Harad Navar Play by Post for the PFO Talking Head Tavern RP Thread based on the statuette mystery The One is in the Water.
Alk's here, but he doesn't like it. :)
What would he like when roaming the wild?
Well, he'd like the companionship, protection, and exploration our group is offering. He wouldn't like the chasing after evil gods bit.
I'll write up some stuff for personality and put it in this alias.
Map coming soon.
*Meow*
((That's cat for "Here!"))
The party will leave the Talking Head Inn on Desnus (May) 21st at 7:30 am. The temperature that day will be in the low 70's and skies will be partly cloudy. Dawn will begin about 5:30 am and sunset will be about 7:40 pm. That day the moon will be half way past 1st quarter with the moon full on the 24th. The moon will rise about 12:50 am and will set about 11:00 pm. The party will be traveling on foot. Remember that there are no inns or safe camping areas between the Inn and tower ruins.
The roads will be patrolled up until Hex 1114. After that you will be on your own. To be clear, patrolled roads are not guaranteed to be safe, just that help may be near, or maybe not.
The solid line roads are easily traveled. The dotted line roads are much less so. Please make sure that you have equipment for wilderness travel and camping. Water can be found along the way, but a backup supply would be wise. Food (and water) may be hunted or gathered (for those vegans among you) if you spend an hour per day on that activity and make a successful Survival skill check, the DC of which will differ depending on where you are.
It will take 4-5 hours to reach the end of good roads (Hex 0218) unless there is an interruption or delay. After that it may be at least another 8 to 10 hours to reach the site of the ruins (uninterrupted, of course).
If you have an RSS reader, you may find it helpful to link to this Gameplay thread and to the Game Discussion thread.
This Gameplay tread is intended for GM descriptions and information, results of round combat, skill check results, in-character discussion, etc. Player discussion of the merits of anticipated actions and other stuff is best done in the Game Discussion thread.
Post any questions on the Discussion thread or PM me.
Foxglove is currently hung over and sleeping ...somewhere.
No worries, she'll suddenly catch up, she's not one to miss interesting adventures.
Opps. Start delayed one day.
Desnus (May) 21st, 7:30 am
Dawn broke two hours ago with Harad Navar waiting to greet the sun. The morning is still chilly, in the low 50's, still bringing dew to the grasses. He looks around the small hamlet of Alejia's Crossing taking in all he has learned since he arrived. See Hex 1306 map for details
Spalmelt’s Forge and Stable (3 on hex map) is owned by Lavarious Spalmelt, a very conspicuous gnome in that he is bald and dresses in dark green. He manages the business end of the establishment while his dwarf partner, Kasult Ingotmaster, crafts things for Alejia’s Crossing and for the guards in the watchtower. Jud Farbar, a human, is the stable master and works for them both. Kasult is skilled at making weapons and armor, and can make repairs at a reasonable price. He has a limited set of masterwork weapons for sale but is more interested in reworking items that are found by adventurers. Jud is also a skilled leather worker and helps Kasult with his repairs. There are several horses for sale at the moment and a fair number of stall spaces for rent to stable horses.
Every couple of weeks Westol Careyte comes in from the countryside to make arrows from the arrowheads forged by Kasult, and then goes on a binge at the inn. After a day or two he goes back into the wild until the next time. Westol is a ranger and has traveled these parts for years but has not been seen for several weeks, which is unusual.
The Golden Eye (2 on hex map) is a general store and adventurer supply shop run by Purella Nexion, a human cleric of Desna (retired). Purella is well liked in the Crossing as she still provides healing to the injured or sick. She uses her fees to purchase items from adventurers, especially items that could help her desire to keep the roads open. It was she who convinced Fort Inevitable to build the watchtower south of the crossroads.
The Crossing Watchtower (4 on hex map) rarely has Hellknights in residence but the guards are regular in patrolling this end of the Valley Road (which links Fort Inevitable with Fort Riverwatch). The guards do not patrol the countryside, so pockets of trouble spring up from time to time. They do, however, patrol the roads on a ridged schedule, which some say defeats the purpose of having patrols. This morning 8 guards, about a third of those stationed there, left to patrol the Valley Road north of Alejia’s Crossing.
The Dancing Blade Outpost (5 on hex map) to the northwest is run by temple of Cayden Cailean in Fort Inevitable. They harvest wheat for making bear for the Talking Head Inn and for trade up and down the Valley Road. The clerics are rarely there as the Crossing is a dull place by their standards, so the Dancing Blade Company runs it for them. They guard the area around the outpost vigorously and challenge all who approach.
