[Game Thread] Chapter I: Fires Over Brinestump

[Jarl11]

Digging into her breakfast bowl with a knife and fork, Praeta watched the exchange between Katrina and Wesh with curious eyes. The strange form was disconcerting but it didn't mean anything conclusively. There were all sorts of different folks with different abilities out there. The Judge of Gods did not simply make his decisions on appearances. She seemed orderly enough by the rest of her.

"If'n ye wou' rather seek out tha ol' witch, me axe will go along. Dinna think ye two brave enough ta go against tha advice o' a few experienced adventurers though." She indicated that Shelalu, Koya and Ameiko were suggesting they see the halfling first.

Watching their reactions, Praeta continued to eat her breakfast. She would finish and ready herself to go to whichever source of information they all agreed on. It mattered only what they found when they got there, and that it led them to the goblins that were plaguing the area.

[Sassafrass]

Praeta was surprised, but then, so was everyone else. Everyone but the hungover Sandru, who barely groaned.

The morning air is fresh and warm, and soon, they'll be talking to a swamp witch.

Shalelu regards the Halfling curiously, surprised at his prejudice against his own kind. She does not dig into it, she does not go deeper into the tale, but she does give him a quizzical, petrifying look. Ameiko looks nervously at Koya, whose sternness redirects from Wesh to Katrina, trying to make sense of her. Of course, she wants something similar to home. Of course that makes sense. She smiles. "Megus is not to be trusted, but she will provide you with information, I feel. Perhaps if you offer her some of your own expertise." She looks to Shalelu, as if giving her blessing for further information.

"The Witch's Walk is the trail that leads to her home. Go south, past the Soggy River; you'll be able to see and hear the River as it dips into Brinestump Marsh. Cross the river, and a trail will appear. Follow it, and it will lead directly to Old Megus' Shack." She has no more to say on the matter. Ameiko, meanwhile, shrugs. "Walthus is the closest to Sandpoint, so he'd be a safe bet, but I understand your... apprehension. Bethana was a slave, once. She's certainly.... uneducated." Koya looks at her, shocked, before realizing that Ameiko was being sarcastic for the sake of potentially shaming Wesh. Ameiko is defensive of her family, and Bethana, the old Halfling woman from the night before is very much family to the Kaijitsu, having served Ameiko and her father Lonjiku for the majority of her life. She winks at the Halfling.

"The Soggy River Monster... I have no idea where to go with that one. It's like the Sandpoint Devil's marshy cousin, and that one's...." Ameiko looks from Koya to Shalelu, the former only smiling thin-lipped, the latter seeming grim. "Anyway, I'd avoid that one. No one really has the story on that one, not even Shae. I had some friends that might be able to tell you more about what kind of... thing it is, but right now? I couldn't even tell you what plane they're on." Shalelu smiles at that comment, Koya only stone-faced. The motherly figure that she is, she looks to Ghosteye and to her child, and nods to both. "You five had best be off. It won't be long until it's too late. You'll be a third of the way to Magnimar before you get to the Witch's Walk." Shalelu's face questions that estimate, but more to the point, what did she mean by "five?" Was she counting the tiger?

The foursome (or fivesome?) finish their meal and then they head out, crossing the bridge of southern Sandpoint and passing the cliffs that hold the four noble houses of Sandpoint, and the plateau to the east that marks the southernmost border of Sandpoint, the border to Devil's Platter. The road is clear, for it is a well-traveled one: Praeta knows it well enough, having just come off of it, and Ghosteye being rather familiar with the area in general. Free of their four friends, they have time to get to know one another without the confines of pre-existing relationships. The morning air is fresh and warm, and soon, they'll be talking to a swamp witch. What could be more fun?

The road curls, eventually revealing rolling hills, or moors, perhaps they're better called. The smell of salt is replaced with the smell of petrichor, though no rain has fallen. In the shields, livestock begin their daily trek, and in some, farmers begin to dig into their fields, tilling the good earth. It will be some time before it warms up in earnest, but Varisia is alive. This is an ancient land, with an ancient, hidden past.

Pray they find none of that in Brinestump Marsh.

