The Dornish sun has finial made it over the horizon and its heat sheds its ray of light fiercely on the southern lands, the open rocky fields lay ahead, based on the Twins description this site should be about a day or so travel east.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 16:37, Tue 01 July 2014.

Ser Godfrey road beside his older brother as his Raven's Claws loosely encircled the Ravenhowe brothers in a ring of knightly steel.  Ser Godfrey kept his eyes and ears open for any signs that there might be trouble ahead (or perhaps trouble pursuing from behind).  Ser Godfrey wondered what they would find when they reached the alleged site of the ambush, though he suspected the Red Twins would have had sufficient time to "arrange" (stage?) the scene as they wanted it to be seen, still perhaps they had made a mistake or an oversight.  Ser Godfrey also wondered whether any progress was being made with the tongue-less interrogation of the sole surviving prisoner.  Ser Godfrey wondered why that one prisoner had been allowed to survive (even if not all in one piece) and brought to Kolywn Hold (why had the Red Twins supplied a ready made prisoner to be questioned, unless there was more to the prisoner than met the eye).

Turning the concept of being over prepared into an understatement, as is his custom, Maester Archibald forms the center and anchor of the travel arrangements by simple virtue of not being able to be anywhere else.  Two horses pull the wagon enclosed by heavy weather resistant canvas and two more are tied off to the back as spares.  Leaving the driving and defending of the wagon to those more specialized to the task the Maester himself tends to stay inside for the duration, very likely keeping an eye on or continuing the process of limited communication with the man who while never likely very proficient in the duel of wits is now most permanently disarmed.

Ser Hassan rode quietly enjoying the harsh desert sun upon his dark skin. "We should be there within the next day or so," he said looking over to his brother. Ser Hassan had brought their cavalry with them they numbered quite large but should they be attacked they were more then ready. "It is possible for all the evidence to have been destroyed by the time we get there, I doubt the twins would be foolish enough to leave us much if anything, still we must ensure their honesty, or deceit."

Ronan rides hard and pushes somewhat to speed up the group. He seems excited and hopeful that he will find something to bring back to his father.

Mardax Kaldor did not come as he was asked by the lord to preform a different duty, but in his place he did send two of his huntsmen. One leads the way ahead as a scout and the other far behind to insure that no one sneaks up on the group.

Along the way the group passes some farm lands off the banks and traveling merchants - none of importance. As they pass these areas the farmers and commoners are happy to see the banners of their liege, they often offer water and even fruit jewels (dates & dried plums).

The time passes with idea conversation, when the horses are slowed down to rest Ronan interrupts "If we press on we can reach the valley before night fall".

1 Hour before night fall, .....

This part of Dorne has several small valleys and a graben that is the result of blocks of land that have come down producing some of the valley. The group slows as they cross, they approach a distinct scarp on one side - Make there way through, ....
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:52, Thu 08 May 2014.

After some time, Jadis catches up with the outing, scarf wrapped neatly around her head and transformed into a combination of sun hat and face mask. Brutus follows in her wake.

Giving a merry wave with her bow, she calls out. "Well, thanks for taking it slow. Gave me enough time to catch up."

As Jadis arrives, Makarios, who had been mostly silent and contemplative on the ride thus-far, seems to rouse from his thoughts.

He slows his pace enough to fall in beside Jadis on the road. He lowers his voice and whispers to her.


He seems somewhat relieved at Jadis' presence in the party, though not enough to remove the perpetual frown he has bore throughout the journey.

Jadis tugs her shemagh* and nods, whispering back to him.


Looking around, she nods at the scarp and says idly "You know, if I were planning an ambush, I'd have people up there ready to roll rocks down as we pass. Rocks and bushels of burning hay." Sitting up in her saddle, she yells at up at the scarp "Hey! Hey up there!" She points at Godfrey "That guy says you're a bunch of flower kissing catamites! Are you? And do you have any pickles? I'd kill for a pickle about now!" Her voice echoes along the scarp as she looks up expectantly. 4

*It's a real word! Look it up.

Ronan pull back on the horse to slow down and waits for a clear to turn about. "Jadis, What possessed you to come? .... Makarios why would you bring her?"

Ronan reaches down to his wine skin and takes a few gulps. "Makarios she came with you so she's now your responsibility."

Ignoring whatever response either gives feeling that whatever thoughts their was, it was not an excuse for her being here, as boyish as she thinks she is she is still family and a lady for the house.

"Jadis don't upset the men or provoke them, .... its bad enough you come,... regardless father will not be pleased this you I will let his wrath deal with this later."

Loudly so the group can hear "We are a still several hours away once we clear this area we should set camp for the night and head out first light." 

Makarios grins at Jadis' response and replies under his voice.

At Ronan's admonishment Makarios adopts an apologetic look. "Following orders m'lord. Her ladyship needed an escort and Brutus was not deemed to be enough, intimidating though he may be. I shall do my best to keep her out of harm's way and from underfoot."

He then grins and takes out his myrish eyeglass to survey ahead, "Besides, now that I'm here I can help you follow any tracks we might find."

OOC: 18:08, Today: Makarios Lestat rolled 13 using 4d6 with rolls of 4,2,1,6. Survival: Spot suitable camping place.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Tue 13 May 2014.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 10):


Once the group has cleared the graben, Makarios has found a good spot to camp with a natural water spring in a small cavern just passed a large rock formation.

