Along the Border Watch

[OGRE MAGE]

Tapping his sword hilt along with the beat of the soothing (dare I say charming) sounds of the bard and his accompaniment, Montego appears satisfied at the decision of the elders. Though he wouldn't mind taking one of the owlbear cubs to raise as his own, he knows that his place is with the caravan, for now anyway.

Looking to the centaur who aided in the parlay, he speaks aloud.

"You should think of staying on with us, friend. We could use someone of your skillset in our little troupe."

The ranger stays with the wagons, trying to keep everyone there calm until the woodland army has moved away completely.

"You could stay with us too, Obi. I think we could become real good friends, you and I."

[Hotgoblin]

Mulgarr exhales as this confrontation has been averted. He turns to Adolphecles and Montego. Yes, Montego is right, we could use the help of another with such brawn, wisdom and knowledge, especially within these woods. You know the inhabitants, we are strangers in a strange land...Obi, your energy and excitement could be useful as well...what say you both?

[Darklin2]

Sai

Turns to Emeral. Well that was close. Should teach me to heal random idiots. Some people deserve what they get.

Turns and heads back to the wagons.

That Mage is going to be pissed off for a while. He wasted a lot of spell power on those Druid spells.

[Bluehorse]

Andelphocles

"Andel...come with?"

Looking to the centaur who aided in the parlay, he speaks aloud.

"You should think of staying on with us, friend. We could use someone of your skillset in our little troupe."

The big centaur looks to his comrades and is about to answer them when Montego speaks and catches his attention. He actually seems to muse on this a moment. Then he turns to his fellows to answer them.

Friends, I cannot explain why, but I feel my story continues with these people. I am curious and will escort them for a bit. Perhaps there is something to learn here. Would any of you care to join me? I want to see how the two legs have changed since my time on the forested plains of my past.

Regardless of if they want to come with him or not, he will turn to Montego and switch to his old and outdated form of common. Fellow there, I shall join thee, if only to sate my own curiosity. How doest one call thee?

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He looks back and forth a bit at the players, seemingly confused as to how this de-escalated so quickly.

His eyes linger on Kranston and Old Gnarly. "Magic." He says with finality and a shrug.

Cassius moves back to the wagons and the others but keeps his bow out and his eyes scanning. "That was impressive. I thought for sure blood was going to be spilled."

Now leaning against a wagon, he waits his turn to introduce himself to the Centaur.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego looks to Cassius with concern.

"I will feel better about the whole situation once everyone is back in their place and we have moved on from here."

Then to the centaur he responds.

"I am called Montego, friend. And it would be an honor to prove that not all who walk on two legs are untrustworthy. Despite what you may have learned about humanity, and despite the chaos currently surrounding us, there is still some good instilled in men. Not all of us follow the ramblings of madmen. Some, prefer to think on their own, letting compassion and common sense dictate their thoughts instead of fear and chaos."

[Darklin2]

Sai

Sai returns to his horse, Goliath. Making sure his gear is still secured. Waits for the teamsters to return to the wagons and asks what everyone wished to do for the evening? I think I will find an empty shack or somewhere inside the walls to sleep the night. I am not to keen on being anywhere near that Wizard fella. I got a couple of blankets might just sleep under the stars. Might even return to the blacksmith and help him the rest of the night and sleep under a wagon if it rains.

[Bluehorse]

Andelphocles

Montego Then to the centaur he responds.
"I am called Montego, friend.

The big centaur turns and nods again. I see you, Montego. And I hear your words and how you are called. It is the privilege of Andelphocles of Silvertree to meet you and your men of honor and word. I am eager to learn more about the man of this day. Tell me... where is you hail from? What is your task that brings you through this place? his tone and expression were kind and intelligent, but his voice boomed, and you get the impression he would have trouble staying quiet even if he tried, but at no fault of his own.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, the citadel of Greatwall, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Starday 8
Fort Morsten...post-conflict...