Bowing his head he offers a silent prayer to Sarenrae before he returns to the inn to make sure that breakfast is ready for his new companions.
After the group joins him at the table he says, "It is a good morning for travel. Once we have eaten and have gathered our gear we will head south down the Valley Road. There are only a few places where we will not be able to see a fair distance around us, but be vigilant just the same. I have a number of healing potions of our use in case trouble find us before we can find it. It will take us about two days to reach the ruins so I hope you are prepared for a few nights camping. Do you have any questions before we start?"
Alk wakes as the sun rises, taking a few minutes in his inn room to tidy his clothing and himself with ample castings of prestidigitation. He sits on the ground in his bedclothes, draws forward his spellbook, and begins studying the arcane mysteries contained inside it. The familiar symbols and phrases swim in front of his eyes as he once again practices the daily ritual to get the fleeting arcane workings to stick in his head. Alk prepares a large variety of spells; there's no knowing what will be met on the road. After about an hour of meditating over his spellbook, Alk stands, kisses his ring, stretches, dresses, and packs his things. He heads downstairs fully equipped to head out on an adventure, with a waxy new leather scroll case to hold those pieces of vellum he was seen with the day before.
Alk takes a hearty first meal for the day, wasting no time in tucking into the fare presented. He listens carefully to Harad, saying nothing after the short speech as he himself feels fully prepared for the travels. He looks carefully over the people who are to be his travelling companions in this daring adventure.
Last you saw Foxglove, she was deep into a wine bottle, flirting with every man in the tavern and singing naughty songs about Cayden and Callistria. Yet here she is, awake and prepared. She is dressed very differently from yesterday, wearing a leather-and-metal outfit with various pouches and pockets, sensible boots, a long dark green cloak. Jewelry and makeup is toned down, and even her smile is different.
As before she wastes little time listening to the others before starting chatting about multiple things simultaneous:
"Ah, good, we are on time. Early birds get to greet the sunrise and all that. I just need to load Carrot and I'm good to go. Do we need shovels and buckets for digging? I just have to pop by Purella to show my respects and get her blessing on our way out. If you are in a hurry, I'll catch up."
Listening to Harad and Alk, she flashes a big smile. "Questions? Oh, always!".
"Do we travel quietly or with confidence? Do we have any reason to expect trouble, beyond normal, from patrols? Does anyone have news from Westol whether the area is safe? Shame he missed the party, he really should have been there."
"And what's the plan if we are attacked? We have all travelled in dangerous parts before and can take care of ourselves, but in our own different ways. I can distract or surprise a foe or two, but I'm nobody's bodyguard."
She steels herself and turns to Alk with a big disarming smile "Umm.. would you like me to arrange a pony for you? While dwarves can go all night, us long-legs prefer a faster pace and pitching camp while there is still daylight."
For the early hour, and for a feline, Cat has been awake for an astonishingly long time this morning. With her left paw crossed atop the right, she has silently watched the first risers of the party arrive at the table below to break their fast and discuss their venture in hushed tones. As they wait for the stragglers, she methodically bathes a patch of fur that to any onlooker, would have seemed as clean as any other patch.
...tidy his clothing and himself with ample castings of prestidigitation...
...with a waxy new leather scroll case
"My, my, don't you look tidy and organized. Nice case, important documents for the road? Letters of passage maybe? Maps?"
She steels herself and turns to Alk with a big disarming smile "Umm.. would you like me to arrange a pony for you? While dwarves can go all night, us long-legs prefer a faster pace and pitching camp while there is still daylight."
Alk nods with a polite returning smile and says, Aye, though I usually go on foot I suppose it would serve our group better to buy me a mount. I've got the coin to get one meself, but thank you fer yer kind offer, ma'am."
As Foxglove mentions the scroll case, Alk wipes his food-stained hands on his pants and pops open the end of the case. He delicately pulls out a piece of vellum, showing her the arcane markings on it. He says to her, "This's fer m' spare spells. Can only keep so many in me head at once, so it's good to have some more of 'em ready to go." Once he's answered any other questions about the scrolls, he returns the vellum to its place with the rest of the scrolls and finishes up his breakfast.
