01:15, Today: Harinder failed (no successes) using 1d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  water. (2)

01:15, Today: Harinder rolled 1 success using 1d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  food.

You all travel for the rest of the Day without further incident, though Harinder notices his water supply dwindling a little.

The plains give way to forest and with Heldemin’s direction as the light begins to fade, you come to a small hillside at the fringes of the Ariana Forest.

The elf points to the hillside, “Here we will find Eyrar’s camp. If we are respectful of him and his ways, he may well help you in your endeavours.”


OOC: it is now passing from Day into Evening and getting Dark.

You are now in hex T-23
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:51, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 50):

”Heldemin, long time no see! Greetings dearest friend.”

Eyrer takes her hands in his and holdes them gently.

”May Clay spread light on your soul. I see you bring company, please sit and join me for evening tea and tell me all that has been. Who are your friends and what brings you here?”

Eyrer welcomes everyone to sit by the warm fire and share in his meal.

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 51):

The civilized discourse between elves is like music to Brevis' ears.  Though he was an outsider during his days spent in high society, the formality always had a soothing effect on his nerves.

He tilts his upper body ever so slightly forward, showing respect to Eyrar and awaiting his turn to speak.

Harinder bows as is custom and sits down in a corner, his back to the wall. Silent and observing.

"We're wantin' to go to Grindbone... Least this lot are." The orc says with uncharacteristic gruffness.

"They're wantin' you to take 'em." He adds, looking to the group to fill in the blanks.

In reply to Alachran (msg # 54):

We're on a rescue mission.  There are those of us who, when we had no others, formed a bond stronger than blood.

Brevis puts an arm around Caile.  He looks to Harinder and nods once, ever so subtly.

Those are our brothers and sisters being held at Grindbone.  And we intent to get them the hell out.

Any wisdom, anything you can spare to help us, it won't be forgotten.

Caile nods, grim look in his eyes.

"It is indeed as my brother says. We seek to free our kin from the bonds of the vile slavers in Grindbone, that is our quest. We'd gladly accept any aid you can offer us in our endeavour, master Moonfox. Is there somewhere we can sit and rest for a spell as we get to know one another?"

Eyrer gracioulsy folds his legs and sits down by the dwindeling fire in his camp.

”As our teacher Clay proclaims; a friend of your friend must be treated as your own friend. So it is said and so it will be done”.

Eyrer adjusts his position and looks you all in the eyes.

”I hear that your words are spoken from a true heart and full of concern. It sadens me to know that your friends has been taken to this vile dwelling. For it is indeed a horrific place.”

Eyrers eyes turn dark and his expression grim. He leans forward and lowers his voice to a mear whisper.

”These dark woods have ears, we must speak carefully of this treacherous location since we do not know who is listening...”

He continous to serve you from the herbal tea and it warms your souls in the dark chilly spring night. You sence he is reluctant to speak about Grindbone as he forces his mind to visit his nightmares.

”There are two main groups in the village, the Thieves Guild and the Slavers Guild, each believes they should rule Grindbone. "The Duke" is the leader of the Thieves Guild, who all but control Grindbone. The Slavers Guild is led by Misela Ferrumar and they control who is able to buy and sell slaves. The Bone Ferrets are a group of bounty hunters loyal to Misela.”


Eyrer rests and sips his tea to calm his nerves.

”Caught in the middle is Captain Kratullos, the leader of the watch. He and his men have stayed neutral and try to keep the peace. There is also a church to Rust there with some cursed Rust Brothers.”

Eyrer bows his head and reaches for comfort and strength from Heldemin. He takes a deep breath and rises to his feet.

”I carry the utmost respect for you, your bond and your friends and I have a strong will burning in my chest to punish my perpetrators!”

He calms him self and opens up his arms.

”Please make yourself welcome and stay for the night. I will contemplate and seek advise and guidence from my teacher Clay. When morning comes I will let you know the result of my deliberation. Now I wish you a peacefull night.”

Eyrer bows gently and vanishes into the darkness of the forrest...

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 57):

Brevis rises at first daybreak the following morning.  He eagerly patrols the forest edge, looking for signs of life.

He shouts, somewhat to the ether, "5 o'clock and all is well"

A giant puffball mushroom catches his eye, it's white spherical shape reminding him of a hand-knit leather object that wealthy children would kick across the lawn during their fall months at home.

He shouts again, somewhat to the mushroom, "6 o'clock and all is well"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:32, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

As the early morning sun touches the treetops Eyrer appears silently out of the still morning mist.

”Come now, no need to wake the dead, Brevis, my friend.” He says with a gentle voice.

He breaths life into the glow and serves the fellowship a simple breakfast and when all is gathered around the warm carmpfire he talks.

”I have decided to accompany you to Grindbone and help to liberate your friends. So Clay have advised me and so it  will be done. Please ready your equipment and let us set course for the hellhole. We shall move fast and silently in the shodows of the forrest. Let us move out!”

Eyrer puts out the fire and stands ready to lead the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

Having spent the night talking with Alachran and Heldemin, writing down their story for the purpose of composing a heart-rending ballad, Caile wakes bleary-eyed, stifling a yawn.

"Huh? Who's in the whats to the wheres now? Who's dead? And is that the titillating scent of breakfast I smell?"

The frailer gets up, stretching languidly, and helps himself to the simple breakfast. Barely chewing, he almost inhales his meal, drinking greedily from his waterskin to wash it all down. Finished almost as soon as he's begun he lets out a deafening belch and pats his belly, satisfied.

"Pardon my Alder, I picked up some bad habits in the army. Some good ones too, to be fair. But I digress. Shall we?"

