Content for Hun to do his thing. Yulmiath keeps one eye on the Kobold, not wanting to lose a rediscovered former ship mate, while the other looks over the wares of the various vendors in the marketplace trying to match faces to particular stalls and goods. If he's going to try making his purse through legitimate means, he wants to try and pressure the biggest payday he can. Or at least identify which merchants might be carrying a little more coin on them...
By the time Yulmaith drifted away to do his own thing, Hun's thoughts could not be further from the dragonborn. For by then, even if a touch on the rustic side, seeing the smithy enclosure, and better yet, being -allowed- to step into one without looks of suspicion or being immediately chased off with shouts of "Get out, ya Scaled, Thieve'n Rat!" before even doing anything... it was enough to bring a single tear to Hun's eyes. "Tha... Thank you. *ahem* I-I'll, uh... see ya in a bit." With that and little more than a parting wave to the youths, Hun approached the more adult tortles.
"Greetings and Salutations my fine, leather, uh, smiths! The name is Hun Greentongue."He greeted them, exposing just enough tongue towards the end to show he indeed had a greentongue. "A humble traveler and mere apprentice when it comes to the fine art of smithing. Still! I had been hoping to learn more about the materials you've used most often in your craft, and about anything you knew of the Geonid caves from your perspectives, if that's alright? For I heard that there was some curious ores and the like to be found. And who would know better about such things then those most likely to mold them into far more useful things than yourselves, nay?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Blue: Thanks for that preemptive survival roll.)
Kwilgok and Kairus lead the small group of hunters back to the pools. They spend some time verifying that the area is free of danger before approaching the carcass. The light of their torches illuminates the beast's head, neck, and shoulder area first, revealing something had already started eating the free meal. Thankfully, as they move the lights sources down the body, the hunters show that the hindquarters of the beast were left untouched. They deduce that the approaching flames from the torches might have spooked the scavenger.
The carving that happens next takes less time than Kairus had expected, focusing on the creature's haunches and tail. These hunters are good at what they do: field-dressing the kill and properly butchering it swiftly. They explain that the combat wounds allowed for the beast to bleed out, fortunately saving the meat and making it proper for butchering. Or so Kairus understands what they are trying to say. They go over the explanation quickly and skip parts that are obvious to their trained hunters' minds. Kairus is a skilled man, but he can't quite claim he has fully grasped all the concepts around land-dwellers' hunting rituals just yet. Nonetheless, they let the bard help when possible to speed up the process.
Before too long, the return trip begins. The mule and cart come in very handy at this point.
Yulmiath keeps the kobold company for a little while but soon feels overwhelmed by curiosity and leaves to go check out the market area.
Pleasantly surprised with how welcoming the tortles have been so far, Hun hesitantly approaches the workers cleaning up the enclosure, at least at first. The blacksmith welcomes "Mr. Greentongue" to the working area and shows some of his wares. He explains that they spend most of their time working with simple iron and making hinges, nails, and other tools. When their supplies run low, they dedicate some of their time to replenish their stock of crossbow bolts' metal tips and spearheads. The other workers in the area also introduce themselves and their wares. Two woodworkers focus of small furniture and structural pieces, but find themselves carving simple crossbows, bolt and spear shafts, quarterstaves, and the occasional shield. The leather-worker explains her favorite pieces are belts and pouches, but that she is currently working on a large tarp to help cover a wall. The younger of the workers in this area dedicates his time to the art of scrimshaw. He uses the bones of the small game tortles hunt to make useful tools for the community. He once even had a chance to work on half a whale's rib, which conveniently washed ashore. Finally, there is some equipment for stone-carving set up in a corner but no one seems to be working with it at the moment.
It is only after all of these introductions are made that Hun has the opportunity to ask about materials and the Geonid Caves. The blacksmith speaks up: "Well, in terms of ores, we mostly work with iron here in Ahoyhoy, and not the best quality either. Every now and then, though, someone will find a large enough chunk of obsidian that we can work with. That stuff is hard to manipulate, and it often requires a mix of skills from all of us laborers here, but it is also quite valuable. As for the Geonid Caves, we don't visit them too often on account of their namesake, but I gather the occasional gem we come across comes from veins found in them, possibly. Maybe that's where the obsidian deposits are too, but that's yet to be confirmed."
Hun's passive insight picks up that the blacksmith is assuming the kobold knows what a Geonid is.
