The dawn breaks cool and clear with the scent of autumn blossoms on the wind. With breakfast preparing, you pack up your things and make the final preparations for the journey to Kalsgard. As Bevelek and Vankor tie down the wagons and ready the draft horses to move out, Sandru calls you over to confer.
Sandru has a couple different maps rolled out on a travel desk. At a glance, you see one is a detailed map of Varisia and the edges of its surrounding lands, while the other is a sketch map of Avistan.
"My knowledge of the Varisian roads and paths is very good, but we're about to quickly leave that zone of comfort. I don't have much for charts between here and Kalsgard, but I think I've got a good route for us to follow."
He points out the route on the maps while he explains, "From here, we'll cross the Steam River and cut across the plains of the Nolands. Hopefully the locals don't harass us too badly. Once we get into the Linnorm Kings' realms, we should have a smooth run." He doesn't seem entirely convinced.
"From the Nolands, the land gets hilly and rough as we skirt the western Kodar Mountains, but I know there's a trade route between the mines at Kopparberget and Jol that we'll intercept. We follow that north through the east arm of the Grungir Forest until it reaches Losthome on the Thundering River. We follow the river north until it joins the Rimeflow, and straight west to Kalsgard."
"In all, about four-hundred fifty miles. Without problems, we can get there in just about two weeks." He looks at Harlan, "How are we on provisions? Keep in mind we have Kelda now." To the rest of you, "Thoughts? Scoffs? Anecdotes?"
Maeve listens attentively to Sandru's plan, although whether she's following completely or not is somewhat open to question. Still, at the end she does raise her hand to ask "What about stops on the way? This is going to get dangerous, even before we take the Path of Agan-Hei into account. We're not just going to need more supplies, but more numbers to travel safely, I would think."
"Just curious, if Karlsgaard is 450 miles, how far is Minkai?
"I'll need to check. We were in the keep for a day, and I'll need to recalculate for Kelda. With hunting we should be ok, but I want to make sure. If we have to we'll reassign more people to gather food."
"We will be at Losthome in just over a week, and if we have an emergency, we could always divert to Jol, which is a big town, if a little out of the way," Sandru replies to Maeve. "Now, Kalsgard is a big city. We'll have a good opportunity there to resupply, beef up our numbers a bit, and prepare before we head off over the Crown. Even more vital than supplies, we're going to need a guide."
To Parity, Sandru chuckles. "I can't give you an accurate estimate, but its got to be a few thousand miles. And that's taking the short route!"
Malnival places his hand on his shortbow string crossing his chest. "I can take over hunting duty if needed, Shalelu taught me well enough to hunt game along the way."
He wistles after hearing Sandru's estimate of the distance to Minkai. "That's alot of boots between here and there."
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"Kelda, do you know anything about the land route? I know you traveled by ship on your last voyage. I have spoken with northern travelers before and have heard a few things about our route.
"The Nolands is a rocky place inhabited only by exiles of the Linnorn Lands, criminals and their descendants mostly. I have heard tales of Fey in the Grungnir as well."
Kelda shrugs, "Not much. The seas vere my place. Jol has a reputation, though. Its king is suspected of being a fake; they say he did not kill his own linnorm, but instead murdered the actual slayer and claimed the beast's head. None but him knows the truth."
"Grungir Forest is the realm of old Fafnheir," she adds in a serious tone. "Ve vould do best to stay close to the road in that place."
Maeve shivers slightly in agreement with Kelda. "They may have been all right after all, but the last two fae were enough creepy for awhile."
To Parity, Sandru chuckles. "I can't give you an accurate estimate, but its got to be a few thousand miles. And that's taking the short route!"
"By Desna's fickleness, that's a long way! We need to ensure we're well-equipped along the way, especially carting along the old woman across the arctic waste. Don't need a sick fortune-teller."
Maeve's forehead smacks into her palm. "I'm going to ignore half of that, I'll let Koya or Heng get to it. But the Path isn't going to be an 'arctic waste.' I assume we're not crazy enough to just go straight over the pole, this is a trade route. I'd expect it to be no worse than a legendary Varisian winter normally, because if it's just ice and snow no one would use it."