 

Out of Character Alright folks, we're in the thick of it. Now is pure RP with just you lot. I'll let it go, and if more than 3 days past between you lot's posts, I'll get the hint. RP 'mongst yourselves, and feel free to roll anything you want—Perception, Survival, any Knowledges, whatevs. I'll reveal the info in the Private threads, or in my next post if necessary. Totally did not expect you lot to go with Old Megus, by the way. Fantastic choice, but totally unexpected

[PopCultureBard]

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun "Hmph." She huffs the words through slightly parted lips, turning her eyes to the dwarf. "I do not truck with superstition and I certainly don't fear witches because they are witches." She presses against the table, sending her chair back enough that she can rise from it easily. "I have heard only 'she might be dangerous', and who could that not be said about? Similarly, I've heard nothing convincing about the halfman that inclines me to seek him out. Still, I am one voice and Wesh is another. If there is an inclination to do otherwise, let's discuss it further." She takes up the scythe, blade still folded in on the shaft, and smiles to Ameiko. "If quality of cooking is any indication of intellect, your friend must be quite the genius." Was that a backhanded compliment or a veiled insult? The Irriseni doesn't make it easy to read, her smile tight and her eyes half-lidded. She shoulders her pack and awaits the readiness of the others. They were on the road, feet on the dirt and dust in the air. It was a fine day for it, no heavy rains or biting winds. Katrina leans on her scythe-staff as the walk turns uphill, and rests it on her shoulders during any descents. Once the group has cleared the farms and outlying buildings, she raises her hand and strays from the path. Dropping her pack and scythe in a pile, she eases down onto the grass. "A moment, please." Settling down on her knees beside the road, she closes her eyes and takes measured breaths. Her lips part, whispered words passing through them, until she extends her hand to the air in front of her. That ghostly finger disappears, the ring rising of its own accord to settle on a new fing. This one is as translucent as the other, but it is attached to a hand and an arm that is similar in look. A man stands before her, taking her outstretched hand and helping her to her feet. Fur over armor, a narrow face beneath a heavy beard and metal helmet. A round shield on his back and an axe on his hip, all composed of that same not-quite-solid material. Very much the aesthetic of the Land of the Linnorm Kings. "Everyone, this is Aldwulf." A pause as she steps away from the viking. "A friend from back home."

[Jarl11]

Praeta calmly watched the prickly woman push back from the table. Her eyes were intent but one corner of her mouth quirked up. "Nay a person said they feared witches. Perhaps we just find their short tempers a bit tryin'."

She returned her bowl with a thanks to Ameiko and gathered her gear to set off along with the others. The curving axe was awkward but somehow matched the stout dwarf's shape to make it seem a viable weapon; with anyone but another dwarf it would probably be very unwieldy.

When the one Praeta now thought of as a witch halted and began a ritual spell, the dwarf took the opportunity (and distraction) to cast her own dweomer. A soft word and a small movement, allowed her to cast detect magicaugment her eyesight. She then leaned on her axe and examined her new companions, particularly the pale Katrina. It was an odd group she was with: a self hating halfling, an angry witch and a young barbarian woman with a loaded crossbow tiger.

The dwarf gasped softly as the translucent Ulfen appeared but did not otherwise make a movement. Her gaze was watchful and curious, as it always was. Her god had not chosen her for hasty judgement, but to watch and weed out chaos where it was needed. This did not appear evil or chaotic in and of itself. Surprising, yes. She would have to keep an eye on this northerner indeed. No, these northerners.

"A friend, ye say? It aint a crime ta keep an eye on yer friends. Uh. Well met. Aldwulf? Praeta." A nod at the man followed by wink at Ghosteye and Wesh. She would see if this woman was always of the same demeanor. And if these two really were friends, given the ring they had all seen at the table earlier this morn. "Made me think o' a love story fer a second, an' if'n me axe be given ta another it wou' cleave him in two if'n he call me his friend. Hah!" She shook her head, indicating she was happy that wasn't the case here.

 

OOC Perception: Dice Roll: 1d20+8 (11)+8 Total = 19 (19) Local: Dice Roll: 1d20+6 (3)+6 Total = 9 (9) Me Name HP AC TAC Flat CBD Move Fort Ref Will Abilities Status Praeta 10/10 18 11 17 14 20' +3 +1 +5 1 Judge, 1 Zeal, 2-1st -

[Blackfyre]

