The 2nd Fleet: Journey to the Edge of the Known World — IC

[ratwizard]

"And a skeleton to shake belief into those who need it," Sister Armantine adds to the Serranborn's remarks. Whether the faithful or not. With a general consensus growing to leave immediately, she promptly turns and begins the climb through the boat back towards land once more.

[FinalTemplar]

Taliesin's face pales as he considers what they've learned here, the boyish excitement he once held to explore his ancestor's homeland fading with the growing realization of the danger it brings.

[Chanchabruhh]

Eldrin will scratch his head as he thinks for a moment

"So..what is there to do now? bring this news to the others? i am one that feels we should prepare ourselves and see what else we can find and maybe find some more answers about these creatures as we may come across more of them."

[ratwizard]

"Yes, the expedition leaders must be informed. What happens next will be at their command," Armantine answers Eldrin, content to have the chain of command to defer to. "I will, however, suggest we take measures to fortify the encampment."

[Namelessjake]

Resolved to return to Port Amardovis, you make you way back through the empty halls of the stricken ship, back down the rope tied by Doran and across the stony beach back to your rowboat. You stow your gear and the fruits of your expedition safely aboard, before launching the vessel back into the surf and clambering aboard.

The journey back to the camp takes another two hours or so of steady rowing, the same as your outbound trip. The sun is setting as you near the three tall ships anchored in the bay. The beach and the camp further inland are dotted with the orange glow of cookfires, who's smoke fills the air.

"They better have saved some of that fish for us," Ko says, his tone joking and jovial but with a serious undercurrent.

As you reach the beach and come ashore, something of a welcoming committee has already formed. People help you from the boat and aide it pulling it up onto the sand. Tofyr stands there, waiting for you to finish retrieving everything from the boat before he speaks.

"Come, we'll speak inside," he veteran explorer says, leading you towards the camp and back into the large tent you had first assembled in that morning. Inside, the other expedition leaders await you, cutting their conversations short as you enter the tent and looking at you expectantly.

[ratwizard]

Armantine breathes easy as the familiar sights of Port Amardovis come into view. What a marvel such a dreary and death-touched place can still feel like home. We will build a haven here. We must.

She clasps her hands tightly in front of her as she enters the tent, the dull pain and anxiety creeping in at the edges of her focus. Nodding to Tofyr, she turns to the rest of the leaders — Archbishop Brassard in particular, before beginning.

"We have discovered a number of things at the wreck of The Wanderer, including supplies to be hauled back. They were attacked," she explains curtly. "A great winged creature, possibly the same that harried us, ultimately caused the crew to flee. But before that, their numbers were greatly diminished by ambushes from what appear to have been a native people. Scaled, intelligent, and numerous."

She begins to unravel the sailcloth from her pack, freeing the lizardlike corpse to put on display to those gathered. "They took this one prisoner, though left them behind in their retreat."
 

[Scratcherclaw]

Raj's eyes twinkle as he spies the flickering fires on their approach, taking some level of comfort in the gentle glow. I almost feared we would return to a massacre. Seems my worries were for naught. He follows behind into the tent, clutching at his stomach as the aromas waft past his nostrils. Let's hope this will not take all night, hm? We've worked up an appetite, and should be first in line.

"Indeed," Raj says, his hair standing on end as Armantine unfurls the monstrous skeleton. Gods, just laying my eyes upon it feels like an omen. "The captain of The Wanderer left behind his journal, with quite the detailed account of what occurred on their journey. That he left it behind speaks to either his own foresight that we may find it... or that he too met his fate soon after."

He studies the leaders' faces, hoping the evidence is enough to sway them to action. "I should think fortifications are paramount before we push further into the land, yes? Lest history, and mistakes, repeat."

[Chanchabruhh]

Eldrin will nod and slowly look around 

"Yes i agree, fortifications are crucial right now i feel."

[Namelessjake]

The assembly's eyes go wide as the sailcloth unfurls to reveal the corpse of the strange being. The tenants in particular waste no time in stepping forward, eagerly examining the specimen as you continue to debrief the expedition leaders.