The location offers good coverage from the weather, but poor advantage if no one takes look-out on the ridge.



Role Call

OOC:
Ronan Kolwyn
Archibald Sand w/Prisoner
Jadis Sand
Makarios Lestat w/x2 Huntsmen
Ser Godfrey Ravenhowe
Ser Hassan Ravenhowe
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Tue 13 May 2014.

Jadis snorts and rolls her eyes at Ronan. "You're really asking why I came?" She shakes her head and says, voice dryer than the desert "The voices in my head took a vote and it was unanimous. Coming along would be more exciting than staying home." She looks up at the cliff, eyebrow lifted jauntily. The smirk hidden beneath the shemagh is fully present in her voice "And it has been a fantastic opportunity to collect empiric data for my theory that the world is susceptible to reverse headology. Yelling at the obvious ambush point causes the universe to retroactively move the ambush. I'm proving it. With science."

Nodding at Makarios as he explains, she adds "And Brutus can track better than any three of your soldiers or knights put together. Which will be helpful if there is an ambush site." She pauses and tugs her scarf. "An old ambush site, rather than the inevitable new one that we'll be experiencing."

OOC: Jadis is a firm believe in Resistentialism, applying to the universe as a whole

"Makarios Well done, this is a fine spot for the night." Ronan makes himself comfortable on the side of a large rock and begins to drink heavy, "So Jadis do you ever feel that you would have been better off as a son?" ... Ronan is getting drunk and his rudeness is starting to show like always. "I mean its hard enough as a Sand but then maybe it was lucky being a women, .... ??"


One of the huntsmen starts a small fire, Ronan moves over closer in between Jadis and the fire "the red priestess she looked at you last night and feel ill, she witness something, did she not?

pausing only to speak before the question could be answered,....

These very same flames that keep us warm this night she holds dear without fear, but yet you, you stood her a bay, how sister, ... how did you tame her and the fire in her?"

Makarios moves over to his huntsmen and gives some orders, speaking loud enough for any in the party to hear.

"We should take shifts watching the camp through the night, probably one of us paired with a knight so that we have a ranged and an armoured combatant ready to call out. Up on that ridge will give us a good vantage point to see any who would approach."

He eyes the fire. "The fires will draw attention and ruin our night eyes. We should extinguish them after we finish cooking. I'll take my rest now and take a watch during the darkest part of the night, rouse me when it's time."

Assuming no-one stops him he heads into the cavern to catch some shut eye, gnawing on some dried food he had in his pack.

OOC: I have the Night Eyes quality so I'll be best used during the night time for watches. Unless anyone needs to chat with Makarios, time passes.

Unable, or unwilling, to maneuver the wagon and it's horses into the cave Maester Archibald settles it opposite the fire from the cave entrance, close but not dangerously so.   Locking the Wagon into position by the simple expedient of sliding a thick wooden dowel through the hole clearly designed for just this purpose in the side of the driver's foot rest and through the spokes of the wheel.  Once settled in he disconnects the attached horses and adds them to the long tether of the back the other horses are already on, giving all four of them plenty of room to move and forage without allowing them to run away easily.

”Your concern is noted, but we are hardly a small or subtle group, our only source of reliable information is still injured and will need to stay warm tonight, for this we will need the fire.”  As if that was answer enough the Maester goes about the business of setting out large flat stones by the fire to warm, each very nearly the same size as the inside of one of the clam shell like metal pans he also retrieves from the wagon along with their specially designed blanket pockets, clearly intended to warm up beds without harming their occupants.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Wed 14 May 2014.

Makarios shakes his head at the maester.

"I don't think looking after the health of this so-called 'reliable' prisoner is worth the disadvantage of a night fire, we will need to see any potential attack coming. We may be uncomfortable but the cavern should keep us warm enough and we have blankets aplenty. If there really is a malicious party out there then the last thing we want is to scare them off or draw a surprise attack. Even a party as large as ours is best hidden under the cover of darkness."

He turns his head to look at Ser Hassan.
"I am sure Lord Ravenhowe will decide as he feels fit."

Jadis looks at Ronan and sighs "You know, someday you're going to get so drunk you drown in your own chamberpot. Its happened, you know. About 200 years ago, one of your own ancestors managed it." She shakes her head and moves slightly away from him. "As for my gender, I suggest you take it up with the Gods. They might see fit to give the oppurtunity to compare for yourself." She rolls her eyes. "As for why she fell ill? Its a mystery. I was merely discussing your interest in her when she felt so stricken." Jadis shrugs. "Amazing coincidence. You enjoy that wine now." She rises and walks over to Makarios and Archibald.

"Might I suggest a compromise?" Jadis asked. "Its actually fairly easy to hide a fire at night." She gives Makarios an apologetic smile. "We just need to dig a pit, approximately 14 inches in diameter, then a secondary tunnel angled down at a 45 degree angle, connecting to the primary pit. The pit is the fire place, the secondary tunnel provides air flow. Apparently it causes the fire to burn very hot, with less smoke."

She gives Archibald a small smirk "I found the plans in your library, by the way. Small Unit Tactics by someone with entirely too long of a name." She looks around at the collected soldiers "Happily, we have a bunch of big, burly soldiers to do the grunt work."

