"I agree meeting here early is a good idea. Perhaps we could take the lumber camp wagon? That would save a lot of time." ...
"I'll need to buy some food for the trail. Other than that everything I need is at home and I must be getting back to Mary." ....
Unless anyone has more to add, Effan gathers up the herbs Laurel gives him for Mary, and departs. On his way home he stops by Marley's store for trail rations.
Boring mundane stuff for anyone to read
He stays up late cleaning and arranging his tools, sighing heavily when at last he folds up his work apron. Then he gathers and organizes his gear for the journey.
Hors, would you be joining me, i am going home to be with Vicky. I might see about finding a mule for supplies, i can't see draging a horse into some pit. It might also be good for a small freinds.
He gets his equipment from his office in the back of the mill. He gets it ready by cleaning and preparing his weapons, doning his armour to check it fits right. He takes axe from it's case, sharping and oiling it, he checks the foncions of his crossbow, and loads up his bolts on his bandolire.
This takes him into the early morring, where he joins the group where they planed. He borrows a mule to help with the extra equipment the group will have
"I believe you all have a good plan going so far. Let us meet again tomorrow and I will ask during songs at the tavern to see if I can find us a woodsmen or tracker that could help us find our path once we leave the lumber camps."
Faldor would follow Effan sharing small talk about great gnomes of the past. The stories flow till the arrive at the shop where he picks up three days worth of rations, trying as he always does to get a discount he tells the shop owner of a tale where the shop keep saved the princess and retired with plenty of the feminine companionship.
After everything is bout and paid for he once again entertains the rough crowd that shows up letting them hear of great saviors that came from the common man and a tale about a lonely lumberjack who finds a tree full of gold and a nymph that falls under his spell.
When finally the last patron passes out Faldor finds his little bed and gets a goes to sleep quickly not thinking of the adventure that may soon befall him and his 'common' friends.
Hors, would you be joining me, i am going home to be with Vicky. I might see about finding a mule for supplies, i can't see draging a horse into some pit. It might also be good for a small freinds.
** spoiler omitted **
The only mules at the mill are the 2 needed to turn the giant millstone. With you being gone for over a week, the miller would be hard put to pay the lumber consortium's rent and taxes if the mill weren't running for that long. You could buy one at the shuttle station if you'd like but it wouldn't be able to keep up with the shuttle, so you would have to walk it to the Main Lumber Camp, which is an extended day's walk.
"I believe you all have a good plan going so far. Let us meet again tomorrow and I will ask during songs at the tavern to see if I can find us a woodsmen or tracker that could help us find our path once we leave the lumber camps."
** spoiler omitted **
During your performance, you notice 2 men that seem to be looking at you discreetly and not in a menacing manner, while not showing much interest in your story. One of them you believe is a cartographer of some reknown that works with the Lumber Consortium....
Keegan saunters over towards Faldor, grinning.
"So I says to meself, 'what's so special 'bout gnomers?' And I answers to meself, not meanin' to repeat, that they's the people we be send to meet. You kopat, eh?"
He looks back toward Raphael, gives an exaggerated wink, and points to the short creature.
Raph approaches the band of adventurers and gives the gnome a condescending pat on the shoulder. "Don't mind him. He wouldn't know a lemure from a pit fiend." Turning to the rest of the group, Raph grins and bows. "I am Raphael d'Adarrin. Perhaps you've heard of me? Well.. if you haven't, no matter. There's word going around town that you all are planning on seeking out the cure to the.. recent ailment that is going around. My friend Keegan and I wish to help out of the goodness in our hearts."
"Aye, sirrah, outer the goodness of our hearts, we is. Heh..."
Keegan turns to Raphael, whispering.
"And I do know the difference between a lemure and a pit fiend, thank ye, me cully."
He grins, displaying a mouthful of rather pointy teeth.
"Anything to rid me of safety, I says. What are we doing here, me droogies? Let's take a run!"
Jaden walks in the tavern and sits with the group Do we have everything we need to leave?
"I am not allowed to take the horses into the forest. Not anymore. Not since... well not anymore. But I will see if Da can spare them for a trip to the camp."
