In reply to Caile (msg # 73):

Thank you for indulging me.  The weight of our mission is clearly taking a toll.  I will adjust my thinking.  There is much to be hopeful about here.  Certainly, we are the hope that exists in the hearts and minds of our captive brothers and sisters.

Eyrar, when you ask about my "safe hearth" it brings to mind an old lesson taught to me by a friend and mentor.

Brevis snatches a small stick and quickly draws in the soil.

Look down now and tell me what you see.  If you insist that is a "6" then I will think of you as a creature from another world, for it is clearly a "9" and therein lies our differences.  I don't mean to sound combative.  In my world, there exists an upside down reflection of a "safe hearth" and nothing more.

I believe that home is a place of chosen family.  It is what I hold most dear.  You're no fool, so if this day has slowed me a touch, I'll be back on my feet in no time because I'm on my way home.

Turning to Caile, Brevis smiles.

I'll hush up now, for we won't want to miss a word of the treat Caile has in store for us!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:09, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

Both Heldemin and Alachran come to a stop when they realise Brevis and Caile can push on no further. The elf maiden takes watch as Alachran sets up an impromptu camp fire for all to sit by and keep warm as the day draws on.

The pair begin to hum a tune, neither prompting the other, but seemingly aware of what tune to start. They hum for a while, a hauntingly beautiful tune.

"There is a castle, or what remains of one, to the south. We should see it soon." Heldemin says.

"It sits on the shore of Lake Claye, where the Wash runs to the north. It was built before the coming of the Blood Mist, so they say, home of a merchant. He grew fat from the riches of Wailer's Hold until the dwarves there grew tired of his greed." She continues.

"Aye, the dwarves there burned him out, so the legend tells it... And now they have turned it into one of their own strongpoints. They launch raids into the ruins of Wailer's Hold, into the forests, taking their revenge on human and orc alike." Finishes Alachran, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

OOC: It is Daytime (Q2), with you being in hex V-23.


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:22, Sat 31 Oct 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 75):

A dwarven stronghold is quite the nut to crack.  Once they dig in it's all but impossible to stage a formal assault.  And such an ancient structure, it's hard to fathom.

Brevis can feel the strength returning to his chest, legs and arms.  The fire has done him well.

"It's a nut that doesn't need cracking... If we are careful, we can go round the stronghold. I don't imagine an orc and a human, or indeed an elf, would be a welcome sight for them." The elf hunter says.

In reply to Heldemin (msg # 77):

I couldn't agree more and will follow your lead around such a formidable distraction.

In reply to Brevis (msg # 78):

After a short time away Eyrer returns to the group, appearing as out of thin air from the shadows of the forrest , pointing out the direction to a spring of the freshest water just behind the stone cairn over there.
I found the best water in these neck of the woods, it tastes just like in Dankwood. It is plenty for all! Also I second the words of wise Heldemin and reasonable Brevis. Let us keep our sight on our mission and move towards Grindbone as hastily as we can.

Eyrer move back and forth restlessly, scouting the perimeter, eager to move on.

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 79):

Brevis stands, his belongings regathered, clearly ready to continue the march toward the hated slavers camp.

With Harinder leading the way, as the sun dips down toward the horizon as evening draws in, you find yourself on the banks of the Wash with the silhouette of an ancient stone castle on nestled in the distance.

The way has been easy so far, with the land mostly flat and solid.



Now Quarter 3 (Evening), hex V-27.

Caile sets about making camp för him and Brevis, finding a nice, secluded spot by the Wash to set up their tent. In a short while he has cleared a space and lit a small fire outside the tent. As the fire burns and spreads it's warmth, he sits down on his blanket and plays a soft tune on his flute. It has been a long march, and he is happy to rest his feet for a while. His tumble earlier in the day hadn't been as serious as it had seemed, but he still felt sore and bruised. A good night's rest would do miracles though, of that he was sure.

OOC: 17:00, Today: Caile rolled 3 successes using 7d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 with rolls of 3,6,2,3,6,2,6.  Making camp.

While Caile builds camp Eyrer will seek to provide food for the company. He takes his trusted bow Aurora and sets out along the bank of the Wash hunting game that has come for evening water.

