(011) The Expedition North

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:

Once done Padrig will go shopping and purchase a helmet (30sp), and his own writting ink(1sp), Quill, steel nibbed(1gp), and Parchment, 6 leaves(1sp). Top up Rations (7sp?). Scroll case, wooden (2sp). Top up Torches (4cp). Mirror metal, (12sp).

Padrig requests his company to each buy some fine wine or pure water so that it can be used to aid healing if they are injured.

Because Padrig couldn't afford all these goods before the treasure was divided he didn't buy them.

Before leaving Padrig will purchase from his meager funds: writting ink(1sp)x2, Quill, steel nibbed(1gp), and Parchment, 6 leaves(1sp). Just in case Padrig needs to make some healing spells during the adventure.

These things he can afford, however, and has purchased them. Padrig has 3sp remaining.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The first hour of dawn has passed before all of your gear has been stowed in the cart or backpacks, and the grumpy mule hitched, and everyone's arms and armour shouldered in dim morning drizzle, at least appears to be letting up somewhat.

At last the company is underway, with Olaf striding ahead to check the road for company and for access for the recalcitrant cart. The mule has to be continually goaded despite the cart being only half loaded, so Victor leads the beast, near pulling it along by the bit.

The wet weather dampens everyone's spirits except for Boris and Taines, who seems to getting along famously, laughing and joking and telling ribald tales to one another.

What little farmland there is around Ket soon vanishes behind you, and the familiar scrub and heath soon fills out the undulating landscape around the road. The waterway marked on your map may once have flowed freely, but now is little more than a wide stream in a broad, rocky bed that winds awkwardly between the mounds and hillocks. It is rarely wider than a dozen yards, and most often less than half that. It looks to be barely beyond ankle depth for the most part, but at least you have easy access to water.

The road from Ket follows the river for the most part, though it is not yet midday when it has become overgrown and difficult, and little more than a disused track.

(1d6)

The accursed drizzle continues without end, as you march on. As does the lively chatter between Boris and Taines' who laugh deep chested laughs as they spin tales about the manner in which they each would choose to spend a mountain of gold...

...

Shortly before noon Olaf comes trotting back to the company from his most recent foray ahead to report that it is more of the same ahead. The road gets no better, but at least it gets no worse. These lands appear to be infrequently used... but whatever the case, noon is drawing nigh, and hunger does call.

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

"I wonder what curse lays upon this land that so few wish to tread upon it by choice." Mads muses.
"There might be a dam of sorts situated upstream, to help keep this place dry and barren."

[waysoftheearth]

tombowings wrote:
"The fewer travelers, the more treasure left for us. Let us keep moving, for I wish to be burning a whole in my pockets sooner rather than later." says Flewellen.

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

"The fewer travelers, the more treasure left for us. Let us keep moving, for I wish to be burning a whole in my pockets sooner rather than later." says Flewellen.

"Rest your feet for a bit and fill your stomach and we'll be on our way." Olaf says as he sees that the mule has some food to eat as well, "I am thinking we should have bought you a mate to make the hauling of the cart easier."

"A dam across the river would account for the lack of water, Mads, but all that water has to be going somewhere." Olaf says as he takes a bit of rations and sips from his waterskin, "The map showed swampy land up this way, too. Maybe the water is almost all being diverted into the swamp for some reason."

"I could use some company scouting ahead." Olaf says, "Two pairs of eyes are better than one."

During the afternoon, Olaf will continue to keep a watchful eye out for dangers and he'll also be looking for a place to spend the night. Preferably, a warm dry place. [img]images/smiley/smiley.png[/img]

Oh, and if he spies any small game he will attempt to bring it down with an arrow...better to eat a rabbit or deer than use up all our trail rations.

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
Since we have the cart and Dieter doesn't need to play pack-mule, he'll go along with Olaf to scout ahead.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The company breaks for a light meal in the continuing drizzle. The weather is certainly rather dampening, and now might even be putting some of the food supplies in the cart at risk.

Anwyn chirps something to the effect that she intends to check out the stream, and hops off lightly as the rest of you eat.

"Someone else can beat the mule for a while," Victor growls, and spits, as he plonks himself down on a wet log to eat.

There is little shelter from the drizzle, and each and every one of you is lamenting the fact you did not think to purchase an oiled cloak. You can only that hope your bedrolls will not be too sodden come night fall...

"Let's talk about food for us, and coin, shall we?" says Fix, "We ain't marching any further without some security,"

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

During the lunch break, Mads will keep watch of their rear, just to be sure they're not being followed.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
Ulric distributes some of his rations to Boris and Fix.

"Don't worry, we'll keep you fed. As far as coin," Ulric reaches into his belt pouch and extracts 8 silver for each man. "This should help fight back the chill. There's sure to be more where we're headed, you can be sure."

OOC: I didn't see oiled cloaks in the equipment list. I'm just glad I bought the waxed satchel.

[waysoftheearth]

heartless wrote:
Padrig will join Dieter, Olaf, Mads to scout around. He will keep to sides and back of the mule&cart keeping an elven ear & eye out for any strange sounds and movement in the landscape around.