and we'll see what we can catch?"
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Baradim has to think back to his younger days when survival was about getting food wherever one could find it. He manages to cobble together various pieces of trash to make a few snares/traps. After about 30 minutes he is able to capture 3 mice alive. They squirm and squeak in the pouch he would normally wear on his belt.
Zura thanks Hannah for the ointment and the information. Carefully tucking the ointment in a pouch that won't let the vial shake around too much, Zura heads over to where the trash is dumped. Spotting Baradim and Filona, she walks up and asks "Are you here for the mice?"
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Filona walks with Baradim thinking how she could help. Finally she says "I sometimes talk to small animals, you know? Maybe buy some cheese so we can trick the mice?"
As Zura shows up, the gnome says "Yeah, we're getting them for the halfling's snakes. Maybe he will be more helpful if we help feed his snake." She realizes how grim the prospect is, but goes through with it.
"You can talk to the mice? Well...may I make a suggestion?" Baradim offers that he only wanted to collect the old and incapable. A snake would appreciate an easy meal and the young and strong continued to survive. He would watch the gnome work her magic, speaking with the little rodents. It was still amazing to see such small miracles of magic, even as he went about his grisly business.
Baradim moved amidst the garbage skillfully, using the scraps and pieces of plant fiber he could collect to create the snares and traps. The half-orc could not help but reflect on darker times as he did; the grumble in his stomach as he nearly starved and his mother tried to take care of him. The anger of his superiors when he scrounged what he could. He needed these little traps to gather the sustenance he could just to make it another day.
Zura's voice lifted him from his memories and the solemn look upon Baradim's face faded away and the bright disposition grew there once again. Brushing off his knees, he would give a nod.
"Yes, we're gathering little treats for the halfling's snakes. A good gift is the sign of a thoughtful guest. Hopefully he will be a thoughtful host in turn." Already, there was the sound of a snare going off and he gave a wide smile, nodding. "It should only be a bit of time and we'll have a good amount of mice."
After thirty or so minutes, Baradim would come back with a squeaky belt pouch. Patting it lightly, he would grab a hold of Karissa and nod to the others. "Let us check on the others. I hope your endeavors have gone well, Zura?"
Zura assesses the snares, but blanches as she watches Filona converse with the mice.
After observing the hunters, Zura heads back with Filona and Baradim. "They did. I purchased some insect repellent at Hannah's. Hopefully it'll be enough for everyone, I could only get a few doses."
after an hour and a half, Temur walks back into the rusty dragon his clothes barring a number of stains ranging in color from the grassy brown of the soup to far more putrid colors from those who didn't hold the rich food well.
He greets those who have already returned and announces he is ready to leave when the others are.
Posh greets Temur with a slight bow, ”I see that your soup mission was a success madam. I must confess though, but your name escapes me. Would you be so kind as to remind me? Should you also be forgetting my name, it is Poshment, or just Posh if you wish.”
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As Filona's magic fades, she says "I usually chat with squirrels or birds about their day, but I never thought I would be calling mice to their deaths. Still, if it helps us stop the goblins, I guess it's worth it."
Then, she says "Anything else we might want to do before going? Maybe get some of that mosquito repellent, but I don't have any money for it"
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Gundar looks around and no longer sees Temur. He dishes out the last of the soup and hurries to The Rusty Dragon as fast as he has ever run in his life! If they all left without me the goblins will be the least of their worry! Unfortunately the streets are unusually busy and Gundar just missed several collisions with his fellow pedestrians. He arrives at The Rusty Dragon winded and heaving. He turns to Temur, Ye..[WHEEZE]..could've..[COUGH COUGH]..told me...[WHEEZE]..you were..[HACK SPIT]...leaving! he finishes with a fit of coughing.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, it slipped my mind! I'm not used to working with anyone." Temur will say as he looks over to Gundar apologetically. Looking to Posh he will say "Temur, pleased to meet you."
