Though first looking appropriately chastened, at Skoth's softened tone the creature... purrs? Growls affectionately? Whatever the noise, its protective coiling slackens and Skoth is able to step free. The creature then dives into the earth and reemerges 20 feet away. It repeats this behavior several times, the action reminding all present of an overly excited puppy ready to play - or rather an overly excited monsterous cross between a lobster and a grasshopper ready to drool acid on anything its human throws for it.
Clearing his throat and looking vastly uncomfortable, Elaric asks of no one in particular, "What now? Bruna requested fourteen dead ankhegs. I find myself troubled by the idea of killing such a trusting creature, especially as ankhegs are no more evil than any wild animal. Could we... hmm." He trails off, a look of concentration tinged with worry marring his Fey features.
Though first looking appropriately chastened, at Skoth's softened tone the creature... purrs? Growls affectionately? Whatever the noise, its protective coiling slackens and Skoth is able to step free. The creature then dives into the earth and reemerges 20 feet away. It repeats this behavior several times, the action reminding all present of an overly excited puppy ready to play - or rather an overly excited monsterous cross between a lobster and a grasshopper ready to drool acid on anything its human throws for it.
Clearing his throat and looking vastly uncomfortable, Elaric asks of no one in particular, "What now? Bruna requested fourteen dead ankhegs. I find myself troubled by the idea of killing such a trusting creature, especially as ankhegs are no more evil than any wild animal. Could we... hmm." He trails off, a look of concentration tinged with worry marring his Fey features.
Guan Hao says "Provided it remains loyal, the creature may be spared, and perhaps used. In any case, I believe these lesser ankhegs are no longer our primary concern."
Wendell shifts uncomfortably, "I fear that Pyrringham Village's residents might disagree. Especially since this one made a meal of at least one of them. But even with that aside, we have a problem. My magic is exhausted, and I'll be small help with sling or dagger against the thing we saw. Elaric, how many spells do you retain?"
With a shrug, Elaric replies, "I still have several simple spells prepared, but few of any use in combating a threat that can drag away a larval queen with such little effort." Heaving a sigh, he looks back at the friendly ankheg, still busily burrowing in its happy manner. "Something bothers me about that arm the ankheg was eating, but I can't quite put my finger on just what it was." Looking about, he asks the group at large, "I don't recall that the creature swallowed it. Does anyone see it?"
Everyone make a perception check (until/unless someone rolls 20 or higher).
Though the entire party looks about, no one spots the disembodied arm. With a slight noise of exasperation, Elaric reluctantly resigns himself to another unsolved mystery being added to his collection. "Damn! I'm certain there was something strange about it..."
With nothing left to do in the fields, the party makes their way back to the outskirts of Pyrringham's main square. You have gone as far as you may without anyone seeing the ankheg tagging along. If you continue, the villagers may take severe (or perhaps violent) issue with your newest companion. How will you proceed?
"It would probably be best if at least myself and our new friend tried to find a way out without running into villigers. Otherwise perhaps we need to find a way to sneak out under cover of darkness? I am far more adept at diplomacy with beasts than men."
"It would probably be best if at least myself and our new friend tried to find a way out without running into villigers. Otherwise perhaps we need to find a way to sneak out under cover of darkness? I am far more adept at diplomacy with beasts than men."
[OOC: no real need to sneak 'out' anywhere. At this point, you are not in the village proper (though you are on land - between the main village and associated farms - which is considered to be a part of the village in a broader sense). That said, I didn't want to assume everyone blundered into the village square with what amounts to a monster trailing them. There's no NEED for the group to bring the ankheg in with them, but I wasn't sure how you want to play this scenario.]
Guan Hao suggests that he and the druid - and the druid's new friend - wait in the field and keep an eye out for further trouble, while the rest of the party report to village leadership and decide on their next move.
Wendell agrees. "There's a rocky outcropping about a quarter of a mile to the west of where we are. It might be prudent to set up your watch there. Assuming the bugs haven't figured out how to burrow through stone, the position should afford both of you some protection and advanced warning. Anything you want us to procure while we're in town?"
Wendell agrees. "There's a rocky outcropping about a quarter of a mile to the west of where we are. It might be prudent to set up your watch there. Assuming the bugs haven't figured out how to burrow through stone, the position should afford both of you some protection and advanced warning. Anything you want us to procure while we're in town?"
"A hot meal and a stiff drink wouldn't go amiss. We'll be waiting at the outcrop, unless the druid has a better idea."
"Hot meal will not be a problem. Stiff drink... I'll see what's available. I might also see if there are any potions that might be up for sale. Given the amount of business Pyrringham seems to be doing these days, we might get lucky. We'll try to be back in an hour or two."
