Through the branches of Hangman's Tree, a chill wind blows. Crickets chirp in the wet grass below. A silver moon, nearly full, illuminates the road south to the distant Brecconary and north to Rimuldar not far away. Unfortunately for the bandits waiting to pounce on a coach, the moon's silver rays work against concealment.

Like a squirrel, Frank crept out from the trunk on a low hanging branch. From here, he figures, he should be able to pounce on the carriage as it passes beneath. Hopefully, there will be enough leaves to hide him.

Iridia stands by the tree, waiting.

Not long before the moon reaches its peak, a lantern-bearing carriage becomes visible down the road. It makes its way closer at a trot. Two horses pull the coach and a single driver sits atop it. There is no luggage visible.

By the time it reaches Hangman's Tree, Iridia and Frank can see the driver, an ordinary man dressed in a plain traveling cloak and wide-brimmed hat.

Iridia was leaning back on the tree, her legs crossed and her hips moving slowly back and forth. She was getting impatient. She would have entertained herself by exchanging words with Frank, but she still kept her decision of giving him the silent treatment for a while.

Once the carriage was in sight, Iridia became a little worried since there was no luggage atop it, "There is no luggage, frank, are you sure you should jump?" She whispered up to Frank as she waved her hand, beckoning the carriage to stop.

Frank sees the coach approach, but no luggage to accompany it's passengers. Perhaps there is some on the rack on the back, but not visible from where he is sitting. Then the necklace would in the carriage, most likely on a passengers neck. Then there would be little point of him getting beaten to bits for it. Frank looks into the carriage. If he could see someone wearing it, he could just sit this one out. But then why wouldn't he, or she, not carry any luggage at all?

[Private to GM: 15:10, Today: Frank the Fiddler rolled 8 using 3d6. Observation, lvl 11. Thisn't is to see into the coach, that would be a secret roll for you. I want to know what kind of carriage this is, daily commute or long distance?]

Brecconary is quite a distance away, so the coach should be carrying some luggage. However, it's entirely possible that it's inside with the passengers. The curtains are drawn so there's no way to see inside.

Curtains drawn, no external luggage, a dark and ominous rider; These people aren't just expecting trouble, they are practically looking for it. Frank is having serious doubts about their plan. Maybe it's a trap! Maybe Iridia could see it as well, but if she were to get in the coach, she'd be dead! Sure, they aren't on speaking terms, but this is a bit more serious than a little quarrel. But how he warn her now, with the coach so close!

OOC: I don't know how risky the situation is, but Frank probably would know. So if Iridia gets in the coach he would weigh his chances of getting caught if he drops down on the back, and if the penalty would be 5 or less, he would hop on. If Iridia thinks it's a trap too, he wouldn't even bother.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Wed 29 Oct 2008.

The coach arrives at the Hangman's Tree.

"Hellooooo!" Iridia called the coach's driver while she waved her hand high in the air, "Please stop!"

----

[Private to GM: 12:25, Today: Iridia Silvermane rolled 8 using 3d6. Observation.]

"Whoa!" the man commands his horses as he pulls back on the reins.

"What seems to be the trouble?" His wide-brimmed hat shadows his face from the moonlight, but Iridia can tell he's an older man, slender and wind-weathered with crows feet in the corners of his eyes. His stubble is gray, as is most of his short hair, though some black remains.

Iridia quickly hobbled towards the side of the driver's seat of the coach. She placed a hand on her chest politely as if she was out of breath. She looked at the driver with pleading eyes.

"Oh, thank you for stopping sir." Iridia said with pleading eyes, "You are heading for Rimuldar, right? Do you have room for one more? I... I am afraid of going back by myself."

[Private to GM: 12:12, Today: Iridia Silvermane rolled 9 using 3d6. Acting.]

"Certainly, my lady. Have a seat."

Frank eyes the driver. He doesn't look like a lawmen, but still...
Maybe he should tag along, just in case...
Or maybe he'd just screw up again.
Frank braces himself, ready to jump when the wagon wobbles, and waits...

OOC: What room is there on the back of the coach? Could one hide there without being in full view of the driver? Is there a back-window for the passengers?

"Oh thank you, thank you, sir!" Iridia said estatically, but then stared at the driver for a bit, then at the road ahead, then at the coach, "Um, sir, can I ride in the couch? Please... this road is too cold forboding. Please, if its not a burden to those inside." Iridia was hugging herself, trying to show that she was shivering. Her eyes were also teary, with a fearful feeling of what lies ahead.

[Private to GM: 12:30, Today: Iridia Silvermane rolled 9 using 3d6. Acting.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Thu 30 Oct 2008.

^{OOC: Stripe, on behalf of Iridia Silvermane, rolled 13 using 3d6. Reaction Roll.}

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I'm afraid you'll have to keep me company up here," the driver says as he leans over to offer his hand up. "I don't want to wake Lady Devonshire at this hour. Rimuldar's just up the road a short piece."