Lior slows and almost imperceptibly raises a hand to stop the others from moving forward too quickly. He searches his memory for information about giant frogs.
He starts making low-pitched sounds at the back of his throat as he uses the fingers on one hand to trace a pattern in the air by his side.
looks for a second at Haplo Let's see if I can get one of these things to relax, and then perhaps we together can calm down the other one so we can explore this pond without having to chop these frogs up.
Lior knows that giant frogs usually grow to a length of 6 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds. They have razor-sharp teeth lining their mouths and can use their tongue to grab on to things up to 15 feet away. These giant frogs are likely a mated pair trying to protect their eggs.
After Lior cast his spell, the targeted frog calms down noticeably.
Rolecks' words seem to further reassure it. The charmed frog begins to emit a slow low-pitched croaking that seems to provoke some hesitation in its companion.
I don't think these creatures mean us any harm.
Our presence here has disturbed them, but now that you've calmed them, I think we can convince them that we mean them no threat.
[ooc]Wild Empathy
As Haplo slowly strides into the warm stream both frogs watch him curiously. The spring quickly gets deeper as you advance and you find yourself to be waist deep in water after only a few steps. The feel of the warm water on your body is a welcome change from the cold and muddy campsites of recent weeks of adventuring.
After a few moments, the frogs seem to have seen enough to reassure them that you mean them no harm, and they slowly swim back from where they came.
Also, Haplo and Lior note that the group will have to set up camp again fairly soon and this place seems like it would make a suitable campsite.
Lior carefully places his scrolls, weapons, and clothes in a neat pile, and then slowly gets into the hot spring to relax. He lets his eyes close and slowly permits his awareness/consciousness to commune with the living things in the area.
He relishes this moment, and the silence, knowing that it is not long before someone makes an irritating snarky comment.
The group settles down for the night.
Lior gets out of the hot springs and gets dressed. He seems invigorated. He then reaches into his spell component pouch, takes out a pinch of something, sprinkles it over his feet, and chants something quietly.
You set up camp by the hot springs and the night passes without incident.
Pharast 12th 4708 AR
The group travels North-East and crosses the source of Thorn River and follows the northern river bank through the forest. As the sun is setting, the group presses on and exhausted but relieved, finally see the familiar walls of Oleg's Trading post looming in the twilight.
As you approach, the doors to the trading post are closed, but torches burn on the high walls beside the guardposts. About fifty yards from the fort, you see the guards on the walls peering down at you in the dim light.
"Who goes there?!?" one of them yells.
"Oh, it's you!" the voice answers back.
Moments later, one of the large wooden doors to the fort is slowly pulled open to allow you through.
As you trudge into the open courtyard, the familiar armored form of Kesten Garess emerges from his makeshift office. The commander of the guards greets you formally with a silent nod, his tired eyes betraying relief at your return.
Should I be worried that this place is starting to feel like home?
Looking around in the courtyard, the group notices a covered wagon that had not been there in previous visits. You recognize this as a vardo, a wagon that is usually used by Varisian travellers.
Light emanates from a small window at the back of the vardo and thin wisps of smoke come out of the top.
The lettering on the side of the wagon reads:
REVELATIONS OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Madame Niska Mvashti, Professional Harrower
Individual and Group Fortune-telling available
Hoo boy. Here we go. I can't wait to see what happens now.
Lior rummages in his backpack and finds some more herbs rolled in a tiny piece of papyrus. He murmurs a low sound, twitches his finger, and it catches on fire. He puts it to his lips and takes a long drag. After a minute, his eyes glaze over slightly, and he smiles.
OK, guys, NOW I'm ready.
He keeps taking slow drags. Suddenly, he gets a mischievous look on his face. He clasps his hands together, makes a jerking movement, and mutters something that sounds like "Zot!"
Suddenly, multicoloured flashing lights erupt in the space around them, almost right on top of Bill. Rolecks looks amused. Haplo yawns. Bill jumps back, cursing, and blinking his eyes. He tries to blink the brightness away, but it's almost like HAPPY BIRTHDAY is burned into his retinas...at least for a second.
Hoo boy. Here we go. I can't wait to see what happens now.
Lior rummages in his backpack and finds some more herbs rolled in a tiny piece of papyrus. He murmurs a low sound, twitches his finger, and it catches on fire. He puts it to his lips and takes a long drag. After a minute, his eyes glaze over slightly, and he smiles.
OK, guys, NOW I'm ready.
