The Bounders STORY

"Thank you, you have been a great help. Here, for your trouble." Ava puts down 20 gold on the counter

Looking over to Clermar and nodding "Yes, I think that would be a good idea."

Seeing Ava throw around gold pieces like they were endless, he begins to open up to the idea of becoming a Bounder...

Ava: "Oh.. Oh my, thank you."

Liafal: "Yes, I certainly think I could put together a climbing pack for you all." She moves from around the counter and begins collecting various objects including rope, gloves, pitons, and an archaic-looking harness which she pulls from a chest of odds and ends in the back of the store. She stuffs this all in a sack and closes it. "There you are. I'd feel wrong charging you for it after that generous tip, so please, take it and be careful. The paths through the ridge are crawling with dark beasts and undead."

Bram over hears the last few words as he walks back to the front counter.

"Well at least we won't get bored on this trip. And it will be interesting to see new creatures we have never seen before."

Bram gets a closer look at the shop keeper for the first time.

"Well hello there, you are like a rare jewel found among common rocks. My name is Bram Farrow, it is truly a pleasure to meet you."

"Could I know the honour of your name, my lady?"

Bram gives the shop keepers a deep bow, he reaching out to try and take her hand to kiss it.

Clermar will take the climbing gear from Liafal and try to lash it onto his pack. "No problem, I think I can manage this." After fiddling with his gear for a while, Clermar seems to have everything together except for a torch he is scratching his back with. He looks at the torch, then the pack, then at Liafal and extends the torch to him. "Uh, except for this, can't fit this."

Bram: The woman looks taken aback. "Oh- I- Uhm... thank you... Bram Farrow. I'm Meredith Le'fin." she answers awkwardly.

"Yes, if we all feel prepared, I believe we should head out as soon as possible."

Ospos adjusts his coat and hat and heads out the door.  "To the ridge!"

Bram kisses Meredith hand, giving one last bow.

"A pleasure to meet you Meredith Le'fin, alas we must depart, but know I will forever treasure your beauty."

Bram follows his friends to the door, turning back before he exits, he winks and blows a kiss to Meredith, and then turns and walks out.

Outside, Bram declares,

"Let's get moving, adventure awaits!"

And with that, Bram starts striding off towards the town gates.

Clermar rolls his eyes a bit and heads out with his group. "So Bram, I don't think I've seen Frank or Franz since you knew you were uh, you. Are they gone or still ... you?"

"Dear friend Clermar, if you are asking if I still have that void in my heart, that I am trying to fill, then yes, I am still myself."

Bram gives Clermar a wink and smile.

"Franz, Frank, Greg and Thallan are all still about. I am loath to cut ties with my friend's, unless I really have to."

(edited, I miss read Steedling's post)

(just for clarity, y'all are well aware that "the ridge" is the chain of short, jagged mountains that Ashstone is nestled up against, extending back towards the wastes and in the opposite direction)

(To the ridge, then west along it and look for tracks or ruins.)

(someone give me a survival check then)

Survival Check; 7

Ospos helps Ava:

11

You all exit Ashstone through the front gates. Finding the gloomy forest ahead of you, you instead turn to the right, finding a path along the outer wall that seems to head back towards the ridge. At the point where it reaches the rocky cliffs, it turns to go parallel along them, inclining slightly. As it goes on, large rocks and boulders sometimes obscure your view of the woodlands below on your left, and you quickly find the path growing narrow. The trail is worn, but Ospos it is you who notices a set of gnome sized footprints in the dust. They become faded in places where the wind picks up, funneled by the rocks, but they do pick up again eventually. At this point, the sky is about as dark as it was when you first arrived, and torches or magical light will be needed to banish the growing darkness. 

Ospos can keep dancing lights up indefinitely.

Bram raises his hand and clicks his fingers, causing Xandar to reappear on his shoulder.

"Hello my fury little friend, could I get you to help keep an eye on our group again?"

Xandar will circle the group, using his blind sense and superior hearing, to keep watch for anything approaching the group.

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

(Assuming Ospos shares that he spotted the gnome tracks.)

(Of course!  Ospos will always share this kind of information with a "good thing I was here" attitude.)