Harad begins making an herbal drink. Addressing Foxglove "If Alk rides then will you also, or will your pony simply provide portage? As to the road ahead, a watchtower patrol just returned yesterday from the south with nothing to report. Another patrol left this morning on the north road while a third patrol is due back from the Mosswater road in a few days. While I think that boisterous songs about mythic romance may not be the wisest course of action, neither are we trying to slip out of town, so to speak. I find it better to be present to the moment when on the road and to travel without haste. That way I might not miss those little details that can warn of danger.
"I have a shovel, but you may be correct that we may be needing more equipment for excavation. Let us all go to the Golden Eye. It is just across the road on our way south."
"Even with a pony for Alk it will still be tomorrow afternoon before we reach the ruins. But if something is of interest along the way, I am agreeable to investigating. The patrols only keep to the roadway, so there may be some need of us to address issues we find from the off-road wild."
To Alk:
"Oh.. I so wish I could read magic. They say my mom could, and sometimes it feels like I almost can if I squint just right. Did you write these yourself?"
To Harad:
"Ride Carrot? No, she earns her feed by carrying our luggage, and she's not any faster than I can walk beside her."
"Also, should there be trouble, I can react much quicker on my feet than stuck on a pack animal. She's not exactly a combat steed. Nor I an outrider."
She blushes briefly at the mention of boisterous singing, but refuses to acknowledge embarassment.
"Present to the moment, hmm? Me, I always try to be one step ahead. But we'll keep eyes and ears open. I'll get a shovel and a few empty bags just in case. The ground was soft where they were digging? Just digging, right, no buckets and engineering thingies? I don't do mudholes!"
Alk shoots back casually, "Ah, no miss, I din' write these ones meself; bought them offa half-orc who was on 'is way outta town." He muses about the woman's first comments; perhaps she's got a bit of sorcerous blood, or perhaps she's just a dreamer. Alk hasn't yet seen her in combat, but her chain armor would seem to indicate that she does not practice arcane magic. Not that armor-usin' mages are unheard of...
"Ah, no miss, I din' write these ones meself; bought them offa half-orc who was on 'is way outta town."
She nods and smiles. Magic bought from a mysterious stranger conveniently on his way out of town, how nice.
She is clearly wearing armor, but designed for comfort and freedom of movement first and protection second, and Alk recognizes the gleam of mithril behind the leather harness and bandoleers. She could probably sleep in that armor if needed.
Harad Navar says "I haven't heard from two who wished to join us, Cyneric and Brax. I suggest we go to the Golden Eye and they may join us before we depart."
Golden Eye Encounter Map
The party leaves the Talking Head Inn, picks up Carrot and another pony at Spalmelt's Stable, the crosses the road to the Golden Eye. You are able to hitch both animals to the rail in the southwest side of the one story building. The northwest side of the building has an shingled awning covering a single wooden door (hex 1407) and a window (hex 1506). You can see a second window (hex 2104) toward the northeast end of the building.
What are your actions?
Foxglove flirts with Jud, tossing in comments about well-built stallions but also mentioning how one can always trust Spalmelt stables to supply a mount to help brave heroes like Alk defend the Crossing and help keep trade routes open. She'll promise to return the horse if Alk should get himself killed 'in the defense of local trade'.
On the road
"Purella is a good person, just spin... just explain that we are investigating dark magic and a potential threat to the community If you play your... if she realizes you are honest and capable she will give you a good deal, maybe even sponsor you."
"I'll come with you and offer my most sincere smile. While that may not be enough to vouch for your intentions, it should vouch for your capability."
To Harad:
"Harad, Purella used to be a priestess of Desna. She's helped me before and I trust her. If that object in your pouch were mine, I'd show it to her and tell her where we are going. Worst case, if we don't return, she can send someone to help me rescue you guys."
What are your actions?
Foxglove greets Purella like an old aunt and is genuinely happy to see her. She asks for a private word:
"Purella, I need your blessing and advice. Yesterday I prayed to Desna that she would show me the path to something exciting, and I was literally prepared to simply follow the first butterfly or shooting star I saw. But I was hungry and stopped by the Head, and that's where I saw this stranger - that's him right there, looks like he's daydreaming but he's 'present in the moment' or something. Anyway, I thought he looked interesting and started talking with him and -voilá- here we are today ready to head out on a dangerous and exciting adventure!"
"...umm, that is how Desna guides us, isn't it?"
