Radomir nods. I will prepare the horses
Well, it appears we have a plan. He smiles as he waves at the map, Father Kavken hasn't run into any issues so far, so we're free to explore this southeastern area.
He looks around the group, I suggest we take a few days off. Get some rest and some decent food. Relax. And sort out what you'll need for an extended stay in the forest. He sighs and stretches, Radomir, take a look at those new horses. Let's see what we can do with them.
I agree with you Alex, we certainly deserve a good rest.
Your group takes Alexander's suggestion to take a few days off and rest up. You take the time to sort out your gear, to help Oleg sort your loot for sale, enjoy a few days of real food and beds and to organize the prisoners you brought into a group of laborers.
When you feel well-rested and begin to get a bit stir crazy again, you spend a morning riding your horses out to where you remember Bokken's hut to be. The day appears fine for riding, just slightly cloudy and no chance of rain. The ride is rather uneventful and you don't see anything bigger than a rabbit.
As you near Bokken's hut, you can see him off in the distance from it. It appears as if he is walking back to his home from who knows where.
Alexander waves, Bokken! Good to see you again. How goes it? He rides forward and smiles. I trust you haven't had any problems lately?
Andrea trots along, wondering what the Greenbelt could possibly hold for them now that they have elimated a major threat.
Bokken waves back to the group. "Nope, no problems lately and I haven't seen hide nor hair of any bandits. I've been able to go out and about and gather my herbs and what-nots at my leisure."
Good to hear! Alexander smiles. Well, our plan is to head on through and explore nearby. Glad to know you're doing fine.
We have disposed of the Staglord and his bandits, so the place should be a lot more peaceful.
Bokken looks rather surprised by your announcement. "Disposed of the Staglord you say? That is indeed wonderful news. Without his leadership, any remaining bandits in the area will be most ineffectual without someone to coordinate their actions. With any luck, Oleg's post will start seeing more business now that it is safer for travel and I can sell more of my potions and oils."
That was certainly our intent! Alexander says with a smile. If you don't need anything we'll leave you to it. Unless, of course, there's anything we need to know about the area nearby? No more giant spiders?
Alexander calls out to Soren as he examines the surrounding area, Headed that way, correct? South-east...ish?
Works for me.
After bidding farewell to Bokken and listening to his promises of visiting the post soon, your group travels south-east-ish to finish mapping the Stolen Lands.
Taking your horses over a series of narrow game trails, you add this little section to your map with no trouble. Despite the game trails you fail to spot anything bigger than a rabbit.
Let's head south-west, then south-east from there and finish off this area, he says as he points to the southern area near Bokken's hut.
Andrea trots along.
Radomir will take point. He needs the charging room, but he's also a walking turtle. well. a riding turtle.
It turns into late afternoon as you have nearly finished exploring the next area on your map. As you are trudging along on your horses, you see a figure walking on the trail up a head of you. It appears to be a hulking humanoid cloaked in ragged cloth and walking with a pronounced limp. It is hard to make out, due to the voluminous cloak, but it seems to carrying a pair of scythes with it.
It appears to have altered its course so that it is heading directly towards your party.
A fellow traveler, or a bandit? Soren just might have a chance to try out his new bow.
"Or something else entirely." Thaliar looked curiously at the figure ahead of them. "Just be ready in case it's hostile." He already drew his spear, just in case.
Alexander nods at Thaliar's warning, squinting off into the distance. Agreed. He straps his shield to his arm and rests his hand on the hilt of his sword, but does not draw it.
Riding forward, he calls out, Hello there! I am Alexander Orlovsky and it's a pleasure to see another traveler on these trails!
Soren stays back from Aelxander, but draws his bow and sits it in his lap, with an incendiary arrow nocked.
The creature gives out some kind of response to Alexander, but it doesn't seem loud enough for you to make out what was said. It's limp seems to worsen as it hobbles to a stop. It seems to lean over heavily as it stays in place.
Are you alright? Are you injured? Alexander asks, growing more suspicious. Do you need help? His eyes narrow and he speaks softly over his shoulder, Keep an eye out. There might be others.
Andrea nods and keeps ready.
Soren nocks a second arrow, casually, while his bow is still in his lap.
Alexander frowns, A mud giant. His scowl deepens. He will be...difficult. Anyone know any giant tongue? He shrugs and turns back to the creature, Perhaps it knows some of ours.
Hello! There's no need for a fight. We'd like to talk. His hand does not stray from the hilt of his sword and he halts his horse at a distance.
No giant here.
The mud giant gives no response to your questions and gives no indication whether or not it even understands you.
"I don't speak their tongue either. If it's as difficult as you say it is maybe we should just dispatch it." Thaliar still held his spear at the ready. He wasn't too familiar with mounted combat but he would probably be able to circle around the thing. Maybe he should switch to his bow.
Ehhh..I see no need to kill it. Stay on our guard and pass by.
Agreed. It may be disagreeable, but if it speaks common, it might be of use to us still. Alexander says as he waits for the creature's response. We are patient, sir. Tell us what you have to say.
Eduard will spend a point of Arcane Reservoir to swap in Comprehend Languages for Mage Armor. He will then cast Comprehend Languages.
The creature begins to limp towards your group again. If you lot stand still, he will be beside you in two rounds walking.
Andrea grips her spear. Well it looks like we'll have our answer soon.
Alexander will sti patiently waiting for the creature to respond, but if it comes within arms reach...*it's* arm's reach...then he'll respond by telling it to Stop, or be killed.
Andrea gets ready to cast Cause Fear when the creature shows hostility.
Thaliar made sure he rode at the back of the group as he switched his spear for bow and arrow. "Still confident you can talk us out of this?