"it's one of those damn rat-things! Hey, dwarf, i'm obviously not a big help to you, and i think you can hold her by yourself. I'll give this ugly thing a bit of bad luck!"
1d20+5=15, 1d20+5=13
1d6=4
"it's one of those damn rat-things! Hey, dwarf, i'm obviously not a big help to you, and i think you can hold her by yourself. I'll give this ugly thing a bit of bad luck!"
1d20+5=15, 1d20+5=13
1d6=4
"Ya mean the bloody little things actually exist?"Lost shouts incredulously, still struggling to hold onto the rope.
1d20-2=8, 1d20-2=13
Nano leaves the rope to Losk and steps forward, muttering an incantation. A magical ray flies across the clearing, hitting the small creature square in the chest. It screams in pain, staggering backwards into the cactus bushes before collapsing into a heap. Still panicked, Rothbard continues to tug futilely at the rope, struggling to be free.
After a moment, you realise that the foul creature is not getting up again. You're also aware that the black mood which has been hanging over all of you since entering the cactus thicket is lifting. Losk is easily able to steady the rope as Nuveril clambers back up onto the ledge.
Rothbard is still tearing back and forth in the clearing, bleating loudly as he desperately tries to escape back to the camp. Now that you are closer, you can see that the goat is severly injured, clearly he suffered some wounds from the cacti as he was dragged through the thicket. The pugwampi is a mangy looking thing, dressed in a few soiled rags with a tiny dagger still grasped in one claw, a shortbow discarded nearby.
Nano leaves the rope to Losk and steps forward, muttering an incantation. A magical ray flies across the clearing, hitting the small creature square in the chest. It screams in pain, staggering backwards into the cactus bushes before collapsing into a heap. Still panicked, Rothbard continues to tug futilely at the rope, struggling to be free.
After a moment, you realise that the foul creature is not getting up again. You're also aware that the black mood which has been hanging over all of you since entering the cactus thicket is lifting. Losk is easily able to steady the rope as Nuveril clambers back up onto the ledge.
Rothbard is still tearing back and forth in the clearing, bleating loudly as he desperately tries to escape back to the camp. Now that you are closer, you can see that the goat is severly injured, clearly he suffered some wounds from the cacti as he was dragged through the thicket. The pugwampi is a mangy looking thing, dressed in a few soiled rags with a tiny dagger still grasped in one claw, a shortbow discarded nearby.
As Nevrul reaches the top of the ridge, Lost holds out a had to pull the small barbarian up. "Well, that feels better, an' it look as though we may have found our culprit. If the bad luck that follows these things caused the man in the caravan to trip and knock an oil lamp or such.... Better take it back with us and show the rest."
"I think you are right. Looking at the trouble it ahs already caused us, it seems like a good explanation." says Nano while poking to the dead thing with a disgusted look on his face.
"Let's get back, i've had enough of this place already"
The pugwampi is a mangy looking thing, dressed in a few soiled rags with a tiny dagger still grasped in one claw, a shortbow discarded nearby.
Once back on solid ground, Nuveril approaches the pugwampi curiously. As she kneels to examine it, an almost tender look comes over her face. "You mean such a tiny thing had the effrontery to attack us? With so few defenses? And all," she glances at the panicked goat, "to gain meat for its tribe? Truly, the pugwampi are a noble race." Holding its weapon hand securely, the halfling uses the point of the dagger to draw a long scratch along her arm. "Die with your enemy's blood on your blade, tiny warrior," she bids it, "and go in peace to your fierce ancestors."
The pugwampi is a mangy looking thing, dressed in a few soiled rags with a tiny dagger still grasped in one claw, a shortbow discarded nearby.Once back on solid ground, Nuveril approaches the pugwampi curiously. As she kneels to examine it, an almost tender look comes over her face. "You mean such a tiny thing had the effrontery to attack us? With so few defenses? And all," she glances at the panicked goat, "to gain meat for its tribe? Truly, the pugwampi are a noble race." Holding its weapon hand securely, the halfling uses the point of the dagger to draw a long scratch along her arm. "Die with your enemy's blood on your blade, tiny warrior," she bids it, "and go in peace to your fierce ancestors."