The moon is bright this evening and sheds its glow over the rocks and stumps of this very lightly wooded area. The trees provide no cover as they are easily 10 or 20 feet apart from one another and no more then a dozen line this rock formation.

Once camp is set most of the men fall asleep......

Mid-through the night, Jadis screams in her sleep awakening everyone.


Jadis awakens looking up at her brother, .... Ronan "sister, Sister, SISTER WAKE UP, ... YOUR DREAMING" as he shakes her.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:01, Wed 14 May 2014.

Archibald awakens from the screams and first looks over at the prisoner. He notices that his prisoner is now feverish and not sleeping easily. In fact his condition has worsen on the road.

Long accustom to the constant interruptions of sleep cycle even more common for a healer than for soldiers Archibald wakes quickly and easily, setting himself to the task of putting the prisoner's healing back on track.  With all his many tools close at hand and the prisoner tied securely to the rudimentary but functional sleeping pallet the task is not quite as simple as it would be in the castle, but it is a very near thing.

In reply to Archibald Sand (msg # 20):

As Archibald tends to his prisoner he takes note that his tongue is infected. He also notices that something is lodged in his throat - a foreign item. He's disappointed that he missed this before.

Makarios sticks his head inside the cave to see what all the commotion is about. Seeing Ronan trying to rouse Jadis, he returns to his post, straining hard to see any movement that might indicate the screaming alerted anyone to their presence.

OOC: 21:29, Today: Makarios Lestat rolled 17 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,6,1,5. Awareness: Spot movement.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 22):

The area is secure and there is nothing unusual at this time.

You take it on yourself during your watch to climb to the highest point to get an advantage on the view ahead. With only the moon light several miles a head perhaps 4 or 5 hours away a flicker of light, a fire of sorts. It must be a big fire as you can notice it from here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:18, Mon 19 May 2014.

Makarios takes a note of the direction and passes on the information to the next watchman. At that distance there is no need to rouse anyone.

Jadis shakes her head and snorts. "Gah!" She coughs, clearing her throat and grabs her waterskin. After a long drink, she sighs "Yeah. A dream. Its amazing how annoying Red Priests can be even when they aren't even here." She runs a hand through her wild hair and yanks it back into place, tying it back into a ponytail.

"Are you ok Jadis?" Ronan has never really fully accepted Jadis and offen very critical of her. But he does value family and is alway looking out for ever member.

"Did she invade your mind or, ... was it your imagination running wild?"

Jadis shrugged, arm curling around Brutus. "Be damned if I know. A red priest with a grudge? Prophecy? Just a nightmare brought on by whatever was in tonight's soup?" She shook her head "Do I look like a soothsayer to you? The dream, or whatever, was just really vivid, really clear." She sighs uncomfortably, looking out at the darkness.

"Two knights in a field green and red flowers. Bit of a Martel theme, there. Anyways.. One was our father, one was Ariel. He killed Father, then his sister started babbling about how death by fire was the purest and then something about shadows." Jadis shrugged, then hooked Ronan's wine skin with her foot and flipped it up. Catching it, she took a long drink and then grimaced "What the hell? Did you learn how to ferment cat piss?"

In reply to Jadis Sand (msg # 27):

"Bwah-hah-hah," Ronan starts laughing as he takes the skin for Jadis, "I've poisoned you sister," he begins to chug down the harsh wine when, ...  "it's my poison sister you should really stick to that sweet stuff."

"Everyone back to your posts, the rest of you get some sleep we head out early tomorrow."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 19:47, Sat 24 May 2014.

Things begin to settle down as the camp fire becomes a light fire,  ....  the fire starts dwindling out as the sun breaks the horizon. The huntsmen, scouts have already gone out ahead. Ronan has started early with his wine skin in hand, as one of the huntsmen returns, .... Ronan gets his attention "over here, what do you have to report?"

"M'Lord we have picked up a trail but not, a small band of bandits more like a small army of men." The scout walks to Makarios, "I can lead us back to were I found them, ... It was hard to count the trail but I'm sure it was no less the 40 or 50 men. No small band and they seem to have tried to double back to hind which direct they come from and went to."

Makarios nods to the scout. "Good job. If you can lead me to the tracks I might be able to pick up a more accurate count."

He looks over the party, gauging their strength. "Ronan, 50 armored men is probably more than we bargained for. If we give chase we'll not come out unscathed. Ravens or not, we stand to lose some good men."

He looks to Ser Hassan and Ser Godfrey before continuing, "Pragmatism here may be our best option. We can confirm the tracks and battlefield then return to report."

Makarios had been itching to fight but reality has now dawned on him. Even with a maester on hand as good at the healing arts as Archibald, a clash out here could mean a large chunk of the party wouldn't make it back to Kolwyn Hold.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 30):

"Makarios seek out these tracks, do your duty we'll, ... And leave these other matters to me." The wine is settling in and like always Ronan is his usually self. One has to wonder how he can function always drinking. A greater wonder is actually how much it takes him to become drunk.

Ronan mounts, "Makarios you & Ser Godfrey, Ser Hassan, and half of the Roost will travel and follow these tracks, the rest are with me we will keep to the road. Makarios do not engage if you find them just circle back and we will meet at this site everyone is so interested in."

"Regardless we meet at the site by sun down if for some reason we or your men are not there ... that means something is wrong. Leave and return with enough men to seek revenge."

"May the Seven guide you,..."

