Khutulun spies a slightly deformed piece of foliage and as the others approach they can see other areas where leaves have been broken and undergrowth crushed....

It is Malambing whose height allows him to note two horizontal cuts at hip height on  a tree trunk and then another a little further in,  those used to desert, mountain and sea can make out little more than an impenetrable looking wall of green beyond the road.  

Hundreds of bird calls ring through the air and the ground is alive with insects, frogs and other small creatures...

"This way, friends - I think this is their route - but be alert, we're on their turf and they may have set traps."

Krikoris carefully lights a torch, using control flames to ensure no stray flame ignites the surroundings. (Yes, I know its probably day time, but he has other uses for it.)

"Good spotting. I doubt they will be far  probably just far enough to stay invisible from the road", the monk says as she starts to follow the revealed path, her foot falls slow and steady.

The group begins to move carefully into the forest keeping their eyes peeled.

About 100m into the trees Jupps height afforded him a view that came in very useful, he noted a log through which metal spikes had been driven suspended on a number of vines directly over their path, as he pointed it out Cinta and Uce saw a series of thin pieces of twine at ankle height...following them they saw thin saplings under tension hidden behind brush screens.

( Checks- 231911166 )

Jupp very quietly speaks "It would seem they do not like visitors. Mal do you know how to disable them or do you see where they may have gone around?"

Whispering back, Mal says "I can certainly try, po." He then attempts to disable the traps he finds. Sleight of Hand check to disable the traps: 23

Otherwise, a straight Dex roll if Sleight of Hand isn't the right skill: 17

Quote from Gorthmorg >>

Whispering back, Mal says "I can certainly try, po." He then attempts to disable the traps he finds. Sleight of Hand check to disable the traps: 20

Otherwise, a straight Dex roll if Sleight of Hand isn't the right skill: 4

 Malambing manages to ease the tension on the saplings and prevent them from flinging the blades set into them into any of the partys faces.

He doesn't think he is able to safely dispose of the deadfall so indicates a way around....quite pleased that the skills he developed in the city seem to have at least a couple of applications in the forest.

 "This kind of reminds me of back home. Hunters would set traps for both poachers and game," says Cinta as she studies the trap as they go by, making a mental note of how it works.

 Noding, the monk continues on quietly.

Both Cinta and Khutulun get a distinct feeling of being watched as the group moves but try as they might there is nothing to be seen.

Krikoris examines it curiously, "Interesting, useful enough and no need for magic."

"We are definitely being watched, we must keep our wits about us," Khutulun says as the party advances.

"I am sure if the city have more resources and less division within, then these bandits would have been deal with a long time ago. But as it is, they are a wound that has just been allowed to feaster and grow."

"Same story at home, not enough soldiers to chase these ruffians," says Cinta, agreeing with Khutulun.

Uce takes in Khutulun's words as he glances at his axe. "Then we'll have just to cut out the wound, ya?"

Mal just moves along, trying to stay as quiet and stealthy as possible. He isn't completely at home in the forest, but he's used to the climate at least, and having had to scrounge for most of his life, he knows what not to step in. Stealth: 13

As they're trying to sneak, Krikoris will use his power to diminish the light of the torch.

control flames

Stealth: 7

Khutulun will also tread quietly.

Stealth 21

Managing to stay relatively quiet as they moved through the forest the companions noted that the signs and sounds of animal and birdlife were beginning to diminish and they noted footprints and discarded clothing, they obviously weren't worried about remaining hidden this far from the road.

As the companions drew closer they could smell woodsmoke and hear low voices and crying sounds.

Pausing before approaching Krikoris, concentrating on his spell,  mistepped and a fallen branch loudly snapped under his foot....the voices hushed, but the crying continued.

Bandits Perception: 5

Uce Stealth - 10