The folks sitting at the bar all spit their previously imbibed beverages all over the bartender, who is innocent of any cause.
They all stare at the sprite....
Tannakin says, "Leo, you don't seriously expect these people to believe you when you say we have a dragon stashed in the woods, do you?"
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Blinking, Leo gives Tannakin a strange look, "No, no, no, Tannakin thou misunderstood me, I said yon dragon twas living in a cave not the woods. Does't thou mot remember? We left the dear fellow in Ness' cave. Thou does't remember Ness? The wonderful dwarf mount for the leashy 'Verdi'."
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The faint but unmistakable sound of water dripping steadily is heard from behind the bar. The barkeeper coughs.
The sprite is cut off!
Iona merely stood listening and then almost laughed aloud when the barkeep proclaimed there would be no more drink for the sprite. She gazed at Leo to see how he would react.
Ness a mount for Verdi? Is that how he saw her... she almost chuckled aloud at the thought and trying to picture Ness's expression upon hearing it.
Iona wondered if the patrons/locals were marvelling at the young dragon in their forest keep or the fancy-tongued sprite and corgi in their presence.
Julril does that thing where he pulls uncomfortably at his collar as beads of sweat form on his brow.
Having just acquired a ceramic stein half again as tall as himself filled to the brim with mead, Leo turns and smiles at the barkeep, giving him a thumbs up.
The sounds of chatter and laughter spill from the Otari Fishery’s open doors alongside warm and welcoming lamplight. Within, a few dozen common folk gather around rough tables with cards, dice, tokens, and other game pieces scattered among them.
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. “I’m so glad you came! Welcome! Can I get you something to drink? Snacks?”
She gestures toward an empty table in a near corner, 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.
“Now, 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 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.”
Tamily continues to barrage our new Heroes of Otari with answers to any of their questions, concerning this new winfall!
Tamily produces a map from a pouch at her side, unrolls it, and shows the heroes the camp’s location.
“It’s right here, about six miles down the road.”
Reaching the camp takes about 3 hours of travel by foot.
“Oh, sometimes! There’s always spiders, and sometimes they get scary big. Some of the animals in the woods can tear you up if you’re not watching for them. Like, this time of year, there’s probably a few boars running around, and those things are just always in a bad mood.”
Tamily shrugs.
“Well, I closed it up for the season one year, and then while I was here in town, I met a few folks and started up the fishery. Business was booming, so I never got around to cleaning it out or doing anything else with it. The way I see it, we’re helping each other out! ”
“Oh, 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 themself, so I’ve left them alone. So long as you don’t bother them, you’ll be fine.”
Tamily grins and drains her mug.
“Great, it’s settled! While you’re there, I’ll go take care of the paperwork so you can have the deed and make it all official.”
She hops up from her chair.
“I’ve got to get back to work, but you’re welcome to stay here as late as you’d like. Play a game or two! Drinks tonight are on me.”
Tamily makes her way back to the counter she uses as a bar in the evenings. The heroes are free to linger in the fishery, chat with the other patrons, and return to their accommodations at their leisure.
"Hmm, a ghost... Spirits usually linger about because of some sort of unfinished business. Perhaps we can help this spirit make their rightful way to Pharasma's judgement."
Sansaárë starts to look around when she hears Tamily mentions a base of operations.
Sorry, I was daydreaming. I will tell you about it later.
She them smiles as she reminisces about it, then turns her attention back to the conversation.
So you say there are large spiders sometimes, boars, and a ghost.
Tamily, how big is big? How did you take care of the spiders? Or did you just leave them alone? Just so we know what we need to take with us.
Hearing the words 'base of operations' peaked Leo's curiosity. He wasn't exactly sure why they needed a base since they had the wonderful tree fort and was also confused by the nature of operations needed to require a base. Hearing the place was practically leagues away and had vermin big enough to eat Ambrose, frankly, made him a little nervous. But when he heard that the place had its very own ghost, his curiosity got the better of him. Jumping up from the doll-house chair they kept for him on the table to drink from his giant-sized stein, he exclaimed, "Praytell, What does't we wait for? Let us sally forth and explore this curiosity."
A headquarters would be nice, Iona thought to herself. Having a place to congregate for business and leisure seemed very sensible. "Mistress Tamily, thank you for granting us the use of the old fish camp."
