"Scouting the lay of the land might be good for us. It might also gain us valuable information on this Stag lord."
"Stag Lord? Is he a druid with a penchant for Stags as his minions?"
he is à bandit that name nimself the stag lord after he finished off the last druids of Erastil
"Oh... yeah that's not good.."
Nervously trying to look sorrowful.
The group rides out to the South, towards the sooth scale tribe. Ernost takes the lead as Kreig and Doam take the flank. Sable is in front of the main party assisting Ernost as best as he can with map and directions.
After a hard day's ride it begins to darken and Ernost begins to look for a place to camp. He comes back on his second foray with a grin on his face.
"We either have bandits or adventurers by the look of them, shall we approach cautiously or brazenly?" He asks with an eager smile on his face.
"They seem set up in a classic adventuring camp, arranging the tents around the fire in the middle. It's a good system in that everyone is pretty much equidistant from everyone else with 3 tents, and they're all close enough that commmotion in one tent could rouse the other person currently asleep."
"I may be able to move the fire, if that would be useful.. probably could move the whole fire 5 feet per few seconds.."
"We really don't have a 'scout' in our group, so I say we approach together to greet them, and be on the ready" - Reknar suggests, getting ready to move forward.
"I think you will find Hobgoblins to be exceptionally subtle when we need to be, but I do not think they would react well to one of my race sneaking up on them, so that option would be better suited to an offensive solution."
"Or we can simply announce ourselves" Koldur speaks up not really being one for subtle approach.
The group moves in en mass letting Koldur call out once within ear shot...
Kreig and Doam take up the rear of the group unless instructed otherwise. Ernost stays with Koldur, Sable, Oscar, Reknar, and the halftime.
"Or we can simply announce ourselves" Koldur speaks up not really being one for subtle approach.
"I thought that was what I said" - the veteran grumbles as they proceed ahead.
Nemana had spotted the rider fleeing the campsite on her watch, but had been unable to challenge them directly. With a nod to the psychopomp that was her companion, she remained at her post as the half-spectral wolf with the bone white mask faded into the foliage.
Taking to the treetops with ease, Wolf locates the group of approaching adventurers by following the scent trail left by the horse and rider. He examines them as they approach, ready to drop from the trees should his companion require his aid.
The approaching force is significantly larger than Nemana's own traveling party, but the paladin stands tall anyway, bow in hand at her side and an arrow held loosely in the other hand. With a minor effort of will, she slips her sight out of normal focus in order to catch a glimpse of the approaching group's auras.
She also challenges them in the traditional way. "Greetings, travellers, in the name of Erastil."
And howdy do Day to you as well. says oscar
A bit of warning these lands are dangerous for one to travel alone. If you need shelter and ressupply there is a ermanent camp you can go to a a hard day's of riding north
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He dismounts and takes a few steps forward greeting and asking with a torch in one hand the other at his side, "Greetings, may Erastil bless your hunt. We are looking for a place to camp, what say you about us camping nearby?" The male elf before you has pale skin with flecks of reflective shiny skin almost like glitter. His white hair hangs loosely down below his neck. His blue eyes seem very intelligent and aware of his surroundings. Piercings and silver jewelry are very apparent on his figure showing his status and wealth. The chain mail suit of armor hangs tight to his figure with a simple blue tunic over it. Black leather breeches, belt and thick soled boots finish his look of simplicity and bring attention to his silver adornments. A thick curved blade resides on his back most of the time, it is nearly five feet long and a hollow along the blade allows a silver like liquid to rush along the blade. On his other shoulder resides a quiver and composite bow.
Ernost has his bow out in one hand and the reigns in the other of his horse. He waits in the saddle.
Two hobgoblins stay at the back of the group, armed and armored waiting.
Nemana looks over the group, gaze lingering on the hobgoblins as her posture becomes more guarded for a second. They're traveling with other types of humanoid, and they don't have that malicious aura about them that most goblins do, so they're not quite 'kill on sight', but they make the Paladin uneasy.
