Genesh, Irenia, Olwer, and, Elisha head to the Southern Side of Town, heading down the path to the two story house, then East about 5 minutes in where they can see clear signs of broken branches ending in several different types of boot prints leading deeper into the Forest.
They came to an area where the boot prints are all mixed up. This seems to be where Catherine was let out, and there is a clear path into the forest in the opposite direction where the majority of the boot prints continue.
(There may be more information here about that occurrence, but time may also be of the essence to follow the captors.)
Genesh looked at the footprints, and then the trail leading into the woods Investigation13 before turning his gaze toward his companions, "shall we follow the path into the forest then?"
Wandering through the path of dead trees seems almost fruitless at first. Nearly half an hour in and the footprints have nearly disappeared. It would seem as if the rain had fallen longer, heavier, in some much more sustained way when getting closer to your destination. The initially fresh footprints gave way to a slog of track through a small river of mud.
(9:32)
There is vegetation on this path, more so than usual. The normal small, mostly stick, bushes gave way to small weeds and various shrubs that have started poking through the chilled wastes of winter. There is the sound of constant, unmistakable laughter in the distance.
(10:12)
Completing the hour finds you totally lost. Whatever foot prints were about have gone and wherever you are is unknown. You do, however, come across a clearing and it contains three bags, two people, and one very large sack tied at the top.
Clearly, this is where the laughing was coming from, but in the moment of discovery, they become silent and watch you as you cross into the opening of the trees.
Genesh gaze falls upon the two people in question... the three bags, and lastly upon the very large sack tied at the top! As the laughter of the strangers ceased and they fell silent the tortle politely bowed to them and spoke in a friendly manner, "Greetings fellow travelers, I am called Genesh. Please be assured that my companions and I are the peaceful sort and did not mean to intrude uninvited... and interrupt your merriment! But what is this?" He asked indicating the three bags and large sack, "Are we lucky enough to have arrived at mealtime? I do so enjoy fresh fish you know!"
In the winter morning, the sunlight hasn't quiet reached the power needed to breakthrough the deadwood around you. The clearing and lack of leaves allows for it to be bright grey through musty cloud and obstructing tree limbs.
Olwer evades their sight, ducking below their vision as they fixate on Genesh. The amble foliage all about the floor provide some difficulty, but the crunch of leaves was of little concern to these two. (Stealth)
Irenia and Genesh are the main focus now. The smaller of the two locks onto Genesh while the larger appears to be crossing between the sack and Irenia like competing hawks for prey.
Elisha too looks at the bag, and sees that its large enough to fit a person, someone's been kidnapped and released recently, and it looks like that might be another person.
Olwer looks about the trees and knows definitely nobody is coming, they are on their own out here. (Perception...)
But he was right not to trust them.
The larger of the two of them grabs the sack and makes a run for it! Olwer collides with them as they dash into the trees knocking each other to the ground. He quickly stands and runs back to the smaller's positions with the sack, now in a defensive stance.
The smaller of the two proceed to make three signs in rough and awkward sign resembling something you've seen but not don't know. They sing a melodic tone, something that could be heard in the wind on a bright day in a field, far from this place. It echos and yet is not high volume. It is high pitch yet not a screech.
Elisha, who speaks Slyvan, knows what this is, and what they are saying.
Elisha says in Sylvan: "We want nothing from you. We where just out on a hunting trip. But, this is quite a curious situation...why run from us when we were just trying to talk and why is that bag moving?"
Genesh just stands in his spot silently, not making a move not knowing exactly what is being said or going on for that matter but those bags have certainly caught his eyes as he thinks to himself... 'curiouser and curiouser' figuring that Elisha has things well in hand but ready to help and lend a hand if needed.
The two are deceived and begin to lower their guard.
They say they are not running, they are defending themselves against possible attackers. They say they would like to take their things and leave. They do not answer about the bag.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Genesh continued to stare at the two men when they announce their wish to take their thing and leave and very politely and respectfully responded. "But of course you do, most understandable given the circumstances. However, I should inform you both that my companions and I have been hired to investigate criminal activity in the area. Namely, arson involving an inn being burnt to the ground, resulting in several people reported missing and feared dead or taken against their will. Additionally... a local merchant has reported that several large bundles of pipeweed have gone missing."
Upon informing them of this the tortle watched them very closely to note their reaction Insight18 prepared to defend himself or give chase should they become violent and seek to attack or to flee. If they stay put Genesh will add, "so you will understand that my companions and myself will need to see what's inside the three bags and the large sack to ensure that none of the missing pipeweed is in your possession. Just a quick peek and if there is nopipeweed then you both are free to be on your way unmolested and go about your business no muss, no fuss. If you refuse then I am going to have to ask you both to come with us to have a little talk with the local town watch."
(9:12 AM)
Genesh, Irenia, Olwer, and, Elisha head to the Southern Side of Town, heading down the path to the two story house, then East about 5 minutes in where they can see clear signs of broken branches ending in several different types of boot prints leading deeper into the Forest.
They came to an area where the boot prints are all mixed up. This seems to be where Catherine was let out, and there is a clear path into the forest in the opposite direction where the majority of the boot prints continue.
(There may be more information here about that occurrence, but time may also be of the essence to follow the captors.)
Genesh looked at the footprints, and then the trail leading into the woods Investigation 13 before turning his gaze toward his companions, "shall we follow the path into the forest then?"
Elisha says: "I think our best bet is to find the people that kidnapped Catherine and find out why. So yes I think the woods it is."