"Fascinating," Tofyr says. "Horrific but fascinating none the less. If this land is truly as dangerous as the First Fleet would have us believe then I agree, we need fortifications."

"Agreed," the new Archbishop says. "You have all done well," she adds, giving Armantine an affirming nod. 

"Luckily the First have left us with a decently defensible position, with the cliffs and the river," Ser Elvia says, looking at a rough map of the camp.

"If it's safe we could use timber from the two wrecks and have a wall up in no time at all," one of the dwarves present says. 

"A good idea Doldain," Tofyr says, identifying him as Doldain Dodavek, Lord Amardovis' master builder and the now leader of the Amardovan contingent of the expedition. "What is your assessment? Is it safe enough to send teams to the Wanderer?"  he asks, turning his attention back to you.

[ratwizard]

Armantine feels a sense of relief at the discussion of fortifying the port village. At least they can all agree upon the danger we face.

"Not unless they are considerably well-armed," she says to Tofyr. "The beasts of these islands harried us from both sea and sky in our short trip there and back. I would advise caution should you send anyone yet to recover supplies. However, some risks may be necessary, knowing there is danger both near and far in these lands."

[Fialova]

"Perhaps two or three rowboats, one of trained builders who can safely salvage the wreck, the rest armed guards to prevent any further casualties," Heidi chimes in, adding to Armantine's assessment. "We have dispatched two large winged creatures already with just our meager numbers, so with any luck the wreck will remain relatively safe for now. Hopefully long enough to scavenge all that is useful to construct defenses." Goddess willing, those creatures will have a hard time doing much to the rest of them.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Harried by land as well," Raj adds as Armantine and Heidi relay the dangers of the wreck. "Some of the ship's decks were infested with these vile vines, trying to strangle their prey while excreting some sort of toxin. Your teams will need careful footing if they do not wish to be ensnared like a common beast."

[Namelessjake]

"Very well then. Thank you. The fish you brought back earlier today should be ready soon. While there is clearly much to do, I think you are all due a well earned rest," Tofyr says bidding you good bye. You exit the command tent and return to Bagagos' tent to offload your other loot and unused provisions.

That evening you dine on the results of your earlier ocean borne battle. Over the course of the day, the camp cooks have butchered the enormous fish and foraged for an assortment of mussels and other shellfish in the beach's rockpools, cooking up a hearty seafood stew to feed the entire expedition, served with flatbreads made from some of the fleet's dwindling grain reserves and baked on the stones of the cookfires.

Expedition Complete!

---

Over the next few days the camp is abuzz as work begins on the fortifications, with the repairs on the structure begun by the 1st Fleet being halted for now as everyone pitches in to help with the wall's construction. The old watchtower and the bridge over the river are torn down to salvage what useable timber remain, while a pathway through the forest is cleared, the fallen trees also destined to become apart of the wall that will replace them.

The council take your advice on board, but ultimately decide to send the Sea Wolf to salvage the wreck, with the plan allowing archers in the ship's masts to cover the crew as they work to disassemble the wreck into managable pieces that can either be loaded onto the Sea Wolf or towed behind it.

The wall slowly comes together at first, but things accelerate quickly with the return of the Sea Wolf a week later. Successful in their task, the already milled lumber from the Wanderer helps raise the fortifications quickly and the camp is fully walled after only another week of construction. While a far cry from the great fortifications of Voreld, like Darden's Hold in Tulrisse, or the starforts constructed by the Imardanian Navy before the collapse, the wooden wall provides much more protection than the river alone. People are able to sleep more soundly knowing it should be able to keep out the smaller beasts of the wilds, while its towers and covered walkway allow for sentries to keep watch for anything that could present a larger threat.

The yield of usable timber from the Wanderer is so great in fact that an additional structure is also erected near the walls. Built mostly using the pieces of the ship unsuitable to building the wall, it is a crude barn-like building with many odd nautical architectural and structural elements, however it provides a way the get some of the camp out of their tents and into a warm and weatherproof shelter.

