As the clouds begin to release their rain you make your way slowly deeperinto the forest. Gradually you work your way to the north-east, skirting the top of a ridge which extends some way in this direction. As night draws closer you come to an area where the rocky outcrop swings over a small valley with a brook bubbling its way northward towards the Thorn river. Nestled in a curve of the valley wall a shallow cave provides some protection from the constant dizzling rain.
"I never thought I would miss the dryness of the Salt Wastes," Jack mutters, taking off his headband and wringing it out. Even with a drizzle it's collected a good deal of dampness through the day.
With the opportunity of shelter, Jack pulls out the mapping equipment and updates it as much as he can.
He chuckled at Jacks comment and taped his gauntlet to his armored chest. "This padding is a bugger to dry out and after the last rain I thought i'd never get my gear dry. Bloody feels like a river running down my back...
As Jack updates their maps Bein goes about getting the draught beasts dressed down and settled into the cave if possible. He does his best to drape the battered tent they had from the bandit camp to create a makeshift barrier and extend the cave entrance some for more space. once everything was settled he built a fire near the cave entrance and went about getting gear and clothing dry. Sadly he was reduced to his small clothes as nearly everything he had was soaked... Again.
Once a fire has been lit, Volpe will take a circle around the cave wall, tapping with his sabre at knee, waist and shoulder height every step, to make sure there is no occupant or concealed passage.
It would be rude of us to trespass, and unfortunate to be ambushed. It would also be nice to know if there's an alternate escape route.
It would be rude of us to trespass, and unfortunate to be ambushed. It would also be nice to know if there's an alternate escape route.
Jack nods. "Good thinking. If you find something unpleasant, let's hope it doesn't like wet snacks."
Bein draws his longsword, straps on his buckler and lights a torch before he accompanies Jack as he explores the caves confines. Other then Bein's small clothes the young warrior bares a number of scars some old and some just starting to fade, the most reason was the long scar across his thigh from the bandit camp.
"Excellent idea Volpe, I will watch your back while you search.
14th Day of Pharast (HEX 26)
The new day dawns with a very slight drizzle which dies away as you pack up the campsite. Mounting your horses you continue onwards towards the north-east, the sun shining in front of you as you slowly begin to mount another rise. As you climb higher the land becomes rockier and the trees more sparse. At mid-day you overlook the forest tree-tops amd can see the Thorn River winding its way through the forest to the north where the bandit's camp lay. To the south another river, the Skunk flows gradually eastwards.
You can see the glint of metal from the forest somewhere below.
"The view from here is breathtaking."
As the sun breaks through the cloud cover, Finnabar shakes the last rain drops from his armor and opens his coat to let it dry.
"You're ri...", her starts to reply to Xarafine, before stopping mid-sentence and holding his hand up.
"Hold on, I've seen something shining down there.", he mutters.
Bein takes in the view, not for its scenic quaities but more for a tactical reason. He looks for escape avenues, possible ambush points and anything out of the norm since they were last here.
Seeing nothing out of the norm he continues to stay near Lord Finnabar when he sees Lord Finn raise his hand up. Bein brings his lance tip down and too bare as he readies for a possible charge, Arundel is oddly silent but his tail flickers impatiently as the warhorse is obviously impatient for some sort of action.
"Just tell me where to charge milord."
[ooc]Perception
You're right , Sir Finnabar, I see it too. I don't think the bandit camp stayed vacant too long. Well, if more ruffians think they can start up their dirty business again, we'll just have to show them differently. Shall I slip out ahead and see what we're up against?
[ooc]Perception 1d20+3
You're right , Sir Finnabar, I see it too. I don't think the bandit camp stayed vacant too long. Well, if more ruffians think they can start up their dirty business again, we'll just have to show them differently. Shall I slip out ahead and see what we're up against?
The glint is coming from an area much closer than the bandit camp... about an hour's journey in the direction you're now heading.
Jack joins Xeraphine in appreciating the view with a quiet, "Mmm" of agreement, though part of him takes note of the shape and turn of the river, bearing it in mind for mapping purposes.
Finnabar's quiet warning startles him, and he actually blushes in embarrassment for not noticing. He squints, trying to see what the others are seeing. "Shining? Like a light or a reflection?"
1d20+8
Jack joins Xeraphine in appreciating the view with a quiet, "Mmm" of agreement, though part of him takes note of the shape and turn of the river, bearing it in mind for mapping purposes.
Finnabar's quiet warning startles him, and he actually blushes in embarrassment for not noticing. He squints, trying to see what the others are seeing. "Shining? Like a light or a reflection?"
"Yes, something like the reflexion of the sun on a shield or weapon. It's not the camp. I think it's closer than that. Volpe and Jack, you should take point and have a look. We'll follow you so as not to reveal ourselves."
|
Hearing Finnabar's command, Bein tries to pull his cloak up around his armor in an attempt to lessen the glare coming off of it. If enemies were about it would be best to keep them guessing at the full strength of their party. As he clasped his cloak around him he pulled up his hood and haphazardly covered his helm. He looked ridiculous but this would have to do for now.
