Scene:
On the bank of the river, a seemingly silk-clad elf and a ruddy-faced fisherman exchanged words in the waxing sunlight of morning. There was something about the elf, it could have been his elaborate dress or the way he moved his head to the side as he requested the fisherman's 'littlest of fishes' that made the old codger grin and push up his tri-pointed hat.
"You lerk like a fancy 'chaise longue' escaped from the pal-lace!" The dirt-covered man shook his head, unable or unwilling to conceal his laughter.
"Ooh, that's good. Tell you wot, Ah caught this one early, but hadn't throwed it back yet." The fisherman gestured to the bucket at their feet, in which swam a healthy looking fish. He looked carefully at the elf's manicured fingers.
"Take the bucket. I'll bum one off Iyani, there." The fisherman gestured to his acquaintance with another laugh, stepping away from Tanraeth. As he left the elf and the bucket in his spot, Tanraeth could hear him say,
"Iyani, wait 'til you hear about this feller!"Tanraeth now has one live, green-pearlescent, fish swimming in a bucket. It looks up at him, gaping, as if joining the fisherman's jest at the elf's expense.
Jenk, taking full advantage of his bubbling scale's abilities, was successful in catching one more fish in his phase bolts which shot out in rapid succession. Once the goblin was finished with his onslaught, he would be able to gather the three fish he had caught in this way, or what was left of them after his phase bolts did their worst.
Saur redoubled his efforts, sliding through the water with ease. Thanks to his keen senses and patience, a group of confused fish swam dangerously close to the primed kobold, in an attempt to flee Jenk's ire. In one quick movement, Saur released the coiled energy in his body and surged forward toward the school. In the moments that followed the kobold was able to lay hold of two fish, stunned by his speed. Even though fishing underwater slowed movement, Saur's efforts had been rewarded.
With a whistle, Alandri beckons her assistants to the shoreline. As the four returned, all bearing fish in various numbers, her gnomish eyes widen in excitement.
"What a haul! You all have done so well!" Her gaze falls to Tanraeth's catch, then back to Tanraeth's clothing, and nods her head in understanding.
On the shore, Alandri organizes the fish buckets into living and holey fish ('Still good for stew', she thinks). Alandri reaches into her pack as she approaches Saur, eye to eye,
"You have done such a wonderful job," her purple locks fall every which way as her energetic movement punctuates her declaration.
"Please, take this badge as a thank you for how you've risen to the challenge today. Your technique was inspiring. You caught more fish this morning than I do in a day." As the gnome hands him a Lion Badge, she bobs her head in thanks to Saur, a sort of nonchalant bow.
Alandri assesses the fish Jenk caught with a nod,
"I might have to get me one of those pitchforks! Thank you for all your help today." She hands Jenk a Lion Badge.
As she meets Starfinger's gaze, Alandri hands him a badge as well,
"Your trap was a sight to behold; not a single timber, yet just as effective. You're quite resourceful; thank you."As she turns to regard the group, she stops short, finger raised to the air,
"I almost forgot!" She reaches back into her pack to distribute an additional Bubbling Scale to the entire party.
"This is for tomorrow! See you then!" The gnome waves at each of you before beginning the trek back to her shack just up the embankment, one bucket at a time.
The party now stands on the banks for the Vanji river after this morning's exertions. It's not quite noon, but you all remember that Teacher Ot is expecting the group in his office at midday to begin your next lesson. The city streets of Nantambu are full of activity now, with carts and mules, merchants, and students from the Magaambya going about their business. The school at the heart of the city is about a twenty minute walk away.
What do you do?
End Scene
Storyteller's Aside
@vertigo Tanraeth caught one fish! "Caught" is a loose term... Tanraeth gains a Bubbling Scale.
@Digizel Saur critically succeeded! At a higher DC, he gets two more fish, for a total of four fish. He has earned Alandri's trust and respect. Saur has earned an additional Hero point for a total of two. In addition, he gains a Lion Badge and a Bubbling Scale.
@rush99999 Jenk succeeded! He gets one more fish, for a total of three holey fish. Jenk gains a Lion Badge and a Bubbling Scale.
@clanjos Starfinger's total is two fish! Starfinger gains a Lion Badge and a Bubbling Scale.
NOTE: A Lion Badge is a talisman worn on the armor. I'm going to adjust the rules for the badge so that the wearer is not required to be an Expert in Will saves, otherwise no one in the party could use them (and you may need them! (**FORESHADOWING**)).