Adventures in Yamikora - Tales of Minvarn, Jarrod & Argyle (currently active campaign)

GM: Welcome to the world of Yamikora. Its been nineteen years since the war ended. It took all the races to unite to push the dreaded undead Queen back into the lands of the bloody Moore. Ones that were pure and lawful had to cast aside their prejudice to work with those of chaos and disorder which in turn brought back balance into the fight. With heroes from each race being forged, dark truths about their people all spilled forth, and what was once thought as evil was changed and challenged. There are some who still hold grudges within city walls, however most common folk who suffered worst of all chose to burn the walls down and rebuild with whoever they could and set aside any animosity just to bring some sort of calm back into their lives and thus a new generation outside of those fortresses of ignorance was born. 

There are still those who don't believe in mixing with those outside their own species, but those that have found themselves gaining more respect for others and thus the winds of change started to come. Those who had never seen an elf, giant, gnome, dwarf, orc.... Now all lived together, rebuilding a new social normality making those small towns and villagers stronger. As more now begin to leave the cities to venture outside, those within are now starting to feel the influence of change. True peace is unfolding.. though for how long, no one knows. (dice rolls have been removed from this extract so it flows like a story) 

dearest friend! 

I'm so sorry to ask you for this, but could you please come along to Kirabaru, as soon as possible? I've found something of the utter most importance in an incredibly magnificent old ruins near the newly rebuilt village and went on ahead to make sure we can secure this find for the good of the great Museum of Argathia!

 Actually it was mostly because we heard there was some terrible banditry in the area and we didn't want our discovery to be destroyed or sold off on the black market… you know how it is with valuable artifacts from before the war, yes?  I'm sure you do! 

Yours sincerely, Xanther. 

Ps. There should be a cart with supplies as it wasn't ready to take with us before we left Thnou. Could you possibly be as so wonderful to bring it along to Kirabaru with you?  It has all our usual gear for this type of expedition and it's never truly safe to go around without my alchemist gear! Never know when you need to brew a herbal treatment for ear fungus! 

GM: You arrive at the town of Thnou, a place of wide open streets and large barn like buildings, various tribal creatures from the plains have converged in it's main square to trade with travelling merchants, centaurs, werefolk, human barbarians all mingling together. In the center of the main square infront of a towering statue is a large cart loaded with digging and escavation equipment. Fussing over the cart is what looks like from a distance a Asain black bear - but is actually a very scruffy young man - a shifter - dressed invery smart but practical clothing of someone who dabbles in engineering. Occasionally he stops what he's doing to check off a list and pauses to look about the square as if he's waiting for someone.

The cart he's inspecting is an unusual looking caravan, not something associated with the nomadic tribes around here - especially the travelling gypsies. For a start, it's not pulled by horses, but by a mini steam powered combustion engine. 

Argyle Padfoot: *looks at his list* let's see now, dad's gear is all here, some extra pickaxes and shovels... Potions... Beer kegs and flour… Tools for crafting.... Dad really has gone all out for this expedition! 

*he pulls a stool down off the back of the caravan and sits himself down, opening up a canteen and taking a swig before gazing out into the square, watching a few centurs exchange weapons with a Barbarian chieftain, while a few Orcs stoll towards a nearby tavern and sit themselves outside in the grassy beer garden and are served tankards by a Were Leopard who pauses and gives Argyle a wave before returning to her work. Argyle checks his wrist watch, tapping the dial before scanning the crowds again. *

Hope they brought my father's letters with them, I don't know if I'd recognise his friends without them.

You know, I'm dying for a beer, but I can't leave our caravan.... Maybe dad won't mind if I help myself to a mug from one of the barrels? No.. They're supposed to be for the expedition. Very tempted though, not like he'd know if I shared a pint with one of his mates

*sniffs the air and can smell a hint of brimstone *  oh? Who's that walking towards us from the crowd? 

Wow, I've never seen someone who looks like that before! Is...is their head on fire?

*watches the unusual gentleman  pause infront of a trader to inspect their wares and deflates a little* maybe they weren't coming over here? That's a shame, I'd love to meet someone like that. I've heard so many tales of exotic places and studied many a book on various cultures but this is my first real chance to meet some and I guess I'm too excited.

It's the first time since I was a young cub that dad's allowed me to come on one of his adventurous. It's great hanging around Argathia and all, but the city was boring compared to this place! Sure, I had all the books in the world but nothing beats finally doing something in the field. Thank the devils I got my Archaeologist licence otherwise I'd have missed out on this trip! Silly museum rules and regulations.... but they are the ones who fund dad's expeditions so….

_Argyle ponders the adventure that lays ahead, wondering what it is his father has found this time. giving up on waiting for now, he climbs inside the Caravan and scoops up a tankard of some fine ale from on of the beer barrels, sits down at the open doorway and rests his feet on the stool he sat on  previously and takes a sip of his drink._ 

_argyle pulls out his tinkers tools and starts to toy with his hammer. Maybe he can figure out how to make it stronger somehow _

GM: Watching from the comfort of the outdoor pub, a pair of human eyes keeps looking at the caravan and back to a peice of paper in his hands. He's dressed in a brightly coloured robe covered head to toe in golden sigils and glyphs in an oufit that screams "Magic user". The young man with Flaming hair has also noticed him, but continues browsing the market stall

Argyle: _ takes a sip from his tankard before pulling out some odd device that looks strangely like a pistol attached to a hose and screws an odd orb filled with liquid onto it, before testing the trigger which unleashes a large wave of green flame, almost burning off his bushy black hair. A little startled, but nevertheless impressed with the result, he carefully writes something down before carefully swapping the orb with one of a different colour._

Well, That seems to be working, though maybe I should wait till we're far from civilisation to properly test it. I don't have enough hair to set on fire before I set the rest of myself alight. Hmmm what was it I was supposed to do if they couldn't find where I'm waiting for them... Ah! Yes, I remember! _from the depths of his open waist coat he pulls out something small within his hairy palm. When he opens it a little bronze clockwork sparrow clicks and chirps, gears whirring as its delicate thin glass wings flap as it hops. _ Ok Opal, you know what to do. _he gently blows some dust on it and off it flies into the crowds_

GM: The clockwork sparrow darts around as if it's searching until it lands on the hilt of a sword in front of Minvarn, chirping a song from his youth beckoning him to follow it before it darts off and lands with a skip a hop and a tinkle of metal on the table infront of Jarrod, it's little tune changing to a whisper of mysterious incantation before bouncing off again, leaving a glowing trail in the air that only the two of them can see leading back towards the cart. 

_holds out palm for Opal to land on_ that was rather quick... Dad's friends must be in the market... _looks up to see two figures approaching_ ... Or following you to me... _is mildly suprised_

_dusts self off and pushes himself up only to stumble over the stool._ Blast! Sorry, so sorry about that... _holds out hand to shake_ hello! Uh... sorry Xanther can't be here in person.. He's gone ahead and told me to wait for you!... Oh uh, I'm his son by the way! Argyle Padfoot at your service! 

_lowers hand as fast as it was offered and turns quickly to grab another stool and two tankards of ale from the barrel_ Come! Come! Introduce yourselves! Have an Ale! 

_Argyle grins from fuzzy ear to fuzzy ear_ Wow.... _he breathes_ I've never seen someone as well, if you don’t mind me saying so, bright and glowing as yourself! Where perchance are you from? How do you know my father?

Minvarn Autumn-Blaze: "My thanks" the man with the flaming hair says as he accepted the offered tankard. He gaves an amused smile "I take it, it's your first time seeing a gensai?" 

Argyle: _nodds, a little too enthusiasticlly_

Minvarn: "Its not surprising the Huon valley desert is along way from here"

He takes a sip of ale

Argyle:_Argyle's eyes light up in suprise_  The Desert? Hey, is it true the rumours about the kingdom? I've only read books in the museum about it! Isit as beautiful as poets describe?

Minvarn: Scribes can not truly do it justice *he looks a little saddened by the thought* I apologize I have not yet introduced myself I'm Minvarn Autumn-Blaze, and you are Argyle Padfoot I take it?

Argyle: Yes! Yes I am! _thinks and scratches behind an ear_ ummmm I thought you were an elf? 

Minvarn: _he laughs in good humor_ yes I can see the confusion, my mentor and I share the same name, he has seen fit to send me in his place.

Argyle: _his furry features open up into a wide faced 'OH'_ Ah, I see now! So you're his new apprentice he mentioned last time he was visiting the museum! Well, I'm very glad to meet you, Mr. Autumn-Blaze! 

