Immersive Ink

Dorgan recalls the hippogriff flight from Southwatch to a landing place a few miles short of the abbey. It all looked pretty easily from altitude. They departed the woods, headed in a south-westerly direction across a broad plain of grasslands, then some folded-looking roughlands, and arrived at the abbey. Apparently it was about 40 miles as the crow-flies. What could be simpler?

On the ground it's a whole different matter. The "folded-looking" Hinterlands comprise high-ridges and deep-ravines, many of which are impassible. There are goat tracks here and there, but there's nothing like a proper road heading in the direction Dorgan wants to go--north east. At least he can, now and then from the top of a ridge, get a good look at the grasslands layed out below him, and periodically correct his course...

The going is slow through the roughlands, but our company doggedly heads north-easterly, insofar as this is possible, and downhill. As dusk approaches, they are all weary, but the mountains and hills are at their backs, and the undulating grassy plain lies ahead of them. At ground level there is no longer any sight of the distant woods, but Dorgan is confident they lie only 30 miles or so off. For now, the long day's march is done; it's time to make a camp.

We now zoom out the overland travel scale for a bit of wilderness exploration. At this scale, each turn represents one day of travel (unless it is interrupted by an encounter). There are two moves per turn, at 1":1 mile.

Firstly, the ref establishes the weather conditions 2d6=7, so clearing conditions. Perfect for good progress!

Since Dhren is no longer acting as a guide, this trek will be as uncharted wilderness exploration. The ref checks whether Dorgan's nose knows, or he has become lost: 1d6=? (the players won't know the result until later).

Finally, the ref checks for encounters during the day (without revealling the number of checks, since this might indicate to the players whether or not they are lost: Xd6=? however, no encounter is forthcoming on the first day.

What for the night's camp and the next turn (tomorrow)?

Dorgan will instruct the group to gather firewood, heat up a small dinner, and then call it a night. Unfortunately, he'll put out the fire as night approaches. With goblin patrols on the loose, there's no need to draw unwanted attention to themselves.

The dwarf will not take a watch. He will organize the pilgrims in groups of three. He instructs them to keep as careful watch on each other as they do the surroundings. He doesn't want anyone falling asleep on the job. He gives strict instructions to be awakened if they suspect anything moving around out there. He doesn't care how unsure they are, or how many times previously they've awoken him. Better safe than sorry.

He'll give Morgan the leeway to do as he pleases.

Morgan will check the pilgrims to ensure they understand their instructions, then settle down for the night.

As for the next day, there is naught to do but keep marching toward their goal, and pray they're marching in the correct direction!

The night passes uneventfully, and the following day dawns. It is cooler and overcast, which looks promising for a good day's march across the undulating grasslands.

Dorgan sets a more or less northerly course now, and the trekking begins.

The company make good time all day, with hardly a bird or rabbit to be seen. The pilgrims are a determined lot, and will even make prayer and hymn afoot so as not to be left behind. Morgan keeps an eye out to the rear, but is doubtful of even the most cunning pursuit. It seems our company have all the plain to themselves...

...and dusk approaches, the party is weary but proud they have covered a goodly distnace in a day. "That's twenty miles if it's two," mutters Dorgan, glancing back toward the bleak but hazy foothills. Ahead, the grey the shadow of a wood looms on the horizon, half a dozen miles off yet..

Ref checks for a night encounter; 1d6=5, so nothing untoward.

The next day's weather: 2d6=9 so an overcast day.

Check to get lost 1d6=?

Encounter check(s) over plains Xd6=???

Orders for the night and/or next day?

You would think I, of all people, would know this but I've forgotten. When does the hourglass run out for Dorgan? Trying to decide if he needs to make a night hike or if it's ok to wait for daylight.

I believe tomorrow will be the day that Josiane's magic fails. All things being equal, that event would occur sometime in the later part of the afternoon...

If you need to push on, Morgan will escort the pilgrims. Just point me in the general direction so we don't get too lost!

If there's going to be a night march I'll need to make a reaction check for the pilgrims. Should they push on, the normal-types (including Morgan) will automatically be fatiged. I will have to do some more advanced figuring to determine at what point during the night heroic Dorgan will become fatigued.

And also worth remembering: They mostly come at night. Mostly...