Not being particularly interested in Mudgraw's hatchery tour, Rhogal soon excuses himself and tries to catch up with Hun and Yulmiath. He soon sees the dragonborn making his way from the smithy area to the market, and decides to tag along. Meanwhile, Krodhen is left behind to entertain Mudgraw.
On their way, Rhogal and Yulmiath pass by a gong of beaten bronze wrapped in stitched lizard hide, which stands in the middle of the fort. A mallet hangs from the post it’s attached to. This was surely the source of the gong ring the group heard a moment ago. The young tortle accompanying Yulmiath explains that one bong means that there are visitors in Ahoyhoy.
When the dragonborn and the dwarf enter the enclosure, they notice that this walled area indeed contains the trappings of a market. The ground is covered with sand, upon which rest woven mats, wooden stalls, and display tables. A stone sundial stands in the middle of the market, and stairs lead up to wooden ramparts that line the southern wall. Two other guards patrol the ramparts, focusing most of their attention outside the walls in case they spot trouble approaching from the south (for reference, recall that the party had approached through the north.) That said, the guards occasionally keep an eye out on the visitors too, just to make sure all is well.
The market is not as busy as one might have expected, but then again, it is dusk. One stall seems to be offering local fruits and vegetables, with the tortle behind it inviting the new visitors to try a coconut from a large barrel behind her. A second vendor offers the day's last bits of fresh fish or small inland game. A third stall calls the duo closer, promising all kinds of surprising trinkets. Over in one corner, one of the market's largest set-ups offers wild animals. There are a handful of offerings, but it is especially hard to miss the giant lizard being offered as a pack animal and the axe beak bird, who is hooded and leashed. Another stall offers items of the shiny nature, like see shells and gems. There are a few other vendors who are peddling their wares from display tables or from mats on the ground. One of them has a number of small items to offer, two of which look like simple blades.
Krodhen stays with Mudgraw out of politeness, commenting when shown the defences "Are the pteranodons something that we should be on the lookout for as we travel out from the village?"
And when talk turns to the newborn Krodhen enquires "Forgive me for asking, how many tortles are born each year? And how long lived are you?"
As the walk out of the hatcheries, he breaks the silence with the real question on his mind "Have there been any pirates seen in the area, are any known to raid the isle? I ask this not to bring worry, but to let you know that I am looking for retribution against the crew that marooned me here"
Depending on where the conversation leads, and knowing that he will need to earn some more coin soon, he will ask to go by the smithy as well, knowing that if they were to venture out into the wilds, they might as well understand if there is anything of value that the township might be looking for to keep an eye out. <OOC: might be a repeat on Hun's conversation so don't worry about duplicating unless there is something the smithy might be looking for specifically>
Although very highly unlikely he truly knew anything about such 'things', he had done at least some research into his destination in preparation for his search. So while nodding and stroking his chin in pretending to understand, the Kobold dug deep into the old brain pan for anything relevant about 'Geonids'.
(@Lerus: Not sure if it would be a flat 'no' on Hun knowing anything given his background, or just a high DC. But went with a sort of middle ground of rolling at disadvantage just cause of the unlikeness of it, and make it a flat intelligence check, assuming Geonid is something native only to the region. If not, there's at least some chance of him knowing having lived in at least cavern systems before. Also if arcana would apply, add another +2 to the roll below.)
Intelligence Check: 18.
Come what may of his own likely more limited perspective on the subject, Hun eventually settled on asking indirectly, "Say some intrepid, uh, travelers were to go there perhaps, and uh... acquire a means to tap into these veins. What do you think might make from such things? Would it be purely ornamental, or something else?" A brief pause there for an answer, followed by a few nods. "And my own experience being what it is, how much, uh, trouble have the caves given your lot in general?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
As the half-orc walks about with the aged tortle, he gets some of the answers he wanted: "Pteranodons are native to this island, yes, and they are known to swoop in and grab anything in sight if they are hungry enough. They have wingspans of 15 to 20 feet, so you'll know if they are coming for you. Interestingly enough, they don't seem to deal well with square patterns; it messes up their depth perception. That's why we crisscross ropes across the opening over our hatcheries."