Minvarn: Please call me Minvarn _he takes another sip of ale and tries to hide his face of dislike of it_ 

Argyle: So, uh your mentor... how come he sent you? _ looks over the top his own forgotten tankard of ale. He's disracted by meeting someone new_

Minvarn: He believed it would be a good experience for me _feeling glad of an excuse to abandon his tankard

Argyle: Ah! So did dad mention what we were supposed to be doing with all these supplies in his letter? He failed to mention it in his hurry to get to Kirabaru. He said something had happened and left me here to finish packing and await his friends

Minvarn: The letter my mentor received said he was trying to secure some old ruins, and had asked for help in doing so, as he believed there would be trouble. 

Argyle: Ah, so he told you as much as he told me... well the only other thing I know is it relates to some Dwarves called the D'ni. One of them came to the Museum asking for Dad's assistance. I assume it's something to do with trying to get back to their city, though they did mention some sort of mine…

Could be treasure... though their idea of treasure isn't the same as everyone else's. They don't value gold in the same way as other dwarves, but I do know they're famous for creating magical artifacts

Minvarn: Hmmm whatever it is, should be interesting 

Argyle: Indeed! In any case, they'll probably craft us something for helping them, who knows? Wishfulness on my part

_he stand up and pats the unusual caravan_ apparently they built this for him back in his younger days... to me it's always been home. _looks behind Minvarn_ is that your pet? It's certainly different!

Minvarn: _he looks over at the strange animal_ Awww yes his a rimal oryx, they are common in my homeland 

Argyle: Can I pat it?

Minvarn: If you like his quiet tame 

Argyle: _carefully holds a closed fist out for the Oryx to sniff_

Bayek:_sniffs his hand and allows Argyle to pat him_

Argyle: _strokes the Oryx's course fur._ wow....so awesome... does it have a name?

Minvarn: Bayek

Argyle:_strokes Bayek_ what a wonderful name!

Jarrod: _ storms up_ Where did that bloody bird go? Made me spill my beer..

Argyle:_the little clockwork sparrow lands on the back of the Oryx_ you mean Opal? She's my familiar. _looks Jarrod up and down _ are you a wizard? You look like one

Jarrod: Oh what so all wizards look the same to you people? _Jarrod grabs his pointy hat and staff. Finishes his beer and moodily makes his way over to the caravan._

Argyle: Well er... your cloak is covered in stars....

Jarrod: Hey, who is the deer?

Argyle: _looks at Minvarn_ know him?

_stands up to full hight_ Look sir... I don't know who you are, but I'll be damned if you speak ... hey! What are you doing to my dad's caravan!

Jarrod: Me? _as he hastily pulls his hand out from under a tarp_

Argyle: _stomps over, fangs lengthing_ yes you!

Jarrod:_ looks around the square and gives a sharp whistle_ Oy! Luggage, get over here!

The Luggage: _ looks up, pads over with its tounge hanging out like a puppy dog, heavily panting_

Jarrod: Dude with fangs meet box with legs..

Argyle: _ eyes narrow, but he pauses._ what do you want?  You know you shouldn't rummage through others things. Why shouldn't I rip your arms off?

Jarrod: I dont think either of our fathers would like that_Jarrod takes a letter out of the luggage_

Minvarn: Maybe we should all calm down for a moment _Minvarn says stepping between them_ 

Argyle: Yes, yes you're right. _ straightens vest_  plenty of that possibly on the road. _takes a deep breath and takes letter_ Ah... and you must be Graham? The conman?

Jarrod:_sighs and takes a battered pack of smokes from the band of his hat and lights it with a spark of his finger_Graham is my dad. Names Jarrod, dad had a deal he has to sort out so he sent me.

Argyle: Ah, I see. Should have guess you weren't a crook. Don't look like one. Anyways that's all of us... shall we embark?

Jarrod:_ runs back to the bar and grabs what he calls a traveler_May as well.  

Minvarn: _Minvarn mounts Bayek and waits for the others to ready themselves_ Ready when you are

Argyle: starts up the steam powered engine that's attached to the caravan 

Everyone ready? Let's move out!

Jarrod: Avata! Umm i mean Avanta! _Jarrod flicks his smoke into the gutter and clambers on top of the Luggage. _

GM: The caravan creaks as it begins to move, slowly chugging along behind the steam combustion engine as it pulls out of Thunou and into the wide open grassy plains. Oxen freely roam as well as wild horses. There are trees however they are sparse. 

Argyle: _calls out to Jarrod over the noise of the engine_ So, what's with the outfit if you're not a wizard?

Jarrod: Wizard in training! _Jarrod pulls a battered magazine out of his back pocket_ Five more correspondence lessons to go!

_under his breath_ mum says I'm really good

Argyle: Oh? Didn't know they operated by correspondence. I suppose it's only sensible when they have great universities...what school? Like, elemental? Defence or war magic?

Jarrod: Oh what school you say? Mr Shrimptons school of the divine and mysterious arts. Flat number 5 Dunhill Road Giliad. 

Argyle: _scratches ear_ doesn't sound very legitimate...but I'm sure it probably is, these are strange times.

Minvarn: Is magic not highly dangerous to be learning by correspondence instead of being taught by an expert teacher? _he shouts_

Jarrod: Oy Minivan! Can you do this? _Jarrod concentrates and summons a small ball of light in his hand and throws it at a passing tree. Flames shoot into the sky as it quickly consumed_

Minvarn: _he wacths the tree burn for a moment before looking back at Jarrod and summoning his own flame in hand_ Firesoul gensai so yes

GM: The tree burns rapidly and ambers start to spread across the grass, starting to catch up to the party

Jarrod:Bugger.._chromatic orb once again_ Lets chill this situation down

Argyle:_pulls leavers on engine to make it go faster_ was that part of your plan? 

Minvarn:_ gives Bayek kick to hurry him after Aryle_ Typical wizard never miss a chance to show off 

Argyle: Right, let's see how fast this thing can go! 

GM: The machine splutteres to life and jerks forward, however something pings off the top of the steam valve and several nuts come loose from the boiler but it holds together enough for another surge forward 

The Luggage: _was happily trundling along is now scampering to keep up with Minvarn and the Caravan, bouncing it's rider along with it 

GM:Racing ahead to out pace the fire, the party enters some bushland scrub, forcing them to slow down again. eventually the combustion engine grinds to a halt. 

Argyle: Oh dear, oh dear... _ scrambles down to inspect the damage._ I'm going to have to patch the boiler._scratches ear and sighes_ won't be a moment. _ walks around to the back of the caravan and has a bit of a rummage around inside it._ where are they? The spare boiler cap has to be here somewhere…

Minvarn: Wonderful wizard we have barely begun and already you have almost killed us!

Argyle: _calls from the caravan_ may as well make yourself comfortable, it maybe a little while for me to fix the engine!

Minvarn: I'll go check that fire isn't catching up to us _Gives a swift kick to Bayek and heads back off the way they came_

Jarrod _opens the Luggage after dismounting and takes out  a small arcane pot and a sack of mysterious origin. He kindles a small fire and soon a draught of magical proportions is produced_Oy who wants a coffee?

GM: The fire isn't close, but isn't heading away. You see four small figures running from the fire in panic towards you. You can't make out what they are but they're definitely terrified

Minvarn:_Calls out to them_ Over here this way! 

GM: The four figures run towards Minvarn and into the bushes and stop beside the caravan out of breath but with weapons drawn incase they need to defend themselves. The goblin party is terrified. 

Jarrod:_ pauses mid pour and glances over at the lead gobbo_  Cup of coffee? 

Booger nose : _rasies weapon nervously_ what's co-coffee?

Toe Jam:_sniffs the wizards brew_ smells like burnt pine cone... Why you drink pine cone mister fancy?  

Jarrod:_Jarrod sighs and leans back against the Luggage_ Mate, trust me. Its good. You seem like a two suger lad with maybe a dash of milk. _Jarrod pours a measure into a tin cup, adds two slightly grubby suger cubes and a squirt of milk from a dented can_ Fresh milk is better but needs must

Booger nose:_reaches out for a cup, almost snatches it out of Jarrod's hand. Is shaking as he sips_ Mmmm... _is deep in thought, then holds cup back out_ seconds Mr Fancy

Jarrod: Oy! Minivan do you want a mug?

Minvarn:_races back to the group to see Jarrod offering a cup to a goblin? He stops dead not sure what to do_ 

Booger nose: You no here to hurt Goblins? 

