Muireach turns to the dwarf with a glare that can only be described as predatorily friendly, “Ah! Luthok, my small angry friend dwarf! I do so enjoy your biting wit! I will still hug you, but please do not kick me! It would be very UNPLEASANT for everyone involved!” Muireach‘s going for the hug.

Dyoken tries to hold the crazed elf back. (Athletics: 11) His tight crushing embrace is almost unbearable.

“Oh ho ho! You are hugging me ROIGHT TIGHT, ME BOY! Thank you for your warm embrace, Dyoken, my friend! Let me return the gesture with an equally BONECRUSHIN’ embrace!” Athletics: 18. However, Dyoken has Muireach firmly locked in the air.

Luthok wipes some sweat off of his brow and nods towards Dyoken, mouthing the words "Thank you". He lifts his small backpack up. "Already packed.. amateurs."

DK sets Summuireach back on his feet pointed for the path, and starts for the Archeological Society.

Merrick sits at the table, politely waiting to be excused.

"C-Could we stop this discussion of bonecrushing, my liege?" Sir Garamon shifts in place like a bashful fool. "It makes me a tad uncomfortable."

Meanwhile, Vivi seems quiet about the whole being super hugged. Once everyone has calmed down from bonecrushing each other to an early marriage, Vivi tugs on Muireach's sleeve. If he looks at her, she just holds her arms open. "Uuu..." Apparently being hugged is welcome.

"With regards to my attendance, I suppose I could escort the king and his band of ricks. I assume there's Moy-rick, Mer-rick, Luth-rick, and Dyo-rick." Vivi casts him a glare. "Oh yes, and the fabulous BEBE!"

"Oh yes, dear, of course. I hope to see you this Sunday." Nana smiles at her grandson. She reaches into her pocket. "Take care of your friends, Merrick. Here you go." She waddles over to Merrick and tucks a small bag into his hand. "Here is some money from Nana. I love you, Ricky."

Merrick knows better than to try to hand money back to Nana. The pouch contains 20g, and seemingly at random, a blue bead.

Muireach roars with laughter and walks around with Vivi in full Summer Hug mode!

 Dyoken starts for the city.

"Thank you Nana!" Like a good grandson, Merrick gives his grandmother a hug and a kiss.

Merrick looks at the bead curiously and heads out. He looks to see if there is anything interesting about it. For a while, he forgets what he is doing and just wanders the streets humming to himself. Then he realizes the others are probably completely lost. "They are probably milling around Luthok's garden with no idea what to do," he wonders aloud.

The kithkin makes his way to the cottage.

"It's LuthOK you babbling dumbass!" Luthok grabs his backpack and continues after Dyoken, Toadstool in reigns behind him.

Merrick catches the rest of the party as they enter through Gate Fiona. They head to Urich's Tower for a moment, but every step closer Sir Garamon seems to rattle more and more within his armor. As Urich's tower comes into view, Sir Garamon exclaims, "YOU KNOW, I'M VERY CERTAIN URICH IS FINE WITH THIS. LET US DEPART FOR ADVENTURE! NO NEED TO ASK PERMISSION. WHAT IS HE? MY MOTHER? I DON'T EVEN HAVE ONE OF THOSE."

(Assuming no one objects... and if you do, say so!)

They march together and head to the Archeological Society, where they meet with Ivsaar as Luthok had promised to do. It seems that everything is already ready to go! The Archeological Society has outfitted you with:

• Enough food to last you 2 weeks. 
• A wagon pulled by a pair of oxen.
• A couple of archeologists... though they might be useless? (Insight checks!)

The wagon has a couple of heavy crates, but otherwise, Sir Garamon and Vivi can hangout within. The wagon is driven by the archeologists. You all have your mounts with you! 

Of course, some manner of introductions is in order...

"Heya!" A tall desert elf woman greets you with a wink and a salute. Standing somewhat behind her is a Forged of moderate build. "My name is Bigs, and this is my assistant Wedge! Say 'hi,' Wedge!"

"..." Wedge doesn't appear talkative.

"I'm so excited. Let's do this thing! All you have to do is keep me from dying. I mean, I would really appreciate if you did anyway."