Let the almighty Clay guide my step and my arrow, he whispers to himself as he stalks thru the tall grass. He comes up on beautiful deer standing alone on the shore looking at something in the distance. She is blissfully unaware of her destiny and her death is immediate. Clay giveth and Clay taketh away Eyrer proclaims as he retreives his arrow. Your spirit is free to roame, walk in peace. Then he slings the deer over his shoulders and heads back to camp with joy in his hart.

Look everyone, Clay has been merciful to us and he has let his wisdome guid me to this bountyful treat. Tonight we feast!

Eyrer prepares the meal and serves all.

OOC:
22:17, Today: Eyrar rolled 1 success using 10d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Lay down game.
22:12, Today: Eyrar rolled 1 success using 1d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Sort of game. Deer. 5 Units of meet.
22:12, Today: Eyrar rolled 1 success using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6.  Hunt

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 83):

Brevis is shocked with the relative ease with which Eyrar is able to hunt game is such hostile lands.

Eyrar, you amaze me at how well you know these lands!  Between your provisions and the comfort of home provided by Caile's camp, I'm almost torn at the thought of leaving.

Approaching the fallen animal, Brevis notes the precision of a single wound that brought it down.

This is an omen!  A noble beast has fallen in order for us to continue on our fateful quest.  In the not too distant future, it is very likely less noble beasts will fall as well.  Let us not give them as much reverance.  This quest is about life and life giving.

Raising his throwing axe from within the red cloak, and holding it high to glimmer in the light of the camp, a moments pause is given for the noble fallen and the ignoble that await the blade.

Brevis endures a fitful night of sleep, dreaming about a boy much like himself trapped by the slavers.  One guard in particular performs his duties with utter cruelty and relish.  The food is rancid, the whippings are harsh, and the laughter at his tears sting with acidic hatred.

The face of this particular guard is something Brevis won't forget.  Though it came to him in a dream, it haunts him and drives toward a reckoning he is confident will be found in the not too distant future.

Heldemin offers to keep watch as everyone else gets some rest, refreshed for the coming day's travel.

Despite Brevis' dreams he wakens with the others at first light, ready to travel after everyone has broken their fast.

"We need to figure out a way across the river, unless you're planning on just swimming across?" The elf huntress says, though from the look on Alachran's face he's not sure of that latter idea.


I'm assuming everyone else sleeps in Q4 and wakes:

Now Quarter 1 (Morning), hex V-27.

As the morning mist clears Eyrer stands on the bank of the mighty Wash looking at dark cold water.

My experience, and the words of Clay - the wise, says that swimming across the river is at great risk. Dangerous creatures lurke in these waters, you can tell by the swirls over there. Those are the signs of the wolffish. Know to snatch a whole man, even an orc, coming down for his evening bath. I suggest we construct a simple raft that can carry us across. Can anyone build us a vessel of such nature?

I could gather some herbs called vargaflura, I have been told that the wolffish dislikes the smell so we should rub it on our selfs. Just in case...

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 87):

This will be my first raft build, but I've an abundance of familiarity with the ways of this beautiful instrument!

Tossing the hatchet from hand to hand, the razor sharp blade is as good as the day it was made.

As they say, where there's a will...

Alachran pulled his hand axe from his belt and looked round for suitable trees to cut. He chose ones that were easy to fell but also had a lightness to them that would allow then to float better.

turning to Heldemin " gather some rope if we have it or strip some vines to use as binding for the raft. I would also suggest gather enough to stretch the river is at all possible." he gave the elf a sly smile knowing giving her orders would raise the hair on the back of her neck

He then turned to the others " My suggestion would be to tie the rope to the first person on the raft to cross so if they fall in they can be pulled out quickly.another rope is tied to the raft. Then once across they can tie off the rope on one of the trees on that side and we can do the same here. Then we can pull the raft back across and the next person crosses using the tied off rope to pull themselves over"

Alachran, how good of you to put that able body of yours to work. Suitable labour for you indeed.

Eyrer proceeds to gather some vargaflura from nearby. He also takes time to inspect the river looking for the safest part to cross the dangerous water. A part free from sharp black rocks penetrating the surface like giant claws from an ancient monster. A part free from deadly swirling currents that will pull you down to the depts where you will meet your maker stuck in the jaws of the horrific wolffish.