Toe Jam: Yeah, we have big problems without bigjobs

Minvarn: _ dismounts still not believing the strange goings on his seeing_ Mother never said there would be days like this 

Jarrod: Why fight when we can all sit around, have a good cup of coffee and talk about thing's? Too much bloody fighting these days. _ lights up a slightly battered  ciggy and offers his pack to Toe Jam_ Smoke?

Toe Jam: _grimacing _ eating fire? You wizzzard?  

Booger nose: Coffffeeee is good. Try some! 

Bad Smell: Tis trick! Don't buy it, they want to hurt Goblins juz like Klarg! 

GM: All three say in unison "Klarg bigjob prick"  

Booger nose: _looks at mug, looks at the party. _ they don't stink like Bigjobs. Meebe they help?  

Bad Smell: Pfft! Like dey help goblins! 

GM: The three goblins begin to squabble while the fourth one pats the luggage and then the Oryx. Both seem to like the attention from the quiet goblin. They look more elderly and are grinning.  

Skarsnik: Young goblin are daft. Don't listen to em. Skarsnik wise. Skarsnik shaman... Was. _holds out clawed hand_ friend of Goblin?  

Jarrod: Hey, slow down.. Who is Klarg? And i ain't  no big jobs you skunners 

Skarsnik: You Bigjob. Big thingy.... Bigjob. 

DM: The goblins shuffle their feet and bow heads at the mention of Klarg 

Jarrod: Well in my town a bigjob was something that needed more than two flushes to go down the privy. Names ladys and gents and as i said...Who is the Klarg bugger? 

Minvarn: Is he your leader, your king? 

Skarsnik: Klarg? Klarg stole home. Kidnapped goblin tribe of cave. Turn goblins into slaves.  

Bad Smell: They have my squirt  

Booger nose: An mine

Toe Jam: Killed mine gobbrother Bumface. No Goblin like Klarg 

Skarsnik: Klarg... Turn goblins against goblins. Will help goblins?  

Jarrod: _For the first time Jarrod's face takes on a hard look_ Slaves? He made your people slaves?

 

Skarsnik: You deaf? Me old but not stupid. Some slave, some side with Klarg 

Jarrod: Alright i feel like going all McClain on this guy but what does the rest of my party think? 

Minvarn: I can tell you have already decided, guess I don't have much of a choice, I'll come if only to make sure you don't get yourself killed 

Argyle: __steps off machine and wipes hands on an oily rag_ what'd I miss? 

Skarsnik: _ pats the luggage and it begins to follow him _ not far, cave dis way 

DM: The other goblins fall in line behind the elder and the luggage  

Argyle:_grabs the weird device he was tinkering with in Thnou, hefts it onto his back and follows behind Jarrod _

Jarrod: " Follow the gobiln, follow the gobiln, follow the gobiln down the road" _Jarrod sings in a slightly off tune way

"So Bumface, interesting name.."

Toe Jam: Bumface very prestigious. Very special

Minvarn: Making friends with the locals it seems _follows after Jarrod_  

Jarrod: Alright, my last name is Cox so i ain't one to talk 

Toe Jam: Bumface was cook. Good cook. Wanted to run foodstuff big city. Klarg gutted him. Said no Goblin cook real food. Must only cook Bugbear food. 

Bad Smell: Bugbear food blegh. 

Toe Jam: Yes, all grizzle 

Booger nose: Makes fart good though

GM: All the goblins snigger 

Jarrod: _Jarrods pace falters...they killed your cook?

Toe Jam: Bumface had dream. Klarg hate dream. Simple enough. 

Minvarn: This Klarg is he a goblin as well?

Skarsnik: No Burningjob _stops before bushes open up into a clearing leading towards the cave._ shssh. see there?  

Jarrod: _ stands, flicks his smoke into the woods_ Right, Mr Minivan and Padfoot i  am totally against slavery but when you try to crush a peoples cusine? I ain't having that! 

GM: All three party members look towards where Skarsnik is pointing and can see very clearly two goblins at the cave mouth on sentry duty. You can see they're doing an incredibly sloppy job, both throwing pinecones at each other  

Minvarn: Maybe we could try frightening them off? 

Jarrod: Bugger this. _Jarrod casts chromatic globe_ freeze these little buggers! 

DM: one goblin starts turning to ice from the limbs first and in horror tries to scream as it freezes solid. The other goblin is in shock. 

Skarsnik: _grabs Jarrod's arm._psst, don't kill goblins _hints at company  

Minvarn: _Rushs the other goblin hoping to take then by surprise, hoping to just knock him out after hearing Skarsnik_ 

Booger nose:  Tis ok. No goblin liked butt scratcher. Don't do again though.  

Jarrod : _sidles over to the goblin he froze and builds a small fire near it_ 

GM: Minvarn knocks the other guard out swiftly, unharmed and The other goblins come around and try to look after their former clan mates.

Jarrod:  Well we could have done that better..Where the hell were you Padfoot? 

Argyle: Watching you two. Hard to keep up when you're so impulsive. Best we leave them to it... _looks at cave_  i guess we go in?  

Jarrod: I like to think we get stuff done.. 

Argyle: Burn the village first, then tax the villagers afterwards eh? _shuffles his heavy pack and ears prick up_  do you hear howling from inside? 

Jarrod: I say we investigate the ominous howling from the cave

Argyle: _looks at Minvarn for consensus _

Minvarn: We have come this far, come on _heads into the cave_

DM: The cave is dark, poorly lit though there are a few sources of light from crude wall mounted torches.  The cave breaks off into two directions, a river leading one way, the mysterious howling from the other.  

Jarrod: My hands are itchy..towards the howling 

Minvarn: Which way do you feel it coming from? 

Argyle: _points left_ the howling is coming from over that way. 

Jarrod: _Jarrod is sick of all this skulking about_ Klarge you hoo?

GM: (emersion break) You really want an entire goblins clan set upon u huh?

Jarrod: (fourth wall breaks) Don't worry i got this 

GM: Walking up the left path following the cacophony of howls, it opens up into a small cavern that is pitch black (except for Minvarn's head)  there's now a growling and the sounds of chains being pulled and snapped back 

Jarrod: Hmm, sounds like we are facing some doggies! 

Argyle:  I smell fresh blood… 

GM: The chain noises eco through the chamber, they sound like they're getting slacker with every violent clank

Minvarn: _peerss through the darkness to see what is growling is_ 

Jarrod: Well what's in the cavern? Please don't be frogs.. 

Argyle: I can smell and hear things, but I can't make out the shapes... _night vision is limited_ 

Minvarn: Wolves, two of them. 

GM: The wolves snap and growl, trying to break their chains 

Minvarn: Want to see if we can make friends with them as well? _says to Jarrod_ 

Jarrod: How the hell am i gonna make friends with a wolf? 

Argyle: Pretend to be editable?  I mean, you wouldn't need to try very hard

Minvarn: My sarcasm is lost on you  

Jarrod:  steps aside and finds the freshest pile of wolf poo. With a grimace he rubs some on his robes..then approaches one of the wolves in a  servile manner.

GM: The wolves snarl 

Argyle:_readies the pistol end of his contraption just in case_ 

Minvarn:_draws his sword in case this ends badly_

Jarrod: I dont want to have to kill them, Hopefully just break the chains….. I shall use the ancient art of the belly rub 

The Luggage: _ lets out its own ominous sound_ 

Jarrod: _approaches and The wolf snaps at my sleeve and gets a mouthful of its own poop_

GM: The wolf yelps in disgust and paws at its own face

Jarrod: Eat poop wolf boy!

Minvarn: _laughs in the background_ 

Argyle: _reels in disgust_  

GM: The other wolf strains at it's chains, snapping at Jarrod.  He misses being bitten, just out of reach

Minvarn: Still don't want to hurt them?

Argyle: They aren't Goblins... They're wolves! Two different things! And they sound hungry. 

Minvarn: No one has any food and unless you feel like heading back for some, wolf shish kebabs seems like the next option. 

Jarrod: Alright Padfoot what have you got?

Minvarn: Ok enough of this _makes a ball fire hurl at the wolves spectacularly completely blind throws into the wall behind them_ 

Argyle: _cocks the pistol end of the contraption and fires a shot_  

Jarrod: You shoot the wolf!?

GM: One wolf's sides explodes in a shower of blood as a musket pellet goes through it

Minvarn: By the eights! 

Argyle:_grins_ ain't seen nothing yet! 

