You emerge from the tunnels in late afternoon. Amalrik's wooden palisade is starting to look more like a decent fortification. You also see campfire smoke halfway between your encampment at the village of Caywick.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

"Who is camping between us and the village?" Brodd asks Amalrik.

"It's that bounty hunter and his guards. They're drawn to us like a buzzard to carrion!"

There'd been a moment when Travis was going to volunteer to go scout around the unknown camp but then Catweasel told them who it was.

Travis stepped back and shook his head "I'll take their confidence in my ability to pay them as a compliment" he mused.

In reply to Travis (msg # 4):

"You have my support Travis, all I have is yours to pay your fee. One must look after their friends."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Thu 29 Apr 2021.

"I would still like to verify that Bounty Hunters right to be doing this." How far is the capital, if someone wanted to make sure this guys legit, and offically collecting all of this money?

"It's a compliment, then, Travis? I suppose it's an even bigger compliment if they're trying to rip you off--make me rich, Travis."

"Why bother, Aleitra? You know he's not legitimate. He's a bigger thief than you are. I don't understand why everybody is just putting up with being robbed all the time."

"I mean what can I do?" Travis shrugged "I can't even get to town now" he felt even more put upon and more freedom taken away. There was a temptation to run away but he'd promised he wouldn't do that again "doing the right thing is hard work" he lamented.

In reply to Travis (msg # 9):

"Catweasel, do you have contacts at the capital that you could use to check up on the bounty hunter to see if the hundred thousand gold pieces is legitimate? And get the answer before the deadline."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

"I certainly wouldn't be giving anyone a hundred thousand gold without being sure they are who they say they are and it is all legitimate..." says Durek.

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 11):

That's what I mean, he might be breaking the law to collect enough to retire himself! Thank you Alietra, I am too trusting of some people."

Red fills Alietra's face, as she storms up to Creston in rage...

"Who... who are you calling a thief, you, you, you dung licking pile of useless, drippy farts?"

The most observant of you might notice the young woman is a bit upset.

"What have I stolen? Gods forbid you tell me it's your heart as I have no doubt your pathetic excuse for man-parts is as useful as that foul smelling beak you wear, or your pathetic excuse for music making, you... you... you..."

Discovering there is no word in any language she speaks quite foul and demeaning enough to describe how she feels about Creston and his vile accusations, she turns and storms off.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 13):

Brodd follows, after giving a foul look at Creston.

Durek glances at the Grey Elf's crotch for a moment before shaking his head, the hint of a smile in his eyes. "Drippy farts..." he chuckles, turning to watch Alietra as she storms off, impressed and amused in equal parts at her tirade.

The old wizard stands dumbfounded by the verbal onslaught, then composes himself.

Well, he seems legitimate. He would have just slain you and taken your ears already if he were an assassin..."

There was a groan from Travis at Catweasel's answer "let's rest now and get back in the caves at dawn" the scout suggested. Travis was caught in some trap where he would spend the rest of his life in and out of the caves, this was probably true of all adventurers as most would likely meet some grisly death in the caves.

"If he isn't legitimate...then what's to stop him and his goons raiding this camp when we return below?" muses Durek, looking at the sacks of coin they have brought up from the depths. "There's enough here to tempt many a man!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:59, Sat 01 May 2021.

Pock shrugged, pointing out to Durek: "Come now...to con us for coin is one thing, but if they raid our camp, what's to stop us from going to the authorities and making them outlaws for unlawfully seizing our coin?"

"He may well already be an outlaw...a wily conman who tricks others into delving for treasures rather than risk his own skin!" replies the Dwarf.

"That's the point...we have nothing other than his word that he is who he says he is. At least as far as I know. But have it as you will..." shrugs Durek, as if to say it's nothing to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Sun 02 May 2021.

"Well, say we discover treachery, or find that he is an outlaw himself--what say we bring him in, then, and make him our own payday?" Pock grinned wide at the thought.

"Aye" Travis agreed with Pock.