Looking confused at Nuverils gestus, Nano says.
eh... You do realize that we were going to be the meat, right? And if there is more of them around, i repeat; Let's get back to the camp.
Looking confused at Nuverils gestus, Nano says.
eh... You do realize that we were going to be the meat, right? And if there is more of them around, i repeat; Let's get back to the camp.
At the mention of more pugwampi, the halfling looks back toward the campsite, a more characteristic scowl returning to her face. "They'd better not have taken my madu. Come on."
Gathering up the Pugwampi's tiny body, you prepare to return through the thicket - a task made trivial in the absence of the pugwampi's curse. Rothbard is still screaming loudly as he darts around the clearing looking for somewhere safe and desperately tugging at the rope which restrains him.
Can someone distract this damn goat while I get her untied? Then we can lead it back to camp. I assume it belongs there, not tied up in the scrub?
Can someone distract this damn goat while I get her untied? Then we can lead it back to camp. I assume it belongs there, not tied up in the scrub?
Can someone distract this damn goat while I get her untied? Then we can lead it back to camp. I assume it belongs there, not tied up in the scrub?
Losk shrugs when no one offers to distract the animal, and instead attempts to bull-rush it, hoping to pin the animal without hurting it...Instead, he slips in the mud, and sprawls at the poor beast's feet.
The halfling rolls her eyes at the dwarf's incompetence. "Do yourself a favor, old beardface, and stay out of combat when we meet the gnolls. There is no call for you to die embarrassed." She crouches, watching the goat's erratic path, then springs to tackle it.
Nuveril circles the panicked animal, closing in gradually before making a sudden lunge. The goat is too quick, however, squirming of the halfling's grip before leaping free and charging to the opposite side of the clearing. Still straining at the rope, Rothbard eyes you with a terrified expression, bleating loudly into the night.
"wow.. are we being outmatched by a goat? how about this. Me and Losk will scare it to run one way, blocking the way back. Then the rope will be free for Nuveril to cut, and hold and drag him back to the camp." Nano looks annoyed at the panicked goat "if that won't work, i say we have goat for dinner tonight"
wow.. are we being outmatched by a goat? how about this. Me and Losk will scare it to run one way, blocking the way back. Then the rope will be free for Nuveril to cut, and hold and drag him back to the camp. Nano looks annoyed at the panicked goat if that won't work, i say we have goat for dinner tonight
Losk looses hi patience with both the halfling, and the goat. He stands up from the mud, and face contorted with rage, charges screaming towards the goat "EEEYYYYEEEEEEEEE!!!!!"
Losk looses hi patience with both the halfling, and the goat. He stands up from the mud, and face contorted with rage, charges screaming towards the goat "EEEYYYYEEEEEEEEE!!!!!"
Nano can't help but shake his head and laugh when he sees the charging dwarf.
"Dwarfs..." he mutters under his breath.
"Hey Nuveril, hold the rope, i'll cut it while Losk is... doing his thing"
As Losk clambers to his feet, Nano prepares to cut the rope. Nuveril struggles to grab it, but Rothbard keeps pulling it free of her grasp. After a few abortive attempts, she can grip it firmly, holding it taut and allowing Nano to cut the fraying rope easily. Still panicky, the goat strains at the leash as the three of you reel him in. Eventually, you are able to calm him somewhat, holding him close as you pick your way carefully through the thicket.
Without the string of bad luck which afflicted you on the way in, it is relatively easy to negotiate the cacti. It takes a few minutes and you need to steady Rothbard from time to time in order to prevent him from charging headlong through the thorny plants. Nonetheless, you emerge unscathed, rope at the end of a short rope together with the pugwampis small, mangy body.
Nuveril's weapon is where she left it and the three of you return to the campsite without incident. As you arrive back, you see Garavel speaking to two humans a Keleshite woman in leather armor with a longbow slung over one shoulder and a tall foreign man, also dressed in armor and with a shortsword at his hip. He breaks off speaking to the two of them and fetches Almah as he sees the three of you returning with the small corpse of the Pugwampi. For his part, the cook Hadrod gives a shout of happiness and runs over to collect the goat, his wife trailing him.
