continue   RP here, for those  in Bowshot thread.

Ignoring Mystals taunt Justin noted the fire pit had some logs set about it. Selecting a suitable one he sat and ate, during which he asked how Javal found the going.

Kr'wyn fires a torch at the small fire and searches the remaining parts of the small house. When nothing is found, he looks for a lantern to go outside with some light in the storm.

Javal shrugged at Justin's question.

He was stretching and had put down his crossbow.  After a moment he responded.

"It's boring so far.  Just a long hike through the woods.  Guess that is a good thing though?  It's nice to have peace on occasion and not bandits and brigands everywhere.  Know how much further it is to meet up with your friends?"

He had finished stretching and pulled his hood back.  With them being away from the city he wanted more periphreal vision to see more going on in the forest.  Javal's black hair had a short cropped ceasar style and it was laid flat.  His eleven ears seemed to stick out more because of this.  Black stubble appeared on his chin and upper lip.  As he spoke he was constantly looking around.

"Don't mind me.  I'm always looking for an ambush.  My train of though makes me thing where would I want to ambush from so I naturally am looking for where others would ambush."

"I don't know if there's too much we can do.  It looks like whoever, or whatever, did this has been gone for some time and we certainly aren't going to find any tracks in this."

Suddenly he pauses as his eyes brighten.  Slowly they relax as his brow furrows...

Rising, he moves over to the door and peers out at the other two homes they passed.

"...and if it hasn't left, then it's not done yet."

In reply to Javal Enrouse (msg # 4):

Master Javal it doth soundeth Thee be missing Thy homeland. Ast We are travelling through rolling grassland Justin comments then looks around warily as either the half drow or himself may be under the influence of an enchantment.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Tue 07 Feb 2017.

  There is a bit of Understanding  as  Gring  Looks  around in the   , slowly warming, Cabin...you think  ..whatever  done this?..is  still here?


 Krwyn can take  the lantern Gring had  used. There is  another r Lantern on the  table, and One  near Chair and  by the  far  window.

  the land they travel, is ..indeed..grass, with the.  exception of  Tree and  Brush Growing nearer  the  River.

 to the   west are  some slowly gathering  Trees, but the  forest  doesn't   start again until they get Closer  to the  Patch Houses.

"Yes, I do miss my home.  As I said though, I am always looking for an ambush.  A thick area of grass overgrown or hill could hide something unforeseen.  How much longer till we reach our destination?"

Javal sat down and began to eat his food.  He was glad they were away from the town.  It seemed more a military outpost than a town anyway.

In reply to Javal Enrouse (msg # 9):

Myranda gives Javal a knowing supportive smile Aye, keeping vigilant practically everywhere is the best way to stay alive, especially now that you're a Crimson Arrow.

In reply to Javal Enrouse (msg # 9):

Justin related what he was told by the Guard Captain. Fortified by his meal he rose Best be on our way then. he prompts. Paralleling the road they moving across country.

"I don't know for certain, young one, but I damn well aim to find out."

  Gring nodded  as he looked  around, from where he stood by the fire.....

  Krwyn went out  with the LAntern..the  rain was still pelting down... it did  not look like it would  be a good  night  to find   anyone...anything...

 He did  notice  the Lighting was  easing up...but the storm was still in full fury.

The trio walked for miles across the undulating grassland. Monetarily Justin wondered how it was that this area appeared to be untended and unused, he suspected it was exactly that reason that they were being contracted. Raiders, monsters or simply because many people didn't care to make the difficult choices.

Myranda glanced at the roller and drow. I may as well travel ahead without you, I dare say the revelry of the countryside will be much better company than being obliged to walk with two such dullards.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

"Nothing outside to see. Could mean a  few things: the perpetrator is still near but out of sight, perhaps in one of the two houses where we saw lights, it could be invisible, or it is gone." Kr'wyn holds the lamp high to see if there is something hiding in the rafters.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

Justin gave Myranda a cursory glance Mistress of the Glen if Thy feel a need of something to Occupy Thee. Perhaps scouting ahead 500 yard be suitable he instructs pointing towards a slight rise they were headed toward.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

"Either way, the plan was to stay elsewhere so we need to pass by them anyway.  Wouldn't be a thorough sweep if we didn't.  Gring, let us know when you are up to return through this accursed weather.  I'll keep an eye on those two other homes."

  Gring  tried to look tough,..I'm ready to go now!...I  can get warmed  up, back at the  House , when we are done.... I don't  think this storm will ease. until   close to sunrise....

