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It was a dull day, a grey day, clouds obscuring the sun, rain falling lightly, but incessantly. A day that demanded those who could, would warm themselves with a whiskey or brandy at Otari’s Fishery tonight. At the very least Tamily’s smile, would bring a little bit of sunshine to each and every customer’s heart. The sounds of chatter and laughter spill from the Otari Fishery’s open doors alongside warm and welcoming lamplight. Within, a few dozen locals and a few strangers gather around rough tables with cards, dice, tokens, and other game pieces scattered among them. Today the fireplace shines with the warm orange glow of a fire, warming the cold and wet limbs of Tamily’s clientele. She and her bar staff, welcome those souls who ventured into her establishment, protected by it’s strong wooden walls, it’s beams that hold the 2nd floor above the wooden tables and chairs, the weather outside is soon forgotten.
The sound of dice rolling, interrupts the chatter and noise, as money is won and lost on a variety of games, cards fall on tables, all taking place in the hall. Hot fish stew, flavoured with red spices and served with either potatoes or rice, is once more on offer to fill the bellies of the local fishermen, sailors and others wanting some cheap entertainment and convivial atmosphere to spend their time.
Amongst the hustle and bustle, jollity and laughs, Tamily spots one of the heroes of Otari, one of the ‘Dragon Slayers’, her friend and Otari’s friend Marysiel. Tamil spots her sitting at the table, a bowl of stew steaming in front of her. Beside her is another woman, with whom she is deep in conversation. Tamily’s smile widens as she makes her way over, wiping her chubby little hands on her off white apron, a friendly and freckled human woman pops up and grins in greeting—Tamily Tanderveil. Her peg leg, a red-and-white striped affair with a bright blue bow at the top, thunks against the floor as she hurries forward. “Marysiel, I’m so glad you’re here! Welcome! Can I get you something to drink? Some of our finest snacks? And your friend?”
Hardly waiting for an answer, she gestures over Rosie, one of her pretty young waiters and with a flurry of clattering activity, she sets out bowls of fried vegetables, a platter of sausage rolls, plates of cookies, and mugs of frothy ale. Tamily lifts her mug in a toast to the heroes under Otari, and Marysiel in particular.
In a quiet and shadowy corner of the gaming hall, sit two men, one dressed well and the companion he arrived with. The former sits awkwardly, looking like he has some sort of deformity, whilst the other seems happy to stay in the darker corners, as they eat their meals, discussing the journey over to the island of Kortos from Sandpoint, the last port in the overland journey from Ustalav.
You overhear the whole of the conversation between Tanily and Marysiel
Close to the table at which Marysiel is sitting, a couple of women a chatting loudly and discussing the art of needlepoint and crochet. Both seem to be discontented, as they moan at the lack of coin in their endeavours and work they perform. One, the young girl is wanting adventure and reward, whilst the older lady, just needs some gold to enable her to look after her children. Selling her wares in the market, does nothing for her health, making her bones ache. If only she could have somewhere warm and dry with enough room to bring up her children.
You overhear the whole of the conversation between Tanily and Marysiel
After several minutes of pleasantries and introductions between Marysiel, the ‘Capn’ and Tamily, the freckled faced woman puts an arm gently on Maryseil’s shoulder and says in a voice your can hear over the chatter, ”It’s good that you’ve come back, I’ve another interesting little job that needs doing. It might no be the most lucrative, but it might provide you and your friend with an opportunity.. I own an old fish camp I used to run not far from here, in fact just up the road that way.” she points vaguely out of the village.
