Session One - The Long Road

General Summary

Spring 1064,
Grey skies and damp ground await as a Human Knight Aspirant, Sir Alister Howell and his entourage depart Hrueset cross the swollen river, of the same name, and head East toward Malforten The weak sun carries no warmth to burn the grey overcast away, nor to dry out the damp ground where snow still lingers in deep wooded areas. Behind the Knight a cart is pulled by a Mule, with three Halfling's aboard, but there is little merriment on this gloomy day. A Pack Donkey trails behind the cart, and behind it a Half-Orc Cleric riding on a Mule. Behind the Cleric another Half-Orc rides a great beast of a Dire Wolf, periodically she twists in her mounts saddle keeping aware of what proceeds behind. Another Wagon, this one pulled by 2 Mules, tarps, and wares loaded high with a Dwarven Merchant, and his Human guard. Finally, at the rear of the proscession, four Hired guards with Crossbows, and Glaives trudge along the West Way. Slightly ahead of the party a lone Half-Elf Ranger scouts the way.
The Elmast Forrest  is eerily quiet, birds do not sing, no breeze, no sway of the trees. Only the muffled clop of hooves on the damp ground, the squelch of wagon wheel in the as they pass leaving a slight rut. Occasionally the crack! Shwisssh of snow falling from branches too the ground make the mounts ears twitch, or heads turn, but this area is devoid of others. The first day ends quietly. little fanfare, or mirth. Not even the hoot of an owl to accompany the guards on watch.
Day 2 sees the forest fall away behind as the group transitions to the open skies and rolling foothills of the southern Fallow Hills, again the road is deserted, and the grey skies continue, but the breeze brings with it a chill. The day is spent with heads low, and hands clasped inside cloaks. As camp is made in the evening Alexandre Loralen spots the curl of smoke from a hilltop to the North. Both he, and Ozias make their way to the summit, only to see a second higher hill behind as the source. Making their way to that spot reveals a campfire, still warm, and depressions for 3-4 bedrolls. In addition they find a stake hammered into the ground, and evidence of mounts. This spot, overlooks the road, and their camp is in full view. The night passes uneasily.
Day 3, Alexandre and Ozias return to the overlook, this time as they summit the first closer hill Alexandre noticed a trail of boots, less than 5 hours old, heading the same direction. As they arrive at the overlook the firepit is still warm, and evidence that at least four beings were here recently are uncovered. Returning to camp they notice at least a half-dozen concealed positions hollowed out behind the shrubbery. Camp is packed and the Dwarven Merchant asks Risha if his wagon could travel ahead of her "For better protection, ye see". The day passes quietly, with the caravan arriving at the ruins of one of the settlements. A single fortified inn, with a walled in courtyard is the only operational building; however, with a roof over everyone's head, a warm meal, and beds dinner passes with mirth, merriment, and song. That evening the howl of wolves in the distance alert some. When the slam of a door downstairs is heard, Alister dons his armor and investigates. He finds Risha in the courtyard attempting to soothe her mount Br'er. The large wolf is clearly agitated, and pacing, and when asked if this was normal she responds "No, something isn't right". Ozias approaches, and seeing Risha in nothing but her undergarments, and clutching her sword he offers a cloak.
Day 4, After the tense night the day dawns with a gentle breeze. Risha is found still downstairs in the courtyard curled up with her mount, although the overcast skies remain the chill in the air is less, and the breeze soon dries the dew from the tall plains grass. they continue east arriving at a crossroads before dusk. Risha strips down, and takes Br'er South at a brisk run to forage. Alexandre accompanies, but he soon realizes they are not tracking, but running at close to an all out sprint, most likely to pound out the frustration. Almost enough Rabbits are caught to allow everyone to enjoy Milton's fresh cooking. and the evening closes with games of tag being played in the grass, song, and the first star is observed in a break in the clouds.
Day 5, The grey dawn returns. Dark clouds rumble north along the mountains far in the distance. Weather to ease the norm, or because they are acclimating to it. slight chatter emerges as the procession continues. The guards at the rear talk quietly among themselves. the Halfling cart has an occasional outburst of laughter. As the sun dips low Malforten emerges ahead. Shepherd guiding livestock back, ring bells. and before the caravan enters the town proper a bell clangs out. The inhabitants seems a bit standoffish at first, and an awkward greeting with Eryl the Hoskin causes some sideways glances. However, Giffry the Hat, and Amanda the Paish settle some unease. Kori books lodgings at the only Tavern in town The Empty Flagon and enjoy dinner made by Kerrywyn until more of the inhabitants fil the common room. Alister attempt to sooth things over, and learns one of the first victims from Gritznak the Bold was a Fisherman named Gwion who was beaten unconscious by Goblin while searching for a stray calf.
Can Sir Alister win over the village?
When will Gritznak strike next?
Was whomever saw their approach on Day 2 important? or a Typical Chad miss-direct?
and more importantly what's for breakfast?
Stay Tuned for the next session report, and see if these questions are answered, or if new ones are asked...

Report Date

17 May 2023

Primary Location

West Way

Secondary Location

Malforten