Bayek: _outside of the cave, lifts his head from grazing  as he hears a gunshot in the distance_

Jarrod: I really don't want to do this _casts chill touch on the other wolf. With a look of disgust he chants the words of the spell. _ I didn't want this to happen. I tried to make friends. God damn I am coveredin wolf poo! _ The words leave his lips and a skeletal hand glides from his own. It just caressed the wolf's muzzle when the whinging starts _

GM: The other wolf is now too weak to pull at its chains, but still too vicious to approach.  

Minvarn: _ puts it out of its misery with a stab of his sword, through the heart it calls out in pain and its body slumps to the floor as its breathing ceases_ Go in peace noble beast your struggles are over

Argyle: _hangs head in shame, but can't deny that his contraption functioning was a little exciting, and the beast part of his soul felt very primal for the first time in its life_ 

Minvarn: _flicks the blood from the blade and sheaths his sword_ 

Jarrod:  snubs out his ciggy and tries to brush off the wolf shit from his robes.. 

Argyle: I... I think we better look somewhere else....  

Minvarn: _wrinkles his nose_ maybe you should a little further behind us Jarrod 

Argyle: Downwind?  Yes please! 

Jarrod: Hey F - you both! 

Minvarn: Real mature, Bradley 

Argyle: Not my fault you covered yourself in poop. _covers bearish nose_

Jarrod:_ takes off his robes and puts them in the luggage_ 

The Luggage: _ spits is back out at Jarrod, coated in slime as well. Even sapient Pearwood can't lavender scent that. it's mouth opens and a clean robe with extra glitter is resting neatly on its tounge_

Jarrod: Cheers mate, any potatos?

The Luggage: _Growls_

Argyle: How long have you had that creepy thing?  

The Luggage: _it pauses, grunts and spits a slimy potato out at Jarrod's feet_

Jarrod: Define creepy 

The Luggage: _it pants_ 

Argyle: Ah yes.. Wizard... Guess you've seen alot of scary stuff.. But yes... That *THING* is creepy 

Minvarn: _laughs_

The Luggage: _wimpers and tries to lick Minvarn's hand_ 

Minvarn: _gives it a sympathetic pat_ Shell we press on?

Argyle: Yes, this room is smelling too much like blood now and it's making my head hurt

Minvarn: Ready Jarrod? 

Jarrod: Oy! Yes i have seen things that would boggle your minds and frezze the very blood in your veins...just dont touch my stuff alright! _pauses until his brain catches up with his ears_ Oh yes blood..stinky stuff

Argyle: Not ever going to consider it. _looks worryingly at the box on legs_  ditto with mine... Unless you want to be sent to the heavens in the fastest route possible. Lead the way Minvarn  

Minvarn:_takes the lead again pass the wolf corpses_ 

Jarrod: _mutters under breath...oh you like Miss minivan now… 

Minvarn: I can see a hole in the cavern roof its quite narrow and looks slippery _ he informs the others_ And its Mr, Jarrod! Argyle got anything we use in your pack?

Argyle: Actually... Since you ask.. _carefully unshoulders his bulky pack, you can her the clinking of metal and glass as he rumages. _ ah... Here we are…  _produces goggles of dark vision _

Minvarn: Thank you _put the dark lenses on and looks up through the hole in the roof_

Jarrod: Sweet extra night vision! 

Argyle: My sense of hearing and smell are astonishingly good though they need to be used more often, I prefer to rely on those instead

GM: You come up to the edge of the cavern and see a slope of rocks leading up towards a hole in the cavern roof. It's quite small and looks slippery  

Jarrod: Alright who the best climber? I am a lanky 19 year old…

Argyle: I maybe part bear but there's no way I can climb that. 

Jarrod: Dude your part bear? 

Argyle: I am a moon bear shifter.

Jarrod: Shifter… Beron? 

Minvarn: Maybe we could give someone a lift up? 

Argyle: We can try lifting you part of the way Jarrod, after that we'll find another way around while you climb 

Minvarn: Mmmm can shift you into your bear form? maybe one of us can get up high enough if we stood on your shoulders  

Argyle: Yes, but I'm shorter in that shape and certainly less agile. Not really agile to start with, I fell off the ladders in the museum alot. 

Jarrod: Had a cousin like that, badger were or what you call it. Liked worms 

Argyle: I'm aware I'm adopted. For that I'm greatful, I wouldn't be here otherwise. And worms are gross, Berry cake though.... Mmmmm yum _drools_

Jarrod:  I 'll give it a go.. 

GM: Jarrod climbs the shaft a little, but gets wedged in, unable to climb up. 

Jarrod : Bugger it i will try and make it to the top! 

Argyle: _looking up the shaft_ may I make a suggestion?  

Minvarn: Please do. 

Argyle: You have adventuring gear... Yes? Either one of you have any rope? _looks up_ I see you're stuck quite good there... Let's see if we can change that… Can I have some rope please? _reaches into breast pocket and pulls out the clockwork sparrow_

Jarrod: Helloooo? Still stuck up here! 

Minvarn: _ gives rope to Argyle_

Argyle: _gives rope with loop in it to the sparrow and releases it, it flies past Jarrod and into the darkness above_

GM: The rope seems to be freely hanging down now, Jarrod pulls tight and confirms its secure.  

Argyle: It should be safe to climb the test of the way Jarrod _shouts upwards. the sparrow comes back down and nestles back into his pocket_ 

Minvarn: Ok Jarrod its all you 

Jarrod: Alrighty lets climb me some tunnel _Jarrod braces his back and starts to climb_ 

Argyle: _to Minvarn_ we probably should find another way around.  

Minvarn: I can hear water coming from somewhere, let's go check it out 

GM: As Minvarn and Argyle head back to where the cave path split…. 

The Luggage: _tried to jump and grab the rope and lands with a crash. It shakes itself off and keeps trying_ 

Bayek: Outside happily grazing and getting pats from the four goblins

Argyle: _pauses at the path divide_ so we go right up alongside the river? 

Minvarn: Yeah _says nervously staying as far away from the water as possible_

GM:You can see a bridge in the gloom above you as well as the path splitting in to directions up ahead. The river goes up to the left while some clanging noises can be heard from the right.  

Minvarn: Let's go right _he says just wanting to get away from the water_ 

GM: The cave opens up into a duel cavern, it's brightly lit. Goblins are skutterling everywhere but aren't bothered by your presence. They're too occupied filling a huge cauldron with whatever food stuff that they're handling. You can hear laughing and shouting from further back in the cavern. 

Minvarn: _Pulls back out of sight_ We'll need Jarrod for this _ he whispers to Argyle_ 

Argyle: Well, we can go back and follow the river around? _as he says that the laughter gets louder _

Minvarn_Just what I was thinking _unhappy by the thought of being near water again_ let's go

, 

Voice of Yeemik: Bwhahahaharr! Youz lot are so stupid! Shouldn't fight Bugbear take over! Will make Goblins vicious warrior again! 

Minvarn: Did he just say bugbear? _ask Argyle_ 

Argyle: _nodds in the dark_ sounded like it

Minvarn: Great, I was really hoping I was wrong

GM: meanwhile… 

The Luggage: _it mopes around the bottom of the rope a bit, snapping and contemplating what to do next_

Voice of Yeemik: Goblins too poor, kicked and spat on. Klarg will make Goblins great again an fight savagely by his paw! 

Although... Bah! What do yous all know? Slave trash yar all are! 

_comes into view, kicks one of the cooks and the rest scarper _  this stinks

_sniffs air_ why garbage cook? Get good stuff! 

_shoves the goblin he kicked before deciding to pick him up and throw it screaming into the pot_

One day I be better than Klarg, but he is useful chump. 

Minvarn: Sounds like that's one less goblin… 

Argyle: They look terrified of him! Do you think he is part of the reason the clan was taken over?  

Minvarn: Its the way goblins are the strongest rules same with orcs  

DM: interjection - Minvarn brings up a massive misconception about Ocs and Goblins which will be dispelled later. Orcs have a beautiful kingdom within the plains which rivals that of many humans and elves and is possibly the richest nation in the western region of Yamikora. - End  non ingame interjection 

Argyle: He looks a bit bigger than the rest... You sure he's an ordinary Goblin?  

Minvarn: Maybe not could have some blood of another race in his line or, his just a big goblin

Argyle: Or a hobgoblin? Doesn't look like any half breed I've ever seen. What do we do? He sounds like he might have information about Klarg. 

Minvarn: Let's go back for now the two of us can't take them alone we'll need Jarrod

Argyle: Ok. 