She continues ”I haven’t been using it since I opened this place up, and I owe you something big. If you want it, it’s all yours! Just be careful when you check it out, since it’s been empty for a while, okay? No telling what’s holed up in there since we left. Oh, and don’t mind Blue Finley—they’re harmless.” she says in a helpful way, before adding, ”Though I would take a few more adventurous companions with you, like you did when you defeated the dragon. Then I am sure you’d easily make the building safe. Afterwards, if you want you can keep it, everyone knows that a good adventuring team needs a base of operations, right? Your hideout! Headquarters! A place to sleep that doesn’t charge by the night, right? And I have just the place for you—an old fish camp I used to run, right up the road from here. I haven’t been using it since I opened this place up, and I owe you all something big. If you want it, it’s all yours! Just get a group of you to go and make the building safe.”
Having just disposed of the Sky Lightning at the docks, Marysiel guides Bonnie over to the Otari Fishery. "I don't know about you, Cap.. uh, Bonnie, but after all that work we did to sell off your ship, I'm parched. Let's go to Tamily's place for a drink. She's one of the good ones in town and still owes me for a little extermination job I did in her basement before I signed on with you."
Mary enters the Fishery and is a little surprised by how busy it is. She looks around and spots someone leaving a table. "Come on!" She reacts without hesitation and darts through the crowd with remarkable speed to claim the table before anyone else has a chance to move. Bonnie joins her and they order some drinks and hot bowls of stew. "Wow. Looks like business is going great for Tamily. I wonder whe... Oh! There she is." Spotting Tamily, she waves to get her attention. When Tamily comes over and greets her so enthusiastically and quite loudly, Mary feels a little awkward. She's not used to being the center of attention; in fact, all the acclaim that she and the others received from the town after removing the kobold threat was what drove her to sign on to the Sky Lightning in the first place. She'd hoped that after several months at sea, her exploits would have been largely forgotten and she could go back to her old anonymous self. She signs inwardly. I guess I didn't stay away long enough."
When Tamily presents her proposal concerning the old abandoned fish camp, Mary puts aside her plans to leave Otari again (this time for several years) and listens with interest. "Sounds like an interesting proposition you've got there Tamily. Just how far outside of town are we talking here? It's not halfway to Absalom, is it? And who or what is this Blue Finley you mentioned that we shouldn't worry about?"
"Fishing? FISHING? Gods, Marysiel, is that what we're reduced to, now?" Bonnie dropped her head onto the table with an audible thunk.
Back on the Sky Lightning, Bonnie and Marysiel used to joke about the pirates who couldn't make a living doing piracy, so they'd fish off the sides of their boat to have enough to eat.
It hit a little close to home.
"Don't you have another dragon to fight, or something?" laments Bonnie. "Next thing you know, we're going to be mending torn shirts and repairing weapons like those two over there."
In her drunken state, Bonnie is not as discreet as she believes herself to be. As a matter of fact, she practically shouted the last sentence, loud enough so that half the tavern heard.
The hunchback perks up as he overhears Tamily's proposal. His eyes twinkle as he turns to his companion.
"What do you think Mylos? We made some great time travelling here from Ustalav. Cousin Anna isn't expecting us for another two weeks. Shall we offer our services to the lady and hopefully have a bit of excitement to make up for our uneventful trip through dangerous undead-infested lands? If nothing else we can see what a Blue Finley is." His brow furrows in thought. "Blue Finley...That sounds familiar but I can't quite put my finger on it."
Crafting T +8
Nature T +6
Occultism T +8
Religion T +6
Society T +8
Mylos leans forwards.
"Honestly, I didn't catch what they were talking about, but I do want to start my time here by doing something useful for the community."
Now that he moves a little more into the light, we can see that he is plainly dressed in sturdy travelling clothes, obviously trying to be unobtrusive, but he is a handsome man and his voice has a tone which carries surprising weight. Scruffy dark hair and a well-trimmed beard frame his face.
"Second chances are worth working at and we do have talents that many others don't."
Oblivious, Arity keeps chatting, loudly, with her seamstress companion.