He keeps taking slow drags. Suddenly, he gets a mischievous look on his face. He clasps his hands together, makes a jerking movement, and mutters something that sounds like "Zot!"
Suddenly, multicoloured flashing lights erupt in the space around them, almost right on top of Bill. Rolecks looks amused. Haplo yawns. Bill jumps back, cursing, and blinking his eyes. He tries to blink the brightness away, but it's almost like HAPPY BIRTHDAY is burned into his retinas...at least for a second.
Thanks for the birthday post Lior!
For a moment you feel that Erastil is looking approvingly on you and are filled with a sense of awesomeness.
Lior stops paying attention to the others for a second. He's filled with a sense of awesomeness! He looks at his hands and for some reason he thinks he's outlined with a shimmering gold aura...so figures that now is the time to level up.
HP roll
Ah, a fortune teller. I've not had my fortune told since I went and saw lady Bulgaris. She predicted that I would meet a dark end. Then her goons jumped me in the alley on my way out....
I'm sure this one will be just fine though.
An ederly woman greets you as the group enters the vardo. "Ah, Welcome brave explorers!" she says with a thick Varisian accent. "Come for a reading I see. Well sit down and be at ease."
She then takes out her harrow cards, spreads them on the table and says:
"Time is a path we walk all but blind, glimpsing only the ground at our feet. Looking back, we see shadowy traces of what has passed. Looking forward, there is naught but mist. The Harrow sheds light on the path of time. Its cards are stepping stones, which we walk up and down upon to see what has been, what is, and what might be. These sights can weigh on a harrower’s soul, but they also grant great opportunities to change not only what might be, but what has been, and everything in between."
She pauses dramatically, then continues “So then, who will be the first to draw?”
Seeing the group's hesitation, Rolecks volunteers to go first. He leans forward and draws a card.
“The Hidden Truth!” Madame Mvashti proclaims with great delight.
“This card represents the discovery of the greater truth within. Rolecks you are driven by order and your heart is true and so long as you do not falter from your path, you have the potential to bring much peace and prosperity to these lands. However, beware, for this card also carries a warning: Your most dangerous enemy lies hidden from view, waiting to strike when you least expect it.”
Madame Mvashti shifts her attention to Lior, who leans in and draws a card.
“Ah, The Unicorn” Madame Mvashti observes.
“Another strong match… This card represents one who generously offers up that which is sought. Lior, like the Unicorn, you are fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, and mysteriously noble. But these qualities may also become your undoing, for your passion and solitude may alienate you from the rest of the world, making you an easy target. Only through friendship and great sacrifice will you find that which you seek.”
Madame Mvashti now looks at Haplo who is sitting furthest away from the table. ”What’s the matter dear? Afraid of Fortune tellers are we? Come, come, I won’t bite.” she chuckles as Haplo draws a card.
“The Crows” says Madame Mvashti her interest peaked.
“How does the saying go, ‘We may be through with the past, but the past is certainly not through with us.’ This card represents murder, theft, and the violent loss of that which is loved. So Haplo, tell me, which one applies to you; murderer, thief or mourning something lost? Perhaps all three? Still, rebirth can be found through great ordeal and the crow may yet become an eagle.”
Madame Mvashti finally turns to Bill, who so far has been sitting at the far end of the table, quietly oblivious to the revelations of the reading, lost in some inner musings. As all eyes focus on him, he seems annoyed at having been dragged in here by his fellows. Still, he draws a card.
“The Cyclone!” Madame Mvashti hisses. After a pause she continues:
“This card signifies an unstoppable, destructive force unleashed through the plots of intelligent creatures. Bill, you have much potential and great magical power lies within your grasp, however this needs to be tempered by patience and goodwill. Otherwise, I see naught but portents of war, arson and destructive plans in your future. I can only pray that you will not be the one responsible for orchestrating these despicable acts.”
"And now for the group reading!"
Madame Mvashti puts your cards back into the deck, shuffles it and then draws nine cards which she arranges face down in a 3 by 3 square.
She flips the cards in the first column:
First card: -> The Teamster
Second card: -> The Tangled Briar
Third card: -> The Courtesan
Madame Mvashti looks over the cards and seems to glean some meaning from it. Satisfied she flips the cards in the middle column:
Fourth card: -> The Owl
Fifth card: -> The Twin
Sixth card: -> The Eclipse
After some study, Madame Mvashti moves on to the final column:
Seventh card: -> The Locksmith
Eigth card: -> The Empty Throne
Ninth card: -> The Sickness
Madame Mvashti clears her throat and says:
"The past is obscured, but the Tangled Briar signifies an ancient unknown evil that has long triumphed in these lands and has affected all of your paths in one way or another."
