Mattie returns to the stables and prepares Istiqlal for the hunt. She inspects her new shortbow with concern, cleaning the goblin filth off of it and fitting it. "Not quite a sling...but these arrows'll pack a punch - I reckon"
She sees Gallus, Galstock and Foxglove by the troughs...
"Why Mr. Foxglove. Here ye are! Miss Mattie Leathersoles and Istiqlal are here and ready for the hunt! Now it seems ye ain't worried about no gooblins anymore are ye? Its 'cause ye've got the Watchful Eye and the Shreeky-Craw here to take care of business. Waddya say boys - ye ready to wrastle some boars? Yeehaw! Good mornin fellas! "
Seeing Ezren, Ensu and Kendrick walking toward the stables, Aldern mounts his horse, shouting "Come on boys. It's a beautiful day to stick a few porkers. As my old dad used to say...time waits for no man, especially when theres boar to catch!" With that he spurs his horse and gallops out the stables yard, heading South East into the Hinterlands toward the Ravenwood hills, beyond which lies Tick Wood at the edge of the Devils Platter.
Thinking out loud, Kendrick says,"really? His dad said THAT. Well they say the fruit don't fall far from the tree."
Then looking at both of his companions he asks,"are both of you skilled riders?"
"No, I am not." Ezren says as he climbs into the saddle. "Though I manage well enough." He gently nudges the horse into a trot to follow the others.
"Well, truth be told this is my first time time in the saddle. Although I've spent plenty of time in a carriage. But really, how hard can it be?"
Once they've caught up with the others, Kendrick says, "Master Aldern, I believe you requested a song, is that correct?"
Ensu grabs a pony quickly, and struggles to catch up. While he is capable enough when his mount is not overly stressed, he is certainly not a master rider. When he finally catches up, "Please tell me you plan on hunting on foot. I seriously doubt I could be of any use on the back of this pony."
"Ha Ha! Dont worry gentlemen. We will take it easy until we reach Tick Wood and then we dismount. We will be hunting on foot today. I take it you can manage two legs a little better? Now, about this song...?"
You all ride at a slow trot, heading along a well travelled trail away from Sandpoint. The land is mainly farms and outlying mills to start with but after a mile it gives way to more rugged terrain as the trail heads up into the Hinterlands toward the Devils Platter.
As you see the upthrust stony heights of the escarpment that is the Platter, Aldern points toward the top. "I am led to believe that a goblin tribe live somewhere up there; Birdeater tribe or something like that. Its said that there worse things ther too - bugbear tribes or so i'm told. I've even heard tell that the Sandpoint Devil makes it's lair up there."
Aldern looks toward Ezren, Ensu and Kendrick. "You may be interested to know gentlemen that I once spotted an ancient ruin on the far side of the escarpment; a tower of some sort if I remember correctly. Alas we are not heading in that direction today. A little dangerous I fear."
Kendrick clears his throat and begins,
"Today is a good day for hunting
The sun is bright in the sky
And nothing on our minds but one thing
That today a hog shall die
There's a wild hog in this wood
And sharp his tusks they do be
But roasted boar does taste good
And me and my friends are hungry
We are hunting boar with spears and bows
And cunning and skill a plenty
We go to where the wild boar roams
Today we shall take a trophy
We'll follow the boar to his den
And witness his might shall we
Among the bones of a dozen men
He will fight his last fight bravely
Tonight once we can eat no more
And dogs are gnawing on bones
We'll remember the mighty old boar
And know his spirit still roams"
Gallus shrugs at the lack of an answer to his question. He turns and secures his gear and the attempts to mount his horse gracefully despite his lack of familiarity with horses. He then follows the others out of town.
Kendrick clears his throat and begins,
"Today is a good day for hunting
The sun is bright in the sky
Giddyup now!!And nothing on our minds but one thing
That today a hog shall dieDie Hog!
There's a wild hog in this wood
And sharp his tusks they do beDarn toothy, y'all!
But roasted boar does taste good
And me and my friends are hungryHmmm That`s right!
We are hunting boar with spears and bows
And cunning and skill a plentyGo Get 'em boys!
We go to where the wild boar roams
Today we shall take a trophyWooohoo!
We'll follow the boar to his den
And witness his might shall weBig Piggy y'all!