”I’m telling you darling, one more year sweeping the shop and smiling at Farmer Jenkens as he INSITS on another pair of, eugh, disgusting brown overalls for planting season and I’ll go mad. I’m destined for greater things! Swashbuckling adventures! Daring sword fights, good versus evil! I’ve been practicing in my spare time, did I tell you? A mercenary even taught me how to use a great axe last week, though I can’t see myself wielding such an unwieldy weapon.”
"Maryshial ... Marshiel ... Marry Shell ... godsh, can I just call you Mary?"
Bonnie realizes she's too drunk to say Marysiel's full name.
"We could, we should getsh the tailor and the shopkeep to come wish us."
She stands up and pointsh wobbly at the newcomersh.
"THEM TOO, THEY LOOK LIKE FISHERS. THEY ALL LOOK LIKE FISHERS MEN, ALL OF THEM."
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Flory smiles dreamily at Arity. Her eyes don’t focus on her friend, seeming to look through her (into her?). Arity is used to it by now, though it was disconcerting at first.
”Careful what you wish for”, she replies. ”Tamily just made that woman an offer she won’t refuse, and the promise of adventure whispers. The threads of fate are being woven, drawing us into the tapestry”
She looks down at the spider perched above her chest. ”Shall we ensnare ourselves in her web, Your Ladyship?”
Arity looks confused.
"Darling I LOVE you but you must speak plainly. Oh, where are you . . . okay I guess we're going over here now?" She watches Flory motions for Arity to look over at the others.
As Bonnie starts getting more drunk and speaking more loudly, Mary rolls her eyes. For a pirate, the captain had never been very good at holding her liquor. "Shhh. Keep it down cap. We don't want to get kicked out for hassling the other customers. And anyway, if we take this job, we can't just hire a bunch of random barflies to go with us. We're going to need people with training and experience. Not sure how we'd pay for them though; I doubt there's much of value left at this old fish camp of Tamily's."
Mary then turns to the adjacent tables. "Don't mind her. She's had a rough day and is feeling a little sorry for herself. She doesn't know what she's saying."
With a bolt of inspiration, Bonnie pushes Mary to the side and leaps onto the table excitedly. "I KNOW WHAT I'M SHAYING! I'M A PIRATE AND ME FORGOT WHERE ME BURIED ME TREASURE IN THE OLD FISH CAMP! WHO WANTSHTO HELP ME FIND IT?!"
Fortunately, Bonnie doesn't push Mary too hard, and Mary is still close by when Bonnie wobbles and falls.
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 4
Mylos leans forwards.
"Honestly, I didn't catch what they were talking about, but I do want to start my time here by doing something useful for the community."
Now that he moves a little more into the light, we can see that he is plainly dressed in sturdy travelling clothes, obviously trying to be unobtrusive, but he is a handsome man and his voice has a tone which carries surprising weight. Scruffy dark hair and a well-trimmed beard frame his face.
"Second chances are worth working at and we do have talents that many others don't."
"Ha! We do indeed. That's the spirit!" Albrecht's homely face splits into a crooked grin which only serves to highlight the long dueling scar running the length of his face. "I'll go offer our services to the lady."
He stands, but not entirely upright, as it is revealed that he has a deformed, hunched back. He is dressed for travelling with a wide-brimmed hat and heavy cloak covering studded leather armor with a rapier at his side. As he approaches Mary it appears that his back is not the entirety of his physical ailments as he also has a clubfoot. Despite this he moves easily through the crowded establishment, stopping at Mary's table. Clicking his heels, he doffs his hat and bows briefly.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Albrecht Jaeger at your service, my dear. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with the lovely Tamily. If you indeed plan to explore that abandoned fishing camp perhaps my friend and I might be of assistance?" He gestures towards Mylos. "Mylos has some skill with magic, showing an affinity with positive and negative energy as well as fire, and I, myself, have numerous skills acquired at the University of Lepidstadt. We find ourselves at liberty at the moment and would be amenable to a bit of excitement, even an old fishing camp."
He smiles crookedly and extends a gloved and somewhat crooked hand to the elf, politely ignoring the drunken woman that has fallen off of the table.