The conflict abated, introductions are made and offers of companionship.
Obi and friends decide to return to the forest. "I've nothing for too-tall two-legs," Obi says to Montego. "Besides, I think I will go find your friend, the Dwarf. He wandered off with Sidrius the Satyr...we call him Sid...and that could be...erm...interesting."

Others decide to find a place of succor for the evening...or at least until the caravan moves out in the morning.
Malin and Emeral are going to stay at the wagons. "We may need to move out earlier than we wish," the dour caravan leader, Malin, growls as he looks at the sky, hoping it doesn't rain.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Folks, if you want, we can move this forward and head on down the trail.
I'm assuming by the next morning, Adelphocles will have met everyone in the caravan.
Anything specific you wish to do before you leave on the morrow?
You can post it in this group thread, or in your private threads.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego is happy to catch the centaur up on their travels so far, asking him if he knows anything about the strange wolf-like creature they encountered on their first night in the wild.

The ranger makes sure the wagons are safe, agreeing to the terms of an early departure in the morning. In his down time, he moves through the ranks of soldier and commoner alike, trying to learn any information he can about the surrounding area. He isn't afraid to buy a drink or two in order to loosen any tight lips that want to say something.

He asks around about the wizard in the tower as well, hoping that no offense was taken by any of the townspeople during their parlay with the attackers. He tries to smooth out any wrinkled feelings he and his friends might have caused this settlement before they leave again. Knowing they will likely need to stop in this place again the next time they pass this way, he tries to leave behind a good impression of his traveling troupe.

I am good with advancing if there is nothing else to see here.

[Darklin2]

Sai

Sai will return to the wagons and await the group. If nothing further happens he will crawl under the wagon and make a bed on the ground. using his blankets and cloak. Calling to Talon.

Talon, Find a high vantage point somewhere and keep an eye on the road. I will be sleeping under the wagon tonight. Stay alert and hunt when you wish.

Good night, Emeral. Sleep well. See you in the morning.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, the citadel of Greatwall, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Sunday 9

Except for a few drunken fights, some shouting at the distant woods, and some arrows shot into the darkness, the night at Fort Morsten passes without incident. At least an hour before dawn, Malin rouses the companions and his fellow merchants, ready to hit the road while the getting is good. Malin hired drivers for the wagons, men used to the trail and used to driving horses.
Montego didn't learn much last night while mingling with the denizens of the fort. Most grumbled to see him, but the ranger's affable nature won them over and pretty soon folks were talking to him without giving him the stink eye. Here is what he learns:
> Lots of Orc sightings all along the river. The Old One tests the boundaries of his land, unhesitant to delve into the Furyondian lands of his ancient enemy.
> Stocks are running low, especially flour, beans, and salt. Medical supplies are almost non-existent.
> Shumar the wizard has been heard screaming and slinging spells from the top of the tower sometimes at night. Nothing is found in the morning - no bodies, no signs of attack, nothing.
> Green Company is spoiling for a fight. They've been patrolling for weeks with nothing to do but an occasional creature spooked from the brush or surrounding wilderness. Brawls have become more frequent. Some say their leader, Dempsey, is ready to desert his command.

Once things are packed, the caravan departs, leaving Kranston's pony, Eustace at the stables, hoping he will return and follow them. Uneasiness builds during the second leg of the journey as the caravan begins to skirt the Veng River, the only barrier that separates Furyondy from several thousand bloodthirsty Iuzian troops.



Seven nerve-rattling days pass on the trail, and on the morning of the eighth day, everyone's nerves are frayed on edge. The drivers push the wagons as fast as they can go, eventually pushing too much, and Malin's wagon throws a wheel.
This takes more than four hours to repair, and sets the caravan back considerably. Malin had hoped to reach Fort Belvor by nightfall, but now they must either travel in darkness > far too dangerous in this area > or find a safe place to camp. Malin insists on pressing the caravan as far as it can go before bedding down for the night.
Tensions run high as dusk begins to fall and you plainly see fires burning in the distance on the Iuzian side of the river. After another mile or so, you slowly realize that one of the fires isn't across the river at all, but on the winding trail up ahead. When the trail straightens out, the source of the fire comes into view: a burning wagon, on its side in the middle of the road; two other wagons are nearby.



