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Sixthmonth, Sixteenthday
Hex 237.188
10:30 am

By now the mercenaries and retainers have broken camp and the mercenaries, like any soldiers that see an opportunity to relax, have settled down with their backs against the trees or their horses' flanks, dozing. They grumble a bit when roused, but eventually the party heads west, heeding the advice of the hawk.
Either the hawk was mistaken, or Newton has managed to get the party lost right off the bat, or perhaps there was some miscommunication, but the adventurers do not discover a village in the area indicated. They ride on without incident for the remainder of the day. Around 3:00 pm, after the adventurers had traveled about thirty or so miles, they espy a strange, greyish tower-like structure just to the north of their path, perhaps a hundred or so yards away.

Ardath

While it is still a distance away, Ardath will look at the tower to see if there are markings or architecture that speak of religion, or leanings towards good or evil. Oft the owner's personality communicates through the building.

Newton

Once the tower is spotted Newton will keep an eye out for any tracks or other signs of recent passage in the area.

Leitz wrote: ↑Fri Jul 02, 2021 4:29 pm Ardath

While it is still a distance away, Ardath will look at the tower to see if there are markings or architecture that speak of religion, or leanings towards good or evil. Oft the owner's personality communicates through the building.

It's hard to tell from such a distance, through the trees, but Ardeth gets the impression that whatever it is, it is too small to be a dwelling. It looks to be about fifteen feet to a side, and tall. At least sixty feet, as the top disappears in the tree canopy.

shaidar wrote: ↑Fri Jul 02, 2021 5:40 pm Newton

Once the tower is spotted Newton will keep an eye out for any tracks or other signs of recent passage in the area.

He doesn't spy anything unusual.

Newton

"I think it's best that the group stays here while I sneak closer to get a better look."

He climbs off of his horse and passes the reigns to Ribar, before slipping into the undergrowth and making his way towards the 'tower'.

shaidar wrote: ↑Fri Jul 02, 2021 8:39 pm Newton

"I think it's best that the group stays here while I sneak closer to get a better look."

He climbs off of his horse and passes the reigns to Ribar, before slipping into the undergrowth and making his way towards the 'tower'.

Sixthmonth, Sixteenthday
Hex 231.117?
3:00 pm

Newton slips forward, flitting from tree to tree, moving as quietly as he can. When he's within twenty yards he peers around a tree. The structure occupies the center of a clearing perhaps forty yards in diameter -- right up to the tree that Newton hides behind -- and looks to be four-sided obelisk, perhaps fifteen yards to a side, and tall (he can barely see the tapered top some distance above the surrounding trees). The obelisk is constructed of some sort of grey stone, without visible seams or joins.

A closer examination would require him to enter the clearing.

Newton

From his concealment he looks around the clearing, looking for any signs of larger plant growth or any animals.

Does the clearing have smaller plants, like grass, but nothing bigger, or is it bare earth?

shaidar wrote: ↑Fri Jul 02, 2021 8:56 pm Newton

From his concealment he looks around the clearing, looking for any signs of larger plant growth or any animals.

Does the clearing have smaller plants, like grass, but nothing bigger, or is it bare earth?

The ground is, in fact, pretty bare. Clumps of coarse grasses grow here and there, but otherwise there's not much greenery. Newton would expect a clearing like this to sport a generous amount of undergrowth in a matter of a few years if left untended.

Newton slips back to the others

"It's some kind of grey obelisk in a clearing. There's not much growing around it, which is odd. I couldn't see any obvious entry points, but I didn't get that close."

Ardath

"Perhaps, before we get closer and look all the way around, you would want to search for tracks and trail sign? What sorts of creatures are here? Barefeet or shod? Beasts of burden? Wild animals?" Ardath said. "If we don't yet have a way in, that will require some thought. However, tracks my provide a clue."

Newton smiles at Ardath "Now that I've warned you to be wary, I'll do a circuit and look for signs. It may be the entrance is on the other side"

shaidar wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 2:44 pm Newton smiles at Ardath "Now that I've warned you to be wary, I'll do a circuit and look for signs. It may be the entrance is on the other side"

Sixthmonth, Sixteenthday
Hex 231.117?
3:30 pm

Moving from tree to tree, Newton circles the obelisk. He is unable to spy any obvious entrances, but perhaps that would require a more detailed, closer up inspection.

Newton will also look for tracks of any larger creatures or humanoids as he circles.

Sorry for any lack of clarity in Newton's actions.

shaidar wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 6:54 pm Newton will also look for tracks of any larger creatures or humanoids as he circles.

Sorry for any lack of clarity in Newton's actions.

No evidence of that is visible.

Newton returns to the group

"Still no obvious way in, and there no sign of anything large or humanoid hanging around. From the state of the ground around the thing, I get the impression that natural things are are avoiding it"

shaidar wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:54 pm Newton returns to the group

"Still no obvious way in, and there no sign of anything large or humanoid hanging around. From the state of the ground around the thing, I get the impression that natural things are are avoiding it"

Note that at this point my assumption has been that no one has actually entered the clearing and approached the obelisk for a closer examination.

Newton

"Do we want to take a closer look or continue on? If we want to investigate further then I will enter the odd clearing and take a look, but some assistance nearby in case some effect is triggered"

You are completely right TK. Newton was cautious to enter without some help nearby

Ardath

"A wise choice," Ardath said as he dismounted. "Give me a moment and I will join you."

Putting actions to words, Ardath made ready and nodded to Newton. "Let's go."

Newton

"With the affect on the vegetation, it's like something is draining the life in the area, your presence is very welcome. Ribar, Wilter, Toma, join us too please. Once we determine there is no immediate danger I will need your keen eyes, Wilter."

short pause for the other PCs to join us