First, to the older looking man, she responds with a smirk and a tilt of her head. "Thanks for the advice, love, but I'm not alone and I rather think I know the dangers fairly well, seeing as I live here." Turning to the elf, she shrugs. "I'd say you picked a good spot for it. Brook just off that way," she gestures into the woods, towards the nearest body of water, "The treeline's thin enough to set up tents and clear places for fires, and the soil's not too soft for tent stakes. I won't insult you by implying you don't know how to set a camp. We'll probably trade watches through the night anyway. There's 3 of us. Well, four, technically." With that, Nemana gives a shrill whistle, and the sound of claws on wood is heard as another being approaches. "Name's Nemana, by the way. Nemana Suranti."
A deep bass rumble echoes from the edge of the campsite, just off behind and to the side of the newcomers. "And I am Wolf." The being that identified itself as Wolf stepped forward, bone-white mask and burning blue rune covering its face. Its true identity as a psychopomp would be easy to discern for any familiar with the denizens of the afterlife planes; typically, this kind of spirit serves to collect the souls of the dead.
The blue rune on its forehead is not typical of a psychopomp, and as Nemana turns to look at the woods on the other side of the camp, her hair shifts and reveals an identical rune on her own forehead before her back finishes turning completely. "Who are you all, newcomers?" The deep bass of Wolf asks the question that Nemana had simply implied with her self-introduction.
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"Sable Soren, I assume that the sounds come from your fourth. Thank you, we will take you on that offer. Camp near you, not assistance making camp." He says with a grin taking a few more steps forward and offers his free hand for a handshake.
He turns to see the spirit animal and greets it as well, not sure if he should offer his hand but squats down, "Greetings Wolf."
Jevar was sound asleep in his tent. It had become rare for him to rely on others to post a watch and he was becoming fond of sleeping on the ground again. The itching of the rope that he used to lash himself up in a tree was starting to become but an unpleasant memory. While he didn't necessarily dream when he meditated, it was certainly close to sleeping them most elves could claim.
He snapped to at the sound of a whistle going sharply throughout the camp. He took to shoulder rolling forwards out his tent, grasping his bow and an arrow from his quiver and looking about bewildered that so many an enemy had gotten so close. His long white hair wilde about his face, he blew a bit of it out of his eyes as he gazed about and began to slacken his hold on the arrow and pointed it slowly down towards the ground. "Perhaps...a whistle in the dead of night is not the proper idea to use, lest we are in danger?" he stated as he finally felt slack in his bow. He stood up slowly and brushed the hair out of his face as he looked around at the strange troop at their camp.
"They are friendly yes, which is why the introductions?" he asked curiously not letting his eyes come off the bulk of the intruders .
Kreig, Doam, and Ernost take their mounts over to the side and begin pulling out tents and begin on the workings of a camp. Hundor looks tired but tries to get up from Koldur's saddlebag to help. Soon enough the tents are up and a fire pit is getting started.
"Yeah, they're friendly." Nemana rubs the back of her head sheepishly. "Sorry, Jevar. I'm trying to work on the pitch so I can signal Wolf without it carrying like that but I keep messing it up."
Jevar's stance loosens heavily at the conformation "Perhaps it's just these knife ears you can't fool?" he said offering a chuckle.
He turned towards the others and gave a polite bow "I am Jevar T'soryn. May Erastil guide your feet to your Quarry and protect your hearth in your stead." he said, waiting a bit before standing up straight again. "Yes, I am a drow...no, I won't steal your children in the night, and yes I can stand the light of day...hopefully that takes care of most of the usual questions for one of my race." he said smiling as if he found what he had said somewhat humorous.
"Seems we have quite the diverse types amongst our groups"
Says Hykan stepping forward
"Do not be worried about me i'm quite civilised, the other two seem to be civilised as well."
Referring to the other two Hobgoblins that he gestures towards.
"Well met. I am Reknar"- the warrior introduces himself, and seems about to say something else, but is completely startled by the 'talking wolf' - "You talk? Wow" - he comments without skipping a beat.