"Anway, I wanted to ask you a religious question. Um, if you've heard or read anything about.." She blushes a bit and her eyes dart from side to side, "about, um, a crazy kraken god. Evil, I think. If you know anything, that might come in really handy if certain flavours of s*~@ happen." She frowns and wrinkles her nose "Yuck, that sounded just wrong, forget that last bit!"
On her way out after restocking her saddlebags, she turns and calls to Purella again
"oh, and do you have any news about the roads? I wanted to ask that guy Westol, but he's not around today."
The party enters Spalmelt's stable and talks to Jud. Alk's efforts seem unpersuasive, but with the assist from Foxglove Jud's attitude changes from indifferent to friendly. Jud says "I can't sell you a really good horse at that price, but I have a gelding, Ælfwine, that is a little too old for really hard work. He will be perfect of your dwarf friend. He will serve him well. And so as not to leave him completely without the price of a good ale, I'll let the complete bundle go for 80 gp."
Harad steps in at that moment and says "Alk, I'll loan you the difference. After all you are risking this trip on my behalf." He then adds the balance to Alk's gold and the deal is closed.
The party leaves the stable and cosses the road to the Golden Eye. Hitching Carrot and Ælfwine to the rail at the end of the building the enter through the door (hex 1407). They find Purella rising from a stool at what appears to be a workbench. She stands about 5'8" with light brown hair drawn ino a bun at the back oh her hand. She says, "Greetings travelers. How may I be of service?"
Foxglove greets her and asks for a private word. She and Purella move to the fireplace (Purella to hex 2008, Foxglove to hex 1907). They begin the conversation as described previously.
Purella frowns slightly and seems to be thinking. She says,"I have know knowledge of such a god. I have never heard of it around here." Looking at Foxglove a little oddly, "Desna guides those who travel such as you, but you must judge for yourself just how she guides. As for the roads I only know what the guards from the patrols say. They say that there have been some signs of goblins about an hour south of here, but they were not attacked. Westol is overdue for one of his visits, but that has happened a few times in the past. If you see him, please make sure he is alright. The equipment you purchased is here." Moving to a cupboard (hex 1809) she takes out Foxglove's purchases.
"Is there something I can provide you gentlemen?"
Cat leisurely walks out from the Talking Head Tavern and eyes the mounts tied up across the street. She continues over to Carrot, leaps nimbly onto her rump, and curls up atop a bed roll or other packed goods.
Alk's dwarven pride collides with his merchant sensibilities and the two wage war inside his head as Harad offers to cover the 11 gp difference. He bites his lip and visibly fights down his pride as he says to Harad, "Alrigh', but I'll pay ye back fer it a' the first opportunity, ye've god my word."
He hands over his gold to Jud and suits up the mount (with some help from Jud, as Alk has never dealt with a mount before). He raises to the saddle with some difficulty, and sways a little uncertainly atop the horse. While the others gather goods inside the Golden Eye, Alk, who has no more cash to make purchases there, instead spends his time outside, going in slow circles to acclimate himself to riding a horse. He only falls off once.
Foxglove carries the extra supplies and feed over to Carrot, offering Alk and the horse an amused smile. Loading the goods on the pony, she spots Cat curled up in her winter blanket.
"Aha, a stowaway! And such a cuuuutie-woootie, aren't you! Maybe you could bribe your way into our company if you offered to be my bedwarmer."
She calls out to Harad: "Harad, I think you asked me yesterday if I had a pet. Well, look what I found, a new friend who wants to join our quest. I'm sure it's a sign of good luck."
Her attention goes back to Cat, and her voice becomes seductive and husky: "Well, aren't you just the tops. Big and strong but graceful and stealthy. Quite the charmer when you want to, but pack hidden claws. Always lands on your feet, and some say you have nine lives. I could probably learn a thing or two from you."
As she reaches down to scratch Cat, Foxyglove notices the gold hoops and her eyes widen for a split second.
"...and you have exquisite taste in jewelry too! Hey - I know you, you are the tavern cat. Say, are you following us? Did you hear us talk and decide to join on our adventure? Well, you can stay in there as long as you like - it's your life to live as you choose and face the consequences. Besides, cats like you always find your way home... if you want to."
"Gentlemen, the sun is already high. I say we head out now and leave a message in the Head to send any latecomers in the right direction. If they have horses they should catch up quick enough. If not, we can pitch camp tonight close to the road."
"Also, Alk will master riding quicker if he can ride in a straight path instead of small circles."
