The Romance of the River Kingdoms

For her part, Annika just nods absently at the farmer. "I don't think this was a ghost, no...but I'm glad you saw it wasn't wolves."

"Now we just need to find out what it is and what it's doing...and how to stop it."

She looks around, surveying the landscape, then points to a tall tree not far away.

"I'll stay up there and watch to see if I can see it coming."

"I'll be glad to have some backup, but I usualy hide at unexpected places, too small for normal humans and sometimes impossible for all but shalsam'ai. We'll se what we can find."

Mystal raises one leg and spreads his fingers and then clenches them into fist, finaly lowering the leg down.

"I suggest we spend short time getting to know the area without much trapsizing around. The beast might have keen sense of smell and may be able to sense something is amiss. And then hide somewhere to await evening. If it's some local prankster or enemy he may be freightened off by appearance of strangers."

"I got two sunrods from Jar'Thol, does anyone have need of one?"

Yet again there is strange undertone in small warriors tone, subtle strain, almost impercetible pause, like he has to force himself to make such an offer.

OOC: could we get detailed description of surrounding area, potential hiding places (and don't forget small lofts and alcoves even if their supporting beams require someone to hang upside down) and areas of potential ambush or quick escapes that could be used or cut off?

"If you want to stake out the place, be my guests," says the farmer. "I could let you have another goose for bait, if you like, but I'll need compensation, say... 10 yen."

[SBLOCK=OOC]
This is about 5 times as much as a goose is worth, although fairly small beans by adventurer prices. Seems like even when you're trying to help them, the people round here try to rip you off!

Attached is an area map, plus close-up of the farmhouse (typical of this region, even though as predominantly a gooseherd a lot of the features aren't needed). The forest is immediately to the right of the area map, on the opposite side of the stream. The crops area is an irrigated rice paddy. On top of the silo is probably the best hiding place for a small climber, or hiding in the outhouse/toilet
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Even Annika, who hasn't got much head for money, seems a bit dubious about ten yen for a goose. She doesn't say anything though...deciding instead to let someone else handle the goose/yen stuff. Instead she drifts a few steps towards the bamboo forest, then calls back to the farmer, "How many hours into the night did it come?"

"Sometime after midnight, I think," says the farmer. "The moon had set, but the sun didn't come up nearly fast enough for my liking." He turns to Shakou. "You can use the house to change in," he says, gesturing with his thumb. "There's only my wife and daughters in there at the moment."

Shakou grimaced as she heard the man try to bribe them. She schooled her expression and stepped closer to the man, looking him over.

"A large white ape-like being? And he tore your goose up like that? Imagine what he'll do to the rest of your geese if we can't catch him because you're gauging us on the price of your livestock...?" She asked, wondering if she'd be able to talk his price down. (Bluff score: 11 (Modifier of 7, roll of 4)

After she spoke, she turned to hand her pack to Three Flowers, giving him a very warm smile as she did so. "Could you do me a huge favor and carry this for me for tonight? I'd be sooo grateful..."

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http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2105288/[/sblock]

Yes, ofcourse. Though you should not pack more than you can carry. Three Flowers advices as he takes the load of Shakou.

You might want to lower the price. We are doing this for you in the first place, so you could just lend it to us. He says to the man.

OOC: Diplomacy

AC 15 (T15, FF13), HP 39/39, F +5,R+3,W+6 (Spells: 0:5/5, 1:4/4, 2:3/3)

Growling Ape looks for tracks to discern from where the creature came.. and what it really was.

[sblock=ooc]
Track feat. Survival +9

Spells
5/Day Level 0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic
4/Day Level 1: Produce Lightning, Shillelagh, Summon Nature's Ally I.
3/Day Level 2: Summon Nature's Ally II
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OOC: You realise that you're haggling over 10 yen, which is equivalent to 1 silver piece, right? I really ought to give out more treasure

IC:

Under the combined assault of Shakou and Three Flowers the farmer holds up his hands.

"Okay, okay, I'll loan you the goose for tonight, but if this thing takes another one I'll still want a fair price for it," he says with resignation, but a hint of enjoyment at the haggling.

Growling Ape, meanwhile, studies the tracks.

[SBLOCK=Growling Ape]
These are strange tracks. There are some clear hand and footprints that suggest a humanoid figure, fairly small and slight, but possibly walking on all fours or crawling. But there are also signs that suggest the creature is equipped with large talons on hands and feet. Not the small but effective claws of a tlaxu, these are oversized, more like the talons on the greedy spirits. Too large and unwieldy for a natural creature.

It seems to have come from the forest and returned the same way. You think you might be able to track it through the bamboo.
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AC 15 (T15, FF13), HP 39/39, F +5,R+3,W+6 (Spells: 0:5/5, 1:4/4, 2:3/3)

"Has anyone looked at the tracks?" Growling Ape asks. "Doesn't look like a natural beast. And they are clear enough to follow, if we don't want to wait."

[sblock=ooc]
Track feat. Survival +9

Spells
5/Day Level 0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic
4/Day Level 1: Produce Lightning, Shillelagh, Summon Nature's Ally I.
3/Day Level 2: Summon Nature's Ally II
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