It wasn't the first time that a drunken Bonnie had jumped onto a table and started screaming at people, so Mary was already half-expecting a reprise tonight. When Bonnie makes her move, Mary uses the energy of her old captain's shove to come to her feet in time to catch Bonnie when she inevitably tumbles off the table. Sitting her back down in her seat, Mary pats Bonnie on the back as she turns to look at the stunned patrons.
Pasting on a clearly forced smile and making a fake laugh, Mary tries to defuse any potential problems caused by Bonnie's outburst. "Ha ha ha. Sorry about that. She's had a little too much tonight and doesn't know what she's saying. We're not really pirates and there's no buried treasure, so please ignore everything she says. Okay?"
When Albrecht stops by and introduces himself, Mary is in the midst of trying to console Bonnie and keep her from making any more outbursts that would get them kicked out of the Fishery. "Everything'll be okay Bonnie. We'll figure something out. Don't we always?"
It is the clicking of the heels that draws Mary's attention to the hunchback. She eyes him suspiciously as Albrecht introduces himself and Mylos. She is not particularly impressed by what she sees. Ignoring the proffered hand, she says, "Sooo, you two are looking for some excitement then? That's all? Cause we don't have any money to pay you for your services, and I expect all we'll find at the camp is piles of rotting fish."
When Albrecht stops by and introduces himself, Mary is in the midst of trying to console Bonnie and keep her from making any more outbursts that would get them kicked out of the Fishery. "Everything'll be okay Bonnie. We'll figure something out. Don't we always?"
It is the clicking of the heels that draws Mary's attention to the hunchback. She eyes him suspiciously as Albrecht introduces himself and Mylos. She is not particularly impressed by what she sees. Ignoring the proffered hand, she says, "Sooo, you two are looking for some excitement then? That's all? Cause we don't have any money to pay you for your services, and I expect all we'll find at the camp is piles of rotting fish."
Quite used to people being taken aback by his appearance, Albrecht lowers his hand.
"I believe it is customary in these sorts of endeavors to provide a share of any valuables acquired in lieu of wages. That should prove satisfactory, I'm sure."
Mary gives Albrecht a long stare as she thinks things over. Eventually, she comes to a decision; after all, "Beggars don't get be too choosy, I suppose." Mary shrugs. "Very well. If you're happy to be paid in rotting fish, then welcome aboard." Indicating a couple of the empty chairs at the table, she says, "Why don't you guys join us so we can get to know each other a little better." Once they've made themselves comfortable at the table, she adds, "Albrecht Jaeger and Mylos, was it? Not sure I've seen you two around town before, but then again, we've been away for a while. So, why don't you tell us a bit about yourselves."
As Flory and Arity walk up.
"Buried treasure? Oh . . . a fishing . . . hut. Well, all great adventures need to start somewhere. Greeting! I'm Arity Bell and I've been training with every sell-sword and mercenary for several years to hone my craft with a blade. And Flory here, she . . . well she's a talented seamstress but rumor has she's able to do so with magic! I'm all the better for knowing her, and you will be two if you agree to allow us to join."
Mary was about to start interrogating Albrecht and Mylos to get a better idea of their abilities and character when Flory and Arity walk up. She scowls at the interruption and turns to face the newcomers. "Can't you see we're busy here..." She squints when she sees that it's Arity. "Aren't you the girl that works at that small clothing shop down the road?" She turns to look at Flory. "Aaand you're that strange seamstress with the creepy red spider, right? I remember you two."
She then remembers why they'd interrupted her and makes a short snort of derision. "You girls should run off home to your parents before one of you gets hurt with all this talk of swords and magic." Mary shakes her head dismissively and turns back to face Albrecht and Mylos. "Heh, heh. Kids these days, amirite? "Hone my craft with a blade," indeed. Where do they come up with that stuff? Anyway, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"
"Thanks," says Mylos as he slides in. "You won't have seen me before. I travelled here with Albrecht. I suppose I'm a refugee, I come from Lastwall, but Lastwall is no more and my home is overrun by the restless dead. Like Albrecht said, I have some magical talent. Something changed in me when the Whispering Tyrant attacked. I fled to Ustalav and then came here. I'd like to start afresh. Joining you seems like a good start.
