A Laugh on the Wind, Some Bones for a Merchant

General Summary

The vast expanse of sand is broken up on the horizon by a wooden palisade and several canvas tents, varying in size and repair. One entryway on the eastern side, no gates guard it, merely an opening where the wooden palisade does not reach. One tent, larger than the rest peaks out above the palisade, a meerkat curious about its surroundings. The smothering hand of heat intensifies as you get closer, as though this camp were a second source as well as the reddening sun. Growls, yips and cackled emanate periodically from the camp, sometimes followed by a muffled grunt or scream. A pennant comes into view, as though emerging from shadow, baring a banner, crimson in background depicting a golden spear slashing through the air, flames in its wake.
Watching the encampment for a while you notice a group patrolling the perimeter, the outside of its palisade walls. Three large humanoids, jackal-like on appearance, matted brown fur covering their bodices, garbed in tatty leather straps and harnesses armed with spears. This group of patrolling gnolls is flank by two hound-like creatures, feral, fur matching that of their owners but spotted in places. An animalistic cackle escapes their muzzles occasionally.
The encampment itself is rugged and haphazard, one large tent dominates the western side of the camp, in far better repair than the others, the entryway consisting of canvas, propped up by two roughly been poles. To the north, the second largest dwelling resides, almost tepee like in its construction, dark grey smoke billows out in a steady, thin line from the apex. The southernmost part consists of shallow pit, lined with cages, metal bars reflecting the light, making it dance and flicker across its surroundings, painting the kneeling humanoids in an ominous gyrating shadow.
Gnoll and adventurers clashing, cage constructed, hostages lashed, champions of evil vanquished. Loot unevenly distributed, a budding firendship, exitinguished. A rune thrown, a trap triggered, an inferno raging. A chase ensues, a trading of fire, a victor flees, a loser falls. An eye lost, sight obscured, lessons learned. Allies bring strength.

Report Date

23 Mar 2021