Among the bones of a dozen men
He will fight his last fight bravelyOink oink oink!
Tonight once we can eat no more
And dogs are gnawing on bonesDarn toothy, y'all!
We'll remember the mighty old boar
And know his spirit still roams"Give it up Yeah!
None-the-less, after miss Matties accompaniment Kendrick laughs and applauds. "Gentlemen, it looks like I may have a protege! Bravo miss Mattie, bravo."
Ensu sits listening to the singing quietly hoping that there are no more goblins in the immediate vicinity to be attracted, but otherwise enjoying the skills of a master bard.
After choosing his mount, he slings his saddlebags across and resaddles the horse. Riding the horse into the yard he puts the mount through his paces riding as hard as he dares in the enclosed space.
Ride:
After he finishes he rides up besides Aldern. "Aldern Foxglove it seems you have an eye for horses. I think this hunt might be a little more enjoyable then I had thought it would." Patting the neck of the horse, he says, "This one is eager run." With that he rides over to where the spears are leaning and leans down and picks one from the stack.
As they ride through the city and its environs, you are pressed to say who looks more eager Galstok or the horse he is riding. Mayhap they are infecting eachother. The horse is prancing eager to move and the man seems fighting to restrain himself from letting the horse run wild. As you clear the city, Galstok lets out a wild yell and they spring forward at a gallup.
After a time he rides back and joins the group. "Ah, it feels so good to be out in the open and the wind in my face."
"So Master Gallus; are we to see another display of glaive work against the boar today or will you be showing me your prowess as well with a spear. Either way I am looking forward to being impressed!"
Gallus looks sideways at Aldern his lips tightening ever so slightly. "I will do my best to entertain you Master Aldern." The sarcasm dripping from each word. "Though i doubt the killing of a wild animal protecting it's territory is worthy of praise. It is merely an act of gathering food or trophies for those who are unable to face the real dangers in the woods." With that he slows his horse slightly trying to create some separation from Aldern.
"Oh yes my good man, I couldnt agree more...but like any hunt...it's fun. the thrill of the chase, the smell of the blood and sweat. Oh yes, I know you are someone that I can respect Gallus. A true hunter. Someone a simple man like myself could aspire to be."
He draws his horse in close as you slow your own mount, leaning in to say "I like you Gallus. My father always said that ther were two types of men. Those who deserve respect and those who don't. Well I can see that you are the former." He spurs his mount on.
As you move on through the Hinterlands, the terrain begins to become more rugged. Small ponds dot the moorland and insects buzz around your faces. White butterflies seem to be in abundance here as if a sign from Desna that she is watching over you perhaps. After another mile of the open country you see ahead of you the verdant line of tees that signifies you have reached Tick Wood.
After their run, Galstok dismounts and trots along side the horse to give it a rest from his bulk for a time.
Listening to Aldern and Gallus conversation, the grin fades from his face momentarily. He approaches Gallus after Aldern rides ahead, "Does this man realize what he intends to hunt today? Or does he intend for us to do it while he lays claim first cut? A wild boar would have killed the goblins that had him shaking his boots last night." shaking his head he continues, "Mayhap I was a fool for deciding to join this hunt, just for an excuse to breathe freely again in the open."
After Kendrick dismounts he breathes in deeply and then stares at the Tickwood for a moment before finally saying, "so this is the Tickwood eh? Let us hope it does not live up to it's name."
Grabbing one of the boar spears, Kendrick tries a few thrusts. It's obvious that he's not terribly comfortable with it. "An unwieldly weapon this, but as they say, 'When in Qadira...'", he says with a shrug.
After their run, Galstok dismounts and trots along side the horse to give it a rest from his bulk for a time.
Listening to Aldern and Gallus conversation, the grin fades from his face momentarily. He approaches Gallus after Aldern rides ahead, "Does this man realize what he intends to hunt today? Or does he intend for us to do it while he lays claim first cut? A wild boar would have killed the goblins that had him shaking his boots last night." shaking his head he continues, "Mayhap I was a fool for deciding to join this hunt, just for an excuse to breathe freely again in the open."
Ezren rides up next to the two warriors. "Keep in mind that though a boar, or any animal for that matter, may be dangerous many people who would balk at the thought of facing down goblinkind will gladly take up bow and spear to hunt said animals." Ezren nudges his horse to the left to keep in line with his companions as he continues. "Goblins, arguably the weakest of the goblinoid races, can be quite unsettling for most due to their very nature." He pauses as he looks around at the countryside, "Some creatures just want to see the world burn. Do not judge young Foxglove too harshly."
