Rangers in danger:

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

"Don't worry Dalin, we all played the hero.

So if they are official guards. Who is she?'

He points his sword at the woman and just in case she tries to flee on a horse before we get some answers, he will take the reins if he can.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin looks to the woman as well "Good question. Who might you be miss?"

[SirOwen]

Rondahl the Grim

Rondahl listens to the back and forth conversation about the guards, and the identity of the woman they saved. He stays quiet, but gathers up the horse that survived the encounter and hobbles it before going through the saddle bags of the fallen horse and the belongings of the two dead soldiers. "So," he says afterwards. "I suppose we shouldn't hang on to anything positively identifiable as belonging to the Watch?" After a moment, he adds, "It's a shame things happened too quickly. But it happens like that, Dalin. Nothing to apologize for."

[Spearmint]

April 29th 1066

Forest Trail, Helix to Ironguard. Duchy of Aerik.

2.30pm: Sunshine. Light breeze.

The woman takes a step back and draws again both handheld crossbows, pointing them at the four of you in case you have any 'dishonourable ideas'.

"I can tell you who she is, or at least tell you whose description she fits. Being as the wanted posted are pinned up in the village and in Ironguard.

She is Renata the 'Brigandine'. Dawg Dann names the mysterious lady.

Renata, "My infamy precedes me. I almost thought my days were over. I should thank you and if you get me safely to Bogtown I can reward your endeavours. Heaven knows what rewards awaits in Helix if that guard got a good look at your faces."

Her injured horse, bleeding out on the trail is put out of misery by two bolts into its forehead.

"So, you want to escort a lady to swampville or take your chances? By the look of you, bleeding, bruised, battered. Your chances may not be very high. At least I know 'MotherToad' can sort those out."

She goes to mount a spare horse.

Rondahl gathers the spoils. The men had light crossbows and half a dozen bolts. Each carried a cavalry sabre, a light curved sword with a guard hilt. (treat as scimitar). They have a few personal belongings, 15gp value in assorted coins. The horses are light riding type.

what would you like to do? Actions please.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin takes as many of the quarrels as he can being that he uses a light crossbow himself. "I doubt my only good contact in Helix can get me out of this mess. I suppose we have little choice but to see this MotherToad? Is that what you called them? Who or what is a MotherToad? I guess we should get moving if we are escorting Renata. Wouldn't be the first time I've been on the wrong side of things..."

marking 6 quarrels down on my sheet, also need to deduct what i shot unless i can recover any.

[SirOwen]

Rondahl the Grim

Rondahl doesn't see much among the spoils to interest him, but he does 'divvy up' the coins and hand them out. (3 gp and 15 silver each if the coins will allow) "I've never fought from the saddle before," he says, looking at the remaining captured steed. "So I'm not overly interested in this horse, other than it's resale or nutritional value."

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Contemplates holding the woman captive but then determines he has no reason. With the options to proceed back to Helix and chance the guard recognising Dalin or escort (a presumably wanted) Renata to Bogtown, he will chose the latter.

I guess the factor if not returning with success in finding the rangers is as good a 'saving face' reason as any.

He will mount the second horse and ride alongside Renata, asking questions regarding why she was chased and what is in Bogtown.

[SirOwen]

Rondahl the Grim

Rondahl walks alongside the others escorting Renata. "If the time comes we need to have a look at Helix, I can go. I've noted that when I leave the trident behind and take off the gated helmet, no one recognizes me."

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin "I might be able to blend in, if I pick up some different clothes. Most folk don't recognize one dwarf from another. Many think we all look alike."

[Spearmint]

April 29th 1066

Forest Trail, Helix to Ironguard. Duchy of Aerik.

4.30pm: Setting sun. Light breeze.

Renata sets off alongside Vann Hector who has taken the second horse, the other trio walking alongside. The pace is slow and after a couple of hours Renata is forced to admit, Bogtown is a score and more miles away. On a horse only a handful of hours but walking will take you in to tomorrow.