Hozs will stay at home tonight, packing a few days rations to meet with the rest of Laural's helpers in the morning.
This is happening during Faldor's evening performance.
Faldor pays little attention to the short minds and finishes his song before speaking to them as he takes a drink at his brake.
"Oh really? Now that is an interesting bit of news. Seems like we was just wanting a camping trip and the Herbiest requested a few herbs while we camped. But all that knew of our trip only happened to be in her offices of sorts and told none of our camping trip... So how be it you two... 'gentlemen' have found of our little plan for a night in the forest?"
At this he walks back towards the stage and begins playing a crude tune where the bar maiden seems to get the best of a would be suitor trying for a grab... And this grabber seems to match a description of a certain lumber worker that has just spoken too him.
"Ah, come now, we all know that there is a foul air plaguing the town. It matters not if you are going out traipsing in the woods for pleasure. The hezrou is gripping the gelugon's throat and making a stink, as my mother would always say. Let us just agree that it is important that these herbs make it back to the town, for all of our sakes. Keegan and I are very worried for the town; we don't want to see anyone die because of this little cold going around. Do you?"
Deception roll against Faldor's Deception, followed by Raph's own Deception. (1d20+5=16, 1d20+5=13)
...hezrou ...gripping the gelugon's throat and making a stink... mother...little cold...
Deception roll against Faldor's Deception, followed by Raph's own Deception. (1d20+5=16, 1d20+5=13)
"Righto, yes? We's nice lads, we just dropped a few eaves, honest. Me mate was just about havin' a butcher's, and cought yer little problem. I swears, gnomer, neither be meaning bad, like. See?"
Keegan spreads his arms, trying to be as non-threatening as possible.
So if what you are saying is true then only reason you’re here is to help?
I find that hard to believe from the likes of you two. But we are actually needing your help and your special talents... And you may want to cut me in on what ever you will be paid for doing this.
"Some how I doubt the two of you are doing this for the kindness that I've not seen shown from either for the community."
Faldor finally closes his last song for the evening and turns to them as he waves for his dinner.
"Though I think we will be needing your specific skills for this little trip anyways. And I think I should get a cut of what you will be paid to do so from your Lumber bosses."
Raphael's eyebrows shoot up. "How... how do you know what my... skills are, gnome?" Raphael sighs, knowing that he's been beaten in the game of words. "Fine, you'll get your pay."
ZZZzzzzzzz.
ZZZzzzzzzz.
~snort, roll, snort~
ZZZzzzzzzz.
Catharine watches on.
"Pay? Now, that's just cruel, me good droogy. I's just in for a bit o' fun, and suchlike. I'd rather be out in the timber, 'venturin', rather doin' somesuch thing as ... well... anything. 'Stryth is, I's clammed up with the company. Needin' some fresh air, like. You catch me, gnomer?"
With a smile he nods at the two men. "Oh and my name tis Faldor 'Brown Soles' Deferian Maldrige 'Quick Pluck' O'Gistoresh, but ye two can call me Faldor." He continues his meal. "We are to meat on the morrow near the herbasit hut I believe. Just after sunrise, if you would be so kind as to join us we can get the pleasentries taken care of then. Now if you'll excuse me my bed becons my name." And with that Faldor hops from his stool tips his hat and strides off to his bed chambers.
"Indeed..." Throwing a glance at Keegan, Raph sighs. "Gnomes..."
Raphael looks around at the emptying bar. "Well, I'm off then. No sense in tarrying around here." With that, Raph nods at Keegan and leaves the bar, heading back to his home.
What is the plan for getting to the logging camp? Buy a mule and hoof it or taking the shuttle to save 6 hours of travel time?
An hour before dawn Effan snaps instantly awake as is his habit, -- to avoid a mauling at the hands of his calico cat, Catharine. "Breakfast for you it is" he thinks, and puts out a bit of ground meat for her.
Then he checks on Mary. The old woman is rasping in her sleep, but seems no worse then yesterday.
Gathering up his pack he slips out the door calling softly, "Goodbye, ladies". He strides toward Laurel's happy to be his own master for a few days. Undetected, a small motley shadow trails him.
