Phodoxia nearly freaks out when Tark grabs her shoulder. They're going to try to capture us and eat us! But as she whirls around to face him from her attempted handhold on the boat, she sees that his attention is not on her at all. And then he's saying there's a large, toothy creature in the water. Creeping up on the boat. She doesn't try to look into the boat to see if the magic triggered by her thought had any effect on the unconscious man, but gives the gnome a steely glare instead.
"Oh a toothy scaly water troglodyte, about to eat us, eh?" Then she turns around to look, just in case. And sees it. "Eeeuw," she whispers, weakly.
The man’s body, specially his shoulder, is covered by a warm, golden light. Immediately the man’s breath becomes deeper and he starts to moan while shaking his head, as if he was having a nightmare.
He opens his eyes, sees Phodoxia near the boat and screams, jumping back to the rear part of the boat, scared.
Two things happen simultaneously. First as the man jumps back, Phodoxia feels something pushing her and she goes flying backwards and end with her butt in the ground, asking herself what on earth has pushed her. Second, the sudden change of weight in the boat makes it sink on the rear side. The movement is so violent that even some water enters the boat. As soon as this happens the rest sees how the creature launches itself forward, opening its jaws, trying to capture the man. They all scream “Watch out!! Jump!! Behind you!!” and the man doesn’t even loob back. He jumps again forwards getting himself out of the boat just in time as the creature chimps the rear of it launching splinters all around. They all crawl up the shore as the beast, having failed his hunt attempt, goes back to the water leaving the boat with a hole in the back.
They all look at each other for a second, acknowledging the situation and the man crawls away from them shouting
Tark looks at Shadowheart and the silver-tongued goblin (Phodoxia) to see if they wanted to start the talking, but they seem to be still gathering themselves after the beast attack. And the gnome suspects that he is a better negotiator than the rough-looking goblin (Grrzark).
While taking a step backwards from the water, he calmly addresses the man: "If we wanted to kill you, you would have been left unconscious for the beast to snack on.
Speaking of that, you might want to get further up the shore, in case that beast tries for another bite. And while you are at it, you might want to start explaining yourself. We came across some troglodytes who said they were hunting for a wounded human criminal in a boat."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Phodoxia yelps as she is knocked backwards, landing hard on her rear. "OW!" But she has little time to think about her sore posterior, as the boat she was about to climb onto is tilted far back towards the waiting jaws of an enormous predator. She joins the screaming chorus as the man leaps from the boat, narrowly avoiding becoming a meal.
It takes her a moment to wrest her gaze from the splintered remains of the boat, floating defeatedly in the dregs of the river. She doesn't quite feel up to trying to stand yet. My... ow. Ow. That's going to bruise.She stares in annoyance at the man crawling, begging for his life. Why did I heal him? Oh, because I had to. That's all.She sighs, and speaks up after Tark. "Yeah, how'd you end up unconscious in a boat?"
The man ssems to calm down a little bit but he is still confused on how this weird group of people had come together.
"I am afraid I do not have any food..."he replies a little bit more confused at Grrzark request "The name is Rasen" he says introducing himself "And about how I ended in that boat, well, I was hired, along with a group of individuals, by a noble in the nearby city of Darkshelf. He was worried about the activities on the quarry, and sent us to investigate. We had some entry points and we decided to go by the river. We found a cave and a beach. I told them not to disturb the water but the others didn't mind my words. We discovered some tunnels and against the common sense, we split into three small groups to investigate. Me and my companion were ambushed by giant frogs. I must confess that I was bitten" he touches his shoulder that still hurts" before I even noticed them. When I recovered counsciousness two giant frogs were ripping the other apart. I am not embarrash to say that I took advantage of their distraction and crawled my way back to the small beach we had our boat. The situation wasn't better for the others. The other pair that went down another tunnel came pursued by troglodites. The one that remained on the beach were nowhere to be seen. They helped me reach the boat and we start to paddle our way out. One of the troglodytes got one of my companions with a spear... the other one... was attacked by that creature that you've seen that was lurking below our boat. I fell uncouscious again so I cannot tell you more but my guess is that the current brought me here. I really thank you for helping me. I... " he looks at Phodoxia, still unsure on why two goblins are not killing him right away "I am sorry for that... " he seems to be about to add something but he finally don't
"What about you? Do you come from that tunnels below the quarry? " he asks
Phodoxia grumbles. It sounds like a fantastic adventure, but this fellow is as down and out as they are. Still no food."No tunnels, no quarry," she says. "Zark and I don't come from here. If the tunnels are full of frogs and trogs, I don't think we want to go into them anyway." One ear perks at Grrzark's mention of the word 'reward', and she waits to hear the rest, looking hopeful.
