"I'll keep watch over the caravan as well as you guys. Just shout out if you fall under attack."
Nempura keeps pace with the caravan, but as they draw further away, she will position herself in between the two parties, keeping an eye on both. With her bow, she is able to cover the distances. In the meantime, she will consider the words of the lovely Mattie, whose conversation she was privy to as the group set out toward the wagon.
"Bandits...yes. Violent...yes. Where they differ is they are law-bound to a code of their own instead of chaotically doing whatever they want. They also can be honorable in some cases, but more then that, they don't just take take take. Some of them raise farms, have families, and even love within this culture. We often only see the raiders and assume all vikings are bloodthirsty. Unlike with thieves who just take everything, there are often certain things that provoke the vikings into action."
She focuses steadily on Ivar for a moment and then continues watching both groups; particularly the front wagon.
Ewan dismounts and rushes over, rapier in hand, just in case.
Ewan looks perplexed at the power of nature that this scene portrays, the wagon being completely absorbed by a tree and other surrounding plants, it almost became indistinguishable from it.
He looks over and in the wagon, trying to discern if there's anything left of value inside, perhaps forgotten.
He calls back to the others.
"It is not a t-trap! J-just an over-grown w-wagon!"
As a few of the group members move forward to look at the wagon, you notice that Hank has not stopped the lead wagon. Slowed it down, yes. But he has not stopped. You have gotten the sense that he only stops for a dead body in the road, and that’s only if he is going to hit it.
As Ewan moves closer to see if there is anything within of value, he begins to hear the slight rumbling of what sounds like snoring. Followed by the sound of glass tapping together.
Inside of this wagon, you see how a tree as penetrated the side of the wagon and has flourished within. Almost causing a better roof than what the original canvas top would have provided. The inside is littered with small trinkets that seem of no value and a few empty wine bottles that clink together at a pair of… moving boots!
Then you suddenly realize that what you once though was vines and ivy, is actually a blanket and is covering a humanoid body, though all you can see are a pair of small brown boots protruding from below. You also see a small walking stick propped up in the corner with a curled shell snail resting on top of it.
"He is strong, and non-judgmental. Besides, Ivar is by far the least scary member of this little group... Nempura once ripped a man, limb from limb with her bare hands, all because he tried to cheat her out of a hot meal."
Arren only manages to hold a straight face for a second or two, savoring their expressions, before bursting out laughing, and smiling. Hopefully no one takes it too hard. And besides, Ivar has done nothing wrong since he's been with us. Still, I suppose it is somewhat unnerving traveling with a trained killer.
Merion gently chides Robin. A living creature, and you didn't warn me? I guess they weren't doing anything of note.
He looks over at Ewan. I've always been grumpy when awakened from sleep. Does there seem to be anything special about...whoever this is?
Taking out a thin worn book from his purse and glancing at the first page, Merion makes a brief but intricate gesture to the thicket and sleeper, while muttering Tejumere. He looks again with eyes that seem just a bit wider and more reflective, considering the thicket closely.
Spellcraft and Knowledge(Arcana) checks if relevant:
Mattie looks between Arren and Nempura as she explains Nempura's response to being cheated out of a hot meal. When she breaks out laughing, Mattie rolls her eyes and catches up with Thomas.
You cast Detect Magic and begin to look within. The sleeping person within does not notice the arcane words you speak to cast the spell. You do detect magical auras within the wagon, but the only one you can pinpoint are radiating from the two glass bottles that are clinking together when the person at rest shifts. As to the school or purpose of the magic, you are unaware. It could be your lack of experience or of a school/style of magic you are less familiar with.
When I read what Robin did, I had to fly on one of the branches. From that location, she would not have been able to see within the wagon itself. If I misread that I apologize.
Ewan glances at Merion and recognizes the spell being cast.
Ewan nods to Merion and asks him. "And? Is th-there any t-trace of m-magic on h-him? Any-th-thing d-dan-dangerous?"
Ewan slowly approaches the sleeping man in the wagon and tries to wake him up by shaking his shoulder from the other side if possible. Else by shaking his leg.
"S-sir? W-would you p-pl-please w-wake up?"
Slowly, Nempura is approaching a harder shot with her bow. Fortunately, she is on a horse and able to ride back if danger arises. They were hired to protect the caravan, not poke in the bushes. That's not to say she doesn't want to.