With the problem of their newest friend temporarily solved, the party splits into two groups. Following directions supplied by Wendell, Guan Hao and Skoth easily and uneventfully lead their charge to a safely secluded rocky outcropping.
Meanwhile, Wendell, Gong, and Elaric proceed to Pyrringham's village square to find Bruna and collect their reward. One question remains, however: will they tell the truth about being one kill short, thus sacrificing a large portion of the reward?
Upon reaching the square, the monk and wizards discover Bruna conversing with a scared-looking group of villagers. As they approach, she quiets the crowd and gently pushes through to the heroes. "We heard there was another attack. Is everyone alright? Did you stop the beasts?" Glancing over the three men, she raises one brow, a worried expression settling over her features. "Where are your other two companions? Did they- I mean, are- They weren't... Are they alright?"
"They're fine, Bruna, don't worry. We sent them out west to the rocky hill to rest and scout out any other infestations. We've cleared most of the Ankhegs out of the immediate area, but they came on us faster than we anticipated and we need to resupply before heading back out. My spells are tapped, and if someone has some medicines or potions, I'd be happy to see if we could do business. Thirteen down so far, one to go, and we think we've spotted whatever is scaring the nest."
He blows out his breath, "The bugs are a FAR more aggressive than I'd anticipated."
Taking this all in, Bruna is relieved that the rest of the group is safe, points out cluster of wagons at the far end of the square (explaining that they belong to traveling merchants who just arrived and come by every few weeks) where Wendell could almost certainly purchase a few potions, and expresses gratitude for the 13 killed so far - she even offers the portion of payment earned thus far ("if you want or need it before you haggle with the traveling caravan of gold farmers?"). As for the whatever is scaring the ankhegs, she replies, "What did you see?" at which point Elaric speaks up, filling in what little detail the group currently has available. Bruna is stunned and a little terrified at the idea of a creature large enough to drag away a larval queen living within 100 leagues of her farm. She beseeches the party to learn what they may, but will understand if they feel that dealing with such a beast is beyond their abilities. "I don't want to usher you or your friends into early graves, little brother!"
After all of this, Bruna informs the group of another issue which has recently arisen in the area, likely as a result of the ankheg swarms. Several farms have reported groups Goblins stealing or slaying livestock on their grounds. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be too odd an occurrence, but it was rare. Now, there have been four reported raids in the last week. The most recent farmer to suffer this outrage chased the Goblins into the nearby woods, but lost the trail. The village is offering a bounty of 25 gp per goblin slain (collect a hand as proof) and a bonus of 500 gp for anyone who can find and destroy their base of operations. Bruna stresses that, while not as important as stopping whatever has stirred up the ankhegs, it would greatly help the villagers' morale in these troublesome times.
Gong provides quick counsel to his comrades: "'If you only focus on giants, you will be eaten by the ants.' We should wipe out the little devils quickly. Then focus on the ankhegs."
Though first looking appropriately chastened, at Skoth's softened tone the creature... purrs? Growls affectionately? Whatever the noise, its protective coiling slackens and Skoth is able to step free. The creature then dives into the earth and reemerges 20 feet away. It repeats this behavior several times, the action reminding all present of an overly excited puppy ready to play - or rather an overly excited monsterous cross between a lobster and a grasshopper ready to drool acid on anything its human throws for it.
Clearing his throat and looking vastly uncomfortable, Elaric asks of no one in particular, "What now? Bruna requested fourteen dead ankhegs. I find myself troubled by the idea of killing such a trusting creature, especially as ankhegs are no more evil than any wild animal. Could we... hmm." He trails off, a look of concentration tinged with worry marring his Fey features.
Guan Hao says "Provided it remains loyal, the creature may be spared, and perhaps used. In any case, I believe these lesser ankhegs are no longer our primary concern."
Wendell shifts uncomfortably, "I fear that Pyrringham Village's residents might disagree. Especially since this one made a meal of at least one of them. But even with that aside, we have a problem. My magic is exhausted, and I'll be small help with sling or dagger against the thing we saw. Elaric, how many spells do you retain?"
With a shrug, Elaric replies, "I still have several simple spells prepared, but few of any use in combating a threat that can drag away a larval queen with such little effort." Heaving a sigh, he looks back at the friendly ankheg, still busily burrowing in its happy manner. "Something bothers me about that arm the ankheg was eating, but I can't quite put my finger on just what it was." Looking about, he asks the group at large, "I don't recall that the creature swallowed it. Does anyone see it?"
Everyone make a perception check (until/unless someone rolls 20 or higher).
Elaric's perception check: 14
4
Guan Hao's Perception check: 9
Gong's Perception check: 10
Perception 16
Though the entire party looks about, no one spots the disembodied arm. With a slight noise of exasperation, Elaric reluctantly resigns himself to another unsolved mystery being added to his collection. "Damn! I'm certain there was something strange about it..."