Ghosteye followed the conversation about whom to look up first and finally only shrugged. "Either one sounds like a good information source. Megus it is then." Ultimately she didn’t even mind that they might have to backtrack if they wanted to the halfling after all. It wasn’t as if she had any urgent appointments or the like.

~~~~~

The young woman was clearly glad once they made their way out of the town. Though not as much as Black Moon was. While Ghosteye quickly noticed that she’d better shorten her stride so as not to leave Praeta or Wesh behind, the tiger obviously wanted to roam around, something the Shoanti allowed as long as he kept his distance from livestock and the farmers in their fields. Even though she didn’t really expect to find anything, Ghosteye kept an eye out for traces of the goblins they were hunting. Who knew where the little blighters might decide to venture?

As Katrina called for a halt, she regarded the other woman curiously, wondering what this would be about. Back at the Rusty Dragon she had looked at the ghostly finger with a deep frown, not sure what to make of it. When the creature that the northern woman called Aldwulf appeared, she tensed, watching it with narrowed eyes. Close by Black Moon, who had come close again to see why the humanoids had stopped, laid back his ears and growled at the apparition, wary of something just appearing out of nowhere.

"What…" Ghosteye didn’t look as if she was entirely convinced that this was indeed a friend, but that introduction at least kept her from doing something rash that might be rued later. "What is he? A ghost or some such?" Without taking her eyes from Aldwulf, she made her way over to Black Moon and put a restraining hand between the feline’s shoulders.

 

Dice Perception, Ghosteye:

1d20+6

(12)+6

Total = 18

Dice Perception, Black Moon:

1d20+6

(17)+6

Total = 23

Not sure if it’s necessary yet, to get where we wanna go, but here’s a survival check:

Dice survival:

1d20+6

(5)+6

Total = 11

[PopCultureBard]

A Ghost or Some Such "Some such." Katrina brushes bits of grass off her traveling pants, looking up at Ghosteye. "But the differences are small enough that ghost will serve." She takes up her pack and grips the scythe in her left hand, the ghostly finger now absent from amid the other digits. "He has been my protector since we were children. He'll serve us well on this endeavor." She stops as her feet hit the packed dirt of the road again, setting her eyes on Praeta. She doesn't speak a response but her eyes spark with emotion. Perhaps the dwarf is onto something, after all. ~"Dwarf."~ The Ulfen inclines his head slightly, a minimum of motion. His voice is rough water over a gravel river bed, grating yet smooth. Aldwulf is stoic. Aldwulf is always stoic. To an extent that Katrina finds unsettling. He'd been a passionate man once, now he seemed to just be the framework of one. He takes a few steps toward Katrina, and as he does small drops of water fall from his fingers only to fade to nothingness before they hit the ground. There is a wet sheen to his skin, evident in the unobscured light of the sun. His eyes settle on the tiger and there is another tip of his head, this one to the side in curiosity. ~"A strong looking beast. One would find honor in hunting such a creature."~ "He is not well socialized." Katrina shoots a narrow glare in the phantom's direction. "I apologize for the bluntness of his manner." Aldwulf, for this part, seems uninterested in making amends. He takes a moment to inspect the road and the land in either direction. Then he steps over to Wesh and motions in the direction they'd been traveling. ~"Shall the halfman scout the way? Apply his natural duplicity to our benefit?"~ Katrina exhales a huff of breath, regretting her attempts at expanding his vocabulary.

[PIG]

The halfling breaths a sigh of relief when they make their way towards the River before coming upon the Witch's Walk. True to his word, he takes out three glowing green potions and hands them out. "Here's for going to see the witch. I can cook up just about any potion in my formula book, just ask if you're needing it. I can also make most alchemy items you can find in your average shop in Sandpoint, just cover the materials and you have my services!" He shrugs his shoulders. "I'm not much for fighting so I'll keep to the back during combat, if you don't mind. I'll best support you from the rear." The halfling sounds very bright and happy to be apart of the crew. He feels, for once, safe in his own skin among these giant women. The halfling even begins to smile and whistle a bit as his furry feet shuffle along the morning road, the day pleasant.

- Each PC receives 1 Cure Light Wounds Potions (CL1) with the DM's approval

"Shall the halfman scout the way? Apply his natural duplicity to our benefit?"

Wesh rubs his hands together. "Oh no, in our land we're called half... well... never mind it's not important. But I'm sorry, I'm no scout. I once grew a kitchen garden behind my house if that counts." He looks at them with his tentative attempt at humor, in trying to be "normal". He chuckles dryly before letting it drop. "But I'm from the city, this is actually my first time out in the woods without a wagon. I wouldn't survive out here for more than a few days..." They continue on in search of the River.

