The Treasure of the Tierra Padre... [Knight Otu Judging]

[El Jefe]

Oirhandir was stunned.

Spoiler

"By all that is holy",

he murmured in Elvish. He stared silently for a moment.

"That -- little --" (he paused as he practically spat out the word) "lizard was trying to lure people to its lair!" His eyes widened in horror as he recalled the suit of plate mail that Rogier was carrying. Pointing at it, he continued, "For all we know, the previous owner of that suit was lured here just as we were, may his bones rest in peace."

It was all becoming clear now...the parchment with the references that couldn't be found in the archives, the attack by the viper horde at the old mill, the mysterious ease at which their secret had spread throughout Orussus, the "otter like" creature Oirhandir had noticed swimming in the Roars, maybe even the attack by the crocodile...that thing had been behind all of them. The gall! It had actually tracked them back to Orussus to spread it's false tale to get them to return as quickly as possible. Oirhandir marvled. If it could cause such mischief at such a young age, thank the gods they had killed it before it had gotten larger!

The elf thought a little more. "If it was making more of those maps, then it wasn't planning on stopping after it was done with us. And we don't know there are more of them already in circulation...to say nothing of the fact that our quest was known to half the city before we left the second time. If anyone else has mounted an expedition to this place, they may not be inclined to believe that what we have was all that was to be found."

He paused again. "We should leave soon, today if there is time to reach the mill by nightfall, at first light tomorrow if there isn't. But please give me a moment for this one small task."

The bard turned, dug a single silver piece out of the loot, and laid it by the edge of the pool. He then gave a quick prayer of thanks to Phryah for guiding them safely on their underwater journey to and from the dragon's lair.

"Let's be on our way", he said, lifting a sack in each hand and trudging toward the mouth of the tunnel and daylight.

 

[Xael]

Almayce chuckles dryly. He is obviously rather amused. "A clever fellow, that Dragon. I guess they're really as greedy as the tales tell. And quite obviously as overconfident. We might really run into other treasure-hunters on our way back, so we should be careful. They might not be very friendly. But you're right, let's go.", he says.

 

[Manzanita]

Ignatious

"So these maps and note are identical to the one that set us out on this expedition? Yes. Let's get back to Orussus as soon as possible."

 

[El Jefe]

Oirhandir was perplexed by Almayce's bemusement. But as Iggy spoke, he realized with a rush what a great joke had been played on them. He sank to his haunches, guffawing loudly. "What we should be in a hurry to do", he gasped as he regained his composure, "is to open up an inn on the site of the old mill. Then we hire a scribe to keep making copies of this map, and we just charge a gold piece a head for everyone who stays at the 'Last Dry Bed' Inn! We can also sell shovels and picks, and buckets for hauling out muddy swamp water! About the time this hill gets turned into the world's largest sinkhole, we can pack up and find another line of work!"

The elf stood and once again started trudging toward the entrance, this time grinning from ear to ear.

 

[Pbartender]

The heroes pack the loot onto the horses, and make their way home. It is a comparatively comfortable and uneventful trip back to Orussus.

OCC: The adventure itself is complete. Unless you guys want to chat with Rupert when you get back to town, feel free to head back to the Inn. I'll try to get XP, and loot totals posted up tomorrow.

Good job, guys.

 

[Manzanita]

Thanks, Pbartender. That's awesome. Looks like you'll be having to repost your '# of PCs/level' post in the general thread, El Jeffe!

 

[El Jefe]

Thanks from this end too, Pbartender. That was fun!

Oirhandir would want to make a big show of presenting all the loot to Rupert, sort of a dinner party kind of thing. He'd also want to check up on Calomar, Eruin, and Katherine...hmm, I guess Katherine has already left town. And he'd want to know if his attempt to save the crocodile and dragon hides paid off. Feel free to write up any of that if you wish.

But mostly, he'll get what he most wants from this adventure...the right to slake his thirst at the Red Dragon with some fine elven wine, and the ability to pay his tab if the good stuff isn't free.

And the knowledge that all his companions returned in good health...praise be to Phyrah!

 

[Xael]

OOC: Thanks Pbartender! First adventure behind him, and Almayce still hasn't been wounded! Almayce has absolutely no interest in chatting with Rupert, other than half-seriously pestering him again about his lock of hair. He'll just collect his reward, ask again about his lock of hair from Rupert, and go back to the Inn (people seemed to be in need of a healer).

 

[Kahuna Burger]

He'd also want to check up on Calomar, Eruin, and Katherine...hmm, I guess Katherine has already left town.

*sticks nose in* and she was right on her joke about the map!

 

[El Jefe]

Half right...it was a stay-at-home dragon, although not so old. Well fed? >Shudder!<