GM: Heading back towards the river, Minvarn & Argyle take the path along the river and into a cavern with a large pool of water.  There are three Goblins in this cavern, half heartedly guarding several cages. Inside the cages you can make out the goblins to be mothers, younglings and baby goblins. The guards don't seem too keen on sticking to their post, probably as no one in charge is around 

Argyle: Well this doesn't look much better, but at least they're not being hurt. That bridge looked like it lead out of that other cavern where that nasty goblin was. It's got to go across to be above where Jarrod is climbing out of. 

Minvarn: The sharman said some of the goblins support Klarg and some are slaves, maybe we try talking to them, convince them where here to help them

GM: meanwhile… 

Jarrod: Oy! Can someone give me a bloody hand? 

Jarrods journal...date: don't know… Location: in a hole, Luggage: doing its own bloody thing as always. Situation:  Down to half a pack of ciggys, stuck in a shaft that may lead to gobbos, i am not sure but i reckon there are spiders in here as well._Jarrod tries to light a smoke and drops his lighter. The flame falls down the shaft and disappears in to the gloom_  Bugger

Squints I can see some light. Maybe a couple of feet..

GM: Jarrod can hear a couple of voices above but out of sight of the fissure. 

The Luggage: _Stops sulking and begins to attempt to wrap the rope end around it's tounge_

Jarrod: Luggage elevator? 

Voice of Klarg: Who's a goodboy? Who's a good savage boy? Ripper! Yeah, you are! Didja enjoy tastey Gobbo Meat? Yeah... good boy, no body undermines me… 

GM: There's some growing and happy whining 

Voice of Yeemik: Klarg! Klarg! Da wolves! 

Voice of Klarg: Go away useless hobgoblin, can't you see I'm busy? 

Voice of Yeemik: But Boss! Something's slaughtered the wolves! We've got intruders! 

Jarrod:_ climbs out of the hole. Still may i add covered with poo and casts charm person on Klarg_

Klarg: _face glazes over a little the second his eyes rest on Jarrod, hairy arms outspread_ Ah, there you are! Come here and meet my underling, Yeemik! Yeemik, meet.. Human who's going to help Clan be more powerful! 

Jarrod: Klarg what in the name of all  that is gobily are you doing? Bro you have kids and mothers in cages! You have pitted brother against brother! Klarg, this is not the gobbo i used to know _Jarrod turns away and looks into the middle distance to increase drama and hopefully a sense of guilt in Klarg_

GM reminder: Jarrod shouldn't know anything about what's going on in another room his character wasn't in/ had access to information. Didn't catch it this occasion but will definitely let players know that if the characters are not present for an important bit of information they know jack shit and can't use it. Otherwise it's considered meta gaming. 

Yeemik: _pokes you in the chest_ what big Idea? _curls hobgoblin lips back to reveal tusks_ 

Klarg: _pulls you close_ they're in there for own saftey. They're feed and kept alive. _he rubs his furry chin_ other goblins tried to kidnap them and run into the bush, with no food, or roof overhead. They are safer from traitors in there don't you think?  

Yeemik: _gives you a sideways glare and snarls a little_ I smell wolf blood... HE INTRUDER! _ holds longsword up to Jarrod's throat_ 

GM: Ripper growls 

Jarrod: _ grabs Klarg by the chin and pulls his face close to his_ A gobbo in a cage is a slave. And i dont like that. And if that little piss ant Yeemik doesn't take take away that sword i will shove it where the monkey put his nut

_jarrod looks around for any of his companions_

Klarg: _the glaze over his eyes vanishes as Jarrod jerks his furry chin. There's a second of confusion before he snarls and grabs Jarrod's collar_ Oi! WHO ARE YOU? _nose wrinkles _ Rolling in shit were we? Hurt my beloved Babies have ya? Well, I got something special for the likes of you! 

Jarrod: _ backs away, lights a smoke and says_ I do have mates coming 

_He yells slightly louder_ I do have mates you know! 

Klarg: _holds the scruff of Jarrod's neck_  Really? Could have fooled me. You stink worse that 'im over there.  

Ripper: Ripper stops licking himself a minute, looks at Jarrod, then goes back to business  

GM: meanwhile… 

The Luggage: _finally grabs the rope, but is to heavy, its weight snaps the stone the rope was tied to. As it hits the ground the chuck of rock hits it's lid, making it angry_ 

GM: elsewhere…. 

Argyle: So we're going to free the goblins yeah? What if those guards are only there because they'd rather be away from the Hobgoblin?  

Minvarn: Let's try asking them, stay here_walks out with his hands up to show his unarmored_

GM: There's a commotion from the cages and the three guards stiffen up, but then let their guard down when they realise its not their current bosses.  Minvarn, Several dozen pairs of eyes rest apon you. 

Minvarn: I'm unarmored, your shaman asked me and my companions for help

Bellyfluff: Shaman name? _holds spear out shakily, trying to decide if friend or foe_ 

Minvarn: Awww it was... Skarsnik that's it Sharsnik asked for help

Bellyfluff: _face lights up and weapons lower_ Skarsnik live? Where he at?

Minvarn: _lets out the breath he was holding_ Yeah his outside waiting for us

Bellyfluff: With booger nose?

Minvarn: Yeah and Toe jam and Bed smell too.

Pussface: Waz Bad Smell with 'em? My gobbrother is live too?

Minvarn: Yeah the whole gang

Pussface: _grins and exchanges nodd with Bellyfluff_ eh, here, what of Klarg? Dead?  

Bellyfluff: Yes... We truly free of Klarg and Yeemik?  

Pussface: Who cares bout pissboots?

Belcher: I do. Yeemik sneaky 

Minvarn: You leave him to me and my companions. Right now get the woman and children to safety the path is clear on the way out _thinks its safe to lower his arms

Belcher: Give one moment. 

GM:The goblins go into a huddle. Occasionally you can hear spitting and a mild squabble before they reach a decision. 

Pussface: They stay here. Safe here.  

Bellyfluff: Will free from cages. Was added caution. 

Belcher: Howlers can't bite through cages. 

Pussface: Scary howlers. 

Belcher: But we come. Show way. 

Bellyfluff: Deal?  

Minvarn: Deal. 

Bellyfluff: _shakes Minvarn's hand_ I go, you follow. 

Minvarn: Argyle let's go 

Pussface:_ opens cage doors, but goblins remain in the cave while he and Belcher follow Bellyfluff _ 

Argyle: Wow... Impressive! Did your mentor teach you that? Like, how to remain calm? _tags along behind_

Minvarn: He did I use to be a real hot head

Argyle: No kidding… 

GM: The three goblins lead you back out around the caves, through past the large cauldron and to the back of the cavern towards the bridge. On the otherside, Klarg is dragging Jarrod along by his ankles with Yeemik behind him. They stop at the bridge also when they spot you. 

Minvarn: Jarrod. 

Ripper: _ skulks around the feet of his master _

Klarg: WHAT'S THIS THEN?

Yeemik: Traitors!  

Jarrod:_slips out his dagger and cuts his bonds while Klarg is distracted_

Ripper: Growl. 

Minvarn: I don't think we can talk our way out of this one… 

Yeemik: _grabs Jarrod and takes the dagger_ where you think you're going?  

GM: back in the first cavern… 

The Luggage: _shakes self off, and hums before charging at the rock cave wall and passing through it into another plane_

Jarrod: _ takes advantage of Yeemik close to him and tries to cast Chill touch. Total fizzer_ Yeemik! boys there is your target! _ attempts to get up and hop to his feet because no one has freed him yet_

GM note: that's because no one is near you Jarrod - otherside of the cavern Bridge infact… 

Belcher and Bellyfluff launch themselves at Yeemik and Belcher lands a strike with his scimitar, wounding Yeemik. 

Klarg: _raises spare clawed hand, making sure other one grips, Jarrod's cloack so he can't flee_ Go Ripper, Destroy!  

Ripper: _ leaps across the bridge, going straight for one of the Goblins, knocking himself and Belcher off the bridge._ 

Minvarn:  flame! _ fire flickers off his fingers as he aims it towards Klarg, only to miss judge the miniature fireballs throw and have it land inches from Klarg's feet_ 

Klarg: _grimacing, stamps it out with his foot like he's putting out a cigarette stub_ 

Pussface _takes aim and fires arrow and it sails through the air and in-beds itself in the rock inches from Jarrod's shoulders_

Jarrod: Oy! Watch you bloody aim! 

Yeemik: _struggles with his bow and aims it at Minvarn_ prepare to bleed!  _the injuries hamper his aim, yells out in pain as arrow shoots him in foot and knocks him prone _

Klarg: USELESS! _ Kicks Yeemik off the rocky ledge into the river path below_ 

Argyle: _steps forward, loading something from a potion bottle into the nozzle end of the device and walking onto the bridge and shouts _ Take Cover!  