Inside, a large common area with a makeshift bar is set up, serving what alcohol rations remain in the fleet, while the rest of the building is given over to several shared barracks, offloading some of the beds from the ships. Accommodation in the bunkhouse is given to you, and the others who have volunteered to venture beyond the safety of the camp's new wall, with the building being appropriately dubbed the Wanderer's Rest.

While much of the workforce is concentrated on the wall, the academically inclined among the camp instead remain transfixed by the strange body you were able to return with. Working together, the various groups of scholars in the fleet give a name to the creature's race, calling them Saurians, due to their reptilian features. While only so much can be gleaned from the corpse, there are no shortage of theories regarding their level of intelligence, their number and even what their society might look like.

On the 16th day since the expedition to the wreck of the Wanderer, as you are settling into your new lodgings, Tofyr greets you in the common area, a large scroll of parchment in his hand.

"Greetings," he says, looking around the room as he takes in its spartan interior for the first time. "A few tapestries, a bear skin rug, a leather arm chair or two by the hearth, and this would have the makings of a fine tavern. Maybe one day," he muses, before turning his attention back to those of you gathered before him.

"I have news," he says, unravelling the parchment to reveal a copy of the map drawn up by the Explorer's Guild cartographers. "I just came from a council meeting and we're approving another expedition. You can take your pick of destination - any expedition should hopefully give us answers and resources we need - but as before we can only spare five days of rations."

"That's exciting. I can't wait to get back out there," Zemi says eagerly.

"So it's either the bloody great tree, or the First's discovery," Ko says, putting down the wooden pipe he had been in the process of packing to take a look at the map.

Mechanics

With completion of the expedition to the wreck of the Wanderer all involved have been granted 2 requisition points that can be spent claiming the equipment and loot you have secured on your adventures so far. The OOC has been updated with the latest loot.

Additionally with over a week of time in town, you have completed a long rest.

You are now in effectively the registration phase for the next expedition. Before you set out you will need to pick a destination and a character (for those with multiple), also feel free to describe or roleplay out what your character has been up to in the intervening weeks.

I'm also doing away with the supply tracking for miscellaneous adventuring gear, as it is just additional bookkeeping for little to no benefit, so feel free to outfit yourself with whatever basic adventuring gear you wish (within reason). Narratively this will still be from the shared stockpile of supplies, which will now function similar to a ship's locker in SWN. It's stores can still be depleted if excessive amounts of one item are used up, lost or destroyed.

Note: No characters will be assumed to be apart of the expedition without taking part in the discussions pre-leaving.

Port Amardovis Updated Map

[FinalTemplar]

Taliesin settles in around the camp during his downtime. For most of it, though, he helps the scholars identify and name the species discovered during the trip.

On the 16th day, he meets with the others in the common room, waits for Tofyr to finish talking. He takes a moment to stroke his chin. He looks now between Tofyr, the map, and the others. When he has a moment to speak, he leans forward; "I mean to take some time away from the outward expeditions. I feel like, for the time being, the scholars could use my help. I don't proclaim to be an expert on the subject of this island, but I've spent much of my adult life looking for any scrap of information I could find. With permission, I'd like to step aside, and let another take my place. At least for this expedition." He says, leaving the floor open to the others.

[ratwizard]

Sister Armantine spends only one full day in bedrest before growing both too bored and antsy to continue, especially in the light of so many discoveries and the bustle around the camp. She spends many days in long meetings with the acting Archbishop and others among the Congregation. The Saurians, as the scholars have been calling them, seem to have opened anxious rifts in the Congregation, or perhaps that is simply Armantine's own worries projected.

She journals, in great detail, and frequently. Letters are written back home. She knows that it is not likely they will be sent back any time soon, but the simple act helps center her goals: she is here to secure a new homeland for her family.

With the walls sprung up within the fortnight and new concerns about attacks upon the renewed Port Amardovis, Armantine finds herself at a crossroads. After a long moment of prayer, she decides that her place is one of defense for now.
 