"The present shows a duality of purpose within this group. The Eclipse represents self-doubt and loss of purpose competing against The Owl which exemplifies the harsh wisdom of the natural order. The Owl holds a needle that can bind life together or pick it apart. Your choices will decide what its decision will be."
"The future, like the past, is also very cloudy. The Sickness represents corruption, famine, plague, pestilence, and disease."
"This entire spread is filled with indecision due to the position of The Twin card sitting in its center. However this means that although things are uncertain and may seem dark, nothing is yet set in stone and you will have important choices to make in the future."
"That concludes the reading gentlemen. I hope it was helpful to you. That will be 25 gp each please." She says as she is guiding you to the door.
Heh heh heh. That WAS interesting!
He looks down at his hands, checks that the glow is still there, and chuckles quietly.
Thank you, Madame. I've not been so amusingly divested of a similar sum of money in some time. I particularly liked looking at the way Rolecks' nails are going to look in a couple of years.
Let me ask you this dear madam. Do i look like a retarded goblin? 25 gp each!!! You've got to be freaking kidding me! Bill can appreciate a good story but you' ve got a long way to go to have stories worth 100gp!! That s the price of half a dozen scrolls...containing REAL magic!!!!! Hey guys, maybe i should buy a couple decks of cards to finance this expedition.
Next time let s ask about cost before blindly buying the services of sideshow clowns.
Lior chuckles quietly again, and says under his breath
Patience and goodwill...hmm...
You make your way to your lodgings and lie down in a bed again for the first time in several days. The night passes without incident.
Pharast 13th 4708 AR
The sun is out this morning and it feels like it is going to be a relatively warm Spring day.
Any troubles while we were away?
"No bandit sightings since you cleared out that bandit camp. The trappers have also been saying that things have quieted down quite a bit since you came along. That reminds me, I've got something for you."
Kesten motions for you to follow him into his office. Once inside he takes out a key and opens the chest beside his bed. He takes out a bag and hands it to you, saying "This came two days ago while you were away."
The gleam of gold meets your eyes as you look inside the bag.
"This... also came with it." he says as he hands you a rolled up parchment with the official seal of Restov on it.
Looking somewhat concerned, Kesten silently waits for you to open and read it.
The parchment states:
It has been determined by the High Court of Restov that the criminal operating in the Stolen Lands known as the Stag Lord is guilty of egregious bandit activity and defiance of the great land of Brevoy, and as such shall be put to death by sword or rope as is the law.
The bearers of this Charter shall not be hindered in the execution of this sentence, and operating under the authority of the High Court, are promised a reward of no less than 5,000 pieces of gold for the death or capture of the individual known as the Stag Lord.
So witnessed under the justice of the High Court of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
Lior wakes up, feeling much refreshed. He dresses quickly and goes out to find Jhod, eager to tell his brother that the ruined temple is now ready to be consecrated again. He makes a mental note to ask Oleg what he has in stock now that the group has got a little gold; he needs more material to scribe scrolls, as well as various other things.
Lior finds Jhod Kavken wandering aimlessly around the trading post with a distant look in his eyes. As Lior moves in to talk, he narrowly avoids colliding with the priest, who seemed not to have taken note of his presence.
Jhod absent-mindedly mutters an apology, preparing to move on, but recognizing Lior his vacant expression suddenly changes to excitement. "Oh, Lior, it's you! he blurts out. Welcome back!! What happened? Did you find the temple? And what about the bear?"
As Lior relates his story, Jhod listens with rapt attention. The tale finished, Jhod looks visibly relieved, as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
Perhaps this land may yet give me a new beginning.” he whispers hopefully to himself, then remembering where he is, he clears his throat and says ”Thank you for clearing the temple of evil and putting its guardian to rest. I shall not forget what you and the others have done.
Haplo finishes reading the Stag Lord's charter.
"It looks like more blood will be shed before this land is settled." Kesten Garess observes grimly. He closes the chest and leads you towards the door.
"Any sign of Falgrim?" he asks as you are about to leave.
-He'll be doing a little bit of spell research
-He'll be writing a bunch of scrolls
-He'd like to do something about the broken bridge but probably wouldn't be prepared to spend any of his own money on this. He'll see if anybody would be prepared to finance a bridge fixing expedition.