"Oh Rothbard, you rascal!" he scolds the goat. "Wherever did you get to? I was worried sick.."
"He's been worried sick, Rothbard, you silly creature!" interrupts Hadrod's wife. "Wandering off like that!...You never know what might..."
"...be out there," concludes Hadrod, leading the goat away happily as he begins to pick cactus spines out of the creature's coat. "and look at you! All covered in thorns and prickles. Honestly, if it wasnt for these kind people..."
"If it wasnt for these kind people. Who knows what would have happened!"
"Who knows what would have happened." agrees Hadrod. "Mister Losk, sir. Thankyou ever so much. And you friends too..."
"Don't forget to thank his friends too," admonishes Hadrah, smiling apologetically at Nuveril and Nano. "I'm sorry about him. He's terribly upset you see..."
"I was about to," insists her husband as the two of them wander off towards their tent.
"Well, you mustnt be rude. You know how you get...." The two excited commoners continue chatting as they leave you to report to Almah and Garavel.
"So," begins Almah as she and Garavel join you, peering intently at the limp body you carry, "this is one of those pugwampis Dashki mentioned, yes?"
"So," begins Almah as she and Garavel join you, peering intently at the limp body you carry, "this is one of those pugwampis Dashki mentioned, yes?"
Scraped and bleeding, bruised and humiliated, Nuveril glares up at Almah and grits from between her teeth. "Yes, this is what killed your execrable fortune teller. I trust we can go on and deal with the gnolls now." With that, she turns on her heel and stalks away, muttering under her breath about fancy ladies who employ gnoll experts and then don't trust their proffered opinions.
Jaken and Parvenah:
It seems relatively intact, although there are some breaches of the walls. Almah had asked you to keep an eye out for a nearby, defensible position such as this. Consequently, you watched it for a few hours until it got dark. In that time you saw very little traffic, although you did notice a group of baboons entering - if Almah were to establish her base there, it is likely it would take some work to drive out the current inhabitants first.
You have just reported this to Garavel when the other three arrive bringing the rescued Rothbard and the body of the pugwampi (which neither of you have heard of either).
"Oh Rothbard, you rascal!" he scolds the goat. "Wherever did you get to? I was worried sick..""He's been worried sick, Rothbard, you silly creature!" interrupts Hadrod's wife. "Wandering off like that!...You never know what might..."
"...be out there," concludes Hadrod, leading the goat away happily as he begins to pick cactus spines out of the creature's coat. "and look at you! All covered in thorns and prickles. Honestly, if it wasnt for these kind people..."
"If it wasnt for these kind people. Who knows what would have happened!"
"Who knows what would have happened."...
"Jus' doin' our bit, wouldn't want the poor things bleats or smell letting Gnolls know we were here!
Monty:
"Baboons are frequently territorial. We could attempt a display to drive them off, but I doubt a whole troop can be driven off without killing at least some of them. And the meat is awful, so it won't be increasing the groups larder. Just..." Parvenah trails off as the trio carring the pugwampi body enter into the tent "By the sands! What manner of lizard dog is that?"
"Baboons are frequently territorial. We could attempt a display to drive them off, but I doubt a whole troop can be driven off without killing at least some of them. And the meat is awful, so it won't be increasing the groups larder. Just..." Parvenah trails off as the trio carring the pugwampi body enter into the tent "By the sands! What manner of lizard dog is that?"
Jaken nods at the rangers words wiping his brow against the heat.
Desna's Mercy, it's bleedin' HOT! Even the nights are miserable. He sighs. Still, this land is a wonder.
He turns his head as Parvenah trails off and follows his new friend's gaze at the bizarre creature. "Wonders truly never cease in these blasted lands. A moment, please, Parvy, if I may call you that." He jogs towards the odd trio pointing at the corpse of the Pugwumpi . "Oy, friends, what in the Nine Hells is that?"
Parvenah:
Almah raises her eyebrow at the retreating halfling's back, before giving Garavel a hard stare.
"Perhaps we should get Dashki to confirm this is indeed a pugwampi," he suggests, trying to divert attention back to the body carried by Losk and Nano. "Dashki! Come and tell us what you know." With that, the surly man stands and moves over to your group, his eyes wandering up and down the length of Almah's body as he approaches. With a grunt, he nods his head in affirmation.