He kept his lance tip low, as Arundel and Bein prepared to charge anyone that approached their position.
Jack nods to Finnabar and reins his horse toward the front of the group, awaiting Volpe to join him before they head toward the direction indicated by Finnabar.
Jack stays a-horse for the early part of the approach (he may dismount if that seems wise in a few minutes), but moves slowly, keeping his horse in softer ground (so long as it doesn't look like it would mire it), to minimize the sound of hoofbeats. He is on the alert for trouble and is trying to figure out what the glint is.
Let's be along, then. We should find which direction they're heading, if they're on the move. We'll need a head start to catch them. We won't be able to sneak up on them at a full gallop.
You begin to move gradually down the hillside, slowley drawing closer to the source of the metallic glint. As you move downwards the trees once again close in around you interspersed by large rounded granite boulders which dot the hillside. The foliage soon blocks your view of the area you are travelling towards. Finally you reach flatter ground. You estimate the source of the glint lies about 30 minutes ahead through the dense forest(20 min at normal speed).
You begin to move gradually down the hillside, slowley drawing closer to the source of the metallic glint. As you move downwards the trees once again close in around you interspersed by large rounded granite boulders which dot the hillside. The foliage soon blocks your view of the area you are travelling towards. Finally you reach flatter ground. You estimate the source of the glint lies about 30 minutes ahead through the dense forest(20 min at normal speed).
Jack whispers to Volpe. "What do you think? Should we keep going?
Jack whispers to Volpe. "What do you think? Should we keep going?
Of course we should keep going. It makes no sense to turn back until we know what we're stalking
"Fair enough." He smiles, not complaining but observing. "It's just a long way to investigate a glitter."
He clicks to urge his horse forward, keeping alert for sudden signs of danger.
"Fair enough." He smiles, not complaining but observing. "It's just a long way to investigate a glitter."
He clicks to urge his horse forward, keeping alert for sudden signs of danger.
1d20+8
Yes, but a glitter from that distance is large or very highly polished. We're out here surveying. It's part of our job to investigate things out of the ordinary. Besides, I'm just plain curious.
As you continue onwards towards the source of the glint you find yourself facing a thick tangle of brambles which streches far to both sides. About 300 feet in front of you, and visable rising out of the thorns and the canopy of the forest you can see the top of a vast upthrust of rock which rises to the staggering height of 100 feet and extends at least 150 feet in both direstions.
Searching along the face of the brambles there appear to be no animal trails leading into the thicket and it will be difficult, time-consuming and noisy to cut a way through big enough for the horses. With some effort it should be possible for you continue forward on foot towards the towering monolith.
"Perhaps we ought to leave the horses with the others, and then continue through on foot."
Let's keep moving, then. The more challenging this quest gets, the more curious I become.
Volpe dismounts and finds a secure place to tie his horse. He draws his sabre, ready to put it to use as a machete in the brush.
C'mon Jack! This is the best part of the job! You can draw a pretty picture from the top a hill, but you don't know what's really there 'til you step up to it and take a look.
Let's keep moving, then. The more challenging this quest gets, the more curious I become.
Volpe dismounts and finds a secure place to tie his horse. He draws his sabre, ready to put it to use as a machete in the brush.
C'mon Jack! This is the best part of the job! You can draw a pretty picture from the top a hill, but you don't know what's really there 'til you step up to it and take a look.
Jack smiles wryly. "You realize this 'job' is my whole life, yes? Maybe the Salt Wastes instead of the forest, but scouting out new roads all the same. If there's anything that really makes it different, it is your enthusiasm." He looks away a moment, distantly, and then returns, with his subdued humor, but his voice is a tad bit softer. "I've not seen the like in a long time."
He waits until they can get a signal to Finnabar, Bein, and Xerafine (((who I assume are following behind at a distance))) so they know that they are tying up the horses and venturing forward. Once that is clear, he draws his sword and joins in the chopping with Volpe.
You cut your way into the depths of the bramble patch and, despite your careful progress both of you soon have a series of cuts along your arms. After about 100 foot the thick tangle of brambles gives way to a large clearing surrounded by the ruins of sinuous black stone pillars which are decorated with indestinct figures. In the centre of the clearing lies a 50' long oval pool - its water covered with a thick blanket of algae.
The eastern face of the clearing is dominated by the looming upthrust of rock which has bears a carving of a giant stag's head, its antlers bent forward to frame the entrance to a large cave. The stag's eye seems to have been coated with some type of silverish metal - possibly the source of the glint. A flight of moss-covered stone steps leads up to the dark cave entrance from the clearing.
Bein indeed was watching from afar, he tried to keep an eye on their two scouts in case they needed his assistance. While simultaneously trying to watch out for a possible ambush on the Lord Finnabar and their Teacher.
