Roll: 1/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 146
Result: Your handler notices a glimmer in the water! Receive an Ore!
Phaedra was excited to stretch her legs after the long steam carriage journey. Things had been quite dusty and rather bouncy. Her Hounds had also been eager to spend time on solid ground again. Tangie in particular had been hard to contain for the final day. But now, they were finally at the base camp.
The valley was picturesque, to say the least. The sides were steep and treed, and the creek cut right through the centre. Phaedra tried to remain patient as Roderick explained what they were supposed to do. Interloper pulled against her lead, sniffing the air deeply. Tangie whined a little. Black Gold was the only patient Hound of her three. She hoped that soon they could be out there exploring, instead of spending more time listening.
And her wish was granted. The explanatory talk ended, and it was time to get exploring.
Loot: Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
8
Total:
8
Roll: 2/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 110/257
Result: Your handler hikes up the side of the valley, and finds a nice overlook.
Phaedra had hardly made it thirty paces before she noticed something glimmering in the water. Tangie hardly wanted to stop walking, but her other two Hounds seemed interested as well. She bent towards the creek and scooped a hard chunk out of the surprisingly cool water. A wide smile broke over her face. If the ore was as easy to find as this, perhaps this would be a lucrative expedition.
She slipped the ore chunk into her satchel bag, and continued her path along the river. Her Hounds seemed more at peace now that they were moving. Phaedra hoped they'd all learn a thing or two on their little trek.
Loot: Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
19
Total:
19
Roll: 3/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 124/381
Result: As your handler wanders along the creek they notice a small grouping of herbs. Receive an Azzaruan plant
Phaedra and her three Hounds cut away from the creek, after spotting an interesting looking tree up the valley side's slope. She hadn't seen a tree quite like it before. Maybe this valley sheltered species that wouldn't normally grow in the area. Not that she was an expert on Azzaruan flora. Or fauna really.
While contemplating what else made the valley special, Phaedra found a stunning overlook. The valley dropped away below steeply, and afforded a sweeping view of the creek. Even if the creek wasn't filled to the brim with ore, she could imagine this becoming a popular tourist destination.
After a few moments of enjoying the view it was time to get going again. The Hounds didn't let her rest for long.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan plant
Dice Rolled:
12-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
4
Total:
4
Roll: 4/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 116/497
Result: Your Hound plunged into the creek and returns with a chunk of Ore!
The trek down the side of the valley was a little harrowing. Phaedrae was thankful that none of the Hounds tried to pull on their leads on the way down. It would have ended poorly. After a lot of carefully watching where each foot and paw needed to be placed, the group made it back to the creek. After all, that's where they were meant to explore.
Interloper splashed right into the water, seeming to enjoy the coolness. Tangie quickly followed, but Black Gold remained firmly on the bank. As they made their way further up the creek, Phaedra noticed a distinctive grouping of plants. She bent and picked one, carefully stowing it in her pack.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
4
Total:
4
Roll: 5/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 119/616
Result: As your handler wanders along the creek they notice a small grouping of herbs. Receive an Azzaruan plant
Suddenly Black Gold plunged off the creek bank, and into the water. Phaedra gasped, startled by the Hound's sudden movement. Her other two Hounds stared at their packmate, and tilted her heads. Black Gold's head darted into the water, and emerged with a chunk of ore in his jaws. He hopped out of the creek and dropped the shiny chunk at Phaedra's feet.
She was delighted. "Oh, thanks Black Gold! What a good Hound!" She gave him a firm pat as she scooped up her new loot. "Really living up to your name, aren't you?"
She glanced at her other two Hounds, who were still in the water. "You're both good too, just to be clear. No favourites here."
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
11
Total:
11
Roll: 6/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 113/729
Result: Your handler notices a glimmer in the water! Receive an Ore!
The group continued their leisurely wander down the creek. Phaedra didn't think there was much reason to rush. They'd spent days cooped up, so they might as well enjoy the search now. Her Hounds seemed to be calming down, now that they'd been stretching their legs for a while.
