"I wish we coud be sure they did ride awa' wi' her, leannan.," Famh sighs wearily. "Then our course would be clear, an' certainly we should pursue wi'oot footen aboot mair. But I canna think why they'd souse her i' the well afore they carried her aff! ... Or how else a scrap of her dress should be doon there. I'm afeart it micht be her body we're seeking, and that it's here. I dinnae like that bluid on the stane at a'. Or else thon she's a prisoner i' some secret donjon cell the builders of this broch makit, that knew na living creature sin' until th' corbies nested thare."Cainneach notes in passing how easily she has flowed back to the speech of her childhood, more often and more comfortably the longer they travel together; and the addition of Vardi to the close-knit band of companions has only accelerated the process as Famh absorbs the subtle similarities and differences between their three various subdialects.
Looking around for the closest PG-rated boulder ;), she sits down and addresses the retinue at large.
"It's a hard choice, for surely if they did tak' her awa' we dinnae want to be losin' time. I think it comes doon tae this:
Gin they caught her elsewhere, they'd have nae reason to bring her here that I can see but tae leave her. But gin they ambushit her here, then the bluid an' the scrap o' dress an' all micht be nae more than the signs o' the struggle. My heart's telling me tae look here for a way doon, though, if for nae other reason than Salt. When I askit him to find the girl it was tae the well he went. And the hoofprints didna begin till the other side o' the copse, so they'd have been draggin' her along and left a trail we coud find. Or they'd be carryin' her an their own tracks wad be deeper from the weicht " (Survival roll in log: 14). She turns then to speak to Ori directly.
"You're our Sergeant, Ori, so I'll follow your lead; but I'd say we need to take quick council among ourselves on this before we do anything else. And as I say, my counsel would be for one more quick check here wi' mair and sharper eyes than mine alone."
Ori ponders Famh's words. "Oi, you make a good point. The way I see it, we have 2 choices. 1 we think the girl went down the well and is likely dead and we recover the body. 2 we pursue the riders and discover if the girl is with them or not which she would be alive, since a dead passenger isn't a good one. If we are wrong about the riders we can always come back and search the well. Of we are wrong about the well, I'm afaid the riders would be gone again. Even if we track them, I doubt the girl would stay alive in their care that long, aye?" Ori looks at the others in turn. "I'm not gonna tell the group what we have to do so let's hear all yer thoughts and choose. My vote is pursue the riders right now. Who knows maybe one of them was really nice and swept her off her feet and she chose to ride off with them."
Thatch scrunches up his face in thought as he walks over and glances down the well. “How can we search that any better than what you already have? I don’t fancy a swim. And do we know for sure that scrap of clothing is from the girl?” He looks back at the others “I second following the riders. We can follow their trail toward town, even if we can’t catch up to the riders we can find more information from the townsfolk and see if anyone can identify this cloth.” He looks around the chamber “But before we go, maybe I should take another look for any hidden openings in this ruin.” Thatch carefully looks over the interior of the broch, looking for secret passages or hidden doors.
Perception: 9. (Rolling with advantage due to Dungeon Delver feat).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Famh nods, albeit with another sigh. "I suppose you're right. Alive or deid, if she's here now she's likely to be here when we return. Can we move fast enough to catch up with riders then, d'ye think, or will we need to find steeds of our own somehow?" As she speaks, she too makes a final search for concealed passages or entrances; first gazing about and then taking a few moments to turn over the most obvious and likely stones outside the well.
Famh: "I'll be right in a moment, but mair than the heart turns to lead when ye climb doon there. It's cauld as a w ... "
Vardi swaps a very small sip for a slightly rain-damp cloak off her own back for a little extra warmth as she says "Winter waters are nay gentle in their touch ta many folk, tha' I know. Ye are a brave woman ta search them."
