Cainneach recognizes the increased difficulty the falling rain would create in tracking their quarry, as what were now merely rivulets of fallen water would quickly build into something strong enough to wash away the hoof and boot prints they were currently relying on. It was obvious enough at this point they were following four mounted men, likely from Beltayn, and also likely the four that had passed through the small town ahead of them overnight. With the camp laid out as it was, they also were making no attempt to disguise their passage. The matter of the girl and the injured bull were still a mystery. Why would someone clobber a great beast like this one, but then leave it? And why would anyone make trouble for these people? They didn't seem to have anything of value.
After conversing with Famh and Thatch, Cainneach and Salt hunt about meticulously for any other clues that could offer insight into the next steps of the four horsemen or evidence of the girl's presence beyond the hair that Famh has seen.
Salt is distracted by the smell of cows, horses and possibly other pieces of ham rind that were dropped along the way, Cainneach does find a single light boot print in a patch of mud a little smaller than those Famh is pointing out headed toward the broch....
Thatch: “A bull, and a big one it sounds like, but what’s got him riled up?”
Vardi, who has been increasingly concerned in expression since the troupe found the campsite says "I nay know much of bulls, but ta nay act like a hunting beast around one wi' a herd."
OOC: Vardi considers what she knows of cattle specifically for a Total of 9 for Animal Handling.
Vardi knows enough to know an injured animal can be unpredictable...
(From Ori's position, can he tell if the slash on the bulls face is fresh and still bleeding trying to decide if it just happens which started bothering bulls distress as we started hearing it. Perhaps it's a new that day wound but old enough the blood is starting to dry up where it's dripped. Ori is trying to decide how long ago he thinks it happened to know how far behind they are ofnthe ones who did it. Also is there blood on it's horns, indicating the bull possibility hurt his assailants too, or even the bull was the aggressor then and not just attacked whike passing by.)
Perception: 13
The wound looks recent but the blood is dry...though running again now in the rain, there is no blood to be seen on the beasts horns....if he had to guess, based on his past experience, the animal looks more confused than aggressive.
When Cainneach points out the smaller boot track, Famh's face grows very still. He isn't sure for a moment which is stronger in her eyes, sadness or cold anger. "These poor folk have aye one thing that can be stolen. Themselves. Ye ken the clan whose name we all fear to say is capable of it. I canna tell if this bull would likely be the lead o' the herd or no (Animal Handling in log 7), but in any case I'd think it would have tried to protect its mistress. Or at least, they might have feared it would." She looks towards the broch, then studies the intervening terrain to see if there are any low places or hollows that would allow a closer approach while also providing some cover from being seen from the tumbledown walls. "Let's see if we can scout around and find a place the stones are falling out, spy in and see if she's there. Then we can decide if we ought to call on Sir Almeric as he said to do at need, or if we can handle matters ourselves. We'll not find a window though; most brochs didn't even have but the one door." As she spies each place of concealment, she works her way carefully to it and then looks to see what can be seen of the broch from there.
The forester ignores the bull for now, as it looked like Ori and Vardi had that situation well in hand. Cainneach calls quietly to Famh and gestures for her to come over and review the boot print with him. "I think this could be the girl's, although I don't see much else around it. Does it match up with any others you might have seen?" He tries to indicate whatever details might help Famh track along with him. The forester is starting to get nervous about losing the trail, with the rain steadily falling. It was starting to run down into his eyes from his cloak, making it more difficult to see the tracks and, perhaps, any would be assailants. Cainneach points Salt to the track and asks the hound to sniff it, then try to pick up the trail.
Survival14 (both focused on picking the trail of the smaller boot print) Perception10 (Salt super-sniffing)
Salt is having difficulty amongst all the other rich smells, not to mention he keeps turning to look at the bull and the other companions note a half dozen or so cows have come over the ridge from the other side to watch the goings on.
Cainneach is almost certain that all sets of boots heading away from his current position are headed toward the ruined broch.
When Cainneach points out the smaller boot track, Famh's face grows very still. He isn't sure for a moment which is stronger in her eyes, sadness or cold anger. "These poor folk have aye one thing that can be stolen. Themselves. Ye ken the clan whose name we all fear to say is capable of it. I canna tell if this bull would likely be the lead o' the herd or no (Animal Handling in log 7), but in any case I'd think it would have tried to protect its mistress. Or at least, they might have feared it would." She looks towards the broch, then studies the intervening terrain to see if there are any low places or hollows that would allow a closer approach while also providing some cover from being seen from the tumbledown walls. "Let's see if we can scout around and find a place the stones are falling out, spy in and see if she's there. Then we can decide if we ought to call on Sir Almeric as he said to do at need, or if we can handle matters ourselves. We'll not find a window though; most brochs didn't even have but the one door." As she spies each place of concealment, she works her way carefully to it and then looks to see what can be seen of the broch from there.
=========
Stealth {Tides of Chaos} 15
Famh is able to find a path that avoids line of sight from the doorway of the broch but she's unsure if there are other breaks in the structure that could be peered through.
Ori, keeps his eye on the bull. "Looks to be as much confused as anything else. Oi, judging by the amount a dried blood, I'd say though that new face lift was given within the day, but long then the hour. Whoever delivered that blow is long gone." Trying to decide if the bull is going to have a scar to show off to the cows or if the blood loss will be more then the massive animal can come back from. Well chances are the group would come back this way if they do manage to find the girl, they can learn of the bulls fate then.
Eyes still on the bull, "Aye, any leads or is it to the broch?" The question wasn't directed to anyone in particular. Almeric will have his hands full if he runs in the this old boy. There certainly was something to behold in an animal like that, dazed and confused and would easily send someone like Ori run for the hill. Simple horns with enough mass behind it should scare even the bravest of men, so who in their right mind did that to him? Must have been from a distance, but then why take the chance? For some reason that worried Ori more then anything so far.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ignoring the bull for now, Thatch backs away quietly and joins Cainneach and Famh as they inspect the trail leading toward the broch. He follows along, listening to Famh’s guidance and looking for a spot that he may be able to view into the ruins to see if they are occupied. He also keeps an eye open for any signs of the horses that left the trail they spotted earlier. Surely they would not be in the ruin themselves, would they? He thinks to himself.
The forester ignores the bull for now, as it looked like Ori and Vardi had that situation well in hand. Cainneach calls quietly to Famh and gestures for her to come over and review the boot print with him. "I think this could be the girl's, although I don't see much else around it. Does it match up with any others you might have seen?" He tries to indicate whatever details might help Famh track along with him. The forester is starting to get nervous about losing the trail, with the rain steadily falling. It was starting to run down into his eyes from his cloak, making it more difficult to see the tracks and, perhaps, any would be assailants. Cainneach points Salt to the track and asks the hound to sniff it, then try to pick up the trail.
