Ralden started to respond to the hero's reprimand with more sarcasm but he had enough common sense to stop himself. Instead he sighed and threw up his hands in defeat. "Fair enough," he said and hoped that would satisfy the seasoned guild member.

Fortunately for the warden the topic of conversation soon switched to the mission. Ralden stroked his chin as he listened to the story. Another recruit had already asked his biggest question but he had a few more to add. "What exactly has been reported as hostile weather? Is it just a localized thunderstorm? Tornados? Blizzards? What should we expect?"

Urvan finished the small apple and passed the core to the Judas goat he had recently nudged away. While he idly scratched the creatures head he asked. "How long do you plan to be out?"

Iceman nods at each question in turn. "Hostile weather is really putting it mildly since what we're talking about is a storm of freezing wind and angry lightning that comes and goes seemingly at random and stretches for miles in all directions. As you may know, ships do not sail south because of these storms. The coastal floor is littered with fools that didn't heed warnings, and if any have made the journey successfully they certainly have not made it back."

Urvan's manner elicits a quick smirk before the hero covers it up again. "We'll be out no longer than needed, but there's really no guarantee how long such an adventure lasts. I've packed enough provisions to last about two weeks even with Einarr here, just in case."

Urvan nodded a few times in acknowledgement as the rhinoceros jealously forced the goat away from Urvan and huffed. It nudged the nomad with its lips until he too was warded away by Urvan's elbow into the crook of its jaw.

Urvan looked around wordlessly, ad if wondering if there were anymore coming, or if they should get on the road.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Wed 19 Apr 2023.

Leyna frowns. She was being polite, at least by her standards. But she also has to admit that she doesn't always speak skillfully. Her tone or body language often makes it seem like she was being more conceited that she actually is. Or, maybe she really is that arrogant and her self-image is inaccurate.

"Are we expecting hostilities?" she asks. "Are there local flora and fauna that pose a threat?" This is asked in a tone that conveys perhaps more excitement than might be prudent.

Alonder nods automatically as Iceman speak, barely noticing that his own question wasn't answered. Oh well, the hero HAS to answer it at some point anyway, and he is a patient man.

He doesn't seem keen to voicing anymore inquiries.

It certainly didn't look like any others would be joining the expedition this morning. Iceman himself didn't seem to be in any particular hurry, though his manner seems always to be efficient as he continued to field questions.

"The region is beyond the frontier of civilization, though there was a settlement there back when Maret was first started. It was eventually lost along with all of the other colonies, save Gamma. So now it's all wilderness and danger... and opportunity." The last words spark both a twinkle in his eye and a slightly mournful frown.

"Nobody knows exactly what's there now, but the most recent accounts include primarily beasts, spirits, and giants. And that's the reason we're going to find out. A long-lived hero should always expect hostilities in a place like that so we'll have to be ready for anything."

"So it would seem. This seems to be the best way to start off with the guild, in my opinion anyway." Becca responded to Valgard. She was quietly listening to Iceman as she didn't have any questions the others of the group hadn't already asked. "I am Rebecca, though some in the guild call me Harm. Like the rest of you, save for Iceman, I am a novice of the Heroes Guild. Why I am here is not really something I like to talk about save for I tried to run a business and was run out of town by competitors. Joining the guild seemed the best way to survive."

"Harm" Urvan nodded and jerked his head towards the animal at his die. "Gron here can carry some of your things if you like." Urvan extended the offer to the others with a look as he continued to fend off the affectionate, or perhaps just hungry, rhinoceros.

The animal did have very crude saddle bags, just a pair of broad sacks balanced with a simple harness of thick rope that practically disappeared into the shaggy fur.

"If it's delicate though, I would keep it with you." He warned, without elaboration.

As they waited for Iceman to begin their expedition in earnest, Urvan casually inspected the back half of the arrows in the flap covered quiver at his waist, where he fluffed up some of the fletching and adjusted some of the fur padding within that kept them from rattling.

Leyna nods her understanding, perhaps looking slightly less enthusiastic than the moment before.

She has a shield but no armor beyond her clothes for the cold. Her hiking stick could function as a staff, but she carries it more like it's really for walking.

"Leyna," she says by way of introduction, although she doesn't elaborate beyond that. "A pleasure," she manages to add with great effort.

Being away from civilization for two weeks sounds dreadful, but at least there's a per diem and a chance for loot. She keeps her backpack on, either because the contents are delicate or because she's concerned about Gron running off with her possessions.

Ralden had nodded along as the dangers of the mission were explained. "Oh, good to know this land has giants and spirits too," he said with a smirk. The rest of the mission seemed fairly routine. Endure the weather, the monsters, find the information.

He did a mental checklist of his own supplies. "If we're expected to be out there two weeks I might need to buy some extra rations. I only have enough for a week." The warden had no desire to die to starvation after coming this far.

When it seemed others were introducing himself he scratched his chin. No doubt some level of conversation would be necessary if they planned to spend several weeks together. "I'm Ralden. Just recently arrived from the Old Empire."