"They look to just be standing there..." she will state to Ivar as she looks back and forth between the party and the front wagon for anything approaching it.
Merion speaks softly to Ewan. Quietly, let's not wake him. Just what looks like two potions, I couldn't tell what kind.
He looks back at the others, including Nempura as she approaches. Should we tell the others what we found? Better that, I think, in case this is trouble. It looks like just a sleeping adventurer.
If Ewan tries to wake the sleeper, Merion won't stop him but will stand back.
When Ewan approaches and tries to shake the boot of the sleeping man, the snoring turns to grunting. “What.. what? Who’s there? What do you want?” Ewan sees the head of a gnome man pop up from under the vine and ivy blanket. Hearing Ivar yelling out the gnome lets out a scream and quickly grabs his quarterstaff and sings it and cracks Ewan in the shoulder.
Climbing out of the wagon as a gnome man with a quarterstaff and a tiny little snail atop it. “What are you doing wanking someone up like that? Shaking a boot then yelling at him?” looking around he sees the rest of you standing about and the caravan that is just beyond you moving south. “Oh… ummm.” looking up at the sky “Good morning?” reaching into the wagon he begins pulling out a backpack and a hat that he places on his head. “So, where we going?” As the gnome man moves to get in line with the caravan that is moving. He reaches up on top of his hat and grabs a mushroom and begins snacking on it.
"Ouch!" Ewan says as the stick of the man caught him off guard.
"W-why did y-you have to do th-that for? It's not l-like I w-wanted to h-harm y-you."
Ewan brushes off the pain by rubbing his shoulder, he looked under his shirt and winced a little as he touched it.
Well that's going to leave a bruise alright. Strange story to tell if that was going to leave a scar. Hit by a waking gnome with a mushroom hat.
Ewan scrambles his thoughts from his initial shock and extends a hand to the gnome.
"W-we are m-mo-moving to Dul-wich f-first. T-the c-car-caravan goes on to K-Kings-fell next. M-might I ask y-your name, s-sir? And w-why w-ere you a-asleep h-here? W-were you w-waiting on some-one?"
Ewan tentatively asks of the gnome.
He looks like how I would picture a druid, or a hermit, or an estranged ranger. Perhaps even a sorcerer of some kind. He does seem to have a companion or familiar of sorts. Ewan stares a bit at the snail on top of the gnome his walking staff.
Merion can't help but chuckle at the gnome's introduction to Ewan. Better you than me, he says, returning to his horse. Strange company indeed--I wonder what this one's story is. Let's see what people ask.
Merion rides up alongside Ewan as the caravan starts moving again. The way you approach people...Albin last night, this gnome now. I'm impressed. Most people aren't as friendly, and those who are don't last as long as it seems you have. His tone is kinder than his words, and he's clearly waited for a quiet moment when it's possible to talk one on one.
As the group plays catch up, after Ewan's discussion with the gnome, she moves over to take a gander at this newcomer for the safety of the caravan.
"You are well met, stranger. My name is Nempura...," she states as she looks him over atop her horse. Then continues, "...friend to druids, travelers and fellow bards like me. Tell me, friend, do you claim any of these titles?"
"What a strange place for a nap!" Arren stands behind Nempura, ready to aid her should the gnome turn hostile for any reason. That being said, she is curious to hear the answer to all Nempura's questions as well.
“Walking? To Dulwich? No I don’t think I will” he shifts his pack around on his back and turns to the north. “I am heading through the mountain pass up to Coldwater. Few friends that way.”
With a smile he looks to Nempura; “Well met indeed Nempura, well met indeed. You just don’t find that kind of politeness from travelers anymore.” With a bow of his head; “I am Nini Fabbleneber, most would call me a protector of nature and the wild. A druid.”
Turning to look at the wagon and laughing to himself; “I suppose most would find it a strange place for a nap. I on the other hand find it a beautiful place or rest from the destructive forces of civilization.” pointing with his staff; “That once man made wagon is being taken back by the nature that its creative elements were once stolen from. Beautiful.”
Turning back towards the party; “Besides disturbing the most vivid dream of the Feywild, no harm was done. I was resting off a bit of a mix up between myself and some would be bandits just south of here. I didn’t have the heart to dispatch them as they did destroy the bridge, but I don’t have the proper coin they required. Seems like you have quite the caravan and maybe you could do something with that information.”
“I assume you have noticed the lack of travelers going north?”