Survival14 (both focused on picking the trail of the smaller boot print) Perception10 (Salt super-sniffing)
Salt is having difficulty amongst all the other rich smells, not to mention he keeps turning to look at the bull and the other companions note a half dozen or so cows have come over the ridge from the other side to watch the goings on.
Cainneach is almost certain that all sets of boots heading away from his current position are headed toward the ruined broch.
When Cainneach points out the smaller boot track, Famh's face grows very still. He isn't sure for a moment which is stronger in her eyes, sadness or cold anger. "These poor folk have aye one thing that can be stolen. Themselves. Ye ken the clan whose name we all fear to say is capable of it. I canna tell if this bull would likely be the lead o' the herd or no (Animal Handling in log 7), but in any case I'd think it would have tried to protect its mistress. Or at least, they might have feared it would." She looks towards the broch, then studies the intervening terrain to see if there are any low places or hollows that would allow a closer approach while also providing some cover from being seen from the tumbledown walls. "Let's see if we can scout around and find a place the stones are falling out, spy in and see if she's there. Then we can decide if we ought to call on Sir Almeric as he said to do at need, or if we can handle matters ourselves. We'll not find a window though; most brochs didn't even have but the one door." As she spies each place of concealment, she works her way carefully to it and then looks to see what can be seen of the broch from there.
=========
Stealth {Tides of Chaos} 15
Famh is able to find a path that avoids line of sight from the doorway of the broch but she's unsure if there are other breaks in the structure that could be peered through.
As soon as she is sure the hidden path she has found can be followed by the rest of the retinue without undue difficulty, Famh stops and draws back just enough that either Thatch or Cainneachcan see her. Waving with small motions to get their attention and then repeating the process with the other, she beckons the other scouts over and shows them what she's found. "It would get us by the broch without being spotted, at the least. Should we go back and tell Ori and the others about it, think ye, or check on a bit farther first and see if there's a better approach tae the back?"
Ori, keeps his eye on the bull. "Looks to be as much confused as anything else. Oi, judging by the amount a dried blood, I'd say though that new face lift was given within the day, but long then the hour. Whoever delivered that blow is long gone." Trying to decide if the bull is going to have a scar to show off to the cows or if the blood loss will be more then the massive animal can come back from. Well chances are the group would come back this way if they do manage to find the girl, they can learn of the bulls fate then.
Eyes still on the bull, "Aye, any leads or is it to the broch?" The question wasn't directed to anyone in particular. Almeric will have his hands full if he runs in the this old boy. There certainly was something to behold in an animal like that, dazed and confused and would easily send someone like Ori run for the hill. Simple horns with enough mass behind it should scare even the bravest of men, so who in their right mind did that to him? Must have been from a distance, but then why take the chance? For some reason that worried Ori more then anything so far.
After a few more moments Ori decides that its likely the bull will be non-the worse for wear as long as infection doesn't set in and he looks up towards the broch....
Ignoring the bull for now, Thatch backs away quietly and joins Cainneach and Famh as they inspect the trail leading toward the broch. He follows along, listening to Famh’s guidance and looking for a spot that he may be able to view into the ruins to see if they are occupied. He also keeps an eye open for any signs of the horses that left the trail they spotted earlier. Surely they would not be in the ruin themselves, would they? He thinks to himself.
Perception: 19.
Thatch manages to work his way around the slope until he can see through the low doorway, it is dark within but enough light penetrates the stone work that he's fairly certain he can't see anyone immediately inside.
Thinking back he hasn't seen any horse prints since the patch of woods, it has all been human boot prints up towards the broch....possibly the horses had been left below, possibly tied to the branch Cainneach pointed out.
The forester ignores the bull for now, as it looked like Ori and Vardi had that situation well in hand. Cainneach calls quietly to Famh and gestures for her to come over and review the boot print with him. "I think this could be the girl's, although I don't see much else around it. Does it match up with any others you might have seen?" He tries to indicate whatever details might help Famh track along with him. The forester is starting to get nervous about losing the trail, with the rain steadily falling. It was starting to run down into his eyes from his cloak, making it more difficult to see the tracks and, perhaps, any would be assailants. Cainneach points Salt to the track and asks the hound to sniff it, then try to pick up the trail.
Survival14 (both focused on picking the trail of the smaller boot print) Perception10 (Salt super-sniffing)
Salt is having difficulty amongst all the other rich smells, not to mention he keeps turning to look at the bull and the other companions note a half dozen or so cows have come over the ridge from the other side to watch the goings on.
Cainneach is almost certain that all sets of boots heading away from his current position are headed toward the ruined broch.
When Cainneach points out the smaller boot track, Famh's face grows very still. He isn't sure for a moment which is stronger in her eyes, sadness or cold anger. "These poor folk have aye one thing that can be stolen. Themselves. Ye ken the clan whose name we all fear to say is capable of it. I canna tell if this bull would likely be the lead o' the herd or no (Animal Handling in log 7), but in any case I'd think it would have tried to protect its mistress. Or at least, they might have feared it would." She looks towards the broch, then studies the intervening terrain to see if there are any low places or hollows that would allow a closer approach while also providing some cover from being seen from the tumbledown walls. "Let's see if we can scout around and find a place the stones are falling out, spy in and see if she's there. Then we can decide if we ought to call on Sir Almeric as he said to do at need, or if we can handle matters ourselves. We'll not find a window though; most brochs didn't even have but the one door." As she spies each place of concealment, she works her way carefully to it and then looks to see what can be seen of the broch from there.
=========
Stealth {Tides of Chaos} 15
Famh is able to find a path that avoids line of sight from the doorway of the broch but she's unsure if there are other breaks in the structure that could be peered through.
As soon as she is sure the hidden path she has found can be followed by the rest of the retinue without undue difficulty, Famh stops and draws back just enough that either Thatch or Cainneachcan see her. Waving with small motions to get their attention and then repeating the process with the other, she beckons the other scouts over and shows them what she's found. "It would get us by the broch without being spotted, at the least. Should we go back and tell Ori and the others about it, think ye, or check on a bit farther first and see if there's a better approach tae the back?"
As the others come back together Ori and Vardi make their way up to join them on the slope.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cainneach was a bit unnerved by Famh's implication of the Clan Harbinger, but from the tales he was told as a lad, they operated like ghosts. With their reputed ability to sweep in, take down their quarry, and escape undetected, it wouldn't be like them to leave such obvious signs of their passage. Then again, Cainneach had no way of knowing whether the tales he was told were true to any useful degree. The forester smiles warmly at Famh, impressed yet again by her prowess in the field.
"Excellent find, leannan. It looks like Ori and Vardi will be be here in a moment. Thatch doesn't see anything stirring within, but whatever we do, I think it should be done quietly. Shouldn't be a problem in this rain at least. Thatch and I can continue to scout ahead, then signal back to the rest if it's clear to follow. As to the question of whether to track back to Almeric, let's discuss with Ori and Vardi. She knows these parts better than any of us and I guess it's Ori's call. We still don't know exactly what we're up against."