She winks at Alk.
Hardly graceful much quicker than him walking. Could have been much worse, actually. He'll get the hang of it in a few days. And I bet his dwarven pride will keep him complaining about a sore bum tomorrow.
After Foxglove leaves with her equipment, Harad goes to Purella and asks to buy 2 shovels. As he is paying he hears Foxgolve's suggestion and says to Purella, "If you would be so kind, could you see that late comers asking after us could be told we are headed south?"
She replies, "I will, if you will allow me a spell?" As Harad nods Purella pulls out a necklace from her robes. It appears to be a jewled jade butterfly. Clasping the symbol between her flattened palms she closes her eyes and speaks softly under her breath. She then opens her eyes and looks at Harad, then at his backpack. "I do not know if it is you... or it. I will pass on the message; who am I to hinder a traveler. But I think that you will leave my shop...now."
Bowing deeply Harad picks up the shovels and rejoins his group. "Let us not forget what we came for" as he hands the shovels to Foxglove to secure to Carrot's load. "Purella will see that anyone who wishes to follow us will be sent our way. Indeed, let us begin our journey south." With that he turns and begins walking unhurriedly past the watchtower and out of Alejia's Crossing.
With that he turns and begins walking unhurriedly past the watchtower and out of Alejia's Crossing.
Foxglove double checks that all straps on Carrot are secure, checks her visible and hidden blads, mouths an extremely short prayer to Desna and follows Harad.
She makes a point of waiting for Alk, but is happy to let Harad walk a few paces in front. It looks like he volunteered for the lookout job and he'll do better if we don't distract him. If he wants to talk to us, he'll wait.
After a while she starts noticing the way Harad walks. It's like his feet just happen to be in the right place all the time, without him making any effort. I wonder if his feet can 'just happen' to avoid making noise too.
Alk takes Foxglove's banter in stride, turning the horse in slow figure eights and mixing up the path he moves with it until he feels comfortable leading it along. He listens to the others as he directs the horse, and says a little solemnly, "May our path be straight and free of obstacles. Though with this business somehow I think that unlikely..." He smirks, taking a little pleasure in the dark humor, and once again wonders how he got caught up in this.
He then recalls to the front of his mind the story of the Dwarves who killed one another around that statue, and nods to himself. Alk thinks a silent vow to those dwarves, ensuring them that he will find out who they are and why they did what they did, and put to rest the issue of their burials and possibly vengeance if foul magic was at work.
Alk seems to have no trouble following Harad on the horse. His short training session seems to have given him a solid grasp on slowly steering Ælfwine and not falling off.
Cat opens one eye, notes the change in scenery as Carrot plods along, and closes her eye.
"May our path be straight and free of obstacles. Though with this business somehow I think that unlikely..."
Foxglove whispers to herself "May our journey be interesting and full of excitement. And may we all come out on top, unharmed."
As the first hours progress, Foxgloves attention focuses on something for a while, then hops to something new. She notices Ælfwine's gait and markings, the exact hue of green on a leaf along the road and the shapes of the clouds above. She notices the pattern in Alk's clothes and makes little games for herself guessing what he has in his bags.
After a little while, Alk has become quite interesting: Sword and bow, magical scrolls and no heavy luggage - sounds more like an elf than a dwarf. Sounds and acts like a local but I never seen him here before. Bookish type but picked up horse riding immediately. Tidy and serious, but ended up joining this adventure without even being drunk. And when I teased him he didn't go all peacock but instead showed signs of humor as well as intelligence! Our friend Alk seems full of surprises, I wonder what else he has in store.
She congratulates herself on her good luck. These guys are sooo different from those losers last time! And the time before that. And...
Moving at a calm pace (not double move) the party leaves Alejia's Crossing traveling south on the Valley Road. After about 5 minutes they pass by a hill to the west and can see (in Hex 1406) that there are several small stands of trees south of that hill. They can distinguish a small cluster of hills to the east.
Encountere Hex 1406-0410
Perception check
Cat asleep atop Carrot
As the party draws abreast of the first stand of trees (which is about 150 feet from the road with some brush and grasses closer than that) Harad holds his hand up as he stops, quietly saying "Wait here for a moment. I think I see something in the brush just west of us."
Initiative
Cat may awake when pony stops (on Foxclove's initiative order)
Harad (using a point of ki to add 20 to his movement rate, now 60 for this round) moves to hex 1406-1211 and pears around a stump at the edge of some brush.
