Baolus, you know that there are no villages along the direct path to the woods. If you curve south along the river, however, there are quite a number of small outposts and trading posts along the water. Doing so would add a total of about one day to your travel time, but would leave you with only a half-day's walk from the closest village to the south eastern edge of the forest.
Ihon shrugs, I've a few coins for a mule. He looks around absently, speaking to no one in particular, If we're too look into a problem...there must be someone with a problem. We should find out who that is. Here or otherwise.
"I'll chip in for a pack mule as well. It may not make us go any faster, but it may keep us from going any slower from being over burdened by gear."
I listen to the group before adding some more of my own input, "I have some Sails, I can put towards the mule. But what shall we do about how to store the provisions, including feed for the creature?"
I look around to make sure everyone is read before heading towards the door, I look back over my shoulder, "Either way, we should head out now. We can find out some more information on the way and it will get us there even sooner." Assuming everybody agrees, I head outside and wait for everyone to join me before heading towards a stable that sells mules.
While nursing his hangover, Esken talks to locals regarding the outside areas and if they had any news about the forest.
Aye Balous, no sense shaming our group this early just for a flea ridden animal.
Esken joins Rona by the mules.
Hope we aren't spending our money on a snack for the panther...
The creature on Ihon's shoulder stands and turns around a few times as they start walking, then lays back down. I think the panther can feed itself, he says quietly. The creature bobs its head, gives out a sharp chirp, then lowers itself down again. The man chuckles slightly.
I am no expert on...pack animals, but I expect that the mule can graze. There is plenty for it to eat in this part of the country. But it can also carry its own feed, for that matter.
Ihon shrugs to wake the creature, then shoulders his pack, letting the little companion rest again once it is secure. He lets the others do the shopping, idly looking around as he follows them. Offering what little gold he has when the price is negotiated.
"Well, it is not a big journey after all... you all are too worried about it. The wilderness are dangerous but not like that... if we die it will not be by starvation or a cold."
"Now I remember clearly that indeed there are no villages along the way, but if we travel a bit slightly south, there are a couple of small villages. I will increase our journey by a day, but from there to the forest is just a half day travel... seems a better plan than just walk directly to the woods from here."
Ihon blinks as his attention is brought back to the conversation, Worried? Oh...I guess I could see how someone would get that impression if... His voice trails off as he looks around and seems to lose his train of thought.
After a few moments he speaks again, Yes. Villages. That would be perfect for our purposes. We should go there.
"I'll place my vote for going the route with the villages too. We might even learn more about the area if we talk to some of the people there."
I dig into my belt pouch and pull out a handful of golden coins and place one back into the pouch, I hold my hand forwards with the small pile glistening slightly in my palm. "I have 20 Golden Sails I can put towards this journey, hopefully that will be enough to get us on our way. As for the villages, I am more than happy to go that way as long as time is not an important factor for arriving at the forest and concluding our objective."
Aeliana had remained quiet until the subject of Voltaire was brought into question. For the sake of the group and the fact they had to work together she managed to contain most of her anger, but only most.
"Voltaire is by far capable enough to take care of himself, which is more than I can say for you since he is likely the one to fetch your dinner on this trip. I suggest you play nice, sir, else Voltaire might like a new toy."
Snapping out of her anger as quickly as it had come she took a step back, closing her eyes to avoid eye contact with the rest of the group and making an awkward cough into her fist to clear her throat. Luckily the red of her anger masks the red of her embarrassment.
"I see no need for a pack mule since I travel lightly, but I will give all I can if that's what is necessary."
She tried not to think of the poor mule being enslaved by anyone to carry their belongings and with haste made her way outside. Voltaire rubbed against Esken's legs mockingly as he followed close in step after Aeliana.
Esken, when asking around, you find a few reports. Most people don't seem to know much, but those that travel the river especially are aware that the rangers and priests of Erastil are generally the sole occupants of the forest. Travelers that have been near to the forest more recently however are aware of some new developments - specifically that other, stranger, individuals have been seen in the area. Some have seen the individuals skirmishing with the rangers and priests. Others claim that the individuals are some sort of cult.
