It was nice to see at least one of the other travellers on the road return his wave and Gyp wondered whether they would be generous enough to share some hospitality "ho might you share a crust or penny for a hungry fellow?" he called as he approached, his cupped hands empty and open.

When the approaching travelers call out, Falco looks their way. He comments to those near him, "Hmmm. Travelers, it seems. We should warn them about the giant spiders, lest they unwittingly step into their clutches."

The spearman turns to face the travelers as they draw nearer. He raises his spear over head and calls back, "Hold, friend travelers! There be danger up ahead! Foul eight-legged creatures lie in waiting alongside the road! Approach with caution and be on guard!"

At the warning Gyp forgot his was hungry for a moment and his cupped hands moved from begging to covering his head "alas any spider would be disappointed in their meal if they caught me. I am but skin and bones" the morose fool complained. Gyp crouched low, his hands above his head as he slunk toward the travellers hoping that any predator would choice a more well fed prey if he stayed close to them.

"This man is right! There are dangerous enemies on the road. Stay with if you want to stay alive!"

Dynlor found his sense of self importance enhanced by the coming of new, unexpected companion. For once his advice should be taken into consideration: he would not miss this opportunity!

"Oo yes" Gyp nodded "I've no plans on dying. Unless its of hunger" he complained as he gave a bow to Dynlor and his belly rumbled loudly.

Reea didn't want to face the spiders again, and going into the forest was dangerous, but she was getting anxious and impatient.

"So what are we going to do?"

By all (elven) accounts humans were strange creatures, and completely incapable of definition for they varied in almost every conceivable way. Of course, Leozaren had met some before, but he really wasn't sure if Simon and Gyp were typical or atypical examples, or even if there were such things. It was better, he decided, to take each of them as they were and see how thinsg went.

Which was why he did not mind at all when his two companions called out to some random strangers they did not know (as far as he was aware) in dangerous surroundings. Maybe they were all in it together? There was much to ponder as he ate his breakfast of dandelion seeds and toadstools.

One of the strangers seemed to warn of danger ahead, and to approach on guard - was that a challenge to combat? Perhaps not, for neither of his companions moved to react. Humans were so strange.

What were they to do?

"What are the options? Assuming we would all rather not face spiders, there must be alternatives, no?"

As Gyp approaches them oddly, Falco replies to Reea. He says to her, "That odd man approaching us is walking unnaturally. Keep vigilant, friends. He may be possessed by an evil spirt. Let us discover their intent before we decide a course of action."

Although not pointing his spear tip at the jester, Falco keeps a firm grip on its shaft should he need it in a hurry.

"Hmmm, is that other one an Elf? Only heard of such people; never seen one myself. And a robed figure and a warrior woman as well. Hmm, indeed."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Wed 21 July 2021.

"I'd rather not be a spider's dinner" Gyp whined "can we find some trail around them?" he asked the group of travellers. It was clear Gyp was no warrior or regular traveller of the wilds. The court fool had no sword or even a dagger. His only weapon a single javelin strapped to his pack.

"An elf?..." Dynlor looks at the newcomers, incredulous. "Is this a rescue mission already? Did the guards in the keep have so little faith in our capacity to stay alive in the wild?"

Talking louder at the newcomers, he asks: "Why have you come this way, all at the same time?"

"It's okay, Gary sent us."

Quite why Leozaren felt the need to say those words he did not know. Perhaps some of those breakfast toadstools had been a little odd.

"That is to say...the guards did not doubt your prowess. But perhaps, there is safety in numbers? I do have a spell of Sleep to use on the spiders, if you wish?"

"Ah" Gyp gave a wink to the elf "most ingenious. A sleeping spider will trouble us not. What say ye all?" the fool seemed somewhat jolly and performed a roll and gave a clap before the exertion made him faint and had to sit down with his head on his knees.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Wed 21 July 2021.

The apprentice wizard reflects on the situation as he mutters, "Monstrous spiders?" While he doesn't much care for normal spiders, the thought of encountering spiders the size of dogs (or are they even larger, he wonders) is a frightening prospect.

Simon replies, "As to your question, I believe us all to be merely travelers seeking more than we currently have. And traveling together is safer than alone. I am Simon, a simple wizard's apprentice seeking to learn more of the world...and perhaps to gain more than just knowledge...should fortune show me favor. The men-at-arms in the Keep said others left this way, seeking to root out Chaos hiding in caves to the Northeast, little more."

He inquires, "How many of these creatures? And how large?"