When Famh relates what she has found, the big lass offers "If she was a selkie, then even half dazed from a knock ta tha head, then she'd want to hide her sealcoat from her captors, aye? Big fellas would nay be able ta climb down there after it in a hurry, or her for tha' matter. However, if she is nay any such personage, that scrap ye found is a bit of fine stuff, gentry-level work even." then in a puzzled tone "But if so, then why was it so poorly dyed as ta shed its hue in but a few hours soaking in cold water? A gift from an admirer best hid from the gossipmongers yet aching ta be worn close perhaps?"
She looks to Famh, to seek her opinion on the perplexing contrast between a yeoman farmer's daughter and their likely wardrobe allowance, and the quality of the scrap's material.
Ori: "...Who knows maybe one of them was really nice and swept her off her feet and she chose to ride off with them."
The lyften lass shrugs and says "Tis possible she went with them of her own accord. Unlikely, but possible."
Vardi nods in agreement when Thatch says "...Even if we can’t catch up to the riders we can find more information from the townsfolk and see if anyone can identify this cloth.”as it has crossed her mind that it may not be Morag that lost it here in the first place.
On the matter of mounts she offers "I dinnay know if tha' bull would be in any condition ta ride, and he'd likely nay like us taking tha herd less we took him as well. Tha' would be something Ser Almeric would know more about, else we'll be paying for tha hire if any are to be found here abouts."
When the search for possible movable stones begins, Vardi starts her search in the place Famh suggested she stand before to watch, out of sight, but not forgotten.
OOC: Vardi looks over the part of the broch Famh suggested before for movable stones. She also checks the smell of the stain on the stone. Perception total of 13.
OOC: Vardi looks over the part of the broch Famh suggested before for movable stones. She also checks the smell of the stain on the stone. Perception total of 13.
( There is nothing under the local stones but an annoyed toad and some worms. The stain is definitely blood....quite dry now.
"I can't offer much advice on diving in wells or underground streams. Dru and I explored the occasional cave, but only so far as to make sure it was safe for us to shelter in. So we dash onward to follow the tracks? I think Ori and Thatch made a fine case for that course of action. The gods be willing, we'll find the girl, but Salt's nose and that scrap of cloth don't give me much hope for it. And Vardi, I don't know you well, but I'd be mighty impressed to see you on the back of that bull! A suitable mount for a woman of your impressive stature!" The forester then allows Thatch to take the lead when/if we depart and drops back to chat for a moment with Famh.
"What do you make of what you saw down there, Famh? Do you think there's any way to navigate that stream, or whatever it was? Could the lass have survived? I'd like to think I'm not scared of many things, aside from losing you of course, but a rushing, frigid current in an enclosed cave like that puts a terrible fright in me."
(@Damian_May, in post #2496, you said "... 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 ..." Does that imply that the riders remounted after leaving the woods and rode up the ridge, or were there still both hoof and boot prints and the horses were interpreted to be laden due to the depth of the hoof prints? Sorry, I should have clarified sooner, but Famh's inquiry about catching up brought this back to my mind.)
Famh frowns thoughtfully. "The mair I think aboot the well, 'neach, the mair I'm sure the builders must have struck some underground stream and used it for their water source ... and here on the coast that means it likely goes through limestone on its way to the sea." (Nature roll in log: 24) "So there might be other caves down there to check when we return. But I didnae see where the water enters or departs, or whether there was space above the water for someone to breathe if they did fall in."
She turns to include the Lyften lass in the conversation. "And ye're right, Vardi, the scrap is odd in mair than just being down there. An admirer maybe, since the gravat's worn about the neck like a lover's arm; or maybe the lass was a fine seamstress hidden among the hills and broidered it herself. Especially if the material proves as homespun as the dye."
(@Damian_May, in post #2496, you said "... 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 ..." Does that imply that the riders remounted after leaving the woods and rode up the ridge, or were there still both hoof and boot prints and the horses were interpreted to be laden due to the depth of the hoof prints? Sorry, I should have clarified sooner, but Famh's inquiry about catching up brought this back to my mind.)