Esken informs his comrades of the information regarding the forest.
Take of it what you will, and unless we are looking to buy the entire stable, I think we have enough gold. I'm ready to head out and meet some new people and shake some new hands when everyone else is.
"Very well, I'll buy our gear and I meet you at the exit of Kintargo in about half an hour."
Baolus then took the gold from his companions , and after about forty minutes he met them at the meeting point.
"Right, I bought some equipment to cook as well as firewood, food for the unlikely case we find nothing to hunt, and spare waterskins... there was not enough coins to buy tents, so the stars will be our roof for the next couple of days."
Ihon waits patiently for Baolus and Esken. As Baolus returns with the mule and equipment he quietly says, Esken might take a while. He's speaking to people.
He goes back to waiting, looking around at nothing in particular as people pass through the gate nearby. When Esken returns and explains what he learned, Ihon barely seems to notice, but responds nonetheless. A cult. That would be...interesting. He stretches as he makes ready to leave. At least we now know what the problem might be. And who might have it. He shrugs, About as specific as we need.
Ihon follows the others quietly, enjoying the countryside as they walk. He doesn't seem particularly worried about what direction they're headed or how long it will take to get there.
Esken gives Voltaire a hesitant pat on his head.
Will be quite the challenge to drink a town by the river dry, but where there is a will there is a way.
Esken chuckles at his obviously bad joke before continuing on with the group.
You head out down the river, following a rather well-traveled path that is clearly wide enough to accommodate trading caravans. As predicted, the weather is quite mild and the journey is pleasant; you find only a few other travelers along the road going in the opposite direction, but almost all seem to be in a rush to get goods from one place to another and, unless you all stop them, don't seem to have time to stop and talk.
It eventually starts to near sunset and, from what you have gathered from signage and other travelers, you expect there to be a trading post nearby that you will reach an hour or two after dark or you can elect to set up camp just off the road to avoid travel under cover of darkness.
Baolus looked at the sun and then at the road ahead. He was tired but could easily press on a couple more ours.
"So, how are you faring until now? As those men told us, the trading post should not be too far now. I'd prefer to continue until we find it and avoid an unnecessary night in the outside."
He drinks a sip from his waterskin before continuing and changes the position of his axe in his back. "Not that I do not like the stars, but I'd choose a roof almost every time."
As Baolus goes to but the necessary provisions I fell safe in the fact that he will return, he is after all a fellow law keeper. I look to the woman and cat, "May I be allowed to say hello to Voltaire, or will he take offense at me going down to his level?"
During the journey I seem to be a bit tired, but manage to carry on going and keeping an eye on all surroundings, trying to make sure that no one will ambush us. But as the day gets darker and the night awakens I begin to seem a little more alert and awake. On the topic of either journeying on or setting up camp now I look to the assorted members of the group, "If we stay here we could be attacked and would have to take turns on watch, if we carry on we can sleep safely at the trading post. However if any of you feel that you would not be able to make it that far, or that any of the animals will struggle, then I suggest staying here. I am concerned about the Mule with all the gear, will she make it?" I stroke the Mules neck and nose hoping to encourage it a little.
Aeliana awaited silently, but all the while scanning all around her and taking it all in. The question from Rona took her out of her daydream and she looked over at him as if searching for the malicious intent she suspected. Finding none she answered him softly.
"It is not up to me whom he befriends. He has few, but as long as you do not give him just reason, he will not harm you."
Making the journey did not seem too much a hassle for Aeliana and Voltaire, however, some of the rest of her party did not look so well off. She was also concerned for the poor mule left to carry all the belongings.
"We are well enough to push on ahead, however, if anyone in the group must rest here for the night I would be honored to take first watch."
"I'll place my vote for the trading post. I'm sure we will be camping out enough in the future, so I would like a more secure place to sleep while we can still find one. As for the mule, I don't think she seems to be in any distress, so will likely make it to the post ok."
