With the group finished with the shrines, they make their way back down the stairs towards the town. The steps are well worn, so the group takes care not to slip on their way down. Upon returning, the gnome captain seems to be going around different groups, talking with each in kind. He eventually makes his way over to the party. "Right, got a couple of jobs for you, if you think you're up for them." He tells the group. "There's a group heading to clear the trade route, as I mentioned earlier. Another group is headed into the jungle to collect some rare herbs for medicine to stockpile with all the expected ships arriving. They leave within the hour, pick one or stay here, your choice."

"I'll help with the trade route." Korvek says.

"I don't want to split up, so i go forbthe trade routes as well. What is wrong with them?" 

"You're going as a group." The gnome tells the group. "It's easier to gather numbers by keeping you together, and you seem to know each other already, makes thing simpler."

"Clearing roads seems more important to me," Tahia agrees. "Possibly if the herbs are so rare, they might still need more after we finish the first job. Where should we go, and who're we looking for?"

Roads it is. 

"Right, follow me." The gnome leads the group out from the other groups that have been gathering and they meet up with a cart that bears several building supplies, hammers, saws, and other tools. With the cart are four gnome artisans, the cart hitched to a pair of horses. "These are your charge." The gnome captain tells the group. "Master Belfort knows the route and has tools, make yourselves acquainted, and the sooner you're done, the better."

The gnome sat at the reins stands up, a mess of shock white hair on her head. "Well, guess we've got some fresh faces!" She says. "The name's Belfort, one of the artisan masters here. So, guessing you're with the bunch that turned up last night. Well, hope you're ready for a day of hard work!" She points off towards a long path that leads out of the village and towards the jungle area that is set between a couple of mountainous heights. "We're headed off that way, so keep an eye out for suu monsters, raptors, or jungle ropers."

(Last chance to do anything in town before the first mini quest!)

„What is a raptor“ Gnoll asks with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

"Winged creatures of prey." Belfort tells Gnoll. "Carnivorous and can be pretty deadly, so remember to look up as well as to the sides."

"And suu monsters?" Tahia asks.

"Evil monkey-like monsters that dwell in the thicker parts of the jungle." Another one of the gnomes replies.

"These things likely to come out onto the road, or is it possible to scare them off at all? Any problems with bandits on the road, if we make a lot of noise and such?"

"The most likely thing we're about to meet, anyway." Master Belfort mentions. "Bandits are smart enough to not wait out in the jungle because of those monsters."

What is the likely hood that we run into these creatures? Do they attack every caravan? 

"Probably like this, if we're on their territory, we might get attacked. If they have more than us, they might attack. If they're starving, they're going to attack. So I'm guessing we stick to the roads and we shouldn't attract many of them. Trying to trek through the jungle is more likely to get attacked. So we have to stick together, since those beasts won't be so eager to attack a big group." Korvek looks to the Gnome, "Want one of us to sit at the front with you or do we have enough room on the cart?"

((Retcon, Tvon'ii bought two healing potions in town at some point during his morning jaunt))

The elf mage walks wordlessly along side the cart. As they start getting away from the town he mutters a few arcane words under his breath, draws his sword and touches the pommel to the circlet on his forehead. Silver and blue energy crackles across the outline of his body, aligning with the studded leather armor under his coat. After a moment the energy dissipates somewhat but can be faintly made out in the right light. He hops into the back of the cart and sits cross legged with his construct like familiar in his lap. The wizard's eyes go black as he stares off into the distance and his familiar rises into the air to have a view just above the tree tops but still flying approximately over head of the cart. 

"I'll keep an eye out for these raptors and other things on the road ahead. I can't hear or see around me right now so one of you will need to tap me to get my attention." He says mostly to his companions but loud enough that the gnomes should have been able to hear as well. 

((Raven familiar, Fly speed 50, AC 12, passive perception 13. Or if you use mine, 14.))

"I'll tap ya, don't worry," Tahia says, and hops up next to him, facing the opposite direction. "I"ll keep my eye below the trees." She readies her shortbow, just in case. (Tahia's passive perception is 19)

Trumann eyes Tvon'ii sadly ash he moves over to the left side of the cart, "I will watch the jungle from here." 

The group surrounds the cart as it begins to travel out of town into the jungle ahead. The area has bright rays of light penetrate the canopy at spots, and the humid air leaves a thick sweaty taste to the mouth. The group travels for about half an hour before the gnome artisan mentions, "We're getting closer to where they might come out. Generally if they find something they want, like the tools, then the suu will be attempting to get things. Keep an eye out."

Can everyone make Wisdom (Perception) checks, as well as roll 1d100!

Perception 15

% 4