Mudgraw is happy to continue talking about eggs: "It really depends how many old tortles there are, as these are the ones who become parents. I have seen each hatchery host a dozen eggs in the past, but I have also seen it empty over the entire season. It really varies. Young tortles crawl for a few weeks after birth before learning to walk on two legs. We reach adulthood by the age of 15 and live an average of 50 years, I'd say. I myself am 44 years old. I'll soon be looking for a partner."
At this point, Mudgraw has walked Krodhen to the smithy area, inviting him to join Hun in browsing the enclosure. Krodhen sees much of the same details as the kobold did, and the general information shared with him is also the same. (Please see this post.)
@Hun: Although you do not know much about geonids, this is not the first time you have heard this name. You associate that word with the term "rock hermits," though you do not recall where you heard it first. Regional folkloric tales tell of boulders that sprout arms and legs when they need to find new places to settle. This is as deep as your familiarity with the term goes.
Krodhen joins Hun just as the blacksmith begins answering the kobold's recent questions: "Well, the gems can certainly be made into something ornamental should such adventurer so desire. The resale value of such pieces could itself be a good reason to do just that. But as a tortle of my trade, I'd say the real value is on the obsidian deposit, should there really be one. Working with such material is hard but obsidian is naturally attuned to the magic, you see. Some of it absorbs magic from the environment and can be shaped into fine weapons, for instance. Some of it is just prone to take on designed enchantments. You won't find such wizards in this island, but again, the resale value itself is motivation enough."
Te leather-worker answers the next question: "Plenty of trouble for common folk like us, but perhaps not as much trouble to hardened and well trained folk. The real trouble will come from places like Dangwaru, or even the green wilderness. That's not to say the geonids are not a handful, and if you are unlucky enough, you may even run into bigger trouble in those caves. There have been a few curious tortles over the years that have never been heard of again."
When Krodhen asks if there is any particular material the laborers might be looking for, one of the woodworkers says: "Nothing in particular, no, but feel free to run any interesting findings by us. We'll give you a fair price for anything of worth, or at least an offer for an useful barter."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
DM's Screen:
23
309425
YULMIATH & RHOGAL
Happy to elaborate on their culture, the young tortle shares with Yulmiath that one bong of the gong announces the arrival of visitors by land, two bongs indicate the arrival of visitors by ship, three bongs is a call to gather in the amphitheater (Ahoyhoy Area 5), and four bongs means that an attack is imminent.
Rhogal approaches one of the vendors, who wastes no time in showing some of his wares. He explains some of his goods were obtained through trade with previous visitors, while others were salvaged from shipwrecks or simply washed ashore. His prize possessions are two weaved baskets with lids. He opens the first one to reveal 3 snakes. He then removes the lid from the second one and displays 3 scorpions. Other items he offers are more... inanimate. There is a rank insignia from a lost legionnaire or military person; a dead sprite inside a clear glass bottle, and an ornate brooch that you recognize as being of dwarven design. Each of these items, including each basket, is priced at 1gp. He is happy to continue unveiling other oddities for sale should Rhogal not be satisfied with what he has offered so far.
The return trip goes by quicker than expected, and soon Kairus can see Ahoyhoy in the distance, its bonfires making the settlement hard to miss in the night. Whatever dangers might have accosted the small party of hunters this evening have apparently decided to stay in the shadows. The bard can't help but think that the torches helped keep the group safe, but that could just as well be the feeling of comfort coming from their warmth.
(@Blue: Is there anything Kairus wants to do while walking back?)
Kairus would think that torches make them more of sitting ducks. On the other hand, hunters had to know what they are doing. In deeps, creatures use light to lure prey, a mate, or a big predator to deal with the smaller predator. The bard did not ask which case it was here.
On the way back Kairus just observed his new companions, learning what he could about the "way of the jungle". After all, he was going to spend some time here. Should the company feel chatty, he would keep up a light conversation, though steer it toward the jungles and how to survive in there (so far it was not that difficult, but who knows). However, if they are silently and determinedly walking back, he is doing the same, helping with carrying things if some left after loading the stuff on Deadly Treasure.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rhogal feels almost an obligation to find out where the dwarven brooch belongs and return it to its rightful owner, and decides to purchase it (1gpdeducted).
"Outta curiosity... How'd you come to possess this here brooch?" Rhogal inquires, prepared to read the shopkeep's nonverbal response as well a his verbal one.