While waiting for the party to form up, Cainneach will peer into the broch as best he can through the rain from their place of concealment.
Ori: "Looks to be as much confused as anything else. Oi, judging by the amount a dried blood, I'd say though that new face lift was given within the day, but long then the hour. Whoever delivered that blow is long gone."
Vardi looks pensive as she nods then offers "Nay herd ta be seen hereabouts. Nay girl either. Which was he defending when he came by that wound, I wonder, kidnappers or cattle thieves?" then shrugs and adds "Poor fella, he's nay quite sure wha's going on still by the look of him."
She turns a little, better to see both bull and broch and asks Ori "Ye reckon a dropped or flung stone from tha' ruin would make a gash like tha'?" then quieter, almost to herself "Four horsemen jingling along, one lass herding kine gone amiss, a brass nail and a wounded bull wit' nay herd. Are they all linked ta each other?"
OOC: Vardi thinks on History for any mention of the broch and gets a grand total of 4.
The big lass looks about for any particularly enticing patch of fodder to pluck a handful of as a peace offering should the bull seem inclined to come closer in curiosity, and keeps calm, lest any nervousness on her part spook the confused bovine into a more aggressive response.
"Should we try ta get him back ta tha farmer downt road, Sarge? I dinnay know if he's in any fit state ta lead us ta tha girl, but he's nay left here yet, even wi' tha headache, and happy as tha farmer would be ta see him back, reckon he'd be far happier if we had the lass wi' us as well."
Salt is having difficulty amongst all the other rich smells, not to mention he keeps turning to look at the bull and the other companions note a half dozen or so cows have come over the ridge from the other side to watch the goings on.
Cainneach is almost certain that all sets of boots heading away from his current position are headed toward the ruined broch.
"I see what might be the rest o' the herd ower there, Vardi.," Famh calls as soon as the Lyften warrior approaches close enough for the subject of her discussion with Ori to be overheard. She points to the recently arrived cows. "It might soothe the bull to graze here a bit among his herd, if it's so. And och, what a coincidence, would it not be convenient to have a herd nearby to draw the eyes of anyone in the broch ... but whose herd girl would be a little more than she seemed, this time?"
Turning back to the quiet forester from whom she has learned so much about the slow and patient pursuit of her quarry ;), she smiles and gestures towards the various possible approaches to the broch. "We could plan it out so the herd would seem to wander, but in truth draw the eye away from where you and Thatch are scouting. I could personate a kindly neighbor girl who's found the herd wandering and is bringing them hame. But I ken I'm no strang enough to control the bull if it came to it, so I'm letting him have his head most of the time sae lang he goes the right way in general. But in truth ... " She winks. :"It'll be much more carefully controlled than that. And Vardi and Ori would be keeping watch from hiding upon us all, and could come to the help of anyone who had need."
=========
(Damian_May: do you think this would be enough of a distraction to Help both the scouts' Stealth rolls and their Investigation rolls (as anyone in the broch might be less careful to hush and hide their actions due to their focus on Famh)?
Cainneach was a bit unnerved by Famh's implication of the Clan Harbinger, but from the tales he was told as a lad, they operated like ghosts. With their reputed ability to sweep in, take down their quarry, and escape undetected, it wouldn't be like them to leave such obvious signs of their passage. Then again, Cainneach had no way of knowing whether the tales he was told were true to any useful degree. The forester smiles warmly at Famh, impressed yet again by her prowess in the field.
"Excellent find, leannan. It looks like Ori and Vardi will be be here in a moment. Thatch doesn't see anything stirring within, but whatever we do, I think it should be done quietly. Shouldn't be a problem in this rain at least. Thatch and I can continue to scout ahead, then signal back to the rest if it's clear to follow. As to the question of whether to track back to Almeric, let's discuss with Ori and Vardi. She knows these parts better than any of us and I guess it's Ori's call. We still don't know exactly what we're up against."
While waiting for the party to form up, Cainneach will peer into the broch as best he can through the rain from their place of concealment.
Cainneach observes the broch carefully through the light rain and notes he can see no sign that anyone is there currently, as he turns towards Famh he looks down into the patch of woodland below and something catches his eye....hard to see from the ground but from up here he notes a fairly clear, though fading as the rain falls, trail through the heath leading out of the northern edge of the wood and up along the ridge-line north of the town.
Scanning closer to himself he sees a bootprint on the downslope from the broch going straight downhill back towards the woods.
Ori: "Looks to be as much confused as anything else. Oi, judging by the amount a dried blood, I'd say though that new face lift was given within the day, but long then the hour. Whoever delivered that blow is long gone."
Vardi looks pensive as she nods then offers "Nay herd ta be seen hereabouts. Nay girl either. Which was he defending when he came by that wound, I wonder, kidnappers or cattle thieves?" then shrugs and adds "Poor fella, he's nay quite sure wha's going on still by the look of him."
She turns a little, better to see both bull and broch and asks Ori "Ye reckon a dropped or flung stone from tha' ruin would make a gash like tha'?" then quieter, almost to herself "Four horsemen jingling along, one lass herding kine gone amiss, a brass nail and a wounded bull wit' nay herd. Are they all linked ta each other?"
OOC: Vardi thinks on History for any mention of the broch and gets a grand total of 4.
The big lass looks about for any particularly enticing patch of fodder to pluck a handful of as a peace offering should the bull seem inclined to come closer in curiosity, and keeps calm, lest any nervousness on her part spook the confused bovine into a more aggressive response.
"Should we try ta get him back ta tha farmer downt road, Sarge? I dinnay know if he's in any fit state ta lead us ta tha girl, but he's nay left here yet, even wi' tha headache, and happy as tha farmer would be ta see him back, reckon he'd be far happier if we had the lass wi' us as well."
Vardi, unfortunately, knows little about this region other than what she saw from the road her first visit.
"I see what might be the rest o' the herd ower there, Vardi.," Famh calls as soon as the Lyften warrior approaches close enough for the subject of her discussion with Ori to be overheard. She points to the recently arrived cows. "It might soothe the bull to graze here a bit among his herd, if it's so. And och, what a coincidence, would it not be convenient to have a herd nearby to draw the eyes of anyone in the broch ... but whose herd girl would be a little more than she seemed, this time?"
Turning back to the quiet forester from whom she has learned so much about the slow and patient pursuit of her quarry ;), she smiles and gestures towards the various possible approaches to the broch. "We could plan it out so the herd would seem to wander, but in truth draw the eye away from where you and Thatch are scouting. I could personate a kindly neighbor girl who's found the herd wandering and is bringing them hame. But I ken I'm no strang enough to control the bull if it came to it, so I'm letting him have his head most of the time sae lang he goes the right way in general. But in truth ... " She winks. :"It'll be much more carefully controlled than that. And Vardi and Ori would be keeping watch from hiding upon us all, and could come to the help of anyone who had need."
