Caitlin, Keliantharas, Kora, Moonflute, Talrand, and Tavion were riding on a woodland road west of Flotsam, even beyond Micah. They had all decided to take the light war horses that Lord Toede had given them for various jobs they had done for him out for a ride for the first time.

As it was wintertime, there were no leaves on the trees, nor any leafy vegetation on the ground, nor any flowers. And the woods were quiet, other than the noises from the group and their horses. Most of the time, the horses's hoves stepped on the hard-packed dirt, but sometimes the road they were following went over rocks and added a metal-on-rock sound to their travels when horseshoes and rock collided as the horses walked over them.

The area smelled mostly of the horses they were riding



[OOC: As I started the First Quest in media res and players wanted time to get to know each other before the action started, we're taking a slow, uneventful ride in the woods so that you can do that this time.

Each of you has been given a light warhorse with a military saddle, saddlebags, and bit and bridle. You can add that to your character sheet. This also means that you will have to pay 5 sp each per day so that your horse can stay in a stable while you are in town.]

[OOC: With Keliantharas's current situation, I decided I'd start the IC thread so that everyone can start getting to know each other. And he and I will get to the feedback I need from him when we get to it.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:28, Mon 09 Oct 2023.

The first thing that struck the eye, looking at the woman, was not her long black hair, which she keept braided while out and about, it wasn't the green eyes nor the gentle smile that played around her lips, it was the silvery breastplate, greaves and gauntlets she wore. Elaborately crafted from a rare metal, and accompanied by a masterfully fashioned spear; her gear showed signs of wear and tear, despite being well maintained, telling everyone it wasn't for decoration. The raven-haired mercenary carried herself with an air of confidence and determination but was in no way unapproachable.

As she rode her new steed through the woods for the first time, a large horned owl perched herself between Caitlin and the horse's thick neck. In times when the mercenary expected trouble, Athena took to the air filling the role of the eye in the sky, warning her mistress with hoots or through the emotional bond between a familiar and sorceress. Caitlin rode near the front taking in the forest they passed through, showing only few signs of life where some cold-resistant plants fought silently for survival. Dutifully her mount, which she had not named yet, stopped as the mercenary pulled on the reigns. White plumes of condensed water puffed from their mouths as they two exhaled almost in unison. She didn't like the winter, the lands were drab and grey, save for the times when snow covered the ugliness in a blanket of pristine white.

"Athena," she said, causing the bird to turn her head 180° to watch her two-legged friend, "Find yourself some nice lunch... if there's anything left." the mercenary told her feathered companion. Athena hooted a few times, which caused Caitlin to nod in an affirmative fashion, before taking off hunting some hapless rodent searching for food itself. For a moment the sorceress sat in silence, staring off into the distance.

As he rides unsteadily, one would feel sorry for Kora's mount. Not only is the animal carrying Kora's bulk (7'4", 425 lbs), but a full set of platemail, a large steel shield, a few other weapons, and a fully stuffed backpack with miner's tools strapped beneath it. Kora can be heard muttering "poor thing, maybe I ought to carry you sometime. Please don't throw me off...." The minotaur rides like he's never ridden a horse before.... which is likely. He has a Medallion of Faith around his thick neck depicting a horned deity and carries a healer's kit on his hip. The longsword in its sheathe has exceptional filigree inlaid in the pommel and looks well cared for.
 He works hard at not being imposing, being quiet and reserved while they ride. The only cracks in his demeanor occur when someone starts cracking jokes, or worse, puns. Then he does his best to join in, laughing uproariously at particularly bad puns. He breaks the silence eventually. "I encountered the oddest thing last week. A cookie golem. Fully baked, gave off heat. But it was driven mad by imp poison. Very strange."

Caitlin quirked an eyebrow at the minotaur's claim, then smirked "So, how did you solve the problem - pray for a shower of milk?" she asked, wondering what the priest was up to.

Kora shakes his shaggy head. "No. Tried reasoning while grappling it. It did not respond. Tried to negate the poison. The spell slid off. Finally had to use my sword on it. Nothing fancy, just a cookie cutter solution...." he drops a pause, then a rumbling of laughter emerges as a belly laugh. "True story!" he gasps out.

"I guess that's how the cookie crumbles." Caitlin remarked, grinning. She wasn't sure if she could believe him but wasn't going to question his story. "Is that how you gained your fame, slaying cookie monsters?" the sorceress asked, with no ill intent.

Tavion's demeanor was that of someone comfortable on the road: he was calm, relaxed, and constantly scanning for any potential threats. A copper medallion of faith which displayed the single rose of Majere hung prominently from his neck, catching any stray gleams from the sun.

Slung across his back was a longbow and quiver. The craftsmanship of the bow was exquisite, suggesting archery was not just a hobby. His clean robe and well-organized possessions pointed towards him being a very disciplined man. He let out a soft chuckle at the conversation and continued to listen as he warily watched for any threats.