"I would like to make a short stop at Sentinel's Tower in order to confer with the wizards there," Leohart says. "To be so close and not do so would be unfortunate."

"They may be able to help against the minotaurs too."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

"I hear you Dwarghar, but I'd prefer avoiding orcs in Southwatch altogether. I'm not afraid of them but fighting them can get someone of us wounded, even killed, and will surely diminish our resources, weakening us before we even have reached the castle. And if we are able to be stealthy, like Travis said, the orcs don't even know we were there."

Manaku's red eyes meet each of those present.

"This is a decision for our leaders to make, and an important one. Sir Einhard and Brother Brodd?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

"It is for Einhard to make. I can not tell him what to do, I am here to help him, not lead him."

I vote for bypassing them. We need not take the same route back. Know of any other pathways to go back Travis ??

"To avoid a fight goes against the knight's creed, however, there are other things to consider.

A lord with no subjects is a lord of nothing.

A lord that does not put his subjects well being into consideration is also a lord of nothing.

As a knight of the realm, my duty is to protect those subjects.

I don't think the Lady Masondain is in eminent danger, only a fool would harm his most
prized hostage.

I suggest this...

We scout around Southwatch...finding conditions favorable we launch a surprise attack.

If successful we gain the favor and support of the populace.

And perhaps visit the Sentinel's Tower.

If unfavorable, we move on...no one can fault us...dead heroes are useless.

I will consider Brother Brodd's counsel.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

Surpized by such honor, and standing awkwardly, "I don't know if others are well-suited for hit and run tactics, I can lead a hand with your request, Sir.. uh... Einhard..." Humbly, and unsure of his own abilities. But, eager to prove his worth. The last he was unsure how to properly address the warrior, so fumbled through it.

Durek listens to Einhard and grunts assent when he finishes, "I can get behind that. Lead on."

He looks over at Dwarghar and shrugs, "Perhaps we won't be leaving any of those orcs behind us after all, cousin."

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 16):

"I think what Einhard is trying to say is that refusing to help just wouldn't be right."

Leaving Orcs alive isn’t right I’ll say.

Dwarghar mumbles,

He nods to Durek, Looks like yer well enough equipped to fight. Were you a soldier where you come from?

He also touches Travis’ arm Oi, archer Travis .. you know where a Dwarf could find a chain Hauberk or shirt on the way?  Maybe one of those horsemen might have died an ye couldn’t carry it off - or p’haps there’s even a Smith not overrun.?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

Durek nods at Dwarghar, "Oi, I was indeed. Two decades in the clan guard. Fought a few orcs in my day.  Always a worthy cause."

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 18):

[Clark and his horsemen wore chain, but the archers left behind were wearing leather which has been too chewed up to use]

“Well master dwarf, all that was left behind wore leather, and that which was left is chewed and damage beyond usefulness.” He says apologetically wishing he had grabbed more useful gear. “If needed I have this shield, I have no need of it, it only hinders my skills.” Taking off the shield and offering it to Dwarghar and anyone else that may need it.

Dwarghar has a similar shield.

I took this from your comrade ... I’ll ... I’ll treat it with respect. An you should keep your colors for returning. It was just a chance there may have been another horseman.

Sir Einhard had determined the next course of action; balancing his Oath as a Protector of the Realm with the mission and hand, coupled with the faith that his relative, taken of the same Oath as a Knight Exemplar, was on a similar path.

Blessings from the Solar Faith, The Lady of Valor, and The One Who Wonders, were recited over the bodies of Travis' fallen companions, and at least three handfuls of dirt spilled over each, the mandate from ancient custom as they were left for the forest to slowly claim them.

After that, comrades old and new packed their equipment on their backs and their beast of burden. Mounted, walking, and trailing along with tail wagging, the band continued northwards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:11, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Brother Brodd got in line behind Einhard and led his mule silently unless spoken to.

In reply to Einhard (msg # 14):

"Very well. To fight the orcs it is then. I respect your decision."

The moon elf finds his place as a rear guard once the party gets moving.

Travis keeps a flanking movement going out front, then circling each side reporting back to Einhard.

OOC: let me know if you want me to roll for hide, move silent, or tracking. To be honest I don’t know what to roll... I have used a d20 system with no percent die for so long.

"Gorn, if you please, share scouting duties with Travis.

Those with ranged weapons keep us covered.

Whoever brings up the rear, stay alert and make sure we're not followed.

Please stay alert, we are in hostile territory."

Dwarghar takes a box of food and goes with the party. He walks off to the side of the animals to the right of Brother Blood maybe lagging but avoiding the equine backsides as much as possible.

Jarvak had remained quiet, and like a shadow was hanging back at the rear of the party.

He steadily watched behind them and looked for anything out of place.

Gorn saddles up and moves down the road staying about 20 feet off the road. He places about 100 yards between him and the rest of the group.

Amalrik walks in the front, behind the horses. Eyes constantly roving, up and down, left to right. Hand on sword handle, shield at the ready. He breathes in the forested air, so much better than that underground stuff.

Durek takes up a rear guard position as well.  Being in front was unwise given how NOT stealthy he was.  No sense making the scout's job even harder by having the noisiest, clankiest member of the group up front making noise.

"Hey, neighbor," he greets Jarvak. "Mind company back here bringing up the rear?"

Jarvak smiled at Durvek.

"No, not at all.  Company is always welcome."

Jarvak took out his lasso and began checking the knot and rope for any frays or kinks.