"How many of these creatures? And how large?"

"Two. Big." Holding up her arms, Reea made as large a circle as she could.

Reea was still shaking thinking about the spiders. If the new people were joining their group, she might feel better about confronting them. Maybe she could linger in the rear.

Would that really be a good idea? She wanted to prove herself, and she needed experience. She wanted her friends to know they could count on her.

Oh, why did it have to be spiders?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Thu 22 July 2021.

"I'm Jori, acolyte of the Powers of Neutrality. The guards at the keep mentioned the caves of chaos. If everyone agrees, I'm for disrupting an adversary of those whom I serve."

Jori was excited. She had worked hard, learning her lessons and understanding the ways of the Neutral Powers. She wanted to be worthy of their favor, so what she was really looking forward to, was being bestowed and entrusted to do spells. Adventure was before her. She was ready to seize it!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Fri 23 July 2021.

"I know not this 'Gary' you speak of, Elf friend," Replies Falco, "but if this spell of 'Sleep' you wield works on these monstrous spiders, I welcome your company."

"Hmmm. A wizard's apprentice and a priestess as well. Certainly good fortune favors us with your presence. Your skills and arms are most welcome." His eyes shift over to look at the odd man. Judgingly, he adds, "As for the fool, his worth remains to be seen."

He looks at each person in the group and then asks them, "What say ye? Shall we engage the spiders then? Or shall we step into the North woods and go past them?"

"What say ye? Shall we engage the spiders then? Or shall we step into the North woods and go past them?"

Reea liked Falco. He was looking out for her and she trusted him.

"I will go where you go."

Reea smiled. Even if the group chose to combat the spiders, she was beginning to feel she could face them.

"Perhaps the danger we know is better faced than the unknown" the motley dressed fool pranced about gaily despite his morose face and grumbling belly. He looked to the dark woods in the north "many dangers lurk in the dark, dark forest, many perils" he shook his head "the road will be safer. Let our elvish friend cast an enchanted slumber upon these spiders so that we may sneak passed unhindered" Gyp mimed tiptoeing and creeping, he was especially good at this. His worth perhaps?

"Then we have an accord. Let us go forth to the sipders, and I shall cast my spell, and then perhaps the gods will be on our side."

And if not, Leozaren hoped he could run faster than the rest.

Falco says, "Very well. It's decided then. We will take battle to the creatures. Everyone form ranks. Armored folk up front." He turns in the direction of the spiders and readies his shield and spear for battle. He says, "Acolyte Jori, on my left. Young Warrior Reea, on my right. Everyone else, ready your missiles and magics, and follow behind us. Advance!"

Keeping in rank with the other armored folk, Falco steadily advances towards the spiders with his shield up and spear ready to thrust into the beady-eyed monsters.

At Falco insistence that they seek battle Gyp gave a shrug and followed "to glory and fame" he encouraged the warriors.

Falco said, "Very well. It's decided then. We will take battle to the creatures. Everyone form ranks. Armored folk up front." He turns in the direction of the spiders and readies his shield and spear for battle. "Acolyte Jori, on my left. Young Warrior Reea, on my right. Everyone else, ready your missiles and magics, and follow behind us. Advance!"

Jori looked at Falco, wondering how she was elected to be in the front.

"Excuse me, sir, but I would prefer being towards the back. I have a sling I can use, if needed."

It was clear who the leader was, and she was okay with that. Jori just wanted the chance to be in a position to best use her skills and advantages. She also didn't want to die.

"Acolyte Jori, on my left. Young Warrior Reea, on my right. Everyone else, ready your missiles and magics, and follow behind us. Advance!"

Reea gulped, but she didn't say anything. She was frightened, but as long as she was with Falco, she knew she could do what needed to be done. Sighing deeply, she readied her sword and moved with him.

"Here we go," she muttered.

"Sister Jori, stay at the back if you wish. I will take your spot at the front!"

At the same time puzzled and in awe of the eclectic party he was now a part of, Dynor gathers his moral strength to face the fiendish creatures. As the elf mentioned, there is definitely strength in number!

Weapon still in hand, he takes place near Falco, ready to fight!

Falco replies to Jori, "As you say, Acolyte. Keep your sling at the ready then."

When Dynlor steps up to Falco's side, "Brave, lad. Keep you guard up."

To the group as a whole, he says, "Work together, everyone, so we can all come back alive."

Falco may only be a simple spearman, but he knows how to fight in ranks.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Sun 25 July 2021.