"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.
Kalsgrim is up early, fully geared up as though he expects a battle before the day is out, rather than when they reach there destination in weeks. He seeks out Kriger, who he is sure is up and preparing for the journey.
I don't know how that man does it; he hardly ever seems to sleep anymore!
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."
Davor Mason(Male Half-orc Inquisitor/4th, AC 19, 6/39 hp)
"I have been researching monsters, preparing for our next excursion into these lands." he says as he looks to the group, standing there with his sword strapped to his back.
!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.
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.
"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.
As best you can tell, the soldiers left in a hurry, but of their own will. You can spend the night there in all safety.
Davor Mason(Male Half-orc Inquisitor/4th, AC 19, 6/39 hp)
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 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."
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.
Nivakta’s Crossing is an alert town of tradesmen, hunters, fishermen, and trappers. Its people are sturdy, down to earth, and possess stunted senses of humor. Serious to a fault, they are somewhat suspicious of visitors from what they call “the South,” but they’re willing to take strangers' coins for trade nonetheless.
"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.
Let's approach. I see no reason to hide who we are or find a way to circumvent them. Perhaps they have news that is more recent than what we've heard so far.
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?"