"I told you," he states, spitting on the ground before him. "Pugwampis. Little gremlins will infest a camp, then sit back and watch as you spill your water, spoil your food and fall in the dirt."
Dullen, one of the mercenaries, jumps up from the fire and hurries over to intercept Nuveril, speaking a few quiet words - a serious expression on his face.
Nuveril:
"How about you head on back, apologise to the lady for walking off, and let her play Leader for a while?" he suggests. "We all know how things really work. When it matters we'll all do what we have to do. Here in her nice, safe camp - she gets to play queen. It's easier for all of us if everyone pays her the proper respect, you know? You've just solved a mystery for her - make her remember that, not that you walked off while she was speaking."
Dullen, one of the mercenaries, jumps up from the fire and hurries over to intercept Nuveril, speaking a few quiet words - a serious expression on his face.
DM:
Nuveril once again approaches the knot of people around the pugwampi's body. "My apologies, Lady," she says with a tight smile. "I meant no offense to you in quitting your company. It's just that I am covered in blood and grime from the fight and wished to make myself more presentable before meeting more of your excellent servants." She nods toward Parvenah and Jaken.
DM:
Almah raises her eyebrow at the retreating halfling's back, before giving Garavel a hard stare.
Seeing the look Almah gives Garavel, Nano tis trying hard not to laugh. He leans over to Losk and whisper with a grin
"She's a fiery one this Nuveril, eh? I'm glad she's on our side.""Perhaps we should get Dashki to confirm this is indeed a pugwampi," he suggests, trying to divert attention back to the body carried by Losk and Nano. "Dashki! Come and tell us what you know." With that, the surly man stands and moves over to your group, his eyes wandering up and down the length of Almah's body as he approaches. With a grunt, he nods his head in affirmation.
"I told you," he states, spitting on the ground before him. "Pugwampis. Little gremlins will infest a camp, then sit back and watch as you spill your water, spoil your food and fall in the dirt."
"or get beated by a tied up goat" he whispers to Losk, and puff an elbow in his side.
Turning towards the two scouts he asks with concern in his voice "Have you seen any sign of more of these troublesome little bastards around?"
When Nuveril enters again and speak her apology he winks at her and grin. Hearing her half hearted apology he sweep in a long bow before Almah
"Dear Lady Almah, please accept the apology. It has been a messy and exhausting night for all of us. We have already fought a hard and bloody battle" he points at Losk wound from the arrow "A pugwampi doesn't look like a formidable foe, but as we found out, it's capable of making even the most greacefull look like a troll. I'm sure that Nuveril here meant no offense at all." after that he winks at Nuveril again and flash her a grin, before giving Almah a respectfull look.
Parvenah shrugs "I have never seen such as them before. We were scouting out an old monastary a bit away from here. We saw a few rock baboons, but no evidence of life there otherwise. All was still."
To Jaken, Parvenah flutters a dismissive hand to his question, suggesting it is fine.
Almah pauses for a moment, weighing Nuveril's words before nodding once.
"Apology accepted," she announces magnanimously. "You have certainly proved your worth to me tonight. Zastoran!" she calls out to the priest who hurries over to join your group.
"See to their wounds," she instructs. "This place is too exposed. Tomorrow I need the five of you to explore and secure this monastery Parvenah and Jaken have found. I will feel much better with a stone wall between me and these...things out there in the dark."
"Ahh...my lady," begins Zastoran deferentially. "I'm afraid that my powers of healing are exhausted. The fire..." he trails off, gesturing towards the burnt out wagon by way of explanation.
"Use some of those potions you're so fond of," she orders shortly. "That's why I paid for them, isnt it? We need to find a secure base quickly and I'm not waiting another day." Dismissing the priest who heads back to his tent, an agrieved expression on his face, Almah turns once more to the five of you.
"I need you to rest tonight and prepare yourselves to explore this monastery tomorrow. With luck we will be able to move the camp inside those walls by tomorrow evening," she begins. "Also, we need to discuss your terms of employment in this venture. If the five of you are able to secure the monastery, I will grant each of you one hundred gold coins. Once we have secured all of Kelmarane - a further two hundred. I trust this is acceptable to you?"
