In Paludan
Kyle continued listening ardently to Alice. Soon she realized that it would be easier for him to remember everything if it was written down. She drafted a quick report about the Alchemists Guild and gave it to Kyle. However, his furlough was quickly running out, and he knew it was time to return. He thought he saw a small tear in Alice’s eye as he left, but she assured him that she understood that he needed to be with his companions, and that they needed him. On the trip back to the inn he practiced the exercises for his arm that had been recommended, and he strengthened his arm to the point where he could go without the splint. He had enjoyed his time with Alice, but now he was ready for a fight.
A couple of yards from the Inn
Joe sat still, holding his head, trying to recover his balance and senses. The world clarified itself around him, and he saw his three cohorts approach the only remaining foe.
Will’s bow had an arrow nocked, and was trained at the knife thrower’s head.
Clair’s axe hovered menacingly, and the image was completed by the blood dripping from
Cromwell’s sword. With this menacing trio approaching it took but a word from Will for the young man to drop his knives and scurry off. Will collected these weapons before the stopping by Joe to steady him as he stood up, and the group walked back to the inn, leaving the grisly scene behind them.
Clair Freeman:
Disarm last foe -->Success
Will Smyt:
Intimidate. -->Success
Cromwell Jackson:
Take the last guy down, non-lethally. --> Success
Character Growth
Cromwell Jackson
[36] vs. 75, growth, counter set to 20
[2] options, choose one (all skills because this is your first growth)
- Riposte Specialty
- Improved Dodge
Kyle Jonson
[57] vs. 20, no growth
Joe Bridger
[31] vs. 29, no growth
Clair Freeman
[90] vs. 31, no growth
Will Smyt
[39] vs. 67, growth, counter set to 20
[4] options, choose one (all skills because this is your first growth)
- Improved Aim
- Basics of Intimidation
- Knack for Bartering
- Slight Neurotoxin Resistance
Back at the Inn
The group on the contract returned first. Joe was still nursing his injured head, and Cromwell had not yet cleaned his sword. As they walked in the Innkeeper Meren nodded and said,
”Looks like that’s done. Thank you, your debt thus far is forgiven.” With that the innkeeper went back to the kitchen to yell at the slow cook.
Kyle returned to the sight of the four of them sitting around a table, Joe only occasionally rubbing his bruised head now.
”You guys look a little worse for wear… I thought that was supposed to be a quick and easy contract? Ah well, you should take a look at this. This info could be useful.”There were a number of comments around the table questioning if Kyle went to Paludan to be useful, but nonetheless the mercenaries glanced over the report.
The Contracts
The dragon turtle from before appears to have grown in size some, and is now almost certainly capable of breathing fire. That copper mine has gotten no less important, however, and the village is still willing to pay.
It appears a recent disease wiped out a number of goblins in the Greenskin Mountains. New goblins have always been known to fill the ranks in quickly, but this might be a chance to clear a cave or two. There are those in Ludan who are interested in defending a cave, possibly working on a way to traverse the treacherous mountains. If you clean the cave they’ll send soldiers, with Varisport’s approval, to hold the cave. They aren’t offering much of a reward though, just whatever is found within the cave.
Another mercenary group cropped up, thinking they can replicate your limited success. Remarkably they’re even less prepared than your group. They won’t necessarily be easy to eliminate, they’re not capybaras after all. But their equipment would be up for grab. Plus, it would prevent future competition and demonstrate your strength.
There’s a shipment between Ludan and Varisport, and the Varisport authorities want someone they can trust, but present as neutral. They hope that Ludan will not recognize the connection, and so will not be suspicious. You’re the only people that fit the bill. That being said, they don’t care enough to pay you much.
Other Options
Go to the village to get suppliesWait a weekAny other suggestions