[PGRiS] Night of the Walking Dead PF1 (closed)

Game Master djpika

Much appreciated with the assistance in getting all of our avatar tokens ready for placement on the map. :)

The ground is slick with sea moss, causing the occasional step to slide unexpectedly. After moving forward several hundred feat, the sewer becomes alive with the buzzing of wings.

Manfri wrote:

“It wouldn’t be a Pathfinder mission without a sewer, now would it, Chuufa?”

After the effort of getting everyone safely down into the disgusting undercity, Manfri attempts to lighten the mood … Until the buzzing of wings is heard.

“Guessing that’s a bat swarm.” The ranger draws an acid flask.

“Got any good spells for dealing with them, Sebastian?”

Nodding rapidly in agreement with the Party Leader, Chuufa chirps up a reply of, "Chuufa glad he remembered to get more soap; got to wash off Leandrie lots after this." while bringing the aforementioned Sheep of Burden in tow after the others with lit torch in one hand.

Upon Manfri's timely warnings about the probable bat-swarm, Chuufa replies, "Too many to jinx them all; Chuufa try using fire-torch on them- just like dealing with Leandrie's mess back up top."

Unsure if any malefactions could affect a swarm as a whole single target. Seems unlikely given the specifications of 'one creature' though.

FYI Sebastian had retrieved his own ioun torch as well, so we have two sources of light should we get too staggered in the tunnel.

Sebastian's expression turns less pleasant once they all finally get into the tunnel. He gives off a particularly annoyed demeanor as they shuffle around down below to let others in.

Charming... he remarks, dripping with displeasure.

“Got any good spells for dealing with them, Sebastian?”

No, but one always comes prepared... he states while panting, as he attempts to breath less of the foul air.

He draws an alchemist's fire with the hand opposite his ioun torch and shows it to Manfri.

Bam wrinkles her nose a bit at the odor of the sewer, but soon is back to breathing normally as if she can't even smell it anymore. As the boys chat about the upcoming swarm of something, she draws an acid flask and makes sure her buckler is properly affixed. She notes Sebastian's attempt to minimize his breathing. "Sebastian, if you're going to vomit, aim it at the swarm."

Token placed and ready to go.

I... *hurk, swallow* think I'll be fine. Just... marvelous.

“It wouldn’t be a Pathfinder mission without a sewer, now would it, Chuufa?”

I was going to add that a certain halfling developed a half-grin, thinking about the situation to himself, but then I thought that might make it look intentional :P

Descending upon the party are a trio of insect-like creatures with leathery wings and a needle-sharp proboscis. The buzzing crescendos as they latch on, barbed legs attaching like velcro. With a few probing taps, their proboscises quickly find a spot to begin sawing away at skin.

yellow touch @ Bam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

green touch @ Chuufa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

fuchsia touch @ Leandrie: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Bam, Chuufa, and Leandrie are now grappled and suffer 1 point of con damage as the creatures siphon blood to their abdomens.

==COMBAT==
Bam - grappled, -1 con
Chuufa - grappled, -1 con
Leandrie - grappled, -1 con

PARTY IS UP!

==INIT==
DM: 18
Manfri: 17
Chuufa: 17
Sebastian: 14
Bam: 4

Sorry, they made their stealth and had initiative, getting a surprise round and a normal round. But hey, good thing Leandrie is there to blood tank :)

Oh. Those are... nasty.

Looking down at his alchemist's fire, he realizes this isn't quite the swarm he expected I think?

He quickly pockets it and then throws both arms forward, off of which a wave of energy seems to speed towards the middle insect-creature.

[move] stow alchemist's fire
[standard] destructive blast ranged touch attack GREEN
destructive blast touch attack, B damage (point-blank): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
well.... :/

"<sigh> Bloodsuckers. Of course." Grimly, Bam draws her warhammer and tries to swipe the bug off her.

Warhammer (B): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 2 = 61d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Unfortunately, it's hard to swing a hammer at your own body while trying to avoid whacking yourself. "Stupid bug! Argh!" There's a part of her that recognizes how comical this looks.