The budding alchemist has been silent for the trip for the most part but Katrina's hidden friend, Aldwulf, very much interests him. He's never met a ghost before and never thought he would in the future. And to think he was always here, among them, unseen! Humans were always huge and oblivious but this one is striking in his great beard and furs.

He catches up with the ghost, his hungry curiosity getting the best of him. "So did you see the other side of the planes? What was it like to die? Did you see any gods or spirits in the afterlife? Was there..." he glances at the dwarf cleric, Praeta, before continuing "judgement in a great hall?"

[PopCultureBard]

I Died ~"I thought all halfmen were natural thieves."~ The viking sets off with a shrug, leading the group forward unless another steps ahead to take that role. Katrina lingers near Aldwulf and the halfling as they progress toward their goal. Wesh's questions stir bitter memories in her. The cold water lapping at her legs, the sudden plunge into darkness, the pressure as it pulled her down. That explosive pounding in her chest as her lungs burned. Her face grows hard and sour as she walks, fingers twining through the chain that holds the tiny gold dagger pendant around her neck. ~"It was dark and cold."~ The phantom looks down at the halfling as he walks, a few drops of that ectoplasmic water falling from his beard and spattering the dirt before fading away in strands of nothingness. ~"And then I was back."~ He grunts then, hand set on the top of the axe's head at his hip. ~"To protect. My duty, assigned by no gods."~ He stops and follows the glance between the halfling and the dwarf. ~"No gods, only fate."~ Katrina falls back a step, then another until she is walking beside Praeta. "May I make a somewhat personal inquiry?" If this is an actual question, requiring a response, she gives no time for an answer. "You have long lived with Koya, yes? What was she like when she was younger?" A burning curiosity, the woman being so unlike what she'd expected from one of the Mvashti lineage. So despised and, one might believe, feared by her own people.

[Blackfyre]

Still a little dubious about the whole thing, Ghosteye for the time being accepted the explanation that the ghostly warrior was Katrina’s protector, though she bristled at his suggestion that Black Moon might be the target of a hunt. Even though the cat certainly couldn’t understand Aldwulf’s words, he did pick up on the huntresses indignation and gave another low growl, the tip of his tail swishing back and forth in agitation. "A hunt is meant to feed the hunter and their family. There is no honor in slaying an animal for the sport or the challenge in finding it," the young woman pointed out despite Katrina’s apology for her protector.

When it became apparent that they were ready to continue on their way she had hoped that Black Moon would go exploring once more, but for once the tiger seemed disinclined to leave her side for long, while the perceived threat of the ghost remained. So, instead of risking him impulsively attacking the warrior after all, Ghosteye lengthened her strides to get a little bit ahead of the group, giving the tiger time to hopefully calm down once more.

[Jarl11]

Praeta thanked Wesh kindly for the potion and listened to the questions as the group bantered as they walked. She liked the inquisitive mind of this halfling, although she worried he may get himself hurt around the goblins.

"Fate, from one's perspective, be divine from another's. Were tha... man summoned back fer such a duty then tha power had ta come from somewhere. We all be knowin' the gods are the mortal source o' power in Golarion, unbidden or nay. Who can know tha mind o' tha all-powerful? Me wou' suggest these two be linked by tha will o' one, an' it becomes fate ta tha summoned. This be why they called gods." The dwarf smiled ruefully and watched in disappointment as Black Moon moved ahead with Ghosteye. Although she had been strict with enforcing the rules in town about wild animals, Praeta really enjoyed the company of wild creatures of nature. They lived by their own code and could be such a help or such a hindrance. The bond between those two much be special.

Turning to Katrina, she twirled the axe once as she thought of the past. Koya was obviously not her blood mother, and Praeta would outlive the old woman most likely. The last thought made her sad. "She brought me in when she be young, yes. Her hair was black like a raven's then. Me own parents went north, they said. An' nay returned. Koya took me in an' provided fer me." Eyes looked ahead but were focused on something much farther in the past. "Her ma been a special one, Madame Niska Mvashti, aye. A founder ah tha town - wise, traveled, loved. Me ma be in her shadow an' held her up fer many years. She adored her ma an' tha old seer only lived ta near dwarven age 'cause o' her daughter. Ye know druids wou' visit tha town ta take Niska out ta see the country?" Head shook in remembrance of past and present awe.