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Gundar looks around and no longer sees Temur. He dishes out the last of the soup and hurries to The Rusty Dragon as fast as he has ever run in his life! If they all left without me the goblins will be the least of their worry! Unfortunately the streets are unusually busy and Gundar just missed several collisions with his fellow pedestrians. He arrives at The Rusty Dragon winded and heaving. He turns to Temur, Ye..[WHEEZE]..could've..[COUGH COUGH]..told me...[WHEEZE]..you were..[HACK SPIT]...leaving! he finishes with a fit of coughing.
Filona looks at the dwarf and has completely forgotten he was coming too. She waves at him.
The number of mice was nearly overwhelming now and Baradim idly thought about how well-fed he would've been if he had such tricks in his arsenal. Yet if he had been so fortunate, where he be where he was now? The thoughts fell to the wayside as he went through the different traps, looking for the older rats and the injured ones. The young and strong were spared, sent free with a prayer before he finally finished his work. His belt pouch was quite full now, squirming with a variety of mice.
"You did? You are too kind Zura, Sarenrae bless you. Let us up our time in the swamp is short and quick, yes?" Baradim looked over at Filona, shaking his head softly. "If I could compensate you for your gift with such a trade, I would. Alas, I am also scratching only a few silver now. The perfect time for a dangerous venture, wouldn't you agree?" His eyes raised to watch where the sun sat in the sky, grinning wide and giving a knowing nod. "I think we are ready. Come Karissa!" The mule reluctantly seems to follow along as he begins to make his way to the Rusty Dragon.
It seemed the rest of their compatriots were just finished getting gathered together, Baradim giving them a wave from a distance as he came closer. His clothes were a little dirtier and the smell of garbage barely lingered on him along with the occasional squeak of some kind of rodent.
"Comrades! Shall we begin our venture? I am quite excited to start."
Posh mounts his war-weasel, Walnut, and signals that he is prepared to go.
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You set off to the Brinestump Marsh on the Lost Coast Road. The journey starts out somewhat scenic, the smells of the surrounding forest pleasant and the day's temperature not too high to be uncomfortable. Occasionally you pass a patrol from Sandpoint and the guards smile and say hello to you before they continue on their protection duties. You all keep an eye out for any signs of goblins or other sources of trouble, but so far the day has been quite uneventful.
After the first hour of travel you find a small shrine to Desna and take a break to catch your breath and consume some water.
The second hour is more of the same; however, the farther you get from Sandpoint the less maintained the "road" becomes. It is now nothing more than a trail with rocks and pot holes. The clay/sand that was prevalent before has now diminished into two narrow bands to support carriage wheels. It takes a bit more concentration to maintain your footing, but you manage to proceed with no issues.
After the second hour, signs of a marsh appear ahead. To your right, the forest floor becomes thicker with tangled with rising roots and stinging nettles. The sounds of buzzing insects and the smell of putrid water permeate your senses. Walnut slows and looks to the right, Posh takes a moment to look at the foliage a little closer and spots a weathered marker with the words "New Fish Trail". You breathe a sigh of relief at finding the marker, while at the same time the excitement of adventure builds.
Posh points out the "New Fish Trail" to his companions.
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Filona enjoys the scenic view on their way, paying particular attention to butterflies. Once they reach the shrine to Desna, she rests with the others contemplating the irony that Desna is represented by a butterfly and smiles at the coincidence. Or was it...
After the shrine, Filona starts telling the others a story to distract everyone from the bumpy road. It's about a lonely tree who tried to make friends in the woods, but all the animals didn't want to be friends with it because it couldn't play around. Eventually a nymph is born from the tree's spirit and she can play with the animals.
Once they get to the marsh, she says "It's going to be dark soon. I think we should sleep here and go inside at morning."
After listening to Filona's story Gundar remarks, Aye! I'm betting the dogs were glad the tree couldn't play around!
Travelling with others again was a strange experience, one that Baradim had not considered would happen again for quite awhile. His path and purpose could be a lonely one at times; few enjoyed being constantly scrutinized even if it was from behind a friendly, albeit toothy, smile. The Cult of the Dawnflower had prepared him for this though, that some missions and investigations would require the assistance of others from diverse backgrounds.
