Being back in her environment, Alexa takes the lead directing the group across the old bridge and into the forest she knows well. When it is time to make camp, she tries to find a safe and defensible spot and then takes the first watch.
Survival:
Valen follows along the trail - his curiosity piqued by the stone bridge as they cross it.
When it comes time to stop, he agrees with Alexa's watch order and takes his shift - adding the time for prayers as needed.
I have always been more of a fan of the Wandering Damage Table from Dragon Magazine. Pretty sure that I have this one in a box somewhere.
Weehawk keeps a wary eye out on both the surroundings and "Mule", placating him with the occasional pat or murmured word. Assuming they make it to camp without any encounters, he respectfully requests (in his curt, grunting manner) that he be givin last watch before breaking camp unless someone else requires it. Once he has the mule settled and fed, he tends to his equipment, still marveling at the keen longsword he purchased from the party at a bargain price. He scours his chainmail and shield of any rust that may have appeared and makes his bedding. He has his sword and shield within easy reach while he sleeps and keeps a torch handy for lighting near the fire. He speaks with the party member who will be on watch before him, saying to wake him a few minutes before so that he may don his armor.
Vaghn whistles tunelessly as he heats some water in his mug and makes himself a cup of tea before settling in to watch over his sleeping comrades.
|
Your group weathers your first night outside of Ravengro with relative ease, Alexa locating a campsite just inside the edge of the forest that meets all of your needs - it's warm, has a small supply of fresh water, edible berries and roots, and a patch of moss that serves as the best sort of bedding for your bedrolls. While you are smart and set a watch, nothing - thankfully - comes of it.
The next morning, as the sun rises and the heavy fog thins to something more manageable, your group starts out again.
Initially I was planning on sacrificing Weehawk's mule, but I think that will have to wait. We need to get to the University and too many sidetracks might slow us down.
I would like to stop by my former mentor/druid who lives in the forest. You can decide where in the forest he lives.
Madeline remains quiet and withdrawn through out the day...
Valen rises and asks Pharasma's blessing on the journey once they set off. Aside from that, he finds the trip and company rather pleasant. He'll ask Vaghn questions about Lepidstadt or Alexa about Tamrivena if the opportunity presents itself without too much trouble.
(¬_¬)
After the uneventful night, Alexa gets her bearings and continues to lead the group north through the forest, avoiding any areas she knows to hold wolves or other threats, while taking a path that will lead the group to her mentor's home.
Survival:
Weehawk feeds Mule an apple before setting off with the others, muttering to him under his breath...
Best ye don' be rilin' that one up Mule, ye be gettin' us both in trouble, an trouble enough we be gettin' soon enough on our own...
|
|
After nearly hours in the damp, wet Ustalavian countryside, Alexa leads your group to a small shack at the edge of the woods. The shack, from what you can make of it, was seemingly invisible to you - up until she pointed it out.
A blend of old wood, vines, and unrestricted growth, its only entrance appeared to be an open slit in the side of the building, a blend of orange light spilling out. Suddenly, as Alexa stepped up, a shadow appeared in the doorway. After a quick embrace and some whispered words, the man gestured to each of you, saying, "Welcome. I am Ashcorn Greenspire. You are welcome here."
"Vaghn der Grafft of Lepidstadt. A pleasure to meet you, sir! My, what amazing construction; I suppose this is the very definition of rustic architecture! How marvelous!" His curiousity peaked, Vaghn brightly peers at anything and everything around him in an attempt to take in every detail.
Alexa gives the old druid a hug: You are looking well and the forest is just as I remember it. We have much to discuss and little time to discuss it.
Alexa will tell the old druid about fighting the undead in Ravengro and their voyage north.
Madeline waits silently upon her pony as greetings and introductions are made. Smith moves to gently help his Mistress down off the pony.
Madeline walks calmly to the...house...stopping at the...door-way before removing her hat and coat.
Placing/hanging them some where to both dry and so as not to bring extra water into the...house.
Making sure her boots have most of the moisture and dirt/mud removed before she walks casually into the...house proper. She comes to stand beside the hearth where she simple waits silently for every one to settle.
"Valen of...Valen of Pharasma. Thank you for your hospitality," he blurts out as an introduction to the old druid.
Like Vaghn, he somewhat curious about the rustic shack. But he focuses moreso on Alexa and Ashcorn - curious as to her behavior. The relationship makes him think of his old mentor - Brother Geoff - that he learned from.
|
|
"Alexa says you've recently done much good in destroying those that plague the living from the realms beyond - thank you." Ashcorn says, smiling as the last of you enter. "I'm no friend to the undead, so I consider your efforts a service to Gozreh. In fact, if you'll be staying the night, I like to prepare a meal for you in reward for all of your effort. Will you dine with me?"
