Bounty 8.
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The stoat just looks at Aeslyn with an incomprehensible expression (well, incomprehensible to anyone who is not a weasel).
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Karianamu Long-Strides-Over-Water is an incredibly tall and thin Garund man with jet-black skin and long knotted black hair. He looks gaunt, as though his skin has been stretched tightly over his bones. He carries a long walking stick and has a sling at his side.
"I am pleased to meet new friends as I travel these lands. You must know that whatever you see, I am an ally and mean you no harm."
As he speaks, it almost appears as if several things the size of a fist are moving around under his armour. He seems unconcerned.
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"Stay, Baxter. Good boy," Zalmora says to her faithful dog. She scratches behind an ear, a move that distracts her pet from the stoat that, invariably, it will chase. And sniff its butt.
The ranger looks every part the hunter. Her clothes are all muted colours meant to not draw attention, and her leather armor barely creaks as she moves. Her most impressive item is a recurve longbow, the leaf and vine carvings it bears hinting at elven craftsmanship.
At the greetings, Zalmora nods. "You're all Pathfinders, right? I got a field commission letter, but I haven't made it to Absalom yet to report in. It's been a long trip so far, but I'll get there."
Sebastian looks back at Aeslyn. 'Yes, that is where we are going. To the Grand Archives. Check your journal, you have notes about this.'
Though it is hard to tell, but it seems that her stoat is annoyed.
You're in Grayce, a settlement in southern Ustalav. The former country of Lastwall is a mere stone's throw away, just across the Path River.
Zalmora and Aeslynn — perhaps others of you — seem to be new Pathfinder recruits traveling to Absalom. Others, like Caprico, are a little more experienced and have already been on a few missions. You've already been there for a day or two, but there's no work or no easy travel to Caliphas, the safest next step on your journeys to Absalom.
It’s around lunchtime, and the only place to find a meal is the Ash Inn. As you approach, you see a notice on the door.
Travelers heading to Caliphas seek a group of adventurers of able body and steadfast mind to accompany them onward from Grayce. See the innkeeper, Jakivi Rindix, for more details.
Some fellow travelers are also reading the sign. Must be the lunchtime rush. Or, Pathfinders congregating at just the right moment for a job.
☀☀☀
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"I think you must be looking for the Grand Lodge. I hear that place is full of books and has an amazing archive," Zalmora says to Aeslynn. "I'd say you can tag along with me for the full journey, but I'm not exactly taking the quick route. That said," she stops to point at the noticeboard, a smirk appearing on her face, "It seems Kito has the right of it. It looks like there's a way to earn some coin and get closer to your destination."
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"Ustalav? How did we get here, Sebastian? We were in Vidrian, and then in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and now here. How did we get so lost?"
She thinks for a moment about what she knows about Ustalav, Caliphas, and the lost land of Lastwall.
"I suppose we could help out the poor folks. At least this time I am moving in the right direction, towards Absalom. I would be happy to follow you there, Zalmora."
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Karianamu speaks to someone unseen and then to the assembled group.
"Nana feels we would be wise to work together to handle this task, and my belly has not been full for some time. I am a friend to all whose hearts are good. You seem like the right kinds of people to know. For my part, I am Karianamu Long-Strides-Over-Water from a land in southern Garund that would seem very strange to you, just as this land seems to me. I am pleased to meet you."
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Capricio warmly greets his fellow Pathfinders, especially so any he has met previously.
He has a thick mustache and deep set brown eyes. His leather armor and cloak are the color of the night sky and adorned with stars and moons. He carries a lavender wooden lute on his back decorated with butterflies.
"We are never lost when Desna guides the way."
Regarding the note, he says:
"This is exactly the kind of work that appeals to a wanderer like myself."
Aeslynn knows the general history of the area, and that its promimity to the former nation of Lastwall makes this a dangerous place. Both skeletons and zombies are known to wander the border roads, patrolling on behalf of the Whispering Tyrant and attacking any travelers they come across.
Dense fog often blankets the roads in southern Ustalav, (where you are); this makes it hard to see who else may be lurking nearby.
You enter. A tall Kellid man wipes glasses behind the counter. Jakivi Rindix. How can I be of service today?
Oh, good. He puts an empty glass on the counter as he inspects your party. He nods to himself. Good. I think you’re the ones. The Graghol twins, Andri and Arek, are headin' down to the city. Asking for some protection on the road, because there's been some recent attacks on the way there. Leaving this afternoon. A nice lump of silver when you get there, and free meals along the way. And they make a wicked trail stew, one to write home about. You in?