Alk halts the advance of Ælfwine, reigning her in as he peers toward the west where Harad indicated.
As Alk pays more direct attention to where Harad is loking, he sees a pack partially hidden behind the stump, with some other objects scattered around it.
Foxglove tells Carrot "stay here" which is optimistic, then hustles after Harad , looking at the different scattered objects and trying to piece together the story of what happened here.
While hustling she readies a dagger in each hand.
Foxglove can see that there are a number of tools and small bundles arranged neatly around the pack and on the stump next to it.
Foxglove
Unfortunately, their purpose eludes you.
Cat often has her eyes closed, but really isn't asleep. She watches the group react and scans the bushes ahead of her while listening for any sounds.
(I'm not the play by post and all the rolls type...what did you need of me to determine whether I was successful in seeing or hearing anything?)
Alk, seeing no immediate danger, decides to dismount and find somewhere nearby to tie his horse's reins. Once he gets that done he moves to follow Foxglove and Harad's lead in investigating the area.
Alk attempts to swift action dismount the horse , but must make a move action to do so instead. He then can attach the rains to a handy bush close to the road. He can approach after that.
Cat stands on Carrot's back, stretches, and sniffs the air in the direction of the stump. She squints and begins to emit a low growl in her throat.
Harad moves 5 feet closer (hex 1111) and examines the displayed contents. "These seem to be the tools of a herbalist. I can see several packets of herbs that have been collected and partially processed."
He bends down to examine the ground.
"I can not see any identifiable tracks on the ground. It rained 2 days ago, but the grass here does not keep tracts very long. I'm going to have a quick look around to see if I can find whoever owns this. The herbs look as if they have been collected today."
With that he moves toward the end of the thorn hedge (hex 0717) to see what is behind them.
"So.. a herbalist was here earlier today and just left mid-work? Harad, looking at how the tools are left, does it look like he was suddenly interrupted and fled, or could he have gone off to look for a missing herb? I assume he wouldn't have left this behind unless he expected to return quickly - or was scared off by something."
She idly scratches her chin (with the tip of a dagger)
"Say.. could these herbs be an antidote for a disease or poison? That could explain urgency. Maybe it's another dwarf made insane by the evil kraken god before he could make a purging potion."
She puts one of the daggers back in the bandoleer (but keeps the other one still handy) and squats down by the stump and scrutinizes it for clues. Let's see, if he used this stub as a work surface, there may be some sort of mark. But if something was here, it was either grabbed by the fleeing herbalist or stolen - but everything else is left.
"We should just shout. If it's a trap they should have sprung it already."
Cat stands on Carrot's back, stretches, and sniffs the air in the direction of the stump. She squints and begins to emit a low growl in her throat.
Foxglove twists around, hand reaching for the dagger she just put away, before realizing it's just the Cat. "Do you sense anything wrong?"
She relaxes again. "No, I think you are just grumpy because Carrot stopped rocking you to sleep! Relax, we're not leaving you behind."
After tying up Ælfwine Alk follows suit, moving toward the stump and peering at the collection of items. He is still alert for danger, and jumps as the cat begins a low growl. Alk looks back to the cat and says, "Ach, cut that ou' ye beast!" He finishes moving up to the stump and complains to Foxglove, "Why'd ye bring tha' thing along, anyways?" while pointing his thumb back towards the cat. Apparently Alk is not much of a cat person.
Cat narrows her eyes at Alk. She leaps down to the grass and off into the bushes.
Harad turns back to Foxglove from the thorn hedge. (current positions Harad in 0717) He says "I saw nothing to indicate from the placement that it was hurried. It looks like the herbalist just left to collect more herbs."
Turning back to look toward the nearest stand of trees (100 feet away) he tries to see any indication of the missing herbalist. "I do not see anything amiss. The ground is clear from here to the next stand of trees. There is little in the way of brush within which to hide, unless there is a small depression I can not see. Foxglove, why don't you search the pack and see if there is any documents that might give us more information. I'm going to look behind these thorn bushes."
What Harad sees in 1409-1410 (corrected hex). He is under the tree in hex 2707 of that map.
"Why'd ye bring tha' thing along, anyways?" while pointing his thumb back towards the cat.
"Me?!? It's a cat, not a dog." as if that explains everything.
Foxglove opens the pack, alert for anything. She glances quickyl through any papers found, aiming for the fast overview before going to details.