Chapter 1: The Shadow Over Briarsgate

[Zhym]

Grothnak Uthglukh, half-orc fighter

"I agree that it would be wise to wait until morning to cross the forest," says Grothnak. "Let us make camp here. I will take first watch."

[Grognardsw]

Grey Mouser, thief

"Aye, let us camp," says the small gray clad man as he reigns in his horse and ties him up to a tree near the camp.

[Fulci]

1 sp deduced

Ingrid Esthof, cleric & monster hunter

Ingrid was a bit disappointed that they had to cut short the budding party at Alfredd's. A session of ale and pretzels is a good way to learn about the people you are about to embark on a journey with. But when danger awaits, some adventurers prefer to go to sleep early. And, seeing the Dim Forest (indeed, the intertwined tree crowns barely letting through any light), she is happy, after all, that her companions are sound & fit, and not hungover & suffering.

Well, she will have plenty of time for small talk while on the road or next to the campfire.

"Indeed, this is our best option!"

Ingrid ties out her horse and checks if the grass or small ground plants are o'kay to graze. If she has doubts, she asks Vodarte or Bo for a second opinion. Back in Hochoch she bought some grain, just in case the lands around Briarsgate turn out to be tainted (2 sp deduced); but so far it seems that Dim Forest is just your regular creepy scenery.

She volunteers to take second watch.

When they set up camp, Ingrid sits next to the campfire and heats some of her food.

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Warrior

"Mmm," says Telkis in agreement. Normally talkative, he finds scampering to keep up with the tall folk more than a little draining. Never one to shy from a little nighttime danger in a dark wood, he is nonetheless relieved to get off his feet.

After he's had a little time to recuperate, he sidles up to the Druid. "Am I right that you're getting inside that bird's head and seein things that lead you to conclude that the wood is dangerous? Hope I'm not being too presumptuous, but I take an interest in little creatures - not that I ever had any luck talking to a bird. Don't understand em. Mostly what I'm wondering is, what's it like in there? I do enjoy chatting with a ground squirrel or the like now and again - goofy little fellas, those ones."

[OGRE MAGE]

Bo, Druid


Bo answers the gnome in his usual deep, booming voice.

Why yes, little fella. In a manner of speaking, I guess your assumption is correct. Sephus here is my friend, as are all of natures creatures. This particular crow seemed highly intelligent to me initially, so I have taught him a few tricks. He has excellent sight so, I use him primarily for scouting out areas that us groundlings cant see.

And I would agree with you about squirrels. They can be very unpredictable and act mighty peculiar at times. They sure can be fun to observe though.

[Mister-Kent]

The further the group gets from town, the better Vodarte feels--until the forboding dark sets in, of course. Before turning in for the night, he sits down next to the druid and the gnome. He bears a large red hawk on his arm. The hawk regards Bo's crow curiously, but makes no sound.

"A fine bird you have there. The only animal I've ever become attached to out in the wilds is my Milah here," Vodarte explains with a nod. "I had a horse once, a beautiful steed," he says morosely. "I sold poor Cyril for better armor. He went to a good family, though. I wonder what he's doing now..."

Camping outside always brings out a certain melancholy in Vodarte, punctuated by the occasional violent paranoia that comes with professional beast slaying.

[Grognardsw]

Grey Mouser

After making conversation with his travel mates, Mouser offers to take a middle-watch with another fighter type. He says good night and climbs up a well-branched tree about 20', ropes his forearm for safety, and settles in to sleep.

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Warrior

"I'll watch with ye. Gotta catch some winks first. I'm beat. Legs feel like they were made of noodle." says Telkis in reply to the Mouser. He ties up his mule, Tobits, and spreads his bedroll under the same tree the Mouser climbed up.

[Inferno]

DM:

Bo, Druid
When the group reaches the forest, Bo lets Sephus out of his hood and the crow flies up above the treetops. Bo takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes for a while.

After circling the woods, Sephus lit upon Long Bo’s shoulder, flapped his ebon wings and cawed. The druid cast a magic spell so that he could understand the black crow perfectly.

Sephus looked Bo in the eye and said, “It’s quiet... Too quiet. The mist impedes my vision but there isn’t a sound coming from that place... I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.”

[OGRE MAGE]

Bo, druid

The tall man looks upset at the birds cawing. He furrows his grey brow and calls out to Vodarte.

Hmmmmm. I can't believe I've only just now noticed your majestic avian friend. Is he able to speak? Do you think he would have any better luck investigating this strange wood? Sephus here can't see a darn thing through this thick mist.

[Zhym]

Grothnak Uthglukh, half-orc warrior

Grothnak stands alert, his eyes on the forest and his hand on his halberd, as he listens to the crow and druid caw at each other. He doesn't understand any of it, but he doesn't need to.

[Inferno]

DM:

The story continues in Chapter 2: The Haunted Wood.