Escorting the Fox
From Shazrasha
| Stats | |
| Characters | Talen, Storm, Master Jacques, Kasha, Adoni, Rikash |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Quotes | unknown |
Told by Wei Farimh to present themselves at the west city gates, the group find out that they are being sent to investigate a possible dragon cult in Venutia. To cover their activities they are escorting Minx of the Fox clan to her aunt's estate just outside Venutia.
The group are introduced to Adoni who will be going with them as a new member of the team. They are also handed two letters that should give them some leaway with the town guard should they be discovered during their task. Accepting the mission, though Kasha is reticent, they arrive at the city walls to find Minx and a small cat ready to leave.
The trip starts out fairly calmly though once in the countryside the group are attacked by some brigands who are out to kidnap Minx. Surprised by this the group are still bemused to find Minx's cat turning into a man, this is her bodyguard Rikash. The group battle it out with the brigands and Talen locates one of their spellcasters in a bush. Surprising him the gnome caster sends flames towards him forgetting that he is surrounded by flammable stuff.
The group are happily over powering the brigands but Talen is taken hostage by their leader. In an unfortunate incident Master Jacques attempts to shoot him but hits Talen instead, sending him unconcious. Realising he has not got much hope left the leader bargains his life for Talen's and some information. Concious of Talen needing aid as soon as possible the group agree and let the leader escape but only after he tells them he is working for Blackhand.
Master Jacques proceeds to heal Talen and stablise those brigands who aren't dead. Taking their leave of the fallen men the group continue onwards reaching a forest by nightfall. Once in amongst the trees they hear a large amount of bird song in the air. Master Jacques realises that the bird in question does not frequent this part of Tintaria. Suddenly alert the group spot a halfling up a tree looking at them. Ignoring their questions he continued his vigil. Walking further into the woods they spot more halfings in trees and eventually find one willing to talk.
He explains that they are watching out for the brigands that passed them that morning. Deciding that the groups defeat of the brigands merits a celebration and at least some trust he invites them to head towards the Romani camp. Bird calling he sends a message ahead to prewarn his fellows.
A roaring camp fire greets them as well as an old female halfling surrounded by youngsters. Several wagons are in the clearing each apparently home to a halfling family. Several of the children are learning to dance and solve riddles.
Served food and drink the group rest the night with this cheerful group. It is sometime in the morning that observations lead the group to believe that the families are not as happy go lucky as they first appear. Heavy spiked chains and some smaller wooden weapons hang from the side of the wagons though none of the halflings bear any on their person. Talen is the first to find out why. He helps a young girl to rid herself of on of the older boys. She gives him a small brooch as a token of her gratitude before entering her cabin. Stepping into it after her she takes offence at his intrusion and, with barely a hint of effort, sends him flying over her head and out through the door.
Parting on good terms the party continue on the Venutia arriving just after noon. Minx asks them to come with her to her aunt's but on mentioning that her brother will be there Kasha bows out and, taking Talen with her, heads into town while the rest drop her off at the estate.