Stoney Tark mentions, "The human and I are traveling along the river, since it should lead us to Pelyra and then eventually to Darkshelf. We were on the road, but this map has been troublesome." He waves the map, which has been crumpled into a ball instead of neatly folded.
Looks around at the other four. "If there are more hostile Trogs roaming the woods, maybe we should travel together. That is assuming that" (don't think they have introduced themselves yet) "you two goblins are also headed to Darkshelf for employment. We can see how grateful this noble is to have one of his employees returned, and if there is more paying work for us.
"That is assuming that Rasen wants to report to his employer... Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Mr. Tark."
(While the others continue the discussion, Tark examines the boat for places that might need Mending , but that is only if the boat is safely away from the beast in the river.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"I am afraid that I don't have much on me, but you certainly have my gratitude..."replies to Grrzark's petition of a reward. He chuckles when hears Tark's words.
"I am not sure if he will be happy for my return, at least without any real information of what's going on in that mine or what happened to one of his former employers. " he seems to think for a few moments while Tark examines the boat and determines that with a few applications of his magic the boat could be usable again soon enough. It looked worse that it was.
"You see... perhaps if you help me, and we are more cautious this time... perhaps we could search those mines and find this guy we were sent to look for. I am willing to share the reward with you if you come with me." he looks to the two goblins " I mean no offense but I do not think that the guards at Darkshelf will allow you to enter the city but perhaps you could infiltrate among any creatures that we may find on those caves... the inteligent ones I mean... " he says
"You must be crazy," Phodoxia groans. "Your party got eaten by giant frogs, and you almost did too, so you want us to be dessert now?" She fidgets uncomfortably. The human is probably right that she and Grrzark won't be allowed in the city. Caught between two worlds... humans hate us, but we can't go back to our tribe... that's how it's always going to be. What a terrible life! She smolders on the inside, but she still believes it's better than the alternative. Right now, though, she's still hungry. So, she keeps listening.
"There's fish by the fire," Shadowheart mentions, "Not much left, but you goblins look hungry. Perhaps we should rest there while we discuss this?" He shrugs. "I have my own reasons for checking Darkshelf - even the mines. So, I'd be interested in helping you. As long as there's a share of the reward." He turns to the goblins. "He has a point. It is rare for people to be open minded enough about those like you. I don't hate you. Now, honestly, I don't like you either, but that's not personal, I don't like anyone. But, if you're helping me - I'll be helping you, however I can. Betray me, and I will destroy you. Seems fair, I hope?"
Addressing the group again, "Call me Shadowheart. I do magic. Give me sass over my name and I will magic you into a corpse."
He goes back to the fire and resumes playing it - making the butterflies dance, the flames shift different colours and similar such idle things.
Tark: "Shadowheart has a point. Let's go back to the campfire. We need to hear more details about Rasen's mission and the reward for the job.
"We should stay alert, in case that river beast or the Trog's decide to return. We were visited earlier by a fireproof invisible deer that growled like a jungle cat. It hasn't attacked us, so it probably wandered away."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
The unlikely group walk to the not so distant fire and Rasen seems to find comfort in the warmth but do not take the fish, letting the goblins take care of it.