=========
(Damian_May: do you think this would be enough of a distraction to Help both the scouts' Stealth rolls and their Investigation rolls (as anyone in the broch might be less careful to hush and hide their actions due to their focus on Famh)?
( Could well be, though from Thatch and Cainneachs observations it may not be necessary....I'll leave that up to them to convey)
Ori walks up towards the broch towards the others in the group. "Right, let me guess, nobody is home? Someone staking this place out and willing to do that to the big fella, aye." Ori getters with his head back towatd the bull. "Well I figure they would of had him hanging in quarters inside and eating good. Otherwise why would piss-off the doorman to a door that you were the primary user of?" Ori waits to hear if the others confirm or deny his guess. That poor girl, what kind of mess did she find herself in. Ori didn't hold much hope that they would catch the responsible, but perhaps they could find the evidence of what they had done.
Cainneach silently thanks Morkaan or whichever of the Old Gods had seen fit to bless him in this moment, to gift him with the glimpse of the trail ahead. Between the frigid rain pouring down and the distraction of Famh's lovely visage and wonderful plan, it's near miraculous that he saw it (I'd give it a 5% chance! ;-) When Famh finishes laying out her scheme to mislead and then snare the brigands, Cainneach just smiles at her. "I love that plan, almost as much as I love you, but I don't think it'll be necessary." He then turns to the full group and speaks such that they can all hear clearly, "There's no one in the broch, but I'm pretty sure I know where they've buggered off to. Look over yonder, you can just barely make out a path leading out of that copse, then running through the heath and up on the ridge. Right there are bootprints heading in that direction. I think we should move on before the trail is fully washed out." He then turns back to Famh and says, "And I hate to admit, but I cannae wait t'get oot o' this rain. Being cold and drookid like this reminds me too much of our time on the Linden!"
Thatch steps up next to Cainneach “He is right, there is no sign of anyone close by the entrance, though I could not see deeper into the broch. Still, I think we should check out the trail before we lose it in this weather.” I can’t believe I missed that he curses to himself, but once again he is impressed with the forester's eyes and skill. He heads downhill toward the faint remnants of the trail, throwing a comment back over his shoulder at Cainneach and the others. “As wet and frigid as the Linden, aye, but at least the ground is not heaving about, right Ori?” He adds the last with a small grin and focuses on picking out the trail ahead and looking for any sign of the girl or trouble.
Famh both grins and groans at the recollections her companions' words are stirring in her mind. "Aye, certain memories of herding are coming back that make me quite content wi' not having to play that part except at need. And this weather's grandsires, greatgrandsires and so forth even unto the seventh generation looms large among them all. But if aught we find makes ye think it would be a good diversion at that point, I could still slip back and get the herd. Meantime, it might the best thing for them to graze here with their bull and calm each other. If they'd just stay and graze without one staying to mind them, I'm not as sure ... the cattle grazed fair far frae the sheep pasturing in all the places I've tended flock. (Animal Handling 18)"
Smiling brightly at Cainneach, she says, "You've found the clew and Thatch trusts it enough to follow. If the master scouts think it's best to track this down now, who is the journeywoman to question it? Especially when our sergeant and guide have neither of them gainsaid it." Following Thatch at a little distance to his left as he works downslope and leaving space for Cainneach to follow on the right if he chooses, she Helps them seek out the faint tracks.
"I see what might be the rest o' the herd ower there, Vardi.," Famh calls as soon as the Lyften warrior approaches close enough for the subject of her discussion with Ori to be overheard. She points to the recently arrived cows. "It might soothe the bull to graze here a bit among his herd, if it's so. And och, what a coincidence, would it not be convenient to have a herd nearby to draw the eyes of anyone in the broch ... but whose herd girl would be a little more than she seemed, this time?"
Vardi walks up with Ori, and looks relieved as she answers "Ah, tha's good ta know, thank ye, Famh." then slightly embarrassed as she admits "I nay saw the coos til now. Was too busy keeping an eye on tha bull ta be honest."
On the more complicated matter of the broch the bigg lass offers "Been this way but once afore, and I nay wandered off tha road back then. I know nothing of this place than what my senses tell me." then scratches her head as she concludes "If tha cows are here, and tha bull as well, then where's the lass in charge of them if she's nay in the broch? Away with the jingling horse riders?"
Ori walks up towards the broch towards the others in the group. "Right, let me guess, nobody is home? Someone staking this place out and willing to do that to the big fella, aye."
Cainneach then turns to the full group and speaks such that they can all hear clearly,"There's no one in the broch, but I'm pretty sure I know where they've buggered off to. Look over yonder, you can just barely make out a path leading out of that copse, then running through the heath and up on the ridge. Right there are bootprints heading in that direction. I think we should move on before the trail is fully washed out."
Thatch steps up next to Cainneach “He is right, there is no sign of anyone close by the entrance, though I could not see deeper into the broch. Still, I think we should check out the trail before we lose it in this weather.”
The Lyften lass looks up at the sky, untroubled by the drizzle of rain herself, but concerned that Skoggi is apt to leave his basket lair and go wandering himself if she doesn't get moving again soon, and worried that the herder lass may be in more trouble than her herd, shrugs and says "Give me a trail ta follow, gentlemen and I'll follow it." as she falls in behind the scouts, and next to Famh.
She wonders to herself ...What happened at Linden then, other than downpour and quagmire? Sif's shining braids, woman, keep yer mind on the task, nay wandering off looking for more questions! One ta ask later...
Ori walks up towards the broch towards the others in the group. "Right, let me guess, nobody is home? Someone staking this place out and willing to do that to the big fella, aye." Ori getters with his head back towatd the bull. "Well I figure they would of had him hanging in quarters inside and eating good. Otherwise why would piss-off the doorman to a door that you were the primary user of?" Ori waits to hear if the others confirm or deny his guess. That poor girl, what kind of mess did she find herself in. Ori didn't hold much hope that they would catch the responsible, but perhaps they could find the evidence of what they had done.
Cainneach silently thanks Morkaan or whichever of the Old Gods had seen fit to bless him in this moment, to gift him with the glimpse of the trail ahead. Between the frigid rain pouring down and the distraction of Famh's lovely visage and wonderful plan, it's near miraculous that he saw it (I'd give it a 5% chance! ;-) When Famh finishes laying out her scheme to mislead and then snare the brigands, Cainneach just smiles at her. "I love that plan, almost as much as I love you, but I don't think it'll be necessary." He then turns to the full group and speaks such that they can all hear clearly, "There's no one in the broch, but I'm pretty sure I know where they've buggered off to. Look over yonder, you can just barely make out a path leading out of that copse, then running through the heath and up on the ridge. Right there are bootprints heading in that direction. I think we should move on before the trail is fully washed out." He then turns back to Famh and says, "And I hate to admit, but I cannae wait t'get oot o' this rain. Being cold and drookid like this reminds me too much of our time on the Linden!"