GM: Pussface and Minvarn take cover 

Jarrod: How can I!? no one has bloody untied my feet! _hops into nearest cover_

Argyle: _the nozzle ofthe device starts fizzling with green energy _ 

_it fires the equivalent of Magic missile..green flames shoot across the bridge and hits Klarg_

Jarrod: "Hey hold on! You didn't say you had Skaven tech!

DM: The flames engulf Klarg and he screams in agony, swinging his arms to clear the flame. 

Minvarn: Is he dead? 

Jarrod: can someone cut me free!? 

GM: suddenly out of nowhere… 

The Luggage: _Bursts out thin air from the other plane and lands beside Jarrod, tounge hanging out and drooling like a happy puppy _

Minvarn: Where did that come from? _looking bewildered_ 

Argyle: _almost looses balance off the bridge_ woah holy heckle!  

Jarrod: _Jarrod gives a shril whistle and the luggage comes running. In a flash Jarrods bonds are untied_  lunges a dagger attack on Klarg

Klarg: _sidesteps Jarrod's lunge_ Arrragh! Weakling!  

The luggage: _ leaps for Klarg and barrels into its master, knocking itself and Jarrod onto the bridge, at least out of Klarg's reach_  

Klarg: _tries to flee, but gets his morningstar wedged between two rocks_ 

Minvarn: _draws his sword and go in for an attack_ 

Jarrod: Just kill the bloody thing! 

Minvarn: _ swings an over head slice down on him cutting him from forehead to hip_ 

Klarg: _screams_ Aaaargh!! 

Argyle: _pulls out his mallet (hammer) from his belt and charges at Klarg, nuts Klarg across the head with as much force as he can muster, which isn't much since he's been cooped up inside a museum until this adventure _

Minvarn: _wants to give a chance for mercy_ I'll give you the chance to surrender Klarg or die 

Klarg: _ stumbles and collapses. Barely alive… blood pooling from his jawls. _ NEVER.  

Minvarn: Very well

Klarg: _spits on Minvarn's shiny boots_

Jarrod: _ is finally free of his bonds_ Minivan would you like to do the honours?

Minvarn: Sure 

Argyle: Want my hand axe?

Minvarn: No need. 

Jarrod : hang on_ rummages in side klargs jerkin and finds another bic_

Minvarn: _Slits his throat and Klarg makes gurgling sounds and breaths his last_ 

Bellyfluff: HORARY!  

Pussface: WE'RE FINALLY FREE!  

GM: The goblins dance around excitedly. That night, the goblins hold a special feast in the parties honour. 

Skarsnik: _approaches Minvarn _ here.. Not have much, but can't not leave empty _he hands over a weapon draped in a raggy cloth. It's a scimitar of speed_

Minvarn: Bitching. _Minvarn marvel at the weapon like that of his homeland_ Thank you

Skarsnik: _turns to Jarrod _ as for you…  

_hands him a staff of bird calls_

I do not understand your magic, but ours... Is special. Please take with compliment  

Jarrod: Thanks..._Jarrod silps his bird call into his back pocket_

GM: Skarsnik and the other Goblins agree to help Argyle repair the steam engine so the party can continue their way to Kirabaru. 

Argyle: _As he is repairing the combustion engine, his knowledge of unorthodox steam powered contraptions increases. He can now infuse certain items of his own or companions with unusual properties if given the time to do so. He feels slightly less vulnerable now  after holding his own a little , his overall health has put a spring into his step as he starts up and steers the combustion engine infront of the Caravan away from the gobiln cave. wonders if any of his companions will let him have a look at their new cool gear and maybe repair the old ones_ 

Jarrod: _  Jarrod and the luggage are enjoying a quiet drink in the beer garden of "The Bunch of Grapes"_ 

Minvarn: _ tests out his new blade its well blanched needs some polishing and sharpening but is in a not too bad condition. Is riding on Bayek following Argyle while doing so. _

Jarrod: _ wakes up and nearly falls off the Luggages lid_ So much for nice dreams.. 

Argyle: _Whilst controlling the combustion engine, Argyle pulls out a small note book littered in sticky flimsies and uses his newset invention, a fountain pen to scribble some ways he could improve armour, weapons an maybe ways to make boring items more interesting. When the engine practically runs itself he's only micro managing it's course. _calls out_ how's you're magazine, Jarrod? Any interesting recipes? _was referring to spells but probably joking about them being cook books_ 

Jarrod: _"God damn what do those gobbos make their beer out of? My head is frigging killing me"_Yes..magazine..ha ha..." _ "I would literally kill for a Bloody Mary"_

Argyle: _decides to leave the 'alleged' magic user alone and glances in the direction of Minvarn who looks not only deep in thought, but mumbling or chanting something under his breath as he lays the Scimitar from the goblins across the sadle of his mount. He looks somewhat more serine than before and like a new flame has been lit inside his soul. It's like the sun is guiding his way. _ 

Minvarn: _ He notices Argyle watching him and smiles_ What do think? _holds the sword out to Argyle_ 

Argyle: _leans as far as he dares to inspect it_ wow! It's empressive! Beautiful craftsmanship even for Goblins... Though did you know there was once an underground Goblin empire? They say alot of the old weaponry and armour the goblins have maybe worn, but it's been passed down from generation to generation... _stops reeling off useless facts when he sees the look on Minvarn's face. _  sorry, carried away... Ancient civilisations are one of my hobbies, one day I dream of looking for the kingdom of Alakornka, you know, the one that was the home of the ancient bird people of the skies? It's been lost for centuries and I tell you something, this shifter will be the first to rediscover it!  

Minvarn: Noble cause _puts the sword away_ that reminds me you asked about the Gaizunai empire I'm guessing you were asking about the rumors about the royal family?

Argyle: _Almost stalls the combustion engine by  pulling the wrong leaver in excitement _ yes! Of course! I'd love to hear more about where you're from and well... Everything really!  

Minvarn: _laughs amusement_ Well I'm not truly sure if the rumors are true, my mother told me that all gensai of Gaizunai are related to the royal family even if distantly, mother said I was... _counts on his fingers_ six times removed cousin to the Sultan. 

Argyle: _eyes open wide in wonder, though now he's distracted, he's pulling all the wrong leavers, causing the combustion engine to complain and groan_ that's so.. Awesome! Royal blood!  

Minvarn: _shakes his head_ I'm so far down the line they wouldn't know who I was if they fell over me, my family no is one special mother is a blacksmith my sisters are her assistants and father is a ex-soldier. 

Argyle: Oh.. I dunno about that, many a legend and hereos are from the most humble or unusual of origins. I mean, many who fought the undead during the war we're not trained soilders or even knew how to hold a stick... Yet in places like back there in Thnou, they're considered the people's saviors.  _goes quiet a little, fixing the leavers he pulled by mistake_ but some kind of royalty blood, no matter how far removed you are... That's the stuff legends are forged from. 

My village... Well the one I was born, dad's told me many a stories about it... No one lives there anymore since the war. It's cursed. Everyone from there who survived can't have cubs and are succumbing to a mysterious illness. My father has spent years trying to figure out how to cleanse the village and remove the curse on the people, infact almost half of Kedri's halflings have tried. Heck I've been pretty sheltered until now because he's scared I'm afflicted. Finding the lost Alakornka might be the key, as records in the museum show they too had the same curse. Sure, they're not shifters, but they're still beast people. If they survived maybe they'd have a cure? 

_waves it off_ anyway, tell me more about where you're from! I'd rather talk about that as it's very exciting! Are there other strange creatures? What's the markets like and your homes? 

Minvarn: Slow down that's alot of questions _thinks about it_ Colourful is the word I would most use to describe it. The markets are like a labyrinth its easy to get lost, their filled with stalles, tea and smoke houses, cafes, restaurants and courtyard gardens dotted about.

The air is thick with the smells of spices, animals, smoke and cooking.

In the square entertainers gather magicians, acrobats, musicians and storytellers.

Then there is the royal hadiqat zunabiq alma' almalakia which means royal water lily garden open to the public.

Argyle: _tries to imagine it_ Sounds like millions of creatures live there or around it! _is impressed by what his brain can invision of the place, especially the gardens_

GM:  As night begins to fall, they all stop to set up camp overnight. Argyle offers them two of three bunks which are newly decorated with plush colourful cushions and fresh linin that are within the caravan to save them energy on setting up tents. He leaves Jarrod and Minvarn awake and crawls into the third bunk which unlike the others has old torn cushions and a shredded blanket after they've had dinner and stretches himself out, hands & feet changing shape as well as his entite morphology until there's a medium sized moon bear in his clothes, asleep streched out lazily.  

