The party head off towards the woods, it's late afternoon when they arrive on the edge of the woodlands.

Here the trees are far apart and the dappled sunlight still reaches the forest floor, around them the trees and bushes are still in leave, and the song of birds and hum of insects could be heard.

Ruvik checked his map "I think we need to go deeper in, I'm pretty sure those mushrooms are found in the deeper part of the forest," he said.

"Yep!" Mao said. "It's a really nice day today."

Ruvik chuckled, "Maybe we can come out here for a picnic," he suggested "Just the two of us,"

Xiao pulled a face and grabbed Heather's hand dragging her forward "Come on or your brain will turn to mush too," she said.

"Xiao, come on, no need for jealousy," Mao said.

Xiao sniffed "I'm hardly jealous of you and that lump," she replied. Heather laughed as she watched the pair "You two  get on really well," she said.

"I suppose you could say that," Mao said before turning to her boyfriend. "Well, you're one sexy and caring lump."

Ruvik just grinned "You're not too bad yourself," she said giving Mao a quick kiss. Xiao pulled a face "Really?" she said and the turned and started walking.

It didn't take the group too long to move through this are of the forest, and soon the trees began to get closer together, they could see the sun less and less and the plants looked wilder.

"This place feels dangerous," Heather said clutching her staff closer, "I'm not sure how to describe it, just an ominous feeling."

"It is more dangerous here, if it helps," Mao said.

"Maybe that is what I am feeling?" Heather agreed "So this is where we can find the ingredients?"

Ruvik nodded "Yeah, most of them at least. Deer we might find further out. But easier to do that on the way back." he explained.

Xiao chimed in "Why don't we have a completion then? See who can find the most herbs and mushrooms?" she suggested.

"That sounds fun! You and Heather versus me and my man," Mao said.

Xiao narrowed her eyes "You sure you're not just wanting an excuse to be free to make out with him?" she said her tail swishing back and forth "Fine, loosing team pays for food tonight then," she said.

"You're on! Good luck, Xiao," Mao said, with a smile on her face, before turning around, smile dropping and dragging her fiancé away.

(OOC: Give me a Insight + Insight Roll please, see how well you do at the gathering. You'll get a +2 from Ruvik helping)

(OOC: Insight + Insight - Mao Hitcher rolled 1,6 using d10,d10+2. Reroll - Mao Hitcher rolled 5 using 1d10. For 11)

With Ruviks help Mao was able to gather a large amount of mushrooms and herbs, as they finished the latest batch they heard cries of distress from nearby.

"Damn it, where did they come from?" she heard Xiao shout "And where is that idiot sister when I need her."

Mao called Ruvik over and went to help.

Mao arrives on the scene to find a group of plants attacking Xiao and Heather, Xiao was covered in something and was trying to clean it off.

A large almost pumpkin-looking thing was attempting to bite her, while two smaller plants were
trying to strike Heather with vines. Another Pumpkin looking thing was also present but not yet engaged.

((OOC: Init with + 3))

(OOC: Initiative roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 5,8 using d6,d6+3)

(OOC:Go)

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 1,9 using d10,d10. 15 damage)

Mao swung her tome at the vines.

The second pumpkin moves up and bites Heather, who jumps back and chanting a spell fires a ray of pure light that melts a chunk of the pumpkinthing, the air filling with the smell of rotten vegetation.

The pumpkin that had been threatening Xaio turns towards Heather and tries to throw up on her, the sticky pumpkin juice missing as she skips aside (Mao can Learn Pumpkin Puke). Ruvik charges in to help Heather but his slash goes wide as he stumbles in the patch of pumpkin puke.

The Alarune screams at Ruvik and his resolve seems to be shaken. Xiao leaps forward at the pumpkin that had puked on her earlier and drove her dagger into it hurting it. The second Alarune screamed at Xiao but she was unaffected.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:55, Fri 10 Mar 2023.

Mao continued to attack the vine.

(OOC: Mao Hitcher rolled 2,9 using d10,d10. 15 damage)

Mao smacked the Aralune again further damaging it, the pumpkin turned back to Xiao and tried to bite her but she skipped away.

Heather moves up to help Xiao but misses with her staff. The Alarune struck out with its vines but Ruvik easily blocked it with his shield. He closed and brought his hammer down and breaking a bit of its bark-like skin. The second Alarune tries to hit Xiao but misses.