"Koya be loved an' devoted an' kind. She nay traveled far, she nay done many things tha she wou' o' liked ta do 'cause she wanted ta be close. Ta care fer Niska an' us. She sacrificed her own years fer tha ones she be lovin'. Now she be sad ta see them pass on. This be part of why me axe be returned here. Sandru an' me gotta keep an eye on her." An eyebrow was raised questioningly towards Katrina, as if to ask silently: will you return the kindness she has shown?

 

OOC Me Name HP AC TAC Flat CBD Move Fort Ref Will Abilities Status Praeta 10/10 18 11 17 14 20' +3 +1 +5 1 Judge, 1 Zeal, 2-1st -

[Sassafrass]

Brinestump Marsh is damp, but cool.

The road to Brinestump Marsh is a fine one. The Lost Coast is one of hills, of moors, and of salty air.

There is more to be discussed than simply who they are, how they relate to one another, and how things are going to go once they get in the Marsh. They have skeletons, or in this case, phantoms, in their closet that they must discuss, they must come to grips with, that they must produce. Katrina is honest: she produces what Koya must have known, Praeta realizes. Koya must have known about this Aldwulf, and if she approves... what choice does Praeta have? Ghosteye has a choice, at least; she is not sure if she should trust him, and now, if she should trust the keeper of this fearful specter.

A specter that speaks on its own, then? That is not what any of them expected. A ghost must be bound to something, and so it seems it is bound to her. And yet, does it control her, or she it? Katrina isn't certain she can answer that herself. But the phantom speaks, and Aldwulf speaks gruffly, with a Northman's tone and understanding. Wesh, silent, responds with pragmatism. He is no scout, and especially not out here. He knows nothing about this place, other than he has a job to do to the south. The moors of the coast stretch out eastward; but that is not the direction they go. They go south, and soon, twisting around the mountains that guard Sandpoint, they see the tops of the Marsh.

Brinestump Marsh sits within a kind of canyon, a lowland within the highlands, along the coast. The elevation drop is swift, but the trees are tall, swampish but still particular to the mild climate that is coastal Varisia; where this the uplands, it might be warmer, dryer, but here, it is humid, with a growing heat. The morning is beginning to give way to midday, and the sun peaks out from behind the clouds in the sky, white fluff balls that stretch for miles in all directions. The trees are different here: there is a moss that grows on the top of the trees, vines that hang: it is a marsh. They do not have marshes in Irrisen. Nor do they where Wesh comes from. But Ghosteye has known a few. The areas where she's from is warmer than this, but the sea cools all things. To Praeta, this is close enough to home. She knows the stories of this place. She knows by sight the distant "New Trail." It heads downward, to the Marsh, a clear path, inviting and fresh.

They bypass this trail.

Heading onward, it isn't long before they see Sog's Creek. A small bridge, rickety and wooden, is all they have to pass, but it is easily passable. There is no sign of the Old Trail, though Praeta believes she sees something of use, somewhere. It might be the Old Trail: overgrown, it can't be anything but a trail. Still, they keep going. The Lost Coast Road goes southward, twisting away from Brinestump Marsh: if they keep going, they will bypass it entirely. Where is the Trail? it is Ghosteye that sees it: a trail, overgrown, tall, but more clearly a trail. They leave the Lost Coast Road, and go to the edge of Brinestump Marsh. Standing now, at the top of this microcosm, they feel like gods, looking down on a sea of green trees, leading out to a wide bay. Beyond it, pale clouds gather, congregating at sea. Hours away, it could be promising. If one likes storms, at least.

The trail is heavy, overgrown, and that is telling. Ghosteye, as close as they are getting to Shalelu in this group, is having a hard time telling anything about what is coming, down in Brinestump Marsh. But she can tell no one has walked this trail for weeks: not Goblins, and not witches. It could be even further back. Not far from them, a waterfall dances into the bottom of Brinestump, telling them that the furthest point of Brinestump is below sea level: that is quite a fall to make that kind of noise. But they are so high.... But they had best get down the trail.

Brinestump Marsh is damp, but cool. A low fog grows up from the bottom, a cloud under the sea of green. The trees are hard together, and the trail winding and steep. The Witch's Walk invites them inward: they had best be careful.

 

Out of Character Jade Regent Maps Party Stats Ghosteye (and Black Moon) Praeta Katrina (and Aldwulf) Wesh Alright, and we're at Brinestump. Now your checks are very necessary. Let's get going, it won't be long to head south. One round of posts, and we'll get somewhere. I can't promise it'll be Old Megus' Shack, depending on your rolls The map above will be used to indicate where you are in Brinestump, and how you travel. I'll light up where we've been in the past, or the parts that are irrelevant (see: farmland, Sog's Bay). I will indicate with letters where things are. So far, there's no need for letters, unless you want me to indicate trails. I'll build a DM Screen once I get all your rolls, and such.