Thatch steps up next to Cainneach “He is right, there is no sign of anyone close by the entrance, though I could not see deeper into the broch. Still, I think we should check out the trail before we lose it in this weather.” I can’t believe I missed that he curses to himself, but once again he is impressed with the forester's eyes and skill. He heads downhill toward the faint remnants of the trail, throwing a comment back over his shoulder at Cainneach and the others. “As wet and frigid as the Linden, aye, but at least the ground is not heaving about, right Ori?” He adds the last with a small grin and focuses on picking out the trail ahead and looking for any sign of the girl or trouble.
Famh both grins and groans at the recollections her companions' words are stirring in her mind. "Aye, certain memories of herding are coming back that make me quite content wi' not having to play that part except at need. And this weather's grandsires, greatgrandsires and so forth even unto the seventh generation looms large among them all. But if aught we find makes ye think it would be a good diversion at that point, I could still slip back and get the herd. Meantime, it might the best thing for them to graze here with their bull and calm each other. If they'd just stay and graze without one staying to mind them, I'm not as sure ... the cattle grazed fair far frae the sheep pasturing in all the places I've tended flock. (Animal Handling 18)"
Smiling brightly at Cainneach, she says, "You've found the clew and Thatch trusts it enough to follow. If the master scouts think it's best to track this down now, who is the journeywoman to question it? Especially when our sergeant and guide have neither of them gainsaid it." Following Thatch at a little distance to his left as he works downslope and leaving space for Cainneach to follow on the right if he chooses, she Helps them seek out the faint tracks.
"I see what might be the rest o' the herd ower there, Vardi.," Famh calls as soon as the Lyften warrior approaches close enough for the subject of her discussion with Ori to be overheard. She points to the recently arrived cows. "It might soothe the bull to graze here a bit among his herd, if it's so. And och, what a coincidence, would it not be convenient to have a herd nearby to draw the eyes of anyone in the broch ... but whose herd girl would be a little more than she seemed, this time?"
Vardi walks up with Ori, and looks relieved as she answers "Ah, tha's good ta know, thank ye, Famh." then slightly embarrassed as she admits "I nay saw the coos til now. Was too busy keeping an eye on tha bull ta be honest."
On the more complicated matter of the broch the bigg lass offers "Been this way but once afore, and I nay wandered off tha road back then. I know nothing of this place than what my senses tell me." then scratches her head as she concludes "If tha cows are here, and tha bull as well, then where's the lass in charge of them if she's nay in the broch? Away with the jingling horse riders?"
Ori walks up towards the broch towards the others in the group. "Right, let me guess, nobody is home? Someone staking this place out and willing to do that to the big fella, aye."
Cainneach then turns to the full group and speaks such that they can all hear clearly,"There's no one in the broch, but I'm pretty sure I know where they've buggered off to. Look over yonder, you can just barely make out a path leading out of that copse, then running through the heath and up on the ridge. Right there are bootprints heading in that direction. I think we should move on before the trail is fully washed out."
Thatch steps up next to Cainneach “He is right, there is no sign of anyone close by the entrance, though I could not see deeper into the broch. Still, I think we should check out the trail before we lose it in this weather.”
The Lyften lass looks up at the sky, untroubled by the drizzle of rain herself, but concerned that Skoggi is apt to leave his basket lair and go wandering himself if she doesn't get moving again soon, and worried that the herder lass may be in more trouble than her herd, shrugs and says "Give me a trail ta follow, gentlemen and I'll follow it." as she falls in behind the scouts, and next to Famh.
She wonders to herself ...What happened at Linden then, other than downpour and quagmire? Sif's shining braids, woman, keep yer mind on the task, nay wandering off looking for more questions! One ta ask later...
The group begin to follow the boot tracks downslope from the broch, and find where they enter the woods again and are lost among the springy foliage and undergrowth, but following signs picked out by Vardi and Cainneach they locate where the horses were led out of the woods as boots and hooves clearly mark the edge of the woods. Cainneach is able to clearly point out the way the laden horses went now having seen it both above and below.....the trail seemed to follow the ridgeline for some distance then there were slight signs of slippage as the horses descended down towards the roadway northward beyond the village.
Something is bothering Famh, like a midge droning about her in the dark.....she trailed the boot prints up towards the broch.....and they came down from the broch......but now that she thought on it she had only seen the scant prints of the smaller boots going up to the broch and none descending......
Seeing everyone agree with moving and following the disappearing tracks, Ori couldn't deny their logic. "Hold on there mates, we are here looking for the girl not the riders. I agree with Cainneach 's assessment of finding the riders before losing the tracks. Go and follow with haste take Thatch with you, but leave salt with us. Rememberyou are on your owe so nothing stupid you here. We should scan the grounds looking for girl if she's hiding here. There's a chance the rider didn't know of her and passed by by happen stance aye? So this would be a good place for her to hold up. Vardi, Famh, follow Salts lead and search the area. I'll stand watch here on the wall for trouble from either of ya. If we find nothing, Salt should be able to lead us right to Cainneach and Thatch." He hated to Split the gang up but the girl woukd most likely belive the ladies more then himself and the trackers were needed to follow the trails. What choice did they have. If they did find the girl and need to call of the hunt for the riders, Salt could lead Vardi or himself to the tracking team and retrieve them while Famh and the other back to town with her, depending on the girls condition. Ori hated this leadership gig, it for those would liked being in the lead roles. Ori like his support role, important to the whole story and development but not having to decided other people's lives and safety to deliver a goal. Ori much rather bare the burden of the task and keep everyone else well out of harms way. He didn't want the glory or anything of the like, he just didn't want to put anyone he cared about in potential harms way. But Almeric gave him this charge so he was going to do his best, hopefully it would be enough for them all.
Seeing everyone agree with moving and following the disappearing tracks, Ori couldn't deny their logic. "Hold on there mates, we are here looking for the girl not the riders. I agree with Cainneach 's assessment of finding the riders before losing the tracks. Go and follow with haste take Thatch with you, but leave salt with us. Rememberyou are on your owe so nothing stupid you here. We should scan the grounds looking for girl if she's hiding here. There's a chance the rider didn't know of her and passed by by happen stance aye? So this would be a good place for her to hold up. Vardi, Famh, follow Salts lead and search the area. I'll stand watch here on the wall for trouble from either of ya. If we find nothing, Salt should be able to lead us right to Cainneach and Thatch." He hated to Split the gang up but the girl woukd most likely belive the ladies more then himself and the trackers were needed to follow the trails. What choice did they have. If they did find the girl and need to call of the hunt for the riders, Salt could lead Vardi or himself to the tracking team and retrieve them while Famh and the other back to town with her, depending on the girls condition. Ori hated this leadership gig, it for those would liked being in the lead roles. Ori like his support role, important to the whole story and development but not having to decided other people's lives and safety to deliver a goal. Ori much rather bare the burden of the task and keep everyone else well out of harms way. He didn't want the glory or anything of the like, he just didn't want to put anyone he cared about in potential harms way. But Almeric gave him this charge so he was going to do his best, hopefully it would be enough for them all.