☀☀☀
Jakivi lowers his voice. Alright. Let me tell you what I heard. Yeah, undead soldiers from the Deadlands ambushed a similar caravan less than a week ago. I think you're more than capable of handling it though… He seems unsure. Are you?
Jakivi directs you to the stable on the edge of town where the caravan is getting ready to take off. Sae travels!
☀☀☀
After stopping by the small market, you meet the caravan. It’s hard to miss the eclectic group of travelers gathered at the stables. Two half-orcs joke with one another as they load supplies into two wagons, each with a team of jet-black horses. The half-orcs are nearly identical down to the stripes on their shirts, though one has her long black hair gathered into a ponytail and the other keeps his cropped short.
The sister greets you: Hoy there! You the guards Jakivi sent?
She introduces herself as Andri Graghol and her brother as Arek Graghol. You can put your gear in the carriage here.
☀☀☀
There are three passengers climbing into the other coach.
First is a half-orc wearing thick-rimmed glasses and flowing robes. From his regalia, Aeslynn recognizes that he's a tenured faculty member at Lepidstadt University. He has a large notebook with him, and several quills and ink. He nods cooly at you. Xanthus Shurgun. I wish to better understand the agricultural conditions along the border of the Gravelands; it's important work. I trust you will keep us secure?
A stocky dwarf wearing a straw hat tosses a heavy sack of root vegetables into the cart. It startles the professor. The dwarf shakes your hands with a strong grip; callused hands. Eigil! Eigil Jorgund. Pleasure ta me ya! Headin' ta tha City ta talk ta tha vendors there, on account o' so many losin' business lately. Them roads're dangerous fer farmers like us. Lotsa folks goin' missin', along wit' them's goods. Tragic, I grant ye that. But a good opportunity for them's of us brave enough an' alive enough ta stay, tillin' tha soil.
Last is a tall Varisian woman dressed in colorful patchwork skirts; the pattern seems to have no beginning or end. She swirls the fabric dramatically as she loads a set of well-made seamstress's tools. She introduces herself as Kisaya Sitari, seamstress. I'm so glad you're here! I was worried about making a dangerous trip, but I must have the new season's fabrics and Caliphas is the place to get them. Thank you for guarding us! I feel much safer.
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"We will keep you safe. If we face any dangers, I will use my powers of illusion to conjure terrifying beasts or even appear to transform myself. Whatever you see from me, know you are protected. Remember that it is all a mirage, intended to scare off any hostile creatures along our route!"
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Zalmora shakes hands with any who offer them, also offering a few words of reassurance. Baxter mills about, easily weaving between legs, under the wagon, and even jumps up at one point to smell everything there is to smell.
She does make a quick detour to purchase some holy water as her one form of preparation.
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Aeslynn notices the young seamstress, almost rushing over to her, ”Oh, those skirts are SO lovely! What a wonderful way to market your wears! You will HAVE to do a dress for me, and a matching pouch for Sebastian! Do you have anything in a winter blue? I think it would go very well with my eyes! I am sure nothing will go wrong, we have Sebastian to protect us… nothing ever goes wrong with Sebastian around.”
The two ladies start discussing fashion, though it seems that Aeslynn’s might be a few decades to centuries out of date, definitely something she read about in a book.
She then approaches the academic, questioning about his chosen field of studies. She talks about his methods, and how he plans to segregate his test subjects, and the like.
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"We will keep you safe. If we face any dangers, I will use my powers of illusion to conjure terrifying beasts or even appear to transform myself. Whatever you see from me, know you are protected. Remember that it is all a mirage, intended to scare off any hostile creatures along our route!"
Eigil is particularly impressed with Karianamu. Well I'll be. I never met no bone-ee-fried showman before. I seen a circus show once, lotsa scary beasties but real 'nough. 'Least, the dung on'th ground were. As I stepped in it. An' smelled it. I think when th' dung's real, the beastie's real. That right, mister?
Professor Shurgun snorts derisively. -fied…
Baxter mills about, easily weaving between legs, under the wagon, and even jumps up at one point to smell everything there is to smell.
Baxter gets a stew bone from Arek, an instant hit!
Kito nods, ready to go.
Andri nods back at Kito, appreciating his businesslike demeanor.
Capricio greets Kisaya in Varisian.
"May Mother Moon guide us safely."
Kisaya is thrilled to be traveling with a fellow varisian. She shows him the butterflies hiden in the patterns of her fabric.
Aeslynn notices the young seamstress, almost rushing over to her, ”Oh, those skirts are SO lovely! … She then approaches the academic, questioning about his chosen field of studies.