Famh frowns thoughtfully. "The mair I think aboot the well, 'neach, the mair I'm sure the builders must have struck some underground stream and used it for their water source ... and here on the coast that means it likely goes through limestone on its way to the sea." (Nature roll in log: 24) "So there might be other caves down there to check when we return. But I didnae see where the water enters or departs, or whether there was space above the water for someone to breathe if they did fall in."
She turns to include the Lyften lass in the conversation. "And ye're right, Vardi, the scrap is odd in mair than just being down there. An admirer maybe, since the gravat's worn about the neck like a lover's arm; or maybe the lass was a fine seamstress hidden among the hills and broidered it herself. Especially if the material proves as homespun as the dye."
Famh examines the woolen gravat and concludes that it is quite old and inexpertly dyed....though of skilled make.....possibly the girl inherited it...
With little else to find here it seems the companions must depart north....do they tell the womans father of their findings or leave in hope of better news in future...
"My thanks to you, Famh, that knowledge will be of use, I'm sure! But if we think there's any chance the lass is with the riders, then we haven't a moment to lose. Vardi's right, they're on horseback again and on the move. With the conditions being slick, they might not be at full speed, but they still have an advantage on us travelling on foot. I'm afraid no bulls or cows will help with that."
Thatch lets out a sigh of exasperation as his continued search of the broch uncovers no hidden chambers or other secrets. “There may be other caves down there”he nods to Famh “but I can’t see another way to check down there. It’s best to head down the trail toward town, even if we don’t catch up with the riders, someone may have seen them or have word to share of them or the girl.” Thatch moves to exit the broch and pick up the trail he first followed with Cainneach.
The companions picked up the trail and followed it along the ridgeline until it dropped back down to the Lords Road heading north just outside the village.
Continuing on for a number of hours they had soon, passed out of pastures and fields capable of producing crops and slowly but surely the muddy road was climbing through rough pasture and patches of scrubby woods.
The afternoon sun was lost in the slate-grey clouds overhead.......
Looking up and about they could see signs of isolated holdings on some of the hilltops and occasional scattered herds of sheep and cattle in the distance.
He looked up at a great lump of stone jutting out from the rocky hillside....
Looking ahead a largish rock stands alone in the shadow of the hills beside the road.
Famh moves forward and grips Cainneach by the arm to halt him, then waves to Orithat she'd like to confer with the Sergeant and the scouts about something. Indicating the boulders above and by the roadside with a tilt of her head, she says in a low voice, "Shoud we press straicht on, or dae ye think they might have left an ambush behind yon great stanes i' case they were pursued? There shoud be a track leaving the road somewhere near if they did. Unless they flew, though after Karvalaand Tuannon Dhur I wouldnae be half surprisit if they coud." Moving her head casually to conceal her true attentiveness, she scans the immediate vicinity for such a track.
In a half plaintive, half coquettish voice, Famh whispers to Cainneach, "I canna seem tae focus on aucht else when ye're by, leannan. All the reaving clans of Thuland coud be hid behind yon stanes and I'd only smile intae yer e'en as they rode doun upon us. Perhaps Thatch will do better... if there's nae primrose bushes by, that is." She winks good-humouredly in the direction of the stealthy groom.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A sullen quiet hung over the party as they marched relentlessly onward. They'd seen great loss and greater horrors during their travels, but the likely unceremonious death of the old man's daughter still struck them a heavy blow. They had little reason to hope that she yet lived, but they had to carry through with their mission. On that front, it was fortunate that they'd been able to find enough of a trail to remain confident they were still in pursuit of the presumed murderers. Cainneach remained vigilant despite the hours of monotonous hiking they had endured, so naturally was struck by the potential danger of the boulders looming ahead. He did not, however, mind at all when Famh took him by the arm to point them out.
