The Assault

November 16th, afternoon in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

You continue along the tree-line, hoping to stay hidden until the last possible moment. You make it 25 feet, to within 30 feet of the dark woods and then the unthinkable happens: Shade stumbles and as he reaches out to steady himself he lets out a grunt. You all pause, breathless, and listen. Your heart sinks into your stomach as you hear a voice call out "they're over here!" and moments later another replies, "I think I see one!"

Please roll initiative.

(This is the map of the whole camp, which of course you can't see yet. The path wanders along and is squeezed between the dense rocks and scree of the foot of the hill on the right and the dense forest on the left of the map.)

Into the Heart of Minx's Lair

November 16th, afternoon in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

The battle is over. You stop and look around, worried that the noise of your fight has alerted someone but a tense moment later and you hear no horns of battle nor horses.

The big bearded man carried a fine halberd and wore chain mail, he also carried 1 gp, 15 sp and a small ruby in a pouch on his belt. In his shirt pocket you find 6 fine cigars.

The other bandits carried short bows, short swords and wore leather armor. All told you find another 10 gp, 2 sp in random coins on their persons.

For the encounter you receive 350 xp total for the party.

(Looting the bodies takes perhaps 5 minutes if everyone helps so we'll begin play 5 minutes after the battle and I'll have you post your further actions.)

Getting the Drop on the Sentries

November 16th, afternoon in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

You sneak quietly as you can around the edge of the forest to execute your pincer maneuver.

Dolgi's group heads toward the river. There is a tense moment as each of you crosses the path but you've moved far enough down that you aren't in any danger. The forest gets thicker on the other side of the path and you pick your way carefully. Sometimes going on hands and knees to get through.


Draymun's group has an easier time. It's slow going but you are rewarded when you come into earshot of the sentries and find that they are discussing tonight's dinner and wondering whether the cook will again serve them sheep's tongue.

The Group Rejoins

November 16th, morning in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

At the Rawley estate:

Alis is good to his word and he trudges up to camp with purpose. He looks tired and at the edge of tears, but determined. Packing takes no time, Hamish it appears has spent some of his free hours re-arranging and organizing things. Your journey is also met with good fortune. The ground is again just frozen enough to allow the wagon easy passage over the plains. You meet the road and join up with another wagon train of pilgrims headed south. You reach Bremel by 10 am.

In town:

The celebration of market day goes late into the night and you can find all manner of amusements to bide your time. The Inn is packed but Ghalen works it so you each have a private room if you wish (1 gp for the night). Dolgi, when you come downstairs in the morning, you are delighted to see your friend Draymun sitting at one of the corner tables, having a hearty breakfast.

Edit:

Map of the Entrance to the Valley

Back to the Rawley Estate

November 15th, afternoon and evening in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

Those who choose to ride on to recover the wagon leave town quickly. It's a decent afternoon for riding and you make good time. You see rabbits and squirrels out and about, fattening up before winter and you have quite a start when a fox darts across the trail in front of you. You arrive at the manor near sunset and you find that the workers have indeed been very industrious. The hovels and grain bin all show signs of recent repair and the new graves on the hill are a reminder of the tragedy that came to the place.

You find that your wagon is all in order. Hamish is sitting on the tongue, sharpening his blade and making a show of guarding your supplies. Judging by the worn grass and nearby camp, he's done nothing but since you left. "Been a coupla days," he drawls, "hope you found the bastards what did this."

About Town

November 15th, afternoon and evening in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

Those who remain in town spend a leisurely afternoon perusing market stalls and enjoying the treats on offer. There is one booth manned by a gnome that proves to be interesting. He is of average size for a gnome and his hair is a bright lavender puff under his billed cap. He stands on the table and advertises his wares. His stall is covered in charms and baubles of all shapes and sizes and when Dolgi wanders by he squints his eyes and begins to sniff the air. He points at you and says in a shrill voice, "you, you've been marked by one of the fey!"

Assaulting and Insulting Minx the Banshee

November 15th, 9 AM in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning

Here's the map. Minx is currently in hex 30.09. Thorvald is in hex 30.24 and Shade is directly behind him in hex 30.25.

You may move through the light green trees at full speed and they provide partial cover. Moving through the dark green trees is at half speed and they provide full cover if you don't move during a round.