"We should hide our treasure then. Bury it into the ground without markings, so that only we, the party, know its location, and nobody else. Because if a word of it gets out, this camp will attract opportunists like horse dung attracts black flies... " Manaku thinks aloud, scratching his chin. He briefly turns to follow the drama erupting between Alietra and Creston but makes no comment.

Having already given his opinion on the bounty, and being poisoned Dwarghar says nothing but he rests on his pile of the money.

Later he may recommend they take most to of it back down where they found it and get Catweazel to watch the entrance.

The sun begins to set beyond the cliffs.

After being gone a considerable while, Alietra returns, though it is clear she is still quite unhappy. She stays away from He-Who-Would-Besmirch-Her-Name, and spends time resharpening her weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Tue 04 May 2021.

As the sun set Travis helped the others hide their treasure before he curled up to sleep. He would be ready to venture in the caves again the morning.

Durek, too, helps secure the treasure as best they can. Happy to take the first watch, the Dwarf whiles away the time watching the other camp until it is his turn to finally get some sleep.

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 28):

OOC - just built a palisade? Or are/were you working on a real fort? Tents set up or a log house?

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 29):

OOC Amalrik is on the job...doesn't sound like it is finished, though. DM?

Pock also assists in guarding the group's copious loot, heavily suspicious of this bounty hunter and his ilk.

Currently it's a palisade protecting the tents. But as the barbarian eyes the bounty hunter's camp he vows not to be outdone and starts setting posts for more structures.

In reply to DM (msg # 32):

Thanks, we can post watch on the palisade.

"I'll take whatever watch needed," Paxton offered.

"Me, as well. I can see through the dark quite well, and I'm small and difficult to notice, so I'll see them before they see me." Pock leered at the bounty hunter's camp.

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 35):

"Same here, I can take a watch during the darkest hours of the night."

"Aye I'll watch when needed" Travis agreed.

In reply to Travis (msg # 37):

Aleitra continues to prepare for the next days trip into the depths. She doesn't volunteer for guard duty, but if asked will accept a slot, hopefully near awn as she cannot see in the dark.

As the evening shadows grow longer until darkness descends, the old wizard approaches Brother Brodd.

"We bought a chest specifically for...tributes...to the bounty hunter and his men. They have started sending agents each day at noontime. How much of today's spoils shall we put in?"

In reply to Catweazel (msg # 39):

"I'll question him tomorrow, show the papers for the bail and ruling from the king, or leave us alone. We want to see the warrant also, proof that he is even wanted!"

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 40):

"Thank you, Brother Brodd. Nice to see someone take my ideas seriously. If this is legit, that is one thing, but I would hate to be the victim of a con, especially one that huge."

She is clearly pleased, and thankful that the good Brother is stepping up. He is certainly a good man. Unlike some drippy farts...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Fri 07 May 2021.

"I'll come with you, Brother Brodd," growls Durek. "I would like to meet this so-called bounty hunter."

"Not without me, you don't," Paxton seconded.

The young woman sharping her weapon and muttering to  herself assumes the Good Brother knows she wasn't letting him go without her.

Dwarghar grunts
I’d just as soon kill them. This is stupid.

He seems unsure if he wants to go or not.

Did I heal?

There was much that had happened in Travis's life. Most of it led to poor choices, many where others were hurt or misused. Travis been part of a protection racket organised by infamous bandit Clark Sparrowheart. He had been bad but it seemed redemption was a choice and his companions offered freely their support.

"Ahem" he added to the conversation sheepishly "I've seen protection rackets close up. I met the infamous Clark Sparrowheart once, persuaded him to save the people in the valley when the Gnomish dam burst, bad guys can do good too" he tried to make things sound perhaps better than they were "anyway if we go tomorrow I'll come along to spot any tricks I know of."

In reply to Travis (msg # 46):

It seemed only right that Travis should go along, though she could understand if he didn't want to.

"Some day you will have to explain to me what a protection racket is." she said.

"Don't know if I'm useful coming with you, but I can come with you as well."

In reply to Alietra (msg # 44):

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 45):

[Did either of the clerics heal you or are you just taking a full day's rest?]

"I've seen these writs before, I've even helped a few nobles with their spelling when they wrote them! I shall come with you to their camp, if it so pleases."