Irenia nods. "Agreed. We should go together since these folks might not be friendly and will be in numbers."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
(9:12)
Wandering through the path of dead trees seems almost fruitless at first. Nearly half an hour in and the footprints have nearly disappeared. It would seem as if the rain had fallen longer, heavier, in some much more sustained way when getting closer to your destination. The initially fresh footprints gave way to a slog of track through a small river of mud.
(9:32)
There is vegetation on this path, more so than usual. The normal small, mostly stick, bushes gave way to small weeds and various shrubs that have started poking through the chilled wastes of winter. There is the sound of constant, unmistakable laughter in the distance.
(10:12)
Completing the hour finds you totally lost. Whatever foot prints were about have gone and wherever you are is unknown. You do, however, come across a clearing and it contains three bags, two people, and one very large sack tied at the top.
Clearly, this is where the laughing was coming from, but in the moment of discovery, they become silent and watch you as you cross into the opening of the trees.
How far away are the people? Can we tell anything about them (are they elves)?
perception: 12
Genesh gaze falls upon the two people in question... the three bags, and lastly upon the very large sack tied at the top! As the laughter of the strangers ceased and they fell silent the tortle politely bowed to them and spoke in a friendly manner, "Greetings fellow travelers, I am called Genesh. Please be assured that my companions and I are the peaceful sort and did not mean to intrude uninvited... and interrupt your merriment! But what is this?" He asked indicating the three bags and large sack, "Are we lucky enough to have arrived at mealtime? I do so enjoy fresh fish you know!"
(They are covered, about 6 foot tall, one slender and one VERY muscular about 10 feet away enterng the clearing. Genesh closes to about 6 feet)
They do not answer Genesh, keeping him at a distance, and maintaining readiness to move quickly if needed.
Olwer, keeping a good distance back from the strangers, moves so as to to put a nice, solid tree trunk between him and the sack-men.
He then turns round with his eyes peeled for anybody who might be coming upon the party from the rear.
He keeps a hand on his rapier hilt but doesn't bare steel.
Yet.
If sneaking is possible, he will sneak and hide behind that tree.
23
Passive perception is 13.
If he needs a roll...
21
Irenia will continue to watch the strangers, her eyes locked on the bags.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Are the bags sitting still or does it look like someone/something is moving around inside them?
perception: 9
In the winter morning, the sunlight hasn't quiet reached the power needed to breakthrough the deadwood around you. The clearing and lack of leaves allows for it to be bright grey through musty cloud and obstructing tree limbs.
Olwer evades their sight, ducking below their vision as they fixate on Genesh. The amble foliage all about the floor provide some difficulty, but the crunch of leaves was of little concern to these two. (Stealth)
Irenia and Genesh are the main focus now. The smaller of the two locks onto Genesh while the larger appears to be crossing between the sack and Irenia like competing hawks for prey.
Elisha too looks at the bag, and sees that its large enough to fit a person, someone's been kidnapped and released recently, and it looks like that might be another person.
Olwer looks about the trees and knows definitely nobody is coming, they are on their own out here. (Perception...)
But he was right not to trust them.
The larger of the two of them grabs the sack and makes a run for it! Olwer collides with them as they dash into the trees knocking each other to the ground. He quickly stands and runs back to the smaller's positions with the sack, now in a defensive stance.
The smaller of the two proceed to make three signs in rough and awkward sign resembling something you've seen but not don't know. They sing a melodic tone, something that could be heard in the wind on a bright day in a field, far from this place. It echos and yet is not high volume. It is high pitch yet not a screech.
Elisha, who speaks Slyvan, knows what this is, and what they are saying.
"What do you want, why are you here?"
Elisha says in Sylvan: "We want nothing from you. We where just out on a hunting trip. But, this is quite a curious situation...why run from us when we were just trying to talk and why is that bag moving?"
deception: 16
Genesh just stands in his spot silently, not making a move not knowing exactly what is being said or going on for that matter but those bags have certainly caught his eyes as he thinks to himself... 'curiouser and curiouser' figuring that Elisha has things well in hand but ready to help and lend a hand if needed.
Olwer steps back to cover and points at Elisha, whispering…
message cantrip
"I don't see or hear anybody else nearby. Say 'rabbits' if you want to suddenly attack them. I'll hold, otherwise."
Elisha nods at Owler as he waits the men's reply.
The two are deceived and begin to lower their guard.
They say they are not running, they are defending themselves against possible attackers. They say they would like to take their things and leave. They do not answer about the bag.
Genesh continued to stare at the two men when they announce their wish to take their thing and leave and very politely and respectfully responded. "But of course you do, most understandable given the circumstances. However, I should inform you both that my companions and I have been hired to investigate criminal activity in the area. Namely, arson involving an inn being burnt to the ground, resulting in several people reported missing and feared dead or taken against their will. Additionally... a local merchant has reported that several large bundles of pipeweed have gone missing."
Upon informing them of this the tortle watched them very closely to note their reaction Insight 18 prepared to defend himself or give chase should they become violent and seek to attack or to flee. If they stay put Genesh will add, "so you will understand that my companions and myself will need to see what's inside the three bags and the large sack to ensure that none of the missing pipeweed is in your possession. Just a quick peek and if there is no pipeweed then you both are free to be on your way unmolested and go about your business no muss, no fuss. If you refuse then I am going to have to ask you both to come with us to have a little talk with the local town watch."
Can we tell if the men are Human or is the smaller one that speaks Sylvan an Elf?
(Genesh roll deception, also, by Elisha's current perception, there's no way to determine if they are elf or human.)