She's still holding the acid flask in the hand with the buckler.

Round #1:

Seeing Chuufa is little worse for standing in the sewerage, Manfri drops his flask (free), draws his longsword and (literally) wades into melee.

*BLECH*

Assumed difficult terrain

longsword + power attack on Bam’s bug (yellow): 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 - 1 = 19
slashing damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14

If I can swat Bam’s bug, we free the heavy hitters to take on the other blood-suckers.

I’ll wait one more night and then bot unless someone else wants to? Could be a way to learn more about the 3pp builds from others…

Chuufa will activate his Steal Stamina malefaction as a swift action on his bat-bug; unless the Stirge succeeded on it's DC14 Fortitude save, it'll become fatigued/cursed and Chuufa gains +2 on his Str and Dex score. Chuufa will attempt to bite his bats-quito as a Standard action [+2 extra on hit and +4 to damage due to his increased stats plus the cursed condition Wrack ability]. Otherwise, I'm presuming that he's still holding Leandrie's bit/bridle to prevent her from running off. Leandrie might not be trained enough to attack on her own.

As soon as the trio of weird insect-like creatures make their appearance and attach themselves to Bam, Chuufa, and Leandrie, the Disguised Tengu exclaims aloud, "Wait- They not many-bats... they just bat-bugs!"

Making an attempt to steal the strange Bat-bug's stamina, Chuufa sings out in a horribly scratchy, screechy-voiced ditty, "Yew bites Chuufa, Chuufa bites yoo... Chuufa will bites bat-bug on Leandrie too...!"

Upon completion of his impromptu song, it appears to the others as if the Young Shepherd lad has attempted to head-butt the weird bat-like insectoid, for all intents and purposes. ;)

Base Bite attack on Chuufa's Bat-Bug while grappled: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 2 = 8. If bat-bug is cursed and fatigued, add +2 to hit.

If Biting does damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3. If bat-bug is cursed and fatigued, add +4 to damage.

All the while, Chuufa seems to have both of his hands full with keeping Leandrie from scurrying off to who-knows where and keeping hold of his torch. -1 Malefaction; Con 11? Dex 12 or 14, if stole stamina.

Base Concentration, if needed for Malefaction: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4. Minus bat-bug's CMB. Seems unlikely to activate though.

Sebastian invokes a blast of force that sails past, striking the wall and spraying bits of brick down the tunnel. Bam contorts in place, trying to shake the parasite loose while flailing with her mace before Manfri jumps down into the sewage and lunges forward, impaling the creature and sending a spray of ingested blood into the air.

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Green fails and is fatigued.

For a moment, an awkward feeling permeates the air as time and space slows and compresses before rocketing forward, tainted. Chuufa trys to smash his head against his foe, but it's just out of reach, staring into gaze of uncaring scintillating eyes.

Maintain Grapple Red: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Maintain Grapple Fuschia: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Chuufa then starts to feel light headed as the creature's abdomen starts to swell.

==COMBAT==
Bam: -1 con
Chuufa: grappled, -2 con
Leandrie: grappled, -2 con

Green: Fatigued

PARTY IS UP!

==INIT==
DM: 18
Manfri: 17
Chuufa: 17
Sebastian: 14
Bam: 4

The unpleasant side of Sebastian grumbles about his horrendous miss, complaining out loud to the creatures.

Stand still, and quit leeching off of my new friends!

[standard] destructive blast ranged touch attack RED (or is it GREEN)
destructive blast touch attack, B damage (point-blank): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
confirm?, crit B damage (point-blank): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 131d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Hoping their touch AC is just low enough to confirm... but, it probably has cover since Sebastian is in back.

Round #2:

I don’t know what Chuufa just did, though Sebastian’s ‘mind-blast’ seems a little like what kineticists do … Maybe?

“Sorry fraților, I am not so fancy, eh?”