Every now and then one of them would pause to drink out of the creek. The water was clear and moving well, so she didn't see any reason to stop them. During one such pause she noticed a leafy plant sprouting from the bank. It reminded her of an illustration she'd seen back in Ynnis, so she plucked it to add to her bag.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
8
Total:
8
Roll: 7/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 112/841
Result:Your Hound starts barking at something in the scrub, but your handler can't make anything out.
Phaedra decides to cross over to the other bank of the creek. She'd been on this one all the way from the base camp, and the creek wasn't all that wide, but perhaps the other bank hadn't been very well scoured. She splashed through the water quickly, Hounds quick on her heels.
Not a single foot print was visible on the further bank. Phaedra smiled. Maybe there'd be even more loot on this side. Almost as soon as the thought finished she noticed another ore chunk in the creek. She gleefully collected it, and dropped it into her bag. It clinked against the others. Roderick really had been right about this place.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
2
Total:
2
Roll: 8/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 112/953
Result: Your handler wanders alongside the creek but doesn't notice anything of interest.
Phaedra and the Hounds continued their stroll down the creek bank until Tangie started barking inconsolably. She strained against her lead, staring intently into the scrub higher up the slope. Within the span of a few breaths Interloper and Black Gold began barking as well. Soon all three were pulling, and forcing Phaedra to take several steps forward.
The three Hounds were deeply focused on whatever was up there, and try her best she was struggling to get them to move on. While trying to hold their leads she fished into her pocket, looking for treats. "C'mon Hounds. Lets not run up there. It's steep." Slowly but surely she lured them forward.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
3
Total:
3
Roll: 9/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 113/1066
Result: Your handler hikes up the creek, but doesn't see anything that looks like ore.
It took longer than she liked, but eventually Phaedra got her Hounds back on task. Which was still walking alongside the creek. Every now and then they'd still glance at the slope above, but whatever they had seen before was gone now. She pondered if it had a been a berdir, or a duskrat or something else. Not very many people had been into the valley before, so who knew what really lived out here.
While she'd only been to Ynnis and Azzaru, and the surrounding countryside, she'd heard from others that were other creatures that lived elsewhere on Itona. But you had to walk an awfully long way to run into them.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
9
Total:
9
Roll: 10/10
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 110/1176
Result: Your Hound and handler spend a few moments wading in the cool water of the creek.! You may take two additional exploration rolls.
Now that the Hounds were calmer, the little group was making good time. They walked and walked, and walked some more. But unlike earlier in the day there was no ore to be found. Phaedra considered if it was time to turn back. They'd walked a long way, and had possibly missed the source of the ore.
"Hounds? Ready to head back?" Ears perked, and heads turned. Interloper was the first to return to her side, followed by Black Gold and then Tangie. Phaedra turned around, and started to head back towards base camp. Maybe there would be a bit more ore for them to find on the way back.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
5
Total:
5
Roll: 11/12
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 110/1286
Result: Your Hound splashes happily into the creek.
As they made their way back towards base camp, the sun finally reached its peak. It was making everything hot. The ground, the rocks. Well, everything but the creek. Having made good time thus far, Phaedra decided it was a reasonable time to take a break. She clicked her tongue to catch the Hound's attention. "Time for a break, Hounds!"
She carefully removed her boots and set them to the side of the creek. Getting them soaked would make for an unpleasant walk back. Once she was sure they were secured and out of the way, she dipped her feet into the cool water. Her Hounds followed, enjoying the coolness.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
7
Total:
7
Roll: 12/12
Extra Roll Art: -
Word Count: 112/1398
Result: Your handler's foot slip on a rock at the end of the creek and ends up ankle deep in the water.
Phaedra sat on the bank, enjoying the cool water. Her three Hounds splashed around a little bit up creek. Interloper attempted to bite the surface of the water, chasing a glimmer of the sun. Phaedra chuckled, watching their antics. It was a nice break after the walking.
While the expedition hadn't make them rich, it certainly had been interesting. The valley was quite beautiful. And so secluded. Perhaps eventually a vacation outpost would be built here, so more folks could enjoy it. Or maybe it would be best just left wild. She contemplated these options as her Hounds played. She was glad she wasn't the one who'd have to make that choice.
