2 - On the Road to the Tomb

[Sellsword]

OOC: Once you've completed your bit of shopping and decided the route you're going to take, please post what the others see as you approach the group, ready to depart.

The Village of Shadowdale

3 Kythorn, 1369 DR (The Year of the Gauntlet)

Winds are strong this morning, stirring the waters of the River Ashaba as you huddle around the bridge waiting on the others. While the morning is mostly clear, there are darker clouds to the north hinting at rain to come sometime in the next few days. Numerous travelers and townsfolk pass you buy as they go about their business. Some give you cautious greetings, though many others simply ignore you or nod their heads as they walk on by.

 

[Lord Foul]

With a loud "Neigh!" a jet black stallion appears, rearing up and pawing at the air with metal-shod hooves. Atop it sits Mandons, wearing a huge grin. 😀

He now has a full set of clothing, a merciful relief for the rest of the party, and a new longbow crossed with his sword on his back. Between him and his mount they appear to have a suitably wide range of travelling equipment, in backpack and saddle bags, and as he approaches several daggers in sheathes can be seen about his person.

Reining up and dismounting, he says: "This is Nemesis, my trusty steed" indicating the medium warhorse stamping its hooves impatiently.

"Since nobody else seemed bothered I took the liberty of acquiring a few more empty potion vials and decanting out those healing potions into single use doses. There's enough for one each, and I'm happy to hold onto the extra one unless you think someone else is better suited for that." He starts handing out vials to everyone present.

 

[Arbuthnott]

Amarandé waves in greeting as Mandons approaches. He is currently sat on the floor just off the dusty road, absently scratching behind the ear of one of three large hounds that have dog-piled onto his lap, his staff resting tall against his shoulder. There is a sleek grey mare standing to attention behind him, with a chestnut stallion tied to the mare's saddle with a generous loop of rope; while the stallion is grazing off the the side disinterestedly, the mare watches as Nemesis approaches with flared nostrils.

"Hail, Mandons; I see that the rumours surrounding your last night's activities were surely embellished, for I know that you oft find yourself with fewer worldly possessions after a night of hearty drinking. And yet here you stand in full regalia; a puzzle if ever there was one." And with a smirk, he turns to your horse and adds "Hail, Nemesis. Might I introduce my own equestrians: Amadeus and Bolo," he gestures to the mare, fully outfitted to ride, and then the stallion with its bulging pack saddle and saddle bags.

"And these ferocious hounds are Korlar, Snicker and Pike," he continues to scratch behind the ear of a large black mastiff, which whines happily and lolls out its tongue. The copper greyhound laying on top of it makes a strange sound, similar to a laugh, as it drives its paw into the mastiffs back, while the black and grey border collie proudly lies on the top of the pile, calmly watching Mandons but otherwise unresponsive.

Edited February 6 by Arbuthnott (see edit history)

[Excior]

Valandil rides up to those gathered, his presence immediately draws attention. Clad in studded leather armor, he moves with the ease of someone accustomed to the wilderness. His attire is carefully chosen, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, making him almost indistinguishable from the forest itself.

The morning sunlight catches the intricate design of his longbow, strapped securely to his back, its polished wood gleaming softly. A quiver filled with arrows hangs at his side, each shaft meticulously crafted for accuracy and strength.

But it's the two swords that catch the eye most prominently. One, a well-worn longsword, is strapped to his back, its scabbard showing signs of frequent use. The other, more mundane in appearance, rests in its scabbard on the horse's saddle, a reassuring backup should the need arise.

[rauhric]

THEOATH GRANGER, Paladin of Chauntea [3]

Theo waves a greeting to his companions and wishes them a good morning. He is followed by a hunting dog and donkey that is packed with some gear. He asks them how they are this fine morning and if they are ready for the adventure. He seems to be in a great mood and wanting to share his cheer with everyone.