Sword in hand and lit lantern in his other hand, Kr'wyn leads the other two men from the deserted house outside on the way to the lighted houses.

     Krwyn, Haildas, and Gring, approach  the  first house on the  Riverside of the road. Behind them the  Light of the fire  casts a soft glow in the  empty house.

    as they near the  first house, they can hear the sounds  of  Pots and pans along with the  noise of a water pump handle  being worked.

   The last of the Three houses  is a go 50 yards away on the Riverside of the  road.

   As the three   headed  down the  road in the  damp sunshine. The  light breeze was  still abit chilly. Not  far from ahead was the  first  of the patch houses.

  There were people in the  yards chopping  wood   or Stacking stones near the road.

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 22):

Motioning for the other two to close up on him. Justin approached the Farmfolk, raising a hand peacefully. Good morrow to Thee good folk, how farest Thee this fine morn. he greeted
This message was last edited by the player at 23:05, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

Moving cross-country Myranda maintained a 30' spacing between herself and Javal who was trailing after the roller. When he signaled to close up Myranda jogged forward, reaching the drow and matched his pace as they jogged forward.

  The folks look at Justin, and older fellow, but still seemingly, in good  shape.. stacks a stone  about chest high. He wipes  his  foerhead. a kid  comes over with a Bucket of  water and a ladle. The fellow  drinks  and offers  some to the three travelers.

 ...we   fare, fair enough.... You folks    Mercs? or  just looking  fer  work?

As they had approached the first patch of houses, Javal had let out a sigh of relief.  They had traveled with no 'bumps in the road' and had made it down with out any problems.

Looks could be deceiving though.  As he traveled he carried his crossbow up, but now that they were near people he carried it angled down.   His arms ached from carrying the crossbow out, but it was important to be ready to fire.

The people seemed alright.  No blood was obvious and they were working their day to day activities.   What is the problem here?

As Justin motioned them to come up to him, Javal simply took two steps forward.  He was right behind or near Justin the whole way.

Scanning the area constantly, Javal was looking for an ambush.  He got the feeling the problem wasn't here but further in or perhaps at another area.

Nodding to the man, Javal gave a short nod and took a drink from the ladle.

Looking to Justin to speak, he did not wish to step on his toes and waited for Justin to say something.

In reply to Justin ect (msg # 25):

Indeed we be that, Master; two of our comrades in arms travelleth this way earlier this week. We were delayeth in Bowshot an seeketh to join them. Wouldst Perchance any of Thee hath seen them on the way. He asks describing Haildas and Krwyn
This message was last edited by the player at 23:06, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

Myranda takes the offered ladle dips it in the bucket and drinks two full ladles, giving the youth a friendly smile as she returns it thanking them for their kindness.

  The  older  fellow nodded,..They went  down the road... Lookin' fer  the one who sent the bounty  call out.... didn't think anyone would answer..not a lot of  coin, fer  riskin' yer  life...

 a Fellow  who was younger then the old guy, but  much older then the lad, brought a rather impressive  rock to the  pile  and put it  down , rather  gently , so's as not to crack it.

 ..if there is  risk to be had? I still say, then folks  just run off.... why do you think  this patch houses  are here.. why  they never grew into a town?  we ain't the first folks who lived here..won't be the last...

the  kid hands  a ladle to the  younger man,..i think the  serpants  got them...or gobs... gobs like to eat river folks...

The workers statements reflects an outlook that  saddens Myranda giving him the boy an empathatic look. Kneeling beside the boy she rests a caring hand on his shoulderIf there be Goblins hereabout; and it be The Sisters Will, we shall  persuade them to seek less hazardous place to be. she informs glancing at the arrows. Looking at the Mason Master Mason would you know how is it that the guard in Bowshot don't keep this area clear of such threats?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

  The  fellow laughs,..Master Mason?.. not me... one of the ways  us patch houses make  coin, is to have good river stone waiting for the Stone  cutter to  buy , he comes  2 times a month...

 The older  man speaks up,..The Bowshot guard...is  the Bowshot guard.. they watch the roads..the ferry and  protect the town... they send patrols out..but.. we'd do better just  having a ranger or two  hunting in the  trees and grassland... If it weren't  for the Tress helping  keep teh shores in tact, we would have thinned them out long ago.. .they help keep the alrger  serpents from reaching too far in shore as well.... The trade off?  it  Gives  Gobs and kolbods  and such  cover to work.

"So far things here seem normal.  Let's just have a walk around the house quick; one can never be too sure."

