Artor nodded at their suggestions and observations, "I would concur, let us speak to those by the spires and the trees"

He smiled, lightly, "You will forgive if I remain at the back of the party; someone must watch for ambush"

From his prior actions, they would know Artor not to be a coward, though he was sometimes a little odd

13:50, Today: Artor rolled 4 using 1d20.  Geography - Flex Skill.
13:51, Today: Artor rolled 15 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.

A low rise along the way offers a good view of the lay of the land.  What appears to be a path can be seen off to the northeast.  It seems to lead, roughly, between the center lake and the cluster of spires the group is approaching, although it is shrouded within the trees by that point, so the exact route is uncertain.  It may be wide enough to be a road, but it's difficult to say from here.  No such path can be seen anywhere to the east.

From their current position, the group could continue toward the spires or veer off to the right to head toward the road.

Hoa Sen walks along with the others, though most of her attention is directed inward, reviewing the Order of Truth's lessons on contacting unknown civilizations: protocols for language, patterns of gestural semiosis, inferring when taboos might have origins in dangerous numenera... The kasuna keeps pace with the others easily enough, but she's clearly distracted.

Derrick's attention is mostly focused on the hints of movement at the treeline near the spires, but he is keeping a watchful eye over everything as the group moves. He notes the road and points it out to anyone who might have missed it. "Looks like there might be a road over that way. I still think we should investigate the spires first, but roads usually lead somewhere. We could follow it to see where that might be."

Hoa's planning has resulted in some negative consequences for her plodding.  As she takes another step to follow where Derrick is pointing, a trap engages, snaring her lower leg with wicked teeth.

At the mechanical snap of the trap's jaws, Artor spun round, scanning his companions for who had triggered it - and then beyond them for any who lurked in ambush; his glaive was slung quickly off his back, ready to defend them if needed

Hoa Sen snarls when the trap closes; quick as she may be, she is not quicker than the mechanism. "They're...expecting...some kind...of visitors." she hisses through clenched teeth. Most of her effort seems to be going into maintaining her balance to keep the teeth from doing further damage.

Derrick also pulls his weapon out and back ups towards Hoa as he scans their surroundings. He also takes his shield off and stands ready to interpose himself between her and any attacks. "Can you see how to release the trap?"

The trap is a simple clamp, easily seen now that it has been sprung.  It is chained to a heavy stake a few feet away, partially hidden by rocks and dirt.  It will take a bit of muscle to pry it open, but it's a fairly simple task.  The sharpened teeth seem to have an oil or other liquid applied to them.

Hoa Sen carefully pries the trap open and pulls out her leg. The edges of the wound look ugly, but whatever it is doesn't seem to be spreading. "Poisoned." The kasunda grimaces and carefully wipes the few traces of it on her fingers into the dirt. "Spikes seem to have done the worst of the damage."

“Does it itch or burn?”, asked Artor cautiously, “We’re not equipped to amputate if it is poisoned”

"Amputate?" Hoa Sen shakes her head. "It stings more than it should. I feel no other effects. Perhaps I have missed the worst of it. I believe removing the leg, at least without a replacement convenient, would be folly. Please do track my behavior and see if I manifest any changes in personality or behavior. Otherwise, I believe it is enough to simply clean and bind the wound and move on."

Artor nodded solemnly, “I will watch, but if the need comes call upon my blade”

Derrick bends down to examine the wound. "I have bound my share of wounds. Please let me take a look." He waits for permission from Hoa then inspects the injury.

Can I roll for healing on this to inspect and bind the injury?

The older man had been largely quiet on his journey as he pondered their upcoming contact with the Aix, but he is jarred out of his preoccupation by the springing of the trap.

He quietly moves next to Derrick, allowing his younger brother to offer what ministrations he was able before proceeding to offer his own healing abilities.

As he waits, he stretches forth his extraordinary senses to scan Hoa and the wound, attempting to discern not only the damage itself but also the nature and progress of any poison present...

"You're welcome to, but I have had my share of wounds as well, though it may not look it. It is painful, but I do not think it worse than that." Hoa Sen says.

Derrick moves away when Agatho offers his own talents. He knows well that his companion has a healing touch that far exceeds the capacity of practical knowledge.

Agatho senses a physical pain, the remains of piercing and tearing.  There seems to be no fatigue or numbness or burning that might indicate unseen woes.

The older man moves to examine the wound, and gives an empathetic look to Hoa.

"I feel your pain, friend Hoa."

Then he quietly bows his head.

"Sovereign One, aid us now, to your glory, I pray..."

His hands acquire a faintly green glow, and he gently places them upon the wound, and closes his eyes.

And the wounded flesh begins to close... further... further... until the wound is fully healed.

The older man opens his eyes, looking slightly fatigued.

"How do you feel now, friend Hoa?"

RPoL Dice Roller:

20:35, Today: Agatho rolled 8 using 1d20.  DT2 Healing Touch w/Extra Healing Effort.
20:36, Today: Agatho rolled 5 using 1d6+2.  Extra Healing Touch.

Hoa's wounds have completely healed.  Apart from the tears at the cuff of her pants, there is little evidence of the damage.

A few birds take flight several hundred yards away.  Otherwise, the day remains quiet.

“Hmm”, states Artor suspiciously and fades from sight

Artor's stealthy pass toward where the birds took flight reveals a spiny lizard munching on the remains on ill-fated flyer.  When spotted, the lizard itself flees into a small nearby crevice.

More bird calls can be heard in the direction of the trees, but no other sounds catch Artor's attention.

Derrick is relieved when Agatho is able to treat Hoa's wound so succesfully. He straightens and focuses his attention on the tree line again. "Perhaps we'd best move on with a careful eye on the ground for any more traps."

Reappearing where the birds took flight earlier, Artor gestured for the others to continue along the route they had been taking

Derrick leads the way to where Artor is while still watching for traps.