Dear fellowship, I have gathered the vargaflura for you all to use as you see fit. Most commonly you shew it and smear the plant all over your body. But please, by all means, keep your clothes on. It works just as well. I have also found the perfect place for our passage across the Wash. It is just over there. By the willow next to the zandobush with the white flowers.

Eyrer then carries on scouting the surroundings making sure no one sneaks up on us.

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 90):

The whole seemingly greater than the sum of their parts, after much toil and discussion and effort, a raft of sorts is made!

08:05, Today: Brevis rolled 1 success using 6d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 with rolls of 6,5,5,5,3,3.  Crafting.

After a few hours of collecting suitable wood and vines from the surrounding area, a serviceable raft is made, big enough to carry everyone across the river.

It might just last the full width of the river too.



OOC: Decide among yourselves and someone give me a Lead the Way roll (Survival) and a Keep Watch (Scouting) roll while you cross the river.

The old druid had been absent for some time, but appears with fresh herbs and vegetables. As it is time to leave, he gathers his small pack, a stick and without a word takes the lead, facing the Wash with a grim face. He spits in his palms, grabs some earth from the ground and kneed it for some time while he approaches the water. The earth scatters in the air, as he waves the others to follow onto the Raft.

"Here is a good spot to cross, where the stream is slowed by these fallen trees and those rocks over there"

Forage:
08:28, Today: Harinder failed (no successes) using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 ((4,3,3,2)).
08:30, Today: Harinder rolled 2 successes using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 ((5,6,6,3)).


Leading the Way:
Wits: 09:21, Today: Harinder rolled 1 success using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 ((3,5,2,6)).

Survival: 09:22, Today: Harinder failed (no successes) using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 ((5,2,1,4)).

This message was last edited by the player at 08:47, Tue 15 Dec 2020.

With Harinder confidently leading, the rest of the group make their way on to the raft, knees wobbling as the makeshift craft dips and bobs into the water as feet meet wood and people shuffle around to find a space that doesn’t tip them into the dark waters of the river.

And you’re away, paddled slowly across the river (it didn’t seem this wide as you stood on the bank of the river) with tell-tale signs of the wolfish Eyrar spoke of earlier seemingly following the raft as it makes its ungainly progress across the Wash. You see the half-ruined castle of the dwarves retreating in the distance as you reach the other side, not a moment too soon.

As you reach the bank on the southern side of the river, the raft splits, some of the vines unravelling and causing it to drift apart. Fortunately, nothing worse than a few wet boots is the outcome and you all find yourselves on the bank of the river together.

Eyrer wastes no time and jump ashore and swiftly dashes for a nearby rockformation, climing it like an eager squirril, looking for highground to secure the surroundings.

In reply to Eyrar (msg # 95):

Brevis approaches Alachron, careful to maintain a respectful distance.  He doesn't feel they are overly friendly yet, but remains optimistic that their alliance will be lasting.

I've not had as much contact with Orcs as others in our lands.  It's been on my mind lately how best to approach these slavers knowing that we are so few.  If you'll allow me to ask, what kind of fight might be expect?  Is it best to go for the head of the snake, so to speak, or can we expect to reach a diplomatic solution?  If it's reasonable to believe they will fight to the last, then please guide me, where is the weakness that we'll have to exploit?

Brevis reaches into his cloak and offers to share a ration of water.

The orc stepped off the raft just moments before it fell apart and strode out of the river. He looked towards the one called Brevis

It depends if the orcs were tribal then one of use could challenge the chieftain one on one he, or she would loose face if they didn't accept. Unfortunately slavers have no tribal honour so I would say we would have to locate the leader and take him down while having to deal with his men. Alternatively we could just set fire to their camp and storm them on mass killing all in our way.

He glanced over at Heldemin when he realised he'd raised his voice slightly

then again perhaps we should sneak in and save the prisoners and only fight when and if necessary

In reply to Alachran (msg # 97):

Brevis takes Alachran's advice quite seriously, fixating upon the idea of an ignoble chieftain.

Feeling his adrenaline kick, a surge of energy runs through Brevis' blood, and he imagines with crystalline clarity a beating heart within the slavers chest.