-He'll be looking for cigars and loose women
-Rest and some mild patrolling/talking to guards, people
-Checking up on Oleg and Svetlana
-Playing and sparring with Midna in the field outside the gate
-Finding three nice pieces of wood to start chiseling
Lior feels invigorated after his meeting with Jhod. He makes a mental note to go by periodically. He goes and finds Oleg, tells him he wants to buy material for ten scrolls, and then asks him what other potentially interesting equipment he has in stock. As Oleg takes him to the storeroom, Lior makes a mental note to ask the others when they can leave - he's eager to return to the wild...they've got kobolds to pacify, a wedding ring to find, Falgrim to drag back, and lots more to do.
We have not found Falgrim yet Kesten, but we have not forgotten your request. We will find him, and we will bring him to justice. Our group may come across as... unorthodox, but my companions are decent men. And a decent wolf.
Now, please excuse me, I have a few things I need to do.
Here is Bill's plans for the next couple of days:
-He'll be doing a little bit of spell research
-He'll be writing a bunch of scrolls
-He'd like to do something about the broken bridge but probably wouldn't be prepared to spend any of his own money on this. He'll see if anybody would be prepared to finance a bridge fixing expedition.
-He'll be looking for cigars and loose women
Bill is awakened by Rolecks' loud snoring. Annoyed, he gathers his stuff and stomps out of the room while Rolecks snores away unperturbed.
As Bill comes out of the cabin, he inattentively pats down his robes for some leftover tobacco. Looking around, he notices Haplo talking to Kesten Garess as they come out of his office. Turning towards Oleg's, he spots Lior going into the trading post.
As Bill is considering what path to take, Svetlana comes around the corner carrying a large bundle of linens and bumps into him. She looks over the bundle apologetically and then recognizing Bill says excitedly:
"Oh, thank Erastil that you boys made it safely back! You were gone for so long, we were beginning to worry."
We have not found Falgrim yet Kesten, but we have not forgotten your request. We will find him, and we will bring him to justice. Our group may come across as... unorthodox, but my companions are decent men. And a decent wolf.
Now, please excuse me, I have a few things I need to do.
Haplo leaves Kesten's office and sees Svetlana talking to... Bill!?!
As he is about to move on, a new poster on the bulletin board on the side of the trading post catches his eye. It sports a crude drawing of a mean looking boar and reads:
WANTED: TUSKGUTTER
This huge bastard boar tore my leg off a year ago, and now I want him dead. I'll give Heartseeker, my masterwork longbow along with six magical arrows to anyone who can bring me back this monster pig's head. I'll even share the head cheese that I plan to make out of the trophy.
--Vekkel Benzen
Lior feels invigorated after his meeting with Jhod. He makes a mental note to go by periodically. He goes and finds Oleg, tells him he wants to buy material for ten scrolls, and then asks him what other potentially interesting equipment he has in stock. As Oleg takes him to the storeroom, Lior makes a mental note to ask the others when they can leave - he's eager to return to the wild...they've got kobolds to pacify, a wedding ring to find, Falgrim to drag back, and lots more to do.
Oleg greets you in a coarse but welcoming manner as you enter the trading post. You notice that although Oleg was initially suspicious of the group, he has now warmed up considerably. You also recognize that, out of everyone in the group, Oleg seems to share a certain kinship with you. You suspect that your motives for seeking out a new life in the Stolen Land is not entirely different.
As you ask him for supplies for the scrolls, he produces the materials from behind the counter.
When you ask him about interesting equipment, Oleg states that it depends on what you are looking for. He takes you to the storeroom and lists off the magic items that he has available:
"Healing Potion for 300 gp" -> Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
"Magic Stick for 375 gp" -> Wand of Jump with 25 charges remaining
"Magic Feather for 400 gp" -> Feather token, tree
"Magic Ring for 2000 gp" -> Ring of Protection +1
He finishes and says "Of course if you're looking for anything specific, I can always try to place an order in to Restov. Should be here in about a week."
While Lior is looking at the magical items, Oleg turns his gaze toward an old battleaxe lying beside a dusty suit of armor. For a moment he seems lost in a memory.
He then turns towards you and says, "You ever hear of Tatzlwyrms?"
Your knowledge of nature easily brings to mind a description of the beasts: Six feet in length and with two forelimbs, Tatzlwyrms are large reptiles that are distantly related to dragons. They are rumored to inhabit the Narlmarch Forest.
"The way everyone talks about 'em, you'd think they were swarming throughout the Stolen Lans, but that isn't the case. They're actually quite rare! If any of you manage to slay one of them and bring me back it's head, I'll give you 600 gp in store credit!"