Iceman nods, pleased that the question and answer session is complete. "Right. So I'll be outfitting Einarr for a short while longer. You all will have a little time to stop in town and pick up any last minute supplies for the journey. We will convene at Jade Harbor in North Gamma District where we will load up the [Language unknown: Antsonwer] and embark. If the waves are favorable, we should reach the far shore before dark." With those instructions, he turns away from the novices and begins packing Einarr for the journey.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

The rancher then takes the opportunity to speak, "If any of you would also like to rent or purchase a mount or beast of burden, please remember that Spirit River Ranch has the best around. And tell your friends, as well. I can give you a referral discount!"

OOC: Once again, fast-forwarding to allow some shopping if the PCs wish. Feel free to continue fielding questions, Iceman will answer them IC at some point. When you do finally embark, we'll start doing overland travel and hexploration stuff.

At Iceman's final words, Alonder (who has been introducing himself quietly as people arrived) said:

"I have a cart with nearly two weeks of rations ready at the inn. If someone here can help me carry them, I don't mind donating them to our traveling party"

Leyna puffs out her cheeks and exhales.

"Like Ralden, I only have provisions for a week."

These are heavy enough on her back. She does not cherish the notion of doubling their weight. She is tempted to hire a riding horse, but she is a poor horsewoman.

She turns to Urvan. "When I purchase more, might I impose upon Gron to help bear the load?" She's doing her best to be polite but often it comes across as patronizing.

Once the meeting is complete, she heads back to Gamma to purchase additional provisions before going to Jade Harbor to meet with Iceman.

"I can go with you." Urvan suggests to Alonder. "And Gron can carry food enough for the three of us. I have no coin to spend, so I may as well stay busy." he patted the rhinoceros for emphasis and gestured towards town as a way of indicating that he was ready to go right away.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

Becca stood there awkwardly as the others talked about provisions and supplies. Everything she owned was on her already. So she didn't even bother going back to the inn. Instead she went directly to Jade Harbor to meet up with Iceman and wait to board the ship that would take them to their destination. 'Who needs to eat anyway? I'll figure out some way to get by.'

As Rebecca started walking towards the Jade Harbor, Valgard followed behind her, "Mind if I join you? I've got nothing else to buy...or more correctly, nothing to buy it with."

As the others echoed his need for supplies Ralden nodded his head in approval, glad he had spoken up. The rancher's request was considered but ultimately the warden decided to pass on the offer, afraid he'd lose the beast in a fight and be out more money than he planned to make.

So instead he followed the others to the general store for a quick shopping trip before he headed to the harbor.

Rebecca smiled at the Dwarf and nodded her head. "I'd be glad of your company, Valgard. It seems we're going to be traveling together for a while yet. So I think we should get to know each other better, don't you?" Rebecca was genuinely curious as to Valgard's opinion on the matter. Normally she didn't really get on with someone so quickly, but these weren't really normal circumstances. And she was no longer in her homeland, so being treated like an outcast or worse was not something she should expect anymore.

When the group finds their way to the harbor they are greeted by the fresh sea air that so seldom finds its way through the industrial center of Gamma. There are several ships moored at the docks but only one that matches the description of the [Language unknown: Plivck] that Icaman spoke of. It's quite a fine looking ship, adequate for travel with small groups and still with enough room for either a few animals or lots of loot. Painted lovingly in a firm script are white-silver letters indicating the name Second Kelpie.

There is nobody on board yet as Iceman and Einarr are still on their way. Fishermen in boats both grand and humble are setting about in the morning light, while stevedores amble deliberately to and fro with goods of similar scale. Everyone is preparing for their daily adventures. A cool morning fog persists, limiting visibility on what might have otherwise been a perfect morning.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:50, Sat 22 Apr 2023.

Urvan and shaggy companion made good time once they had made it to the more rocky and sandy coastline, where there was less vegetarian to temp the hungry beast.

The sea breeze rugged at the nomads unwashed cornsilk hair and Urvan narrowed his eyes as he stared out at the banks of fog, his foot steps kicking up little sprays of coarse sand as he made his way towards the harbor.

A few sea birds scattered in their wake as the pair stopped near the base of the dock, where Gron sniffed and rejected a clump of seaweed that buzzed with small insects.

Since the both of them had gone together back to the town to load Gron with the rations that Alonder had brought from his hometown, the former farmer had joined beast and master on their way to the harbor.

"Is Gron used to traveling by ship? Perhaps we should ask if there is a cage for him. Or worst case scenario, I have some rope to secure him if you need it."

"No...but he can't swim very far, and he knows it." Urvan shrugged and languidly batted some gnats away from his ear. "And he knows that I'll feed him eventually...so he'll come without much trouble. Although he might complain a little." he side eyed the large, primitive looking creature.

"He'll probably piss and shit everywhere though, fair warning." the Nomad added offhand in a helpful tone before he stared off into the fog silently for a few moments.

Suddenly he turned back to Alonder. "So why all this? Instead of some safe and steady trade ?" he asked bluntly.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Sat 22 Apr 2023.

Leyna gets to the docks. She looks around with curiosity.

She finds a place to sit - an untended crate, perhaps - removes a writing kit and a journal from her backpack, and begins to write. Her eye drifts here and there, seeming to take in the scene. Her writing patterns suggest that she is taking notes on what she sees. On the bottom of the page emerges a quick sketch of the Second Kelpie.

"One wonders what happened to the First," she says to nobody in particular.