---

OoC:

Adventuring Gear

Rustic Hide Armor, Med. Shield, Holy Symbol, Assorted Clothing

Spear, Short Sword, Battle Axe, Footman's Mace,

Backpack, Large Sack, Winter Blanket, Flint & Steel, Whetstone, Rope, Winesink, Dry Rations (Wk), Torches (10),

Donkey, Pack Saddle, Bit & Bridle, Hunting Dog

 

Edited February 9 by rauhric (see edit history)

[stonedzep]

Lirion Eldermist

Riding his mount, a pale, light and almost thin as him young horse, Lirion nods to the presents. He wears no armor, just clothing of dark green and grey colors, his bow, quiver and sword on his back and not much else packed on his mount. Travelling light is his style, furthermore there's not much he needs other than his parchments & trinkets, weaponry and provisioning.

"We should move as soon as possible" while he scans around to check who's up and who is missing from the company.

[Sellsword]

Together with your mounts and a small pack of hounds, your group makes a considerable impression. Word of your meeting with Lhaeo has surely gotten around, and you'd wager that more than a few of the passers-by are going out of their way to pass close to you and offer their greetings and well wishes. Whatever your mission may be, Shadowdale is no stranger to adventurers. Several even provide blessings in the name of Chauntea the Earthmother, Lathander the Morninglord and especially Tymora, the goddess of luck--all deities well-celebrated throughout the Dalelands.

If there is any surprise at your intended route, it is well-hidden. None stop you as you leave the main road and head for the edge of the elven wood, Cormanthor. Your lithe riding horses pick a path delicately while the warhorses and ponies tromp their way through the grasses, leaving an obvious trail behind you which slowly diminishes as you step upon the mulched earth and fallen leaves that makes up the floor of Cormanthor. Before long, you leave the bustle of Shadowdale behind until you are completely surrounded the forest. Valandil and Lirion are at home in the environment, and scout ahead along the light trail before you. Several such trails exist near the edge of the forest, used by hunters, fishermen, as well as he careful men who harvest deadfall from the forest for various uses. Though there is no prohibition against cutting down live trees, it is not a practice done lightly or without good reason. As you get deeper into the forest, however, you know that the going will get harder.

One benefit to this path is that you are grateful to be sheltered from the harsh wind that stirred the early morning. Sunlight peeks through the canopy of trees, enough to light your path and provide some degree of warmth. Several of the hounds pull at their leashes, eager to explore or chase small game, and Amarandé finds himself waging a small battle against their seemingly boundless energy. If all goes well, you might make it as far as the River Ashaba before night falls.

As expected, before too long the trails begin start and stop again only to eventually disappear nearly entirely, reclaimed by the living forest. For the most part, you and your mounts have an easy enough time of things, avoiding the largest areas of brush and densest patches of forest. In those moments that you stop to check your direction against the sun through the treetops, the forest is utterly silent around you. Your presence is impossible to hide.

As morning is lost to highsun, and as highsun is lost to the late afternoon, you have yet to reach the River Ashaba--the clearest landmark in this part of your journey. Though enough light yet remains to continue on, you know that it will not last long and you must decide whether to press on or to search for a defensible spot to rest for the night, while you have light to seek it. Of course, you could also strike lanterns and torches and continue into the night.

OOC: Breaking here, want to give others a chance to catch up and you a chance to discuss plans. Need to know how eager you are to press forward to the river versus camping where you are now. If you decide to camp now, assume that there are areas easy to find where you might have a ridge or dense patch of brush to your backs, whatever you might need. The longer you travel, the harder a defensible place will be to find until you reach the river.

 

[Lord Foul]

"Got to be about time we looked for a decent camp site, don't you think?" Mandons says to the rest in the main party.

"I'll let the elves know so they can look for a good place." And he quickens his pace to catch up to the two scouts.

"Hey fellers, reckon you can scout out a camp site for us; something defensible against night-time forest dwellers?"

 

[stonedzep]

17 minutes ago, Lord Foul said:

"Got to be about time we looked for a decent camp site, don't you think?" Mandons says to the rest in the main party.

"I'll let the elves know so they can look for a good place." And he quickens his pace to catch up to the two scouts.

