A closer evaluation of the bridge shows that indeed it is well crafted, with large river stones cemented together with some binding agent. You note no cracks in stone or mortar. The span itself is of treated wooden slates that hold many coats of thick paint. In other circumstances you might it to be a quaint place to picnic...except for that smell.

Uthecar is on edge.  Enough so that his axe is out and he twists it anxiously in his hands like he is waiting for an excuse to use it.  "The smell is certainly wrong.  It seems to me it is more a lure to lead us on.  Be wary.  Could this be illusion?  I am ill versed in what tricks the power of illusion can play on the senses."

Ulrich detects evil and looks all around as he heads for the bridge too.

As the party moves towards the bridge Bruno replies, "I don't know anything about illusions either, Uthecar, but this foul scent and the unseasonal conditions of this area seems like something more profound.

"Of course, that doesn't mean that there aren't illusionary traps on the bridge or elsewhere. A power that might have this influence is not something to underestimate.

"Let's stay together, and keep our eyes open, fellows!"

PM

Kullonar waits for his companions, but replies to them as they approach, "And the smell could just be a dead elk somewhere, although I do not see any carrion vultures or other scavengers. And there are two mounds it seems: one on this side of the river and a smaller one on the other.
"The bridge looks like it is new construction. What do you make of it Uthecar?"

Uthecar does approach the bridge looking at the abutment with interest.  He sees there are no cracks in the mortar the substance used to bind the rock together holding well.  He runs his hand along the painted wooden planks and moves to look under the bridge if possible, replying to Kullonar as he does so.  "I don't think new Kullonar, there are many coats of paint upon this wood, so it appears it has been well looked after by someone for some time."

As you climb the bridge and do your inspection, you note a slowly gathering flock of very large rooks that are alighting in the trees. They seem very interested in your presence and call out to you in loud caws.

Bruno notes the ravens and pauses, "They seem to be speaking to us... It just so happens, my friends, that I may actually do that with The Soul Forger's help.

"Let's see what they wish to discuss, shall we?"

OOC: It's unclear to me where the birds are related to us as we clilmb the bridge. If Bruno wants to use his Speak w/Animals spell (30' range) will he have to cross to the other side or go back from where they have begun to cross?

I guess it's rather academic, because whatever the case Bruno is approaching the ravens and when in range he will cast his spell to understand what they are saying.

Uthecar inspects the bridge as he shadows Bruno in case the spell leaves him vulnerable to attack from the ravens or elsewhere.

Ulrich follows, wary with the sense of evil about. He draws his sword.

Myrrick places a hand on his halberd, “Watch yourselves... those birds are far too large for their type. Bigger even than crows. I’d wager something unnatural is going on. I am unable to speak to them. I haven’t learned that trick yet.”

"Ravens are bigger than crows, some learn to speak common. They are the source of the evil, something else is out there as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Fri 10 July 2020.

"You definitely register something evil is present Ulrich?"

"There is evil about, yes. Very low amount as far as what I feel, but that would be due to distance! Be very wary!"

In reply to Ulrich Aelgrimm (msg # 34):

OOC - edited message 32. The Ravens are evil.

Ulrich determines the rooks are evil. Bruno approaches the trees and casts speak w/ Animals and gets catcalls for his troubles. At this point, they don't seem inclined to do anything but watch and hurl occasional insults your way.

Uthecar's inspection is spot on...it well cared for bridge.

Myrrick's analysis proves spot: the birds are indeed larger than normal.

At this point the party is a bit spread out. The vale is quiet, it is cold.

Party actions, please.

"Shall we look for a way into the barrows? Or just explore the valley outside them?"

"Whilst I would prefer the barrows, we ought to quickly check above ground before we venture under it I think.  Let's keep together so we are united if anything should appear."

OOC:  Reading between the lines there could be a warning there from the DM.

Bruno asks several questions and the birds just offer the crow version of raspberries and fart sounds in response. He returns to the party, "Well, they ought to have been willing to communicate, but... Nothing. They're certainly vile things."

He glances about, "I've wasted as more time in all of this than I ought to have. Something tells me that we're best served going into the barrows and learning whatever spawned or ensorcelled these creatures."

"No matter what we do, we need to do it now. Is there a wizard in our number, or just priests?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Sun 12 July 2020.

"Zan, who you may have noted using the wand of magic missile earlier knows something of arcane magic, but we have no one amongst us who specializes in it.

"But as you quite correctly say, let's get moving toward the Barrow. I can't believe that whatever has perverted this place is not doing it from there."

I possess certain arcane abilities," Zan replied. "Along with my wand, of course."

30 minutes has passed. You are still near or at the bridge over the stream. You see two rounded hillocks, or perhaps mounds - you're still not sure and its a bit do distance away.

Party actions, please. I'm assuming standard marching order - let me know if anything changes.

"Will you be casting area of affects spells such as the ball of fire that we need to be wary of before charging our enemies? To get our strategy and tactics better."