I pick up the copper peice and the button, afterall anything could be a clue and if not a clue, perhaps it is valuable.
Keildrithe addresses the party: "We should think of moving on soon. Gosia hinted that the Valley of the Snails was about a day's walk from here, and noon is fast approaching. Given that we know not with any certainty what has made these odd prints, nor what has befallen the ranger Jarred Hale, I would prefer to make as much ground toward our destination as we can, while daylight is with us. Of course, if ye have reason to believe that there is more to be found in this clearing, then we can search it a while longer. What think ye?"
Keildrithe addresses the party: "We should think of moving on soon. Gosia hinted that the Valley of the Snails was about a day's walk from here, and noon is fast approaching. Given that we know not with any certainty what has made these odd prints, nor what has befallen the ranger Jarred Hale, I would prefer to make as much ground toward our destination as we can, while daylight is with us. Of course, if ye have reason to believe that there is more to be found in this clearing, then we can search it a while longer. What think ye?"
"I agree; we should make haste towards the valley."
Keildrithe addresses the party: "We should think of moving on soon. Gosia hinted that the Valley of the Snails was about a day's walk from here, and noon is fast approaching. Given that we know not with any certainty what has made these odd prints, nor what has befallen the ranger Jarred Hale, I would prefer to make as much ground toward our destination as we can, while daylight is with us. Of course, if ye have reason to believe that there is more to be found in this clearing, then we can search it a while longer. What think ye?"
"There seems to be nothing here. If we stand here much longer, Gosia could be killed, We must not waste time. We should head to our destination now." Jirkin looks around then at his companions.
All Gosia told you was that the Valley was "west of the village" - either of those two paths could, broadly, lead somewhere "west of the village" - or more specifically, south west and north west respectively.
Laithe's investigation at each trail for tracks revealed that the west trail here in the clearing was narrow and overgrown, looking to be little used. The earlier south west trail was wider, wide enough for a cart to traverse, and whilst also overgrown, showed slightly more signs of recent use ... slightly.
All Gosia told you was that the Valley was "west of the village" - either of those two paths could, broadly, lead somewhere "west of the village" - or more specifically, south west and north west respectively.
Laithe's investigation at each trail for tracks revealed that the west trail here in the clearing was narrow and overgrown, looking to be little used. The earlier south west trail was wider, wide enough for a cart to traverse, and whilst also overgrown, showed slightly more signs of recent use ... slightly.
Laithe pauses, unsure which path to take and not wanting to take a wrong turn. "The South-west trail, at the fork in the road showed more use than this path here to the north-west. Is the valley of the snails a populated area, or one where only Jarred lives? I am leaning towards the south-west trail but am uncertain..."
his voice trails off as he looks to the others questioningly.
Keildrithe, I believe, has a rank or two in both skills. He may make a check, or even sit down for a few minutes, scratch his head and really think about it – and Take 20.
Geography is more applicable – it means you actually know this area, or remember seeing an accurate map or what have you.
Local relies on people telling you where the place is – not always as reliable – or knowing a few local quirks about the area which might give you some clues to where it is located.
Without ranks in these skills, you just don’t know the location of the place and you really can’t be of much help to him.
All Gosia told you was that the Valley was "west of the village" - either of those two paths could, broadly, lead somewhere "west of the village" - or more specifically, south west and north west respectively.
Laithe's investigation at each trail for tracks revealed that the west trail here in the clearing was narrow and overgrown, looking to be little used. The earlier south west trail was wider, wide enough for a cart to traverse, and whilst also overgrown, showed slightly more signs of recent use ... slightly.
Laithe pauses, unsure which path to take and not wanting to take a wrong turn. "The South-west trail, at the fork in the road showed more use than this path here to the north-west. Is the valley of the snails a populated area, or one where only Jarred lives? I am leaning towards the south-west trail but am uncertain..."
his voice trails off as he looks to the others questioningly.
"Well then this would be a good time to look back in the past Laithe of your travels." Jirkin sights "I wish i knew more of this place better, well i better be staying out of the past."
Jirkin then looks at his companions to see what is happening next.
** spoiler omitted **
"I recall seeing some old maps of the area, which showed a large valley in a west-south-westerly direction from Barg. So Laithe's instincts would seem to be worth heeding... Regardless of what we'll encounter on that southwest track, it being slighlty more travelled and less overgrown should enable us to make somewhat better time. If Gosia's estimates are correct, we should be nearing the edges of the Valley of the Snails around nightfall...
"As to what we'll find once we're there (and on our way there), that's another question..."
"I recall seeing some old maps of the area, which showed a large valley in a west-south-westerly direction from Barg. So Laithe's instincts would seem to be worth heeding... Regardless of what we'll encounter on that southwest track, it being slighlty more travelled and less overgrown should enable us to make somewhat better time. If Gosia's estimates are correct, we should be nearing the edges of the Valley of the Snails around nightfall...
Laithe nods "Ok, then let's not dally any longer. Though I am normally at home among the trees, if we can avoid spending the night in these particular woods, I would rest easier". Laithe starts off down the Southern trail, setting a hard pace, but still keeping his eyes on the surrrounding forest.
No one from Barg has been to the Valley for many years, but some of the old timers have stories about it. Apparently it’s quite a nice place compared to the rest of the Dimwood – a more open forest canopy, some meadows and pleasant streams, plentiful (and apparently less savage) wild life. The valley is said to be surrounded by steep cliffs. The place apparently gets it’s name from the plentiful snails which inhabit the place – apparently snails with bright blue bodies that are mildly poisonous.
Getting to the valley is of course a problem. You vagually recall from the map that Gosia’s estimate of a day’s journey might be generous – and since almost half the day is gone, and you are less than a mile from town, you are not sure you would reach the place by night fall. The Dimwood is said to be particularly dangerous by night. Apart from the rumours of fey, spirits, walking trees etc, the forest is said to be so dark at night under the thick canopy that it is almost pitch black.
The south trail winds it’s way through the trees, down a gentle down hill slope. After several minutes the ambient light begins to increase, and shortly you see the forest edge, and the cross roads. The path east leads out of the forest and back to Bard, whilst the north path you followed earlier in the morning leads to Gosia’s cottage. Only the south west path has remained untraversed.
Laithe halts as the group reaches the point where the paths fork. He turns to the group. "I have a fair amount of experience travelling through wooded regions, so I am happy to lead the group on this walk. Given the dark nature of the forest, I would suggest we stick fairly close together, and keep reasonably quiet at this stage - we don't want to attract any unnecessary attention".
He turns to the halfling "Alton, you seem to have fairly keen eye-sight and hearing. Perhaps you could travel up the front with me to increase our chances of spotting anything which may threaten us on the path?"
"I would suggest that Keildrithe and Jirkin follow, with Yruch to take up the rear position, lest we are tracked and beset upon from the way we have come."
"Alright, I'm happy to stay near the front of our procession. I suggest that everyone keep their weapons drawn, in case something unfriendly emerges. We should plan ahead for nightfall, as I would hate to be caught unprepared. Since it seems as though we may be stuck in this forest come nightfall I suggest that we march for a few more hours and then take a brake for a few hours, that way we won't have to camp at night in the forest. If we march for another two hours and then make camp for six hours we'll be well rested enough to keep on moving through the night. We can take hour and a half shifts guarding while we camp. Laithe, as you have superior knowledge of the forest do think that this plan would be effective?"
"Alright, I'm happy to stay near the front of our procession. I suggest that everyone keep their weapons drawn, in case something unfriendly emerges. We should plan ahead for nightfall, as I would hate to be caught unprepared. Since it seems as though we may be stuck in this forest come nightfall I suggest that we march for a few more hours and then take a brake for a few hours, that way we won't have to camp at night in the forest. If we march for another two hours and then make camp for six hours we'll be well rested enough to keep on moving through the night. We can take hour and a half shifts guarding while we camp. Laithe, as you have superior knowledge of the forest do think that this plan would be effective?"
"hmmm, it's an interesting idea". Laithe stands and thinks about this prospect for a bit.
"You are right that we are vulnerable camping at night; and creatures could potentially set up and ambush us. Travelling at night we are up and alert even if we are beset upon. In saying that, visibility is poor at night - and even more so in a thick forest. We would need to travel by torch or lattern light, which I don't carry with me. What do the rest of you think?"
"Fear not, I have an idea for illumination as well. I carry three sunrods which could be distributed amongst us so as to provide us with illumination. The person second to first and second to last could carry my sunrods, the person in the middle could have their bow drawn and the first and last people could have whatever melee wepons they posses drawn."
Keildrithe,
---
Laithe,
---
The season is Autumn (Fall). It begins to get dark about 6pm, then there is a long twilight period which lasts for about an hour. Sunrise is about 6.30am.
Alton,
Laithe halts as the group reaches the point where the paths fork. He turns to the group. "I have a fair amount of experience travelling through wooded regions, so I am happy to lead the group on this walk. Given the dark nature of the forest, I would suggest we stick fairly close together, and keep reasonably quiet at this stage - we don't want to attract any unnecessary attention".
He turns to the halfling "Alton, you seem to have fairly keen eye-sight and hearing. Perhaps you could travel up the front with me to increase our chances of spotting anything which may threaten us on the path?"
"I would suggest that Keildrithe and Jirkin follow, with Yruch to take up the rear position, lest we are tracked and beset upon from the way we have come."
Jirkin nods "I think this is a great plan Laithe, as long as i am not in the back it is fine with me."Jirkin says nothing after that can follows the group order how ever way it goes.
"The only problem that I can see is that my sunrods will only last for six hours. If we start moving around 6 this evening then we'll probably have about an hour of low light when we won't need sunrods, the same for the hour or so before dawn." as I say this I like to Laithe for confirmation. "I think we may have to have the person in the middle carry the sunrod, that way we have a fairly large circle of illumination and we only have to have one sunrod active at a time."
"Yes, Alton's plan seems to be an effective course of action. It would be wiser to be altert durring the more dangerous hours.
I am happy to take the rear and keep watch for enemies that may come from behind. My only concern is these snails thamselves. Even if they do not prove to be monstrous, as is Alton's fear, smaller creatures can be just as deadly, more so if we underestimate them."
"Yes, Alton's plan seems to be an effective course of action. It would be wiser to be altert durring the more dangerous hours.
I am happy to take the rear and keep watch for enemies that may come from behind. My only concern is these snails thamselves. Even if they do not prove to be monstrous, as is Alton's fear, smaller creatures can be just as deadly, more so if we underestimate them."
Jirkin looks at the ground remembering the past "Snails never liked them." Jirkin twitchs "they are nasty too."
Your group sets out along the south west trail, marching in the order suggested. The forest is quiet and oppressive. As you walk, occasional sounds – rustling in the leaves, a far off, mournful howl, at one point a snuffling, snorting sound from somewhere behind you, make you all start, and stand ready with weapons drawn. But, for the first hour at least of your journey, no obvious danger presents itself.
Whilst overgrown, the trail is easy enough to follow, given the ancient wagon wheel ruts etched deeply into the ground. It is a good thing, as the surrounding forest all looks very similar – without a trail it would be easy to get lost in the dim, half-light amongst the ancient trunks.
You continue on your way, dead leaves crunching under-foot.
Your group sets out along the south west trail, marching in the order suggested. The forest is quiet and oppressive. As you walk, occasional sounds – rustling in the leaves, a far off, mournful howl, at one point a snuffling, snorting sound from somewhere behind you, make you all start, and stand ready with weapons drawn. But, for the first hour at least of your journey, no obvious danger presents itself.
Whilst overgrown, the trail is easy enough to follow, given the ancient wagon wheel ruts etched deeply into the ground. It is a good thing, as the surrounding forest all looks very similar – without a trail it would be easy to get lost in the dim, half-light amongst the ancient trunks.
You continue on your way, dead leaves crunching under-foot.
Laithe tries to set a hard pace, travelling for the most part in quiet contemplation, though giving the occassional warning to those who follow of thorned plants or rutts in the road to avoid. He does not feel as at ease as he normally would travelling through a forest. He keeps a constant lookout ahead and to the sides for any sign of danger.
You keep walking along the twisting path, staying alert for dangers. The silence weighs heavily on you all.
It is now a half hour or more past noon, and it has been a long time since you broke fast. You begin discussing quietly amongst yourselves about looking for a place to stop and rest – even sleep should you decide to follow Alton’s suggestion, when the path curls around a huge, ancient oak with twisted roots before opening up into a shadowy glade, some thirty paces across, covered with a carpet of yellowing leaves. The oppressive silence of the forest is broken by the tinkle of running water – a narrow, shallow stream, flows across the far edge of the glade and back into the forest.
A wooden box – about four feet long by two and a half feet wide – lies on the ground on the right hand side of the open area, and a small circle of stones surrounds a mound of ash in the clearing’s centre. This stone circle is very small, and resembles a camp fire pit.
On the other side of the stream, two trails exit the clearing, one veering to the left, the other to the right.
I walk over to what I presume to be a past camp site somewhat cautiously with my weapons drawn. I begin to search the camp site, hoping to find something that could help us. "How old do you think this camp is Laithe?" I say as I rummage through the box.
Laithe eyes the box warily "That isn't a coffin, is it?". He slowly begins to approaches the camp site, studying the ground for tracks. Without taking his eyes off the ground he says to the others "Give me a couple of minutes to take a look around, and keep a close watch and stay at the ready while I search. We don't want the camp owner to return and catch us unawares..."
With that, he turns back to the camp fire and the surrounding area, searching for heat or prints. He also tries to get a better lock at the box.
As we walk a thought seems to strike me. I turn to Keildrithe and ask "Do the legends of the Valley of Snails involve giant snails or normally sized ones? Should we expect to be attacked by monstorous snails or just to have to avoid a few poisonous ones?"
"I've heard rumours of snails of unusual size in some caverns and tunnels under the floor of the valley, but I'm really not sure how much credence I would give to such talk. As for snail poison, I have heard naught concerning its potency, or how it is delivered."
As Alton walks warily over towards the campsite, he feels a stick crack, and the ground lurch beneath his feet. Hurling himself to the side, he leaps out of the way as a layer of twigs and leaves collapses, leaving a gaping pit about six feet in diameter where he was just standing. Thanking the gods – and his lightning reflexes – Alton glances down into the pit he narrowly avoided, seeing that it is about ten feet deep and filled with sharpened wooden stakes at the bottom.
Result of 13 +
Result of 20 +
Laithe starts forward, reaching out as he sees the pit trap open up below Alton's feet. Relief floods through him as he sees the nimble halfling dodge away and avoid the pit.
His relief is short lived though as he kneels, keeping behind the cover of his shield and carefully scans the clearing, searching the someone or something he assumes is nearby. Seeing nothing around the clearing, he turns his attention to the box, noticing it rattle slightly.
"Does anyone see anything? I think there may be something alive in the box!"