"Even if your light is just a candle, shine it for others." His mentor's voice reverberates in his mind, drawing a content breath from him. He would make them proud and prove he was worthy of Sarenrae's light. His attention focused back into the moment, listening to Filona's story about a lonely tree.
"How do you know all these stories, Filona? Do you just make them up?" He asks as the barely there road that they're traveling upon gives way to wet ground and twisted roots. The marsh was coming in closer now and soon enough, the sign for the trail appeared. The sun was beginning to settle down some on the horizon and when Filona mentioned setting up camp for the evening, Baradim would nod.
"A quick camp and then continuing the trip in the morning would be good, I think. We should split up the watch now. I will take the first watch." Settling his things down upon a patch of ground that wouldn't sink down too low, Baradim set about collecting wood and other loose bits for the fire they would need. A camp would be risky to some degree, the goblins could be ready to attack any who trespassed in their swamp.
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Filona tells Baradim with a practiced knowledge "Stories are happening all around us all the time. They're feelings and choices, with some facts sprinkled on top. All I do is listen!"
She mentions to the godly man "I'll stay up with you. I don't like when my sleep gets interrupted." She is a little shy from saying this, but says them anyway.
The gnome sets her things to rest somewhat clumsily, as if she doesn't have much experience sleeping outside. She seems to like the feeling, however, as she chooses a spot multiple times.
Zura hops down from Denny and begins helping Baradim establish camp, sleeping areas, and such.
"You'll want to sleep away from the light of the campfire," Zura suggests to Filona. "It'll be a little cooler, but from a distance anyone can see the fire at night. If you're near it, they'll be able to see you too." Zura will help Filona look around for a different spot. "Personally, I try to sleep near Denny. If anything comes near him, he'll let me know."
Posh takes care of Walnut's needs before making any effort at preparing camp. He sticks his lance into the ground, and ties Walnut off to it.
Temur lays out all of his things taking up space off the side of the camp and takes stock observing if anything is missing after the day's movement, he then takes stock of his remaining rations before packing everything away again.
"I can take the last watch, I'm used to rising early from my time at the Cathedral." he saws as he lays out his bedroll.
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You make camp for the evening on the side of the Lost Coast Road. You consume your evening meal and split the night into shifts - on guard in case of trouble. However, the night passes by quickly with nothing to disturb your sleep.
The morning arrives with a clear sky and the sounds of life surrounding you. After packing up, you consume your morning meals and prepare for your adventure into the swamp.
Rested and fed the party begins its journey into the Brinestump Marsh in search of Walthus Proudstump. The New Fish Trail is much narrower than the Lost Coast Road and the party forms a single line when traversing into the marsh. This area is a tangle of nettles, reeds and other swamp plants which are supplemented by cypress, eucalyptus, oak and willow trees.
The Soggy River meanders all through the marsh, splitting and twisting its way from the east side of the Lost Coast Road into the Sog's Bay. Here in the marsh its depth varies from 20 feet at its widest to a mere 5 feet at its narrowest. The water is teeming with fish, frogs, tadpoles and other forms of life only known to those who study aquatic wildlife.
After traveling for about 10 minutes, you being to hear sounds of animal calls that are no longer the soothing kind from the forest, but seem strange and almost menacing. The noises are distracting and put everyone on guard.
Baradim does much the same as Zura, helping the little gnome find the best place to rest that won't lend to her bedroll getting waterlogged as the ground gets wetter or tumble into some other issue. He ties Karissa to a root, the stubborn mule snorting softly now as the half-orc lays down upon his own mat. Staring up that infinite expanse of stars, he smiles and thinks of the woman back home and her hair of golden blossoms.
"I wonder what she would think of Temur and I both out on this venture." The half-orc muses, sitting up some and looking around the campsite carefully. Little things were left behind now; scraps of food from the night's cooking. These little traps look to capture the smaller prey that would be good for the morning's cooking before they enter into the marsh properly.
He finds a few rodents here and there, along with edible mushrooms and some other leafy greens. The meal cooks well in the mess kit in the morning, the smell of meat filling the air softly.
