Burdock's Valley

[Gomezthebarbarian]

Burdock’s Valley



Temp: 76, Raining


Since the start of spring when you left the civilized city of Narsileon on the coast, you have traveled first by river boat for nearly four hundred miles before getting off at the landing. North you went, your imaginations filled with ancient treasure to had from among the ruins of Arden Vul. The miles wear on and you endure rain and thunderstorms, chilly spring nights, and all those things that bear down on travelers. Upon taking the ferry across the river driven by snowmelt from the mountains, you come upon a fork in the road with one path leading west and the other running north still. A look at a crude map you left Narsileon with and drawn by a merchant reveals the path west leads to a town named Castleton; the path north leading to Newmarket, Glosterwick and other smaller less interesting settlements. (Please refer to third map down in Maps subforum)

Judging by the map, Castleton is roughly twenty-one miles west while the nearest town to the north and the biggest settlement in the valley, Newmarket, is just a tad further. There’s a light drizzle this day, but nothing you can’t handle.



Introductions and Actions

[Rex]

Finnr

The warrior priest tramps along at a seemingly untiring pace like most of his kind seem able to maintain. He uses one of his Javelin's as a walking stick.

"I wonder how safe this road is, we best be alert for dangers."

[Spearmint]

Felix

I am presuming we have all met and 'gelled' on the ferry and journeying north.

"By this hand drawn map, the major town looks just a few hours and miles further trek. It lies on our way. I am going that way."

Physical endurance nothing new to him, he shrugs at the weather and begins the long walk.

[ravenn4544]

Gorug

The rain tinks off his armor in places as he studies the two paths with hands hooked into his belt. He shrugs. "Which one is closer so we can eat?"

[scottjen]

Zahn
Will look to see if any unusual tracks in the ground near the fork & to see if there is an abundance of traffic heading in one way over the other.
(do we have any info or rumors on where the ruins of Arden Vul are supposed to lie?)

[OGRE MAGE]

Neddard clears his throat as he usually does before speaking. The tall, good looking, well armored human shakes his long wet hair to keep some of the rain from trickling down this neck.

"Castleton seems like it would be a good place to start our investigation. I am sure the good lords and ladies of Castle Burdock will take us in and give us any information we seek about the Halls of Arden Vul."

He looks over the map a little closer. "And it does look a bit closer, master Gorug."

[Trantor_Trollbane]

Barpher

Barpher trudges along, miserable with the rain, the walking, and the lack of pockets to pick (practicing ones roguish talents on ones own party rarely pays off after all). He's generally much more content hanging around the cities where tall-folk tend to overlook him dismissively and he can enjoy his hard earned coin each night at the local tavern.

"Castleton is closer you say?"He says, looking up at the tall armored man, "well, that's got my vote then. The sooner we can get out of this rain, off our feet, and on a tavern stool the better!"

[gurusql]

Oswell

"If you think Castleton will have better knowledge on what we are looking for, that would get my vote as well." says the young mage.

[gurusql]

Oswell

“Sounds like Castleton the majority decision- let’s go that way!”

[OGRE MAGE]

Neddard smiles at Felix and does what he always does, leading the way to Castleton.

“We’ll have dry clothes and full cups in no time friends. Even sooner if we hurry along.”

[Rex]

Finnr

"Slow and steady mt friend, always slow and steady."

[Gomezthebarbarian]

The party has a discussion about which way to go and the road west toward Castelton is chosen. Thoughts are on getting out if the rain, and food...and drink. A couple of hours later you hear the faint sounds of hoofbeats and your head turn to see a group of horsemen emerge from the tree line running parallel to the road, say a hundred yards away. A fast count reveal eighteen riders and the sun glints off the tips of lances and a fluttering guidon. They are riding at a fast trot toward you in a line abreast and you notice they are wearing dark grey cloaks, metal conical helms and shields all with the same three white upside down chevrons on black.

Actions?

[Rex]

Finnr

"Best step off the road before we get trampled." Finnr steps off the road, going to whichever side would be more difficult for the horses to traverse.

[gurusql]

Oswell

I think they are coming from the side

"I agree, let us not be trampled or skewered" - Oswell moved to the side with Finnr.

[Spearmint]

Felix

Notes the shield design. "Chevrons typically denote a 'roof' or house. So three might mean the Lord established a manor, a chapel and a stronghold. Black backgrounds signal grief, loss, dishonour.

So these men may come from 'a castle in ruins'
or just be Sgt's of the nightwatch."

He makes a few reasonable assumptions. What he doesn't like is a load of preening lancers coming to push any authority about at the tip of a lance.

Not expecting our presence to be ignored, he looks to the paladin to show the charisma and fawning such troopers on horseback deem necessary for us to pass unmolested.

[ravenn4544]

Gorug steps to the side with the others but keeps a watchful eye on the approaching group....

[Trantor_Trollbane]

Barpher

Without a word, Barpher moves off the road, trying to keep Gorug between himself and the horsetroop. As they get off the road he tries to slip into a hidden position amongst any vegetation or other cover.

[scottjen]

Zahn

He will move off the road to the opposite side from where the horsemen are approaching, close to the most defensible terrain (if any).

[Rex]

Finnr

Finnr will make sure he is with everyone else, he doesn't want to split up.

[OGRE MAGE]

So, it stopped raining then? Not sure if that is important.

Neddard tries to keep track of the group as his friends scatter to the four winds.

The paladin steps forward with one hand raised towards the oncoming horsemen. "They are probably a patrol of some kind, and it appears that we have already been seen. So, let me parlay with them and see what may be learned."