Aerden thinks deeply on Qrow's proposals, frowning slightly at the prospect of both proposals, "Constructing a bridge would likely be as much of a sap on our resources as finding a way around." He pauses for a moment, contemplating further. "I have seen that some of those with an arcane persuasion that can mold the earth, though I don't if anyone in the company has that ability."

"Otherwise, I see little option that to find a way around. I'd recommend a scouting party to move ahead of the main caravan to find a path and root out possible ambushes."

Qrow has set out our options well enough. Perhaps whoever cut the bridge seeks to drive us into an ambush elsewhere.

Falcio steps forward, his brow furrowed.

While I trust greatly in the skills of our engineers, especially Deuteria here, Aerdan makes a good point - we're just as likely to be ambushed waiting here for the work to be done as we are going round. And I'm not sure I can bring myself to place the prince above that canyon on a bridge once cut already.

Commander, if we went round the Godscar, a scouting party taking the fore, how long would it be until we reached the next settlement? Will the army's supplies last them that long?

Sir Larienne, of the Order Triumphant, commands this mission. She is a relatively young human woman with short sandy blond hair, piercing blue eyes and angular features. She replies, "The Godscar is hundreds of miles in either direction. Northeast is through inhospitable, lightly populated terrain, southwest is more friendly terrain but would lead right through the lands we originally battled through, our reception would be even worse than before. Rebuilding the bridge is my preferred option, as it leaves the land better than we found it, but we could also trying using the older natural arch across.  It is a dozen miles or so to the southwest, but it is far less hospitable to wagons."

After hearing the conversation Deuteria would add in "Building a bridge capable of holding more than one wagon at a time, I think, will be a bit more than we can take on with the manpower and resources we have. Do we know how wide the chasm is? Are there a plentiful source of trees nearby to use for construction? How about the tools needed? Not to mention we would be camping for an extended period which pits us at much greater risk of being attacked. If there is another way across, even if its a bit more dangerous I think it would be a better choice." After she finishes speaking, perhaps a bit more loudly than she intended, she seems to suddenly notice all eyes are on her and quickly looks around hoping for someone to take the attention off of her. 

Falcio addresses Sir Larienne.

I admire your intentions Commander. I too would see the bridge rebuilt for the benefit of the people of these lands. But we would do well to trust Deuteria's expertise in this matter, and our mission must take priority.

Perhaps you might allow us to scout out this arch, and assess its safety. With Deuteria's expertise, and some assistance, perhaps any risk to the wagons can be mitigated.

There will be time later for an equipped and prepared team to return and repair the bridge, under more... settled circumstances.

Qrow pondered for a moment, before then looking to the Commander, then Deuteria, then Falcio, "That may not have to be the case...if we were to camp here, true we would use some supplies, so we wouldn't need to carry as much. We could break down some wagons to make building supplies, and make it stable enough for one wagon to cross at a time. Saves time, and maximizes what we have. The arch is the most suitable alternative, but we would need to have it scouted out. While that happens, I see no reason we cannot wait and assess the degree to which we might need to repair the bridge as an alternative, if not for our own cause than for future development and repairs." 

The Mercenary would then glance back towards the Commander, before holding up to fingers while still holding his chin with his other hand, "I believe two teams would be optimal here. One to scout out the arch, to ensure it's stable enough for our convoy to cross, as well as ensure the path is clear, while the rest of the party holds here, investigating the bridge for potential repair. Gives the main unit time to rest from the journey, and allows us to keep a broad hand of options while investigating our most optimal ones."

I apologize for my delay.  I've kinda written myself into a tough spot and am trying to get out of it.  Give me till Thursday.

The Commander orders a scouting party to look at the natural arch, while an engineering team will assess the repair option.  This will take a few hours, so the caravan makes camp.

The teams set out at first light. The arch is stable, and has a flat top just short of wide enough for two wagons, though one would be a lot safer. there are ancient hewn stone ramps carved into the wall of the cavern that will lead down to the arch.

The bridge team assesses that the the bridge is mostly intact and still attached to the other side.  It was a well-engineered rope bridge that three wagons could cross at once. Fixing it would probably take a few days, especially since the big issue is reanchoring it to this side.

Another skirmish with raiders takes place near the caravan while this is happening.

Ultimately the commander decides to use the arch, and the caravan starts to move again.

Having already been attacked once during the trip Deuteria is keeping her armor gauntlets on and is on edge looking around making our way to the arch.

Perception: 21

(oof!!)

[[Sorry, I've been out of it.  Posting tomorrow.]]

I'm sorry, I'm gonna end this game.  I'm just not able to make sense of where I wanted the story to go.  We had some great characters and there is wasted potential here, but it just isn't seeming fun to me right now.  Good luck to you all.