Cainneach squints as he considers Ori's proposal, partly because he is thinking very hard about it, and partly to keep the bloody rain water from running into his eyes. On the down side, there is always risk in dividing your strength and, although Vardi certainly appeared to be formidable, the forester hadn't seen her in action and with this plan would he would have to trust Famh's immediate safety to the warrior maiden. On the up side, this diversion to the broch should be brief, there seemed to be little risk in exploring the broch, and he and Thatch would be able to move on the tracks they might soon lose. As a tiebreaker, Cainneach certainly trusts Salt to lead the ladies and Ori back to he and Thatch, and Ori could be trusted to keep an eye on things from his perch.
"All right Ori, I think that makes sense. We'll move as swiftly as needed to follow the tracks, but try not to get too far ahead of you." He turns to Salt, gives him a vigourous cheek rub and says to the hound, "Listen boy, you take good care of these three and lead them back to Thatch and I when they're ready. You got it? Good boy, there!"Cainneach lets Salt take big sniffs of him and Thatch, then gives the hound a piece of jerky from his pouch.
Before he and Thatch depart, Cainneach turns to Famh, takes her hand and raises it to his lips, then kisses it gently. "Be careful and be quick, leannan!"Cainneach then claps his hand on Vardi's shoulder and nods respectfully, turns, and heads off to the woods.
The group begin to follow the boot tracks downslope from the broch, and find where they enter the woods again and are lost among the springy foliage and undergrowth, but following signs picked out by Vardi and Cainneach they locate where the horses were led out of the woods as boots and hooves clearly mark the edge of the woods. Cainneach is able to clearly point out the way the laden horses went now having seen it both above and below.....the trail seemed to follow the ridgeline for some distance then there were slight signs of slippage as the horses descended down towards the roadway northward beyond the village.
Something is bothering Famh, like a midge droning about her in the dark.....she trailed the boot prints up towards the broch.....and they came down from the broch......but now that she thought on it she had only seen the scant prints of the smaller boots going up to the broch and none descending......
"Look Thatch, they led the horses this way. I'm glad we can make sense of it in this muddy mess."Cainneach quickly makes his way toward the crest of the ridgeline, attempting to remain concealed while peering over it. After spying the roadway, he carefully descends back toward the woods to wait for the rest of the party, hoping they'll be along soon.
Stealth20 (laying low while scoping things out over the ridge) Perception6 (keeping an eye and ear open for any signs of trouble w/the rest of the party)
(Original rolls were 17 and 14 prior to making an unrelated edit, although what the dice roller hover is showing is 11 and 17. The latter of those is not showing the proper formula, as the roll as entered without Advantage. So ... who knows what it should actually be? Great collective rolling for us by the DM in his post, though!)
When Cainneach points out the smaller boot track, Famh's face grows very still. He isn't sure for a moment which is stronger in her eyes, sadness or cold anger. "These poor folk have aye one thing that can be stolen. Themselves. Ye ken the clan whose name we all fear to say is capable of it. I canna tell if this bull would likely be the lead o' the herd or no (Animal Handling in log 7), but in any case I'd think it would have tried to protect its mistress. Or at least, they might have feared it would." She looks towards the broch, then studies the intervening terrain to see if there are any low places or hollows that would allow a closer approach while also providing some cover from being seen from the tumbledown walls. "Let's see if we can scout around and find a place the stones are falling out, spy in and see if she's there. Then we can decide if we ought to call on Sir Almeric as he said to do at need, or if we can handle matters ourselves. We'll not find a window though; most brochs didn't even have but the one door." As she spies each place of concealment, she works her way carefully to it and then looks to see what can be seen of the broch from there.
=========
Stealth {Tides of Chaos} 14
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Salt is having difficulty amongst all the other rich smells, not to mention he keeps turning to look at the bull and the other companions note a half dozen or so cows have come over the ridge from the other side to watch the goings on.
Cainneach is almost certain that all sets of boots heading away from his current position are headed toward the ruined broch.
Famh is able to find a path that avoids line of sight from the doorway of the broch but she's unsure if there are other breaks in the structure that could be peered through.
Ori, keeps his eye on the bull. "Looks to be as much confused as anything else. Oi, judging by the amount a dried blood, I'd say though that new face lift was given within the day, but long then the hour. Whoever delivered that blow is long gone." Trying to decide if the bull is going to have a scar to show off to the cows or if the blood loss will be more then the massive animal can come back from. Well chances are the group would come back this way if they do manage to find the girl, they can learn of the bulls fate then.
Eyes still on the bull, "Aye, any leads or is it to the broch?" The question wasn't directed to anyone in particular. Almeric will have his hands full if he runs in the this old boy. There certainly was something to behold in an animal like that, dazed and confused and would easily send someone like Ori run for the hill. Simple horns with enough mass behind it should scare even the bravest of men, so who in their right mind did that to him? Must have been from a distance, but then why take the chance? For some reason that worried Ori more then anything so far.
Ignoring the bull for now, Thatch backs away quietly and joins Cainneach and Famh as they inspect the trail leading toward the broch. He follows along, listening to Famh’s guidance and looking for a spot that he may be able to view into the ruins to see if they are occupied. He also keeps an eye open for any signs of the horses that left the trail they spotted earlier. Surely they would not be in the ruin themselves, would they? He thinks to himself.
Perception: 8.
.
As soon as she is sure the hidden path she has found can be followed by the rest of the retinue without undue difficulty, Famh stops and draws back just enough that either Thatch or Cainneach can see her. Waving with small motions to get their attention and then repeating the process with the other, she beckons the other scouts over and shows them what she's found. "It would get us by the broch without being spotted, at the least. Should we go back and tell Ori and the others about it, think ye, or check on a bit farther first and see if there's a better approach tae the back?"
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
After a few more moments Ori decides that its likely the bull will be non-the worse for wear as long as infection doesn't set in and he looks up towards the broch....
Thatch manages to work his way around the slope until he can see through the low doorway, it is dark within but enough light penetrates the stone work that he's fairly certain he can't see anyone immediately inside.
Thinking back he hasn't seen any horse prints since the patch of woods, it has all been human boot prints up towards the broch....possibly the horses had been left below, possibly tied to the branch Cainneach pointed out.