Manfri holds his ground.

longsword + power attack on Chuufa’s bug (green): 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 1 = 14
slashing damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

<sigh> Armor is never clean for long. Cramming her disgust toward the back of her mind, Bam squelches down into the muck so she can take a swing at one of the over-sized bloodsuckers.

Warhammer (B) vs. green: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 121d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Sebastian unleashes another wave of magical force that rips the creature's body away from its legs, carrying it to the wall where it smashes into a visceral pulp. Chuufa pivots to remove the remaining one from Leandrie. Slashed appendages fall to the ground and the body spasms like a balloon in the wind before succumbing.

==END COMBAT==

Bam: -1 con
Chuufa: -2 con
Leandrie: -2 con

To pick up the trail again:

Or

Sebastian's expression returns to pleasant, with the plastered wide grin.

Ah, much better! Shall we continue?

DC15 knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 oh my

“I don’t suppose prestidigitation is one of your tricks, Sebastian?”

Manfri makes sympathetic noises over the team’s injuries but realizes there’s not much he can do without healing magic.

“Not a perfect start, but our quarry probably faced similar.”

take 10 Survival: 10 + 6 = 16

“Look! Plant and lichen bits have been tramped through by the opposition. Can you see it, Bam? Green muck from their boots has been splattered along the path, which we can follow if we keep our eyes open.”

Brushing away some blood spatter from Leandrie's wool, Chuufa remarks off-handedly, "There too much loving in world if bugs and bats can lay eggs with together..." as he glances over at some nearby bat-bug residue.

Chuufa's temporary 16 strength and 18 dexterity increases will subside after a minute since the green stirge has expired. With a -2 to Con, both Chuufa and Leandrie have -1 to Fort saves and reduced hit-points: Chuufa at -2/Leandrie at -1. ;)

“Hopefully those are two separate things that would never come together like that, Chuufa.”

“There too much loving in world …”

The Varisian sellsword thinks through the things he’s witnessed on Karcau’s docks after dark during the last couple of months.

He purses his lips but doesn’t comment.

“I don’t suppose prestidigitation is one of your tricks, Sebastian?”

His usually-constant smile turns slightly sheepish. Hehe no. I did not study on the traditional path to wizardry. The official colleges would not approve all of my... electives.

He leaves it at that.

“Hopefully those are two separate things that would never come together like that, Chuufa.”

Chuufa offhandedly wrote:

“There too much loving in world …”

The Varisian sellsword thinks through the things he’s witnessed on Karcau’s docks after dark during the last couple of months.

He purses his lips but doesn’t comment.

It is just one form of creation. I don't believe the means of creation matters to us that result in our obstacles. Even death is a gateway to more creation...

“Look! Plant and lichen bits have been tramped through by the opposition. Can you see it, Bam? Green muck from their boots has been splattered along the path, which we can follow if we keep our eyes open.”

Lead the way dear tracker! He stops just short of calling him a ranger, but it's clear who has the talents they need right now.

Bam hauls herself out of the muck. "Good work, everyone. And good eye, Manfri. Chuufa, you have *some* imagination. Sebastian, consider broadening your horizons. Being obsessed with one thing paints you into a corner and makes it harder to take advantage of all kinds of opportunities." As if he'll take a lecture from me. But I'll plant the seed anyway.

She keeps her warhammer in her hand as she follows Manfri along the trail.

Something tells me Sebastian don't need no help taking advantage of ALL potential opportunities.

Manfri shivers ...

"Right, team. Let's see what this caper has for us next."

Manfri takes point and navigates the group through the sewers. The orbs of magical light undulate with each step, giving the shadows a rhythmic flickering and a life to their own. Everything in this underground world has a green hue, a mixture of olives and sea greens.

Eventually, the sound of splashing water in shallow puddles is combined with that of falling water. The tunnel opens up to outside air, murky water pouring out into the sloughs of Graidmere Swamp. Mats of algae cover the stagnant water like a layer of toad skin. A bull frog lets out a long, low croak, as if to protest the thought.

Everything in this underground world has a green hue, a mixture of olives and sea greens.