Makarios makes a slight bow to Ronan.

"Very well, let us go then."

Makarios organises his party before they mount up and head off in the direction of the tracks.

Jadis wraps her scarf again, rolling her eyes when Ronan mentions the Seven. Mounting her steed, she gives Ronan a wave and joins in with Makarios' party. Quietly, she says "Is anyone else getting a bad feeling about this?"

Makarios replies, "I thought I was the only one. Well, there's nothing for it I suppose..." he trails off.

Ronan replies to Makarios, "I gave this thought, master of the hunt, I'm sure this is a rouse by that red demon fire priestess. But we most try to uncover their plot and find proof of their underhanded work." Ronan returns to his wine skin and finishes it off, "remember sunset at the ambush site" He gives his horse a good kick and heads back to the trail that leads to the road.

The rest of the group travels northeast following the scouts to the trail of bandits. After about an hour the trail is pretty clear. The scouts dismounts, "here master Makarios, ..... look they came from the mountains then doubled back that way in that direction."

Bending over to inspect the tracks, Makarios tries to see if there is anything the scouts might have missed.

ooc: 06:36, Today: Makarios Lestat rolled 14 using 5d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 2,4,4,3,3. Survival: Track.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 36):

The day if fair and the sun is strong, there doen't seem to have been any rain in the last few days, so a good quess would be that these trails are about 4 days old.

Makarios traces the horse trail, he inspects the horse dong. The dong has traces of Good quality grain and fair amount of hay. These horses weren't grass feed, meaning that these wear either wealthy bandits or not bandits at all. Also these 'bandits' were in a marching order at one point then scattered as they continued southeast which by your account Leads right to the ambush site.

Lastly and maybe the most important clues, .... there was more then one wagon with this group & the hoves, they are deep leading to believe these men had heavy armor, bandit don't travel this heavy, and use wagons across trail like this unless they we're carry away there spoils.

Makarios frowns and relays the information to the party. "These are no bandit tracks. Quality horses and heavy armor, this looks like a well funded raiding party. Some House or maybe a band of paid up Sellswords. They're about 4 days ahead of us and up in those mountains."

Makarios approaches the maester. "Archibald, you are better than I at remembering the Houses that lie around these parts. What Houses across that mountain range could field such a raiding party or hire expensive sellsowrds?"

Ready with an answer right off his head the Maester looks up from the man he has been tending since the early hours of the morning, clearly working tirelessly to preserve what little life is left in the now hardly even moaning body.

”It is very unlikely that a nearby house was able to put together the kind of force you describe.  The nearest force of any size is House Dylann in service to Kolwyn and they can not muster such a force on their own.  It is far more likely that these truly are bandits, drawn from a wide area and banded together by some powerful personality in the criminal world.”

"Then we can eliminate house Steiner as the culprits? This is good."

The men await for Makarios instructions. Even thou he is not the senior man he is the Master of the Hunt and is that not what they are doing?


The men with the true authority are The Knights of Ravenhowe now the Ronan is not among them. But it does seem that the knights has taken a slightly stay back approach so for with hunting these 'Bandits'.

Makarios raises an eyebrow at Archibald as if expecting some response.

When none is forthcoming he continues.

"Very well. This party is not equipped for traipsing into the mountains hunting a potentially heavily armed and fortified bandit stronghold. We will regroup with the others and report. I would like to see the ambush site myself to confirm numbers of combatants and inspect the dead for evidence that might absolve the Steiners.

He inspects the surroundings one last time, as if fixing the location in his memory for the future.

"We will return, mark this place in your minds."

With that he mounts up and turns his horse. "Let us make speed and catch up with the others."

He leads the way.

OOC: 09:20, Today: Makarios Lestat rolled 11 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,1,2,3. Survival, lead the way in right direction.

The men mount up. It's still early in the day and the weather has held up. The rocky terrain is taken slow with the horses and the knights in armor doesn't help speed this along. House Ravenhowe seem to be a bit more quite then normal, perhaps their warriors instincts are just on edge with all that's been happening.

After traveling for about 4 hours the field in question is almost insight. Over head dozens of crows have gathered. They fly high and circle the field below a clear sign the dead are not too far away. Once the men break free of the wooded rocky area and approach the field they see several men butchered and burned. This wasn't a battle it was a massacre, and many of the bodies have been dragged and staked, then put to the torch.

Ronan and his men have yet to arrive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:18, Sun 01 June 2014.

As they approach the site Makarios pulls aside a pair of his scouts. "Go take a look and see if there is anyone around. Wave us in if it's all clear. Once you see us move to enter the battlefield I want each of you to head to those high points there and there. Keep a careful watch and let us know if you see anyone, friend or foe. The others should have been here by now."

While the scouts head out Makarios addresses the party. "When we get up close try to avoid moving anything until Maester Archibald and I can take a look. If you see anything of note like a banner or house sigil let us know."

He turns to Jadis, "M'lady I know you are a strong woman but perhaps this is something you would be better not seeing. I'm sure Ser Hassan will leave you a few of his mean for company if you wanted to stay here under the shade of that tree while we investigate. It shouldn't take too long."

Still hard at work in the back of the wagon, from time to time the moans and grumbles are punctuated with some flailing of limbs and a horse or gurgling scream or two, but by and large the patient remains almost frighteningly quiet and still.