He smiles. "Did I mention, I can magically heal people and I love excitement.?"
As Flory and Arity walk up.
"Buried treasure? Oh . . . a fishing . . . hut. Well, all great adventures need to start somewhere. Greeting! I'm Arity Bell and I've been training with every sell-sword and mercenary for several years to hone my craft with a blade. And Flory here, she . . . well she's a talented seamstress but rumor has she's able to do so with magic! I'm all the better for knowing her, and you will be two if you agree to allow us to join."
Flory looks around at the gathered group. ”Many’s the epic that starts with meeting in a tavern such as this”, she says. ”People and dresses aren’t so different, when it comes to patching them up”
"Heya, Flory, Arity ... I didn't shee you there. What'sh going on? Mary and I are getting drunk!"
"I believe it is customary in these sorts of endeavors to provide a share of any valuables acquired in lieu of wages. That should prove satisfactory, I'm sure."
Bonnie jabs a finger into Albrecht's chest, about to accuse him of something, then bursts out laughing at the phrase "in lieu of."
He smiles. "Did I mention, I can magically heal people and I love excitement.?"
Bonnie's eyes go wide at the idea that magic could be used for healing. For whatever reason, people who can magically heal don't often associate with pirates.
"Goody two shoes," she declares, with little context.
"ALMOST DRUNK!"
Bonnie taps on her empty glass to indicate she needs a refill.
"No, sheriously ... I love you guys. You guys are alwaysh welcome. I love you so much."
Bonnie begins sniffling again. Then, she suddenly brightens.
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Mary looks over at Bonnie incredulously after she greets the two clothiers and welcomes them onto the team. "You know these two? Do you really think they can handle themselves in a fight?"
The elf looks back at them again for a closer examination. "Seriously! A seamstress and a salesgirl? Is this what we've been reduced to?" She looks down and rubs her eyes in resignation before looking back up. "Look. I'm not expecting any trouble on this little jaunt, but that's usually when trouble shows up. And by trouble, I mean stuff that can kill us, like dead. Are you girls really sure you're up for that kind of trouble? Cause I got enough on my conscience already without adding your deaths to it as well."
When it is clear that the two newcomers want in, Mary shakes her head. "It's your funeral then. Also, we can't pay you, so you're on the same deal as these two guys. I expect there'll be plenty of rotting fish for everyone."
"A Salesgirl that has been taking lessons from EVERY sellsword coming through here for the past five years! I have armor I made myself back at the shop, a blade, and a buckler. Even put together some adventuring gear over the years. I just need to go get the Pemican from my dry store room and I'm ready to go!" Arity says indignantly.
"I think that's the first time in my entire life that someone has called me goody two shoes. I like you. You're the good type of drinker." Mylos smiles again, a warm kind of smile. "We all have to start somewhere and this is an opportunity. We're all different and we can all gain from this. Test ourselves. None of us are due in the Boneyard yet."
Mylos offers his hand to each of the others in turn.
"I think we should wait until the morning before we start. So we all have our wits about us "
Mary raises her hands in mock defeat in the face of Arity's vehemence. "Fine, Whatever. Come along if you like. We should be able handle a simple fishing camp with just the six of us, so let's not be inviting any more of the local merchants to join us, okay?" This last comment was mainly directed at Bonnie.
"Like Mylos said, let's wait until tomorrow morning..." She looks over at Bonnie to gauge her state of inebriation, "... or maybe afternoon, before we head out. I still have a few questions about this fishing camp that I want to ask Tamily, the main one being where the heck it is."