Xiao tries to stab the badly injured pumpkin but her blade fails to penetrate its think skin.

Mao decided to use some of her magic, summoning a poison cloud that effected the two pumpkins and the vine she'd been fighting.

(OOC: Spending 30 MP. Mao Hitcher rolled 1,3 using d10,d8. Since it's the first time I'm using it, I am invoking my curiosity theme. 3. Fudge)

Mao called upon her magic but it didn't effect any of the plants.

The pumpkin managed to bite Xiao on her leg drawing blood, Heather smashed the pumpkin with her staff, wounding it. The first Aralune tried to scream at Mao, but she was able to resist its effect.

Ruvik stepped up to help Mao, and smashed his hammer into the Aralune, the other plant tried to hit Xaio but she was able to avoid the blow. And stabbed the Pumpkin downing it.

Mao tried to hit the vine again.

(OOC: Book attack - Mao Hitcher rolled 6,2 using d10,d10. Miss. Spending last FP Mao Hitcher rolled 6 using 1d10. 12 damage)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Fri 10 Mar 2023.

Mao's blow smashes the Aralune to the ground, and the others quickly overwhelm the remaining plan.

Xiao hugged Mao "Thanks Sis, I was worried there for a moment," she said and then seemed to remember the rest were watching and jumped back from Mao "I mean took you long enough," she said as she tried to get the worst of the pumpkin puke off her.

(OOC: Level up, HP and MP refresh and get one FP)

"Happy to help," Mao said.

Xiao crossed her arms "So how much did you find?" she asked, placing a sack down that was slightly smaller than the one that Ruvik was carrying.

"Show her, honey," Mao said.

Ruivk put down the sack and it was obvious that it was the larger of the two. Xiao pouted as she looked at the sack "Well we'd have won if it wasn't for those plants!" she said "But I guess we're buying dinner tonight."

"And I'm really hungry," Mao said with a grin.

Xiao pouts harder, but there is a slight smile on her lips. "Well, we'd better see if we can find that Ghost Wolf thing.." she said as she picked up her sack and tied it to her waist.

"I agree, let's go deal with it," Mao said,. handing their sack over to the boyfriend.

Ruvik reclaimed the sack and hung it off his belt, before hefting his hammer and shield, "I guess the wolves will be in deeper," he suggested.

Mao got her weapon ready as she went.

The group moved deeper into the woods, and soon they could hear wolf howls echoing around them.

"That sounds like it could be close," Mao said.

Heather nodded "I wonder if we are the hunters or the hunted at the moment," she said.

"Eh, doesn't matter. It just just brings it to us faster," Mao said.

The group moved on and as they passed a particularly large tree the wolves showed themselves.

2 were fairly normally looking wolves, canids covered in blu-grey fur, but the other was about half again as big, with light grey fur, that was almost white, it's eyes watched the group with a malicious light to them.

((ooc: init with +3))

"Ah, there they are," Mao said

(OOC: Initiative roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 4,5 using d6,d6+3)

((ooc: Go))

Mao chanted a spell, releasing beams of light at the wolves.

(OOC: Spending 30 MP for 3 targets. Magic Attack Roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 1,8 using d10,d8. 23 damage to each)

The wolves all flinch from the attack, although the Ghostwolf seems much less hurt by the spell.

It charges forward jaws snapping at Heather and she screams in pain as they clamp down on her arm. Heather chants a quick spell and her flesh nits back together.

One of the wolves leaps at Mso but Ruvik dives in the way and it bites him instead, his return blow catches it in the jaw and badly wounds it.

The second wolf moves around to bite Heather from behind badly wounding her as it snaps at her calf. Xiao moves forward and gives Heather a potion to help her injuries.

The most wolf turns to face Mao and howls, and from the corner of her vision several ghostly wolves, leap towards her, but she is able to resist the effect.

((OOC; Mao can learn Ghost Image 【 MIG+ WILL】+1
MP 10 Target One Creature Duration Instantaneous
Attacked by Ghostly wolves, HR+15 Darkness Damage + Dazed))
 
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 22:30, Sat 11 Mar 2023.

Mao attacked the most wounded non-ghost wolf.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 8,6 using d10,d10. 14 Damage)

The Tome crashes into the wolf and it collapses.

The Ghost wolf snaps at Xiao injuring her as it chews her arm. Heather steps up and chanting and unleashes a ray of burning fire at the Ghost wolf, but the other wolf jumps in the way vanishing as it is burnt to ash in a flash.

