Well, my last adventure has wrapped up and I am enjoying a little R&R at the Whistling Fish. While not terribly challenging, recovering the mage's spellbook was an interesting way to spend the last several weeks. It was also fairly profitable -- in addition to the agreed upon payment, I also acquired several gems and the mage gave me a bonus of some magical bracers. He advised me that I really do not need to wear my leather armor with them, and I am enjoying the added freedom being armor-less is giving me.
Ran into Rulek in the River Quarter. We shared a drink and caught up somewhat. He is going to go with me on a rather strange invitation I received from Justin Harper. Hopefully it will turn out to be an interesting and profitable adventure!
Rulek and I headed out to the estate of one Justin Harper -- obviously a man of means, if not abundantly rich. Justin was assembling a small party to try to rescue his friend who had been taken hostage for a ridiculously high ransom (obviously either not professionals or not serious about the ransom). Payment will be 1000 gp upon completion -- although I did take 100 as down payment.
The party itself is an interesting bunch -- there is a mountain dwarf and a human female who have gained some reknown for their honesty guarding caravans and the like. The human has a rugged appearace -- some type of warrior I would guess. The dwarf wears the symbol of Clangadin Silverbeard and seems fairly devout, but whether he is a cleric or a warrior follower of the Father of Battle I do not know. The final member is a mage -- Timar the Red -- who apparently has some skill with fire. Rulek and myself round out the five-some.
I stopped by the Whistling Fish to see if I could get the 100 gp to a halfling acquaintance for the good of my family and the Misknights. Unfortunately none were about. I ended up leaving it in storage in the inn with instructions to give it to some halfling if I do not return in two weeks time. Hopefully he will follow my request -- that way at least some halflings will benefit from it.
We left by ship for Hardby that evening. Although neither the destination or the mode of travel are to my liking, it is good to be adventuring again.
Most of the day was spent on the river. The dwarves both spent considerable time practicing battle skills -- they are not the most tactful individuals, but they can fight. Hannah is pleasant enough, although I have to wonder what drew Rut and her together. The mage is somewhat of a mystery -- but then again he's a mage.
Towards the end of the day, I indicated to the party that I traveled as Sam Goodleaf in Hardby. Rut instantly understood it was not for mere convenience and pressed me for details. Without betraying confidences or bringing unnecessary pain to Rulek, I tried to explain the situation as best as I could. Rut was not completely satisfied with the explanation and has taken a neutral position -- he will not betray me to the guard, but he will not defend me either.
The party stayed at a local inn and I holed up with some Misknights I knew of in Hardby. They indicated about a quarter of the caravans heading east were meeting difficulties, but had not heard any rumors or more specific information as to who or what is behind it.
Well, we are off -- on ponies, none-the-less. The mage is the only one skilled at riding, so it may be an interesting trip. Once outside of town, Hannah used the wand and was able to determine a general direction to the south/south-east of us. She also plotted an efficient path for us -- perhaps she is a ranger or scout of some sort? If so, perhaps she will be willing to help me continue to learn the tracking arts.