Chapter 2: Winnowing Reach

The Magistrate ponders a moment and then speaks...

The caverns are some of the oldest slime harvesting spots however it has been abandoned for many years. Kenna believes that this could result in new types of slimes not seen before, other than that i do not go.

I cannot force you to go but while Meadowfren's safety is important, they have long spurned being formally inside the watch of the Perch Guard and believed they could handle themself. This could be time for them to prove it and wait a little longer.,

Turning to Hurin and Leif and quietly conferring Charun states If this is the attitude of Meadowfens closest neighbor I doubt that those at Alderheart will be much better. It may be best to get the backing of the Magistrate. Though it delays out message it may speed up the response. I say we go and find the researcher. What say you?

While going to sell the loot, the shops in town would offer Sherry these prices for the goods:

Short Swords 1g each
leather armor 1g each
studded Leather Armor 3g
Bow 2g

Leif turned to confer with his companions, anger writ all over his face. Truth be told, he hadn’t expected any help, so this was better than he could’ve hoped for, yet he couldn’t help his feelings. Those fliers always had to have the back scratched before they’d scratch yours, never one to help for the sake of helping.

Charun was more calm, and his reasoning made sense. "I agree. Whatever we’ll be walking into, best we get it over with."

She was already interested in this task A slime researcher, what sort of notes might they have? New ideas about slimes? She wanted to know and, of course, help a fellow researcher.

So, she spoke with the new people giving a quick bow as she said, "Sorry, hi, I’m Scylla of the Arctic Clan. I’m an arcane researcher and have some talent with using the arcane. I would like to help you in your task if I may?"

"If it earns us favor in the eyes of Alderheart then I agree, let's find this researcher and be back. And, Scylla, I for one think having someone skilled in the arcane will be a great asset. My name is Hurin Deepshadow, disciple of Hath."

He extends a clawed hand from beneath his cloak to her.

"It is a pleasure to meet you."

Turning back to the Magistrate chain across the offer. Will will go and return with your researcher. Do you have maps, or preferably a guide familiar with the area we need to go to?

Charun will also query about relevant information
How long will it take to get there?
What are details on known hazards (details on the slime and other threats)
Is there the Magistrate or guard suggest we get to aid (repellant, antitoxin, etc)

follow the flow of water from here and it will lead you most of the way to the Mokden Caverns and the caverns themselves are fairly obvious after a half day travel. Unfortunately the only person familar enough with the area is Kenna.

He speaks of the swampy nature of the Mok Fields and that other than slime, emberbats have been seen in the area recently. He suggests the apothecary for any types of other aid.

Slime are generally hard to hurt easy to hit, slow creatures that don't see through visual senses.

Very good then, we need to gather another member of our part before setting out.
Charun waits to see if the others have more questions before leaving to find Sherry and discuss their plans.

Leif nodded in agreement. He smiled and offered a hand to the vulpin Scylla. "I'm Leif. We'll definitely take all the help we can get. Glad to have you aboard!"

It is early morning about 10am, leave now you can reach the caverns by nightfall even with conflict

Leif suggested they go find Sherry and move out as soon as possible.

Thanking the Magistrate Charun excuses himself and his friends before heading back to the market to look for Sherry and Eliza.

We should asks Eliza to pass the warning on to Alderheart if the continue on before we get back. Should we give her the letter from Meadowfen?

Sherry meets the group, ranting like an angry sailor. She didn't sell anything. Only crooks and fraudsters here who possess no sense of honest business! No good businessman around to be found - she proclaims with an infuriated whipping tail. They would have apparently to keep the loot for a while and try their luck in the following town.

When she sees Scylla, the upset mapach calms down a bit and politely inquires who she is. "You have such beautiful fur." Sherry admires the Lupine. Then she grins broadly and says with a friendly wink: "I especially like the color." as she herself is snow white as well. Just with a pink nose tip, which often twitches excitedly.

The newly minted adventurer can quickly be brought up to speed. "Ooookkkaaaayyy..." she murmurs at first, a little confused and suspicious. That wasn't the plan - but hey! A good day inevitably had a surprise in store. She has no particular opinion on the letter, but she would be okay to leave it with Eliza for the moment, as she is sure that they would meet her on the road, before the cat-person would reach Aelderheart.

"To the slime caves!" Sherry proclaims ready for an adventure. While the group wanders off, she tries to find out more about Scylla as they hike.

"Nice to meet you Lief. I am glad to be aboard." She tries not to show her vulpine smile thinking the mouse might not appreciate the sharp teeth showing.

She makes sure to get Charun’s name as well and then she meets Sherry and she smiles at the compliment saying coyly, "I can’t imagine why?"

She gets caught up to speed on the details of the group asking questions and wishing she could have seen some of the things in person. She explains to Sherry that she’s a researcher and is thinking about creating a book all about the dangers and details of the Humblewood so that future generations of people can know before they go.

"Researcher!" Leif exclaimed, disbelief in his voice. "Why would you do that to yourself? You poor thing." He’s genuinely distraught at your misfortune. Leif takes the point once more, but he looked over his shoulder at the vulpin. "Once we settle all this scary business, I’ll take you to the theater, and you can leave those stuffy moldy ancient books forever!"

"Perhaps we should leave a note for Eliza. We've already encountered danger on the path here. Who knows what these caverns hold."

After exiting the building he'll pull his hood up once again. He tries his best to find some shade while we're waiting to depart.