With nothing left to do in the fields, the party makes their way back to the outskirts of Pyrringham's main square. You have gone as far as you may without anyone seeing the ankheg tagging along. If you continue, the villagers may take severe (or perhaps violent) issue with your newest companion. How will you proceed?
"It would probably be best if at least myself and our new friend tried to find a way out without running into villigers. Otherwise perhaps we need to find a way to sneak out under cover of darkness? I am far more adept at diplomacy with beasts than men."
[OOC: no real need to sneak 'out' anywhere. At this point, you are not in the village proper (though you are on land - between the main village and associated farms - which is considered to be a part of the village in a broader sense). That said, I didn't want to assume everyone blundered into the village square with what amounts to a monster trailing them. There's no NEED for the group to bring the ankheg in with them, but I wasn't sure how you want to play this scenario.]
Guan Hao suggests that he and the druid - and the druid's new friend - wait in the field and keep an eye out for further trouble, while the rest of the party report to village leadership and decide on their next move.
Wendell agrees. "There's a rocky outcropping about a quarter of a mile to the west of where we are. It might be prudent to set up your watch there. Assuming the bugs haven't figured out how to burrow through stone, the position should afford both of you some protection and advanced warning. Anything you want us to procure while we're in town?"
"A hot meal and a stiff drink wouldn't go amiss. We'll be waiting at the outcrop, unless the druid has a better idea."
"Hot meal will not be a problem. Stiff drink... I'll see what's available. I might also see if there are any potions that might be up for sale. Given the amount of business Pyrringham seems to be doing these days, we might get lucky. We'll try to be back in an hour or two."
With the problem of their newest friend temporarily solved, the party splits into two groups. Following directions supplied by Wendell, Guan Hao and Skoth easily and uneventfully lead their charge to a safely secluded rocky outcropping.
Meanwhile, Wendell, Gong, and Elaric proceed to Pyrringham's village square to find Bruna and collect their reward. One question remains, however: will they tell the truth about being one kill short, thus sacrificing a large portion of the reward?
Upon reaching the square, the monk and wizards discover Bruna conversing with a scared-looking group of villagers. As they approach, she quiets the crowd and gently pushes through to the heroes. "We heard there was another attack. Is everyone alright? Did you stop the beasts?" Glancing over the three men, she raises one brow, a worried expression settling over her features. "Where are your other two companions? Did they- I mean, are- They weren't... Are they alright?"
"They're fine, Bruna, don't worry. We sent them out west to the rocky hill to rest and scout out any other infestations. We've cleared most of the Ankhegs out of the immediate area, but they came on us faster than we anticipated and we need to resupply before heading back out. My spells are tapped, and if someone has some medicines or potions, I'd be happy to see if we could do business. Thirteen down so far, one to go, and we think we've spotted whatever is scaring the nest."
He blows out his breath, "The bugs are a FAR more aggressive than I'd anticipated."
Taking this all in, Bruna is relieved that the rest of the group is safe, points out cluster of wagons at the far end of the square (explaining that they belong to traveling merchants who just arrived and come by every few weeks) where Wendell could almost certainly purchase a few potions, and expresses gratitude for the 13 killed so far - she even offers the portion of payment earned thus far ("if you want or need it before you haggle with the traveling caravan of gold farmers?"). As for the whatever is scaring the ankhegs, she replies, "What did you see?" at which point Elaric speaks up, filling in what little detail the group currently has available. Bruna is stunned and a little terrified at the idea of a creature large enough to drag away a larval queen living within 100 leagues of her farm. She beseeches the party to learn what they may, but will understand if they feel that dealing with such a beast is beyond their abilities. "I don't want to usher you or your friends into early graves, little brother!"
After all of this, Bruna informs the group of another issue which has recently arisen in the area, likely as a result of the ankheg swarms. Several farms have reported groups Goblins stealing or slaying livestock on their grounds. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be too odd an occurrence, but it was rare. Now, there have been four reported raids in the last week. The most recent farmer to suffer this outrage chased the Goblins into the nearby woods, but lost the trail. The village is offering a bounty of 25 gp per goblin slain (collect a hand as proof) and a bonus of 500 gp for anyone who can find and destroy their base of operations. Bruna stresses that, while not as important as stopping whatever has stirred up the ankhegs, it would greatly help the villagers' morale in these troublesome times.
Gong provides quick counsel to his comrades: "'If you only focus on giants, you will be eaten by the ants.' We should wipe out the little devils quickly. Then focus on the ankhegs."
Wendell nods, "We should have at least hampered the bugs with the cull. We can collect our friends and be off after we resupply."
He wanders towards the caravans muttering to himself *spells for goblins..hmm.. spells for goblins..*