The next morning the group meets and heads to the Lumber camp shuttle, preparing to get moving.
The day is overcast and hazy but warm for the season, despite the sun's hidden manner. A fine mist is in the air, hinting at possibly more wetness to come.
As you approach the next wagon preparing to depart you see the driver, holding the reigns to the 4 hugely muscled steeds, looking back at you. He pushes up his wide-brimmed leather hat and says as you begin to load up on the cart "That'll be 3 silver eac...Oh, hello Hozs! Lookit her! Ol' Sammi is feelin' great" he gestures to one of the horses" Thought I'da been havin' ta put her to pasture but the extry salt ye told me ta be addin' to her feed is doin' da trick. If'n ye be needin' ta ride ya be ridin' free by me! I kin be givin' yer friends a bit o' a discount too. 2 silver each ta ride to the firs' camp. That be the main camp if'n ye ain't too familiar."
After loading up and getting ready to go the driver gives a flick of the reigns and a sharp "HIYA" and the horses take off like an arrow from a longbow. The slightly damp earth seems to be helping the horses instead of hindering them, and after several minutes of fast riding the party starts to relax, confident in the driver's ability to guide the horses and wagon down the straight path.
Off in the rapidly closing distance is the green canopy of Darkmoon Vale. In the fields you see farmers working the land as you whiz by. Soon enough the farmers' fields are left behind and rolling plains take over, an occasional herd of the stout, small-antlered deer known as Dunlied or Brush Colts can be seen cavorting in the tall grasses.
Knowledge Nature or Local DC 5
After a little more than two hours the trail finally closes with the Wood and you can see the ugly scar of stumps and debris that is common in logging locales. Five sturdy looking log buildings stand in a large clearing along with numerous wide carts and sleds, A coating of sawdust lies over everything. The buildings look to be a bunkhouse, meal hall, office, barn and a smithy. Three sleds, loaded with darkwood logs, look prepared to make the reverse trip to the one you just made.
"Alright fellers, yer here! I be guessin' ye ain't to be cuttin' so ye may want ta head inta the office over there" he points to a building you assumed(or knew, Jaden, Keegan, and Raph) was an office "and let ol' Pay Day know ye be in da wood. 'E likes knowin' who be out and about."
Faldor hopes down and rubs his rump as he lands rubbing feeling into his now numb hind quarters. "I'm glad I don't have to do that ride every day." Looking up to the teamster, "I envy you not my friend but thanks for the ride nonethe less you saved my legs a worse pain then that I feel in my hind end."
Looking around the group, "Well I guess we should se this 'Pay-day' fellow, what say the rest of you?"
Faldor's fox stays as close to him as possible without being a hindrance and looks wearily at the surrounding land and the men that work it.
Raph mutters, "Yes... I'm sure the Boss will be happy to see you."
Keegan's Map
The numbers on the map are as follows:
1. is the Main Logging camp
2. is the suspected location of the Eldest Tree
3. is the Ulizmila's Hut (the witch)
4. is the old dwarven ruins
On the wagon: Effan finds a corner to sit in near Faldor. After his initial concern, he leans back to enjoy the ride. After a few minutes a small multihued furball appears in his lap. "Catharine! I left you at home. Now what will I do with you?" The cat begins to lick its paws unconcernedly.
On the way he asks Faldor quietly," Who are these other big folk travelling with us?"
At the lumber camp: Effan stays close to the party. With the ugly logged out area and overabundance of big people, he's feeling out of his depth. Catharine also stays close, but always seems to be just under Effan's feet so that his gait rolls and lurches as he tries to avoid her.
Looking at the map Effan pipes up, " Is there a ford or ferry across the river below the lake?"
Faldor hopes down and rubs his rump as he lands rubbing feeling into his now numb hind quarters. "I'm glad I don't have to do that ride every day." Looking up to the teamster, "I envy you not my friend but thanks for the ride nonethe less you saved my legs a worse pain then that I feel in my hind end."
Looking around the group, "Well I guess we should se this 'Pay-day' fellow, what say the rest of you?"