Loot: Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore, Azzaruan Plant, Ore
Dice Rolled:
20-Sided Die
Rolled 1 time
Results:
17
Total:
17
Phaedrae and her Hounds had hiked back to base camp after a long day of exploring along the creek. Her bag with filled with ore chunks, and a few plants. The Hounds' energy was used up. At least mostly. Tangie looked like she could head straight back out, but Interloper and Black Gold seemed fully tuckered out.
Base camp itself wasn't anything fancy. Some tarp tents near the steam carriages, some bedrolls, a cookfire. But at the moment is seemed like a haven after all the walking. Other explorers were still filtering in, just as the sun started to dip behind the valley walls. She suspected that night would come quickly. As the last few stragglers made their way into camp, and into line for food Roderick appeared out of his tent. It was easy to tell that it was his tent, it was significantly more luxurious than the rest of the camp.
The merchant positioned himself on a rock, and began addressing the group. "It's been quite a successful day. We've found two places of interested to scout - a runnel down the valley side and a cave. We'll spend half the day scouting those tomorrow before we head back. Also, it's been reported that there's a wild Hound in the vicinity, so please be aware."
Phaedra perked up at the new about a wild Hound. How curious! She knew that Hounds were native to the area, but she'd never actually heard of a wild one appearing before. Considering this news she gathered Tangie, Interloper and Black Gold and headed towards her bedroll. The Hounds settled near her for the night.
---
The next day dawned bright and clear. Phaedra's tent, which was mostly just a waxed tarp, didn't block much of the light. Her trio of Hounds danced around her as she got up. "Well Hounds, runnel or cave?" She waited a moment while Tangie barked and Interloper and Black Gold watcher her closely. "Cave, then?"
She grabbed her bag, and her Hounds were close to her heels. Tangie tried to rush ahead, as if she knew right where she was going. Occasionally one of the Hounds would pause and put their nose to the ground, and take a long sniff. Phaedra pondered if they had caught scent of the wild Hound. "You smelling a new friend, Hounds?" It would be exciting to even catch sight of a wild Hound ...
The group hiked for a couple of hours before the creek started to get steeper. Phaedrae carefully picked her way along the bank, not wanting to sprain an ankle. Her Hounds were quite eager, and frequently scented the air. Finally up ahead she could make out the cave entrance. If was like a dark maw on the side of the valley.
Phaedrae cut across the creek, taking care not to get her feet too wet. Her Hounds didn't bother, and splash right through. Tangie seemed to want to stop and play in the water, but followed Interloper and Black Gold within a few heart beats. Whatever was up ahead must have been of too great of interest.
The cave wasn't far from the creek. Phaedra wandered inside, and was immediately surprised with just how dark it was. "I think we should have brought a torch. But maybe we can find something to use outside?" She ducked back out, and nearly fell over. Standing just past the cave mouth, near the river, was a brindle Hound. No collar or leash marked the Hound as owned, and she looked extra wily.
Tangie gave a friendly bark, and bounded over the Hound. Interloper and Black Gold stayed near Phaedra, unsure of this new development. Tangie began sniffing the wild Hound, wagging her tail happily. The wild Hound sniffed her back enthusiastically. With the wild Hound occupied Phaedrae started fishing around in her satchel, hoping to find a treat to lure the Hound with. Her fingers brushed against a crumbled treat, and she pulled it out.
She carefully threw it towards the wild Hound, not wanting to spook her. The brindle Hound regarded the treat chunk with a moment of interest, before turning around and taking off. Phaedra let out a sigh. Of course it wouldn't be that easy. The brindle Hound was already into where the scrubby brush grew, and was growing harder to track by the second. Her stripey pattern seemed to be the perfect camouflage. "Well Hounds, what do you think? Think we can win her over?" Tangie spared a glance at her before taking the opportunity to eat the fallen treat.
EXPEDITION SUMMARY
Loot:
https://itona.io/comment/618 - Ore
https://itona.io/comment/620 - Azzaruan Plant
https://itona.io/comment/622 - Ore
https://itona.io/comment/623 - Azzaruan Plant
https://itona.io/comment/624 - Ore
Bonus Prompt
https://itona.io/comment/655
Bonus Prompt Rewards
1x Expedition Rolls
3x Randomized Ore Rolls
1x Berdir Hunt Tag
Bramble tame attempt
Training
2, 159 words + Non-Com + Handler = 10 training