As the others come back together Ori and Vardi make their way up to join them on the slope.
Cainneach was a bit unnerved by Famh's implication of the Clan Harbinger, but from the tales he was told as a lad, they operated like ghosts. With their reputed ability to sweep in, take down their quarry, and escape undetected, it wouldn't be like them to leave such obvious signs of their passage. Then again, Cainneach had no way of knowing whether the tales he was told were true to any useful degree. The forester smiles warmly at Famh, impressed yet again by her prowess in the field.
"Excellent find, leannan. It looks like Ori and Vardi will be be here in a moment. Thatch doesn't see anything stirring within, but whatever we do, I think it should be done quietly. Shouldn't be a problem in this rain at least. Thatch and I can continue to scout ahead, then signal back to the rest if it's clear to follow. As to the question of whether to track back to Almeric, let's discuss with Ori and Vardi. She knows these parts better than any of us and I guess it's Ori's call. We still don't know exactly what we're up against."
While waiting for the party to form up, Cainneach will peer into the broch as best he can through the rain from their place of concealment.
Perception 18
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Ori: "Looks to be as much confused as anything else. Oi, judging by the amount a dried blood, I'd say though that new face lift was given within the day, but long then the hour. Whoever delivered that blow is long gone."
Vardi looks pensive as she nods then offers "Nay herd ta be seen hereabouts. Nay girl either. Which was he defending when he came by that wound, I wonder, kidnappers or cattle thieves?" then shrugs and adds "Poor fella, he's nay quite sure wha's going on still by the look of him."
She turns a little, better to see both bull and broch and asks Ori "Ye reckon a dropped or flung stone from tha' ruin would make a gash like tha'?" then quieter, almost to herself "Four horsemen jingling along, one lass herding kine gone amiss, a brass nail and a wounded bull wit' nay herd. Are they all linked ta each other?"
OOC: Vardi thinks on History for any mention of the broch and gets a grand total of 4.
The big lass looks about for any particularly enticing patch of fodder to pluck a handful of as a peace offering should the bull seem inclined to come closer in curiosity, and keeps calm, lest any nervousness on her part spook the confused bovine into a more aggressive response.
"Should we try ta get him back ta tha farmer downt road, Sarge? I dinnay know if he's in any fit state ta lead us ta tha girl, but he's nay left here yet, even wi' tha headache, and happy as tha farmer would be ta see him back, reckon he'd be far happier if we had the lass wi' us as well."
"I see what might be the rest o' the herd ower there, Vardi.," Famh calls as soon as the Lyften warrior approaches close enough for the subject of her discussion with Ori to be overheard. She points to the recently arrived cows. "It might soothe the bull to graze here a bit among his herd, if it's so. And och, what a coincidence, would it not be convenient to have a herd nearby to draw the eyes of anyone in the broch ... but whose herd girl would be a little more than she seemed, this time?"
Turning back to the quiet forester from whom she has learned so much about the slow and patient pursuit of her quarry ;), she smiles and gestures towards the various possible approaches to the broch. "We could plan it out so the herd would seem to wander, but in truth draw the eye away from where you and Thatch are scouting. I could personate a kindly neighbor girl who's found the herd wandering and is bringing them hame. But I ken I'm no strang enough to control the bull if it came to it, so I'm letting him have his head most of the time sae lang he goes the right way in general. But in truth ... " She winks. :"It'll be much more carefully controlled than that. And Vardi and Ori would be keeping watch from hiding upon us all, and could come to the help of anyone who had need."
=========
(Damian_May: do you think this would be enough of a distraction to Help both the scouts' Stealth rolls and their Investigation rolls (as anyone in the broch might be less careful to hush and hide their actions due to their focus on Famh)?
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Cainneach observes the broch carefully through the light rain and notes he can see no sign that anyone is there currently, as he turns towards Famh he looks down into the patch of woodland below and something catches his eye....hard to see from the ground but from up here he notes a fairly clear, though fading as the rain falls, trail through the heath leading out of the northern edge of the wood and up along the ridge-line north of the town.
Scanning closer to himself he sees a bootprint on the downslope from the broch going straight downhill back towards the woods.
Vardi, unfortunately, knows little about this region other than what she saw from the road her first visit.
( Could well be, though from Thatch and Cainneachs observations it may not be necessary....I'll leave that up to them to convey)
Ori walks up towards the broch towards the others in the group. "Right, let me guess, nobody is home? Someone staking this place out and willing to do that to the big fella, aye." Ori getters with his head back towatd the bull. "Well I figure they would of had him hanging in quarters inside and eating good. Otherwise why would piss-off the doorman to a door that you were the primary user of?" Ori waits to hear if the others confirm or deny his guess. That poor girl, what kind of mess did she find herself in. Ori didn't hold much hope that they would catch the responsible, but perhaps they could find the evidence of what they had done.
Cainneach silently thanks Morkaan or whichever of the Old Gods had seen fit to bless him in this moment, to gift him with the glimpse of the trail ahead. Between the frigid rain pouring down and the distraction of Famh's lovely visage and wonderful plan, it's near miraculous that he saw it (I'd give it a 5% chance! ;-) When Famh finishes laying out her scheme to mislead and then snare the brigands, Cainneach just smiles at her. "I love that plan, almost as much as I love you, but I don't think it'll be necessary." He then turns to the full group and speaks such that they can all hear clearly, "There's no one in the broch, but I'm pretty sure I know where they've buggered off to. Look over yonder, you can just barely make out a path leading out of that copse, then running through the heath and up on the ridge. Right there are bootprints heading in that direction. I think we should move on before the trail is fully washed out." He then turns back to Famh and says, "And I hate to admit, but I cannae wait t'get oot o' this rain. Being cold and drookid like this reminds me too much of our time on the Linden!"
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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Thatch steps up next to Cainneach “He is right, there is no sign of anyone close by the entrance, though I could not see deeper into the broch. Still, I think we should check out the trail before we lose it in this weather.” I can’t believe I missed that he curses to himself, but once again he is impressed with the forester's eyes and skill. He heads downhill toward the faint remnants of the trail, throwing a comment back over his shoulder at Cainneach and the others. “As wet and frigid as the Linden, aye, but at least the ground is not heaving about, right Ori?” He adds the last with a small grin and focuses on picking out the trail ahead and looking for any sign of the girl or trouble.