The Ghost wolf growls and launches the ghostly wolves against Heather in retaliation, but she is able to avoid the spell.

Ruvik moves up and raises his hammer, only to overbalance as he catches a root. The wolf takes the opportunity to strike him, and he's weak from the sudden blow. Xiao pulls out a poition and studies it for a moment before shrugging and throwing it over the party.

(OOC: The whole party recovers 30 Hp)

Mao attacked the Ghost Wolf.

(OOC: Attack Roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 10,1 using d10,d10. 16 damage)

The ghost wolf yelps as Mao bonks it on the head with her tome. The Ghost Wolf turns on Xiao again and unleashes another attack of ghostly wolves, but she is easily able to avoid it.

Heather spins her staff and tries to strike the Ghost Wolf but misses as it jumps aside. It lands next to Ruvik and tries to bite him, but he blocks it with his shield. Ruvik strikes back at the wolf getting a solid blow to its ribs that hurts it. (Ghost Wolf in Crisis).

Xiao circles behind it and leaps towards its back, digging a dagger into its back.

Mao kept on the Ghost wolf.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 7,2 using d10,d10. Spending FU to reroll with trait. Mao Hitcher rolled 3 using 1d10. Total of 10 and 13 damage)

Mao slams the book down on the Ghost wolf's head and it collapses to the ground with a final pitiful growl.

The others all sigh in relief as it stops moving, "Well that was terrifying," Xaio said as cleaned her daggers.

"That was something," Mao said. "But...wooo! We won!"

"We did," Heather said "That creature was dangerous, so its good we stopped it from hurting other people."

Ruvik hugged Mao "You okay hun?" he asked her.

"I'm alright, what about you all?" Mao asked, as she was swallowed into the hug.

Rubin rubbed the side if his head, "My head is ringing a bit but I'm fine," he said.

"We should be fine," Heather said checking her injuries "They are all minor, a few cuts and scrapes."

"I'm sorry, but I've used up all my magic," Mao said.

"I've still got a little, but since it's only minor injuries. I think if better save it. Just in case," Heather said.

"Besides we will need to get some deer meat, right?" Xiao added.

"Right, that shouldn't be too hard," Mao said.

Xiao used one of her daggers to cut the tail off the Ghost Wolf, "Proof, we took care of them," she said.

Then the group headed back towards the outer woodlands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:51, Sun 12 Mar 2023.

"That sounds like a plan," Mao said.

It doesn't take the party long to find some deer, and soon they had a fresh pair of kills, Ruvik slung them over his shoulders "Right, lets get these to town then." he said.

"Woo! I wonder what I should order for supper?" Mao wondered aloud.

Heather nodded excitedly "A good meal, would be nice after today. It's been pretty exhausting hasn't it?"

Xiao groaned "Dont encourage her, she's a bottomless pit as it is.." she said.

"Oh, Xiao, how much could I really eat? You got all the height," Mao said.

Xiao sniffs "Yeah, it's true I'm taller," she preened "But me and Ruvik have seen the way you eat." she said.

Ruvik raised his hands defensively "Hey, now don't drag me into this."

"I'm not that bad," Mao said.

"Be nice to each other," Ruvik said as the group neared town.

Mao grabbed hold of his side and looked up at him with glistening eyes.

"Hey now, I know you don't eat that much," Ruvik said placatingly.

Mao hugged him.

The group returned to the town, and then to the Inn where Maria greeted them cheerfully "Well now if it isn't my favorite treasure hunters, are ye done already?" she asked cheerfully.

"Yep!" Mao said. "Ghost wolf is dead too."

"That's good to know, last thing we want is a beastie like that moving in close to town. Now then let's see what you got," she said leading the group out back to the kitchen area.

Mao held out the bag she and Ruvik gathered and grinned.

Xiao also placed her bag down, and Maria began to examine the contents and looked over the two deer Ruvik had been carrying. "This looks like everything, and good quality as well," she took a bag of coins out, and placed them down. "Here, you go 800z between you," she said.

Xiao stepped forward and presented the Ghost Wolf tail, it glowed faintly in the candle light and Maria looked it over. "Well know, I can't give you more coin, I do have to make a living. But tell you what, tonight you can dine on me how does that sound?"

"Sounds good to me!" Mao said.