"Aye, there's not much chance they wouldn't at least have considered waylaying us at this spot, if they have an idea we're on their tail. You're right, leannan, to look for tracks leading off. If we can spot some, or remain fearful of ambush, I think the choice might be whether we head directly for them with speed to roust the scoundrels from their cover or we maintain an air of ignorance to draw them out as we pass. Either one carries risk. Maybe I could sneak around to try and glimpse if they're behind the closer. Hopefully they're so well-concealed they can't see us well either!"
Investigation21 (Looking casually for tracks leading off the road, as Famh had done) Stealth22 (Judging whether it is likely he can find sufficient cover to sneak away unnoticed by watchers at the boulders) Perception17 (Looking for evidence of ambushers)
After taking a look about, Cainneach finds a hopeful path through the brush and grasses that might serve to disguise his advance. Before he departs on the speculative venture, he turns to Famh and replies, "I truly hope there are exactly zero reaving clans behind those boulders and that I find adequate cover, else I doubt I can get back to your loving arms before I perish under the ambush!" The forester winks, gives her a quick kiss on the cheek, bows, and then turns toward the rest of the party to give a quick indication of what he aims to do.
Unfortunately, just as Cainneach is about to sneak away, Salt is distracted by a handful of crows descending just off the trail to the east, then barks and runs toward them. Cainneach's immediate instinct is to bark in turn at the hound and to chase him down, blowing any chance for the forester to go unnoticed. After hauling the young, eager, and evidently bored dog back to the group while playfully scolding him, Cainneach smiles sheepishly and says to Thatch, "Maybe you'll have better luck? Or a better plan ..."
(Perhaps Cainneach was able to see something from his angle off the trail when tracking down Salt? Nat 20 on Perception, just sayin' ... ;-)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thatch pauses and purses his lips as listens to the others and surveys the scene in front of him. “It would be a likely spot for an ambush, or a trap. It almost looks like the stone slid down from the outcropping above. I will have a quick look about” He blushes slightly as Famh mentions primroses and instinctively pats the flower pressed into his leathers. He takes advantage of Salt’s abrupt barking to slide off of the trail away from the party and circles around the outcropping looking for any sign of ambushers or traps.
Ori eyes watch the terrain for any signs of movement, though no more then he's been doing. "Look mates, the chances they suspect we are following them are pretty slim. If they did think someone is coming behind them, they would assume the worst which would mean pursuers on horseback as they themselves are. So if they hurry thier pace at all, we'll never catch them. Plus if we hope to catch them it would be tonight while they are resting if they are even close enough for us to catch up to. Peek about and try to find if someone is watching or if you find hunts of someone camping off trail. Otherwise we have to keep up the pace, aye." Ori didn't like moving so openly with so little light left but if they didn't find them by the time the group breaks for a rest, they would be gone. Only hope at that point is that they have a camp near by and don't just ride off in the morning.
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"I wish we coud be sure they did ride awa' wi' her, leannan.," Famh sighs wearily. "Then our course would be clear, an' certainly we should pursue wi'oot footen aboot mair. But I canna think why they'd souse her i' the well afore they carried her aff! ... Or how else a scrap of her dress should be doon there. I'm afeart it micht be her body we're seeking, and that it's here. I dinnae like that bluid on the stane at a'. Or else thon she's a prisoner i' some secret donjon cell the builders of this broch makit, that knew na living creature sin' until th' corbies nested thare." Cainneach notes in passing how easily she has flowed back to the speech of her childhood, more often and more comfortably the longer they travel together; and the addition of Vardi to the close-knit band of companions has only accelerated the process as Famh absorbs the subtle similarities and differences between their three various subdialects.
Looking around for the closest PG-rated boulder ;), she sits down and addresses the retinue at large.