---

At Taliesin's interruption, Sister Armantine stands as well. "I will be staying, too. My calling is to keep this sanctuary safe until we have reinforced our borders, and set our roots deep," she explains to herself as much as to the rest of you. "For those setting foot beyond our new walls, I will pray for your safe return." She offers an apologetic smile as she glances between the others. I long to join them again, in time.

Mechanics

Armantine will sit this one out, and spend 1 Requisition Point to take one of the Wyvern Eggs.

 

---

In the corner of the common room, Zima's ears perk up. The scouting party is short by two? She tugs on the sleeve of Caoimhe, sat beside her. "We should volunteer, my love," the Kandoran whispers abruptly. "Those saurians. The oceanic people. We are not alone on this island. Should the expedition come across more of these folk, they will need my help. And if there is any way I can prevent more bloodshed between our community and those here before us, I will do everything I can." She looks at Caoimhe earnestly, hoping for a sign of approval.

[Scratcherclaw]

Perhaps, indeed. If the locals do not unceremoniously murder us before. But at least they will have to go through the walls, Raj thinks to himself as Tofyr muses over the Wanderer's Rest. He listens on, crossing his arms as he scans the room to see who else may be joining for the next bout of inevitable peril. Hopefully they are competent. And less suffocatingly pious.

At Ko's words, he offers a shrug. "I should think the First's discovery might be of importance, if they had felt the need to preserve it in a journal. And it may still offer us further clues about their time here, yes?" Before their own unceremonious demise. Yet at least we might benefit where they failed.

[Fialova]

If the New Congregation is staying back, then guess that means I will be too, Heidi thinks, at Sister Armantine's announcement. "I've been ordered to stand down for this mission as well, help establish the defenses along the wall. Best of luck to the rest of you, though," she responds, glancing around the room to the others to see who else is staying and who will be heading out instead.
 

---

"Of course, enaid," Caoimhe responds to Zima, at her beckoning. "I'd have suggested if you hadn't, I am eager to see more of this place," she responds, a wide grin on her face at the thought of once more getting to explore the vast, untouched wilderness of the continent. Finally, a proper expedition further inland. A shipwreck is hardly exciting compared to the prospect of the sights to be seen within, and even a possible new race to make first contact with. How exciting!

"The two of us will be coming this time, if that's okay," Caoimhe adds, motioning with one arm to Zima beside her. "We both have much experience in contact with isolated societies and adapting them to rest of Voreld culture, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued by what we will find among the flora and fauna of this land. I suggest we head towards the large tree in the distance, that seems like a promising lead. Our legends tell of the ancient elves arriving in Voreld via ships made of huge logs, so it seems reasonable that people of this land would live near it."

[ratwizard]

"I am pleased you think the same," Zima whispers to Caoimhe, giving her partner's hand a squeeze. She turns toward Tofyr and the others, feeling eyes on her now. She clears her throat before she raises her voice.

"Indeed, both sites seem to bear answers we are seeking. But before we wander too deeply in this land, I suggest we learn the behavior and ways of those here before us. This great tree... perhaps it is a meeting place, or one of ritualistic purpose. Perhaps we might confront these others before they confront us here."

[Scratcherclaw]

Raj rolls his eyes as he listens to the pair speak. Gods, how insufferable. And... painfully idealistic. Yes, let us go to the heart of these forests to be ritualistically murdered. He winces, knowing they have their minds set on that great tree. Few things can deter these Explorers Guild dreamer-types from "adventure" or "a chance to learn." Ugh.

He remains silent, knowing there's no swaying them otherwise. If all else fails, I can surely run faster. And perhaps we'll make a discovery that will spell riches for the Consortium. Maybe these saurians have pets that every madam and mistress in Crescent Bluff will clamor for.

[BartNL]

"If you are part of an expedition to the great tree, I will join you." Ilmoto tells his friends.

[ratwizard]

Zima grins at Ilmoto, both relieved and excited for the man to be joining them. "And our expeditionary force will be all the better for it," she says, nodding deferentially at him.

The Kandoran glances over at Raj, then Ko and Zemi. "So that is... six of us?"

[Chanchabruhh]

"i Believe i will sit this one out everyone it was fun but i have somethings in need to tend to here until next time!."