Hearing his name, but not making much sense of it's context the Maester waits until he is at a reasonable pausing point in his work and pokes his head out of the wagon.

”If you require my services quickly you will need to come in, I am not yet in a position to abandon my work here at a moment's notice.”  Punctuating the point the Maester withdraws back into the wagon without so much as a breath of pause..

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 44):

The scouts head out and circle the field. The others take an advantage point as look outs. Once they have completed their search they give the signal that the area is clear.

Jadis disagrees and will not stay behind with the knights as the hunters and scout go head and check the field.

As Makarios looks back at the field one of your men holds up a shredded cloth. "MASTER HUNTSMEN I FOUND SOMETHING !"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:10, Tue 03 June 2014.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 44):

Jadis shakes her head, expression grim. "I will be fine. I've seen the dead left laying before. At least these ones are burnt.." She shakes her head once more "I lived through the Red Death when it came a decade ago. I've seen worse than this." She dismounts and joins the men searching the site, Brutus at her heels and sniffing eagerly.

Makarios reaches the dead, two men were burned at the stake, their body's were strip of their clothes.

The count of bodies total 12 - 3 no more then boys, several armored well. Most killed by arrows the count maybe 30 or so found their mark and well placed around the chest. Signs of good marksmen.

The smell of rotting flesh is still fresh in the air and the chard flesh of many have already been picked at by the crows circling over head, waiting to finish their meal. There weapons missing and the possessions picked at. The bodies have been moved and stack side by side in front of the two that were stacked.

Jadis approaches just behind him and stairs at the dead.

OOC: Need rolls by all to stomach the sight.

A few of the less tested scouts, keel over and let the morning meal back out.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:15, Tue 03 June 2014.

"Makarios I found this stuffed under a rock, looks like it was hidden before the battle it has no blood." the scout hands it over to Makarios.

Jadis tightens her shemagh over her mouth and nose, taking a deep and calming breath. Forcing her stomach into obedience through pure will, she looks over the corpses closely. "So, who do we know that likes to set people on fire?"

In reply to Jadis Sand (msg # 50):

Jadis is doing well at the sight, ... Better then some of the fresh new scout recruits that Makarios is training.

While not particularly practiced in the art of inflicting wounds the old Maester falls firmly within the category of those who have seen it all when it comes to the aftermath of battle, as well as death in many other forms.  The scent of death eventually draws his attention from the still living man in the wagon to look outside at the scene of carnage long enough to comment briefly before returning to the more pressing matter of saving a life still lived.

”Be sure not to do to much damage to the bodies if you decide to rifle through them, they could be a bit more delicate than your first expectation would suggest if they have been dead for a while.”

06:11, Today: Archibald Sand rolled 17 using 3d6+5 with rolls of 4,2,6. Will Roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:12, Tue 03 June 2014.

Makarios inspects the cloth closely before hunting about the wretched corpse strewn field.

"Listen closely to the Maester, avoid damaging the corpses. And do try not to get your breakfast all over them Perkins..."

OOC: Hopefully Makarios' eagle-eyed inspection of the site bears significant fruit that might absolve him from losing his stomach contents.

17:42, Today: Makarios Lestat rolled 21 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,6,6,4. Awareness: spot clues/inspect cloth.
17:40, Today: Makarios Lestat rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,5. Will: to spew or not to spew.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 53):



Its not the sight of the bodies but the smell of the burned rotting flesh that get him ill. Also he notices some have been curved up after the fact, almost as if tortured, thou not an expect on such matters you do recognize the signs.

The cloth looks to be part of a banner that was torn clean on purpose. It does look like it belongs to the family of Dylann.

Jadis, with Brutus in tow, begins to circle the sight, looking for tracks or signs. She tightens her scarf, grateful for the way it helps insulate her from the smell of charred flesh and the possibility of inhaling person ash.

Glancing over at Makarios, she shakes her head at the sight of the cloth. "Really? An intact piece of banner, cleanly cut off of and pointing directly towards a house?" She sighs and rubs the bridge of her nose, looking up at the sky. "Some days, I wonder what happened to subtlety."

Makarios counts the bodies, unless a few dozen have been dragged off the counts seems short from the Red Twin's description. And the men spiked, why do such a thing, they do have there rituals but you have never heard of such actions, its almost a display as if they wanted for everyone to see their work first hand.

"Where was this banner hidden? Perhaps we can tell which side were the Steiners."

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 58):

Makarios looks around and begins to think about this whole mess at hand. NO horses were did the horses go, looking for track they seemed to have been gathered but taken in that direction, opposite of were the large group in the fight had gone.

So that means the horses were taken and to a different location.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:29, Fri 06 June 2014.

In reply to Makarios Lestat (msg # 58):

Jadis shrugs "This smells like bullshit to me. There are so many inconsistencies that I'm leery of pursuing this further with the forces with have on hand." She points at the cloth, then at the two diverging routes "A Clue and two diverging routes. One to cast blame, the other to encourage a split of forces. I strongly advise that we finish looking over the dead, load them up and then withdraw for now and return home. Father will want to know about this. Given the size of our forces and that all the oddness going down, I think he'll want to make a more informed decision. She lowers her voice "And the banner should probably be hidden until it can be delivered directly to his hands."

One of the men that was riding with Ronan is seen heading from the road side direction to the field. His is riding hard and fast.