When Tamily finally rejoins them, Mary pumps her for all the information about this fishing camp. How to get to it? Who or what is Blue Finley? What dangers they might run into when they get there? Does she have any suggestions as to what equipment to bring? etc.
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"Sounds like an interesting proposition you've got there Tamily. Just how far outside of town are we talking here? It's not halfway to Absalom, is it? And who or what is this Blue Finley you mentioned that we shouldn't worry about?"
Before leaving the table, Tamily answers Mary. She produces a map from a
pouch at her side, unrolls it, and shows Mary the camp’s location. “It’s right here, about six miles down the road. Probably take you 3 hours to get there, as the paths aren't in the best condition.”“Oh, Blue Finley, they’re harmless,” Tamily says, waving her hand vaguely. “They’re a ghost. They were there when I bought the camp way back when, and they just keep to themselves, so I’ve left them alone. So long as you don’t bother them, you’ll be fine.”
Before she returns to her customers in the Fishery.
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Tamily seeing the group of people gather around her friend Mary, Tamily quickly scuttles over, she calls a young boy "Here Tarrond, help me here!" Smiling at Mary she notices Arity, one of the local seamstresses as one of the gathered. "Oh Arity, how nice to see you here and you know Mary. Has Mary asked from your aid in providing some dresses, I know it would make a good commission. Let me set your tables together." With a click, Tarrond sets the two tables together, even with the 'help' of the 'Capn'.
"Flory, you're here as well, so you were with Arity, I didn't realise you both knew one another. How's your trade been in the market? Anytakers for your ointments and potions. I doubt it, since Mary and her friends removed an infestation of kobolds that threatened the town, not so many need to have protection. Well enjoy a drink and a game if you want."
Tamily smoothly puts her arm around 'The Capn''s waist, pulling her towards the table and setting her down into a chair, as she gently says, "Please sit and let me bring you some more liquor, it might calm your demeanour. I will bring chairs for this gentlemen, so that you can converse more easily and quietly."
Tamily welcomes the two strangers, from their dark corner, offering them not only the chaors but snack and drinks, as they appear to be friends with Mary. "As friends of Mary, please enjoy our hospitality, are you adventurers like her? She is so brave and helped Otari so much before. I have rooms available if you need them?"
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Mylos looks towards Tamily,
"Albrecht grew up around here and he's actually returning to see his cousin. He has offered me somewhere to stay, but I will take a room if that's ok to avoid imposing too much."
He looks around the table and raises a glass.
"Here's to an interesting adventure!"
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”To Adventure! Oh, this’ll be grand!”
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"VERY DISCHREET," Bonnie blurts. "Very dischreet dishcussion," She's drunk enough that she doesn't even notice that Tamily has poured her a tea rather than rum.
Bonnie raises her tea. "To adventure!"
Albrecht ponders for a moment. "Well... the trip home would take a couple of hours so perhaps it would be best to remain here for the night so we can get an early start in the morning. Besides Cousin Annalise is likely to put me to work immediately and frown on any extracurricular activities."
He turns to Mary. "You asked about my background earlier. My appearance was a bit of an embarrassment to my birth parents so I was sent to live with my mother's sister just north of Otari. She and her husband were very kind to me and taught me much. It's why I adopted their surname after all. Nevertheless there was much that they couldn't teach me so she arranged for me to attend the University of Lepidstadt where I was eventually able to become a teaching fellow.
In case you are unaware the University is famous for producing some of the finest investigators on Golarion. My specialty being forensics and medicine, although I did dabble in other pursuits that should prove helpful in a pinch." He gestures to the dueling scar that runs down the entire left side of his face. "Including a memorable visit to Fifthstones Hill." He grins crookedly before raising a glass in response to Bonnie's toast.
"To adventure!"
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Flory swirls the tea around in her cup, watching the leaves dance at the bottom.
