"Karst - it would seem Old Poe's path and ours are, for the time, aligned. I would suggest that we might walk for the interim and see what jogs his memory from the landscape."

"Sick 'em!" Old Poe shouts as soon as Karst's hand touches his shoulder, throwing an object towards Bartram. A crudely carved figurine of a panther bounces to the ground at Bartram's feet before rolling to a halt, and Old Poe is suddenly hundreds of yards down the trail, riding away at an obviously magically enhanced pace.

"Or not so aligned as we might have thought..." mutters Karst as he watches the old man disappear down the road. He turns back to look at the figurine on the floor and then back to the old man before shaking his head quietly. 

Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 1 | Human | Rogue

Seeing this odd reaction to Karst touching Old Poe leaves Bartram feeling confused. What would make the old man act that way and why throw an panther figurine at him like he expected it to come to life. Picking it up he examines it.

"What do you make of this everyone, seems like an odd thing to throw. It's like he expected it to come to life. It might be a good idea to continue on are way to are destination as quickly as possible, no telling what trouble will come after us from that old man if we stay here."

"Everything about the last few minutes was very strange, but I don't think he really knew what was going on. I hope he doesn't come to harm though." Turning to the rest of the group he continues "I guess we press on to Rauvincross as planned - we have nothing reliable from the old man and we need to carry out our mission. It sits badly with me thinking a girl is held captive by orcs but we are not in a position to help". 

Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 1 | Human | Rogue

"Keep in mind Karst that the old man was crazy and that girl could have been taken years ago. By the way he feared anyone going in that smokehouse it may already be too late, just keep all of this in mind."

Meepo jogs in place as he bring his thoughts to the group.

"If there is one thing we are sure of, that old man knows our plans whether he's senile or not.

We better hurry and finish what we came for. Let's be both quick on our feet and wits."

Agreed Meepo. Let’s head out - everyone keep  an eye on surroundings for anything that might match the map! If we’re lucky, we will re-engage Ol Poe somewhere down the line, albeit more quietly.

"As you say." Karst takes a good look at the map to remind himself of its contents and then is ready to head off with the rest of the party. 

Travus prepares to set off, following whoever can read the map.

OOC: Each character has received 100 XP for obtaining information from Old Poe.

The rest of the day is peaceful as you travel south toward the Moon Pass and Rauvincross. As the sun sets you have started making your way through a forest. The sound of arguing in a strange language is easily heard up ahead in the darker thickets. Two kobolds can be seen mid-tiff through the trees. One holds a make-shift paint brush; the other jabbers angrily towards a nearby make-shift sign. Meepo and Travus are able to understand the language being spoken.

For Meepo and Travus:

Meepo slowly creeps near the two unsuspecting kobolds to hear more of their bantering, hiding between the leafy cover that the forest provides.

Stealth 14

Travus ducks down at the sight of the kobolds. After listening for a bit, he whispers to the rest of the party, "They're speaking in draconic... they're, uhh, arguing about which one of them speaks goblin better. I say we listen for a bit and see where their conversation goes."

Stealth: 15

Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 1 | Human | Rogue

Upon seeing the kobolds, Bartram hides amongst the trees of the forest and keeps a close watch on the pair. As a precaution he prepares his shortbow, ready to fire if the kobolds attack someone.

Stealth: 16

Perception: 13

Discretion being the better part of valor, I quietly move to cover. Stealth:3 

As I get myself positioned, I intimate to the others using hand signals that I will move on their call since they have better eyes and ears on the target.

Seeing Aradurk move stealthily into a better position Karst tries to move up a little but is aware that with his heavy armour he will struggle to move quietly so keeps a good distance away.  He remains ready to sprint forward to engage should things escalate.

All but Karst are close enough to see that the sign has two lines, the first written in an unknown language, and the second just below it written in a language that only Meepo can understand.

For Meepo and Travus:

For Meepo:

Travus whispers to the rest of the party, "They're still arguing... it's about what the word 'sneak' means. I don't think these kobolds have much intelligence, but no offense to you Meepo."

Meepo can't refute the words Travus said since he knows that most of his tribe members fit his description.

Meepo moves to the opposite side of the party so that the kobold's backs would face them while he shows his body halfway and speaks in a quiet volume at the the bickering kobolds in their native language.

"Psst, what are you two doing? Doesn't orcs live around these parts? Are both of you trying to commit suicide this time of day?"

"Gah!" The kobolds spin around at the unexpected intrusion, one holding the paintbrush out defensively as if it were a weapon. They calm as soon as they see a fellow kobold, and speak in draconic.

For Meepo and Travus:

The others in the party are unfamiliar with the language, but see the two kobolds converse with Meepo (one speaking quite loudly), handing him a small handbill.