"Obsidian... Huh... Yes, that's make sense given its composition. If I were to add that to the Cribbler or the Xendan, it would help alleivate the power limitations-..." And on and on the Kobold ranted under breath as new ideas and calculations began running rampant through his head. "Mn! It's settled then. Once Volo's found, we must simply visit those caves, Rock Hermits or no. Gond willing, they'll have more than have plenty of flint for brains as to spark enough thought not to cause us too much trouble -- I, uh, thank you! Thank you very much! It may be some time before my return here to this station. But when I do, rest assure that I plan to bring plenty of Obsidian! But until then, good evening to you, Talon Master!"
With that, Hun turned to leave, nearly bumping into Krodhen in the process. But with hardly more than a "Hmph" and a nod, he hustled off sooner after to go find Yulmaith.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
In response to Yulmiath's words, the young tortle just shrugs. He seems unworried about the possibility of a fire.
Rhogal purchases the dwarven brooch, sending a jolt of satisfaction into the tortle merchant, which is quite apparent judging by the large smile that subsequently forms on his face. When asked about its origin, he replies: "Hmm... one of the wreck dives, if I remember it correctly. You can find plenty of dead ships up in High Horn in the northern tip of the island." Rhogal has no reason to suspect the merchant's words or demeanor.
It is pretty obvious that Hun lost the tortle laborers once he started talking about Cribblers, Xerdans, and whatever a Volo may be. They are about to simply turn and go back to their end-of-day packing and cleaning duties when the kobold promises to bring plenty of obsidian. The second woodcarver, who had mostly stayed quiet until now, responds: "That would be a great day in Ahoyhoy!"
They wish Hun a good evening and wonder if Krodhen have some questions of his own. The kobold begins to make his way to the market and Krodhen is momentarily left in the smithy area with Mudgraw and the other tortles.
Content for Hun to do his thing. Yulmiath keeps one eye on the Kobold, not wanting to lose a rediscovered former ship mate, while the other looks over the wares of the various vendors in the marketplace trying to match faces to particular stalls and goods. If he's going to try making his purse through legitimate means, he wants to try and pressure the biggest payday he can. Or at least identify which merchants might be carrying a little more coin on them...
Perception - 22
(OOC If this is more an investigation thing, take 2 from the previous roll.)
Rhogal will go check out the market. He is interested what sort of wares Ahoyhoy has.
Perception (if applicable): 18
Extended Signature
By the time Yulmaith drifted away to do his own thing, Hun's thoughts could not be further from the dragonborn. For by then, even if a touch on the rustic side, seeing the smithy enclosure, and better yet, being -allowed- to step into one without looks of suspicion or being immediately chased off with shouts of "Get out, ya Scaled, Thieve'n Rat!" before even doing anything... it was enough to bring a single tear to Hun's eyes. "Tha... Thank you. *ahem* I-I'll, uh... see ya in a bit." With that and little more than a parting wave to the youths, Hun approached the more adult tortles.
"Greetings and Salutations my fine, leather, uh, smiths! The name is Hun Greentongue." He greeted them, exposing just enough tongue towards the end to show he indeed had a greentongue. "A humble traveler and mere apprentice when it comes to the fine art of smithing. Still! I had been hoping to learn more about the materials you've used most often in your craft, and about anything you knew of the Geonid caves from your perspectives, if that's alright? For I heard that there was some curious ores and the like to be found. And who would know better about such things then those most likely to mold them into far more useful things than yourselves, nay?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
KAIRUS
(@Blue: Thanks for that preemptive survival roll.)
Kwilgok and Kairus lead the small group of hunters back to the pools. They spend some time verifying that the area is free of danger before approaching the carcass. The light of their torches illuminates the beast's head, neck, and shoulder area first, revealing something had already started eating the free meal. Thankfully, as they move the lights sources down the body, the hunters show that the hindquarters of the beast were left untouched. They deduce that the approaching flames from the torches might have spooked the scavenger.
The carving that happens next takes less time than Kairus had expected, focusing on the creature's haunches and tail. These hunters are good at what they do: field-dressing the kill and properly butchering it swiftly. They explain that the combat wounds allowed for the beast to bleed out, fortunately saving the meat and making it proper for butchering. Or so Kairus understands what they are trying to say. They go over the explanation quickly and skip parts that are obvious to their trained hunters' minds. Kairus is a skilled man, but he can't quite claim he has fully grasped all the concepts around land-dwellers' hunting rituals just yet. Nonetheless, they let the bard help when possible to speed up the process.