He didn't notice much though at this distance because he was far too distracted with trying to watch for an ambush, keeping his cloak up to hide the glint of his armor and fighting Arundel as the destrier was slowly losing its patience.
Xarafine watches the area of the glint, looking for signs of activity or movement.
GM and Volpe:
Jack looks around, agape, at the strange ruins in which they have found themselves. The curious part of him wants to poke around in the pool but he holds off for the moment, taking in the size and shape of the pillars surrounding them, and the cave framed by the stag carving.
"The others will certainly want to see this. Perhaps Xerafine can provide us some insight as to what we're looking at."
See there, Jack! This is just the sort of thing I'm talking about! There's nothing like this in the Salt Wastes, I'll bet! We definitely ought to get everyone out here, though, especially before poking into that cave. C'mon let's round everyone up!
Before turning back toward the trail, Volpe picks up a stone and tries to skip it across the pond.
The stone skips once on the algae covered pool, sending out a series of concentric riples before being swallowed by the pool.
Volpe and Jack return through the tangle of thorns, their arms and necks bearing small scratches from the thorny plants. Eagerly they tell of what they found within the thorns
Bein pulls back his cloak and adjusts his shield before lowering his lance back in its holder. He nodded to Volpe and Jack as he drew out his longsword. As it hissed out of its sheath Bein chuckled. "About time we had something to explore once more, hopefully we find something of use to our quest. If you wish I can delve the cave first or shall I follow after our intrepid scouts Lord Finnabar?"
Bein pulls back his cloak and adjusts his shield before lowering his lance back in its holder. He nodded to Volpe and Jack as he drew out his longsword. As it hissed out of its sheath Bein chuckled. "About time we had something to explore once more, hopefully we find something of use to our quest. If you wish I can delve the cave first or shall I follow after our intrepid scouts Lord Finnabar?"
"It looks like another worship place, let's explore all together."
"Another site, indeed. I wonder if this pond has the same capabilities as the other. By your leave, Captain, we should head down."
"Another site, indeed. I wonder if this pond has the same capabilities as the other. By your leave, Captain, we should head down."
"It is covered in algae, I would not want to drink it straight off. But it's worth looking into."
Nodding to Lord Finnabar, Bein moves to where everyone ties up there horses and dismounts. Issuing a sharp command to Arundel, the destrier stands rigid as it defends the area that Bein commanded him too, he draws his longsword and expands the rough path some to accomadate his armored bulk. He follows after the scouts an keeps himself between the cave and his charges.
Such an ancient place must have a guardian of sorts... right? He twirled his blade expertly as he surveyed his surroundings. "Haha, if we finds anymore ruins one if us will have to become the scholar and record what we find. So many ruins of sorts dot this land, that I wonder if we are treading on the grave of a lost civilization..."
You emerge into the clearing, disturbing the silence with your activity. In front of you the cave's entrance looms, cradled in the antlers of the carved stag.
a large clearing surrounded by the ruins of sinuous black stone pillars which are decorated with indestinct figures. In the centre of the clearing lies a 50' long oval pool - its water covered with a thick blanket of algae.
The eastern face of the clearing is dominated by the looming upthrust of rock which has bears a carving of a giant stag's head, its antlers bent forward to frame the entrance to a large cave. The stag's eye seems to have been coated with some type of silverish metal - possibly the source of the glint. A flight of moss-covered stone steps leads up to the dark cave entrance from the clearing.
Bein was entranced for a moment, he lifted his visor and momentarily stared at his surroundings giving a low whistle at the sight. It must have been breathtaking when it was first built... Jeane would Love this! Except... That looks ominous... When his eyes fell on the cave he felt sort of off-kilter. Something about that cave didn't sit right with him and he quickly slapped down his visor and brought his shield to the fore and angled his sword point forward and downward to thrust as he kept up a defensive position near the cave.
"Enough sight seeing for this peasant, back to work... Let me know if you find something of interest I will watch your backs."
He tried to keep himself interposed between the cave and his comrades just in case something yet dwelt within.
Xarafine stands before the pool, raises the Speaking Staff, and speaks in Canari:
Peering at the pool and the stag's eye you can't detect the feel of magical power emenating from either.
"Hmmm. There appear to be no enchantments on the pool, or the stag-eyes. It may be that this was some sort of living area, rather than a sacred place."
Xarafine begins to slowly walk the area before the cave and immediately around the pool, looking for anything unusual.
Jack paced all around the pool as he replied to Xerafine, "An elaborate home, if that's what it is. Does the stag have any significance in the histories that you know of?"
Bein moves forward carefully towards the cave, as he tries to keep himself between the dark entrance and his companions. He was just trying to be cautious and kept his sword at the ready, point aimed forward and down. He held this stance as he stared towards the cave, it made giving a quick thrust easier if something charged him. "It could be a holy place of sorts... It does remind me some of the Restov gate we passed so many nights ago, perhaps its related?"