Iona listened as Tamily spoke of the few hazards that came with the camp. big spider and wild boars - they were tangible things which could be dealt with, however a spirit occupying the place? She'd never encountered one but she was sure to give it a wide berth and not bother them as Tamily had suggested.
When Sansaárë asked about the largeness of the spiders, Iona was keen to hear the answer as well. Better to be prepared than not, she silently mused. Morra hadn't moved from the creased edge of her jaunty hat and Iona did not wish to disturb the leshy. Iona picked up a ornately whittled mug of wine and took a sip.
When the curious sprite Leo spoke of setting forth for the camp, Iona Enid smiled and merely responded politely, "Master Leo, you are a brave, curious soul. Perhaps let us learn more of the creatures at the camp before we set off. Better to be well armed with knowledge than go hastily forth and come away with regret, don't you think?"
"Aye, let's wait for daybreak and make preparations. If we're getting settled, how about looking into purchasing a pack animal to help carry equipment?"
Tannakin suspects that Tamily wants the whole crew out of town before they cause any ruckus. She's about to protest when she drops her tankard. It shatters into bits and the beer splashes onto her legs. "Drinks are on me, too, turns out. Literally."
She sighs and tries to help clean it up, but mostly just cuts herself and smears the ale around. Tamily might have a point. And it'd be fun to get out of town.
"A fishing trip sounds nice. After all the salted fish we've seen, I could go for some fresh."
The ghost is just a bonus to Tann.
At the suggestion of a draft animal, Tann grins wickedly and says, making sure Airi can hear, "I was going to propose that Airi carries all the stuff, Julril, but we can replace her with a donkey."
Grasping in both hands the tube (Tamily had given him for his giant size stein of mead) called a 'Straw' Leo took a long draw of the honey alcohol, then turning, as he wiped froth off his face, he shrugs "If thou does't desire it so."
He blinks as the other 'big-uns' make plans about animals and fish, then taking another draw on the straw. Feeling very mellow, he sits back down on his doll-house chair, leaning on the steins giant size handle.
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Before leaving town, Julril visits the nearest stable and purchases the finest ass available, along with necessary harness, pack saddle, and feed.
"I don't know why, but I want to name her Molotov II. It just came to me."
Tamily just shrugs, smiles and refills any drinks and plates.
Spiders? Did I say spiders? I haven't been there is quite a while, so perhaps pretty big.
Tamily gives each of our Heroes a hug.
No, thank you! You saved my Fishery from becoming the evil den of a clan of vicious kobolds and their destructive dragon.
The remainder of the evening is spent enjoying the camaraderie and the conversations.
The next morning, our fresh Heroes prepare to take the 6 miles journey to inspect their new base of operations.
The fish camp is 6 miles from the center of Otari. If the heroes don’t use any activities that limit their Speed, they can reach the camp in 2 to 3 hours. If the entire group Hustles, they can make this journey in less time; remember to use the lowest Constitution modifier among all the heroes to determine how long they can Hustle together. Most likely, one or more heroes will use an activity that requires them to move at half their Speed (such as Avoiding Notice or Searching), making the journey to the fish camp about 5 or 6 hours long.
On the Beaten Path
The morning breeze winds its way across the fields, as our Heroes begin their exciting journey to the fish camp. The skies are bright. The birds are fluttering through the air, alighting on branches eager for the visits.
Time seems to be lazily lagging behind you as the yards turn into miles and the morning begins to give way to a warm and bright noon.
The road splits and you take the road turning toward the sea. The air is filled with the salty scent of the sea. The gulls are seen circling above the blue waters, diving and climbing with a prize as often as not.
The leftovers from this last winter litter the rough dirt road. Dead branches and overgrown foliage litter the road in patches and places. An old ruin wooden fence holding onto a life of torture and remembrance is seen ahead.
Old wheel ruts line the path where carts or wagons once passed through, but the tracks are faint and worn. Brush and twining vines grow thick among the trees lining the path, and the chirping and chattering of birds and insects fill the air.
Suddenly, the annoyed sounds of grunting and panting erupts from the foliage just to the side of our Heroes!
Tannakin and Julril react first to the sudden appearance of a wild boar!
Boars are omnivorous mammals, hunted heavily because their meat is considered a delicacy. Boars are most likely to attack humanoids either in self-defense or during their mating season in the winter months, when the males grow an extra inch of tissue to protect their organs as they fight off rivals. Of course, in some cultures boars are trained to become much more aggressive so they can fill the roles of warbeast and guardian. When such boars escape back into the wild, they can become true terrors of the region.