Maria led the group out front and sat them down, "You just yourselves down here," she said "And I'll get you all some drinks and something to get your started."

"Sure thing!" Mao said, a big smile on her face.

Xiao was also grinning, and the grin became wider as mugs of frothy ale were brought out and placed in front of each member of the party. "Now this is a reward," she said as she took a deep swig.

"Yep!" Mao said as she drank deeply as well.

Heather sniffed at the drink "I don't think I've seen something like this," she said taking a cautious sip "Ohh," she added taking a deeper drink "It's got a nice taste."

"It'll help get you drunk," Mao said.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Thu 16 Mar 2023.

"You like drinking things like this?" Heather asked.

"Yep! It's nice," Mao said.

"You didn't have Alchohol?" Xiao asked Heather.

Heather shook her head "Oh no, we did. But it was mostly wine., but it was served diluted with water."

"Interesting," Mao said.

Matia brought out the first of the food, platters of meat, bowls of salad and fresh bread and put it down in front of the group.

"So amazing," Mao said as she looked at all the food.

Xiao wasted no time in grabbing a thick slice of ham, some salad and a hunk of bread "This looks and smells great," she said.

As the group digs in, a group of Caravaners enter the Inn a few familiar faces among them. They quickly find a table and start ordering copious amounts of Ale.

Mao waved to the ones she recognized.

"Oh hey if it isn't Mao and Ruvik, how are you doing boy?" one of the men said, he was a broad human bigger even than Ruvik, called Johan he was the Captian of the Carvan Guards.

"We're great!" Mao said, smiling.

Johan gestured "Why don't you join us, tell me what you and that lump of a boy have been up to recently," he said.

"Sure!" Mao said, indicating Xaio and Heather should join as well.

Xiao and Heather joined the group.

"What have you guys been up to?" Mao asked.

"The usual run down to the coast," Johan said "Just come up from Port City," he shook his head "The place is crawling with Imperials, far more than usual."

"I wonder what they want? There's not much us simple country folks have," Mao said.

"No one is sure, but.." Johan lowered his voice "They say that the Emperor is planning to expand again, readying his armies and such. But first he wants something." he takes a swig of his beer. "This lot are asking lots of questions about dungeons and the like."

"But the dungeon's been cleared out," Mao said.

"I'd imagine that's what people have been telling the Imperials," Johan said nodding in agreement.

"Imperials are such pains," Mao said.

"You got that right," Johan said "I doubt you'll get any of them up this way, you're a bit out of the way."

Mao snuggled against her boyfriend.

"Good."

"Oh nearly forgot," Johan said and pulled a letter from a pouch and handed it to Ruvik "Your folks sent this."

Mao waited patiently to find out what it said, her tail wagging excitedly.

Rubin read the letter, "Let's see here," he said "It's letting me know what's been happening back home. Asking how I am and ah.. Asking about you and how things are going," he said his ears going red "and a few other things."

"Oh ho?" Mao asked, reaching for the letter.

Rubin tried to snatch it but was too slow, she was able to see part of the letter where the writer asked when was Ruvik going to bring Mao to visit, and when could they except to hear about grandchildren.

"Oh ho," Mao said. "And we're not even married yet..."

Ruvik went redder "I guess that's mother's way of encouraging things one," he muttered. Xiao was watching the pair with her head slightly cocked "What's going on?" she asked.

"Oh, just future inlaws asking about grandchildren," Mao said.

Ruvik chocked on his beer as Mao said that, Heather blushed, and Xiao giggled.

Johan turned a deep chuckle into a cough "Well, I could do with some extra hands for the trip back." he said "Would let you ah.. discuss things with your folks Ruivk."

Ruvik scratched at his nose and glanced at Mao "I'm not sure.. what do you think?"

"It could be interesting," Mao said. "I would like to meet my future inlaws."

Xiao nodded "Seems good to me, and showing Heather more of the area would be good right?" she said.

Heather who had been quietly drinking more beer smiled and nodded "I would like that."

"Also a good idea!" Mao said, the alcohol starting to effect her.

Johan laughed a deep rumbling "Excellent, well then. We'll be leaving day after tomorrow. You know merchant folk, don't like to hang around too long." he said "You'll get standard rate for the trip." he explained.

"The road down to the port usually isn't too dangerous, some beasties occasionally attack. Or monsters. But nothing someone like you shouldn't be able to handle easily."

"Yep! I've beaten plenty with my book!" Mao said.