His grip tightens around the leather wrapping of his mace.  Slowly creeping forward, he peers around the second house making certain to look towards the roof.  If some beast or man of ill-fortune were indeed present this night, he would make certain it regretted its' decision.

 there does not  seem to be anything lurking onto the houses... in the darkness, the flashes of  Lighting. light the place up rather well for a heartbeat or two, before going back to the wet piych dark.

 The Ranger's House seems to be the best built of the  3 in this Patch. There also seems to be an area Cleared across the road with some  logs lying  about. As if someone has intentions  on building there.

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 31):

True, Bowshot be for bowshot. Justin remarks in support of the Homesteaders statement. Glancing at the trees clustered on the Rivers edge.  Tis a pity there be nay Rangers hereabouts. But such be beyond we mortals to fathom. Wouldst Thee be able to direct us to the House Our associates, headed towards.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

  The older Fellow points  to down the road......two more  sets of Patch houses  down the road. I think the young woman who got the bounty letter together lives there...

 The younger man motions for another ladle  of water, as the boy  gives it to him, he says,got rangers  running about... the last set of  rangers has an older fellow, who is  retring from  the job.....Still..a  ranger  slipping threough the grasses or the trees, might scare them off... or?  might just push them towards  someone else

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 35):

Thanking the Homesteaders Justin handed each a gp for their assistance. Heading towards the house they indicated.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Wed 01 Mar 2017.

Javal nodded to them and thanked them for the water.  As Justin turned to move, Javal followed.

He scouted the trees and landscape for places of ambush with his eyes always darting.  Areas near the river afforded embankments and low areas to shield oneself or hide.

"Hope they are ok.  Sounds like goblins could be an issue.  Do slavers roam so close to Bowshot?"

In reply to Javal Enrouse (msg # 37):

One would hessitate to speculate, however there be those who wouldst try. If they were successful it wouldst prompt such to continue.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

Haildas continues to hold his grip, nodding to Krwyn that all seemed clear.  Moving back around to the front again he peers into the surrounding darkness.  The storm was beating down making it near impossible to see...until the lightning flashed.  For a moment the world was bathed in light and he frantically flashed his gaze to and fro in search of any movement.

  to the  three who stood in the storm, two thinks were plain to see.

  1.....If there was anyone here...they would have a damn tough time seeing them, let alone  tracking them.

  2... If there was someone here...they would have been aware of them, when they lit up the cabin..and thus.. knew right were they were...

   after chatting  with the who were out, The  three continued  down the road,The ruts   were filmed  with Muddy water... and the sunn was starting to cause the air to get thick from the soggy grass giving up, some of its  moisture.

 the  road  didn't veer much from the river,  and  was it bent  a little with the shore line, they could see the second  path houses in the diatance

"In this storm, we can't find anyting or anyone and we can be seen by everyone who would like to avoid us. Lets go back to your house and wait till the morning for a proper search, although the storm would have washed away much, I'm afraid," tells Kr'wyn his companions.

He sighs heavily...

"Alas, you are correct."

The day was beginning to feel muggy the rainwater drying as the sun started warming the earth. Trudging along the road they continued to move towards the homes each yard they negotiated bringing them close.

Javal was nervous and it showed.  He wasn't used to walking directly into danger and a possible ambush.

Exhaling slightly, he looked to Justin.

"I'm going to spread out slightly in case there is a trap."

Moving to the right of Justin about sixty feet, he walked off to the side and kept his view of their surroundings.

Myranda closed to a point 12' from the rollers flank and opposite Javal. Matching the others pace she scanned the approach for threat as they headed towards the houses.

   Gring stands  Near Haildas, looking  about   as Krwyn seems to agree,..Then?  we should go to  hsi house, Until morning, or until the rain lets up...? Or do you want to  knock on doors.....

  Although the heat was causing the  air to be thick, the  grpound was not an easy travel, on the  road the Muddy ruts would squash and suck at their books.

 Off the side  the grasses where wet and the  Ground  Soft.

  off to  their Right, they here a  huge splash, and  see the back of a decent  sized serpent  diving  under the water as feathers    floated in the air, and a dozen of  so, huge  River  Ducks, take to the air.

 to their  left they can see rolling grasslands..Dotted  with  copses of  some  fruit  tress...peaceful looking. But like the waters, one never new, what was   under the surface.

As they all three agree, there is not much to do or see in this storm in the dark, so Kr'wyn joins Haildas en Gring on their way to Grings home. Although he is not satisfied that they did not find anything about the slaughtered dog and it's missing owner,, he realises that they now are hot on a trail. In this weather just a faint trail perhaps, but a trail nevertheless!