As soon as he gets close he yields out "Ronan has sent me you give you word. At the farm just beyond those woods we found a family that has a survivor." He looks over at the bodies then the smell begins to over come his senses, He keels over his horse and let out a nasty sound as he vomits out whatever was in his stomach. He wipes his month clean with the end of his shirt and pulls away form the bodies he's having trouble with the sight as he stare instead of finishing what he was going to say.

Having fairly easily confirmed that no survivors are to be found here, and quite sure that things are in capable hands Maester Archibald addresses the messenger, and offers him an easy out.

”When you say survivor do you mean someone wounded who survived or someone who avoided the conflict entirely, either way I think it would be best if you lead me back to that farm.”  Returning to the wagon he left just outside the immediate scene of destruction the Maester signals the driver to follow the scout and ducks into the back to check on his patient or do some preparation.

"Yes, Maester a boy about 10 years of age. The farmers found him under the bodies here on the field. Lord Ronan can explain the rest."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Fri 06 June 2014.

Jadis says "We should rejoin the other party then." She nimbly hops into her steed's saddle. "Standing around here is just asking for an arrow."

Makarios frowns and grunts.

"Indeed, let us catch up with Master Kolwyn."

His dissatisfaction evident, he places the cloth bearing the Steiner coat of arms into his saddlebag.

The group mounts up and head out following the messenger to the farm which this boy was found.

The group leaves the field, one of the scouts speaks out to Makarios Lestat "should be not give them proper burials or maybe take them back or something?"

The group pauses for a moment to give the question thought.

Jadis shrugs. "The souls are gone. Whats left is just a husk. Tis best that they nourish the earth as it has nourished them." She gives the corpses an appraising look, then looks down at the ground. "Also, unless you want to stay around to pile up cairns over their graves, the coyotes will eat them anyways. And even if you pile up the rocks, the coyotes can be persistent bastards." She gestured at a wagon and gives a shrug "Whoever wants to see them buried, start stacking them up."

Makarios nods as Jadis speaks. "We must leave them. Master Ronan may wish to see them before we return and we may yet surprise the bandits if we leave them as they are. The desert will bury them for us soon enough."

The group follows the messenger and ride hard. The horses tear up the grassy field and head to a trail that leads to the farm. Once they clear a small crop of wooded area they see a pig farm. Outside the farm gathered around and tending to the horses are the rest of the men that set out on this quest. Only Ronan seems to be missing.

Jadis sighs and rubs the bridge of her nose. Addressing one of the soldiers who followed her brother "Please tell me that Ronan is talking to survivor. Or did he do something stupid again?" She purses her lips and looks over the small farm, searching out signs of violence.

In reply to Jadis Sand (msg # 71):

There are no signs of violence, in fact there is little signs of much, even the pigs are a bit few and the only thing that stands out is the farm house that's old beaten and not well taken care of and then a smoke house.

Jadis shrugs, then stretches. "Well. I was expecting something more.. I guess we wait for Ronan to do.. whatever he's doing." She draws out a pack of cards "So, anyone for Dragon Poker?"

"This is madness are we going to just stand here outside. Master Ronan could have been killed in there" .... "or worse, drinking" Makarios dismounts and walks up to Jadis "Enter with me, ..."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Fri 13 June 2014.

Jadis sighs and slides the deck back up her sleeves. Grabbing her quarterstaff, she gestures for several the soldiers to follow Makarios. She trots along behind them, with Brutus at her side. "You know he's probably drunk and busy jerking his ham, right?"

Makarios, Jadis and a few men enter the farm house. There's not much to the place, in the center is a table with a few chairs, to the far end a fireplace with a large black kettle and food cooking. There are 6 children of different ages and sizes standing to the side with their heads down and a man and woman standing by the table. Ronan is holding a cup and drinking one down. A young boy maybe 8 is standing between the farms and Ronan. Ronan is staring at the boy and the boy is clearly frightened beyond belief. The boy is much better dressed then the other children and doesn't look like one of the farmers.

The boy has blood stains on his cloths, as everyone enters the boy takes to a knee and begins to pleaded for his life "M'Lords, Lady please spare me, I beg you I just what to go home. "His is trembling in total fear, the sight of more armored men has set the boy into a panic. "I was just to help the cook, I'm a farmer boy and my father told me I had to go this them."

The boy looks more frighten by Jadis then anyone else, "I understand priestess, I know the fire is stronger." The boy sounds delirious as he speaks directly to Jadis as if she was leading the men.

Looking back a Ronan "M'Lord I told you everything." He starts to cry noisily, and then begins to have a hard time breathings and takes deep breaths.

"Nice to see you joined us" as Ronan stands from the table. Putting his left hand on the boy's head "He says he is from the north of here less then 2 days travel. .... isn't that rite boy.?. .... He was the cooks apprentice and was with soldiers patrolling these areas." Stroking the boy's hair now .... "5 nights ago they were attacked by a large number, they over took them under a banner the boy described as a burning heart, .... that's what you said rite boy.?.," as he nods, crying.

In Ronan's hand he holds a dagger it has the mark of Dylann's balcksmith, (for a moment it looked as if he was going to cut the boys throat)
"this boy and the men on the field are from House Dylann at lest that's what the dagger says, so if they are the solider then the Red Twins were the bandits. ..... We've been lead on a wild chase."

