Chapter 2c - The Bunker

[MonkeyWrench]

lol, if only it were that extensive!

Just some simple stretches to loosen the shoulders and stuff out.

[AleBelly]

Date: 19 Rituals, Year 41
Time: 07:45
Conditions: 26F, cloudy and breezy, 12 mph from the southwest; -1 penalty per 60' increment on missile weapons
Known Spells in Effect: None
Light bearers: Sun
Intended Direction of Travel: ??

After waking and breakfasting in the dark, Arlandria waits for the first rays of light to climb a tree at the junction.

The party awaits her return anxiously.

[tkrexx]

This is tea? Hyde appears dumbfounded, and it quickly becomes apparent he's never tried tea. Tea is a rich man's drink. He looks uncomfortably about, as if he expects someone to slap the cup from his hand for being unworthy. He sips a bit, grunts in approval, and sips more. I like it! His toothy grin is enough to frighten undead. Does it have to be so hot?

[Zorroroaster]

Eduard sips his tea and looks on appreciatively at Hyde.

"You know, I think people ignore you at their peril, Hyde. Observant, intuitive, honest, concise. Do you write poetry, perchance? If not, perhaps you should try. I'd read it."

[Marullus]

Arlandria descends the tree rapidly, her bare feet nimble as she drops from branch to branch despite the chill cold. She lands on the ground Ina moment, straitening her hair braid and dress plaits a bit before speaking. She points each direction as she talks. "I think I see your Nixie lakes, about four or five miles back northwest, so we have gotten beyond them. There is some kind of clearing nestled between the lakes - did you see what was there? Might be worth checking, if not. The road continues, I think, but not to any place I can see for at least six miles... Just trees and trees and trees."

[Zorroroaster]

Eduard shakes his head at Arlandria's question.

"When we emerged from the eastern lake, it was into a swampy area that we crossed to to the western lake. Swampy, with but a few trees and perhaps a quarter mile across. That may be the clearing you see. We didn't see anything noteworthy crossing that swamp, however."

[Marullus]

Arlandria nods simply at Eduard's response. "Makes sense. So... unless the elves wish to be arborists or there are others with fascination for trees..." She tries to smile at Ilfirien as if it were funny, but if it was a joke her delivery is horrible. She clears her throat and continues. "We can search here around the crossroads in case of something to be found, then perhaps make time up the eastern road. We can get further than six miles and see what we see. If there is anything along the roadway, it is not large enough to cause a notable difference in the forest around it so we must decide how hard we wish to look for it. Speed on to a larger destination, or more thoroughly search along the road all day?"

[Keehnelf]

Ilfrien inexpertly searches the area for signs that anyone or anything has been in the area lately.

"A thing that concerns me is we haven't seen any signs of a larger Orc encampment. Since we saw that they've been hunting while out, we can assume they have a good range on their patrols, but eventually we should see some kind of forward camp if they're as organized as they seem. I don't want to stumble on something like that, or worse yet end up with it between us and the perimeter."

[AleBelly]

Date: 19 Rituals, Year 41
Time: 13:30
Conditions: 39F, scattered clouds and breezy, 13 mph from the southwest; moderately thick woods -2 penalty per 50' increment on missile weapons
Known Spells in Effect: None
Light bearers: Sun
Intended Direction of Travel: swept an arc around crossroads; now traveling the east road. 6.0 miles traveled today

The party departs, cold as usual. They sweep an area around the crossroads. No evidence of life, friend or foe, is evident. They conclude there is nothing of interest within a mile of the "road" junction. They decide to follow the disused road east, reasoning that it must lead somewhere. Instead of following the road isself, the party takes Arlandria's suggestion to heart and zig-zag along it. The road soon turns southeast.

The zigzagging eats up distance, but it pays off. The party is about a tenth of a mile south of the road when they discover foot traffic heading southwest. Looking back towards the road, they realize they would have missed these tracks if not exploring as to their current course. Arlandria scouts ahead carefully, and after following these tracks for nearly a mile she stops immediately. Looking down into a depression, she sees a stone structure built into the hillside with a metal door standing ajar. She quietly returns to the party and brings them to it. They watch for a few minutes, but hear or see nothing.

Underground fort.jpg (298.31 KiB) Viewed 483 times

Actions?

[Keehnelf]

"It's been a while since it rained, so these tracks are probably kind of old. Since I'm small and can see in the dark, maybe it makes sense for me to scout the entrance."
Ilfrien searches her gear for a bit awkwardly before giving up. "So, I still don't have any torches or a lantern, or a way to make fire. Just in case. Anyone mind lending me some stuff?"

[Zorroroaster]

Eduard hands Ilfrien his flint, steel, and a torch. He draws his sword as well.

"I'll stand behind you just outside the entrance, just in case. Yell if you need us."

[Keehnelf]

Ilfrien stows the flint and steel in her large belt pouch and then tucks the torch away in her satchel. Taking her mace and shield in hand, she tiptoes off toward the entrance, approaching from one side.

[Marullus]

Arlandria takes up a position back from the door, covering it with her bow from the flank and above in case something emerges. She remains poised, prepared to shoot first and ask questions later if something besides Ilfirien comes out.

[tkrexx]

Hyde will stand behind Eduard, not too close, as he knows the Elves can be much quieter on their own. His axe is ready.

[AleBelly]

Date: 19 Rituals, Year 41
Time: 13:35
Conditions: 39F, scattered clouds and breezy, 13 mph from the southwest; moderately thick woods -2 penalty per 50' increment on missile weapons
Known Spells in Effect: None
Light bearers: Sun
Intended Direction of Travel: swept an arc around crossroads; now traveling the east road. 6.0 miles traveled today

The party watches as Ilfrien creeps down the slope and walks towards the entrance. Her lips are pursed and eyes set firmly, as if trying to ward off fear. She peeks inside and then steps into the structure.

[Marullus]

As time passes, Arlandria looks uncertain. She looks to Eduard and asks, "Was alone a good idea? Elves could have gone together, right?"

[Zorroroaster]

Eduard shrugs his shoulders.

"Often, yes. But if she's trying to be at all stealthy, I think I would be hindering that with this noisy chain mail."

[Marullus]

Arlandria nods, considering Eduard. "Right. If she comes to a sticky end, then, it is on me,"she says solemnly.

[Keehnelf]

Ilfrien won't let anyone else take credit for her fate--if she meets a sticky end, clearly it will be her own fault.

[AleBelly]

Ilfrien reappears a minute or so after entering the structure. She taps one ear, pointing inside. She re-enters quickly, clearly not expecting the party to follow her.