Before too long, the return trip begins. The mule and cart come in very handy at this point.
HUN
Yulmiath keeps the kobold company for a little while but soon feels overwhelmed by curiosity and leaves to go check out the market area.
Pleasantly surprised with how welcoming the tortles have been so far, Hun hesitantly approaches the workers cleaning up the enclosure, at least at first. The blacksmith welcomes "Mr. Greentongue" to the working area and shows some of his wares. He explains that they spend most of their time working with simple iron and making hinges, nails, and other tools. When their supplies run low, they dedicate some of their time to replenish their stock of crossbow bolts' metal tips and spearheads. The other workers in the area also introduce themselves and their wares. Two woodworkers focus of small furniture and structural pieces, but find themselves carving simple crossbows, bolt and spear shafts, quarterstaves, and the occasional shield. The leather-worker explains her favorite pieces are belts and pouches, but that she is currently working on a large tarp to help cover a wall. The younger of the workers in this area dedicates his time to the art of scrimshaw. He uses the bones of the small game tortles hunt to make useful tools for the community. He once even had a chance to work on half a whale's rib, which conveniently washed ashore. Finally, there is some equipment for stone-carving set up in a corner but no one seems to be working with it at the moment.
It is only after all of these introductions are made that Hun has the opportunity to ask about materials and the Geonid Caves. The blacksmith speaks up: "Well, in terms of ores, we mostly work with iron here in Ahoyhoy, and not the best quality either. Every now and then, though, someone will find a large enough chunk of obsidian that we can work with. That stuff is hard to manipulate, and it often requires a mix of skills from all of us laborers here, but it is also quite valuable. As for the Geonid Caves, we don't visit them too often on account of their namesake, but I gather the occasional gem we come across comes from veins found in them, possibly. Maybe that's where the obsidian deposits are too, but that's yet to be confirmed."
Hun's passive insight picks up that the blacksmith is assuming the kobold knows what a Geonid is.
YULMIATH, RHOGAL, & KRODHEN
Not being particularly interested in Mudgraw's hatchery tour, Rhogal soon excuses himself and tries to catch up with Hun and Yulmiath. He soon sees the dragonborn making his way from the smithy area to the market, and decides to tag along. Meanwhile, Krodhen is left behind to entertain Mudgraw.
On their way, Rhogal and Yulmiath pass by a gong of beaten bronze wrapped in stitched lizard hide, which stands in the middle of the fort. A mallet hangs from the post it’s attached to. This was surely the source of the gong ring the group heard a moment ago. The young tortle accompanying Yulmiath explains that one bong means that there are visitors in Ahoyhoy.
When the dragonborn and the dwarf enter the enclosure, they notice that this walled area indeed contains the trappings of a market. The ground is covered with sand, upon which rest woven mats, wooden stalls, and display tables. A stone sundial stands in the middle of the market, and stairs lead up to wooden ramparts that line the southern wall. Two other guards patrol the ramparts, focusing most of their attention outside the walls in case they spot trouble approaching from the south (for reference, recall that the party had approached through the north.) That said, the guards occasionally keep an eye out on the visitors too, just to make sure all is well.
The market is not as busy as one might have expected, but then again, it is dusk. One stall seems to be offering local fruits and vegetables, with the tortle behind it inviting the new visitors to try a coconut from a large barrel behind her. A second vendor offers the day's last bits of fresh fish or small inland game. A third stall calls the duo closer, promising all kinds of surprising trinkets. Over in one corner, one of the market's largest set-ups offers wild animals. There are a handful of offerings, but it is especially hard to miss the giant lizard being offered as a pack animal and the axe beak bird, who is hooded and leashed. Another stall offers items of the shiny nature, like see shells and gems. There are a few other vendors who are peddling their wares from display tables or from mats on the ground. One of them has a number of small items to offer, two of which look like simple blades.
Krodhen stays with Mudgraw out of politeness, commenting when shown the defences "Are the pteranodons something that we should be on the lookout for as we travel out from the village?"
And when talk turns to the newborn Krodhen enquires "Forgive me for asking, how many tortles are born each year? And how long lived are you?"