I have another alternative though dangerous it may be to outsiders. Have any of you heard of the 'Mad Druid of Herne'?"

She tells you of a strange figure from recent folklore that aided her once and she is indebted to. The person, lives as a hermit in the forest.

next actions please and a 4d6 vs intelligence to see if you remember any rumours concerning the druid.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

The Mad Druid of Herne' sounds vaguely familiar but without any specific recall.

Vann Hector intelligence check vs 13 [4d6]=15

Yes, certainly walking 12 hours to escort her to some 'cajun' hillbilly swamp community might not be the best thing to commit ourselves too.

My concern is that we are all injured. The rescue of Renata from the pursuing guards has muddied the waters with maybe going straight back to Helix. But another place we can rest up is fine.

What does she mean 'dangerous to outsiders'? I presume she means us.

I am happy to swap saddles with others so we all get to rest our feet.

[Spearmint]

April 29th 1066

Forest trail, Helix to Ironguard. Duchy of Aerik.

6.30pm:

The mounted riders discuss options while the foot slogging trio remain quiet. The mention of 'the Mad Druid' does not evoke any memories from anyone. Renata gives you some background.

"Yes I am [b']the Brigandine'[/b] if my reputation precedes me. Though 'the People's Outlaw' is the title whispered in praise of my fears and efforts. No common man fears me for my endeavours are against those who unjustly tax the poor and cheat them of justice. Would that I could make reparations for all against those who steal their land from under their feet and take the bread from the children's table.

I was being hounded by Krothos' dogs. I shot one of his men pinning up a community notice. 'jus primae noctis', the Lordling demanding the 1st Night nuptials of brides unless a dowry to redeem the unfortunate is paid. No I will not stand idly by."

She justifies her fleeing and chase from the village. As to the next location she explains, "The Mad Druid, his reputation is well earned. The man is a freak of nature. Part beast himself I wonder? He lives now in an old ruin, built as a stronghold by the river when the waters were young. Most stay away, even the wugs' and saurons' leave him be. But if I am hunted and maybe you are now too, we best lie low."

With no dissent, the group head south from the trail, following no discernible path except to walk in the path of the hooves infront.

if you view the region map. There is a hex with 7 in, and the river Moorwash. You arrive at the point where the river touches the eastern most vertice of that hex.

I will take any actions and questions before I update your arrival the 'the Mad Druid's lair'.

[SirOwen]

Typo'd '2d6' in the description, but actually rolled 4d6. Doesn't matter, didn't make it.

2d6 Check vs. INT 10 - [4d6]=13

Rondahl shakes his head. "Afraid not, but I'm pretty new around here. 'Mad Druid', eh? Sounds sketchy."

"But far worse," says the young man. "Is this Krothos demanding a bride's grace for himself. I wonder if this might not be a new calling." The older people here might be surprised at the speed with which Rondahl simply accepted Renata's word as truth.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Notes the gullibility or skepticism from Rondahl. Dawg Dann may know more about the wanted character Renata, do he will ask him quietly if she can be trusted.

He feels a that the expedition has gone a bit beyond his control. Having 'rescued' the woman from pursuing men, he is not happy to find they are guardsmen of the Duchy. That this Lord Krothos claims wedding night nuptials on brides is abhorrent but not a new phenomenon. It was widely used in conquered lands to entice nobles to come and take office and have the women as a perk. Of course if that new ordinance is true then he would side with the outraged woman.

I know that Rondahl and Dawg Dann both carry themselves as warrior types and by second hand accounts, Dalin is a rogue. Contacting some outlaw group of Renata's might give him various network contacts too as his own 'field of expertise' is less than noble.

So the elf will make small talk with the woman, asking her about any 'gang of outlaws' she runs and if there are opportunities to impress. At least we acquitted ourselves on the road as a team working for each other so.

