The map, as you find, is written in Undercommon, the language of the beasts underground. It is a simple map, leading to the ruins of a keep deep within the woods nearby. However, as you read it, you notice a note, barely legible, in the corner.
"BEWARE THE MAN WHOSE SMILE LAUGHS"
The warning had clearly been erased before, as if someone didn't want anyone to read such a thing.
The ranger looks around, startled when the voice in his head speaks. "Magic..." he mutters. He then says in a louder voice, "The map contains the town from ages past, with the forest as a large expanse. It shows a fort deep within. Someone tried to erase "BEWARE THE MAN WHOSE SMILE LAUGHS"... it is also in Undercommon," He scratches his head while in thought. "Is Undercommon a normal language used in this area?"
Bjorne looks around to see who is paying attention, trying to spot the one who put the mental question in his head.
The Thri-kreen whom the map and information belongs to perks at the words you say. Under his breath, you hear him say "I knew that thing led somewhere!" before rushing to you. "Can you tell anything else? I- I could - OH! I know! You could help me! I'm not really meant for adventure, but you! you look like you could take a hit! There'd be coin in it for you, if you want!"
Rowan still isn’t going to insert himself into someone else’s conversation, but the Thri-kreen’s excitement has caught his attention, distracting him from the craziness going on with the monk and the boy.
"You have caught me during a lull in my journey and I am interested in mapping the area. I'm a skilled mapper and navigator, but if the ruins are there, it will probably require abilities explore properly that I don't have, thus requiring at least few others to flesh out the exploring group.."
The ranger pulls a slip of parchment and his seal. "I'm willing to create a contract and hire the group to explore the area. I have my seal to make it official. How much are you offering?"
The thri-kreen's eyes go wide. "Really?! Well, a hundred gold seems fair, right? For anyone involved!" He begins to run to the door before nearly tripping over himself turning back to you. "I should wait until your ready! And, uh, did I ever give you my name?"
While entertaining Arty's arm wrestling bout, Pumahk had been subtly keeping watch of the over the thri-kreen; it wasn't everyday you saw one, even for someone as well traveled as Pumahk. His interest only grew at the mention of a fort, and it grew again at the mention of 100 gold. Living as a wanderer wasn't necessarily a high-paying job, and Arty's shenanigans often ended up costing more money than they earned. He decided to approach the human who was conversing with the thri-kreen to ask about the opportunity.
"Hello there. I couldn't help but hear talk of exploring some ruins, and seeing as this sounds to be uncharted territory you speak of, it might be best if you had someone well versed in combat and protection. I've done some bodyguard work myself, and I'd be quite interested in joining you if you're hiring."
(OOC: I'm back. Thanks for waiting, all! Athletics: 15 (15 + 0) in character sheet.)
As Arty yanks his arm, Hikari stays calm, closing his eyes and gently tensing his muscles to resist the pull. Patiently he waits, feeling Arty's pull diminish as the seconds tick by. He strikes the perfect pose of a monk -- stone-faced, calm against whatever wind blows his way. Then, as Arty's strength gives way, he pulls up with all his might, like a sleeping beast emerging from the depths of the sea. Arty's hand slams into the table, and Hikari gives him a handshake and a nod.
"Well fought, young warrior," he tells Arty in a -- only slightly -- drunken slur (in the sense that it's not quite unintelligible), smiling -- as best as he can -- at the young apprentice. "Where are you from, and what's brought you here today?"
(Is this not the response? If not totally cool, this is just what Galdrun is asking about)
The ranger looks around, startled when the voice in his head speaks. "Magic..." he mutters. He then says in a louder voice, "The map contains the town from ages past, with the forest as a large expanse. It shows a fort deep within. Someone tried to erase "
BEWARE THE MAN WHOSE SMILE LAUGHS"...it is also in Undercommon," He scratches his head while in thought. "Is Undercommon a normal language used in this area?"Bjorne looks around to see who is paying attention, trying to spot the one who put the mental question in his head.
Cats go Moo!
The Thri-kreen whom the map and information belongs to perks at the words you say. Under his breath, you hear him say "I knew that thing led somewhere!" before rushing to you. "Can you tell anything else? I- I could - OH! I know! You could help me! I'm not really meant for adventure, but you! you look like you could take a hit! There'd be coin in it for you, if you want!"
Rowan still isn’t going to insert himself into someone else’s conversation, but the Thri-kreen’s excitement has caught his attention, distracting him from the craziness going on with the monk and the boy.
"You have caught me during a lull in my journey and I am interested in mapping the area. I'm a skilled mapper and navigator, but if the ruins are there, it will probably require abilities explore properly that I don't have, thus requiring at least few others to flesh out the exploring group.."
The ranger pulls a slip of parchment and his seal. "I'm willing to create a contract and hire the group to explore the area. I have my seal to make it official. How much are you offering?"
Cats go Moo!
The thri-kreen's eyes go wide. "Really?! Well, a hundred gold seems fair, right? For anyone involved!" He begins to run to the door before nearly tripping over himself turning back to you. "I should wait until your ready! And, uh, did I ever give you my name?"
Brion perks up, hearing the mention of 100 gold. He starts paying attention, but trying really hard to not look like he's paying attention.
While entertaining Arty's arm wrestling bout, Pumahk had been subtly keeping watch of the over the thri-kreen; it wasn't everyday you saw one, even for someone as well traveled as Pumahk. His interest only grew at the mention of a fort, and it grew again at the mention of 100 gold. Living as a wanderer wasn't necessarily a high-paying job, and Arty's shenanigans often ended up costing more money than they earned. He decided to approach the human who was conversing with the thri-kreen to ask about the opportunity.
"Hello there. I couldn't help but hear talk of exploring some ruins, and seeing as this sounds to be uncharted territory you speak of, it might be best if you had someone well versed in combat and protection. I've done some bodyguard work myself, and I'd be quite interested in joining you if you're hiring."
The Thri-kreen looks at you in surprise. 'Really? Alright then! I'll wait for your tiny friend, and we'll be off!"
(OOC: I'm back. Thanks for waiting, all! Athletics: 15 (15 + 0) in character sheet.)
As Arty yanks his arm, Hikari stays calm, closing his eyes and gently tensing his muscles to resist the pull. Patiently he waits, feeling Arty's pull diminish as the seconds tick by. He strikes the perfect pose of a monk -- stone-faced, calm against whatever wind blows his way. Then, as Arty's strength gives way, he pulls up with all his might, like a sleeping beast emerging from the depths of the sea. Arty's hand slams into the table, and Hikari gives him a handshake and a nod.
"Well fought, young warrior," he tells Arty in a -- only slightly -- drunken slur (in the sense that it's not quite unintelligible), smiling -- as best as he can -- at the young apprentice. "Where are you from, and what's brought you here today?"
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
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DM: Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana