Kriger Eilifsson |
"Sounds good. I'll be sure and get us some rope before we leave. Wouldn't want to have to carry you fellas up a hill or something." He slaps Kalsgrim on the shoulder as he smiles a big Kriger smile.
Kriger Eilifsson |
As Kriger is readying the horses, he notices Kalsgrim walking up. "Mornin', Kals. I've nearly got us ready to move. I'd of had us ready earlier, but these horses here need their sleep. Where's the rest of the fellas? Don't they know we need to get a move on."
Other Mastermind |
!4th of Rova, 4711
Led by Kalsgrim, the group heads out, on a misty morning, on the road to Restov. Their horses fresh, they come within sight of Fort Serenko by day's end.
The wooden fortification has stood for years on the southern border of Brevoy. Yet, as you approach, you see no guards on its battlement. The closer you get, the clearer it gets that the fort is abandoned.
Kalsgrim Lodovka |
Not long after we are out of sight of Providence, Kalsgrim lets Kriger take the lead. So, do we go on to Nivakta's Crossing and then head south?
When they approach the fort and see the empty battlements, Kalsgrim signals to Kriger to stop the group.
We should proceed cautiously, and probably on foot. Let's check for signs to see what happened here; if the garrison left voluntarily or if they were attacked.
Kalsgrim dismounts and readies his bow. He looks to Davor and Kriger to lead the way.
Kriger Eilifsson |
"Aye." Kriger dismounts and leads the way. "Let's hope the local militia is just taking a bit of time off." He shrugs, as he draws his axe for good measure.
Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
Survival: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Davor Mason |
Davor thinks deeply for a moment and turns back to the group as they're travelling.
"Sounds like the best idea, but I cannot think of what might have happened to this city. What do we know about it?" he asks curiously as Davor seems concerned about these strange goings on.
Kriger Eilifsson |
Kriger scratches his beard. "Well, fellas, it appears those that were here left of their own accord. And in quite a hurry. No idea why. I'd have to guess they were needed as reinforcements, seeing how this place still stands. But whatever the reason, we'll be good to camp here for the night."
Other Mastermind |
I'm guessing everyone agrees with Kriger...
15th of Rova
The group spends an uneventful night along the battlements of Fort Serenko, its emptiness a reminder of the political tensions in Brevoy.
The next morning, you follow the road to Nivakta's Crossing. The village itself is surrounded by a wooden palisade and is set on the northeastern bank of the Shrike River. A low bridge allows access over the river here to the wilderness to the south, and Varnhold. You can see manned guard towers around the palisade.
Knowledge (Local or Geography) to know a thing or two about the place.
Other Mastermind |
Kriger Eilifsson |
Knowledge: Geography 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Noticing the guards, "At least this place hasn't been abandon. That's good. Maybe they can tell us why the fort we just left was deserted."
Davor Mason |
Knowledge: Geography 1d20 + 6
Noticing the guards, "At least this place hasn't been abandon. That's good. Maybe they can tell us why the fort we just left was deserted."
"Be careful." Davor warns "We don't know what has happened and we can't suspect these guards are as they appear or enchanted somehow."
Servayn Krolz |
"The locals don't always trust 'southerners,' but trade with us nonetheless. Let's try not to do anything to rouse their distrust, or make it harder for our folk to trade with them..." Servayn says.
Ember ruffles his wings, clearly itching to fly again, but leashed by the nature of the summoners bond, and waiting for the evening, when Servayn will unfetter him for a time and allow him to take to the skies.
Other Mastermind |
You approach and see movement in the towers, but nothing threatening. You near the West Gate of Nivakta's Crossing, where four guards in light armor, carrying swords and spears, with yellow round shields, gesture softly for you to stop. One of them, the oldest, walks up to your horses: "Well Meet strangers. On your way to Restov? You should make it before nightfall if you hurry. Take the road around the palisade instead of crossing through, okay?"
Other Mastermind |
To Kalsgrim, the guard looks more and more incredulous: Investigate? Aaaah! You're mad is all! Ahahah! Well good luck to y'all. Refugees? Naah! They vanished is what I heard. One day there, one day gone. Some say it's the Nomen who killed them all... Or worse..."
Turning to Kriger: "Serenko? Ah yest, a few days ago they passed us, heading north I believe. Trouble between brothers. They say we'll soon be at war, with our kin..."
Kalsgrim Lodovka |
"Well, I hope you are wrong, and we are able to find out what happened to the folk there and aid any who may yet have survived, or at the very least avenge them. If you are last living soul to see us in this world, let it be known that Kalsgrim Lodovka and the founders of Friedland passed this way with only the best of intentions for our fellow brave pioneers. Erastil's blessings on you as well."
With that, Kalsgrim kicks his horse into a gallop, moving quickly along the route that the old soldier indicated around the pallisade. Assuming it is safe and there are no bystanders in the way, he'll maintain the gallop until he is out of sight of the folk of Nivatka's Crossing.
Other Mastermind |
The road splits in two, leading South to Varnhold or East to Restov. You head South, your horses moving swiftly as the sun moves ever closer to the horizon. A few minutes later, you reach the bridge that crosses out of Brevoy. You are back in the wilderness.
Very quickly, any sign of recent passage on the road disappears, and it seems as though wildlife is holding its breath in your presence.
Nightfall is upon you an hour later...
What's the plan? You are along a road in a wide plain. I'll post the map tonight. Let me know what you do and if you set camp, who's on watch when.
Kriger Eilifsson |
"No need to worry about that, Servayn. We're still a couple o' days out. Let's find a place to set up camp off the road. One of you can take first watch. I'll take the rest." He winks.
Survival: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36 Looking for a good spot to camp
Boy am I cutting my throat on future rolls.
Servayn Krolz |
"I'll take first, then." Servayn says, as Ember has already been urging him to do. He casts a spell and alters the bond between himself and the impatient Eidolon, and Ember promptly takes flight and spends the next hour soaring over the area, purportedly 'scouting,' but really just reveling in the sensations of flight and freedom.
Unfetter allows Ember to go past the 100 ft. 'zone of death' without discorporating. He doesn't 'scout.' He just flies around, enjoying himself.
Other Mastermind |
The watch order will be, unless changed:
-Servayn
-Davor
-Kalsgrim
-Kriger
-Janku
1d100 ⇒ 70
The night goes quietly, replaced by a blazing sun that quickly turns from red to orange to yellow as it climbs over you.
The road keeps south, with mountains west and plains east. The road joins a river that Kriger identifies as the Kiravoy, leading to Fort Serenko.
By the end of the day, you reach a bridge going over the Kiravoy. It looks quite new.
Kriger Eilifsson |
Watch
Davor seems to be in deep thought as he goes on watch. Something about the report of this vanishing seems to have gotten him thinking.
"Somethin' on your mind, Davor?" He asks the half-orc who appears to be lost in thought.
At the bridge
As they come upon the bridge, Kriger looks around for any sign of trouble. "It's mighty quiet around here. Too quiet."
Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33