For a time, the rolling plains called the Rhovanion stretch on and the days pass in a blur.  Then ahead there is a small, isolated mountain range barely worthy of the name.  When asked for a name, neither of the dwarves can answer.  Saris rarely speaks and speaks softly when she does.  Xar doesn't speak at all, when he is with the group at all.

Kornari is silent, maybe even contemplative for the first couple of days of travel.  By day three, though, he is more chatty.  There is still an arrogance to his words and speaks often of his future empire, but now a joviality exists to it as if it is some grand running joke.

A day out from the small mountains, the group crests a small hill to see Xar waiting below.  Saris hurries to where he squats.  No words pass between them that the men can see, but Saris indicates there is trouble ahead.

"Ahead there is a camp, men of some sort.  Xar counts twelve armed and armored and not novices to combat."

Toben puts a hand up to his forehead and squints toward the camp. "Was Xar able to make out anything to identify them? Marks of heraldry, or the like?"

Or we just go around, downwind from them if possible.

In reply to Klale Tsolo (msg # 4):

"As with all men, I have no doubt this lot has to evacuate their bladders from time to time. I could go hide near their accustomed pee spots and see if I can overhear anything if we care to take the time. Though unless we have reason to think otherwise, it does seem that simply avoiding them may allow us to get about our work most quickly."

Toben nods. "It seems a scout would do some good here. If they seem hostile, then we move along. If not, perhaps they may have seen something or could provide clues."

Klale shrugs. If that's what you want to do. If you get caught, you'll have to talk fast. They'll assume you're hostile...anyway, I would.

Phineas slips on his grey cloak and makes his way closer to the camp to see if he can pick up any additional details about the group's intentions or affiliations. Since interacting with the group doesn't seem vital for their mission, he errs on the side of caution wherever possible, doing his best to avoid the risk of capture and being watchful for any kind of alarms or guard animals.

Toben watches Phineas wander off and waits for his return.

While doing nothing, sleep...which is what Klale does unless called on to keep watch.

After a long wait, a bedraggled, wild-eyed Phineas stumbles back into the camp. He sits heavily on the ground, breathing hard and taking several minutes to recover himself.

"Cannibals," he gasps out shortly, clearly having a hard time getting his thoughts together. "They're cannibals, and self-mutilators. There are 12 of them, and they are…wrong. They cut themselves, attach their armor to their bodies, and eat people. We should give them a wide berth. I never want to see the like again."

Let's go...downwind. You need a bit or rest or water, Phineas?