Once back on the road again, Baradim clears his throat and begins to tell a tale. It was an old story of Sarenrae, back when she was a mortal before she grew into the goddess they knew today. The story focused around a terrible monster known as The Crying Devil that had surprised her one day, nearly taking her life and kidnapping her away. While her fiery anger told her to smite such a fiendish beast, it did not try to take her life. Cursed in life, it wept for none loved it so. It was loneliness that bred hatred in its heart, fear that turned it to the monster. So when the chance to escape came, she did not flee. Sarenrae stayed with that monster for a full year, learning its name and showing it friendship. Its frame was no curse but a gift to be used; he was mighty, he was resilient. In time, The Crying Devil was no more and The Laughing Knight was all the remained. A knight in deformed armor, he saved those that he could and protected the innocent. In return, he found acceptance and love from those that once feared him.
"It is a story of one of her most important lessons; someone's mask may hide the light inside but it is waiting for us all. We need only to...seize...it." Baradim's voice becomes distracted and if the others looked at him, they would see his eyes are focused on the canopy above. Slowly but surely, his right hand rests on the grip of the crossbow at his side.
"There was something big up there. Something strange." Baradim knew to trust his instincts; a big bird wouldn't have necessarily gotten his attention. It was something else entirely. "Keep an eye up above." The half-orc's demeanor had suddenly shifted, the jovial side of him fading away until there was something grim and determined left in its wake.
While the others were performing their morning rituals, Posh took some time to scrounge up food...
and came up with a brace of groundhogs, along with some wild roots and berries. It wasn't what most were likely used to, but beggars couldn't be choosers, so he cooked up the groundhogs and shared his meal around.
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The lope of a weasel is very different from that of a horse. Most riders might find it disconcerting, but not Posh. He thought it was the most wonderful thing ever the way Walnut continually bounded forward like a cat continually pouncing on a ball of string. He was pondering this, and other topics when Baradim provided his warning about something in the treetops. Posh readied his lance and peered up into the trees trying to spot the offending squirrel, raven, or misplaced monkey.
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A squawking moorhen abruptly leapt up from a deep bog close to the trail and flapped its wings madly before flying awkwardly deeper into the well-vegetated marsh and away from the party. Its sudden commotion rattled everyone in various degrees.
The party continues along the trail, a short while later just to the right of his feet, just below a misty tendril, Gundar noted sudden movement in the heavy underbrush and then heard a quick/momentary rustle as something brushed up against some leaves. Yet, he could not catch actual sight of anything and could hear no further rustling.
Around the same time, Filona heard a distinct sound - the splashing of something large wading through the swamp just out of sight. The sound and the thought of a large creature made her nervous.
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Filona woke up with her hair pointing up, despite being short. From her face, one can tell she hasn't had a good night's sleep. Still, she silently picks up her stuff and gets ready to set off into the marsh.
While walking, one can tell she is not a morning person. She is silent all the way, but listens to Baradim's story attentively. But the marsh starts getting aggressive and she readies her crossbow. She doesn't really know what she's doing with it, but she saw someone do it in a play and thinks it is appropriate.
After a while she says "Something large just jump into a lake in the distance. Why can't I stop breathing heavily?"
Posh scratches Walnut’s right ear, asking her, ”do you smell anything girl?”
Walnut has the scent ability.
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The smells of the swamp are nearly overwhelming and too numerous for Walnut to ascertain their source - even with a general direction from Filona.
Taking a moment to compose themselves, the party continues down the trail. A short while later Posh suddenly catches sight of a short wooden bridge crossing the nearest small waterway; one of many waterways that snake through Brinestump Marsh.
As the party approaches, the bridge appears to be just a simple construction of wood and rope. Most of the planks of the bridge appear mossy and a few have some sort of slime around the less traveled parts. A few of the planks are missing and others have a few cracks. While the bridge appears safe to cross, you are not certain.
Zura hops off of Denny and walks over to the bridge, tapping the ropes and planks she can reach without stepping onto it, gingerly testing her weight, and tugging a little here and there to see how well the bridge responds.
Gundar listens to Baradim's story and when he is finished, he asks, If he was crying, how did he surprise Sarenrae? Didn't she hear him coming?
We might have to cross one at a time... Gundar observes.