Actions?
You're about 30 yards from the burning wagon.

[Darklin2]

Sai

Sai will stop and survey the seen. Looking at the other wagons to see if they have coverings on them where someone could be hiding and then looking to the surrounding area. If the wagon is burning (like the picture) it was set on fire only a short time ago.

Be ready for an ambush. Whoever set this can't be far away.


Talon : Scout around the woods and see if you see any men close by. Keep your senses alert. Danger is near.


OOC- Are the horses still with the other two wagons or all gone?

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego hops up on a tall rock or any other high ground he can find to get a better look at the distant wagons, climbing a short distance up into a nearby tree if necessary. He tries to determine which direction the wagons were traveling when they were stopped, and if there is any movement to be seen nearby.

"Agreed. This has ambush written all over it. If it is robbers or highwaymen, they would have certainly stripped anything of value from that wagon before they set it ablaze. So no point in rushing in to say hello just yet. Stay calm everyone."

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles

The tall centaur cranes his neck trying to catch a glimpse of anything out of order, scanning the surroundings on all sides as he nocks an arrow on his readied bow. Worried about a flank from the sides or behind, he checks in those directions as well as up.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

After seven days of ass-busting wagon riding, Cassius is glad for the diversion. He hops up on a wagon and fixes his elven eyes upon the scene.

"As exciting as this is, we don't have time for it. I can take watch up here, if someone wants to get closer. There must be some tracks around the area."

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr will use his keen elven eyes to look for any tracks or items that seem out of ordinary and will scout a little bit ahead of the group.
He lets the others know and slips into the tree line with his sword at the ready. He listens intently for any non forest noises as he moves from tree to tree as he hunts.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, the citadel of Greatwall, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Sunday 9, early morning...

Sai expects an ambush and sends Talon a message to look for men.
The other two wagons are likewise coverless; no horses can be seen from where you are.

Montego leaps atop Malin's wagon, standing in the seat...hoping to get a better view. Alas, even from nearly 100 feet away, the ranger cannot see anything else except several small copses of trees scattered here and there. Like Sai, he too thinks this could be an ambush...and cautions everyone to stay calm.

Adelphocles cranes his neck but cannot see anything dangerous...but readies an arrow just in case.

Cassius, glad for something new to happen, jumps atop Jasmalus' wagon and looks around. He offers to stay put if others want to move closer.

Muldgarr scouts ahead, looking for tracks or anything that seems out of place. When he nears the burning wagon, he sees that the middle of the three wagons lays overturned and demolished on the road. The flames on the burning wagon have lowered enough to see the charred frame. To the left lies a third wagon, intact and pretty much untouched except it is awash with blood.
Large spots of blood dot the area, but Muldgarr sees no sign of a body anywhere. Cargo from the three wagons lies ransacked and scattered across the roadway, but little appears to have been taken. Mulgarr also notes numerous crudely fletched arrows lying among the cargo and sticking into the wagons; some are charred near their arrowheads.

Actions?

[OGRE MAGE]

"Some of us should stay here with the wagons, just in case this is the trap." The ranger looks around the area where they are standing to see if he can spot anything looking back at him.

Seeing Muldgarr moving in, Montego follows, watching the ground carefully for any tracks that might indicate what has happened here. He keeps to the treeline, hiding wherever possible and moving in as close as he can to the bloody wagon for a better look.

"We were warned about raiders on this trail. Maybe it is no more than a band of aggressive goblins or orcs?"

The large ranger attempts to pass beyond the horrific scene by way of the trees if they provide enough cover, hoping to get a better lay of the land from beyond the area they can see from their wagons.

[Darklin2]

Sai

TO ARMS! TO ARMS! ORCS IN THE WOODS SHOOTING AT TALON. ARM YOURSELVES AND PREPARE FOR BATTLE.

Sai falls to the rear to guard the wagons. Watches the road heading back the way they have just come from.. Readies his bow. Scanning the road behind the wagons from the way we came.

Talon are you injured? Return to me if you can but fly up high.