It’s enough to make you throw up.

Take 10 Perception: 10 + 6 = 16

Manfri tries to keep his voice down.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

“The sewer must open up into the territory of swampers.”

He points to the bank. “There’s a heavy groove carved into the earth. See it, Chuufa ..? Where a primitive boat was probably launched into the water.”

“If this was the rendezvous for the escapee and his support crew, I’d expect an ambush to slow us down.”

“Let’s move to the land where we’re at less of a disadvantage.”

He hustles in that direction, listening to the others’ comments as he moves.

Karcau is on a land mass that juts into Lake Prophyria on the east and the start of Graidmere Swamp on the west. The latter is filled with intermittent land masses between sloughs. Island hopping is best done by some sort of water craft; the water level is waist high or more with a silt bottom that sinks a foot or more with each step. Ever lose a boot trying to take a step out after the silt has covered your foot?

Glancing around at the environs, Bam comments: "If I were them, I'd go deep into the swamp in the hope that those following don't have a boat. the water and muck would conceal a trail better than the soft ground around here would, too. Let's look around for another boat, or some way to make one. ... Any chance one of you knows how to build a boat or a raft?" I'm not going into that water with all this armor on. Not without a *very* long, wide straw, at least. While she looks for a boat or a way to make a raft, she also keeps an eye out for a good, long, hollow reed.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Yeah, I agree with you, Bam."

If it's necessary for Manfri to move from water to land, that's what he does. Otherwise, he stays on solid(ish) ground.

"Watch out for ambushes. If we're lucky they'll have left behind a rear-guard with a boat."

The ranger swaps his longsword for a high quality warhammer.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

This place has all the charm of a hungover owlbear. Oh, some non-stale air. Now we come to the swamp...

He follows Manfri up to the banks where they'll have an easier time walking along. He must spend at least a minute brushing off his clothes and muttering about the muck and the mess.

Yes, yes, let's find another boat. I'm certainly not swimming.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The Karcau shore is roughly carved clay dotted with tufts of sawgrass, cattails, and reeds. Additional sewer pipes can be seen in the distance. Trudging along the shore is precarious with hidden pools and moist earth that doesn't want to stay in place. In the distance Bam sees a raft tethered to a small pier.

I'll assume you guys commandeer it, but feel free to play out how or changes otherwise. I've added a slide for raft order. Please update it. There are 2 poles for moving/navigating; you need at least one person to be the pilot :)

Night begins to settle over the swamp, cloaking the dense undergrowth in darkness and turning the water's surface black. With it comes a clinging, creeping fog, rising from the water like a spectral steam. The fog surrounds you, its dampness caressing you like cold, dead hands. The swamp seems to retreat from the mists, its sights and sounds disappearing into some unseen distance. All that remains visible is the cold, choking fog. Even your companions seem far away. For a moment, everything is quiet. What few sounds you can hear are amplified by the surrounding mists: your own breathing, your beating heart. Then the fog begins to dissipate, fading away as quickly as it appeared, leaving you and your companions alone in the dismal swamp.

Menacing clouds begin to roll across the western sky like a curtain of black smoke. In but a few moments, the clouds blot out the feeble starlight completely. A storm is brewing-a very bad storm.

By now Sebastians expression has become consistently stern. As the fog gathers his head begins to jerk this way and that as he takes stock of his companions and his continued sight of them.

The fog comes and goes quickly in this place. Bam, we should take that raft quickly. Not only are we going to lose the trail but this place seems hostile.

DC14 Wisdom: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Wisdom DC 14: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

As the fog clears, Bam instinctively feels that something is off. Peering sharply around, she notices the subtle changes. The hairs on her arms rise. "Look lively, boys. The stars are in different positions, and the moon is closer and nearly full. Something strange is happening, so be ready for anything." (The spoiler is open.)