Minvarn: Want to play cards? _asks Jarrod _ 

Argyle: _hears a clicking chirp and sturrs awake_ Opal? _sits up and pulls the clock work sparrow from his vest pocket _ oh... I forget to check your springs before I fell asleep! Well I can do you one better, I have some left over parts to give you a new body! Don't look at me like that! I know some say machines aren't alive, but they don't realise that you're created with love, care and attention and given a soul, given life. _smiles lovingly at the clockwork sparrow as it chirps and snuggles its furry friend_ let me find out my tools. 

_clamers off the bunk, his furry paws hunting around the mini kitchenette till he digs out some watchmakers tools, spare parts, some tempered glass and some silver, bronze and a few smal sheets of delicate gold foil to make some decorative embossing and sets to work, making a new body for his familiar to transer it's soul into. It will take at least three hours to dismantle Opal's sparrow body and recraft it into something else_

_under a small light he works meticulously, placing springs, little cogs and tiny screws into their right places, while mumbling not quite to himself, but to Opal and how she will love her new familiar body_

_looks up and outside towards where Minvarn has left Jarrod's company after playing cards and sees him giving Bayek attention whilst Jarrod is rummaging for something inside his luggage.  Muses that his new friends are awfully quiet but is ok with it since he didn't get spoken to much when he worked in the museum, unless it was his father regaling him with his latest discovery _

_inserts a spool of thread inside, tests the little joints connecting to each individual limb, smiles in be best way he can with a bears muzzle and uses his long claws to screw in the screws and to carefully apply the decorative gold embossing_

_After hours of painstaking work, the clockwork sparrow is now a clockwork spider that's still the same size as the previous familiar's scale, it's bronze and silver plating glints and it's golden pattens distinguish it from being seen as a toy, but like some pretty piece of jewellery._

Opal? _Argyle whispers_ Opal, if you hear me, give me a sign.

_cogs whirr and tinkle as they slowly mysteriously come to life, each limb being tested out and streched, before the back end & rear legs flicks up in a display mimicking a peacock spider and it does a little shimmy dance._

_smiling, he places it down on the table and let's it ajust to it's new body. Sure, Wizards could get familiars by chanting incantations, spells, summoning circles...but to a young artificer the moment you first breathe independent life into something you crafted by hand you know you're on the way to create great things in your forseeable future. For some, it can take many years, even through trial and error study, but as a cub, all he had was time and practical lessons - some unintentional - and access to one too many books_

_putting his paw down, he let the little spider climb up his shirt sleeve and sit on his shoulder before tiding up and stepping out into the dark of the night and padding over towards the campfire where Minvarn is with his weapons, forgetting they haven't seen him as a full hybrid bear before_ 

Can't sleep?

Minvarn: _He hears a familiar voice say behind him but when he looks around he unexpectedly comes face to face with a wild beast, he jumps back sword at the ready for a fight as his szulder lines appear across his skin glowing bright like molten lava_

Argyle:  _raises paws_ woah, hold up... What's with the sword all of a sudden? _

Minvarn: Arg, Argyle is that you?

Argyle: _nodds_ same wolfblood stained shirt. 

Minvarn: I'm sorry _puts the sword away_ you startled me, as I haven't yet seen you in this form yet _his szulder lines slowly fade, cocks his head to one side_ like a child's stuffed bear

Argyle: Nor have I you. Do you usually glow like a hot steel forge? _sits down beside him_

Minvarn: There called szulder I... can't really control them, they appear when I'm in a highest emotional state. 

Argyle: _laughs, though probably isn't easy to tell if a bear is smiling _ well now I'll need to remember that and not get you upset or angry with me. So, how long have you been in training? 

Minvarn: _Thinks for a moment_ Almost five years now, I left home when I was sixteen  

Argyle: _impressed _ wow, that's quite a long time.  Have you gone anywhere special to do your training? Do you keep in contact with your folks back home? _watches the fire dance a bit_

Minvarn: I traveled with my mentor mostly to remote villages and towns to offer help if needed folks of thoses places have to take care of themselves and often appreciate help, he also taught me to speak common and elvish.

_Minvarn thought deeply about what to say no point dancing around it he sighs_ My parents are against me becoming a paladin, I run off in the middle of the night and haven't seen them since. 

Argyle: Oh, i see. _face looks saddened in the only way a bear could look_  that's a darn shame, from what I've been witness to so far, I'd be darn proud as pound cakes if I was them. Your very honourable whilst few are, sometimes you need a no nonsense head on your shoulders. 

Minvarn: Thank you _smiles_ 

Argyle: _ scratches furry chin _ you'd have fit right in with us odd balls at the Museum in Agrathia. Not exactly fighters mind, but definitely an honest bunch of truth seekers who just want to preserve history of the world. Must admit the Elven arch mage in charge was rather stuffy despite being shorter than my father, but then Gelfs generally are grumpy and set in their ways after turning three hundred or so.  

Minvarn: I find that to be true with most elves 

Argyle: Well Gelfs tend to get mistaken for goblins, but they have more smoother muzzle like features. More like faires, though frankly they at least don't look like several dozen different things at the sametime as fairies do. There's few Gelfs left, which is rather sad. 

Minvarn: Why is that? That there is few left? 

Argyle: Reijah'aka admittedly didn't talk about herself my and kept any written history of her people behind lock and key. There was probably something terrible that happened she refuses to let anyone find out. 

_shrugs_ sometimes you can't be allowed to know everything. Be nice if the gods spat out instructions once in a while though... Maybe even a manual. 

Minvarn: I'm afraid it really doesn't work like that. 

Argyle: _laughs gruffly _ one would be handy about now _indicates towards the wizard drooling asleep on the lid of his magic box_I'll never understand humans who come from the cities. It's like every thing goes backwards. 

Minvarn: I'm not sure I understand wizards in general. And people think I'm strange _he yawns_

Argyle: Are we sure he's one and not a conman children's party magician?

Minvarn: I won't deny I'm glad his here. 

Argyle: Maybe he needs to see a real one in action? After we've helped my dad, maybe we could take him to see one? I'm sure the D'ni dwarves could point us in the right direction. 

Minvarn: Maybe _yawns again_ I'm going to turn in Argyle, night. 

Argyle: _nods_ rest well Minvarn. _looks at the sleeping conjurer_ and sweet dreams to you mysterious spell caster. _ flops himself back onto the grass and stares at the night sky_ one day I'm sure we'll be great friends. 

Jarrod: _ cracks an eye open_ You do know my ears work? Childrens magician!

Argyle: _laughs and closes eyes_ well, next time let us see that magic of yours in full swing! Been waiting to see it work without backfiring! _sits up on arms_ or maybe there's something I can do. Could I take a look at your staff?

Jarrod: My tweeting magic bird call staff?

Argyle: Is that what it is they gave you? You squirlled it into your chest before we could see it. 

Jarrod: No, i bunged it in my back pocket. Have a look..

Argyle: _gets up and walks across to Jarrod and takes the staff off his hands and examines it_ it's very exquisitely carved, the bird designs all along it are beautifully detailed. Not much I can do with it, it looks like it's a precious heirloom. You don't happen to have another? 

Jarrod: No Minivan got a sweet sword and i got a staff that tweets. Dont worry i have plans for it, Chill. _Jarrod opens his pack and actually looks what is inside_

Argyle: Well when you do, let me know. I have some spare material left I think would be great editions to a plain staff. Really nice chunk of jade. My dad has alot of junk in the caravan. 

Jarrod: Dude i just found out I have a cross bow!

TWANG! Sorry Luggage…

Argyle: Anyway, until then, i guess I'll call it a night too. _yawns _ goodnight Mr. Jarrod. 

Jarrod: Good night _ tramps down the fire and leans back against the Luggage. "Blanky" the lid cracks open and a fresh woolen blanket is pushed out._

GM: Early next morning…. 

Argyle: _is heating some left over gold and silver in a billy over the fire,  trying to melt it so it can be poured into very special molds he has for clock parts. He is in his human shape, though frankly with all the Hair it barely makes a difference_

Jarrod: _ wakes up with a start and looks around_  Luggage, thanks for blanky_as he slips last nights bedding into his companion_

Argyle: _glances up, waves towards Jarrod to come over_ 

Jarrod: Hang on i haven't even got my bloody socks on. 