"Dunno, me lad. I's thinkin' I'll be stayin' out here, I thinks. Ol' Pay Day isn't taking kindly to me and myself takin' off, see?"
Looking at the map Effan pipes up, " Is there a ford or ferry across the river below the lake?"
"No, droogy, no ford, nar ferry. Ruins the fun, like. We'll be goin' raound the big water lake. More walking, more 'venture, I think. Who knows what we's be findin'?"
He leans closer, whispering conspiratorially and grinning.
"We'll best watchin'. The big woods is not a nice place, nossir. There's moorsnakes. Crawlies. E'en som o' the faifolk. Tricky buggers, them. Maybe worse, O my brother. He he heh..."
Looking at the map Effan pipes up, " Is there a ford or ferry across the river below the lake?"
No, you are gonna have to skirt the lake. Most of the wood beyond the logging operations is unexplored except for the occasional Woodsman or hunter plying their trade.
A group of 6 burly lumberjacks come out of the bunkhouose, axes and saws hoisted upon their shoulders, and upon seeing the group, decide to saunter on over.
The larger one clears his nostrils into the layer of sawdust on the ground as he gets closer then speaks up, "Hey Jaden! Thought ya 'ad da week off. Takin' care o' yer sick girlie or sumfin? What are doin' wit a bunch o' sapling of de like I be seein' here?! HA-HAR-HAR, an' wee folk here too! Har! Ya be headin' to see da Boss, right? Ya know how he be liken to know who be in his wood... Ya know I tink me sis' has da same thing yer woman got...terrible flu or sumfin, but I be guessin' yer girlie is better now what wit ye being out here in da sticks agin."
Jaden joins the group just before getting on the wagons. He gives a half smile when he sees Raphael and Keegan. So how did you two get talked into joining this trip? To give us a helping hand i would take it. No, never mind i do not want to know, i am glad to have you with us.
I am still on leave for the week, we are on a bit of a job for the herbalist. I might have to speak to the boss if need be.
Jaden joins the group just before getting on the wagons. He gives a half smile when he sees Raphael and Keegan. So how did you two get talked into joining this trip? To give us a helping hand i would take it. No, never mind i do not want to know, i am glad to have you with us.
I am still on leave for the week, we are on a bit of a job for the herbalist. I might have to speak to the boss if need be.
Jaden joins the group just before getting on the wagons. He gives a half smile when he sees Raphael and Keegan. So how did you two get talked into joining this trip? To give us a helping hand i would take it. No, never mind i do not want to know, i am glad to have you with us.
"'Twixt me and you, droogy, 'tis hightime for a little outin', eh? Makin' maps for Pay Day gets me a bit crumpled in the brainpan. Thinkin' o' quittin', actual serious..."
"Glad t'hear the salt helped. Uhmm yeah thanks, we have to go find some stuff for Laurel. Lotsa folks been gettin' sick. 'Cluding Vikki." Hozs helps out with the ride and chats with the driver. Lil Squeeker sits under his seat, shaking off the occasional would chip from Hozs' carving. At the camp Hozs thanks Sammi and the other horses. He readies to head into the forest, but then remembers something. "I promised the Boss to not wander in the forest without his knowin'. Not anymore. Not since..." To the lumberjacks he adds, "tell the boss I'm headin' for the other side of the lake. Uhmm... we have to go find some stuff for Laurel. Lotsa folk been gettin' sick. Oh Yeah, I will bring something back for the camp.
No, never mind i do not want to know, i am glad to have you with us.
"Indeed."
The larger of the Lumberjacks says "Heh, sure thing Hozs. I'ma headin' over dere right now, matter-o-fact..I'll be lettin' him know ye got a group with ya too."
One of the men toward the back of the lumberjack group turns and mumbles something the guy next to him, drawing a sharp laugh out of the man.
DC15 Listen--
The large Jack looks back and shakes his head at the duo then turns back to Jaden "Good luck and remember dere be danger in dem wood".
Keegan sneers distastefully at the lumberjacks, then spits on the ground. He doesn't say anything, though.
Perception (auditory) check (1d20 4=10)
Raph gives a quizzical look at Keegan.