Into the Hool

[Rex]

Fahima

Fahima takes her spot in the marching order as they head out. Ready to map their way.

[gurusql]

Zan

Zan will silently take his spot in the marching order still thinking of the witch's comment.

[GreyWolfVT]

Roan nods understanding not to drink the potion too soon and gets back into his marching order as the group sets off once more. Something said in warning kind of bothers the dwarf "What's quick sand eh? Sand that be runnin'?"

[hedgeknight]

Here is the marching order we've been using; is this acceptable?
Roan
Cassius
Fahima
Vilana
Gordansk
Zan
Sai

[Rex]

Works for me.

[GreyWolfVT]

works for me still.

[gurusql]

Works for Zan

[Darklin2]

Works for Me.

Sai
He eats the prepares morning meal that Ophelia sets on the table. Moves and rummages through his pack. Bring ing out a Green Jade Hand oil lamp. He takes it to Ophelia and hands it to her. A gift for you. So you will always have a light in the darkness. I will stop in here on the way back if we make it through. If I learn a way to fix your deafness I will return to do so.

With that he turns, picks up his gear, and walks outside. And stands in silence watching the swamp.

He takes the potion from the Old Woman when she offers it and sticks it in his pack. Thank You for your Generosity. You have been a great help when none was expected. I will be less quick to judge someone by the way they look.

[hedgeknight]

Greyhawk, 586 CY, Readying 20
Southern Hool Swamp, Morning, Cool and Foggy
Wayfaring Stranger

Moving southwesterly, the companions leave the environs of Mother MayEye and her Kenku servants. Having said goodbye to Ophelia and her witchy mother, Sai broods as he walks, thinking about his judgement of others. Vilana explains to Roan as they set off that quicksand looks like normal ground..."but once you step in it you begin to sink, for it has no bottom. Not a great way to die, I would think."
Cassius is near the front, ready with bow in hand in case hidden lizardmen suddenly erupt from the swamp, while Fahima is mapping as they walk. Zan takes his place near the back, still thinking about their encounter with the strange crone. Gordansk is unusually quiet.
The group travels for about half the day, covering roughly 7-8 miles in the swamp, drawing ever closer they think to the hidden lair of Sakatha. The swampy canopy opens somewhat and Cassius stops abruptly and motions for everyone to stop. They immediately go on guard, peering into their surroundings for trouble. The Elven archer points and they follow his arm to a spot about 50 yards ahead where a large cypress seems to have been split in twain by lightning; it's blackened trunk can be seen from where they squat.
A bearded figure, apparently asleep, is reclining against the trunk of the tree. The figure suddenly moves, jerking awake! A battered shield lies across the figure's lap, and a sword is held in one hand.

barto trume.png (104.77 KiB) Viewed 1055 times

Marching Order:
Roan
Cassius
Fahima
Vilana
Gordansk
Zan
Sai

[Rex]

Fahima

Fahima readies her staff sling just in case and moves to where she would have a clear shot. Being careful to avoid any quicksand.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He keeps his bow ready, hand on the string, and calls out. "Hello! We didn't mean to wake you. Are you injured?"

"Keep an eye out for others." He mutters so that the man can't hear.

[Spearmint]

Gordansk

I will use my Detect Evil cantrip figuring anyone reclining in a swamp is either a bandit or an undead bandit.

And bandits come in gangs, so he scans for other evil threats that are currently unseen.

[hedgeknight]

Cassius...keeps his bow ready, hand on the string, and calls out. "Hello! We didn't mean to wake you. Are you injured?"

"Huh?" The figure stirs, and speaks in a man's voice, "No! No I...I just fell asleep. Wh-who are you?"

Gordansk - I will use my Detect Evil cantrip figuring anyone reclining in a swamp is either a bandit or an undead bandit.

You detect nothing evil about the man.

[gurusql]

Zan

With everyone focusing on the one man, Zan will look around and especially behind for other threats.

[GreyWolfVT]

Roan tenses his muscles and readies to draw his weapon should the need arise but for the moment he lets Cassius do the talking, as he silently watches their surroundings and keeps the thought of quicksand in his mind.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He eases the tension on his pull but doesn't release it. "I am named Cassius, and we are searching for someone. Who are you and what are you doing? I can't believe that it's safe to sleep here, you must be either lucky or brave."

[hedgeknight]

While the rest of his companions are ready to be ambushed, keeping watching on the surrounding environs, Cassius talks with the stranger.
"I am named Cassius, and we are searching for someone. Who are you and what are you doing? I can't believe that it's safe to sleep here, you must be either lucky or brave."
The man slowly stands up and this seems an effort for him. He appears haggard and thin, wearing battered chainmail, and even though his tunic is dirty and torn, one can easily recognize the heraldry.

Keoland heraldry.png (187.24 KiB) Viewed 1014 times

"I am Barto Trume, and I serve the Count of Eor in the King's name. Whom do you serve?"

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

"Good to meet you Barto Trume. I served The Vale but now serve no lord. A free adventurer you could say."

Cassius nods respectfully at the man. "What has the Count of Eor tasked you with? Perhaps it aligns with our own task."

[Rex]

Fahima

Fahima continues to cover the part and keep an eye out for others approaching or hidden nearby.

[gurusql]

Zan

Will continue to look for threats.