"It's a hard choice, for surely if they did tak' her awa' we dinnae want to be losin' time. I think it comes doon tae this:
Gin they caught her elsewhere, they'd have nae reason to bring her here that I can see but tae leave her. But gin they ambushit her here, then the bluid an' the scrap o' dress an' all micht be nae more than the signs o' the struggle. My heart's telling me tae look here for a way doon, though, if for nae other reason than Salt. When I askit him to find the girl it was tae the well he went. And the hoofprints didna begin till the other side o' the copse, so they'd have been draggin' her along and left a trail we coud find. Or they'd be carryin' her an their own tracks wad be deeper from the weicht " (Survival roll in log: 14). She turns then to speak to Ori directly.
"You're our Sergeant, Ori, so I'll follow your lead; but I'd say we need to take quick council among ourselves on this before we do anything else. And as I say, my counsel would be for one more quick check here wi' mair and sharper eyes than mine alone."
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
Ori ponders Famh's words. "Oi, you make a good point. The way I see it, we have 2 choices. 1 we think the girl went down the well and is likely dead and we recover the body. 2 we pursue the riders and discover if the girl is with them or not which she would be alive, since a dead passenger isn't a good one. If we are wrong about the riders we can always come back and search the well. Of we are wrong about the well, I'm afaid the riders would be gone again. Even if we track them, I doubt the girl would stay alive in their care that long, aye?" Ori looks at the others in turn. "I'm not gonna tell the group what we have to do so let's hear all yer thoughts and choose. My vote is pursue the riders right now. Who knows maybe one of them was really nice and swept her off her feet and she chose to ride off with them."
Thatch scrunches up his face in thought as he walks over and glances down the well. “How can we search that any better than what you already have? I don’t fancy a swim. And do we know for sure that scrap of clothing is from the girl?” He looks back at the others “I second following the riders. We can follow their trail toward town, even if we can’t catch up to the riders we can find more information from the townsfolk and see if anyone can identify this cloth.” He looks around the chamber “But before we go, maybe I should take another look for any hidden openings in this ruin.” Thatch carefully looks over the interior of the broch, looking for secret passages or hidden doors.
Perception: 9. (Rolling with advantage due to Dungeon Delver feat).
Famh nods, albeit with another sigh. "I suppose you're right. Alive or deid, if she's here now she's likely to be here when we return. Can we move fast enough to catch up with riders then, d'ye think, or will we need to find steeds of our own somehow?" As she speaks, she too makes a final search for concealed passages or entrances; first gazing about and then taking a few moments to turn over the most obvious and likely stones outside the well.
=========
Perception 5
Investigation 8
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
Neither Thatch nor Famh finds any sign of anything else about the broch...it seems it hides no more more secrets currently.
Famh: "I'll be right in a moment, but mair than the heart turns to lead when ye climb doon there. It's cauld as a w ... "
Vardi swaps a very small sip for a slightly rain-damp cloak off her own back for a little extra warmth as she says "Winter waters are nay gentle in their touch ta many folk, tha' I know. Ye are a brave woman ta search them."
When Famh relates what she has found, the big lass offers "If she was a selkie, then even half dazed from a knock ta tha head, then she'd want to hide her sealcoat from her captors, aye? Big fellas would nay be able ta climb down there after it in a hurry, or her for tha' matter. However, if she is nay any such personage, that scrap ye found is a bit of fine stuff, gentry-level work even." then in a puzzled tone "But if so, then why was it so poorly dyed as ta shed its hue in but a few hours soaking in cold water? A gift from an admirer best hid from the gossipmongers yet aching ta be worn close perhaps?"
She looks to Famh, to seek her opinion on the perplexing contrast between a yeoman farmer's daughter and their likely wardrobe allowance, and the quality of the scrap's material.
Ori: "...Who knows maybe one of them was really nice and swept her off her feet and she chose to ride off with them."
The lyften lass shrugs and says "Tis possible she went with them of her own accord. Unlikely, but possible."