"There is, indeed, a reward. 100 gold pieces to each one of us. So I guess that, once that we return, we can go and meet the burgmiester and come back to you and give you two your part. Or buy supplies with it if that's what you want. Also, I do see your point in that caves are dangerous. But, I'll be dammed, I need the money " he srughs "And I do hope to have learnt from the experience. Do not, split the party, keep your eyes and ears open. And at least we do know now what kind of creatures are in each corridor, we can avoid that and try the other one."he seems to ponder some things before continuing "Do not misunderstand me. I do regret the deaths of the others companions, but we barely knew each other, just answered the burgmeisters call and really had the time to get to know each other or really make plans... I know that what I am proposing is risky, and I would understand if you don't want to come. If anyone is open to go there, then I guess is back to Darkshelf and speak to the burmeister about it. Anyway I do really appreciate your help. "
Phodoxia smiles winningly at Shadowheart, her large-eared green head wrapped in its dirty hood cocked endearingly to one side. "You drive an excellent bargain, for such a tall chap! Fish, you say? And help? We know all about helping. We'll help. And what's this about a reward?" She doesn't wait for an answer, though, as she scurries towards the fire and the promised fish.
While the group settles in, Phodoxia waits a mere polite moment as she sits down, before snatching and devouring whatever remnants of fish are within her reach. She listens with grave attentiveness as Rasen speaks, hanging on his every word, or seeming to. It sounds like easy money actually. And with a human willing to act as a go-between? It's almost too good to be true. Phodoxia gnaws on a fishtail as she listens, and then turns to look at Grrzark, raising her ears and eyebrows. Good deal, huh?
Grrzark has been so involved in his fish, the first food they've had in a few days, that he has not been paying attention to Raven's speech. He sees Phodoxia staring at him, gnawing on a fish tail, and assumes she is indicating how tasty the fish is. He nods in agreement.
The weird group of strangers pass the rest of the night without incident. They keep an ee out thought, either for the beast from the river to return or to not be surprised by more troglodites in case there are more from where the ones they killed came from. Still the rest of the night goes without any remarkable incident.
The morning comes with heavy grey clouds in the sky, almost covering it completely. The wind is chilly but they manage to take some breakfast and, feeling refreshed, they pick up their things, ready to leave.
"So " says the human who feels much better but tries not to move too much his injured arm. " If you are up to it we can go back to that mines. I do agree with no going back to that cavern and the beach, but I do think that trying to entering by the hole we were told about is a good idea. How much rope do you have? "he asks "I am afraid that I'd lost all my equipment in my flee... "
After the night's rest, Tark tinkers with his equipment. He finally grasped some artificer knowledge that had eluded him up to now, but the recent excitement and practical experience has helped. He has emptied his backpack (which he was struggling to carry) into a magicked bag, which is lighter and more spacious than expected. He also did something to his dagger. Besides cutting easier, he is able to throw it at a nearby tree stump, and have the dagger return promptly to his hand.
Satisfied with the work, he turns to Rasen. "I thought we were headed to Darkshelf, to resupply and make sure your boss wants to hire us. But you make it sound like it is better done now, instead of delaying? As long as you are guaranteeing the terms of the job, I'm fine with proceeding since we are close to the mines. Understand that if there are difficulties after the job is over, you'll have to settle up personally with our goblin companions.
"I have 50' of silken rope, if you are sure this hole you heard about is the way to go. (The regular rope was a bit too heavy to carry around, so I had to shell out some gold for the upgrade.)"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"Well... On second thought I have the contract with the burgemestier and you have the contract with me. I know that you all have no reason at all to trust me but... you saved my life. I owe you. I will not double cross you and if the burgemestier doesn't want to pay... well he will have to answer to me... " he seems confident about that.
"I am not sure if 50 ft will be enough.. we didn't really check that hole so, as much as we have the better I guess... "
Phodoxia stays awake for a long time, poking at the fire and thoughtfully sucking on every fish bone until there is quite nothing left of them. She mumbles to Grrzark, "Let's trade watching them, okay?" before curling up to go to sleep only while he's awake, and sitting awake while he's sleeping. When the grey morning comes, she's hungry again and quite ready to get going.
"Right,"she agrees, half-listening to the discussion. "I have 50 feet of rope. Maybe 49 feet." She gives Grrzark a meaningful look, still not quite having forgiven him for losing his backpack.
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Phodoxia nearly freaks out when Tark grabs her shoulder. They're going to try to capture us and eat us! But as she whirls around to face him from her attempted handhold on the boat, she sees that his attention is not on her at all. And then he's saying there's a large, toothy creature in the water. Creeping up on the boat. She doesn't try to look into the boat to see if the magic triggered by her thought had any effect on the unconscious man, but gives the gnome a steely glare instead.