Alexa smiles at her mentor's invitation before turning to the others:
We rarely had visitors here in the woods. Most other than rangers avoided these woods, but they really are mostly safe, and as you will discover, the food is excellent.
Valen adds with small smile: "It would be a pleasure; thank you for the kindness, Master Ashcorn."
During his walk around, he takes a moment to grab a handful of soil - curious as to its consistency and density. A habit of his profession, he looks a little sheepish if anyone notices and quickly does his best to clean up his hands before dinner.
Madeline smiles at Master Ashcorn's offer of hospitality. She offers a polite bow/curtsey to show her appreciation and thanks for said offer.
|
|
Your group enjoys a delicious feast and excellent conversation, learning quite a bit about the local woods and some of the flaura and fauna that call this area home. When the meal is complete, Ashcorn gathers and throws the remains out into his back yard. You can hear the distinct squeal of excited pigs in response to this.
After dinner, Ashcorn tells you of when he was a young adventurer, seeking out the Gallowspire and his desires to tame it.
Unless any of you want to do something specific, you rest easy and continue onward on the following day.
Alexa enjoys the evening talking with Ashcorn about the forest and what can be expected in the lands to the north. She stays up later than the others talking before finally turning in for a good night's rest, what she figures may be her last such in a safe forest for some time the way things have been going for the party.
Vaghn participates animatedly in the conversation, delighted to speak with someone so knowledgeable. The next morning he is bright-eyed and eager to continue the journey.
Madeline is friendly and pleasant. She does her best to engage in the conversations but nature and its environs are not really her preview. She retires as early as is polite.
The good night's rest does do her wonders though and she takes great pains to thank Master Ashcorn for his hospitality.
Valen is content to listen, enjoying the outdoors and the company. Being at ease, he listens to the druid's tales with interest as a rapt student. Aside from his prayers to the Grey Lady before turning in, he sleeps and rises ready to move on.
He also gives his extended appreciation to the host druid when they depart.
Weehawk sits through the meal, contributing little to the conversation, but speaks when spoken too. He removes himself from the table as soon as he can to tend to Mule and his gear. He rises early, places anything not his, back as he may have found it, and prepares for the journey ahead.
Valen takes some time that morning - a little curious about their new comrade - to speak with him. "I am under the impression that you aren't much for speeches, Master Weehawk, but I was wondering are you a native to Ustalav or come from elsewhere? We seem to have a mixed bunch here, but I think we all share some history in Ustalav." He shrugs and his tone is fairly casual - maybe a bit nosy but hardly pushy.
Madeline 'saddles up' on her pony again for the next day's journey. Again, escorted by Smith walking calmly by her side.
Lol - needs better music, more epic, but cute nonetheless.
You mean like this?
Weehawk pivots his head to look at Valen - after an interminably long time, he replies. Valen gets the distinct impression that Weehawk might not blink as much as most people.
My pepel be hailin' from de Storval Plateau, a wanderin' tribes we be, known as the Skoan-Quah
Weehawk, feeling he has satisfactorily answered Valen's question, turns back to his morning tasks.
Valen - suspecting the Shoanti has said his peace - nods with an "Ah - I see" and goes about his own tasks.
Madeline calmly sits side-saddle upon her pony, which is being led along by Smith. (Preferably behind Alexa's guiding steps and in front of the rather...bestial donkey..)
The 'guy talk' seems to pass her by, her own countenance once again withdrawn and introspective even as Valen and Weehawk engage in some 'male bonding' time.
Alexa leads on through the forest she knows reasonably well.
It seems that she has a new pair of shoes, nothing fancy, but rather a well made pair of very solid looking slippers with what appears to be the softest soles you have seen. On several occasions, she leads the party across rather tricky footing without missing a step, only stopping when she realizes that the others are standing and looking confused at the muddy and overgrown path she was about to lead them down.
Each time, Alexa retraces her steps and then finds an easier path.
Valen gives a smile, despite the muddy walking, at Alexa's guidance. "Seems like someone has blessed our druid with a new gift," he mumbles with a grin.
Madeline adjusts her seating upon the pony's saddle and offers a nod and slight smile in appreciation/understanding/congratulations to Alexa's skills and leadership out here in the wilds of the land.
Even as she suppresses a wince at the toll the journey has taken on her posture.
|
|
The next day is as foggy and cold as the day before, typical of Northern Canterwall. But you do seem to make better time with Alexa leading you. Around noon, she turns out of the Eshirwood forest and takes you directly north. By the time the sun starts to set, you can make out the river south of Tamrivena and the pale white walls of the city beyond.
By the time you reach the city, the sun is just setting. The guards that stand the watch stop you before you enter and ask you simply, "What's your business in the city?"