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 60):

Brevis has a look of relief on his face as every able body added to the group means their shot at victory becomes clearer.

He turns to Eyrar.

Very glad to hear it, friend. Is it too much to hope that the fastest route there is also the safest?

You wake at first light, break your fast and discuss the best route to Grindbone, some distance to the south.

You can head directly south, avoiding the river crossing but face a journey through the Arina Forest then through some marshlands, before arriving at Grindbone after travelling some 60 kilometers, not a pleasant prospect.

Alternatively, you can travel around the edge of the forest, taking the arguably safer but longer route on the plains. This would entail some 80-90 kilometres of travel, and still would require you to cross The Wash twice and pass the vicinity of an old castle.

OOC: It is now Morning. You are in hex T-23, Grindbone is in T-33.

Eyrer streatches his agile body and checks his equipment one last time.

”Splendid! Everyone is set and ready to embark on our journey. I’m used to keeping a look out when I travel so I can take that role, if I may.”

He turns to Caile and speaks enthusistcally.

”Dear friend, I suggest you lead the way. You seem to me decided and a person of action.”

Then he turns to the rest of the group with a determind and restless look upon his face.

”Now we will walk in the shadow of evil, but we will do it together. Hand in hand we will bring light to the darkness and vengence on all that will try and stand in our way. So says Clay and so it will be done. Let’s move out! ”

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 64):

Eyrar's words stike Brevis as pitch perfect.  He is overcome with a feeling of good fortune to have found a such an ally.

I couldn't have said it better myself, friend.

Turning to Caile, Brevis makes a deferential sweep of his hand.

Lead on, brother!

Returning the outstretched hand to his cloak, Brevis palm comes to rest on the shoulder of his throwing axe.

Without a more than a grunt, Harinder picks up a walking stick and leads the way, scouting the land ahead, trying to choose the best route.

OOC:
Rolling for Leading the way, whichever route we take. 4 Wits/ 4 Survival skill.

15:06, Today: Harinder failed (no successes) using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Survival skill.

15:06, Today: Harinder rolled 2 successes using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Wits.

This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Sat 10 Oct 2020.

Eyrer nods respectfully to Brevis then raises his eyebrows slightly and moves gently up to Harinder and speaks softly.

Dear master Harinder, may I suggest that we moderate the pace so that everyone can keep up. Also these parts of the lands are treacherous. Best to keep a steady speed suited for avoiding attention and ledning us an opportunity to detect any dangers before they lay eyes on us.

With that said Eyrer will focus his senses on the surrounding, keeping a lookout for any unusual activity.

Caile walks in the middle of the group, slightly behind Eyrar and Harinder. Satisfied that the group chose the scenic route, he spends the time taking in the views and sceneries they pass. On the horizon he spots a castle of some sort and is immediately intrigued. He quickens his gait and taps Eyrar on the shoulder.

"Friend Eyrar, what is that fortification over yonder? Do you know it or its history?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

Eyrer paces him self and looks at the building in the distance, that Caile speaks of.

Pleasent minstrel, many times I have laid my eyes on that building but never have I ventured close to it, neither do I know who, or what, dwells there. But if it is the will of the group and Clay, let us find out.

Eyrer then continues to seek perils in the shadows of the forrest. He moves gracefully up and down the landscape always seeking highground to ensure the best position for surveilling the land. The wind catches his hair, he takes a deep breath and looks over to Heldemin. His stone is filled with warmth and he senses that this is the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

OOC:
18:50, Today: Eyrar rolled 2 successes using 5d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Scouting.
18:47, Today: Eyrar rolled 2 successes using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Push endurence .
18:46, Today: Eyrar failed (no successes) using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Endurence.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 67):

Brevis heart has been pounding all day, the excitement of the moment causing the rising sun to give him an adrenaline rush.

Keeping up with the group has proven a double burden given his already racing heart.

To Caile (in a slightly humbled voice): I'm afraid my ankle may have twisted as I was drifting off in thought.  If we might pause to hear a song (he nods in encouragement to the orc as well) it will surely lift our fighting spirits and get me back on my feet.  Please, do me the honor.  Perhaps a lighthearted tune about a girl.

OOC:
16:14, Today: Brevis failed (no successes) using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 with rolls of 4,1,2,2.  Endurance + force march.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

Eyrer notices that Brevis is struggeling to keep up and is quick to lend him his arm as support.

Please, good man Brevis, let me assist you  through this tricky spell of nasty nature. Look out for those illwilling roots of the lingering Slumber trees over there. And mind those sharp edges of the Sharon rocks just over to your left.

He is on Brevis like a gentile shadow, ever so swift and pliable.

So, do tell, what made you leave your safe hearth? What made you venture out in the mysterious wild?

Eyrer looks at Brevis with a curious look, then he tuns to Caile.

Gentle Caile, humor us with one of your agreeable tunes. Lift our spirits on this, our journey towards the unknown.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 11:00, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

Lost in thoughts and musings about what might await them in the castle ahead, Caile is oblivious to the plight of his old friend. It is first when their new companion speaks that he is brought out of his reverie. He turns to reply to the hunter's request, but in doing so he takes his eyes of the road, which causes him to stray too close to the embankment on his right. His words turn to a surprised yelp as he tumbles down the side of the road, coming to rest on his back at the bottom of the incline.

Staring at the sky still swirling before his eyes he closes them and lets out a deep sigh, spent.

"Yes, a rest would be very pleasant indeed. I'll entertain you with a tune in a little bit, I just need the world to stop spinning first."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:19, Fri 16 Oct 2020.