Technically, the village of Phandalin is farther away than Cragmaw, but this group will have to travel through the forest for about a third of the way, so travel may slow down at that point.

That's why Mithra rallied everyone for this group and got them traveling about 15 minutes after the first group.

This group consists of:
- Biff
- Ero
- Kassan
- Lureene
- Manaen
- Nyssia
- Star of the Morning
- Thressa
- Victor
- Viridovix

Without truly knowing what the defenses and occupants of the Castle are, it was guessed that the fighting there might be more intense and more close-quarters.

It should only take about one day to get there, even on foot albeit with a bit of a hustle, but that'll get you there around twilight.

Until you reach the Triboar Trail, and even for the short distance on the Trail, you can travel two abreast. Once you enter the forest, that probably won't be practical.

So, you need to set up a traveling order... who's first, who's last, etc.

The trip towards Cragmaw was a quiet, reflective one for Nyssia, focusing n what had happened since meeting this group. She had faced hoards of orcs, various dangers....not to mentioned be irritated by Ero. But in saying that, she had found a purpose, had found treasure and found people she related to.

...and had some fun to boot.

As she walked, one of the front scouts, she moved with a trained eye and quietness.

---

<OOC: Leading up to the castle, Nyssia will be out front as a scout - moving quietly when close to the castle>

”We should have some travelling songs”, says Lureene, ”At least until stealth becomes important.” She marches in the middle of the group, ready to help wheresoever peril may show itself.

"If someone else sturdy would like to form our rearguard, I think I'll be far more useful at the van, now. With Nyssia scouting, I suspect we won't be surprised from the front," He hadn't traveled with Nyssia for long, but she seemed to be quite perceptive,"... and anyone who doesn't like my singing, you can go back there, too!" he added with a hearty laugh, and broke into a song about 300 Chessentans who valiantly died defending a bottleneck from an invading Amnian army to give their allies time to prepare a counterattack.

Biff unslings his longbow, the height of a man, and nocks and arrow. He nods and slows his pace to takes up position in the rear.

"I can just drop this as needed if things get up close and personal. Really, I think holding entices folks get within arms reach, then it's over for them, haha. Old wrestler's trick."

Manaen handed Nyssia a stone flask that was shaped to look like a turtle shell, one of the first experiments with the alchemy books. Within was a few quarts of Keoish Brandy. Sort of his thanks for her early acceptance of him.

"I may look like the angry bastard of a dragon and a turtle, but once they get through the shell I am just gooie insides. Someplace in the center or forward of center. Shadows are needed for my main offense, otherwise I am more research and utility magic."

A lively boisterous group to be sure, with some very astute go getter's.  Seeing the petite gnome bard scoot ahead Kassan follow's off after her, just to her opposite flank and ten paces behind, moving in his deep grey almost black fine wool gentlemen's attire.  Like a morning mist disappearing amongst the woods, Kassan moved assisting in the forward scouting.

Nyssia looked at Manaen and nodded with a smile. "Most people think my kind as pushover's or a joke, inless it comes to technology. People tend to underestimate me on my size and the fact i'm a woman." She snorted "Those who live never do that again. My point is Shelldon, I don't judge people by what they are - just by what they do."

She points at Ero. "...thats why i think he's a pompous git with a stick up his ass - because he has! But magic users like you - i have fun with." She turns put takes a sip ofg the flask, and coughs a little. "WOA....that would eat the scalers from a black dragon." She sniffed and smiled, nodding again as she trotted forward.

She nodded to Kassan, him taking left, Her right.

Star of the Morning looks around with a little bit of wonder in his eyes.  The scrubland is not much like his home in the rainforest.  It is way too dry, and not green enough.  He remembers hearing of other areas, like deserts, that are even less green and suppresses a small shudder.

Hello my friends.  I would be happy to help with the scouting and can easily head up any trees to get a better view ahead if needed. Thank you all for your kindness at my sudden appearance.  It was a most refreshing little scuffle with those orcs.

Star will range around the group using is faster base movement (40') -- and when opportunities arise, will climb up any handy trees to take a look around (20' climb speed)

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edited to account for the updated description
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

Is anyone in this group making use of the Traveling Disk spells? Only Ero and Manaen can cast it.


Some of you have been on this path before. It wends between low hills, leading to and from the east-west Triboar Trail to Old Owl Well and slightly beyond to Wyvern Tor.

There are a few scattered solitary trees and an occasional copse of trees, but the main forest is off to the east and you soon leave that behind. There are no streams, small lakes or ponds to fish in, and small game is scarce probably due to the presence of the Orcs. Foraging for nuts and berries is the best option, maybe supplemented by a squirrel or a game fowl.

With a bit of hustle, you reach the Triboar Trail just after noon. The Trail veers southwest about this point, and the forest is on your right. You can enter the forest at any time but it's about 10 miles to reach the closest point to the Castle. It'll take about 2 hours to hustle there.

There have been no signs of Orcs or goblins, no people at all. Travel on the Triboar Trails is sporadic at the best of times in the past few years, and anyone doing so these days are liable to have been attacked by Orcs.

”I’m serious about the songs” says Lureene on a tone that is not particularly serious at all. ”This road is rather boring… though I’d rather that than a horde of Orcs, Beshaba and Tymora be merciful for I misspoke.”

Walking along the left side of the trail, Kassan's cane floats just to his side held in his mage hand legerdemain as someone mentions they have come onto the Triboar Trails.  Not familiar at all as to the destination other then a brief mention of it by Mithra and Williem, he pauses and momentarily waits for.

Kassan will follow Nyssia's lead into the woods if we choose to enter the woods here.
 On that note, did we give our DM a proper marching order?
From what I Can tell it is something like this Front to Back

Nyssia
Kassan

Victor
Manaen    Star of the Morning on a circular flank position due to high movement
Lereene

Biff(Rear Guard)

Not sure about these three, could be in the middle with the main group?
- Ero
- Thressa
- Viridovix

I do not mean to speak out of turn