(011) The Expedition North

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Anwyn makes a circuit around the campsite, but finds no immediate sign of any other abomination crawling out of the wretched bog in the dark.

Soon the exhausted company follows Gustave's lead and collapses into a deep sleep. Only Padrig and Ulric remain awake through the coldest and darkest part of the night, watching warily over their sleeping companions...

(1d6)

But thankfully the remainder of the night passes uneventfully, and the company rises to a frosty, grey dawn. With the fire having died out completely hours before dawn, most are chilled to the marrow.

Despite this serious discomfort, the injured are feeling substantially recovered by dawn (1d6; Dieter=4, Gustave=5, Olaf=3, Mads=6).

Dieter now has 12 of 12 hit points.
Gustave now has 9 of 9 hit points.
Olaf now has 9 of 10 hit points.
Mads now has 8 of 9 hit points.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Due to a distinct lack of firewood, the company break their fast upon a small meal of hard trail rations from their packs. Boris and Fix grumble somewhat about eating so near the still and frosty body of Taines, and also so near to the inanimate remains to the swamp terror that claimed his life. By day it look remarkably like an old tree stump surrounded by debris of vines, bark, tree limbs and broken arrows.

Victor spits, then sees to it that the cold mule gets some feed and water as the others prepare begin to fasten their packs and armour and gather up their other gear.

The question of what to do with Taines' body and belongings has just been aired when Anwyn piques "Lo, someone approaches!"

And just then you all hear the distinct sound of trudging boots approaching...


Enter Thorgrim Hammerbrew! A hearty Dwarf with a full pack upon his back and a great two-handed hammer slung across his broad shoulders pushes into the clearing and observes the company before him...

(Malibu, Thorgrim's adventure has begun!)

[waysoftheearth]

tonneau wrote:
"Alas", cries Gustave, spying the newcomer, "I dream of fine maidens, but awake to the sight of a brawny dwarf!". He crawls out of his now bloodstained silk sheets and stands wobbling in the clearing, "I appologise for my harch appraisal of Your Stoutness, but sincerely hope that you are not associated with this addition to my head", he adds, fondling the large purple-and-red bulge protruding from behind his right ear.

[waysoftheearth]

Malibu wrote:
"That's a nasty lump ye've got there, lad." The dwarf states cautiously, his eyes quickly taking in the rest of the travellers and the remains of the campsite. "Point o' fact, more 'n one of ye look half dead! What happ...?"

Thorgrim's words trail off as his eyes fall upon the body of the brave Taines, still respectfully laid out on the damp leaves. His expression goes solemn as his gaze falls to his feet. "Er... I'm sorry, I didn't realize... oh, I've put my foot in it again..."

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

Mads raises an eye suspiciously. "Hail, traveler." Between bites of his rations, he continues "The night has not been kind to us. What does the morning bring?"

[waysoftheearth]

Malibu wrote:
"More gloom and bad weather, no doubt. But perhaps enough sunlight to stave off whatever vile things lurk in this part of the land." Thorgrim says as he stamps his feet, knocking thick mud from his boots.

"My name is Thorgrim. Had I not been delayed in my journey a week ago, I would have met ye lot in town where such introductions belong. As it was, I arrived too late. I set out after ye, thinking the weather might have slowed your progress enough that I could catch up to ye. They told me that one," he points to Michele, "was looking for ye as well, and he'd only set out a few hours before."

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
"How many other people will be following us?" Dieter asks disgustedly. "Any why can't they show up before the fighting?"

He shakes his head.

"Maybe we should just sit here, and let everybody catch up."

And then he takes up his shovel and goes to seek out yet another place to bury a comrade.

"New guy," he says without turning, "you're with me. If you can dig as well as you track, you might be useful."

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

Without being asked, Mads stands to assist Dieter.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Dieter, Mads and Thorgrim press their way through the thicket toward the overgrown trial upon which they travelled and locate something of an semi-enclosed clearing at the edge of the copse. The site is both as far as it can be from the infernal bog, and sheltered from general traffic by the gnarled trees. It is as likely a spot as any, so in the frosty grey morning they take turns to dig with the single shovel.

Despite the chill on the air, the three companions soon build a sweat upon their muddy labour, and within the hour have dug a simple, yet sufficient grave in which to lay the body of Taines.

Meanwhile the remainder of the company finish breaking the simple camp, and prepare Taines for burial. He will go back to the Earth in his hide armour, for none care to peel that carapace from his battered body.

Taines' other possession are arrayed and found to comprise;

• Backpack containing 7 days trail rations and waterskin,
• A poke containing 16gp, 11sp and 18cp,
• A Dwarf made axe,
• Wooden shield,
• Whetstone,
• Bedroll,
• Winter blanket,
• Lantern,
• A half spent flask of lantern oil,
• Sapper's helmet (with built in lantern)

It is morning on a chill winter's day. What now?

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Boris and Fix both eye Taines' coin purse appreciatively, and remind Gustave that if they are not paid their 8 silver shillings for the coming day's hire they will have to head back to Ket in search of other employment...