Selected members of the party gather together, with whatever contribution they elect to deliver, and follow the trail to the encampment, which is progressing in a manner similar to the party's camp.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Following a few steps behind Brother Brodd, Alietra keeps her eyes open for anything that might appear to be an ambush. Deep down she is convinced this guy is running a con. She is willing to give half of her share to the donation, but will keep the rest well hidden.

Durek walks with the others...eager to see this bounty hunter and take the measure of him and his men.

The old wizard Catweazel ambles along, leaning on his staff for support.

In reply to Catweazel (msg # 4):

Brodd leads the way to the camp, "We've come to talk to the bounty hunter."

Pock stood, not quite intimidating and in fact almost adorable, at Brodd's flank, waiting for an initial response.

A show of his compliance Travis took his share of treasure along to the bounty hunter. He would make his offer whilst he observed the bounty hunter camp and any signs of banditry.

Manaku walks with them quietly. Not sure what to expect he has his bow at the ready.

The paladin rides along near the front.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:01, Mon 17 May 2021.

The party approaches a wooden palisade, much like your own. The sounds of sawing and hammering cease. A pair of crossbowmen watch from the fortifications, and a half-dozen men-at-arms file out of the gate facing you and assume guard positions.

In reply to DM (msg # 10):

"We come to see Jarvak! Where is he?" Brodd says loudly for the others to hear.

Torn between looking bold, and being unobtrusive, Alietra opts to stand behind Brother Brodd, and peek around his broad shoulders.

Durek moves to stand beside Brother Brodd, watchful and alert.

Pock, for one, thought that Brodd cut an impressive figure at this moment.

Alongside the rest of their band Travis stood behind Brother Brodd as the cleric announced their intentions.

Jarvak emerges, flanked by two henchmen in chainmail and shields.

"Welcome! I assume you are here to make a payment?"

In reply to Jarvak Amendola (msg # 16):

"That depends. We want to see the bounty documents you have to verify you ARE a Bounty Hunter, and we want to see the so-called bond documents as well. Guilt is guilt, innocence is innocence, you don't buy your way out of a crime where I come from."

"Yeah," chimed in Alietra, who then seemed surprised she had actually said that out loud.

Jarvak chuckles.

"I suppose you pay your way out of sin with prayer, Brother? Or buy indulgences as a shortcut?"

Two laborers carry a flat chest out from the encampment and place it between him and Brodd. Jarvak opens the chest, and  it shines with electrum inside. He lifts a scroll tube from a side compartment and unstoppers it.

In reply to Jarvak Amendola (msg # 19):

"Catweazel? Your expertise please!" Brodd indicate the scroll to the old man.

In reply to Jarvak Amendola (msg # 19):

"I hope you are not questioning the integrity of our Brother here?" growls Durek. "Because if you are...that could be taken as an insult."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Wed 19 May 2021.

Paying all the treasure to the bounty hunter was an unpleasant experience. The talk was equally unpleasant as Jarvak jibed at Brother Brodd. Travis bristled and kept hold of his treasure, not willing to hand it over until the examination was completed.

Bristling at the nasty man's insinuations, Alietra struggles to hold her tongue. Clearly this man was yet another drippy fart among the living. She hoped he was lying, so they could kill him.

Paxton stood by, silent but watchful, as the meeting went down. He’d brought 80% of his share to donate if this was indeed legit... but he had his doubts. The bounty hunter was certainly easy to dislike.

He stood flanking Brodd, ready to back his brother priest if needed.

Manaku follows events silently standing by his friends. As Brodd asks Catweazel to verify authenticity of the bounty hunter, Manaku slightly tilts his head in anticipation.

The bounty hunter begins sliding the scroll...actually several sheafs of parchment out of the tube as he addresses the dwarf.

"Our Order has hauled in errant clerics before, of higher rank than the Brother here. It is nothing personal...you see, in my line of work, all are suspect."

He offers several sheafs of parchment to the old man, who holds them up to the light to examine them in order.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Thu 20 May 2021.

"Hmm. The seal appears valid...I recognize the watermark...these pages are for the other bandits...this one is his entry...yes, yes, standard boilerplate...Oh! A codecil! The ink is fairly fresh on this one!"

In reply to Jarvak Amendola (msg # 26):

"It sounded pretty personal to me..." replies the Dwarf, not particularly inclined to be mollified, "The Brother here is a man of honour and integrity beyond reproach. So I suggest you take a little more care with what you say."

"Fresh ink? That doesn't seem right, what does it say?"

She isn't quite sure what a of code-of-sil is, but opts to hide her ignorance.