OOC

Eldrin will spend 1 Req point and get a wyvern egg

[Namelessjake]

"Six should do fine. A larger group would move slower and draw more attention," Tofyr replies to Zima. "If it's decided, I'll let the rest of the council know your plan is to head for the tall tree. You should grab your rations and supplies from Bagagos."

V: The Tall Tree

Roughly an hour later you find yourselves stood in front of the newly constructed gatehouse, its freshly hewn timber gleaming in the morning sunlight. A small crowd has gathered to see you off and wish you luck, but the chatter dies down to a bated silence as a signal is given and the watchman atop the tower begin to lower the crude wooden drawbridge.

As the drawbridge comes to rest, the forest looms large ahead of you, peaceful and almost tranquil looking, but no doubt home to untold dangers and deadly creatures. With some parting well wishes and encouragement from the crowd, you step out of the protection of the walls and into the Wilds of Quellam, the drawbridge being raised behind you.

Supplies

As mentioned before, feel free to bring any adventuring gear with you, within reason.

You have also been provided with 7 days worth of rations each.

[ratwizard]

OOC

Taking an adventurer's kit (torches instead of sunrods, and no extra rations obviously) for brevity.

Zima watches the drawbridge raise, taking a deep breath in as the decision to venture out beyond the relative safety of the walls really sets in. Caoimhe is here. She will protect me. And I will protect her, she reminds herself.

The Kandoran turns back around, facing the seemingly endless sprawl of forest — trees so thick and towering that she feels like she once did, stepping out of the caverns onto the surface to find a whole new world beyond what she'd only ever known. It is a wonderful place. And it is a terrible place, too.

She steadies her nerves; she clears her throat. "The tall tree should be to the northwest," Zima reminds her companions. "Let us see how much ground we can cover by nightfall." She eyes the Serranborn in particular. "You are called Raj, yes? I am Zima. You must have a strong spirit to so willingly volunteer once more."

[Scratcherclaw]

"Indeed," Raj says, feigning a smile toward Zima. "Miraj Am'khar, but you may simply call me Raj. It is a pleasure." Yes, truly a pleasure to be stuck with these Guild bores. Yet for all their faults, they have not yet proselytized. He shrugs at her words, gazing out into the vast wood ahead. A pit forms in his stomach, a brief regret swirling about before he manages to shake it off. Annoying, perhaps, but also highly competent. We shall be fine.

"The camp was growing too stuffy for my liking," he says with a smirk, casting a glance back at the towering walls. "And, the Consortium does not wish to laze about while profitable discoveries are waiting to be made, you must understand." What we lay claim to, that New World Trading Company cannot. It will be ours by right of discovery.

[Namelessjake]

"Aye, Amardovan coin's the only reason I'm here," Ko says in agreement with Raj. "I mean to return home a rich man after all this is said and done. A large manor in Kubal Springs with a view of the lake awaits. Then I can hang up my hammer for good," the dwarf continues.

"I'm sure the knowledge we stand to gain from this place are the true riches it offers us," Zemi says, the young explorer's enthusiasm undampened by the more cynical money driven members of the group.

With the drawbridge raised behind you, you set off into the forest, heading Northwest. The forest starts off light, the immediate surroundings of Port Amardovis already fairly well traveled by the camp's hunters and foragers, but it is not long before the trees grow taller and the bushes thicker, slowly your speed some as you navigate game trails and thick vegetation, meandering towards your destination.

You travel this way for a few hours without incident, stopping only to break open your rations for a lunch of pemmican and hard tack. The dangerous wildlife you had encountered previously thankfully leaves your journey unmolested for now, as the only creatures you see along your path are a number of strange insects and birds, uncatalogued as of yet, which chirp and squawk as you approach, announcing your presence to the other beasts lurking in the undergrowth.

A couple of hours after lunch the forest breaks rather suddenly as you stumble upon a large clearing, the trees giving way to a wild meadow of long grass and flowers. The grass is tall, at least four feet high in some places, but despite this you are able to make out a number of cairns dotted around the clearing, their moss covered stones rising up like pillars from their grassy surrounds.