As soon as he says that you do find it rather odd that there were no northern travelers. But, it was still early and those traveling north from Wellswood wouldn’t be this far along get.
Ewan looks amazed as the gnomish man describes himself and his eyes shine a little brighter as he hears Nini call himself a druid.
I knew, I knew it. It is just like in the stories and textbooks.
"W-well met N-nini. S-so s-sorry to have dis-turbed y-your dreams. My n-name is Ewan." He chimes in as he saddles his horse again, close to the company of the caravan again.
When moments later, the group has in earnest started moving again, Merion rides up beside him and states his observations.
"W-well I th-think others m-might say I am v-very n-na-naive. I th-think it is a k-kind-ness I sh-share w-with others w-who feel mis-under-stood or mis-jud-judg-judged. One c-could l-look at me and th-think I am not a sw-swordsman. People w-would be wr-wrong."
Ewan initially made eye contact with Merion, when he started, but his eyes drift further towards the horizon as his mind drifts slowly inward as he continued.
"I... I...Don't l-like to be jud-ged, th-there-fore I won't j-judge others."
As if waking from a daydream, his eyes light up once more with a brightness in them, like he had ever since they embarked on the trip down south.
"So th-thus it is b-better to be fr-friend-ly at f-first, lest you make an enemy of s-someone fr-friend-ly, p-power-ful or both."
Helgar perked up at the mention of bandits. ”How many bandits are there? And how far away is this bridge of theirs?”
Merion nods at Ewan's response. It is true people are not always what they seem. He thinks for a moment, long enough to be slightly awkward, then with a glance at where Robin is back to perching in the trees adds I trade on that too.
Merion laughs at Arren's direct, and true, comment. He holds his tongue at the gnome's description of human progress--such are the prerogatives of the longer-lived races. But at mention of bandits and bridges, he adds on to Helgar's questions Are they on this side of the bridge or the other? Continuing aside to Ewan, If it's the latter then they're not our concern, but it sounds like we've got other troubles. Another thought occurs to him and he asks the gnome What does--did--the bridge go over?
Nempura has left the city, and there are always people arriving at odd hours. It may not have been present in her mind at the onset, but now that it is mentioned, she most certainly has an aha! moment.
"Well, thank you for the information. Since we are not heading the same path - at least at this moment - please, commune with nature and the wild for us that the hand of hungry beasts find sustenance elsewhere than within our caravan and we shall be indebted to you."
Nempura thinks on this for a little.
Seeing the armor clad dwarf perk up at the mention of the bandits, Nini turns with a worrisome smile; “From what I saw, two or three. But I was caught off guard.” giving a little laugh; “Cowardly group if you ask me. I was hit on the back of my head with what felt like a sap. Next thing I realize I am in a daze as they are riffling through my belongings. Thankfully their ignorance shines as they were only looking for shiny valuables and not the priceless treasures that the earth provides.” as he points to different plants upon his hat.
“You should be their shortly. Maybe yet another couple of hours. It is closer to Wellswood than Languard, where I assume you are coming from.”
“The bridge goes over the Tanu River, which pours out into Tanu lake just southeast from there.”
Reaching up under his hat, Nini reveals a few narrow, rust-colored leaves and holds them out to the group. “A gift for your kindness as we part ways. Flayleaf, a pleasantly powerful sedative for those nights where you seem to have run out of your healing magics and you need to sleep the pain off.” handing them to whomever will take them; “If you either crush them up and smoke them, so seep them and make a tea from them. Both have slightly different effects, but the pain will be gone.” Looking in your hand you have 4 Flayleafs (doses).
Bowing to the party he turns and leaves heading towards the mountains you can see to the north.
Turning south, you see that the caravan has not stopped, Hank as pressed on. They are just a short way down the road.
Depending on the tide you believe that there could be a place where you could ford the river.
"What a strange creature. I hope he fares well in his travels."
With their gnome ally gone off to the mountains, she looks to Ivar and responds, "Well, first I'm going to let the driver know. There is also a chance we can divert to a different direction. We can ford the river should the tide be low enough." With that, she'll give a playful wink and ride forward at a brisker pace to the head of the column. There, she will converse with Hank about the problems they face ahead.
"I am certain these bandits are there still, but what if you lose everything in the river? Perhaps it is best to confront and deal with this blight on the land? I leave this decision to you. I will do my best to defend this caravan in any direction you choose for us to go. Perhaps we can take out wagon forward first and through deception, root out these bandits?"