Maeve's forehead smacks into her palm. "I'm going to ignore half of that, I'll let Koya or Heng get to it. But the Path isn't going to be an 'arctic waste.' I assume we're not crazy enough to just go straight over the pole, this is a trade route. I'd expect it to be no worse than a legendary Varisian winter normally, because if it's just ice and snow no one would use it."
"Certainly, I've never traveled that far north ... have you? Plus I haven't exactly read any books lately. But it sure won't be a saunter down a spring path. Unprepared and we'll surely die. There's a reason Kelda and her people are so hardened, and there's more, um ... north ... beyond them, right?
Maeve sighs. "I don't have to have been there to be paying attention. We've heard enough that we can actually draw some reasonable conclusions about what to expect already. First, we know it's considered a trade route. I'm guessing, though I think Sandru could confirm, that it's not a minor one either - anyone who wants to get to the part of Tian-Xia Minkai is in goes this way. Further evidence comes from Kelda - there's an entire quarter of Kalsgrad dedicated to immigrants. There wouldn't be enough of them for that if there weren't a trade path, and ships leave from further south." She pauses for a moment. "That means the route isn't some barely-explored patch of ice and snow. For a good portion of the year wagons actually travel on it. From there, we can fairly safely assume that at least part of the year the trip is fairly pleasant. Now, that said we're probably not going through that part of the year unless we want to winter in Kalsgrad, and depending on events that may not be a bad idea to consider. If we're forced to move sooner, we'll be leaving in late Autumn, which means that we will have to deal with pretty harsh weather. There's just a difference between a blizzard and full-time frozen wastelands."
Maeve sighs. "I don't have to have been there to be paying attention. We've heard enough that we can actually draw some reasonable conclusions about what to expect already. First, we know it's considered a trade route. I'm guessing, though I think Sandru could confirm, that it's not a minor one either - anyone who wants to get to the part of Tian-Xia Minkai is in goes this way. Further evidence comes from Kelda - there's an entire quarter of Kalsgrad dedicated to immigrants. There wouldn't be enough of them for that if there weren't a trade path, and ships leave from further south." She pauses for a moment. "That means the route isn't some barely-explored patch of ice and snow. For a good portion of the year wagons actually travel on it. From there, we can fairly safely assume that at least part of the year the trip is fairly pleasant. Now, that said we're probably not going through that part of the year unless we want to winter in Kalsgrad, and depending on events that may not be a bad idea to consider. If we're forced to move sooner, we'll be leaving in late Autumn, which means that we will have to deal with pretty harsh weather. There's just a difference between a blizzard and full-time frozen wastelands."
"It's still damn cold ..." Parity concedes grudgingly.
"I don't think you need be concerend for Koya, Parity. She is quite well traveled and familiar with the hardships of the road. Likely we will all be challenged by this expedition."
"I'm sure she'll be fine as long as you're there to take care of her."
"Right." Maeve rubs her temples for a moment. "Okay, the caravan is one thing. We're going to need more wagons, more supplies, and probably more guards - the enemy isn't going to let up after all. We'll probably also need to trade along the way, I expect there's villages and outposts that will be welcome to see a winter caravan."
"We'll also need to make sure the wagons are in top shape. Plug up the cracks in the walls, furs for more insulation, firewood, and so on. Probably also want to make sure all the wagons are reinforced so we don't get them stuck in the snow and can't get them out somewhere. Sandru, Harlan, got that?"
"As for guides...Kelda, I'm sorry to keep imposing on you, but would you happen to know where we could begin looking for one?"
"We can add a few more wagons and hire some guards, do we want to pick up any trade goods for the journey or concentrate on food?"
[ooc]Don't have access to my Player's Guide right now but I was sure wagons = level+2?[/ooc
"By Desna's fickleness, that's a long way! We need to ensure we're well-equipped along the way, especially carting along the old woman across the arctic waste. Don't need a sick fortune-teller."
Koya snorts with laughter. "That's funny coming from the man who needs a guide dog to cross the street," she retorts wit a wry smile. "Barbed jabs aside, Parity, we all have our handicaps, and I am well aware of mine. No one will be carting me around... I'll make my way or I'll get out of the way."