”A storm of destinies, round and round they go”, she says. ”The stench of Death draws them like flies, sweeter than honey”
She looks up at the others and smiles. ”But six twisted threads are stronger than one”, she adds. ”To adventure!” She raises her tea cup, and drains it.
Mary takes the little map from Tamily. "Thanks, Tamily. We'll head out tomorrow to see what the deal is at the camp. I'll take you up on that room offer because some of us..," she tilts her head to indicate Bonnie, "...are going to need to sleep things off if we're to be in any fit shape in the morning."
She grabs her drink from the table and joins the others in the toast, "to adventure, I guess," and then downs the rest of her drink before helping Bonnie to her feet. "We'll meet up down here in the morning. We can grab anything we need at the market on the way out of town." Then, carrying most of her friend's weight, she starts dragging Bonnie towards the stairs.
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The night in the Otari Fishery as Tamily's guests passes with the group loosing their tongues under the influence of the convivial atmosphere and the alcoholic beverages. Until eventually they one by one either leave to walk back to their own beds, or climb the stairs in the Fishery to a few guest rooms, which are to be honest, mere mattresses laid on the bare wooden floors. Two or three of you share a room together and sleep soundly under the cover of darkness and the clouds of boozy haze, in the safety of your hosts generosity.
The morning breaks, not with the sun breaking through or the sounds of birds chirping their songs, no with the sound of loud deep throated shouts, the sound of brooms clicking and clacking as they clean the floors in the Fishery. The only redeeming feature is the clean water in barrels for washing and the smell and sound of sizzling bacon as it cooks below.
You hear the cheery sound of two female voices below, Tamily and the newly arrived and refreshed Flory after her night at home. "Yes of course I will." "Do you want eggs?" "No, no not here you fool!" ]"Aaah, warm bread and butter."
As for those upstairs, for some the fog of the night before hangs over their head's, for others their eyes open slowly as sleep holds onto their eyes and minds for as long as possible.
Slowly this strange group of friends have the hearty breakfast made ready for them and begin to respond to the day ahead. The trip to the market, which is eagerly anticipated by Mary and others wanting to buy that last little something for the excitement of adventuring.
It is a little later that the ragtail group of adventurers set out off along the road out of Otari, the adventure all had wanted, with the possible exception of Bonnie, has begun. after 20 minute easy going along a main trackway, the map shows a smaller pathway leading off towards the abandoned Fish Camp.
Overhead the sun makes pathetic bids to break through the clouds above, but the continued dampness of the foliage gives off that green smell of ferns and trees. Under the canopy of the forest, the dull light from above breaks through the boughs and leaves of the tallest of the trees. Birds sings warning calls to one another as you walk by. The sound of wings beating and the undulation of branches give away the position that just moments before held the flying balls of feathers, vivid colours flash through the air.
Leaves wet with the mists of the morning touch your arms, your head, your cheeks as they brush you on your way along the path. Brambles, tall grass, primulas and flowers take their turns to accompany the pathway...
Bonnie re-introduces herself to the group, unaware that she was already well-known from the previous night's antics.
"I'm Bonnie! Where are we going, fishing? I've fished a little in my life. Haha," she shrugs when she catches Marysiel rolling her eyes. "What?"
Bonnie gladly takes point, longsword at her side. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, she reminds herself.
Arity shows up in some fashionable (if homemade) leather armor, a used but serviceable shortsword, a buckler, and a fashionable but practical set of clothes underneath.
"Bonnie! Darling! So nice to meet you again! We met a bit last night but you were . . . ehhhhh how do I say, a bit indisposed? I'm Arity, shopkeep turned adventurer!"
"Ah, yes, Bonnie! It's a pleasure. I hope you are feeling well this morning. Mylos, in case you don't remember. You declared last night that you were a pirate in search of treasure. Still the case?" He smiles disarmingly as he speaks.
The dark-haired out-of-towner is wearing well-made studded leather with an ornate dagger on his belt as he sits and eats his breakfast. A pack with a crossbow on top is just to the side. His hat sits next to it.