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 48):

Moving off the muddie road some twenty feet Justin parallels it. Trailing along until they creach a point fourty feet away from the closest Farmhouse.  Pausing he motioning for the arrows to diagonally opposite corners, there by observine the entire structire and be ready for anything. When the arrows are in position he hails the dwelling to notify any occupants of his presence.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Thu 09 Mar 2017.

In reply to Justin (msg # 50):

Reacting to the rollers signal Myranda hurries to a spot 60' from the corner of the norterly and westerly facing sided, her bow ready to loose arrows at any perspective target.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

  The three searchers , move back to  Lill's  house. The little girl is Bundles in  her  tiny bed.  Lill is making some tea  when the three soggy  folks come in.

  Oh..gods!..  got back behind the curtain and  take the wet things off, we'll dry them by the Fire...I have some things of  my Late Husband, you can wear until then....
   Gring  goes to a small box in the corner  and gets out another set of  ragged  slothign  and switches  out, bring his  wet stuff  by the fire, as Lill hands them eaxch a towel-like cloth, from a box  near her bed.

 there is a pair of   Night shirts  , she gives to the two Arrows...have some Tea and some sweetcakes i baked a bit ago... there is a bit of rum, if you want to warm up a bit faster?

Javal looks to Justin and nods.  Moving around the structure, he aims his bow at the ground where he can quickly raise it if needed.

Looking around, he keeps Justin in the corner of his eye as he waits to see what he wants to do.

  The People watch the three folks  come closer, one with  a bow ready.

 There is a younger  guy who is washing down some of the stacked stones with river water. He looks  towards the   folks  and  smiles slightly,..well, met... i suppose.. unless you intend to use  that weapon on is..then things  will go badly for both sides...

Javal went ahead and took it upon himself to speak up now, seeing as how his bow was out and for now he could spot one out as well.

"Hello.  We are with the Crimson Arrows and were here looking for two of our associates.  We are investigating settlers attacked by goblins or perhaps slavers and people disappearing.  Have you seen two other Crimson Arrows or know of anyone being attacked or disappearing recently?"

He posed his question and still had his loaded heavy crossbow aimed at the ground as he looked to the young man who had spoke and to their surroundings.

    The  Fellow  looked  and  stood up, aye, two fellows came by..talked to the stone mason a bit.... they went  down to the next patch houses....There's a widow there..pretty an'  all, but has bad luck with men... he husband was killed fighting Orcs... and she was  ta be married to  a younger fella, closer to her age?..but he..er..vainished.

 he looks  around and  sends the   kids near him for more river  water. When they went he says,..don't know how much the bounty is..can'[t be much, cause not all of us kicked in, in this strech..coin his hard ta  come by and all....but..there is  a nice lookin' young grils missin' too?... some folks think, they ran off ta Ironmound..or  maybe You or got a  workin'[ ride on a boar going  ta the coast?.... happens alot out here..or..any Patch house groups?

 ..any way?... you can see some  smoke  comin' from chimeny's that way... the woman is  name Lill....though, i think you folks would be better off huntin' cat folk..

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 56):

Justin signalled for Javal and Myranda to regroup, on him, as he approached the Man who had been speaking. Thankest Thee Master for Thy advice tis most welcome. Tis truly hard times when decent folks be threatened in their very homes. One be Justin Havslane, anst these be Myranda of the Glen anst Javal Enrouse be members of the Crimson Arrows. Contracted to seek out anst hopefully locate this man, by one doth surmise on behalf of Mistress Lill. Thee doth speak the truth of it about Cat folk; they be amongst those we seek out, whens they doth cross our path, such ilk be a bane to all goodly folk.

Javal hesitated for a split second, then nodded to Justin's command to move to him.

He didn't like this.  The further away from civilization they got, the more it seemed things got creepier.  The man speaking to them had said 'unless you intend to use that weapon on us..then things  will go badly for both sides...'  That statement alone begged a few questions in Javal's mind.

Do you have others out here armed and hiding?  If you are goodly folk, and tough and watch out for each other, then why aren't you protecting each other including a widow?  Unless one of you was jealous and it is an inside job being covered up?

Many things swam through his head as he moved to Justin, quietly moving in step as well as picking over the self imposed questions in his brain.  He stood a few feet behind Justin and kept himself turned mostly away from the conversation and watched their backs.

Always keeping his crossbow canted toward the ground, Javal was on watch and quiet as they waited for any more parley and moved on.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

    The people for the most part, were watching the  strangers. Its not like they haven't seen armed folk before....