"As for guides...Kelda, I'm sorry to keep imposing on you, but would you happen to know where we could begin looking for one?"
"Ummm... no, none personally. There are a few guilds in Kalsgard that run the paths over the Crown. I'm sure you could hire one from them."
"Ummm... no, none personally. There are a few guilds in Kalsgard that run the paths over the Crown. I'm sure you could hire one from them."
Maeve actually pouts. "Not really my first choice..."
Maeve actually pouts. "Not really my first choice..."
"What else did you have in mind, Maeve?"
"Hiring a professional guide is the way to g Maeve, it'll be cheaper than getting lost."
Maeve shakes her head. "Not about having a guide, but I'm not too sure about going through a guild or anything. Thinking about it....we know the Enemy pulled off a lot of assassinations, right?" She pauses. "Well, probable assassinations, anyway. They've probably got eyes in Kalsgrad of some kind. A group of people showing up looking for an off-season guide in a hurry is going to be noticed. Rather be quiet about it..."
"We can hire a mediator if needed but we have to find a guide. There is no way we can make this crossing with out one I beleive. Maybe Sandru's underworld contacts can make some head way for us when we get there."
"Indeed, like Heng says, we have to get there first. If you're all ready, let's move out." He looks around the group, then starts to roll up his maps.
Route: Varisia -> Nolands -> Lands of the Linnorm Kings
Distance: 224 miles
Weather: Clear and cool late summer
Special Encounters: Midnight Bandits
The cool, sea breeze is at your back as you move away from Brinewall, which both Sandru and Kelda mark as a good sign. You cross the bridge over the Steam river and head north into the Nolands. The land here is as bleak as expected; once you are away from the wooded lowlands along the river bank, it becomes an open plain studden with moss-covered rocks and small boulders. Event the earthen paths are hard, and no one riding a wagon enjoys the jarring ride for long.
Days later, you exit the Nolands and climb into the foothills of the western Kodars. Here, your progress slows significantly as you lose the benefit of open plains but still have to deal with the rocky ground. Happily, the hills are empty of all but sheep herds, and progress is unhindered. After a few days, you intercept the trade road between Jol and Kopparberget, as Sandru hoped, and your rate improves greatly (and with less bumps).
...It was bound to happen. Journey of thousands of miles, sooner or later, this was going to be a problem. But once the scenery stops changing, it starts to come to a head.
Maeve...is bored.
The bumpy nature of the road means she can't just sleep away her days (the preferred method of any teenager for dealing with something like this) and her useful skills during the day are in somewhat short supply. So for two days, she ends up just walking alongside the wagons, or riding her horse slowly, but by mid-afternoon she finally seems to have an idea and jumps off her mount to try to get into the main wagon, looking for something.
Date: 9 Rova 4711
While camping the night of your third day into the Nolands, Shalelu reports that a clan of Noland brigands is quietly approaching in the darkness, giving you a chance to set up a defense. Once the brigands realize they've been spotted, they rush in to attack, trying to steal supplies in the chaos. The brigands are a roughshod, patchwork crew of crude human trash.
Their disorganized attack works against the brigands, and you are able to fend off their efforts with relative ease. Still, they make up in perserverance what they lack in planning, and do not immediately retreat.
The brigands' second wave takes you by surprise, as screaming reinforcements rush in from all directions.
You are able to rally your defense, staunching the momentum swing from the Nolanders' superior numbers.
With so many enemies, you cannot do much more than huddle together in defense, and some of the wagons are damaged in the fray, as the brigands look to sabotage your mobility and make off with supplies. Vankor takes a deep wound while rescuing one of the pack horses, killing two brigands in the effort.
You defense holds, and the Nolander brigands finally break off and bleed into the night. Besides some wounds and damages, the caravan is intact and you lost no supplies or horses. The Nolanders lost twelve of their number in the failed raid.
... by mid-afternoon she finally seems to have an idea and jumps off her mount to try to get into the main wagon, looking for something.
Riding on the wagon, trying to tune her samisen, Ameiko watches Maeve with a raised eyebrow. "What are you up to?" she asks with a mischievous grin.