"Oh a toothy scaly water troglodyte, about to eat us, eh?" Then she turns around to look, just in case. And sees it. "Eeeuw," she whispers, weakly.
The man’s body, specially his shoulder, is covered by a warm, golden light. Immediately the man’s breath becomes deeper and he starts to moan while shaking his head, as if he was having a nightmare.
He opens his eyes, sees Phodoxia near the boat and screams, jumping back to the rear part of the boat, scared.
Two things happen simultaneously.
First as the man jumps back, Phodoxia feels something pushing her and she goes flying backwards and end with her butt in the ground, asking herself what on earth has pushed her.
Second, the sudden change of weight in the boat makes it sink on the rear side. The movement is so violent that even some water enters the boat. As soon as this happens the rest sees how the creature launches itself forward, opening its jaws, trying to capture the man. They all scream “Watch out!! Jump!! Behind you!!” and the man doesn’t even loob back. He jumps again forwards getting himself out of the boat just in time as the creature chimps the rear of it launching splinters all around.
They all crawl up the shore as the beast, having failed his hunt attempt, goes back to the water leaving the boat with a hole in the back.
They all look at each other for a second, acknowledging the situation and the man crawls away from them shouting
“Don’t please don’t, don’t kill me!”
PbP Character: A few ;)
Tark looks at Shadowheart and the silver-tongued goblin (Phodoxia) to see if they wanted to start the talking, but they seem to be still gathering themselves after the beast attack. And the gnome suspects that he is a better negotiator than the rough-looking goblin (Grrzark).
While taking a step backwards from the water, he calmly addresses the man: "If we wanted to kill you, you would have been left unconscious for the beast to snack on.
Speaking of that, you might want to get further up the shore, in case that beast tries for another bite.
And while you are at it, you might want to start explaining yourself. We came across some troglodytes who said they were hunting for a wounded human criminal in a boat."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Phodoxia yelps as she is knocked backwards, landing hard on her rear. "OW!" But she has little time to think about her sore posterior, as the boat she was about to climb onto is tilted far back towards the waiting jaws of an enormous predator. She joins the screaming chorus as the man leaps from the boat, narrowly avoiding becoming a meal.
It takes her a moment to wrest her gaze from the splintered remains of the boat, floating defeatedly in the dregs of the river. She doesn't quite feel up to trying to stand yet. My... ow. Ow. That's going to bruise. She stares in annoyance at the man crawling, begging for his life. Why did I heal him? Oh, because I had to. That's all. She sighs, and speaks up after Tark. "Yeah, how'd you end up unconscious in a boat?"
Grrzark stands over the man, trying to look intimidating. He says, "Yeah! Tell us what's going on! Also, if you have any food!"
Intimidation: 5 (game log)
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
The man ssems to calm down a little bit but he is still confused on how this weird group of people had come together.
"I am afraid I do not have any food..." he replies a little bit more confused at Grrzark request "The name is Rasen" he says introducing himself "And about how I ended in that boat, well, I was hired, along with a group of individuals, by a noble in the nearby city of Darkshelf. He was worried about the activities on the quarry, and sent us to investigate. We had some entry points and we decided to go by the river. We found a cave and a beach. I told them not to disturb the water but the others didn't mind my words. We discovered some tunnels and against the common sense, we split into three small groups to investigate. Me and my companion were ambushed by giant frogs. I must confess that I was bitten" he touches his shoulder that still hurts" before I even noticed them. When I recovered counsciousness two giant frogs were ripping the other apart. I am not embarrash to say that I took advantage of their distraction and crawled my way back to the small beach we had our boat. The situation wasn't better for the others. The other pair that went down another tunnel came pursued by troglodites. The one that remained on the beach were nowhere to be seen. They helped me reach the boat and we start to paddle our way out. One of the troglodytes got one of my companions with a spear... the other one... was attacked by that creature that you've seen that was lurking below our boat. I fell uncouscious again so I cannot tell you more but my guess is that the current brought me here. I really thank you for helping me. I... " he looks at Phodoxia, still unsure on why two goblins are not killing him right away "I am sorry for that... " he seems to be about to add something but he finally don't
"What about you? Do you come from that tunnels below the quarry? " he asks
PbP Character: A few ;)
Grrzark nods sagely. "So, there is a reward for rescuing you?"