Dyoken sits astride Rocinante, but waits back a moment, a bemused grin waiting on his face. He watches in expectation is Summuireach is given the opportunity to introduce the party.

OOC: Oh we’re doing this then? Alright, lemme get into it.

Muireach follows close behind the group as he rides atop Mordred. Well, one could call it riding in a sense. In actuality, he is stood firmly upon the elk, while striking various poses. As he reaches where they have stopped, he leaps off his steed, (Acrobatics: 5), flips in the air, and lands in a victory pose. He will hug them both! “Greetings to you on this fine day, new friendly science friends! You who are known as Bigs and Wedge, before you stands the king of heroes and his retinue! I am Muireach Maon, said king! Among my friends are...” Muireach will gesture to each, “Dyoken, man, Luthok, angry mushroom, Merrick, terrifying grandmother, Sir Garamon, first of his name, and Vivi! So far our mortality rate is at a firm zero, so you should be perfectly fine! And why wouldn’t you be, for the king of heroes stands among you!”

"Don't worry," Dyoken says, "tomorrow we'll have a whole new king, and while he may be a unique new surprise, I am certain he will be less enthusiastic than today, at the very least." Dyoken checks over all the equipment to make sure everything is secure, then adds, "It's mostly true though, you are fairly safe. We have seen few innocents harmed under our care." He opts not to mention that poor girl in Luthok's thorn bush.

“Dyoken is right! I am made up of many unique traits! Like a gleaming jewel in the sun, my personality shines through in all seasons! Thank you, my friend!”

Luthok just facepalms at Muireach and looks to the archaeologists, trying to discern if they are of any use or not. Insight: 20. "I'm a medicine man, so if any of you guys get ill or even think of dying I will personally handle your dumbasses." Luthok gives quite the ironic hint of a bow towards their patrons. "After all... If you die, i won't get paid. And my pension need the money." 

"Woah!" Bigs exclaims as she is suddenly hugged along with Wedge. The Forged makes a not-so-subtle cuckoo clock chime. Bigs gives the golem a slight nod before they are both released and further introductions are given.

"Yes, indeed, the king is correct. You have no need to worry." Sir Garamon nods along to Muireach's very apt description of the party. (Except Nana is NOT coming! She is at home.)

"Uuu..." Vivi eyes the hug and then opens arms up to Muireach again. "Hug."

"Yes, well, anyway-" Bigs wide smile displays a certain level of patience. "Shall we be off then?"

Luthok, you size the pair of them up as they are manhandled by Muireach. It would appear Bigs is probably not any weaker or stronger than your average commoner. However, Wedge seems a bit more sturdy and you spy a club at his side. Your best guess is he is like a guard, but perhaps a bit stronger given his Forged nature.

"Yes, let's move." Dyoken says, "there'll be plenty of time to get to know each other ahead." 

(Oh woo, didn't realize we finally hit 1000 posts. Aren't you stoked!?)

You begin your journey through Gate Balinor and head northwest toward the Peaks of Mullivan! With food and water accounted for, your main goal is simply to keep your eyes peeled for any dangers on the road. Bigs suggests a moderate pace and a camp out every night so that the oxen are not exhausted, but she leaves these decisions in your capable hands. 

The ten days will consist of mostly sunny weather, but the last several days will feature a harsh thunderstorm. You -should- reach the Peaks within those first 10 days if nothing goes wrong. The surrounding areas will begin mostly as farmland, then plains, then rolling hills, until finally, you reach the mountains.

Our travel will consist of a slightly modified Skill Challenge! Every 1 day will require a skill check of any kind of your choosing. Depending on what you've decided to do and what you rolled, something could happen (good or bad) or nothing might happen.

Here is how it will work: one at a time, you will post a scene. This scene can involve just about anything as long as it fits the setting as described below. The scene must involve your character taking an action that requires a skill check. This action can be just about anything. Some examples: trying to track an animal, finding/avoiding a fight, staying the course, lore checks or interacting with NPCs. Then you will make a check! As long as the skill you roll within your post seems relevant, I'll allow it.

I will post a follow-up to each scene which will detail how you succeeded/failed or if nothing happens. I will also be rolling in the background for reasons. 

Spoiler contains travel conditions for the days.