It doesn’t take long before the party catches up to the still traveling caravan. As you do, those who are traveling with the caravan as protection begin to turn their heads to see what it is that caused the hold up. Though you receive questioning looks, you do not receive any questions.
Riding up alongside Hank and the lead wagon, Nempura receives a nod; “Needing to stop?” Hank ask with a clear clue that he did not know what had just happened with Nini, but quickly turns his eyes upon the horizon before the group. “The river you say? We will be there in just under an hour.”
“If it would have just been Thomas and Mattie I would say make a wide birth… But we have the group of you that Jokinen brought on. And possibly more valuable, knowledge that the bandits are there.” Leaning in towards Nempura; “I’d say we keep the Gnome and those who aren’t capable with even a sling or club behind and the rest ride forward. I’m all for dealing with this blight and leaving them strung up for the vultures to pick apart. Hang a sign for other bandits that ride the roads for the fate they deserve.”
With a shrug he sits back up on his bench; “But I was hired to drive, not to make defensible kind of decisions.”
"No, but I appreciate your input, Hank. Back there on the road we met with a druid who stated there were bandits ahead. All day we haven't seen travelers heading north, so I don't think he lied," she states with a shake of her head. "Anyway, I think you have the right of it. We leave behind a guard to defend those who can't fight. The rest of us dress up like we are probably not capable to handle ourselves in disguise. Maybe have a few visible valuables, and then when they come out, pounce." She thinks for a moment, then explains, "The druid did mention though that they crept up on him and knocked him out, so we have to be wary of an ambush, naturally. Perhaps you ride ahead with me as a light weak-looking guard, just enough to make them think you are protected, but not too much, and the rest of us be sneaking off to the side of the wagon in hiding or in disguise in wagons themselves. Then when they begin to creep up on us, we pounce from both sides." She seems excited at this prospect. "What do you say? Feel like being bait?"
Here is a chance to take this bard's measure, for the Lady's benefit. Merion takes Ivar's suggestion, and carefully spurs his horse to move the extra bit faster and catch up with the leaders.
Pulling in alongside Nempura, he listens for a bit, then adds If it would help, Robin can fly ahead and see if there are any humans behaving oddly. He might read them as hunters, but their presence may also have disturbed the local wildlife.
”An hour?” Helgar muttered. ”Ivar. Your favorite weapon. Give it to me. I would bless it in the Forge Father’s name.” The cleric said to the northerner, having decided that in a fight he was the one most likely to put such blessings to good use.
About halfway through the allotted hour, Arren casts mage armor upon herself, and noticing Merion's lack of armor asks, "Would you mind terribly if I laid a protective enchantment on you? I promise it's nothing necromantic, but it will require that I lay my palm upon you."
Here is a chance to take this bard's measure, for the Lady's benefit. Merion takes Ivar's suggestion, and carefully spurs his horse to move the extra bit faster and catch up with the leaders.
Pulling in alongside Nempura, he listens for a bit, then adds If it would help, Robin can fly ahead and see if there are any humans behaving oddly. He might read them as hunters, but their presence may also have disturbed the local wildlife.
"Of course. Any advanced knowledge we have of the area, the better. And either you are a great bird trainer, or are a wizard of some kind. I take it you have a connection to your bird?" she asks with a curious head-tilt. Once he answers, she will explain him the full plan so he can go back and let the others in the caravan safely separate and thus the rest of the group can come up with them and their wagon to play the part of the "family" in the back of their wagon.
"Everything set?" she asks after disguises are in order, which is mostly just sheets draped over people to make them seem homely and to hide any armor. If everyone is set and ready, she will nod to Hank to continue on.
As the caravan draws nearer, the second supply wagon and the gnome Findal’s wagon start to lag behind. Along with those who are traveling by foot. Though they are using the caravan as a means of traveling protection no one steps forward to help defend it. For those who have traveled the roads over the years of adventuring this does not surprise you.
Arren cast her protective spells, and Helgar blesses Ivar’s bardiche. Merion communes with his bird Robin before setting it off down the south road.
The team of you continue to prepare yourselves as you see Robin fly back to the group. The bird settles on Merion’s shoulder and lets him know that there are four people on each side of the broken-down bridge.