The Old Dwarf squares himself up and eyes each of the newcomers briefly, measuring them and finding them to his liking.
Both his axes hang loose and their unusual configuration would tell any seasoned warrior that they are belted in such a way that they could be drawn in either hand and either way subtlely suggesting the dwarf's own unusual combat style. His clothes are cut to suggest both fashion and comfort and yet allow movement in the style of one used to the mountains.
"Greetings, I am Koldur of the Axe. Like my companions, would you share bread and wine with us for the night and perhaps we can trade tales." he pauses and without further preamble adds on.
"Especially Noble Wolf there."
Hykan quickly adds after Koldur has finished speaking
"Ah yes.. in my blathering I forgot to introduce myself.. I am Hykan, sometimes called the traveller."
indeed Well meet to all of you. I am Oscar Cray the III he says as he dismount looking relaxed
Jevar looks over each of them slowly and simply nods and smiles "Well then, pleasantries done and all that. You are welcome to join one of us on watch if you like. Never hurts and gives you a chance to get to know us if you want...however I'm going back to my rest. No offense meant, but waking up mid rest to a party isn't my thing." he said chuckling a bit before turning about and heading back into his tent.
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With that said Sable offers to keep watch with Nemana letting the others get to sleep. He also tells the halfling to just go rest and help in the morning. Coming back he takes a seat near Nemana and asks, "What brings you to the Stolenlands, or should we wait on that story for everyone to be awake?"
The night goes by quickly enough with no threats or other interruptions. With the morning comes the smell of cooking as Ernost is frying up meat.
Nemana, having traded off with Jevar partway through the night, emerges from her tent, the rune on her head and her lupine companion both conspicuously absent in comparison to last night. She is already dressed for the day, and commences breaking down the tent with the practiced ease of an experienced camper. The scent of frying meat is a pleasant addition to the morning, and, after packing away her gear in her backpack, she'll make her way over to the source. "Morning." Despite her efficiency of action, it seems that Nemana Suranti is not what it commonly known as a "morning person", because this is really all the greeting she can muster for the moment before she begins rustling through her pack for her own preserved meat, having not been able to catch any quarry last night. She seems content to munch on a portion of trail rations and gaze at the sunrise cresting the treetops, an echo of the rune from last night beginning to form on her brow as the shadows behind her seem to shift slightly.
Hykan is up bright and semi-early and helping Ernost with breakfast if he needs it, if not Hykan is gazing into the fire or watching the morning mist, birds etc.
Reknar is up and about at around the same time as the others - his first order of business is to get his gear in order, making sure all is well tended to with soldier like precision.
Once he is satisfied, the man lets himself be drawn to Ernost's cooking - "That sweet smell would wake up a man from his grave" - he smells at his companion, turning to greet also Nemana - "Morning to you too, won't you join us in tasting Ernost's meal? Can you resist the smell?" - he smiles, then turns to Ernost - "It is enough for a few more no?"
Jevar yawned a bit and hopped down from the tree had chosen to watch from. He adjusted his hair a bit to keep it from his face and looked up at the morning sunrise. It seemed like a nice day indeed. He walked over to the campfire and looked down "Well, I suppose there is nothing like a fresh meal here and there." he said before taking a seat.
He smiled as he relaxed near their campfire. "Forgive me if this has already been asked but you guys are quite well armed. Surely there is a reason beyond simple protection. The hobgoblins alone would be enough to disway most bandits from attacking." he said as he took a stick and stirred the fire a bit.
"Well... I always carry this much weaponry about myself" - Reknar jests - "Old habits die hard and all that" - he adds with a chuckle - "No, but seriously. The region is definitely not safe for travels for one, and on the other hand... Let's just say we are 'hunting' bandits" - the man winks.
He turns from preparing the meal to offer a few words before beginning to serve the hot meat, "Come there should be a deer slice for each of us, the last of my last prey, also I have sliced a loaf of bread only made a few days ago, and some gravy. I doubt we will be having such a good meal in a while."