I will also share with her regarding the ranger Old Basil and ask her opinions on finding him and his men alive and prod her more info on this 'Mad Druid' fellow.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin still unsure of if this woman is trustworthy she might still be honor bound for them saving her life he still remains cautious as he says "Never herd of em sorry." though he does contemplate if the term honor among thieves holds true for anyone other than himself.

[Spearmint]

April 29th 1066

Moorwash Overlook: Duchy of Aerik.

6.45pm:

You carry on towards a small bend in the Moorwash River and then in a clearing, you see the tall broken ramparts and crenellated walls of a ruined Moathouse. A circular tower stands next to an gateway from which a drawbridge hangs on loose and broken chains. It straddles a surrounding moat, thick with kelp and algae. Off to one side a large pond feeds into the slow currents of the river. Tall iridescent grasses, illuminated with fluorescent fungi spread over a boggy meadow before the forest encroaches on three sides. Large toads crouch idly by the pond, croaking with bulging throats to call a females attention.

There is no one visible on the watch tower or any ramparts. A large nest seems built in the rafters of the tower and two birds of prey watch your arrival with beady eyes.

actions as you approach the most or cross the drawbridge please

and yes, this pic is borrowed from the iconic Hommlet ruin of ToEE

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin stops where he is for a moment looking the place over from the outside. Eyeing the birds in the nest thinking to himself I sure hope they don't think we are food. then looking at the large frogs the same thought repeats in his head. "Hmm doesn't look like anyone lives in this place anymore except for the wildlife." he says openly to the others and still doesn't approach the pond or drawbridge. "I'd rather like to avoid being consumed by those overlarge frogs there. or the birds up in the nest." the dwarf roguish fellow looks for a less direct path that will lead away from the pond and frogs to reach the drawbridge and he will do so moving as stealthily as possible.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Wonders who or what lives in the derelict stronghold. He tries to remember any history lessons he may have been taught on fortifications along the river. Perhaps that knowledge is of consequence?

Still if the offer of a safe space to sleep, some food, healing perhaps and some insight into the fate of the rangers can be accessed here, that is a great bonus.

It seems Renata is at least familiar if not comfortable coming here, so while she is not worried, we should approach with the same calmness. He follows behind her.

[Spearmint]

April 29th 1066

Moorwash Overlook: Duchy of Aerik.

6.50pm:

I will move this on so you can get an update either side of the weekend.

Dalin leads the way to the drawbridge, swerving the large toads feasting on the large insect life that crawls around the pond area. Your dwarven senses tell you the wooden drawbridge itself is rickety and rotten. It can bear your weight with ease but certainly some of the planks look like they could break underfoot, or rather underhoof. You counsel the riders to dismount and lead their horses by hand.

Dawg Dann has never been here. Rondahl is quiet, wary of stepping into someone else's manor, even a dilapidated one. Vann Hector and Renata take the counsel, crossing the bridge with care. Looking below you see the building is surrounded by a moat. Green algae and silt browned waters only rippling with the movement of submerged critters. A gator perhaps or just a large floating branch?

Entering past the arched portal and by some large wooden gates, whose rusty hinges cause one to lilt and drag. To the left a round tower, derelict and top floor exposed. Large hawk like birds huddle in the rafters incubating their eggs. A door to the tower is ajar and only a narrow arrow slit acts as a window. You are in a courtyard. Steps lead to some double doors in the centre of the building which is shaped into two wings like an 'L'. Above the door and casting light on the porch and steps are some small lanterns with fireflies buzzing inside.

A wolf, then two, then some more howl in unison from the wing of the derelict building on your right. Your horses skittish. They get tied to a post.

I will get further actions and comments here and then update as you all post.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Feels like going into a spiders web. Not sure. I think we just have to trust this Renata and hope our decision to help her on the road pays some dividends otherwise I will feel we have wasted time, though I understand a day here or there might not be so much if the rangers are actually dead.

So if we need to explain ourselves we just speak the truth.

As an action he will tie up the horse and make sure the howling from the wolves in the building is not the pack being set upon us or hunting us down.

He gestures everyone to follow and Renata to make our introductions.