[Blackfyre]

Again and again the tiger’s gaze darted to where the ghostly northman walked some ways behind him. But the farther they walked, the longer the man did naught to further provoke the cat’s ire, the more he relaxed once more. It would probably be wrong to say that the beast trusted Aldwulf, but Ghosteye was reasonably certain that the danger of Black Moon just attacking the man was past for now.

The young woman was beginning to wonder if they had missed the trail they were looking for when finally it became visible, albeit barely. "Nobody has used this path in a while," she stated for the benefit of the others when they had caught up with her. Black Moon’s eyes were on Aldwulf once more, watchful and wary. "Matches what we heard about Old Megus.

Keep an eye on the undergrowth to the side of the trail. A lot of beasts call the Marsh their home." A lot of lesser predators would likely steer clear of a group as large as theirs, but there were enough creatures that might go for a target of opportunity if they could get it. And anything that did not operate purely on instinct was far more unpredictable and therefore dangerous.

The way the trail looked, Ghosteye knew it wouldn’t be easy to follow it, but she’d be damned if she let that stop her. Once everyone had looked their fill down on the beautiful Marsh she led the way into it.

 

Dice survival:

1d20+6

(1)+6

Total = 7

It sounded as if you’re going to use the perception checks you asked for, so I’ll not roll another here.

[Jarl11]

As they walked along, the dwarf made her way up to follow Ghosteye and Blackmoon. "Me brotha took us out this way one time. Kinna recall much, it all be lookin' the same."

The swamp was a chaotic cancer that overgrew and shifted, waterways changing routes each year and washing out paths. Praeta wasn't a fan of trying to navigate the area but she cast guidancetrusted in her faith and did her best to try and use the map along with what she knew of the area. It also gave her some time to watch the tiger and young girl together. It was intriguing in how they were so close. Perhaps one day the dwarf could find an animal companion as well.

"Cou' tha trail head up tha slope there?"

 

OOC Survival = 14 (with +1 from Guidance), perception = 8, local = 11. It's not a ton better than Ghosteye but it may help us avoid Riddleport. Speaking of which, we could probably take 10 or 20 at the moment... Me name HP AC TAC Flat CBD Move Fort Ref Will Abilities Status Praeta 10/10 18 11 17 14 20' +3 +1 +5 1 Judge, 1 Zeal, 2-1st -   Lvl Me spells Uses 0 Detect Magic, Brand, Guidance, Virtue - 1 Prot fr Evil, Divine Favor 2

[PopCultureBard]

Hot as Boils "So much sun." Katrina dabs at her brow with the sleeve of her shirt. She'd surrendered the furs for light linen at Koya's insistence but even that seems to do little against the rising swelter of this swamp. Her boot sinks into something soft and clingy as she strays from the trail and she stops long enough to shake that mud off. Aldwulf seems undeterred by all this, his pace matching hers to stay a couple strides ahead. "How do you all stand this everyday? And so much walking!" Her voice takes a higher pitch as she says it. Not whining, exactly, but not not whining. She huffs a breath and wipes her palms on her trousers. The walking is the worst, if only because it is so boring. She summons up a bit of power to pull at branches and send rocks skittering off into the distance. When one claps off the side of a thick tree she gives a giggle of delight. Ghosteye's statement cuts her play short. "What kind of beasts? Can we see them? Would they be good to eat?" So many questions.

[Blackfyre]

Ghosteye looked the direction that Praeta was indicating, trying to see what the dwarf may have spotted. Even though she hated to admit it, she grudgingly said: "I’m not sure. As overgrown as the trail is… maybe." It really was irksome and it probably showed that she was more at home on the open plain of the steppe.

In Katrina’s direction she offered: "Me, I’ve always wondered how folks can stand sitting around all day, doing.. well, whatever it is that especially city folk are doing all day with their time." Such different views of the world. It would be boring if there weren’t, she guessed. "As for the beasts to expect: I would expect snakes and alligators to be the most common dangers around. There may also be the odd bear or big cat around, as far as predators go that might be a threat to us. Apart from that… lizards, turtles, a lot of insects, maybe some deer. A lot of smaller animals." She let her gaze wander over the vegetation around them. "All of them can serve as a fresh addition to our dinner."

 

In regards to the animals I went with a google search for what lives in a (freshwater) marsh. If something doesn't fit at all or I missed something important, please let me know. Got a 22 in my know: nature roll.