Keeping up with the rest of the group comfortably now that he has had a chance to get used to the pony, Ensu adds his bit to the conversation, "I suppose you are right, Ezren, but that doesn't change the fact that such people are borderline fools, not that any of us can say much since if we had been asked to hunt down the goblins on their home turf, we would have done so in a heartbeat for the right amount of coin, or even just for the thrill factor possibly, which is itself at best foolish and at worst suicidal."
Mattie trots up to the resting point and sees the concern on some her comrade's faces as they discuss the merits of the hunt.
"Meh. Who cares? We're here now. We're havin' fun. We're gonna have us some bacon with our beer tonight. The ticks ain't so bad yet...and the butterflies are mighty pretty. What more do y 'all want?"
She pulls out a bunch of dried fruit she nabbed for a handful of coppers at the market. She slices 'em up deftly with a sharp dagger and feeds them to horses and ponies.
She doffs her sombrero, shakes out her locks and sweeps the stray locks from her tanning face.
Turning to the coversation, Kendrick says, "gents miss Mattie has the right of it."
He winks at her and says, "darlin' you and I are kindred spirits. I can tell."
Gallus nods as Galstok speaks and is about to say something then turns to listen to what Ezren has to say before continuing. "It is not my place to judge the man Master Ezren. I merely feel that Master Foxglove is out for a show rather then a hunt. His comments of expecting to be impressed by my or others action when risking life and limb are quite different then having a respect for them. I, like Galstok, am begining to question his motives for this hunt. Unlike Master Kendrick and Mistress Mattie I feel he wants to observe us in action to see what we can do rather taking us out for some type of reward.Whatever the reasons I will be more at ease once we finish the 'hunt'"
"But remember Wise One, there is no maybe about how dangerous wild boars are. There is a reason these spears," hefting the spear in his hand, "have these cross bars, they will run themselves through just to rip out your guts given half the chance. I'm not quite keen on hunting such a beast with someone rubbing me the wrong way." Shaking his head as if throwing off the thought, "But anyways, as Miss Mattie says we are here to have fun so lets be about it."
Mounting back onto his horse, "Anyone up for a race to the tree line?"
Assuming anyone agrees:
Galstok will put his heels to horses flanks and take off.
Ride:
"Well Master Gallus, if Lord Foxglove wants to test my skills, and he brought me out here to do so, then I have to say the man made a colossal error in judgement. And if he wished to see your fighting prowess, I would have thought that the goblins would have been a more appropriate test...", Kendrick says and then turns to look at Aldern thoughtfully.
Aldern sees Glastok set off for the treeline and with a whoop! urges his mount, trying unsuccessfuly to keep up with him.
In a flash the little halfling is in the saddle and the pony responds to her urgent request with damn near telepathic speed, bursting forth into a gallop! They thunder ecstatically after the big barbarian and his horse....
"Hiyah! Ye'aint gettin' away from Istiqlal, ye big oaf!! Yeehaw!!"
With much less urgency, Kendrick mounts his horse. He looks at the others and says, "Well friends, shall we?" Then sets off at a canter.
Gallus nudges his horse forward beside Kendrick his eyes scanning the woods for boars or anything else.
Perception:
Ensu will follow at a more sedate rate, respecting both the pony and his own limited riding ability.
"There 'aint nothin wrong with a good ride, now and then. But I'm startin' to get a little itch in the saddle. I wonder when we're gonna see some action out here? Where is this Foxglove takin' us anyways?"
As you all ride on into Tick Wood you quicly realise that travel on horseback is not going to be easy. After a few short minutes Aldern calls a halt in a sun dappled clearing, coated in lush grass and with a small babbling stream at its edge. "I think its on foot now my friends. These boars will be in the thick undergrowth I think so horses are a no no. And anyway, I think they will much prefer it here.". He points off toward a trail leading deeper into the wood. "That looks like a good place to start" Aldern heads off toward the trail, boar spear held ready. "ten gold to the first one to bring down a boar!"
Gallus nudges his horse forward beside Kendrick his eyes scanning the woods for boars or anything else.