Albrecht is awake before dawn and greets everyone as they arrive for breakfast. "Good morning everyone. I hope everyone is well rested for out expedition."
Once the party sets out he moves at a brisk pace despite the uneven gait forced upon him by his deformed foot. He carefully observes the area around them at all times and cheerfully points out any interesting plants and animals.
As they walk along...
"This place just smells of life despite the lack of warmth. I hope that continues."
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Flory walks along behind, a thin young woman barely out of her teens, with long, dark-blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a simple brown dress, and a finely-made black cloak. A red spider is perched on her shoulder, but occasionally creeps to somewhere else on her person.
Every now and then, she pauses to recite an incantation in a sing-song voice, one hand waving delicately in the air.
Once breakfast is over, Mary and Bonnie go back to their room and suit up. They say their goodbyes to Tamily and join the rest of the group outside the Fishery. Mary's form-fitting dark burgundy leather armor contrasts with the brighter hilts of the rapier and shortsword she has hanging from her hips. A shortbow and quiver of arrows are strapped to either side of her backpack.
She gives Arity's getup a skeptical looking over. "That armor looks pretty enough, but are you sure it'll hold together in a fight? Let's hope we don't have to find out, eh? Okay, let's head out."
Mary is a little uncomfortable out in the open with so much nature around them. She tends to feel far more at home in enclosed environments where she has plenty of shadows to hide in. Nevertheless, she makes the best of it and moves quietly from cover to cover as they make their way to the abandoned Fish Camp. "There is waaaay too much life out here if you ask me. Makes me kinda nervous."
Bonnie will Scout, then.
She chats with Arity as they lead the pack, asking her about her homemade armor. "I like the flexible straps," she says. "The ones for my armor are so rigid, there's only so many ways my arms can move."
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Bonnie will walk in the open, at the front of the pack (or side by side with Arity, her choice). If there's no indication of trouble, she won't have her weapons out. Instead, she'll be wielding a waterskin - gotta stay hydrated after overdrinking.
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Bonnie will Scout, then.
She chats with Arity as they lead the pack, asking her about her homemade armor. "I like the flexible straps," she says. "The ones for my armor are so rigid, there's only so many ways my arms can move."
“Thanks! I could try to make one for you, but I’m not that good. Took me many, many weekends to make this one. Kept messing it up. Flory’s the one to talk to, she gave me all the advice. And I’d have to ask to borrow the plans from my boss again. But I’ve tested it.” she shouts back to Merisel. ”Even my boss says it’s as good as any non-magical armor he’s ever seen.”
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As you walk towards a pleasant glade ahead, seeing streaks of weak sunlight streaking lines towards the glistening green grass. Such tranquillity is broken by the sound of branches breaking and footsteps stamping. Bursting out from the side of the undergrowth drawing your attention is a small wild pig. It comes from the west, but the sounds of another animal come from the east, it bellows loudly a call to it's family.
Out from the bushes, it's hide covered in brambles. leaves and branches, the wild pig finds itself besides Mylos. With it's way blocked it tries to bully its way past Mylos. It's teeth dig deep into the sorcerer's thigh, ripping out a chunk of pink flesh and blood, leaving the man biting his lip to stem the pain. The creature not having found the way clear, scurries off into the undergrowth again towards the centre of the woods and the loud bellow.
Strike 1 damage
[.ooc]B[/ooc]
[.ooc]Albrecht AC 26 - 18/18[/ooc]
[.ooc]Arity AC19/20 - 32/32[/ooc]
[.ooc]Mary AC19/21(R) - 24/24[/ooc]
[.ooc]Flory AC16/17 - 20/20[/ooc]
[.ooc]A[/ooc]
[.ooc]Bonnie AC 19/20 - 26/26[/ooc]
[.ooc]Mylos AC18 - 22/22[/ooc]