Malnival watches the caravan roll along from his perch on top of a hill. His familiar Valwen flys in lazy circles overhead, her keen eye alert for prey skittering through the underbrush. The elf chuckles as he sees Maeve make her run at the main wagon. "I knew her running head first into that wall was going to lead to side effects. I wonder what she is after."
Malnival aproaches Kelda after the camp is settled for the night.
"Kelda, uhm..you impressed me with your ferocity in Brinwall. The fact that with your bare hands, you killed the scaled folk that came to execute you is impressive to say the least. I know you must have lost some important items during your time there. Maybe you can use this until you find something better." The elf holds out a chain shirt, the one he wore when they met, only now clean and polished. "You would honor me in wearing it.
Maeve pouts at Ameiko just as she makes the jump, catching onto the side of the wagon with one hand. This would probably be more impressive it were moving fast enough to beat a brisk walk. "There's gotta be something interesting in here to do." How she figures that is anyone's guess as she pulls herself in to have a full look around.
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Heng overhears Malnival's comments to Kelda and makes one of his small and infrequent jokes, "I fight barehanded all the time. It's not so big a deal."
During the trip Heng keeps mostly to himself aside from his afternoon teas with Koya. He makes himself useful around the caravan, but seems to enjoy taking time away from the group to scout or overlook the route.
He is is near the main wagon when he spots Maeve up to something. Heng warily watches the impulsive young girl hoping she doesn't cause any problems for the caravan.
"I could fight barehanded but I've only got one target."
Harlan pipes up over a steaming pot of gumbo.
"Kelda once you're done trying on that shirt you should try some of this. I don't think that's going to fit you though, you've got wider shoulders than Mal."
"Uh..sure?"
"That was a llittle too close. Everybody gather round."
Harlan will gather the people and horses into a 30 foot circle and heal them.
"May the light of the sun bless you and her flames purify you."
"Sandru, I need to talk to you. The bandits didn't get any food but we're running low. We only have 3 more days of food and that's with Mal and Shalelu gathering everything they can. Do we have any more that can go scouting for food? Even one or two would be enough, unless Losthome is just over the hill?"
Kelda listens to the jokes and advice with a smile. "Its a bit small, but is of exceptional make. I can adjust the fit with these drawstrings, see? Thank you, Malniwal." She sits down and starts working on the armor, her eyes lit up like those of a child with a new toy.
*
Kelda dons the chain shirt the next day - her adjustments seem to have worked, and the armor fits very snugly to her curves. She appears very happy. Throughout the day, Kelda works on a project including two small trees, a length of leather cord and some cloth.
While you are stopped for a water break in the mid-afternoon, Kelda walks over to Malnival with her finished creations - a pair of practice staves with padded ends and wrapped handles. She tosses one to Mal.
"You up for a spar?"
When there is a moment away from the rest of the party, Parity will approach Ameiko, "Ame, I was so worried about you. It is such a relief to see you up and healthy. And I had no idea that your family had so much history and lineage! It's ... well, simply amazing. It seems such a departure from adventuring and innkeeping, no? I don't know what it is you intend to do from here on out, whether you intend to go reclaim your birthright or not." Parity kneels to the ground and pushes his blade into the dirt, "But whatever it is you do, I pledge my sword to your service and my life to your defense as long as you should live ... that is if you're willing to take an ex-gladiator sorely lacking in education and discipline." his mouth twists wryly as he finishes his sentence, waiting with a slightly held breath.
Ameiko sounds taken aback when she responds. "Parity, please get up. I may have some royal blood... I can't even say that with a straight face... but I'm no queen... ummm, princess... er, empress... whatever! Get up!"
"Sandru, I need to talk to you. The bandits didn't get any food but we're running low. We only have 3 more days of food and that's with Mal and Shalelu gathering everything they can. Do we have any more that can go scouting for food? Even one or two would be enough, unless Losthome is just over the hill?"
Sandru checks his charts and cross-checks Harlan's account of the supplies. "How did we get so low? I guess I counted a barrel or two twice."
Malnival smiles and gives the sparing sword a few practice swings before taking a fighting stance. "I am always up for a spar. Just try not to beat me to badley."