Trials, Tribulation, and Treasure

Getting ready in the morning to depart from the town, Rhidon takes moment to talk to Barley one-on-one. That lady told some interesting stories eh! Where were you heading before we ran into each other? What are you looking to do from here? Rhidon seems eager, almost bouncy, but is still actively listening.

"Yes she did! The story about the city from the Dawn Age is most intriguing of all. I collect stories. I'm hoping to write a grand manuscript about the histories of this world, one day.

Before I ran into you, I went into the swamps to meet a being called the Boatman. The Boatman has wonderful tales.

I really didn't have a plan after that, but now I am definitely going to that mythic city and seeing what it's all about.

What of you Rhidon? You mentioned your house before dinner. Are you a merchant? I imagine an enterprising merchant can find all sorts of treasure to sell in the Dawn Age City. Care to accompany me?", Barley says with a giant smile as Rhidon's excitement spreads to him.

Rhidon can't hide his enthusiasm as Barley makes his offer. Stories are why I am so passionate about rare and unique items. My family operates a Merchant house yes, but my passion lies in new discoveries.

Barley, access to such wonders only appear once in a lifetime. Of course I will accompany you, in fact I was going to ask you the same thing. This shall be a grand adventure! Rhidon gives Barley a friendly pat on the shoulder as he utters that last proclamation.

Looking at Krogan, Rhidon continues Krogan, I must ask that you take the cart back home without me. The road from here is mostly safe. Tell my father that there are already others racing for these treasures, so any extra delays cannot be afforded.

Barley exclaims to Rhidon, "Excellent! Then we are well met! Do you want to take the boat or walk along the river way? I myself don't mind the walk. Interesting things could happen along the way. However, the boat will get us there quicker."

Rhidon considers both options for a moment before weighing in, In my experience, the paths less traveled hold the sweetest fruit. If most people are taking the boat, I agree we should walk.

"Thank you Len, good advice indeed. Could you tell us more about the border storms? Are they magical in nature or terrible storms that obscure the true geography of the border? I've heard of phenomenon at sea that can do the later."

Rhidon listens carefully to Len's warnings, but remains quiet. Racking his brain to see if he recently heard of anything resembling these odd Border Storms in his recent dealings.

Barley turns to Rhidon, "Dark times and weak borders are also an opportunity for wonder. I'm not afraid of these dangers"

Rhidon nods in agreement, "Where such clashes occur, people equip themselves quite well. This feels like the path for us, risks and all."

Rhidon and Barley tread forward carefully, and begin to navigate the area using his Arcane Amulet as sort of a divining rod to try and avoid the zones where the largest concentrations of magical energy were, assuming them to be active conflict zones.Also, in an effort to impress Barley, Rhidon would try to think of the most obscure stories he has heard, as a way to hype them both up for the journey.

Rhidon and Barley stroll through the low hills. The weather clear and the sun shining, putting them in good spirits.

As days pass, the path becomes wilder. The hills become stranger. At first, the change is not quite noticable but soon Barley starts to see strange plants amongst the native flora. Barley is thankful for Rhidon's amulet.

Amongst the hills, Barley picks up a traveler, a little spirit familiar that he names Malachy. They form a bond.

As the way grows wilder still, Barley sends Malachy out to commune with the areas local spirits, hoping to broker a deal for nightly protection. He is willing to give away something small, trade a tale told to him from another spirit far away, a dream, or at the very worse the memory of a sunny day from his childhood.One eve, a cold wind blows in with a hint of smoke in the air. Over the next hill, a campfire can be seen twinkling. Barley takes the lead and sneaks to the campfire about 50 feet out. He sends in Malachy for recogn.

Rhidon sees the strange creature and warns Barley, Something rabid just lept out the river!

In an effort to intimidate the creature, Rhidon assumes a stance that makes him look wider and begins executing katas while grunting hoping to scare it off.