Vardi nods in agreement when Thatch says "...Even if we can’t catch up to the riders we can find more information from the townsfolk and see if anyone can identify this cloth.” as it has crossed her mind that it may not be Morag that lost it here in the first place.
On the matter of mounts she offers "I dinnay know if tha' bull would be in any condition ta ride, and he'd likely nay like us taking tha herd less we took him as well. Tha' would be something Ser Almeric would know more about, else we'll be paying for tha hire if any are to be found here abouts."
When the search for possible movable stones begins, Vardi starts her search in the place Famh suggested she stand before to watch, out of sight, but not forgotten.
OOC: Vardi looks over the part of the broch Famh suggested before for movable stones. She also checks the smell of the stain on the stone. Perception total of 13.
( There is nothing under the local stones but an annoyed toad and some worms. The stain is definitely blood....quite dry now.
"I can't offer much advice on diving in wells or underground streams. Dru and I explored the occasional cave, but only so far as to make sure it was safe for us to shelter in. So we dash onward to follow the tracks? I think Ori and Thatch made a fine case for that course of action. The gods be willing, we'll find the girl, but Salt's nose and that scrap of cloth don't give me much hope for it. And Vardi, I don't know you well, but I'd be mighty impressed to see you on the back of that bull! A suitable mount for a woman of your impressive stature!" The forester then allows Thatch to take the lead when/if we depart and drops back to chat for a moment with Famh.
"What do you make of what you saw down there, Famh? Do you think there's any way to navigate that stream, or whatever it was? Could the lass have survived? I'd like to think I'm not scared of many things, aside from losing you of course, but a rushing, frigid current in an enclosed cave like that puts a terrible fright in me."
(@Damian_May, in post #2496, you said "... 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 ..." Does that imply that the riders remounted after leaving the woods and rode up the ridge, or were there still both hoof and boot prints and the horses were interpreted to be laden due to the depth of the hoof prints? Sorry, I should have clarified sooner, but Famh's inquiry about catching up brought this back to my mind.)
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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Famh frowns thoughtfully. "The mair I think aboot the well, 'neach, the mair I'm sure the builders must have struck some underground stream and used it for their water source ... and here on the coast that means it likely goes through limestone on its way to the sea." (Nature roll in log: 24) "So there might be other caves down there to check when we return. But I didnae see where the water enters or departs, or whether there was space above the water for someone to breathe if they did fall in."
She turns to include the Lyften lass in the conversation. "And ye're right, Vardi, the scrap is odd in mair than just being down there. An admirer maybe, since the gravat's worn about the neck like a lover's arm; or maybe the lass was a fine seamstress hidden among the hills and broidered it herself. Especially if the material proves as homespun as the dye."
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
( The former)
Famh examines the woolen gravat and concludes that it is quite old and inexpertly dyed....though of skilled make.....possibly the girl inherited it...
With little else to find here it seems the companions must depart north....do they tell the womans father of their findings or leave in hope of better news in future...
"My thanks to you, Famh, that knowledge will be of use, I'm sure! But if we think there's any chance the lass is with the riders, then we haven't a moment to lose. Vardi's right, they're on horseback again and on the move. With the conditions being slick, they might not be at full speed, but they still have an advantage on us travelling on foot. I'm afraid no bulls or cows will help with that."
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!
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Thatch lets out a sigh of exasperation as his continued search of the broch uncovers no hidden chambers or other secrets. “There may be other caves down there” he nods to Famh “but I can’t see another way to check down there. It’s best to head down the trail toward town, even if we don’t catch up with the riders, someone may have seen them or have word to share of them or the girl.” Thatch moves to exit the broch and pick up the trail he first followed with Cainneach.
The companions picked up the trail and followed it along the ridgeline until it dropped back down to the Lords Road heading north just outside the village.
Continuing on for a number of hours they had soon, passed out of pastures and fields capable of producing crops and slowly but surely the muddy road was climbing through rough pasture and patches of scrubby woods.
