"I admit, I keep mostly to the House of Blue Stones during the day and there is little time, such as this, to meet new people. As for this outing, I feel an opportunity to put my training to the test, and make the world a better place."
He shifts in the saddle, he can already feel the soreness in his rump as motion of the pony grinds his bones.
"Not much, truly," Horace answers. "The swamp is dense and tangled, making it incredibly easy to get lost. No one has really explored much of the swamp for many years - there is nothing worth discovering." Horace brushes his hair out of his face before continuing. "You heard about Proudstump - Walthus Proudstump - right? He has made a home in the swamp and is probably the one to talk to for real information. A fishing trail right off this road we're on leads to his shack."
There is nothing out of the ordinary. The ride is perfectly boring.
After a bout 20 minutes, Horace turns to the group, and says, "We're nearly there. You have a couple of options. You can head straight into the swamp from the new fishing trail. As I was sharing with Sevastein, that will lead directly to Proudstump's shack. Also, there's a somewhat sizable cliff on the south of the swamp that would give you a relatively good view of the whole marsh and its major waterways." He pauses. "Alternatively, there's an old fishing trail, but it's not used much anymore. It leads directly to the village. I'd advise to avoid that route. So, where should we head?"
Listening carefully to Horace's options and after a bit of consideration weighted heavily by the thought of snakes, Kallista chimes in with her two coppers.
"Well, I say that if we can avoid this Walthus fellow that I am all for it, I truly am. But if he will help us beat those lousy Licktoads then I s'pose I'll have to risk ending up in the belly of one of his pets." although she's clearly not at all motivated about visiting the hermit halfling, she's putting up as brave a front as she can.
"You spoke a bit ominously of a second, older fishing trail. You did. Why should we avoid that route?"
"Ever since the goblins took up residence in the Marsh, that ol' Fishing Trail isn't quite as safe as it used to be. If the rest of you are in favor of heading to Proudfoot, we're nearly there."
"Not so much in favor...Nope... But I agree with Tobar we should check in on Walthus!"
The squeakiness in Kallista's voice betrays her conviction, but she otherwise looks ready enough.
Whispering to Sunflower and petting the ponies neck before they depart...
"As much as I would like to avoid the snakes, we should check in on Mr. Proudstump. He may also have valuable information about the swamp and the goblin's location. After that I think the cliff may give us a better lay of the land." The monk swats at a fly buzzing around the pony's rump.
Hearing Kallista's whispered message to the pony, he suddenly has a great urge to be on the ground, but remains seated for now.
Theo allows his companions to voice their opinions. There is a vague smile on his face when he speaks: "I believe it would be a good course of action to first get acquainted with Mr. Proudstump. Seeing the swamp from a higher vantage point could also be an advantage."
He turns to Horace. "Where is the mouth of this fishing trail?"
Kallista cheerfully sticks her tongue out at Tobar, but looks significantly more relaxed at his promise not to linger nonetheless.
At Theo's question, Horace says, "We're there." He's pointing to a clear trail leading from the road into the dense trees of the swamp. "You can leave the horses here and I'll mind after them. As agreed, if you're not back in two days' time, I'll head back to Sandpoint and get you some assistance. Do be careful in there."
You make your way down the trail. It's incredibly well-traveled, making the journey relatively easy-going. After only a few minutes of walking, you leave the open fields the Ashen Moor and enter the marsh.
The difference is instantaneously noticeable. The entire Marsh is fantastically overgrown with vegetation – a tangle of nettles, reeds, and other swamp plants often supplemented by larger vegetation – cypress, eucalyptus, oak, and willow trees mostly. The swamp is a spooky and oppressive place. You walk through frequent patches of fog, and animal calls that might be soothing elsewhere take on a strange, almost menacing tone in the dripping wetland. Those of you on the alert are frequently faced with sudden movement in the underbrush or in the tree canopy above. Sometimes you hear the splashing of something large wading through the swamp just out of sight, or eerie low growls and bellows from deeper in the swamp.
Given the frequent stretches of muddy bogs and snaking waterways, moving through the marsh is a tiring and frustrating procedure.