Travel Rules

For the hexcrawl element of the game, the following travel speeds, based on WWN, will be used. It will be assumed you are capable for traveling for 10 hours a day without causing unnecessary stress on your bodies. Any additional travel hours will require successful endurance checks to complete without penalty. At certain intervals I will roll to see whether any encounters trigger, meaning a short trek to a known location could quickly turn deadly, while a long range expedition deep in unknown territory could pass fairly uneventfully for a lucky party.

Updated Map

[ratwizard]

Zima pays close attention to the strange avian and insect analogues of this land, wondering how closely they might be related to the ones she'd seen during her short time in Voreld. It is so strange that the land of the surface can have such diversity as this.

When they come across the plain with the cairns, Zima hastily packs up her light snack and studies her surroundings. "These cairns... Perhaps they are arrayed in a pattern of sorts? A means of navigation, or to track the sun's movement across the sky," she suggests.

[Scratcherclaw]

Raj eyes the exotic birds curiously as they walk, the felid spirit within him almost desperate to pounce. But, he remains composed and smirks to himself. I wonder how they'd taste. Like squab, maybe? Braised or roasted... Damn these miserable trail rations, stirring up my appetite.

He looks across the meadow, cocking his head with a small level of interest when he spies the moss-covered cairns. "Or, you know," he says, matter-of-factly. "Some kind of creepy burial ground." Though I should doubt graverobbing, err... 'archaeology' would be welcome in present company. Who can say if there are treasures to be plundered 'neath the soil anyway.

[BartNL]

OOC

Do the cairn stones look like they were transported here, or do they look local to this area?

[Namelessjake]

OOC

While hard to say for sure, at this distance and with the cairns mostly obscured by moss and the long grass, what stones you can see don't look out of place compared to others you have seen in the area during your trek.

[ratwizard]

Zima begins to move through the area, taking mental track of the locations, seeing if there is any pattern to the cairns' placement. While she walks, she looks for any markings on the rocks, tracks on the ground, any trampled grass, or other signs of recent life.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+9]=7+9=16

[Namelessjake]

Zima

As you walk through the clearing it soon becomes clear that the cairns are arranged in concentric circles, with the stone pillars getting slightly taller towards the middle of the circles, where the largest cairn stands. The grass seems undisturbed, save for a few small trails likely created by small animals. The rocks of the cairns are heavily weathered and mostly covered in moss and lichen, it would appear they have been here for some time. Getting up close you spot what look like etchings on a couple of the cairns, poking out from behind the moss. Their form looks similar to the 'words' the ill fated Saurian prisoner aboard the Wanderer had carved into the hull - or at least the drawings of them Taliesin made.

[ratwizard]

"The cairns... they're in concentric rings," Zima calls out across the field. "They're tallest in the center. There." She points to the largest one.

"I believe it has been quite some time since anybody came through here." She kneels, the the etchings on the stone catching her eye. "There's words here. They look like the ones Taliesin had sketched, from the Wanderer. Perhaps we return here, once it's been made safe for the rest of the researchers."

[Scratcherclaw]

"So built with a purpose in mind then," Raj considers, raising his eyebrow as he mentally traces the ring pattern Zima had mentioned. "Perhaps a shrine. To what, I'm certain your bubbling curiosity will ask next. But given the tales of this land, I would almost rather not find out. Let's not linger too long, yes?"

[Fialova]

Caoimhe walks through the forests with wide eyes, as she admires the myriad alien flora and fauna before her. She attempts to catch any bugs that come near her for observation, and watches with great curiosity as the various local birds fly and sing their native songs. Even here, the wildlife is much the same as what we are used to. Not too different even where strange. It is no wonder our ancestors adapted so readily to Voreld.

At the discovery of the meadow, her excitement only grows at the sight both of flowers and of signs of sentient life. She wanders the area, observing the flowers and the piles of stones while listening to the others speak. Once Zima announces her discover, Caoimhe turns her way. "We know the ancient elves had some manner of gods in this land they worshipped. Stones arranged in so specific a pattern, combined with writing in an ancient tongue, could suggest something made in honor of those gods. A shrine could certainly make sense," she says, nodding in agreement with Raj.