The afternoon sun was lost in the slate-grey clouds overhead.......
Looking up and about they could see signs of isolated holdings on some of the hilltops and occasional scattered herds of sheep and cattle in the distance.
He looked up at a great lump of stone jutting out from the rocky hillside....
Looking ahead a largish rock stands alone in the shadow of the hills beside the road.
(edited for dialect consistency)
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
A sullen quiet hung over the party as they marched relentlessly onward. They'd seen great loss and greater horrors during their travels, but the likely unceremonious death of the old man's daughter still struck them a heavy blow. They had little reason to hope that she yet lived, but they had to carry through with their mission. On that front, it was fortunate that they'd been able to find enough of a trail to remain confident they were still in pursuit of the presumed murderers. Cainneach remained vigilant despite the hours of monotonous hiking they had endured, so naturally was struck by the potential danger of the boulders looming ahead. He did not, however, mind at all when Famh took him by the arm to point them out.
"Aye, there's not much chance they wouldn't at least have considered waylaying us at this spot, if they have an idea we're on their tail. You're right, leannan, to look for tracks leading off. If we can spot some, or remain fearful of ambush, I think the choice might be whether we head directly for them with speed to roust the scoundrels from their cover or we maintain an air of ignorance to draw them out as we pass. Either one carries risk. Maybe I could sneak around to try and glimpse if they're behind the closer. Hopefully they're so well-concealed they can't see us well either!"
Investigation 21 (Looking casually for tracks leading off the road, as Famh had done)
Stealth 22 (Judging whether it is likely he can find sufficient cover to sneak away unnoticed by watchers at the boulders)
Perception 17 (Looking for evidence of ambushers)
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After taking a look about, Cainneach finds a hopeful path through the brush and grasses that might serve to disguise his advance. Before he departs on the speculative venture, he turns to Famh and replies, "I truly hope there are exactly zero reaving clans behind those boulders and that I find adequate cover, else I doubt I can get back to your loving arms before I perish under the ambush!" The forester winks, gives her a quick kiss on the cheek, bows, and then turns toward the rest of the party to give a quick indication of what he aims to do.
Unfortunately, just as Cainneach is about to sneak away, Salt is distracted by a handful of crows descending just off the trail to the east, then barks and runs toward them. Cainneach's immediate instinct is to bark in turn at the hound and to chase him down, blowing any chance for the forester to go unnoticed. After hauling the young, eager, and evidently bored dog back to the group while playfully scolding him, Cainneach smiles sheepishly and says to Thatch, "Maybe you'll have better luck? Or a better plan ..."
(Perhaps Cainneach was able to see something from his angle off the trail when tracking down Salt? Nat 20 on Perception, just sayin' ... ;-)
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Thatch pauses and purses his lips as listens to the others and surveys the scene in front of him. “It would be a likely spot for an ambush, or a trap. It almost looks like the stone slid down from the outcropping above. I will have a quick look about” He blushes slightly as Famh mentions primroses and instinctively pats the flower pressed into his leathers. He takes advantage of Salt’s abrupt barking to slide off of the trail away from the party and circles around the outcropping looking for any sign of ambushers or traps.
Perception: 19.
Stealth: 18.
.
Ori eyes watch the terrain for any signs of movement, though no more then he's been doing. "Look mates, the chances they suspect we are following them are pretty slim. If they did think someone is coming behind them, they would assume the worst which would mean pursuers on horseback as they themselves are. So if they hurry thier pace at all, we'll never catch them. Plus if we hope to catch them it would be tonight while they are resting if they are even close enough for us to catch up to. Peek about and try to find if someone is watching or if you find hunts of someone camping off trail. Otherwise we have to keep up the pace, aye." Ori didn't like moving so openly with so little light left but if they didn't find them by the time the group breaks for a rest, they would be gone. Only hope at that point is that they have a camp near by and don't just ride off in the morning.