this is a game

Sadly there are few locals here with any magical ability…

However visitors and wanderers often find a halfling size cozy room at the Stonewheel Inn.

OOC- Feel free to join this custom version of ‘The Fouled Stream’ if you’d like.

Appearing from the back of the crowd is a 5'1" hooded figure. Under the hood you see a copper dragonborn.

"Um, hello. Sorry if I'm not what you are looking for but uh, I do know some healing magic."  The dragonborn says very timidly.

"And I care about the nature!"  She hastily adds, almost yelling.

It is not uncommon for Dragonborn to pass through Shatter-stone hamlet.  There are a few scattered clutches here and there within the Green-teeth foothills.  Perhaps you are native or perhaps not but the sight of two such capable looking individuals draws attention and it isn’t long before the community elder Martle and his son the proprietor of the Stonewheel Inn, Jamers approach.

Martel, “I hear that two visitors are willing to investigate the river Fizz, to find the source of its pollution.  Are you the ones?  If this is true I owe you our support and thanks.  My grandson lies ill, and I can’t tell you how worried I am.  Please take this heirloom.”  He presents a pair of shoes.  They look mastercrafted and artfully designed.

Jamers, “Whatever you find your stay at the Stonewheel will be free, please see what you can do to help my boy.”

Upon closer inspection you can see a variety of lashings and lacings creating a unique set of footwear capable of being worn by nearly any species… (just in case you thought oh great can’t wear those. ;}

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

Katarina looks around at the villagers.

Her big eyes look at the one with the sling who offered to come with her gratefully, and she gives him a shy smile.

 “My name is Xolen and I can also throw a dagger and well if we cross any dwarves I speak Dwarven too.”

Katarina smiles at Xolen and the Dragonborn newcomer.

"Katarina is very grateful to have both of you... She may be strong, but she couldn't do this on her own. What is dragon-lady's name?"

When presented with the shoes, Katarina reaches for them instinctively.

"Katarina loves pretty shoes!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with pure happiness. "Katarina thanks the village kindly."

A cloaked figure walks up out of the crowd, the person speaks in a feminine voice, "I know magic if you require it."

As the sun rises in the sky and the day looks to be a hot one, the smell of the river gets strong enough you see many residents heading into the foothills for picnics or to gather firewood or any handful of excuses to get outta town…

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

Katarina smiles at Xolen and the Dragonborn newcomer.

"Katarina is very grateful to have both of you... She may be strong, but she couldn't do this on her own. What is dragon-lady's name?"

When presented with the shoes, Katarina reaches for them instinctively.

"Katarina loves pretty shoes!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with pure happiness. "Katarina thanks the village kindly."

 "Oh, my name is Suri. Umm, nice to meet you both."

OOC - I'll post her character sheet once I have made her in the 2024 version. But just to be clear, she is a druid.

Xolen with a bow towards Katrina, Suri and the cloaked magic user, “I never imagined I’d be a part of a party like this one.”  Xolen checks his daggers, grabs his quarterstaff, “A staff is good for many things out in the foothills.  I uh could use a healer’s kit too if any of you think we should bring one with?”

OOC if desired I’ll post a campaign link to join for shared books and character sheet rolls, not necessary but nice to use. Link

A gnome is sitting on his rump near the stream, looking like he is taking samples from the water, looking up at the commotion.  "I'd like to get to the bottom of what is affecting this stream.  Just looking to test samples of the water... "  A little trinket that almost looks like a crab shuttles off his shoulders and onto the ground, he turns to talk to it from time to time.  He scratches his head, looking at the others, "Do you need some help?  I am studied in the arcane arts, and I love a good mystery... this one is puzzling to me.  My name's Pip by the way.  Care to join forces?"

Quote from HunterOrien >>

Xolen with a bow towards Katrina, Suri and the cloaked magic user, “I never imagined I’d be a part of a party like this one.”  Xolen checks his daggers, grabs his quarterstaff, “A staff is good for many things out in the foothills.  I uh could use a healer’s kit too if any of you think we should bring one with?”

OOC if desired I’ll post a campaign link to join for shared books and character sheet rolls, not necessary but nice to use. Link

(OOC: Yes, please!)

Katarina smiles.

"Katarina is very pleased to have new friends, to!" She announces, a little bit of a purr in her voice.

And so the small party makes ready to travel the river, eager to find the source of the pollution causing such a stink.  Any last bartering or exploration in Shatter-stone?  If not what marching order shall we establish?

Xolen is happy to lead the way being a rogue he likes to stay with-in visual range perhaps 40-50 yards watching and listening signaling anything unusual?  Before departing perhaps a chance to share talents or skills helpful to this foray?  Xolen as stated shares that he is a halfling rogue fluent in dwarven capable with daggers slings and able to make good use of a healer's kit...

"Katarina is very strong, and very, very fast," the feline tells her companions cheerfully, then whispers. "She is also able to be quiet if she needs to be sneaky-sneaky."

Katarina will take the lead on the marching order, ready to jump into the fray now that she has new friends to protect and a scout ahead of her.

"I am not so fast, and a little sneaky, because of my size.  my skills lie more in using my noggin, harnessing my curiosity, and figuring out the way things work.  I can harness magic to my will, and to our benefit.  Maybe I'll hang out near the back, letting you stronger folks lead, Katarina."  He gives a smile to her, admiring her axe and physique.  

The cloaked figure trails at the back of the group, keeping quiet.

Taking some time and helping one another the party makes it up the slick fisherman's trail and down the path back to where Katrina had been witness to a tree-like being.  Once again you feel the eyes upon you as you get a sense of being watched.

Xolen slows down to join the other's and report his sense of being watched as you join together a beautiful creature of nature steps from a rather large dogwood tree/shrub this creature though unclothed and feminine reveals no gender though 'she' does repeat her earlier inquiry, "Are you attempting to clean the river?  If so I would offer my help in the way of a gift."

She stands a ways off with a branch bearing 8 small dark red berries.  "These may help remedy the sickness if it takes hold for any of you.  Please do what you can."

Katarina breathes a sigh of relief. She had been worried earlier that the dryad might be hostile. But it is apparently here to help.

"Katarina is very thankful to the nice tree-lady," she says with a smile. "Katarina will happily help clean the river by whatever way she can."

Suri is happy to travel in the middle, but is a little wary of everyone she just met, especially the cloaked magic user who hasn't said much.

Answering to Xolen about her skills:

"I, uh, can speak draconic and some elvish, if that's useful. Also I can talk to animals! And I, uh, do also like the quarterstaff." she says awkwardly. 

The cloaked figure goes up and accepts the berries, "These will help us in cleaning the river, thank you for your kindness."