As everyone's looking up at the stars and moon, they begin disappearing behind the thick clouds. "Great. I don't fancy getting tossed to the bottom of the swamp. Let's find a place to beach this raft and hunker down. There's no point tracking through this storm." Especially if we've been shunted to a different place or time than our quarry. Bam is having a hard time keeping a positive attitude about the odds of success on this mission right now, what with the strange stars and moon. What kind of fog *was* that?

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Can she find a good spot to ride out the storm?

I think I misread some of the above. We were already on the raft when the strange phenomena began?

perception checking: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21.

wisdom checking: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15.

assist Bam on perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21.

"Fog be strange out over here- not like fogs back home. Too much weather in world to make place go odd like now. Storms still be worse so Chuufa helps to find good stop."

unsure of which skill to pilot the raft; possibly survival or profession?

I think I misread some of the above. We were already on the raft when the strange phenomena began?

Yes, "Night begins to settle over the swamp..." starts once you guys are on the raft and starting to navigate the waterways.

Raft Info

Sailing Check Diplomacy or Intimidate (when using muscle); Profession (sailor) (when using current)

Bam watches the horizon, directing the raft to several islets. Floating islands of vegetation collapse under attempts to dock, making the process tedious (and wet) under the dark cover of clouds. Eventually the raft comes across a bank supported by a copse of cypress trees.

Is the plan to camp here for the night? Although the clouds rolling over each other and filling the sky, there is no thunder or lightning.

How big are the islets, or this particular island?

Sebastian gives disgusted looks the entire time the team is trying to get the raft docked. He waits until it's possibly to step onto the island and remain completely dry.

He looks around to see where he best imagines a campfire.

We need warmth... soon.

Using her teaching voice, Bam replies to Sebastian: "You're not wrong, but I'd recommend against a fire. It would act as a beacon, allowing everything in the swamp to know how many of us are here, while they remain hidden in the distant darkness. Let's stay vigilant. Keep a watch. I don't fancy allowing our escapee more time to get away from us, but without knowing how that storm will affect our raft I don't fancy risking drowning in my armor. Now, I'm open to other ideas. Speak up if you have them, gentlemen."

No ambush – but at least I was right about a watercraft to steal.

“Looks like there is room at the back for Lamb Chops, Chuufa.”

Manfri hesitates before taking a position in the front of the raft. “I’m taking off my armor first.”

He shakes his head.

The ranger considers it a win to reach semi-dry land without a major mishap. “Good job, everyone! I think it would be foolishness to continue on the waterway in the dark.”

“Now, I'm open to other ideas. Speak up if you have them, gentlemen.”

“Not sure I’ve got much for you, Bam.”

Manfri struggles ashore and attempts to pull the raft onto something solid, where he can tie it up. “I’ve got dry trail rations I can share, but nothing to keep out the damp, especially if the islet floods. If there’s enough rope – and trees, I could maybe rig some hammocks to sleep in above the wet ground.”

The ranger keeps watch in his armor, but will remove it to sleep.

“Looks like there is room at the back for Lamb Chops, Chuufa.”

Chuufa eagerly pulls Leandrie up onboard the raft, adding "Leandrie can help keep balance on top of here... stay still, not move around so much, Leandrie..."

He looks around to see where he best imagines a campfire.

We need warmth... soon.

Bam Ambermaul wrote:

Using her teaching voice, Bam replies to Sebastian: "You're not wrong, but I'd recommend against a fire. It would act as a beacon, allowing everything in the swamp to know how many of us are here, while they remain hidden in the distant darkness. Let's stay vigilant. Keep a watch. I don't fancy allowing our escapee more time to get away from us, but without knowing how that storm will affect our raft I don't fancy risking drowning in my armor. Now, I'm open to other ideas. Speak up if you have them, gentlemen."

Manfri wrote:

“Not sure I’ve got much for you, Bam.”

Manfri struggles ashore and attempts to pull the raft onto something solid, where he can tie it up. “I’ve got dry trail rations I can share, but nothing to keep out the damp, especially if the islet floods. If there’s enough rope – and trees, I could maybe rig some hammocks to sleep in above the wet ground.”

Thinking on it for some amount of moments, Chuufa pipes up with, "Chuufa hears about hot rock that not make fire but makes warm when cold. Chuufa not has any though- Lodge only gives them to people that go into snowy places."

Pulling a Leandrie's bridle so the black-wooled sheep doesn't stray so close to the swamp water, Chuufa thoughtfully suggests, "Keeping close to Leandrie is good if she not gets soaked; she can keep us warm if we has to hug her plenty."

lucky perception roll for the new year, if needed: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16.

How big are the islets, or this particular island?

150' x 25'

Everyone, I don’t think anyone has skills to work a raft properly :D

GM, if you’d allow Survival or Perception as a Pilot skill, somebody will prolly volunteer for the job, but otherwise I’d propose picking someone at random to make the Pilot checks, and letting us know whether we drown or not ;)

We can use survival for piloting. I've gotten accustom to the PGRiS having buckets of diplomacy - funny that didn't happen here.

It sounds like the party is going to sleep using Leandrie as a pillow. I assume that means like spokes radiating out then? Any additional preparations/standard sleep procedures to set?

Bam grouses internally, then grumbles as she glances at the sky: "I'll take first watch. Not likely to sleep anytime soon anyway."

Very good Bam, wake me when you need rest! I'll keep the dead things off of you then by turning them into pets!

He smiles widely at her, then takes his place near Leandrie. With a flick of his sleeves, his dapper outfit converts to silk pajamas: purple with little skulls and bats in a repeating pattern.

Bam shudders. Sebastian concerns her. She really doesn't want to have to hunt him down some day. He's got such a cheery disposition. Why can't his obsession be... I don't know. Making hats for squirrels?

“Guess I can take last watch. Don’t know how much sleep I’ll get in these conditions anyway.”

CMB to use rope: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The ranger grumpily re-coils his rope, trying to keep it out of the wet. "Let's try that again."

CMB to use rope: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

If there are sufficient shrubs or trees on the island, Manfri will rig a hammock to sleep in, covering it with his warm swag.

Wet wool! *Blech* No, thank-you.

Manfri removes his armor for sleeping, but plans to wear it while he stands watch.

“Sebastian? Bam? Care to lessen the sweet talk? Some of us are trying to sleep.”

Also, if the party wanted to incorporate the sleeping hammocks on the trees stuff that Manfri had suggested, Leandrie can serve as the warmth-maker on the ground for those taking watch instead of a campfire. But that'd only work if the party has any hammocks on them?

Chuufa offers to take second watch after Bam, the Hammer Dame. "Chuufa can sniff out corpses and those injured bloodied too- but only if they're close...".

The repeating patterns upon Sebastian's, the Puppet Doctor, pajamas does amuse the disguised Shepherd Tengu greatly.

If Manfri, the Smart Leader, attempts to make some makeshift hammocks out of the available ropes, Chuufa can try to assist in the attempt. survival assist?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4. Unfortunately, his initial attempts aren't all that helpful though. survival assist, take 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11. The second attempt, if allowed, does work out much better though.

Leandrie can be tied next to a tree or have her bit and bridle be 'pitoned' into the ground if none are nearby. Strangely enough, bits of dark feathers can be found mixed in with Leandrie's wool on occasion - but not to any real noticeable levels. ;)

Sebastian’s purple ‘Jestercap’ themed PJs are enough to *snap* Manfri out of his mood.

When the Incanter’s back is turned, he nudges Chuufa and points at the silken sleepwear.

☠ 🦇

Manfri keeps an open mind about Chuufa’s survival skills. The shepherd is full of surprises. “That’s an interesting knot you’ve got there, Chuufa.”

“But if you ‘run the bunny round the hole once, and have her go UP the hole instead of … YEAH! That’s it!”

The ranger beams. “You’ve tied a Falconer’s Knot like you’ve got feathers yourself.”

Manfri sets up a hammock across two cypress trees. Moss drapes onto it at first, requiring several moments to cut it free from the branch above. The clouds roil and churn overhead (like a Bruckheimer film) in silence.

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