[ratwizard]

Zima shrugs off Raj's flippant remark, her mind more concerned on the stones and their significance. He must be under immense pressure from the Consortium, she considers. And, like any sane mind here, I imagine he must be scared. It is understandable why he might treat someone like me with disdain. I only hope he finds in time that he can trust the three of us.

"Let us continue toward the tree, then. Take care not to disturb the stones, both for the natives' sake and ours."

[BartNL]

"These cairns seem primitive. The stones are all local, and well structurally unimpressive. Yet writing would suggest a culture capable of more advanced craft." Ilmoto says, joining in on the discussion.

[Namelessjake]

"It could be cultural," Zemi suggests. "Lots of places in Voreld do things that could still be considered primitive."

Leaving the cairns behind, you cut through the clearing, blending back into the forest once more. The trees and overgrowth remains thick and it is slow going as you are forced to repeatedly backtrack to avoid impassable terrain and occasionally stop to cut back the vegetation that bars your path. While it is slow, you do make progress, the great tree looming ever closer each time the canopy breaks.

A few hours after finding the clearing, the tree appears to be only a couple of miles away, but the dark forest begins to grow darker as the sun begins to near the horizon, painting what little sky you can see a dark burnt orange. As it does, the sounds of the forest change, as birds squawk and chirp in the distance at the setting sun, and new unknown creatures join the cacophony of sound as the nocturnal creatures of the forest emerge from their daytime slumber.

"Perhaps we should make camp for the night," Ko suggests, though the thick forest provides few obvious sites for such a camp.

[BartNL]

"Yes young one, the important thing for now is that it's good to know whether we are at risk of dying at the hand of a small nomadic band with stones and pointy sticks, or at the hand of an armed to the hilt military patrol from a well-organised state." Ilmoto replies dryly to Zemi.

OOC

Are there any hills or larger slopes nearby?

[Namelessjake]

OOC

The terrain has been undulating, but so far you have not crossed anything you would describe as a hill. You do recall making your way down a small outcropping, about five feet high, roughly a quarter mile back the way you came though.

[BartNL]

"There was an outcropping a short while ago. That place should be relatively safe to set up camp. Visible, yes, but I very much prefer to not sleep on the forest floor if it can be avoided." As Ilmoto speaks his mind, images of monstrous apes and other Kandoran horrors flash through his mind and the hair on the back of his neck stands up.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Let us hope the creatures of this land are as averse to fire as those back home, yes?" Raj remarks as the canopy grows dim, the forest's shadows dancing menacingly in the fading sunlight. "But that is a sound suggestion. Dry and defensible." How I will miss the comforts of a plush bed. Truly a shame those bestial men have not yet established inns.

 

[ratwizard]

"Well spotted, my friend," Zima says to Ilmoto, turning around to face the way they came. She feels the day's walk in the aching soles of her feet, but what exhaustion should have arrived hours ago has been kept at bay by the gnawing fear of being in the great unknown.

I had not truly considered the premise of spending nights out here, away from our allies and the safety of the walls. She swallows hard, doing her best to calm her nerves. But there is no need for unreasonable concern. We are all capable, competent, and well-seasoned at exploration. We will be safe as long as we are careful.

[Namelessjake]

Mechanics

Someone make a Nature check to attempt to navigate back through the darkening forest to the outcropping.

[ratwizard]

Watching for familiar terrain and potentially problematic flora or fauna, Zima helps lead the others back the way they came. Everything appears quite different in the dark. Simple shapes take on a dimension of their own. I would not like to be lost out here, without the sun to guide us.

Mechanics

Nature: [1d20+9]=18+9=27

[Fialova]

"It is alright, enaid," Caoimhe says to Zima, as she notices her lover's growing fear. Doing her best to hide her own worries about their situation, she continues to attempt to alleviate the other woman's. "I am here, we will be safe together," she continues, softly. And we have companions, and we both know how to travel the woods if needed. Hopefully all is safe, but flight is possible if not.