Waiting for the armored men to clear the door before he joins them Maester Archibald does not wait much longer than it takes to assess the situation before he passes forward between the now unnecessary guards to address Ronan directly.

”Thank you for securing this information for us, now perhaps it would be best if we put some of the blades away, unless you have a use for it I will keep the dagger to examine later and I think everyone in armor should step outside while I make an honest effort to get to the bottom of this wild chase since we have bothered to come all this way.  If you can spare a messenger you should send one back to the castle immediately to let them know we would like to be able to speak to the twins again upon our return if they can be convinced to stay that long.”

Not quite prying Ronan's hand off the boy's head the Maester's insistent hands do however make an effort to separate the boy from such an obvious agitation as he kneels down to offer the boy something to drink from a flask. ”This drink will help you calm down, now that you are safe that can only help.”

"I have what I can here for,  ... men clear out, ... allow Maester to perform his duties." Ronan is excited, "Maester is right, .... Makarios send your fastest scout back, tell my father to keep those Red Twin bastards there for as long as they can. Tell him everything you saw here and that we have proof that they have given false testimonies."


"Maester Archibald you have some time, not much .... do what you need to do and we leave within the hour"


Ronan stops at the door and looks back at the boy then Archibald, "Our prisoner has he died yet?" his voice is somewhat condescending and cruel. Ronan has little tack when it comes to these things.

Offering Ronan a nod in thanks for accepting his advice so graciously Maester Archibald spares the man a moment longer to address his question.

”He has not yet, it would be best if none enter the wagon as any amount of disruption may change that outcome, I will be done here within the hour one way or another.”

Jadis raised her hand. "Hold your patience tight, brother. While we should send a runner to have them detained, we should present him with all the facts and allow him to examine the evidence rather than simply claim proof." She looked over the children "Including the testimony of the witnesses. There is much about this that seems off. While the Red Twins assuredly have many crimes to answer for, I think perhaps someone trying to play games with us."

She approached the kneeling boy, Brutus circling around him and sniffing. "Why did you just call me a priestess, child?" She looked at his clothes critically, mentally comparing their quality to what she knew of the servants of House Kolwyn.

In reply to Jadis Sand (msg # 80):

The farmer and his family stay quiet and his children do the same. The boy is very much afraid of Jadis. He almost starts to tremble as she questions him. "You just remind me of the women that burned the men". Lowering his head and taking a small step back as he speaks.

In reply to Jadis Sand (msg # 80):

"Sister we do and will have plenty of proof, first we have this boy, we have the colors of a family that belongs to this area. When Archibald is finished saving our prisoner he can bear testimony. Which I believe will show even more proof that they were not honest and that they in fact are the bandits".


"Jadis you have given me an idea, Archibald the boy comes with us, he will also be in your care as we sort through this mess." It seems the drink is fading away, and like normal his is taking charge until he gets angered and starts drinking again.

Jadis keeps looking into the boy's eyes intently. "And how do I remember you of that woman?" Behind him, Brutus lets out a low rumble.

In reply to Jadis Sand (msg # 83):

The boy is now frightened, so much of Jadis he starts to curl up, ... His eyes start to water, His shoulders fold in, as his head hides in between, ..... he slouches over and takes another step back. "Please don't hurt me, I beg you, please, ..."

It was then that the older knight who had largely been quiet, who was there more for security reasons had stepped in. "Son, don't worry, I won't let any one hurt you," he dropped down to one knee to better talk to him on his own level. He took off his helmet so he could better see his face. "It took a lot of courage to tell us what you knew, a very knightly virtue." Hassan introduced himself, "I am Ser Hassan of Raven's Roost, what's yours?"

(sorry about lack of color posted from phone)

In reply to Ser Hassan Ravenhowe (msg # 85):

The boy is still scared, between what he has been through and seen at the field, its likely that he will be this way for sometime. "They call me Gerrin, I come from the village of 'Dyland'."


.

"Jadis please leave," he said to her as he attempted to speak with the boy. "Where are your parents son?" he asked hoping they were still alive. "Gerrin of Dyland, that's a strong name for a strong lad. Now son, we're going to need you to come with us, but don't worry once we are done, I'll make sure to get you home. But what you saw is very important for making sure these bad people get what they deserve; do you understand Gerrin?"


((If these are his parents and I misread something please ignore the question)

In reply to Ser Hassan Ravenhowe (msg # 87):

"Yes Lord Knight, I understand."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Fri 20 June 2014.

Ser Hassan smiled at the boy, and rubbed his back in a comforting manner. "So tell me about your self boy, are you training to become a silk dyer like others in your Village? I was actually trained by my own father to be a smith. Made my own armor that I'm wearing now." Ser Hassan seemed a rather gentleman, which was odd for some one who had a reputation for leading cavalry charges against the Targaryens.

"Really you were a smiths son?" Wow does that mean I could be a knight?"

The boys fear has slowly been lifted from him as if Ser Hassan waves a magic wand or something. The boy is not only talking to him but its almost as if he now has a new aura about him. The farmer and his wife look shocked at the openness of the boy as if they have never seen him this way before. They too almost look happier now that the boy is calm and speaking clearly to Ser Hassan. The farm family huddles together with arm & hand over shoulder as if they are approving what they are seeing.

For a warrior, fighter, killer it seem that Ser Hassan has a gentle side.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:42, Fri 20 June 2014.