Perception:1d20+2
Gallus
Mattie looks up to the trees. Is there any high ground or place she can perch herself where she can look over the undergrowth of the woods?
Dismounting Gallus secures his horse to a tree branch then taking his boar spear he tests the balance momentarily then sets off behind Aldern. He carries the spear ready to strike any charging boars. He continues the foliage and bushes looking for any boar.
perception
If any boars charge Gallus he will ready his spear against the charging boar.
Grinning at Mattie, "No, Istiqlal has good legs. That was a fun little run. We shall have to do it again." Dismounting he does a quick rub down of the horse while waiting for the others to arrive.
Lashing the reins loosely enough the horse can get free at need he will take a look around.
Perception:
Once they step into the woods Galstok will be continously looking for tracks.
Perception:
If he finds any tracks he will attempt to follow them.
Survival:
As they travel he will be holding the boar spear at the ready.
Mattie looks up to the trees. Is there any high ground or place she can perch herself where she can look over the undergrowth of the woods?
Mattie Yes. You can see several good spots overlooking the trail that would make good vantage points.
Grinning at Mattie, "No, Istiqlal has good legs. That was a fun little run. We shall have to do it again." Dismounting he does a quick rub down of the horse while waiting for the others to arrive.
Lashing the reins loosely enough the horse can get free at need he will take a look around.
Perception: 1d020 + 5
Once they step into the woods Galstok will be continously looking for tracks.
Perception: 1d20 + 5
If he finds any tracks he will attempt to follow them.
Survival: 1d20 + 5
As they travel he will be holding the boar spear at the ready.
Galstok It would seem that Aldern has made a good choice with this trail , for ther deffinatelly seem to be boar tracks leading along it deeper into the woods.
Kendrick looks around, noting what the warriors are doing. As he dismounts and secures his horse he says to Ezren, "Funny how those ruins Aldern mentioned seem much more interesting than this. But we'll see what we'll see eh?"
He then removes his boar spear from the saddle and follows the others down the trail.
Kendrick looks around, noting what the warriors are doing. As he dismounts and secures his horse he says to Ezren, "Funny how those ruins Aldern mentioned seem much more interesting than this. But we'll see what we'll see eh?"
He then removes his boar spear from the saddle and follows the others down the trail.
Ahead of you, the trail widens, although the tree cover is now so complete as to almost make it seem as if you are inside a living cave. Suddenly, there is rustling off to the left hand side of the trail and the foliage rustles quite alarmingly.
Suddenly a blur of fur and teeth bursts from the trees and a boar dashes accross the trail, heading for the other side of the path and the trees. For a second you make out what may be a ruined building in the direction the boar came from, before the view is abruptly blocked as something else crashes onto the trail.
Dismounting with the others I straighten my clothes. "No thank you." I say politely with regards tot he boar spear. "I am here more as a spectator." With that I move into like with the others as they begin stalking their prey. "Bah, I knew I should have prepared an enchantment of light." I say as we walk deeper into the forest, the canopy blocking the sun.
As the bur and teeth burst out from the surrounding foliage I simply say, "It seems your prey has found you."
Initiative:
I calmly (and slowly) focus my energy, allowing my magic to flow outward creating a barrier to ward off attacks.
Mattie had ensured that the horses are safe and watered, with a place to graze in the glade. Mattie was climbing up a tree or onto a rock or high point to where she could look down on a wide area of the forest floor...
At some point during this time something crashed through the left side of the trail. Mattie quickly scrambles to her perch to get a good view.
At the crashing sound Gallus whirls to face the boar(?) his boar spear at the ready to drive through the animal.
perception to identify what we are fighting.
Kendrick will be looking for any high ground while he's moving, not trees to climb, but rocks, stumps, fallen trees etc.
Perception = 15
At the sound of the crashing he will turn to face whatever it is, with a mind to move to the closest high ground.
Perception to see what's making the noise
Initiative
Ensu will hang back, crossbow at the ready, watching for any sign of trouble. When he sees the boar, he starts to aim for it, but stops when he sees the bigger thing behind it.
Galstok starts to ready his spear for the charge he knows is coming, then stops as he realizes the boar is heading away from them. "Now thats odd what could make 'em do..." Whirling back towards the trail he looks to see whatever has the boar running.
Initiative:
Perception:
Initiative