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Phodoxia grumbles. It sounds like a fantastic adventure, but this fellow is as down and out as they are. Still no food. "No tunnels, no quarry," she says. "Zark and I don't come from here. If the tunnels are full of frogs and trogs, I don't think we want to go into them anyway." One ear perks at Grrzark's mention of the word 'reward', and she waits to hear the rest, looking hopeful.
Stoney Tark mentions, "The human and I are traveling along the river, since it should lead us to Pelyra and then eventually to Darkshelf. We were on the road, but this map has been troublesome." He waves the map, which has been crumpled into a ball instead of neatly folded.
Looks around at the other four. "If there are more hostile Trogs roaming the woods, maybe we should travel together. That is assuming that" (don't think they have introduced themselves yet) "you two goblins are also headed to Darkshelf for employment. We can see how grateful this noble is to have one of his employees returned, and if there is more paying work for us.
"That is assuming that Rasen wants to report to his employer... Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Mr. Tark."
(While the others continue the discussion, Tark examines the boat for places that might need Mending , but that is only if the boat is safely away from the beast in the river.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Rasen hears them
"I am afraid that I don't have much on me, but you certainly have my gratitude..." replies to Grrzark's petition of a reward. He chuckles when hears Tark's words.
"I am not sure if he will be happy for my return, at least without any real information of what's going on in that mine or what happened to one of his former employers. " he seems to think for a few moments while Tark examines the boat and determines that with a few applications of his magic the boat could be usable again soon enough. It looked worse that it was.
"You see... perhaps if you help me, and we are more cautious this time... perhaps we could search those mines and find this guy we were sent to look for. I am willing to share the reward with you if you come with me." he looks to the two goblins " I mean no offense but I do not think that the guards at Darkshelf will allow you to enter the city but perhaps you could infiltrate among any creatures that we may find on those caves... the inteligent ones I mean... " he says
PbP Character: A few ;)
"You must be crazy," Phodoxia groans. "Your party got eaten by giant frogs, and you almost did too, so you want us to be dessert now?" She fidgets uncomfortably. The human is probably right that she and Grrzark won't be allowed in the city. Caught between two worlds... humans hate us, but we can't go back to our tribe... that's how it's always going to be. What a terrible life! She smolders on the inside, but she still believes it's better than the alternative. Right now, though, she's still hungry. So, she keeps listening.
"There's fish by the fire," Shadowheart mentions, "Not much left, but you goblins look hungry. Perhaps we should rest there while we discuss this?" He shrugs. "I have my own reasons for checking Darkshelf - even the mines. So, I'd be interested in helping you. As long as there's a share of the reward." He turns to the goblins. "He has a point. It is rare for people to be open minded enough about those like you. I don't hate you. Now, honestly, I don't like you either, but that's not personal, I don't like anyone. But, if you're helping me - I'll be helping you, however I can. Betray me, and I will destroy you. Seems fair, I hope?"
Addressing the group again, "Call me Shadowheart. I do magic. Give me sass over my name and I will magic you into a corpse."
He goes back to the fire and resumes playing it - making the butterflies dance, the flames shift different colours and similar such idle things.
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Tark: "Shadowheart has a point. Let's go back to the campfire.
We need to hear more details about Rasen's mission and the reward for the job.
"We should stay alert, in case that river beast or the Trog's decide to return.
We were visited earlier by a fireproof invisible deer that growled like a jungle cat. It hasn't attacked us, so it probably wandered away."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
The unlikely group walk to the not so distant fire and Rasen seems to find comfort in the warmth but do not take the fish, letting the goblins take care of it.