Tannakin ◆ steps protectively in front of Airi and ◆ Casts Shield. Then she uses ◆ One for All, calling to Iona, hoping for a peaceful resolution. "Iona... can you tell the nice piggy that we don't want to hurt it? Nice piggy... nice piggy..."
Julril stands his ground, draws his lion-faced steel shield forth and raises it in a protective stance. With a free hand he reaches out and touches Iona, praying for Guidance.
Round 1
With the calm of the sea being threatened by the furry of a storm, both Tannakin and Julril react with confidence when the wild boar presents itself!
Tannakin steps into a protective position, casts her new spell and gives a bit of advice to Iona.
Julril gathers hi shield, raises it and grants Guidance to Iona.
The wild boar accesses the situation with beady red eyes staring at the swashbuckler!
It snorts loudly in challenge and ◆Strides to taste its treat!
The wild boar then ◆Strides away back into the foliage!
Following along happily behind Iona, Leo and Ambrose enjoying being in the great outdoors. Hearing the sound of grunting, Leo tries to identify what kind of animal it is. Fortunately, seeing the thing burst from the foliage, helps him immensely. "Look tis a 'bushpig'!"
Realizing the thing was apparently mad about something, he was surprised when it 'bushwhacks' Tannakin. Clucking at Ambrose, to move forward a little, he waves his hand and gives the pig the 'evil eye.' While pointing at a fallen branch in the rutted road, he lifts his hand and tells it "Go" watching it fly at the porker.
Looking at the wild boar with upraised eyebrows and a slight shake of her head, Iona Recalls that these wild boars are dangerous and extremely moody.
The druidess frowns.
It is either protecting its home, its mate, or some lost hidden treasure vault, as a guardian.
She winks.
Definitely 2 of 3 of those. It's dangerous, but we may be able to scare it off.
The druid then ◆Strides a bit closer, so as to communicate better.
So, we will not hurt you, or your home. Please allow us to travel by.
Your influence on NPCs is measured with a set of attitudes that reflect how they view your character. These are only a brief summary of a creature's disposition. The GM will supply additional nuance based on the history and beliefs of the characters you're interacting with, and their attitudes can change in accordance with the story. The attitudes are detailed on the Conditions page and are summarized here.
Helpful: Willing to help you and responds favorably to your requests.
Friendly: Has a good attitude toward you, but won't necessarily stick their neck out to help you.
Indifferent: Doesn't care about you either way. (Most NPCs start out indifferent.)
Unfriendly: Dislikes you and doesn't want to help you.
Hostile: Actively works against you—and might attack you just because of their dislike.
No one can ever change the attitude of a player character with these skills. You can roleplay interactions with player characters, and even use Diplomacy results if the player wants a mechanical sense of how convincing or charming a character is, but players make the ultimate decisions about how their characters respond.
Tannakin says, "Brilliant, I don't think it's trying to kill me anymore."
She tentatively tries to pat it on the head, thinks better of it, and says "Just keep walking everyone... maybe it will let us pass."
She Delays and then attempts to move up the trail along with the rest of the party... if anyone dawdles, she waits with them.
A bolt of lightning is seen striking some hapless chap wondering deliriously about in the foliage!
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The wild boar eyes our sprite with hungar and enthusiasm!
"Well if we can entreat with a dragon, we can entreat with a boar. Keep talking with it Iona, if it is indeed the guardian of a treasure, perhaps we can lower his guard."
Not sure what to do Leo and Ambrose stays behind the tall folk, eyeing a stick further up the trail to toss at the boar if it attacks.
Sansaárë watches as the wild boar attempts to bite Tannakin. The rogue's eye narrow. Then see waits for Iona's attempts at diplomacy.
How'd it go? I don't speak boar.
Seeing that the boar seemed to be still aggressive, the rogue Hides behind the foliage.
She then Sneaks closer to the wild boar.
Poping out yelling and screaming, She tries to scare it away!
Round 1
Sansaárë seems to wake up from her daydreaming to witness all the ruckus. The rogue easily hides behind some foliage, sneaks closer to the uncertain boar and screams her bloody head off at it!
The wild boar seems to piddle a bit a puddle plain to perceive!
Round 2
The Wild boar still seems to aggressively tear at the ground, huffing and puffing and most likely about to charge....
"Hold steady now Molotov II," Julril keeps a tight grip on the lead rope.