-Rest and some mild patrolling/talking to guards, people
-Checking up on Oleg and Svetlana
-Playing and sparring with Midna in the field outside the gate
-Finding three nice pieces of wood to start chiseling
Rolecks wakes up to Midna licking his face lovingly. Feeling rejuvenated from your rest, you walk out of the cabin. You watch bemusedly as Bill, who is in his usual pissy morning mood, collides with Svetlana. Taking this opportunity, you slip away unseen with Midna for a brisk morning stroll.
Reaching the gate, you see two guards standing there chatting. Before you know it, Midna runs up to one of them, jumps up and knocks him over. She then proceeds to wrestle with him playfully. As you approach, you see the guard is blushing visibly while his friend backs away astonished.
”I saw her leave the stables last night during my watch. I figured she was hungry, so I found her a bit of meat from the guards’ pantry. My father is a hound-master in Restov, so I couldn’t resist playing with her a bit” the guard on the ground says. He gets up and dust himself off before continuing:
“Hi, I'm Marcus and this is Francis.” indicating the other guard.
Hey, you’re one of those explorers right? says Francis. ”Say, is it true that the reason some of the bandits wear silver amulets in the shape of a stag’s skull is that they are really worshipping a hideous animal demon?”
”What I’ve heard is that a group of evil monks and priests of Gyronna used to dwell where the Stag Lord’s fort is on the northern shore of the Tuskwater Lake. I bet that they’re the real force behind the bandits.” states Marcus.
They then both look at you expectantly, hoping that you can shed some light on their argument.
As you ask him for supplies for the scrolls, he produces the materials from behind the counter.
When you ask him about interesting equipment, Oleg states that it depends on what you are looking for. He takes you to the storeroom and lists off the magic items that he has available:
"Healing Potion for 300 gp" -> Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
"Magic Stick for 375 gp" -> Wand of Jump with 25 charges remaining
"Magic Feather for 400 gp" -> Feather token, tree
"Magic Ring for 2000 gp" -> Ring of Protection +1
He finishes and says "Of course if you're looking for anything specific, I can always try to place an order in to Restov. Should be here in about a week."
Sorry - that last post was hard to read...here is what I meant:
Lior looks at Oleg. Really? You can put an order in for magical items? I'll tell you, I WAS looking for a magic stick, but a different kind...we would probably do well with a stick that heals wounds. Do you think you'd be able to get your hands on one of those?
After Oleg’s, the group traveled East and came to Grim Orlivanch’s Cabin. They informed Grim about his brother’s death and Grim provided them with a map of the region. Over the next few days, the group traveled through and explored the lands of the Northern Kamelands. Eventually they came upon the Old Sycamore Tree and defeated the clan of mites that had infested it. Within the lair of the mites, the group found a wounded and unconscious kobold warrior that they brought with them. That night, while camping in the Moon Radish Patch on the way back to Bokken’s hut, the group was attacked by wolves. Following the battle, the rest of the night passed without incident.
Pharast 17th, 4708 AR
As you are getting ready to leave in the morning, the tied up kobold gives a great yawn as it starts to wake up. Looking around with sleepy eyes, the kobold seems initially dumbfounded by the sight of the open sky and surrounding trees.
As the group draws nearer, the still tied up kobold sits up, and realizing its current predicament, its eyes widen with fear. Panicked it exclaims in a high pitched voice:
”Most Honorably Pale Smooth Ones! Begging you stay weapons that hands are waiting to swing! Mikmek is wishing you well have no want for the fighting only wishing me is to help tribe accidentally very bad devil curses from stolen by blue bad-bads is Old Sharptooth, but Narl is now bits and burned up by angry shaman Tartuk. Jarrdreg get yellow and drop dead too. Most tearful is we Sootscales now and Chief is worried that curses is most tiny, but still danger being, but soon curses become bigness and bad bigness curses dangerous! But solving exists: Mikmek find and return Old Sharptooth to tribe…”
He stops for a moment, looks down and lets out a sigh. Then with a look of shame, looks up again at the group and says:
”But Mikmek fail, ambushed by blue bad-bads… and rescued? You strong bigness are, and me weak and tiny, you helping my brave heroes to finding Old Sharptooth and for you many treasures from Chief Sootscale! You accept, yes?”
Perhaps we can help you and your tribe out, but it will not be easy. It was certainly quite dangerous rescuing you from those evil mites.