In reply to Caladin (msg # 90):

"Any man, with determination, and a true heart can change their stars lad," he said with a smile. "I am looking for a new squire too, I understand your parents can't feed you. Once all of this is said and done with how would you like to join the Knights of Raven's Roost?" he said to him with a friendly face. "You strong of arm? Let me see you make a muscle," he said gesturing with his own arm.


EDITED
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Sat 21 June 2014.

In reply to Ser Hassan Ravenhowe (msg # 91):

Ser Hassan has won the boy over, and somewhat the farmer and his family.

Not wanting to interfere with the process of taming the child until it was quite finished, beyond the use of the mild sedative, Maester Archibald busies himself with inspecting the home itself, looking for telltale clues that could be linked to any recent intrusions, odd visitors, or items out of place in the presumed social context.

Once things are more settled the Maester once again returns to the dialog to offer what assistance he can, addressing the child in a calm but matter of fact way uncommonly used on the children of small-folk.

”I have no doubt Ser Hassan will prove an able tutor in the ways of the sword and honor but I am afraid we must all return to the castle shortly, if there is anything you wish to say to these fine folks who sheltered you in their home now would be the time.”

"I agree with the Maester, we need to ride hard back to the castle to report this news before some ill fate befalls those who remain," Ser Hassan walked up toward the people and nodded to them. "I want to thank you all for saving this boys life, when I return home, I will make sure you are duly compensated," he bowed his head to the man and wife before him.

In reply to Ser Hassan Ravenhowe (msg # 94):

The farmer's family are ecstatic over the offer, they politely refused at first but when offered a second time they gladly accept.

The boy seems very happy in the company of Ser Hassan and is not so fearful anymore, both the Maester and Hassan feel pretty confident they will be able to get a good deal of information from the boy within the next few days once they reach the safety of the castle.

Ronan has grown inpatient and before heading back drinks heavy at the expense of the farmer's fermented grain alcohol.

The group is now ready and a scout has been sent back to the castle. It will be just over one days travel back. So if the weather holds they should reach home before the next night fall.

"Blessings of the seven upon you," said Ser Hassan as he left the tent with the boy in tow. "Have you ever ridden a horse before Gerrin?" he asked as he lifted the boy up and into the saddle of his own horse before taking the seat behind him. "Come now lets return to the keep, and Ronan... if you keep drinking the way you do you'll die of Dehydration before we even return."

In reply to Ser Hassan Ravenhowe (msg # 96):


"I'd worry less about what I drink and more about what Raven Claw plans to do about all this, ..."

He kicks his horse hard and rides out past the farm gates and keeps going up the path in front of the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Mon 23 June 2014.

"Ser Hassan not to interfere with the lords business but its his father that I would think about and what he will say about these past few day, ... respectfully saying."


Makarios points at one man "you scout ahead and you" as he point to another "keep our 'Lord' safe" "Go quickly!"

The guards, soldiers, scouts and men one by one ride to catch up with their lord as one stays behind with the wagon and the Maester, and his prisoner.

"We'll need to make sure we present our evidence in the correct manner, politicks some times can be the downfall of justice, if one thing or another is just the wrong way, the twins will attempt to worm their way out of it, so far what we have presented is That the men of House Dylan were attacked and killed by the Twins of House Amaranth dawn, This is correct yes?" Hassan was known for having the occasional problem with memory from various hits to the helmet, he normally wrote things down to remember, but having such luxuries on a short expedition he did not think to bring.

Leaving the lords and knights to their work the Maester returns to his own, closing the flaps of the wagon and dedicating his focus to the prisoner who may yet turn out to be useful even if only as a second opinion.

In reply to Archibald Sand (msg # 101):

Your skill has saved his life, not only will he make a full recovery. All his abilities will be fine except his speech ( due to missing tongue ).

RECAP

The Knights of Raven's Claw and several members of house Kolwyn head out first lite to investigate the ambush site of the Red Twins.

The prisoner left by the Red Twins is taken on the trip. Archibald Sand is an incredible healer and Maester, he saves the prisoner even when on the road.

Makarios Lestat and his hunters preform well and help discover trails that may confirm that the 'Bandits' in question come from the land held by the family Dylann.

Jadis Sands takes it upon herself to go with, and Makarios is ask to watch over her by orders of Ronan. Jadis is in no need for a baby sitter and proves her weight when the time called for it.

The Ambush site was much more then a battle field is was a display of torture and inhuman actions. Many were burned and some staked. several clue were found that leads the group to believe that perhaps there were no bandits and the men were from

Ronan tends to his usual drinking but also finds a farming house near by the ambush site that holds important clues behind what the group now believe to be the truth - the twins maybe have given a false testimonies to the events.

Ser Hassan Ravenhowe befriends a boy (Gerrin) who was found at the farm, he not only witness the attack and events but is also from the Village of Dyland of House Dylann.

They have gathered their things and heads back to the castle. They bring with them several clues, a dagger, a torn piece of a banner, and a young boy, .......

After an uneventful trip back - except for Ronan heavy drinking and insults, they are once again home.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Wed 25 June 2014.

  This scene has ended, a new thread will be posted.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Scene:4, Group:1

All players in this scene will be awarded 1 experience


Note bonuses were award to Archibald Sand for saving a life that was not going to live & Ser Hassan Ravenhowe for befriending the boy an important events.

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