   As their comrades have seen..a battered  two wheel cart was used  to bring more River stone to be stacked,  for next time the stone cutter came.

   there  were sounds coming from the  trees near the river, either  folks  getting the stones, or  kids fishing..or..both.

  The fellow doing the taking  said,well... we haven't seen catfolk for a bit... found a body of one about a fortnight ago?...driftin' down the river. Its the damn  Human folks that are lookin' for slaves..lowest form of life outside of red Elves and Red Isle Halfings..

  ..Baily?  the older of the young ones..hot one in the  head  with a shot from his sling?... when the other s saw we knew they was there, they ran... we used that slaver  fellow  as serpent chum.. had some good eating for a week...

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 59):

Aye they be that, if Thee cans't recall, which way did the Slaver scum flee

  The Fellow pointed down the road, and swept his  arm to the   west , including the  wide grasses...

  They ran that way, towards the next patch, but then into the rgasslands, most flk think they come up from the Karth swamp..always nests of something in there.. Them Black Timber Eles  do sweeps through there everynow and then... Kill anything they think don't belong there... and I mean anyhtingStill?..Gobs..Orcs..Gnomes... slavers..Lizardfolk..the Bug people... there is  an old story of  a  death priest in there that brings  back the KArth Dead, ta do his biddin' ? But.. we ain't  seen no undead..

"Thank you dear lady.  The storm is indeed quite violent this evening."

  While the  men change. Gring  is Busy hanging  their things  by the fire. Once he is  down, she   double checks the bolts on the   window shutters  and  recloses the windows.

 then  drops  both bars into place ( with a very neat lever system, that even a smaller  child  could work ). he also pushes the little wheelbarrow that was used to bring firewood in, against the door..

 all buttoned up.The Cabin begins to warm up a bit.  Gring  sits a bit away from the fire  with a cup of  tea, that Lill put some extra honey in ( and a drop of rum) . The boy's shivers  are slowly going away.

 ..so?..how  far  down did  ye get then? Was there any sign that might  have been caught, by  yourselves, that folks like us missed?

In reply to Justin,team (msg # 61):

Mentally storing this information, unless they would be visiting it as part of the job, Myranda would prompt the others to pay a visit to this swamp after they finished it.

Justin glanced at the arrows in a do you have anything else you want to ask the Fellow, manner. If they did he waited, if not he handed the Farmer 2gp, for his and his associates assistance, bid them thanks and continued on towards the House occupied by their Patron.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

Giving the farmworkers a wave Myranda moved 12' to one side of the others as they headed towards the next farm houses.

"We went till the last house, from the lone hunter and his dog. The dog was slain in the house and no trace of te owner. We searched the house and the immediate ground around, but the storm was too fierce for us to search really good. We have to go back when the weather is better and the light of the day can assist us, although many traces and tracks are probably erased by the rain by then", answers Krwyn Lill. He knows this will be a new shock for her, but he sees no way to go around the truth.

   Lill   sits  down after putting the  kettle on the fire  to  ready fro more  tea, if they should want.

  ..They...Killed his ..dog?

   Gring, from his   spot by the fire  nods,..we know, well and proper..that he wouldn't leave his do  behind..nor  would the dog leave him...

"Unfortunately, we arrived for too late to be of assistance.  The poor creature had been dead for some time; any chance of finding a trail would have been long washed away.  I will go back in the morning and give it a proper burial before we continue our investigation."

  the   winds   had lessened , but the beat of the rain did not seem to want to stop..

  ..Please...  rest for the Night. It will do no one good , for you to die in a storm....or  because something was hiding in the storm...

  she looks over   and  smiles  slightly,  Gring was asleep  by the hearth stones.

Javal was quiet and had given Justin a small "no" shake of his head.

Moving into the woods, he quietly walked scanning their surroundings as they approached the next set of thatch houses.

"Very well, but I insist that at least one of us stand watch.  There's something out there, I'm certain, and I'd rather it not get the drop on us.  Krwyn, please, rest.  I will take the first watch."

"I agree with you; I'll take first rest and second watch," answers Kr'wyn. He makes himself comfortable in a corner of the room and sleeps sound in less than it takes time to string a bow.

  The night passes with no action, other then  , the passing  of  the storm.

    Lill is  up early washing up and such, Gring has the fire started. and the little one is playing with  the little  wooden/rag  dolls. She is peering around, still rather unsure of the   stangers.

 They can smell the oatmeal  in the kettle and the tea on the brew.

 Lill is a  bit more..'fixed up'. her hair a bit put up.