As the walk out of the hatcheries, he breaks the silence with the real question on his mind "Have there been any pirates seen in the area, are any known to raid the isle? I ask this not to bring worry, but to let you know that I am looking for retribution against the crew that marooned me here"
Depending on where the conversation leads, and knowing that he will need to earn some more coin soon, he will ask to go by the smithy as well, knowing that if they were to venture out into the wilds, they might as well understand if there is anything of value that the township might be looking for to keep an eye out. <OOC: might be a repeat on Hun's conversation so don't worry about duplicating unless there is something the smithy might be looking for specifically>
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
As they pass the gong, Yul asks the young tortle of there are any other gong signals that they should know about while they're staying in the village.
Although very highly unlikely he truly knew anything about such 'things', he had done at least some research into his destination in preparation for his search. So while nodding and stroking his chin in pretending to understand, the Kobold dug deep into the old brain pan for anything relevant about 'Geonids'.
(@Lerus: Not sure if it would be a flat 'no' on Hun knowing anything given his background, or just a high DC. But went with a sort of middle ground of rolling at disadvantage just cause of the unlikeness of it, and make it a flat intelligence check, assuming Geonid is something native only to the region. If not, there's at least some chance of him knowing having lived in at least cavern systems before. Also if arcana would apply, add another +2 to the roll below.)
Intelligence Check: 18.
Come what may of his own likely more limited perspective on the subject, Hun eventually settled on asking indirectly, "Say some intrepid, uh, travelers were to go there perhaps, and uh... acquire a means to tap into these veins. What do you think might make from such things? Would it be purely ornamental, or something else?" A brief pause there for an answer, followed by a few nods. "And my own experience being what it is, how much, uh, trouble have the caves given your lot in general?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogal, intrigued by the trinket vendor's beckoning, decides to give the tortle his attention.
Extended Signature
KRODHEN
As the half-orc walks about with the aged tortle, he gets some of the answers he wanted: "Pteranodons are native to this island, yes, and they are known to swoop in and grab anything in sight if they are hungry enough. They have wingspans of 15 to 20 feet, so you'll know if they are coming for you. Interestingly enough, they don't seem to deal well with square patterns; it messes up their depth perception. That's why we crisscross ropes across the opening over our hatcheries."
Mudgraw is happy to continue talking about eggs: "It really depends how many old tortles there are, as these are the ones who become parents. I have seen each hatchery host a dozen eggs in the past, but I have also seen it empty over the entire season. It really varies. Young tortles crawl for a few weeks after birth before learning to walk on two legs. We reach adulthood by the age of 15 and live an average of 50 years, I'd say. I myself am 44 years old. I'll soon be looking for a partner."
At this point, Mudgraw has walked Krodhen to the smithy area, inviting him to join Hun in browsing the enclosure. Krodhen sees much of the same details as the kobold did, and the general information shared with him is also the same. (Please see this post.)
HUN & KRODHEN
@Hun: Although you do not know much about geonids, this is not the first time you have heard this name. You associate that word with the term "rock hermits," though you do not recall where you heard it first. Regional folkloric tales tell of boulders that sprout arms and legs when they need to find new places to settle. This is as deep as your familiarity with the term goes.
Krodhen joins Hun just as the blacksmith begins answering the kobold's recent questions: "Well, the gems can certainly be made into something ornamental should such adventurer so desire. The resale value of such pieces could itself be a good reason to do just that. But as a tortle of my trade, I'd say the real value is on the obsidian deposit, should there really be one. Working with such material is hard but obsidian is naturally attuned to the magic, you see. Some of it absorbs magic from the environment and can be shaped into fine weapons, for instance. Some of it is just prone to take on designed enchantments. You won't find such wizards in this island, but again, the resale value itself is motivation enough."
Te leather-worker answers the next question: "Plenty of trouble for common folk like us, but perhaps not as much trouble to hardened and well trained folk. The real trouble will come from places like Dangwaru, or even the green wilderness. That's not to say the geonids are not a handful, and if you are unlucky enough, you may even run into bigger trouble in those caves. There have been a few curious tortles over the years that have never been heard of again."
When Krodhen asks if there is any particular material the laborers might be looking for, one of the woodworkers says: "Nothing in particular, no, but feel free to run any interesting findings by us. We'll give you a fair price for anything of worth, or at least an offer for an useful barter."