The larger waterways along the trail, which otherwise would require swimming, have bridges built across them. These bridges tend to be soggy wooden affairs with mossy surfaces and a few missing planks. Although they look treacherous, they seem to hold your weight and are safe to cross.
The disturbing atmosphere of the place is not helped when you come across the fresh corpse of a strangely mutilated deer, its head missing and deep scratches across the flanks. Next to the body is a soggy three-toed footprint, slowly filling with water as if whatever made the print only recently passed by, but a search discovers neither trail nor predator.
After an exhausting, but otherwise uneventful slog that crosses three of the bridges and uncountable small creeks and vast patches of mud – mud that seems determined to coat your clothes and seep inside them whenever possible – the soggy trail winds its way up to a swampy lagoon. The open ocean is visible just beyond these shallow waters, while an old two-story building, its walls covered with moss and its roof sagging with age, sits on the lagoon’s eastern shore. Based on what you know, it seems near certain that this is the dwelling of Walthus Proudstump, the self-appointed “swamp warden.”
Kallista climbs off Sunflower and gives the pony a hug before turning her over to the care of Horace. "Keep a good eye on her Horace," she says, a bit sad at having to leave her behind. "She's a bit prone to wander, especially when she gets bored or hungry."
Remembering to take the bundle of foodstuffs out of Sunflower's saddlebags and stuffing them into her backpack, she readily joins the others for the trek through the marsh to Proudstump's.
The little bard proves surprisingly resilient to the discomfort of the mud seeping into her boots, softly giggling even as it squishes between her toes. Although always alert to the possibilities of encountering the random serpent, she doesn't seem at all fazed by the spooky animal noises, splashing frogs, lurking lizards or even the occasional spider that scuttles by. Actually needing to be prodded along after stopping to observe a particularly elaborate spider web and the colorful denizen sitting at the middle. "Sorry bout that, Yup." she whispers, "I've never seen one that color before, bright red and green, very pretty she is. Big too! She is."
As they venture deeper into the swamp, she continues to remain bright-eyed and vigilant, but walks noticeably closer to Tobar and Nik'o. Especially once they come upon the remains of the mutilated deer. The sight of which causes her to wrinkle her nose in horror and emit a tiny, "Ewww..."
Once Walthus' shack appears, her facade completely fails her and she becomes a bundle of wrecked nerves. Chewing her bottom lip ferociously, she draws even closer to the dwarf while absently caressing the pommel of her dagger.
She begins to very softly half-sing/half-hum a tune about a cunning python who tries to charm a small human boy using its hypnotic stare as she waits to see what the others decide to do.
Nami feels relieved when the group stops to dismount, thankful to be back on the ground. He gives a small appreciative bow to Horace before turning to look into the swamp. With a hint of dismay he observes the track into the swamp and the obvious conclusion about his well groomed robes. He takes a moment to roll and hitch them up to keep what he can out of the dirt and mire. A monk's work is never done. He probes the deep looking puddles and soft ground before him with the jo as he goes.
Now, actually in the swamp with the possibility of danger nearby, he takes the threat very seriously. He scans the marsh with eyes and ears at the ready as he walks. He falls in at the rear.
At the grisly sight of the deer, he asks himself, What sort of beast only takes the head? He puts a reassuring hand on Tobar's shoulder as he passes the obviously concerned dwarf, then moves on.
Kallista climbs off Sunflower and gives the pony a hug before turning her over to the care of Horace. "Keep a good eye on her Horace," she says, a bit sad at having to leave her behind. "She's a bit prone to wander, especially when she gets bored or hungry."
Remembering to take the bundle of foodstuffs out of Sunflower's saddlebags and stuffing them into her backpack, she readily joins the others for the trek through the marsh to Proudstump's.
The little bard proves surprisingly resilient to the discomfort of the mud seeping into her boots, softly giggling even as it squishes between her toes. Although always alert to the possibilities of encountering the random serpent, she doesn't seem at all fazed by the spooky animal noises, splashing frogs, lurking lizards or even the occasional spider that scuttles by. Actually needing to be prodded along after stopping to observe a particularly elaborate spider web and the colorful denizen sitting at the middle. "Sorry bout that, Yup." she whispers, "I've never seen one that color before, bright red and green, very pretty she is. Big too! She is."