Given that she could barely read, Alietra was glad to hear about Catweazel's experience. She paused in her weapon care to give him a thumbs up.

In reply to DM (msg # 50):

I think they complained that they couldn't help against poison - so rest to start...

I would accept such if one of them can manage it

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 53):

Brodd will give a healing spell.

08:07, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  clw.

"Yes, come with us, Catweazel, by all means! I'll be going too, ready to conjure an illusion over their heads if they start a fight."

Paxton observed the effects of Brodd's spell, trying to weigh whether he needed to provide one as well, or reserve it for later.

OOC: If I can tell?

In reply to Paxton (msg # 56):

it was a sad CLW spell.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 57):

Brodd gets to work building Fort Hope. Cutting timber and clearing the ground. They would need a mill, good thing the water was close, they could build one, possibly a gristmill too for food.

Durek...keen to return underground...will see to his weapons and armour, whilst chatting to Travis.

"We'd all be returning below regardless of you or this bounty hunter!" says the Dwarf, seeing that the guilt is weighing heavy on the scout, "That's why we all came here in the first place. Wiping the smug look off tha' bastard's face is just an added bonus! So don't you fret."

"Do yer remember anything else about this hall of bones?" he asks, continuing to sharpen the blades of his battle-axe, "Or the hall full of coins? What fell beasts we may find in there? You said you spoke to this Karrak'thrax and that you know her power? Anything you can remember might be of help?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Wed 26 May 2021.

So the King wants the dragon killed. Or the thief killed ...

Does Karrak'thrax really need to die? Does the Dragon and the scout have a common enemy?

What is the dragon doing? If it spoke with you once and let you live did you get any inclination it is willing to make deals?

"The dragon was a huge beast" Travis replied to Durek glad of the conversation and the support "evil I imagine but honourable in it's own way. It chose not to kill or eat me. I never saw it but in the wilds I've learnt to sense things through sound and smell. I smelt fire in its belly, heard its sharp claws scrape on stone and felt the wind of its large wings" thinking back Travis shivered then recalled the terrifying feeling of dragonfear, overcome he sat down. He gathering his thoughts then to calm his mind he sorted through his belongings and checked his arrows "there was a moment" Travis stalling finding the memory difficult "when flame erupted from Karrak'thrax's maw. I did see the dragon if only for the blink of eye, it was twice the size of a manticore. Small enough to squeeze through the tunnels in the hunt for prey or to chase away any would be dragonslayer"

"I don't know if Karrak'thrax has enemies besides the King. Like I said it possessed honour, we spoke, I traded my story for my life. Perhaps an exchange could be arranged, the dragon offered something to leave the caves or to provide some token we could show the King. What can you tempt a dragon with?" he asked the two dwarves.

Of the other caves Travis was less troubled, he talked with more certainty as he began to polish and clean his leathers "the halls were dark and wet. In the hall of coins you should search for the amphorae as they held more valuable coins, the amphorae are hidden behind the vast piles of copper coins. The hall of bones was limestone, I didn't spy any treasure there but didn't stop to search as it was a gruesome sight"

"To kill an honorable dragon to please a dishonorable bounty hunter and a questionable king. What a mess we have gotten ourselves in to."

Manaku listens Travis's tail with growing curiosity. "You traded your life for the story? I wonder why?"

After walking few steps in silence the elf frowns. "I can't help it; have a gut feeling it let you go only for progressing some plot of its own. Maybe it wants to lure some prospering adventurers like us to it. I was taught dragons can't be trusted. Especially the chromatic colored ones, never, ever, period.

What color does Karrak'thrax's scales have?"

In reply to Manaku (msg # 63):

"Some are lawful, some are chaotic, if they follow Law they are honorable, if not, then no, they can't be trusted."

Hmph

Grunts is Dwarghar. He hasn’t Anything new to say but is beginning to see things from the dragons perspective. Not to say he won’t kill it but the beast let Travis live only to be repaid by Travis returning with a larger group ....

Fine he huffs I suppose we go.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 65):

"The question is how do we tell whether he is Lawful, or Chaotic! Some research perhaps? Is there a sage that knows dragon lore?"