Having seen one tall folk try and make friends with the boar and the other tall folk try to scare the boar, Leo realizes they need more time to decide what to do. Thinking of his spell selection he realizes he may be able to purchase them that time.
Nudging Ambrose forward and opposite of Sansaárë, he crafts his first spell, moving his hand getting the pigs attention he gives it the evil eye , continuing to weave his spell he speaks "spraeadh dath" casting color spray
Tannakin stumbles a bit as Airi shoves past her, knives blazing.
"Wow. Ok. Here goes, I guess."
She ◆ recasts Shield.
Then, she ◆ rushes around behind the pig to gain flanking, and then she strikes confidently at the poor boar.
Despite flubbing her attack, Tan's sheer overconfidence means she still swashes the swine.
"But if we're gonna kill it, we have to eat it, ok?"
Round 2!
The wind flows through the foliage, watching intently the stand-off between the wild boar and these Heroes from Otari!
Julril holds tightly to the riens of his steed, casts Shield and grants The Inheritor's Guidance to a friend .
Tannakin gets a bit bumped by her sister, then confidently strides into action, taking a stab at breakfast!
Leo--brave as any knight on his steed--boldly strides forward on Ambrose, giving the wild boar an Evil Eye and then spraying it with a rainbow of colors!
Huffing, it's tusks gleaming with sharpness (not certain how, but visually it works), the wild boar ◆retreats a bit away from the sharp pointy stick thing!
The angry wild boar snorts, stamps the ground and charges the source of the bothersome colors!
The wild boar makes a celebratory snort and huff as it gores the s&+% out our fey friend!
Jultrl shakes his head at Iona, "Well, we tried. I hope this boar isn't a friend of yours. Ooh! That's gotta hurt!" he winces as Leo gets gored.
Keeping his shield raised before him ◆, he prays for Iomedae's mercy to Heal Leo ◆◆.
Tannakin smacks her floating magic shield. "HEEEERE piggy piggy! You're supposed to go for me, not the lil guy!"
She calls advice to Airi, [b] "Put it out of its misery! Erm... I mean, its justifiable anger and rage!" [b]
She makes a ◆ dash around behind the pig to set up flanking, then she tries following her own advice:
◆Sansaárë strides 25' toward the nice fat piggy.
Hey sis. Let's see it this works so we can have some nice fresh bacon and ham for whatever we want to eat. Yum, yum.
◆
Leo. You may want to make sure you are careful. This thing is mean.
She then tries to stab it for the kill.
◆
Sansaárë starts to jump for joy.
Looks like we may have lunch soon! What do you think? Sandwiches and chips?
Yelling in pain, Leo shifted his knees as Ambrose jerked back away from the bad pig. As ambrose moved a safe distance away LEo waves his hand and gives the pig the 'evil eye.' While pointing at a fallen branch in the rutted road, he lifts his hand and tells it "falbh" watching it fly at the porker.
Round 2!
Sansaárë skips, twirls, dances her way over to the wild boar party. The rogue sizes up breakfast before smiling at both Leo and Tannakin. She then plunges her shortsword into the heart of the wild boar!
Tannakin watches in amazement her sister's precision and poetic pose!
Iona watches from afar, considering the nature of things, the druidess is considerably more approving of the handling of the apparently uncouth boar.
Julril watches in disbelief the wild boar taking a chunk from the sprite! The cleric asks Iomadea her blessings to Heal the poor witch.
Not to be made the wild boar's last meal, Leo deftly entreats poor up-close witness to the bloody mess Ambrose to back away, as the Witch gives it the Evil Eye!
The angry sprite then hurls (not on himself) a muddy, nasty, slimy fallen branch off the road to slap the s&$& snot out of the offending breakfast!
The wild boar falls over offering up its tenderloins!
"You fought valiantly, friend. I'm sorry it had to end like this. Now, what were you trying to protect?"
Tannakin looks dubiously at the dead pig. "I feel bad for the guy, but I really don't want to waste this good meat."
"I think we should see if Molotov can carry it. I can... gut it? I think? Not really an outdoorsy huntress myself. And I guess SOMEONE will eat him if we have to leave him."
As Juril looks about for the wild pigs treasure and Tannakin begins considers gutting the wild pig, Leo sits astride Ambrose poking a the large, bleeding hole in his shoulder where the wild pig gored him. Trying to be helpful, Anbrose turns and tries to lick the wound, but Leo furrows his brow, "No Ambrose, thou shant lick it."