"A codicil? Is the signature on it correct? What does it claim? Why, pray tell, is the ink fresh on this codicil, dear Jarvak?!" He tugged on Catweazel's sleeve to allow him to take a look as well, nearly tripping flat on his face as he shuffled swiftly around Brodd and pushed in-between everyone there.

Paxton canted his head to one side and regarded Durek mildly.

"Nobody's beyond reproach," he said softly. "In the end, faith manages.  And love endures.  Stand by your friends, sir Dwarf."

Having rested, Dwarghar wanders a bit and finds Amalric then is directed or notices his companions on their way to the bounty hunter...quickly he checks that his shares are all secure where he left them. Once satisfied he’ll head out and see what’s going on.

In reply to Paxton (msg # 31):

"Stand by my friends? I could never do anything less...which is why I am here," the Dwarf replies, glancing over his shoulder at his companions.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:35, Fri 21 May 2021.

"The codecil is the piece of parchment tacked on the end. A messenger sent it to us a couple days ago. An extremely tedious assignment and a waste of time, in my opinion."

The old wizard raises his monocle and studies the scrap of parchment carefully.

"But useful to us nonetheless! If we bring back proof that we've slain the dragon, and testify that Travis took part in our success, all of his warrants will be cancelled and his bounty will be considered fully paid!"

In reply to Catweazel (msg # 35):

"Ahhh, Jarvak neglected to tell us that! In which case, we withhold further payments until we meet the dragon then. You Jarvak will give BACK the funds we've paid already if we produce the proof!"

Well this was news... though she doubted anyone ever considered 'all you have to do is kill a dragon' good news. Still, the bounty hunter seemed unhappy about it, that was something.

"Ah..." says Durek. "It seems that...in your eagerness to claim your bounty...you forgot to mention this little detail. Well...it will be our pleasure to waste some more of your precious time."

"Ha! A waste of time to a coward, maybe! We'll kill that dragon and split its body up amongst ourselves!" Pock spat at Jarvak, not quite stepping beyond the protection of his taller comrades. He wasn't quite himself today, or he would think about the prospect of fighting a dragon and give up on the adventuring life. Maybe retire, go back home, get married to that nice gnomish lady he was meant to marry a few years back...

But he wasn't quite himself today, so instead he insulted Jarvak.

As the news of the codecil circulated around the party Travis took a firmer grip on his treasure "so slay Karrak'thrax of the Crimson Wing or die trying" he voiced aloud "as a prospect doesn't really feel much fairer than paying the gold but I'm game to give it a go" he smiled "at least this way we get to keep the gold at the end" it was in a sense good news and the relief made Travis forgiving, he didn't jibed at Jarvak but grinned "I accept".

"As I told Durek.  Faith manages.  We'll find a way," Paxton said quietly.

In reply to Paxton (msg # 41):

Brodd collects the money he was going to pay and heads back to their fort. Fort Hope! He, with Paxton and Alietra, would build a church!

He took Alietra's hand in his as they walked back to Fort Hope.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Sat 22 May 2021.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 42):

She blushes at the overt public display of affection, but Alietra doesn't pull away. Build a church?

Jarvak raises his boot to lean forward on the chest.

"The amount already taken will be kept as colateral to insure your side of the bargain. And let me remind you that the time limit is still in effect. You have twenty-eight days to slay said dragon.

He gives a lazy version of the Brother's gesture.

"Peace be with you, Brother...and Victory. This meeting is adjourned."

In reply to DM (msg # 44):

Brodd leads the way back to Fort Hope, with Alietra in hand and Pock, his champion, at his side. "Back in tomorrow I guess, we need to slay a dragon."

Once back at the Fort, he helps with the building of the fort and new 'town'.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Thu 27 May 2021.

In reply to Travis (msg # 40):

"... or die trying indeed." Manaku says. "Killing a dragon is a fool's errand. What is written there - that's a death sentence. Not necessary for Travis but for some who will join such mission."

The elf flashes sudden smile. Count me in."

"What an arrogant sod!" growls Durek as they walk back to their fortified camp. "You can count me in, too...I'd do it just to wipe the smug look of his face!"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Mon 24 May 2021.

Their meeting concluded Travis walked away with his companions. He was quiet, his thought reserved, it was a heavy burden he carried. Would this adventure kill them all?

"You're all heroes" he told them for no truer name existed for those that would willing enter that dungeon and kill the dragon that would set him free.

In reply to Travis (msg # 48):

"Nah," says Durek, clapping Travis on the back, "Just doing what anyone would do for a comrade-in-arms and a friend. Besides...we need you."