Famh both grins and groans at the recollections her companions' words are stirring in her mind. "Aye, certain memories of herding are coming back that make me quite content wi' not having to play that part except at need. And this weather's grandsires, greatgrandsires and so forth even unto the seventh generation looms large among them all. But if aught we find makes ye think it would be a good diversion at that point, I could still slip back and get the herd. Meantime, it might the best thing for them to graze here with their bull and calm each other. If they'd just stay and graze without one staying to mind them, I'm not as sure ... the cattle grazed fair far frae the sheep pasturing in all the places I've tended flock. (Animal Handling 18)"
Smiling brightly at Cainneach, she says, "You've found the clew and Thatch trusts it enough to follow. If the master scouts think it's best to track this down now, who is the journeywoman to question it? Especially when our sergeant and guide have neither of them gainsaid it." Following Thatch at a little distance to his left as he works downslope and leaving space for Cainneach to follow on the right if he chooses, she Helps them seek out the faint tracks.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"I see what might be the rest o' the herd ower there, Vardi.," Famh calls as soon as the Lyften warrior approaches close enough for the subject of her discussion with Ori to be overheard. She points to the recently arrived cows. "It might soothe the bull to graze here a bit among his herd, if it's so. And och, what a coincidence, would it not be convenient to have a herd nearby to draw the eyes of anyone in the broch ... but whose herd girl would be a little more than she seemed, this time?"
Vardi walks up with Ori, and looks relieved as she answers "Ah, tha's good ta know, thank ye, Famh." then slightly embarrassed as she admits "I nay saw the coos til now. Was too busy keeping an eye on tha bull ta be honest."
On the more complicated matter of the broch the bigg lass offers "Been this way but once afore, and I nay wandered off tha road back then. I know nothing of this place than what my senses tell me." then scratches her head as she concludes "If tha cows are here, and tha bull as well, then where's the lass in charge of them if she's nay in the broch? Away with the jingling horse riders?"
Ori walks up towards the broch towards the others in the group. "Right, let me guess, nobody is home? Someone staking this place out and willing to do that to the big fella, aye."
Cainneach then turns to the full group and speaks such that they can all hear clearly, "There's no one in the broch, but I'm pretty sure I know where they've buggered off to. Look over yonder, you can just barely make out a path leading out of that copse, then running through the heath and up on the ridge. Right there are bootprints heading in that direction. I think we should move on before the trail is fully washed out."
Thatch steps up next to Cainneach “He is right, there is no sign of anyone close by the entrance, though I could not see deeper into the broch. Still, I think we should check out the trail before we lose it in this weather.”
The Lyften lass looks up at the sky, untroubled by the drizzle of rain herself, but concerned that Skoggi is apt to leave his basket lair and go wandering himself if she doesn't get moving again soon, and worried that the herder lass may be in more trouble than her herd, shrugs and says "Give me a trail ta follow, gentlemen and I'll follow it." as she falls in behind the scouts, and next to Famh.
She wonders to herself ...What happened at Linden then, other than downpour and quagmire? Sif's shining braids, woman, keep yer mind on the task, nay wandering off looking for more questions! One ta ask later...
( 16 )
( 19 )
( 18)
( 22 )
( 19 )
The group begin to follow the boot tracks downslope from the broch, and find where they enter the woods again and are lost among the springy foliage and undergrowth, but following signs picked out by Vardi and Cainneach they locate where the horses were led out of the woods as boots and hooves clearly mark the edge of the woods. Cainneach is able to clearly point out the way the laden horses went now having seen it both above and below.....the trail seemed to follow the ridgeline for some distance then there were slight signs of slippage as the horses descended down towards the roadway northward beyond the village.
Something is bothering Famh, like a midge droning about her in the dark.....she trailed the boot prints up towards the broch.....and they came down from the broch......but now that she thought on it she had only seen the scant prints of the smaller boots going up to the broch and none descending......
Seeing everyone agree with moving and following the disappearing tracks, Ori couldn't deny their logic. "Hold on there mates, we are here looking for the girl not the riders. I agree with Cainneach 's assessment of finding the riders before losing the tracks. Go and follow with haste take Thatch with you, but leave salt with us. Rememberyou are on your owe so nothing stupid you here. We should scan the grounds looking for girl if she's hiding here. There's a chance the rider didn't know of her and passed by by happen stance aye? So this would be a good place for her to hold up. Vardi, Famh, follow Salts lead and search the area. I'll stand watch here on the wall for trouble from either of ya. If we find nothing, Salt should be able to lead us right to Cainneach and Thatch." He hated to Split the gang up but the girl woukd most likely belive the ladies more then himself and the trackers were needed to follow the trails. What choice did they have. If they did find the girl and need to call of the hunt for the riders, Salt could lead Vardi or himself to the tracking team and retrieve them while Famh and the other back to town with her, depending on the girls condition. Ori hated this leadership gig, it for those would liked being in the lead roles. Ori like his support role, important to the whole story and development but not having to decided other people's lives and safety to deliver a goal. Ori much rather bare the burden of the task and keep everyone else well out of harms way. He didn't want the glory or anything of the like, he just didn't want to put anyone he cared about in potential harms way. But Almeric gave him this charge so he was going to do his best, hopefully it would be enough for them all.
Cainneach squints as he considers Ori's proposal, partly because he is thinking very hard about it, and partly to keep the bloody rain water from running into his eyes. On the down side, there is always risk in dividing your strength and, although Vardi certainly appeared to be formidable, the forester hadn't seen her in action and with this plan would he would have to trust Famh's immediate safety to the warrior maiden. On the up side, this diversion to the broch should be brief, there seemed to be little risk in exploring the broch, and he and Thatch would be able to move on the tracks they might soon lose. As a tiebreaker, Cainneach certainly trusts Salt to lead the ladies and Ori back to he and Thatch, and Ori could be trusted to keep an eye on things from his perch.
"All right Ori, I think that makes sense. We'll move as swiftly as needed to follow the tracks, but try not to get too far ahead of you." He turns to Salt, gives him a vigourous cheek rub and says to the hound, "Listen boy, you take good care of these three and lead them back to Thatch and I when they're ready. You got it? Good boy, there!" Cainneach lets Salt take big sniffs of him and Thatch, then gives the hound a piece of jerky from his pouch.
Before he and Thatch depart, Cainneach turns to Famh, takes her hand and raises it to his lips, then kisses it gently. "Be careful and be quick, leannan!" Cainneach then claps his hand on Vardi's shoulder and nods respectfully, turns, and heads off to the woods.
"Look Thatch, they led the horses this way. I'm glad we can make sense of it in this muddy mess." Cainneach quickly makes his way toward the crest of the ridgeline, attempting to remain concealed while peering over it. After spying the roadway, he carefully descends back toward the woods to wait for the rest of the party, hoping they'll be along soon.
Stealth 20 (laying low while scoping things out over the ridge)
Perception 6 (keeping an eye and ear open for any signs of trouble w/the rest of the party)
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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(Original rolls were 17 and 14 prior to making an unrelated edit, although what the dice roller hover is showing is 11 and 17. The latter of those is not showing the proper formula, as the roll as entered without Advantage. So ... who knows what it should actually be? Great collective rolling for us by the DM in his post, though!)
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]