"Hey fellers, reckon you can scout out a camp site for us; something defensible against night-time forest dwellers?"

 

Lirion Eldermist

Lirions looks at the fighter first, he agrees with his words. Then looks at Valandil " a slightly elevated spot, so we can have the sorroundings under control, should not be a problem to find while light is still available..."

He then checks the others by looking at them, quite sure everyone agrees.

 

Edited February 7 by stonedzep (see edit history)

[Arbuthnott]

Amarandé nods at Mandons' suggestion. "Aye, there'll be plenty of time for haste upon leaving these ancient woods. Best remind our esteemed guides that not all of us possess infravision, and that a fire at our camp is more than just a luxury to be avoided."

As Mandons rides ahead, Amarandé turns to Theoath. "Blasted saddle insists on chafing! Have you ventured into these woods before, Theoath? I would give the hounds some freedom this eve, but the combination of unfamiliar dogs in unfamiliar woodland makes me weary; have you any advice?"

Edited February 7 by Arbuthnott (see edit history)

[cybersavant]

Kordannaghlan Penniesaver (gnome f2/th3)

 

The gnome comes outside pretty much the same as the night before; dressed in a grey tunic, a green vest, brown breeches and dark grey cloak, carrying a broadsword with short bow and two quivers slung over his shoulder. He gathers the reins of the pony provided via Lhaeo, though there are extra quivers strapped to the saddle - four each of sheaf and flight arrows.

 

 

 

[Chaz Hoosier]

Jack Coldwater

HP: 23/23 AC: 6

---

Jack appears as he did before, not needing much in the way of new equipment. He avails himself of the offered credit to purchase a large amount of rations (enough for himself to make it to their destination and back). Since Jack is too small for horses and ponies he feels quite at liberty to share a mount with someone else without even asking politely. When they stop to make camp he peers into the woods with some consternation as he listens for trouble--his keen ears have save the group more than once.

 

OOC

Action: Detect Noise (95%)

 

[Excior]

19 hours ago, stonedzep said:

Lirion Eldermist

Lirions looks at the fighter first, he agrees with his words. Then looks at Valandil " a slightly elevated spot, so we can have the sorroundings under control, should not be a problem to find while light is still available..."

He then checks the others by looking at them, quite sure everyone agrees.

 

Valandil's response to Lirion's comment is delivered with his usual stoic demeanor, his voice devoid of emotion as he suggests. "There are some ancient standing stones nearby that might serve our needs," he states matter-of-factly, his gaze steady as he directs his riding horse to turn and face the group.

His words carry a sense of practicality as if he has carefully considered all available options before arriving at this conclusion. There's no hesitation in his delivery, no trace of uncertainty in his tone—just the calm assurance of someone who knows what needs to be done.

[Lord Foul]

"Are you sure? You know how indecisive you can be, Val." 😉

 

[Sellsword]

Before Val is forced to dignify Mandons' comments with a response, you can all see that it is indeed true. Just a short distance ahead, you see the silhouettes of several large, moss-covered obelisks that should provide suitable cover for the evening. The earth beneath the is loose, which should aid in softening any noises you or the mounts make during the night, and Lirion is happy that on at least two sides, there are ridges leading up to the stones that provide elevated areas for the archers.

While the others go about tending the mounts and clearing out the area, Jack separates himself from the group, standing in front of one of the stones to listen carefully to the surroundings. The forest, which to most seems silent, reveals itself to his senses in myriad small but natural ways--the click of a beak in the distance before a muted bird call, the scrambling of some small rodent in the brush several yards away. None of the sounds seem out of place, nor is there any danger apparent.

A fire is built and rations shared as you split the group into watches, careful to pair up those with the keenest senses with those less talented in those skills. As the sun descends darkness and shadows take over, giving Cormanthor a sense of eeriness and foreboding that wasn't present while the sun was still visible. The hounds settle in, sleeping in a large pile to share warmth near the horses, and those of you that can find rest, disturbed only by the crackling of fire.