Kisaya nods along with Aeslynn as she talks about old fashion, he smile growing strained. Professor Shurgun, however, is impressed that she at least realized he has tenure. However, he seems crestfallen that she hasn't read his theses Farmers’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Decision-Making and Arcano-Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices in the Lastwall-Lake Encarthan subregion.
The dwarf farmer snorts derisively. buncha hogwash…
The first day passes largely uneventfully. It's eerily silent out here so close to the gravelands… there aren't many animals about. The travelers are happy to converse with you as you progress. You may have noticed that Xanthus and Eigil rub each other the wrong way, and they have some rather animated but friendly discussions throughout the afternoon.
As the sun starts to set, the caravan pulls into a clearing to make camp for the night. As the members of the caravan begin cooking the evening meal and setting up camp, you notice Xanthus and Eigil are having an animated discussion:
—Under the guidance of the University we increased soil productivity in your region by over 6% in the last quarter-century, a significant bounty.
—BAH! I produce plenty 'nuff, right here with these here two hands! No one ever needed no book to grow a turnip! Why, ye ever even pick up a trowel, book-man?
— Of course not. The university has an intern program for that.
— Sounds like a fancy word fer 'free labor' if ye ask me.
— Your lot is to labor in the filds. I am an intellctual laborer. It is my lot to —
— Sit on yer behind eatin' steaks an' writin' jibberish in yer worthless books!?
— Sir. I never said that! That's not fair!
— BAH! All ye book types're tha same.
— You FARMERS are all the same! None of you understand
— Yer about ta understan' my
The two are standing now, shouting invections at one another. The noise echoes out into the empty gravelands. If you don't stop them soon, the racket is sure to attract unwanted attention…
☀☀☀
Aeslynn
Caprico
Karianamu
Kito
Zalmora
Aeslynn
Caprico
Karianamu - 1 success
Kito - 1 success
Zalmora - 1 success
Sebastian wakes the sleeping witch up with a little. It and a squeal.
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”Oh, you naughty little weasel, Sebastian,” scolds Aeslynn, and she is woken up for her little nap. ”Oh, I see. The academic and the farmer are squabbling. I am sure I am clear this all up!”
She stomps over to the two, and puts her finger right on the chest of Eigel. ”Now you listen here!” she starts. ”It is all well and good that you get your hands dirty for a living, but don’t you know that it is the study of horticulture that improves your yield? That is is the new varieties of your turnips and cabbages that researchers spend years developing that keep your crop yields always increasing!
“If they do talk to the people that do the work, how do they know if their efforts are having any value? And maybe, just maybe, he’s talked to a different farmer with fewer rocks in his head that has found a better pattern of crops rotation and fallow crops that can increase your yield even more!
“Why I’ll bet you haven’t even hear of using alfalfa and clover to restore the nutrients that your grains and potatoes need? Or that you should raise your chickens over your vegetable fields to let them fertilize and take care of the grub problem I am sure you have!”
She then steps back to address both of them. ”Now just you listen to me. My great grandmama would never have put up with this nonsense, and neither I! You two shake hands and agree to have civil conversation!”
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Your arguments manage to diffuse the situation. They both thank you. Eigil breaks out his turnip ale and he and Xanthus get rather tipsy. You have to hush the singing several times!
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That night on the watch, you hear crackling leaves in the distance. Just before dawn, a distant howl echoes across the plain.
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The second day is drizzly and damp. You occasionally hear sounds in the wood: such as snapping twigs, wind through the leaves, and the faint groaning of trees — at least, you hope it's just the trees. Xanthus and Eigel lean against one another in the wagon moaning about their headaches, sharing a waterskin.
Late in the morning, Kisaya gasps and stares off into the foggy woods, toward the gravelands.
SHHH!! Be quiet and listen! The wind whispers in the trees. There’s someone sobbing out there — can't you hear it?
You do a cursory search of the area and find nothing. Kisaya laughs it off as just her imagination, but she sticks close to her fellow Varisian, Caprico, for the rest of the day. He can tell she sensed something.
☀☀☀
That afternoon a whinny comes from the horses in the lead caravan. The bridge over a small ravine ahead has been completely washed out.
The horses seem spooked. They must sense something too… almost as if they can hear something you can't.
Andri and Arek are having a hard time keeping them quiet. It's all we can do to keep the horses from spooking and sprinting off into the forest. Can you figure out how to fix or get by this ravine?
Xanthus and Eigil approach you. My friend and are a little out of sorts, says the Professor. We need to get some sleep, and will help you however possible.
☀☀☀
Aeslynn
Caprico
Karianamu
Kito
Zalmora