Trials, Tribulation, and Treasure

Rhidon notes that the amulet fluxuates slowly most of the time as the ambient magical energy does not change much throughout the world. However it does seem helpful in identifying Border as it pulses oddly on your second day of travel, quickening to a strobe just before you reach the border. You both have passed them before, but not often and crossing is as unpleasant as you remember. Both of you end up with minor headaches for the remainder of the day.

You swap stories of lands and creatures encountered and heard of though so far the trip has been fairly mundane. A few signs of otters and a multitude of river birds. Though there have been a few distant dust clouds possibly from some herd animals out on the plains. After crossing the border there are more lizards and snakes as well as some larger birds circling high in the sky. The plant changes a bit as well but some are the same though you are uncertain of a few that look similar.

Malachy proves to be a bit of an odd ambasador. Though the binding of the spirit to Barley it has apparently lost some of its spiritual nature, though it gained a bit of intellect in exchange. It can not directly sense the other spirits but is familiar with the signs of their presence and helps guide Barley in identifying and making contact with a few that prove friendly. This exchange proves its worth in learning which of the new plants are irritating to the touch. From what you learn this will only get worse as you continue south-west towards the swamp.

Upon spotting the fire Malachy is sent to investigate the camp but due to it's bond with Barley can not move too far away from him but does manage to get a good look at about 15 rough looking men. They have thread worn clothing and an assortment of weapons. A boat is tied to the river bank in a small stream overgrown with bushes that would conceal it from the river. Deciding these are likely some of the river pirates you have heard of and taking into account their disheveled state you decide it is not worth the risk and simply bypass the camp.

The next day, while filling your water skins from a clean little stream that flows into the river you are set upon by an eel hound, known to associate and even be trained by water fey. Rhidon's fierce stance and battle kata seem to unsettle the creature who hisses at the dwarf and weaves its head about. The dwarf stares the beast down and after a minute it lunges and snaps it's jaws in frustration but a swift punch by Rhidon sends it back to the water.

You have been traveling now for several day and decide to cut across a stretch of the hilly country when you ralize the rivre is curving around in a slow arc. The hills are moslty covered in grass with the ocasional bush or tree (Think a greener and more lush savanah) As you travel between around, and over the hills Malachy informs Barley that he thinks something is shadowing you. Barley gets an impressions of a medium sized furry quadroped. Some kind of large cat or dog? The stalker has been using the hills to stay out of sight but Malachy has spotted it more than once.

As your senses extend outwards you feel a mind that quickly withdraws and you lose all sense of it...

As you pause Rhidon hears movement approaching from two, no three, directions. You are surrounded and will see who or what it is in a moment

You see three canine forms move on to surround you. The jackle looking things have unusually long limbs and begin circling the two of you trying to find an opening to attack while you are distracted. This is a standard hunting technique of many animals and these are using their numbers to try and skip on from the rear or side while your look at another.

The creature whimpers as it is slammed twice and jerks to pull away at the severe wound but is held fast by the dwarf's firm grip.
The other two move in to attack with yips from the beasts. Rhidon is bit once as he strugles to hold the other beast but Barley manages to dodge the others attacks.

As the first beast lunges at Barley he attempts to grab it throw it into the second beast.
"Rhidon! Hold true! I'll keep these two distracted!"

Rhidon kicks the beast, which yelp in pain before snarling and biting at him.Rhidon moves in and tries to knock one of the other jackals into the last. Though he managed to throw the first the other was able to avoid his companion turned missile. The two facing Barley dive back in teeth bared.

With a crack the beast in Rhidon grip is disabled and falls to the ground whimpering and twitching. Barley throws a couple of punches through the air, slamming into the other two beasts.With one down the other two seem more cautious and lunge towards Barley in a pincer move, ready to dodge any additional attacks he sends their way, and one of them lands a nasty bite into Barley's leg.