"I need you to rest tonight and prepare yourselves to explore this monastery tomorrow. With luck we will be able to move the camp inside those walls by tomorrow evening," she begins. "Also, we need to discuss your terms of employment in this venture. If the five of you are able to secure the monastery, I will grant each of you one hundred gold coins. Once we have secured all of Kelmarane - a further two hundred. I trust this is acceptable to you?"
Anyone watching the halfling's face when Almah is done speaking is entertained for a while. Nuveril immediately opens her mouth as if to retort indignantly, then glances over her shoulder at the mercenaries, bites her tongue and stops, then opens her mouth once more only to swallow her words once again. After a few seconds, she settles into a steady glower but responds only with a grim "Most generous, Lady."
"Aye, ma'am," Jaken says. "the terms seem acceptable to me, though I won't speak for my new friends here." He nods towards the two halflings and the dwarf.
"Friends, we've not been properly introduced." Jaken gives a bow and a tip of his wide brimmed hat. "I am Jaken Doone. Historian, expert treasure-seeker, and occasional second-story man, though I won't admit to the last until I've got some Varisian wine in my belly and a woman to impress."
Unless his new employer has more to add, or the newcomers object, he motions towards one of the many fires to speak with his new companions for a while before turning in.
"I need you to rest tonight and prepare yourselves to explore this monastery tomorrow. With luck we will be able to move the camp inside those walls by tomorrow evening," she begins. "Also, we need to discuss your terms of employment in this venture. If the five of you are able to secure the monastery, I will grant each of you one hundred gold coins. Once we have secured all of Kelmarane - a further two hundred. I trust this is acceptable to you?"
"Eye, that'll do fer me, getting Kelmarane free of the hordes is all I need to see done. Anythin' else is a bonus."
"Root out some stupid monkeys for a hundred gold pieces? I'm in! Besides, i'm looking forward to sleep with a roof over my head. To many bugs and to much sand out here, for my taste." He says shaking his sandals to keep sand out.
"maybe we will even find some treasure in there! he says with an excited glimt in his eyes.
He suddenly claps his hand together and exclaim "So! Who's up for dinner?"
After dinner he will sit at the fire with the others, listening to their stories and smoke a pibe of pesh. With a stupid smile on his face he offers the pibe around "It's been a strange day. Relax and clear your mind."
Every once in a while he cast prestidigitation to make the smoke form a loop through which he blows an arrow of smoke.
Pesh is an addictive narcotic that has a mild analgesic effect.
Anyone ingesting a dose of raw pesh takes a –2 penalty to
Dexterity and Wisdom for one day. Pesh smokers enter a
pleasant, dreamy state of bliss in which pain seems less severe
but pleasant feelings are amplified. Multiple doses within a
24-hour period do not inflict additional ability penalties
but may intensify the narcotic effects, depending on the
individual. In addition, anyone ingesting a dose of raw pesh
receives 10 temporary hit points, which last for 1 hour, and
gains a +1 morale bonus to saves versus fear effects for one
day. Multiple doses within a 24-hour period do not bestow
additional hit points or renew the saving throw bonus.
Refined pesh has the same effects as raw pesh, but the
ability penalties increase to –4, and one dose grants 15
temporary hit points and a +2 morale bonus to saves versus
fear. The narcotic effects are also more pronounced.
Pesh whey has the same effects as raw pesh, except no
Dexterity penalty, no bonus against fear, and only 1 temporary
hit point for 1 hour.
"Root out some stupid monkeys for a hundred gold pieces? I'm in! Besides, i'm looking forward to sleep with a roof over my head. To many bugs and to much sand out here, for my taste." He says shaking his sandals to keep sand out.
"maybe we will even find some treasure in there! he says with an excited glimt in his eyes.He suddenly claps his hand together and exclaim "So! Who's up for dinner?"
"We ate but an hour ago ya flamin' loon! Ya know, before we went after than damn donkey-rat, and found the coursed goat.
