Chp. 9 - Keep on Keeping On

[Grognardsw]

The village is depressing and the adventurers decide not to linger. After a good night's sleep and free meals, they receive 10 gold pieces each, along with two goats and a chicken. The party heads out for the lakeside town. The villagers say its called Lakeside Township and it boasts four taverns, a bustling wharf, many trade goods, and a population of 700. It is the nearest large town to the nearby Borderlands, and sells a fair amount of goods to the Keep.

The journey is about a day-and-a-half trek through forest and around the great lake. The adventurers try to enjoy their time in nature, not under attack or in circumstance weird or otherworldly...

Everyone may roll 1d3 HP for natural healing. Spellcasters may choose new spells. Any other business in the village can be played out prior to leaving it.

[ChubbyPixie]

Wrenly the Brown, Conjurer

Before setting off, Wrenly will buy 50' of strong rope and 2 flasks of oil to replace the ones he used in the cultist's lair (minus 2gp, 4sp). He'll keep the same spells he has prepared.

While walking he'll entertain the others with tales of his adventures, which mostly turn out to be amatuer plays he had a minor role in. He did once successfully grapple a rat man, but it was mostly luck as he didn't understand the rules for grappling at all.

[greyarea]

Asherrion will re-equip, if possible, with a spell book being highest on his priority list. With everything inkified, he needs to start over.

[ChubbyPixie]

Wrenly, as agreed, will loan Asherrion his spell book to copy.

[Pulpatoon]

Porphyry takes charge of caring for the chicken. "I used to keep a rooster, you know. Black as pitch, and so glossy. A beautiful animal, not like this barnyard slattern." However he quickly becomes attached and even possessive of the bird. When it inevitably ends up on a spit for dinner, the satyr sulks bitterly.

At Lakeside Township, Porphyry announces that he is writing to the Keep to see if he can learn any news of activity in the Caves. "I know my enemies have plans, and I hate to think of how they might have progressed in our two years of absence. Do any of you have messages or inquiries you would like me to convey?"

The satyr also shops for a sling and a sack of shot.

Just a reminder: Porphyry is still carrying:
1 Eye of True Seeing
1 Eye of Trap Detection
1 Eye of Magic Detection
1 Eye of Alignment Detection
and a preserved brain.

I don't know what to do with the preserved brain (I assume it had some function within the confines of the dungeon) although Porphyry would consider it a lovely momento of the adventure. But we should remember to use the demon eyes in the future.

[AleBelly]

Wulfhart will search for a healer in town, considering he's only at half strength. In response to the goat-man's inquiry, the woodsman replies "Yeah, tell Metzner he eats feces."

[OGRE MAGE]

Fingal

Ya can give that creepy Thayne a swift kick in the ass for me too. He's probably in charge there by now.

Hit Points Recovered From Resting [1d3] = 1

[ChubbyPixie]

Just a reminder: Porphyry is still carrying:
1 Eye of True Seeing
1 Eye of Trap Detection
1 Eye of Magic Detection
1 Eye of Alignment Detection
and a preserved brain.

I've had the eyes in Porphyry's possession written down on Wrenly's sheet so I won't forget. I figured Wrenly would have it top of mind since he identified them.

[Grognardsw]

As the adventurers pass through green and pleasant forest, goats and chicken in tow, their mood lightens some. They make small talk, and some study spells. The sun's rays dapple through the branchs above and a gurgling stream runs along on their right side. Birds chirp and squirrels dart about gathering acorns. 

The forest opens into clearing where they behold a colorful and attractive woman. Her straight raven tresses cut across a wide face with unusually large saucer eyes. She is small framed with flaring hips and is garbed in exotic pink and red sashes over highly stylized unpractical armor. She bears an impossibly large sword for one of her size; it must be magical otherwise one wonders how she could even lift the thing. She is brushing down a startlingly pink pony.

"Greetings on this sunny day!" the girl exclaims cheerfully, flashing a quick smile that disturbingly stretches across her whole lower face. "I am Yukana Fohk Mi and this is Hasbro, my little pony. You are travelers on your way?"

The girl's radiant voice uplifts all the adventurers, like a rainbow.

[greyarea]

Asherrion goes to doff his hat and realizes that he doesn't have one. Greetings, Eyekana, we are on our way. We seek to right wrongs and bring color to this land. What say you? Where do you travel to?

[OGRE MAGE]

Fingal eyes the pony suspiciously.

Well met, Yukana.....um......ya.

You sure have a bright disposition for a lone traveler out in the middle of nowhere.

[AleBelly]

Wulfhart's smile almost matches the girl's. Has he learned nothing from past experiences?

"Yes, my lady. I am Wulfhart the Longshank. What are you doing out here alone?"

[Hotgoblin]

Groyn

Hullo me lady...me name is Groyn Shortbeard. Where might the rest of your group be, you can't be out here by yurself? If you don't mind me saying, but what a pretty pony you have, although it would look much tougher with its tail braided.

[Grognardsw]

Yukana smiles, her eyes sparkle, and she curtsies to the men. Her little pony neighs, revealing fangs, and shakes its head.

"I am ever so happy to meet you Mr. Longshank, Mr. Shortbeard and friends," she answers. "I seemed to have been transported to this forest by the standing stone yonder." She points across to the strange stone on the other side of the mountain. "I would welcome traveling companions, and you seem good-hearted fellows. I was on my way to the town on the lake.

[greyarea]

Asherrion says, We were just on our way to the standing stone ourselves. Perhaps you can tell us more of it as we escort you to lake town.

[Grognardsw]

 
Clouds move in and it starts to rain as the adventurers make their way to Lakeside Township with Yukana. Through forest, vale, a gentle river, and up another hill and the party arrives.


The adventurers make their way to the nearest tavern. Yukana goes to the stable with her little pony to brush it down with a set of pink combs. Inside the tavern is surprisingly large - you realize the tavern extends west occupying the inside of the neighboring building. It is two-leveled, with the second floor balcony wrapping around and looking down on the first level. In one area two men spit fire for the entertainment of the crowd. In another room, decorated with a wall of skulls, comely dancers shimmy in front of entranced patrons. A few minstrels move about with lute and drum.

"Welcome, what will you have?" says a bar wench.

[ChubbyPixie]

Wrenly the Brown, MU

"Oh, hello, dear maiden. I'll have a glass of your finest milk, please. I like to keep my wits about me," says Wrenly. "Tell me, what passes for entertainment in this locale? Are there any good shows playing currently?"

[saalaria]

Swilbosh looks about him with interest as always when seeing new human things.

"Water pleasssse."

He keeps away from the fire breathers.

[Hotgoblin]

Groyn

I'll have a mug of Ale!. He looks to Wrenly, I'd say we're watching their entertainment right now!!! Although it does seem familiar to me, like this happened before! Oh well, he shrugs it off and waits for his Ale.

[ChubbyPixie]

Groyn

I'll have a mug of Ale!. He looks to Wrenly, I'd say we're watching their entertainment right now!!! Although it does seem familiar to me, like this happened before! Oh well, he shrugs it off and waits for his Ale.

"Oh!" says Wrenly, noticing the fire-breathers for he first time. "Very nice! Delightful!"