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Sable walks from his tent stretching and rubbing ointment on his joints. Once he has limbered up he comes over and gets a sandwich from Ernost a smile and a nod in thanks before he walks off checking on the horses. With the talk of weaponry he comes back to set their mission in more blatant light with a thin smile he says, "We hunt the bandits, also the ones who practice dark arts, and evil in these lands. What are you doing in the Stolenlands or what do you plan?"
"Thankyou.. smell wonderful"
Hykan thanks Ernost as he takes his repast, At Sorens words Hykan listens in for the responses
He wanders around a bit leading to the food, he takes his plate and devours the food before going back to bed.
Nemana turns to Sable and grins wryly. "Well, I live here. And I plan to continue doing so. I've heard that the kingdoms plan to parcel out the Stolen Lands in charters, or maybe they've gone and done it already. I don't particularly care except that there's a small community that I belong to that I'd rather not have some power-hungry noble or other stamp out so he can build his hunting lodge or what have you. So I'm going to figure out who's claiming the area around that little village and make sure they don't plan on doing that."
Jevar shrugs a bit "I personally came up here to get a tan, I was white as a ghost before I started getting a bit of sun..." he said before hanging his head and shaking it a bit and began to wave them off with his hand.
"Forgive me, last lot I was with had a terrible sense of humor. You know what it's like living with Forest Elves? Personally, I'm just looking for a quiet space with a friendly church...and maybe not an armed escort everywhere I go. Though for me to have a quiet little town...well that means I gotta have a quiet bit of neighboring land, so if you say there is some bandits in the area. I wouldn't mind lending a few arrows to the cause to see to it I find myself a quiet place to settle down. Hearth and home and all that." he said finally at length.
He looked at the Elk steak and bread and smiled. He gave a polite bow to Ernost before taking a bit of gravy to soak the bread in and ate the meal with a happy face.
The Crack of Dawn finds Koldur up having maintained all his equipment doing a light exercise. Both his axes in hand and barebodied as he moves through a unique method keeping each movement incredibly slow as he goes through his strike. High to low, side to side and his body remains both taut and supple enough to go through with each motion. He resembles more a automation at this point then anything else.
Once done, upon smelling the meal and cleaning up, he joins the rest.
"May you all find that and more. We on the other hand have a few things to do like clearing up a bandit camp. You're welcome to join in the fun though." accepting a hot plate of food, gratefully.
Jevar smiled and bowed his head a bit at Koldur's kind words. "I thank you for those kind words, to be honest I am a bit surprised by them even. From what I was told from my teachings of youth, those of our heritage tend to not be so civilized to each other. Well, truth be told almost no one tends to be civilized to those of my kind well...at all. Experience has told me mostly so as well...though at least the paladins seem to manage to see past my skin, well some." he said smiling.
He got up after he had finished his food and went to fetch his things. Best part of being last watch was, you kept busy if you were smart and packed up your things early not only to be busy but in case the camp had to up and run at least some gear was salvaged.
He hefted his pack and looked around to make sure that nothing seemed out of the ordinary as the others finished their breakfast.
Nemana smirks at Jevar. "I don't know about calling me a paladin. I do the best I can, that's all. Now, if only you'd met Lyall. That man deserves the title as much as anyone can." As breakfast draws to a close, she seems to be regaining some of the energy she'd had the night before. Her shadow shifts and twists until Wolf steps out of it, runes on both the archer and eidolon's heads shining silver.
"Good morning," the psychopomp states in his deep baritone. Wolf, like Nemana, is not a morning entity, it seems, though he has managed twice as many words as his master had upon awakening. He curls up by the remains of the cookfire while Nemana gathers the last couple pieces of her gear and shoulders her pack.
"Wolf and I can try to bring down something worth eating while we travel today. Might even come across some signs of those bandits. I can't see just leaving brigands to their own devices so close to home. Do you know which way they are?"