As they venture deeper into the swamp, she continues to remain bright-eyed and vigilant, but walks noticeably closer to Tobar and Nik'o. Especially once they come upon the remains of the mutilated deer. The sight of which causes her to wrinkle her nose in horror and emit a tiny, "Ewww..."
Once Walthus' shack appears, her facade completely fails her and she becomes a bundle of wrecked nerves. Chewing her bottom lip ferociously, she draws even closer to the dwarf while absently caressing the pommel of her dagger.
She begins to very softly half-sing/half-hum a tune about a cunning python who tries to charm a small human boy using its hypnotic stare as she waits to see what the others decide to do.
After dismounting, Theo takes his time to check his belongings. He then keeps to the middle of the group as they spend significant time to get through the unwelcome marsh. When he lays eyes upon the beheaded deer, he sports a slightly disgusted frown - though his eyes are laced with morbid curiosity. "An ill omen, that..."
When they arrive at what must be Warden Proudstump's shack, Theo sighs at Nik'o's suggestion. "While it serves a purpose to announce ourselves as friends of Mr. Proudstump, I recommend we do it when we have entered his ... house." He glances at the run-down building.
"The home itself looks safe at this distance... while the roof is in a questionable state... the walls..."
Theo mutters quietly to himself as he assesses the state of the house...
You've heard rumors of a monster that devastates its victims lurking in the swamp. No one has laid eyes on it yet, so most people just believe it is the thing of dreams and nightmares. However, you've never really seen a track like in these parts before, nor have you seen any type of mauling from predators that compares to that.
The house is relatively well-built and stable. It has been here for many years, and, if kept up, will likely be here long after you're gone.
You all approach the shack and Nik'o knocks on the door. There is a fairly long pause. Nik'o knocks again. As you start to wonder if perhaps no one is home, you hear some scuffling from the other side of the door and it opens just wide enough for a Halfling to warily pop his head out.
“… Hello?” he says, more of a question than a greeting.
Dark circles of fatigue are plainly visible under the Halfling’s eyes, and he holds himself as if he is in some amount of pain.
The halfling edges back in surprise, initially avoiding Tobar's help. "I had a bit of a run in with some snakes, is all. I'm still hurting a bit and the poison seems to be...uh...in effect. Do you really think you could help me? I'd sure appreciate it, I would." He looks back into the house before adding, "My home's a bit of a mess, so...uh...I'm sorry I can't invite you in."
Nik'o:
You have the sense that the Halfling is hiding something. He clearly doesn't want you to come inside, but it's not simply because his house is dirty.
"Don't invite us in...Don't invite us in... Don't invite us..." the nervous gnome repeated to herself in an endless cycle as her and her companions waited for Walthus to answer his door.
Once he finally did so, she looked in shock at his disheveled appearance and took a step even further back.
Nudging Nami weakly in the ribs at Proudstump's revelation for his current state, she whispered feverishly to the halfling, "He's being attacked by his own pets! See what I told you about those things! Slippery buggers! Can't trust em. Nope."
Unaware that her voice had risen to considerably higher volume than the intended whisper only when several of her fellows were looking at her.
Smiling innocently, Kallista takes yet another step back from the ramshackle building and its suspicious occupant.
Nami almost feels bad at chiding Kallista earlier at the gnome's obvious distress, but feels that now is not the time for an apology.
The monk grabs Tobar's arm and whispers to him. "What poison victim is going to worry over a mess when he's dying a painful death? Something feels wrong."
Sense Motive
"It is indeed questionable that a man succumbing to poison would consider the state of his home as an excuse for not wanting visitors, but we are all born with our... quirks. How can we help?" Theo glances at the halfling with a curious look, though diverts his attention to the surroundings shortly afterwards.
"What the heck is he doing?" Kallista wondered, raising an eyebrow at the brutish woodsman's unorthodox approach.
"It certainly has captured his attention." she mused, using the distraction to slip a bit to the open side of the door and try to peek in.
Hoping not to see anything too terrifying.
Proudstump grows angry at Nik'o's attempt to bluff him and get inside. With an inhuman growl, you see an illusion slip away - this isn't a halfling. Standing before you now is a wrinkled, hunch-backed humanoid creature with mottled brown-and-red flesh and a spherical head with no true face - only a crooked slit from which a rasplike tongue lashes and licks.