"There is, indeed, a reward. 100 gold pieces to each one of us. So I guess that, once that we return, we can go and meet the burgmiester and come back to you and give you two your part. Or buy supplies with it if that's what you want. Also, I do see your point in that caves are dangerous. But, I'll be dammed, I need the money " he srughs "And I do hope to have learnt from the experience. Do not, split the party, keep your eyes and ears open. And at least we do know now what kind of creatures are in each corridor, we can avoid that and try the other one." he seems to ponder some things before continuing "Do not misunderstand me. I do regret the deaths of the others companions, but we barely knew each other, just answered the burgmeisters call and really had the time to get to know each other or really make plans... I know that what I am proposing is risky, and I would understand if you don't want to come. If anyone is open to go there, then I guess is back to Darkshelf and speak to the burmeister about it. Anyway I do really appreciate your help. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Phodoxia smiles winningly at Shadowheart, her large-eared green head wrapped in its dirty hood cocked endearingly to one side. "You drive an excellent bargain, for such a tall chap! Fish, you say? And help? We know all about helping. We'll help. And what's this about a reward?" She doesn't wait for an answer, though, as she scurries towards the fire and the promised fish.
While the group settles in, Phodoxia waits a mere polite moment as she sits down, before snatching and devouring whatever remnants of fish are within her reach. She listens with grave attentiveness as Rasen speaks, hanging on his every word, or seeming to. It sounds like easy money actually. And with a human willing to act as a go-between? It's almost too good to be true. Phodoxia gnaws on a fishtail as she listens, and then turns to look at Grrzark, raising her ears and eyebrows. Good deal, huh?
Grrzark has been so involved in his fish, the first food they've had in a few days, that he has not been paying attention to Raven's speech. He sees Phodoxia staring at him, gnawing on a fish tail, and assumes she is indicating how tasty the fish is. He nods in agreement.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
The weird group of strangers pass the rest of the night without incident. They keep an ee out thought, either for the beast from the river to return or to not be surprised by more troglodites in case there are more from where the ones they killed came from. Still the rest of the night goes without any remarkable incident.
The morning comes with heavy grey clouds in the sky, almost covering it completely. The wind is chilly but they manage to take some breakfast and, feeling refreshed, they pick up their things, ready to leave.
"So " says the human who feels much better but tries not to move too much his injured arm. " If you are up to it we can go back to that mines. I do agree with no going back to that cavern and the beach, but I do think that trying to entering by the hole we were told about is a good idea. How much rope do you have? " he asks "I am afraid that I'd lost all my equipment in my flee... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
After the night's rest, Tark tinkers with his equipment.
He finally grasped some artificer knowledge that had eluded him up to now, but the recent excitement and practical experience has helped.
He has emptied his backpack (which he was struggling to carry) into a magicked bag, which is lighter and more spacious than expected.
He also did something to his dagger. Besides cutting easier, he is able to throw it at a nearby tree stump, and have the dagger return promptly to his hand.
Satisfied with the work, he turns to Rasen.
"I thought we were headed to Darkshelf, to resupply and make sure your boss wants to hire us.
But you make it sound like it is better done now, instead of delaying? As long as you are guaranteeing the terms of the job, I'm fine with proceeding since we are close to the mines. Understand that if there are difficulties after the job is over, you'll have to settle up personally with our goblin companions.
"I have 50' of silken rope, if you are sure this hole you heard about is the way to go. (The regular rope was a bit too heavy to carry around, so I had to shell out some gold for the upgrade.)"
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"Well... On second thought I have the contract with the burgemestier and you have the contract with me. I know that you all have no reason at all to trust me but... you saved my life. I owe you. I will not double cross you and if the burgemestier doesn't want to pay... well he will have to answer to me... " he seems confident about that.
"I am not sure if 50 ft will be enough.. we didn't really check that hole so, as much as we have the better I guess... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Phodoxia stays awake for a long time, poking at the fire and thoughtfully sucking on every fish bone until there is quite nothing left of them. She mumbles to Grrzark, "Let's trade watching them, okay?" before curling up to go to sleep only while he's awake, and sitting awake while he's sleeping. When the grey morning comes, she's hungry again and quite ready to get going.
"Right," she agrees, half-listening to the discussion. "I have 50 feet of rope. Maybe 49 feet." She gives Grrzark a meaningful look, still not quite having forgiven him for losing his backpack.