I do not mind walking in the dark, though someone might wish to light the way for the mule. He taps the ground with his walking stick. The road is well-traveled, but even so, if the animal stumbles it could hurt itself.
While everyone is trying to decide what to do, I squat down in front of the panther and hold my hand open, palm upwards. If the panther comes closer then I shall gently stroke its head, if not then I shall stand up again.
Ihon continues to look around idly as they walk even after it grows dark, still not appearing to pay attention to much at all. The tapping of his walking stick on the ground and the regular chirping of his companion are the few sounds that he makes.
As the moon rises, Baolus drew his bow and prepared an arrow, just in case something nasty appeared.
Aeliana follow behind the group, bow readied, turning to face the rear every couple of paces.
Esken finds himself in the middle of the group while an unassuming bird flys around him.
As it begins to get dark, Phaedra will cast Light on the tip of her glaive.
Those of you with a 20 or higher on perception notice five humanoids in leather armor taking cover in a small ravine near the side of the road about 2 miles from the trading post. They appear to be armed and awake.
I draw my large sword from my back and do not take my eyes off of the armed figures, "Do you all see those people over there? We need to decide whether we shall by pass them or risk walking by them, they may attack or they may not."
Almost the last one marching, Baolus had difficult to see the man and act quickly, but he at least already had his bow prepared.
"They are guards from the post or bandits... either way, I think our best move is to talk to them. They will let us pass or they'll die if they are indeed bandits."
Hrm? Oh yes..we should talk to them. Leaving the road to go around them would be...a bad plan. He stands tall and smiles as he walks. Tapping the ground with his walking stick seemingly without a care in the world.
Once you get within 60ft and can make their forms out more clearly, they tense up and are clearly ready for action. No one is attacking yet though, so if you wish to talk, you certainly can.
Let's not be too hasty here, not all armed men are dangerous... Right? Should I have a word with them? Albeit, with an arrow ready to loose?
"Loose your words and I'll make sure to loose a couple arrows if things go wrong... just do not get too close of them."
Baolus sidesteps, looking for a clear shot.
"Eh, if they bother us, we will deal with them."
Phaedra grips her glaive firmly, mentally preparing herself for the possible fight to come.
I walk alongside Esken at the front so that he can try to talk our way out of any dangerous situation, my sword is out and I am currently carrying it by resting the flat of the blade on my shoulder. "Let's hope that your words can settle this peacefully."
Esken waves the group of men down.
Hail friends of Cheliax, partake in our hospitality and share stories of valor with us. Unless of course you aren't friends of Asmodeus, by which I mean take from us our delivered arrows and knife points.
Hand still on sword I glance at Esken and whisper to him, "That ... doesn't sound like a way to settle the situation, it sounded more like a threat. You sure you know what you are doing?"
The five figures stand and move to 30 ft from your group. As they approach, you can see that there are three human males, one human female, and one dwarf male. All of the humans are armed with longbows and longswords and the dwarf is armed with a heavy steel shield, a warhammer, and a light crossbow.
One of the human men speaks, grinning, I think we shall have the coin instead. I don't see the mark of an Asmodean Inquisitor on any of you. Two humans draw longbows, the other two draw longswords. The dwarf readies his shield and hammer.
Aeliana's arm shakes as she unwillingly readies her bow. She did not want to partake in needless fighting all because some fool can't speak to strangers politely.
Voltaire senses her confliction and hesitantly creeps forward in the crouch position, ready to pounce.
Aeliana whispers under her breath.
"Please Erastil, for their sake and our own, let the words of a fool charm their hearts."
Ihon seems to suddenly notice the people in front of them and waves his hand, quietly saying a few arcane words. After which he steps behind Aeliana.
The small creature on Ihon's shoulder disappears into his hood.
Since Baolus had already prepared himself for such occasion, as soon as the men approach he let an arrow loose, already drawing another one even before the first found its target.
"Time for some aggressive negotiations then..."