At first, Nik'o is simply stopped by the beast, but on a second attempt to rush in, the beast attempts to slam him backwards.
Slam Attack: for
Nik'o just manages to leap backwards before the attack can land.
You hear in a strange, slithering voice, "Leave me be, humans. You have no business here. I have no quarrel with you."
Round 1
Round 1 Map
"He issss gone. Not here. Dead, mosssst likely."
"I do not want you to enter, because thissss isssss not your home. Thissss issss my home."
Nami is clearly surprised by the creature's transformation and instinctively distrusts the form he finds now standing before the group. Seeing an opportunity to avoid combat he holds his attack, but moves forward to have room in case of attack (). He then waits to see what develops, but stays tense, ready to spring at any second.
As the seconds pass, he peers at the creatures feet, wondering if this could be the monster that left the grisly deer carcass.
You can tell that the creature is lying about the home being his - kind of. He does feel that the home is now his, but it hasn't always been.
And, he has all five toes - not matching the foot print found earlier at all.
Kallista balks at the halfling's sudden transformation as it's illusion fades, but quickly regains her composure and steps up to the odd creature. Hands open, empty and in front of her, she tries to open an accord with the vile-looking thing that will benefit them both.
"I apologize for the rash actions of my large friend here," she begins, glibly speaking to the self-proclaimed new owner of Proudstump's seaside shack, "I can assure you he meant no harm, he's just a bit eager to help and looking for our friend Walthus. If you would be so kind as to invite us in, we only have a few questions and perhaps we can offer our assistance to you in return should you have any issues at hand that we could aid with. I promise we have no intentions to eject you from your home, just a few questions and we'll leave you in peace."
Seeing Kallista approach, the creature hesitates before saying, "Yesssss, you assssssk quessssstionssss and you go. No need to go in."
At Tobar's offer he seems to relax a bit. "Yesssss. Yessssss. Help issssss good. My leg wassss bitten. As wassss my arm." He extends both forward, ready for assistance.
Looking closely, you see clearly where the bite marks are. You also notice several slash wounds, as if from a sword or knife.
The creature watches in wonder as his wounds are cleaned and healed. When Tobar is finished, what appears to be a smile washes across his face before he says, "Foolisssh human." He reaches up and attempts to slam Tobar with its forearms.
Slam Attack for
The attack catches Tobar off-guard, slightly damaging him.
"We are done talking. You die now. Thissss issss my home."
Seeing the creature attack his companion, Nami moves up and attempts to strike the creature in the ribs with a loud kiai.
Standard action: Attack using unarmed strike:
He will then setup to receive an attack using redirection if attacked (immediate action when attacked).
"Why you nasty, fat-head sneak!" Kallista curses the traitorous fiend, drawing her rapier and stepping in to flank Nami. Taking a stab at the foul thing for having the audacity to assault her friend.
As soon as the creature turns to hostility, Theo grabs his musket , kneels and takes aim. He carefully gauges the foe for only a swift moment before he pulls the trigger, not flinching...
Nami's attempt to strike the beast is unsuccessful - its thick hide is stronger than he anticipates and his strike glances off the creature.
Nik'o's stab finds its mark, as the falchion buries deep into the creature's flesh. At nearly the same moment, Kallista manages to poke her rapier into the faceless being. Hissing in pain, "Proudstump" recoils as Theo takes aim. The bullet travels through the air, striking the creature's open, grimacing mouth. The bullet moves through its throat, severing the spinal cord, exiting the neck and embeds itself in the thick door of the shack.
The creature makes a strange gurgling noise for just a moment before falling to the ground, still and dead. In spite of Tobar's significant healing prowess, the creature is unable to withstand this initial onslaught.
Theo watches every second of the beast's swift death, before finally allowing himself to close his eyes. With a sigh he gets up on his feet, grabbing the iron horn by his hip and a bullet from another pocket. "Well, now that this monstrosity has been taken care of, shall we see if we can find Mr. Proudstump? I heard no indication that determined he was dead."
After reloading his musket, he is careful to keep its barrels pointed away from his companions.