[Namelessjake]

With Zemi leading the way back though the forest, you are able to find the outcropping mentioned by Ilmoto with enough time to spare before sundown to get a fire going and set up your camp. The rocky protrusion juts up out of the ground at an angle, creating a small clearing devoid of any larger trees or foliage, while also providing you with some shelter from the elements and serving as a reflector for the heat of the camp fire.

With the fire going and your bedrolls unfurled, you sup on what remains of your rations for the day and settle on a series of watch shifts for the night.

The night is filled with strange noises and the sound of movement in the tree line, by thankfully your fire seems to keep whatever lurks in the shadows at bay. You rise with the sun and quickly set about packing up your things, eating a quick breakfast of stale bread and salted beef before heading back into the forest.

Like the previous day, your progress is steady though slow, but by late morning the tree looms overhead, dominating the sky above you. Multiple flocks of birds flutter from branch to branch, from which large vines hang, swaying in the breeze. Larger predators circle overhead on the rising air of thermals, biding their time as they wait for an opening to swoop in on any unsuspecting prey.

You soon emerge from the forest to find yourselves at the base of the great tree, where the vegetation becomes limited to smaller bushes and grasses with the tree's shadow and thirst likely starving off any plants that dare to grow too large in its presence. The tree's enormous roots weave through the ground, creating a network of ridges and small lakes of water at the foot of the tree. From your position you are able to spot what appears to be a cave, disappearing beneath the tree and into into its root system from one of the small lakes, while at the base of the tree's trunk, a large crack appears to also lead inside the tree.

Your eyes are suddenly drawn elsewhere however, as you spot movement on some of the roots and earthen plateaus amongst the lakes. Humanoid creatures slowly move about as if patrolling, though rather than resembling any of the races of Voreld, or even the newly discovered Saurians, they look more like the forest itself with bark-like skin and spindly branch like appendages.

Many cultures across Voreld have ancient tales and folklore surrounding tree spirits, spriggans, forest guardians or other magical beings aligned with the protection of the natural world. Most can be written off as old wives tales intended to keep children from wandering off into the woods, however it appears the similar tales inherited by the elves who's ancestors made the Crossing may have been more than mere myth or legend.

Mechanics

You have taken a short rest, and can benefit from any associated mechanics if applicable.

6 days of rations remain.

[ratwizard]

Zima's sleep is light and interrupted, the many sounds of the forest unnerving her. Twice, she awakes to a vision — a band of elves stalking through the clearing, and later, the ethereal form of an expeditionary member from the First Fleet running from something unseen and unheard. When dawn comes, she is more than ready to continue their trek.

As the tree comes into view, the Kandoran cranes her neck up to follow its massive trunk, up to the canopy. "It is unlike anything I've seen before," she says quietly, taking in the beauty and scale. There is a way to go beneath it. Two, maybe.

Movement catches her attention. "People," she warns. "They move as if... as if they are part of this tree itself."

The seer turns toward Caoimhe and the others. "I... you can see them too, yes?"

[Scratcherclaw]

Raj stares ahead, rubbing his eyes as a dumbfounded expression forms on his face. "Oh, good. I was worried that I had begun hallucinating," he says, gaze fixed forward at the strange humanoids. I would hardly put it past this hellscape to have hallucinogenic spores or something of the like. But this? 

His body tenses, knowing the welcome the other locals of this land had given them. Who can say if these... people will not be as vicious and unrelenting? "I do not believe we should assume them friendly, yes? Letting our guard down seems foolish."

 

[ratwizard]

"As much as I wish that to be the case, prior experience dictates they may be territorial, or even aggressive," Zima says, watching the strange plant-like figures. "If we were to draw near enough, I could try and communicate with them. They would understand our intent." Discovery, not dominion. At least, I speak for us Guildfolk. This Consortium, and the dwarves? I cannot pretend to trust their intent.

She feels dizzy somewhat, the strange sensation of being on the other end of First Contact an uncomfortable and anxious one — especially after the meeting of the fearsome merfolk.