"In the moment I only saw a silhouette. The flames made the whole cave glow red" Travis shrugged his shoulders "there's no real way I could tell the colour of scales, I would guess red. What other colour scales do dragons have?"

In response to some of his companions queries he mused "the beast is a hunter and we are its prey. Whether it is evil I know naught. Whatever deal we struck is done I shared my story and it let me escape" Travis wanted to offer something useful to his friends, he thought hard and added "we talked if briefly but Karrak'thrax did say that she reads books."

"At the moment, the only thing we are certain of is Travis' life being forfeit unless we can pay his ransom or kill this dragon," growls Durek. "Mayhap the dragon can be bargained with...and maybe not. Seems the only way we're going to find out is by returning below. And who knows? We might strike it lucky in this hall of coins and find enough electrum pieces to buy our friend's freedom."

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 68):

"Agreed, we need to go below and find the treasure! If we run into the dragon, we fight, if not, we run away with the ransom."

"Aye" Travis agreed with Durek's and Brother Brodd's plan.

"Hmph. It likes fire. I'm going to assume it's a Red Dragon then. One of the worst kind."

Growing up in an Elven culture has shaped him into the Elven way of thinking, obviously. That includes extreme and throughout planning and analysis, followed by (hopefully) superb execution.

His new friends, however, seem to be able to focus at the present matters, current situation, and not to worry too much about unknown factors. The Dwarfs in particular, seem to have very straightforward and direct approach to anything Manaku would consider a "problem". In one way such approach seems thrillingly liberating, in another way a bit scary.

Knowing nothing of dragons, Alietra doesn't spend any time speculating what type it might be. She does wonder what they will eventually call the small town they seem to be building here. They need to open a tavern next...

"A...red dragon? We might have made a mistake. Too late to run away now? I'm sure there are other lands we can travel to, right?"

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 73):

"A brave gnome like you showing trepidation Pock? Travis is our friend!"

"Pock's got a point," Paxton allowed.  "A dragon is no easy mark, and rushing in unprepared is a fool's errand.  We'd be wise to be at our best to attempt this."

In reply to Paxton (msg # 75):

"There is no doubt about that. Depends on whether we can get 100,000 gold marks."

Pondering their options, Alietra wonders what they might do, should neither goal be attainable, an outcome she felt was quite likely. But everyone seemed quite confident, maybe she was worrying too much.

"Are we going back down today?" she asks.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 77):

"We can if we need to. What do you think Paxton? We'll need money to build a proper church here to the True Faith."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Mon 31 May 2021.

"The hall of coins comes before the lair of the dragon..." interrupts Durek, impatiently, "...according to our friend Travis here. And that is where he found the electrum pieces hidden under the coppers. Worth a look, I reckon...and the sooner the better. We have twenty-eight days to find enough coin for that scoundrel over yonder...or slay the dragon if we can't bargain with it!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Mon 31 May 2021.

"Yeah...slay the dragon. Yes, just slay it." Pock was spiraling a bit, but that was alright. He was still prepared to stick with his comrade, but...he had just lost his courage from the confrontation with that blasted bounty hunter.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 77):

"Yes, we should get down there as soon as possible. Hopefully tonight already. Stop in the camp only to replenish supplies and get going. Maybe we can evade the beast or trick it somehow... We can scout the tunnels so that we learn them in and out, and can formulate a plan."

Manaku offers encouraging smile. ...trick the dragon. Yeah so you hope...

In reply to Manaku (msg # 81):

Brodd nods at Manaku's suggestion. "Agreed, get your gear and head back in."

Grabbing her gear, Alietra is ready to go.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 83):

Brodd grabs his warhammer and a handful of torches for light. He grabs his pack and other gear as well.

Glad that the others are as keen as him to get going, Durek slings his pack over one shoulder and rests his battle-axe on the other.

His bow in hand Travis nodded that he was ready to return to the caves.

Having hidden most of his share of the treasure Dwarghar approaches the entrance.

Shield ready, Dwarghar goes back.

Pock readies himself for another delve, hopeful for the group's success.