"I'll goo now and sleep, and see ya bright an early in the mornin'"
"We ate but an hour ago ya flamin' loon! Ya know, before we went after than damn donkey-rat, and found the coursed goat."I'll goo now and sleep, and see ya bright an early in the mornin'"
"Let's call that pre-dinner. Are you sure? oh well, more for the rest of us. Sleep tight"
Parvenah takes a cue from Jaken and bows a litle greeting to the new employees. "And I am Parvenah Az'Hadria. I am a scout for groups in these stark, beautiful lands." She is relatively quiet, but does not shy away from conversation. She sits by the fire with the smoking halfling eating a bowl of stew with flat bread (as she wasn't hear earlier for grub.)
while stuffing stew in his mouth Nano regards the ranger
"Parvenah, was it? How long is there to this monastery? My feets are hurting sooo much from walking in this rough terrain. And don't even get me started on the wind! In these open areas how is one supposed to be able to light a pibe?" he looks at his pibe wich the wind has blown out, and sighs "See what i mean? I must confess that i'm not really build for a life outside the city limit." suddenly he looks as if he just remembered something "Oh, i'm Nano by the way, I don't think i've introdued myself properly." he wipes his hand in his shirt, and puts it out to shake Parvenahs hand with a smile on his lips.
Nuveril is reclining at the outer edge of the firelight, ostensibly to sleep, but she makes no pretense of not following the conversation around the campfire, watching her fellow halfling in particular with a mixture of fascination and revulsion.
Parvenah gives a small smile at Nano and gently touches the halfling's offered hand. The shake is perfunctory and loose, but her smile seems real enough. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Nano. The way to the monastery is neither far nor difficult. Once within it's walls, you should find ample shelter for your smoking leisure. If the demon winds are so prone to steal your smoke, you might consider a hookah. When we get the Pactmaster's trade city back open, you should have a goodly selection."
Father Zastoran soon returns from his tent with a small box containing a few potions in vials. He offers to treat any wounds you may have suffered and is obviously relieved to discover that nobody is seriously injured. It’s not clear whether he’s more pleased to learn that everyone is relatively unscathed or that he wont need to use any of his precious potions. The other occupants of the camp keep to themselves. The pactmaster guards remain posted around Almah’s tent, whilst the mercenaries talk quietly amongst themselves, making regular patrols around the tents to be sure nothing is amiss.
Hadrod and Hadrah fuss over the animals, chattering non-stop to one another as well as to anyone who wanders within range. Garavel returns to Almah’s tent to discuss her plans, whilst Dashki keeps to himself. He has taken the pugwampi body and is busy gutting it and crafting some kind of trophy which he is attaching to his staff.
Dashki keeps to himself. He has taken the pugwampi body and is busy gutting it and crafting some kind of trophy which he is attaching to his staff.
The actions of the gnoll expert draw Nuveril's attention away from the chatter around the campfire. She rolls to her feet and approaches Dashki cautiously, like a dog who is not sure whether it will be fed or have rocks thrown at it. Crouching some distance away, she asks, "What is the significance of your trophy?"
He watches Nuveril approach, continuing in his task. As she draws near, she sees that he is keeping just the head, dangling from the staff by it's hair, it's eyes and mouth closed as the tiny head swings back and forth. He shrugs noncommitally. "Nasty little bastards," is the only explanation he gives. "They've caused me my fair share of grief. Seeing this one strung up like this will cheer me up." He grunts a short laugh to himself.
"Plus, they're mostly cowards," he continues. "If there's any more of the vermin about they'll likely be sneaking around spying and causing trouble. The sight of their friend here should show 'em what they can expect, hey?" He gives Nuveril a savage grin.
Jaken engages in small talk with the chattering halfling, smiling at his mannerisms. I thought I was more comfortable in the city! I'm a regular outdoorsman compared to him. Still, he seems like a decent fellow, and honestly this job tomorrow seems almost too simple.
He notices Nuveril talking to the unkempt man. He excuses himself and wanders up towards the tail end of the conversation and stands near where she is crouching.
"So," he says to the man, "do these critters often travel in packs?"
zzzzzZZZZZ
Jaken tilts his head and listens...
Is that crickets he hears?