DM's Screen:
2 3
30 94 25
YULMIATH & RHOGAL
Happy to elaborate on their culture, the young tortle shares with Yulmiath that one bong of the gong announces the arrival of visitors by land, two bongs indicate the arrival of visitors by ship, three bongs is a call to gather in the amphitheater (Ahoyhoy Area 5), and four bongs means that an attack is imminent.
Rhogal approaches one of the vendors, who wastes no time in showing some of his wares. He explains some of his goods were obtained through trade with previous visitors, while others were salvaged from shipwrecks or simply washed ashore. His prize possessions are two weaved baskets with lids. He opens the first one to reveal 3 snakes. He then removes the lid from the second one and displays 3 scorpions. Other items he offers are more... inanimate. There is a rank insignia from a lost legionnaire or military person; a dead sprite inside a clear glass bottle, and an ornate brooch that you recognize as being of dwarven design. Each of these items, including each basket, is priced at 1gp. He is happy to continue unveiling other oddities for sale should Rhogal not be satisfied with what he has offered so far.
DM's Screen:
4
KAIRUS
The return trip goes by quicker than expected, and soon Kairus can see Ahoyhoy in the distance, its bonfires making the settlement hard to miss in the night. Whatever dangers might have accosted the small party of hunters this evening have apparently decided to stay in the shadows. The bard can't help but think that the torches helped keep the group safe, but that could just as well be the feeling of comfort coming from their warmth.
(@Blue: Is there anything Kairus wants to do while walking back?)
Kairus would think that torches make them more of sitting ducks. On the other hand, hunters had to know what they are doing. In deeps, creatures use light to lure prey, a mate, or a big predator to deal with the smaller predator. The bard did not ask which case it was here.
On the way back Kairus just observed his new companions, learning what he could about the "way of the jungle". After all, he was going to spend some time here. Should the company feel chatty, he would keep up a light conversation, though steer it toward the jungles and how to survive in there (so far it was not that difficult, but who knows). However, if they are silently and determinedly walking back, he is doing the same, helping with carrying things if some left after loading the stuff on Deadly Treasure.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I guess you don't need a signal for fire beyond just yelling about it, huh?"
Yulmiath waits for Rhogal to conduct his business and makes a little small talk with their tortle guide.
Rhogal feels almost an obligation to find out where the dwarven brooch belongs and return it to its rightful owner, and decides to purchase it (1gp deducted).
"Outta curiosity... How'd you come to possess this here brooch?" Rhogal inquires, prepared to read the shopkeep's nonverbal response as well a his verbal one.
Insight: 19
Extended Signature
"Obsidian... Huh... Yes, that's make sense given its composition. If I were to add that to the Cribbler or the Xendan, it would help alleivate the power limitations-..." And on and on the Kobold ranted under breath as new ideas and calculations began running rampant through his head. "Mn! It's settled then. Once Volo's found, we must simply visit those caves, Rock Hermits or no. Gond willing, they'll have more than have plenty of flint for brains as to spark enough thought not to cause us too much trouble -- I, uh, thank you! Thank you very much! It may be some time before my return here to this station. But when I do, rest assure that I plan to bring plenty of Obsidian! But until then, good evening to you, Talon Master!"
With that, Hun turned to leave, nearly bumping into Krodhen in the process. But with hardly more than a "Hmph" and a nod, he hustled off sooner after to go find Yulmaith.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
YULMIATH & RHOGAL
In response to Yulmiath's words, the young tortle just shrugs. He seems unworried about the possibility of a fire.
Rhogal purchases the dwarven brooch, sending a jolt of satisfaction into the tortle merchant, which is quite apparent judging by the large smile that subsequently forms on his face. When asked about its origin, he replies: "Hmm... one of the wreck dives, if I remember it correctly. You can find plenty of dead ships up in High Horn in the northern tip of the island." Rhogal has no reason to suspect the merchant's words or demeanor.
HUN & KRODHEN
It is pretty obvious that Hun lost the tortle laborers once he started talking about Cribblers, Xerdans, and whatever a Volo may be. They are about to simply turn and go back to their end-of-day packing and cleaning duties when the kobold promises to bring plenty of obsidian. The second woodcarver, who had mostly stayed quiet until now, responds: "That would be a great day in Ahoyhoy!"
They wish Hun a good evening and wonder if Krodhen have some questions of his own. The kobold begins to make his way to the market and Krodhen is momentarily left in the smithy area with Mudgraw and the other tortles.