Argyle: _laughs _ sorry, tend to forget there's still those who wear.. Shoes.

Jarrod: _Jarrod fishes a spider out that has made a temporary home in his boot_ Right, well i see you have a fire going so do you mind if i make some coffee?

Argyle: Sure, just let me finish up here. Got one more mold to pour and you're good. 

Jarrod: Cool. _sits on top of luggage and starts to roll a smoke_ Sooo...whatcha doing? 

Argyle: _grabs some special tongs to lift the billy_ melting the last of the precious metal I have to make new parts. Hopefully I can obtain some more in Kirabaru. _ carefully moves around away from the campfire to the strange stone molds he has_ can never be too careful with this you know? Once burned all the hair off the back of my arm doing this. 

Minvarn: _Emerging from the caravan, yawns and stretches, nice to sleep in a comfortable bed he hadn't slept so sound for along time that he overslept, sees Jarrod and Argyle are already up, he leaves them to their chat and makes his way over to Bayek who happily snorts a greeting, he takes a blush from his saddle bag and begins grooming the oryx_ 

Argyle: _to Jarrod _ by the way, there's a few bowls of cooked fruits near the fire, not sure if you fellows eat Dragon fruit or Rambutan but they're delicious when smoked, course after you remove the skins, don't want Rambutan hair in your dish. 

Kirabaru is not far now, probably be there before morning tea. Best to arrive fresh, even when possibly running into D'ni. They are still dwarves afterall and have standards, though frankly what they are differs between them, just like everyone else.

Rumour mill has it that before the war, Kirabaru was a thriving mining town, had steam powered carriages and trains going between it, the city of Rangwei and the D'ni home of of Tojchiguel in the midst of Murdinga Peaks. _points towards the looming mountain ranges that they are heading in the direction of_

 not entirely up to scratch with what happened to those two cities since well, no one's really been able to access them for years.. but Kirabaru was completely destroyed and the last refugees from Rangwei were forced to return there after their escape to Tojchiguel was prevented by the entire underground steam train tunnels all being collapsed to prevent evil getting in. The unfortunate D'ni that were travelling with the refugees helped them trek back through the mountain ranges and resettle the place. _he finishes pouring the molds, puts down the billy and secures the molds with tight binding so nothing can leak as it cools between the stones_ 

Most of the humans have either moved on, joining some of the roaming tribes of the Gravaria Plains while alot made the dangerous trek to Mount Chus. Only the D'ni stayed. _gets a thought_  You know, maybe what dad's found is in relation to all...this? _waves hand around idly_ Maybe they've found one of the old train tunnels and have been able to reach the city of Tojchiguel? _looks a bit excited_ That would be something! Imagine, being some of the first outsiders to see Tojchiguel after nineteen years! It would be an archaeological dream!

_coughs_ sorry, I do waffle when the prospect of visiting a legendary city that no one has really set foot in for more or less forever is just super exciting. _starts packing his tools and molds to put them back into the caravan _

Minvarn: _Finishs grooming Bayek and joins the group taking up breakfast_

If we vist Gaizunai one day Argyle, I'll take you the great library I'm sure you will love it. 

Argyle: _stops what his doing and his head snaps upwards quickly in Minvarn's direction upon hearing 'magic words' _ A great Library? 

Minvarn: Yes yourself and head librarian lady Teesia Greatmind would have alot to talk about I'm sure. Just remember to always call her 'lady'. 

Argyle: _tilts head to one side out of curiosity _ oh? Why's that? 

Minvarn: Lady Teesia maybe a minotaur but she is first and foremost a lady and you will regret forgetting it _makes an action of smacking a fist into his palm_

Argyle: _in awe_ A Minotaur? I thought they died out? 

Minvarn: I wouldn't know but I've never seen another now that I think about it, I haven't been to the library since I was a teen. lady Teesia doesn't like me very much. 

Argyle: _Chuckles _ not the queit type for her library huh? 

Minvarn: No I once purely by accident singed the pages of a book when I was young, I don't remember anything after that wake up at the healers two weeks later. 

Argyle: Ouch. 

Minvarn: Anyway she is lovely just never damage anything or return anything late and you'll be fine. 

Argyle: _Chuckles _ sounds exactly like the acolytes at the Agrathia museum. 

Minvarn: I'm serious she never forgets anything she has a memory like a Loxodon. And, if you think your parents will have sympathy no they won't they will just lecture you "Minvarn you know rules not to damage the property of the great library, what did you think you were doing, your to assist lady Teesia for the week two months in whatever she needs" _his szulder lines appear on his skin as he gets worked up over his reminiscing_

Argyle: _Chuckles _ that sounds harsh, though not unexpected. Reninds me of the punishments I used to get on occasion... Though I did naw on a few tasty dinosaur bones. 

Minvarn: I wish I could erase those two months they were the worst time of my life _shutters thinking about it_ 

Argyle: I'm sure you will, after all adventures are more exciting and fun to remember! _starts to load his gear back into the caravan_ Hey Jarrod, where about are you from? Don't think I recall you ever telling us?

Minvarn: _shakes off the memories and reddies himself and Bayak to go_

Argyle: _once packed, Argyle helps himself to some dragonfruit_ Mmmm yummy. 

Jarrod: Hang on still making the coffee _he opens the Luggage and takes out a small  brass coffee pot. The spout resembles a dragons head. next comes a steel container with a keyhole in the side and a small sack. He opens the sack, takes a long sniff of the contents and releases a sigh of pleasure_

 Ahhh Kirkwalls best. You know some say we have the best coffee culture in the land. So many little cafes down our famous lane ways. _he pours a measure of dark beans into the container and begins to pat down his pockets_ Where is the bloody key…

Luggage...key

_The Luggage rattles and spits out a large brass key_

Cheers, key into grinder. Five turns for fine grind and away we go_ the container starts to make a purring noise_

Marvelous little thing, works on clockwork. Mum got it for me. Very good markets back home. But you have to watch out, they love ripping off tourists.

_He pours some water from his canteen into the pot and adds a measure of fine brown powder from the container. Using a stick he rakes a small section of coals flat and places down the pot_

Right, shouldn't be long. One of the things I do miss about home are the pubs. Cant go a block without passing a pub…

Lot of Halflings back home. Great landlords. Great cooks and their beer hardly ever has bugs in it. Though i do suggest staying away from the Orc taverns. The Crimson Axe is a blood bowl on a Saturday night.

Argyle: Sounds perfect... so..why did you decide to go adventuring? 

Jarrod: _Steam starts to curl lazily from the dragons head. Why did I leave? Oh I dont know. See the world and all that. Make a bit of cash. Escape the smell of sprouts. Truthfully there wasn't much left for me there unless I wanted to work for Dad. Not much work for a wizard in training. It all about bloody machines now.

_he takes the pot off the fire and pours thr coffee into three battered tin mugs_Suger anyone?

How do they make it into cubes? Problem a bloody machine…

No offence_glancing at the cart_

Argyle: None taken. Though not everything is made by machine. some places still run everything with arcane magic. Ivread somewhere the famous human city of Rangwei is all operated by arcane items. 

Jarrod: Look, don't t get me wrong. Commercial vegetable sales are all well and good. But spending all your life haggeling over the price of bulk cabbage was just not for me. 

Argyle: _laughs_ fair enough! To be fair, not everyone trusts magic anymore either.some places are absolute wastelands due to wizards and dangerous Arcane energy. Hard to rebuild a world after areas are left scarred and undead still roam about. _takes another dragon fruit from the bowl_ 

Jarrod: Found my first issue of Mr Shrimptons magazine in a bag of carrots and it just called to me. Mum was alright as long as I didnt practice in the house but dad was dead set against it. "Whats the point of lighting a candle with your finger. Thats what a bloody match is for"  

Argyle: Yes, I think I've met creatures like him… Would deny the gods exist till cows came home, but preys to them whenever he needs his taxes filed. 

Jarrod: God don't mention taxes if you meet my dad! Well there you go. An essay on Kirkwall buy Jarrod son of Graham. 

Argyle:_laughs_ fair enough. Not a place your in a hurry to get back to. 

One careful bite would solve that problem I assure you. Never met anyone who liked being cursed, It definitely makes a believer out of  idiots, trust me on that. And no, before you say anything I've never bitten anyone let alone wanted to. The mouth wash and tooth brushing after a normal hunt never leaves you. 

Jarrod: Do miss the restaurants…

Argyle: _would rather eat berries and fruit anyway. Hunting deer with your own paws sucks, he thinks_ restaurant? what are those?

_dusts self off_ anyway, we better set off don't you think?_