As Robin shares the information, Hank speaks up; “We will be there on just the other side of this slope. If we need to change anything let me know.” Hank has a light crossbow sitting on the the bench next to him just under the cloak sitting ontop of it.
"Of course. Any advanced knowledge we have of the area, the better. And either you are a great bird trainer, or are a wizard of some kind. I take it you have a connection to your bird?" she asks with a curious head-tilt.
The former, he replies matter-of-factly. It will only benefit for her and the others to be impressed by Lady Pakkanen's resources. Not very advanced, but I have enough training to connect to him, as well as a few tricks.
He has told the others of the plan when Robin returns, and rides back up to meet the bird and share the report. Robin's voice is as high as one would expect from a small bird, and quieter in Common than in birdcall, but comprehensible to one listening. Merion will let Nempura hear, then add My tricks include casting certain simple illusions, either of sound or visual, if that would help as well. I'll be of some use beside that in the--a fight, though I don't relish the thought.
"No, I think we are ready," she answers Hank. When they do make the approach, she will stand up with her bow in hand, but will attempt to appear very shaky with it, and not skilled at all, as if she would miss if the bandits appear threatening and one that would likely be easily intimidated not to fire regardless.
It has been about a half an hour of riding when you finally come up and over the slope that Hank pointed out. And you see the downed bridge. You see a troop of men working on the bridge. On the south side, you see men dismantling a wagon and placing the timber that makes up the floor and sides on the ground making a makeshift bridge.
As you approach one of the men notice the group arriving and he places his fingers in his mouth and whistles loudly. He starts to wave his arms as he starts to approach the group.
Fully expecting trouble, Helgar placed her warhammer on her lap and began to pray to the Forge Father. As she did so, she traced her finger along the runes on the head of the warhammer, causing them to softly glow.
Ewan would probably walk beside the horse as the group nears the bridge, better for him to fight on foot than on horseback.
He focused hard on his breathing, knowing that a battle approached, he was trying to calm his nerves.
Think about Lyria's teachings, try to dodge as many sideways strikes as you can, parry the thrusts, then strike when their guard is down.
Merion is poised at the back of the wagon. As the party approaches the worksite, he is a bit surprised to see what looks more like a work crew than bandits.
In case:
He has drawn a slender silvery wand from his doublet, but hesitates before applying the charge. Instead, he whispers to Robin, who flies out the back of the wagon into a tree, and concentrates on staying mostly unseen but still having a view of the goings-on.
Cutting off the whistle the man continues to approach. Shouting over the sound of the horses and wagon; “Woah! Woah! Bridge is down. Slow down.” He says as he continues to approach; “Wouldn’t want you or your wagon to go down into the river.” He smiles as he puts his hands on his waist.
From what you can see, the man approaching looks to be in charge. Not only by how he is taking command of the situation, but his armor and cloak looks to be of a finer quality.
The seven other men continue to look over their shoulders as they continue to work on the bridge.
Arren remains inside the cart, not wanting to draw additional attention to the group, considering the effort that she makes to present as a mage of some sort. Preferably near Ivar, she waits for a signal that the battle has in fact, begun.
"Wh--whoo are you?" she questions nervously, playing the part of the cowardly lone guard, hardly worth their worry. "Why is the bridge out?"
“No need to worry m’lady.” he says with a slight bow of his head. “Not sure how or why, but it is rather impressive. I have heard of magics that could destroy stone like this, but why this bridge.”
“Names Nash Eadse.” turning to point to the men at work; “My men and myself stumbled across the bridge early this morning. And we will have a makeshift bridge that will be safe to cross shortly.” He takes a look at the group that is approaching. “If you have any strong men we would gladly use their aid.”
“What brings you on the south road?”
Ewan is cautious about these men claiming that the bridge went out as the group already learned of bandits near the bridge.
He carefully listens to Nash talk, his tone and choice of words, and leaves the relative safety of Coco and the wagon, to approach the speaker of the group.
"N-not str-strong in the s-sense of b-being able to l-lift m-much. W-we h-have b-been on the road f-for s-some time now, h-hardy s-seems a b-better fit. H-how l-long w-would you n-need to make a b-bridge w-we can cross?"
"No...not really any strong men to help with bridgework. This is a small family moving south. We'll wait patiently here, you do your thing," she states with some confidence, as if indicating to the potential bandits that she was gaining in bravery as she faces a non-threatening person.