[IC] Shamutani Hills - psi/gng

[Eluvan]

[Sense Motive =8
Spot =7 ... oh dear...]


"If you agree that they only wish to talk, why would you be worried aout a crossfire. Wait... a crossfire between who? These are simple folk clearly in need of some kind of aid, I think you need to put aside your suspicion for the time being."

Without waiting for an answer, Lirithan trots his pony forwards until he is within normal speaking distance of Roak, seeing no reason to do otherwise.

 

[Scotley]

Bendyn Human Fighter/Psion

"Ware the back of the houses, there are more people lurking there."

You're not paranoid if everyone is out to get you.

 

[Sado]

"Though they have not made any hostile gestures, something has obviously disturbed them," Casparan cautions. "Let us walk lightly until we know the reason for their distress."

At the same time, Casparan eyes the buildings, having noticed people hidden behind them. He tries to position himself in such a way to be able to move around the buildings to get behind them should the need arise, without being obvious about his intentions.

 

[doghead]

Novermber 12th, in the stead of Tabotty

ooc: I will assume that you are mounted until you state otherwise.

As you pass the first of the buildings you notice a few people lounging awkwardly behind them, like people rather trying to look like they are not doing anything in particular. They carry weapons, but look more embarrased than threatening.

As draw to a halt about 10 feet in front of Roak, the others of the stead drift slowly forwards and around to your sides somewhat. However, like those between the buildings who drift out onto the road and down towards the others, they look more awkward than anything about the weapons they are carrying. The road behind you is open and unblocked, and there is plenty of space between the buildings leading to the open land around the stead. Should you wish to leave the road in a hurry.

"Thank you for hearing us out," begins Roak. "We do indeed have troubles."

"A couple of weeks ago we started loosing animals, to a bear as it turned out. We tracked it down and tried all the usual way to drive it off but it would not move on. After about a week or so we were starting to get desperate and so we pressed it, but it turned on us, nearly killing Ober and wounding a couple of others. It was by luck alone that we did not lose someone.

"So we sent word to Highthorn and Beck* asking for their help. But we have recieved no reply.

Which is a rather odd thing to do. A stead can swear fealty to only one man. If they are sworn to Beck why would send word to Highthorn, and vice versa?

Roak hurries on though.

"A few days ago a rider came through here. A warrior like yourselves by the look of him. We tried to flag him down but he did not stop. A second pair of riders did stop long enough to hear us out, but would not stay to help although they too were warriors. Yesterday, a third rider rode straight over Henri, busting him up pretty bad."

Roak's voice wavers slightly as he struggles to contain his anger at the events in general, and the third rider in particular. There are mutterings from the crowd as well. At first they are mostly just confirmation noises, but as the story progresses the tone of the mutterings gets darker.

"It is not far away. An hour or so at the most, up by Big Nose hill. There is a cave near the base of the hill where it stays. It rarely seems to leave."

Roak and the rest of the steaders look up at you expectantly.

 

[Eluvan]

Lirithan is full of sympathy for the villagers, though having lived in a village himself for most of his life he is keenly aware of their tradiitonal ways and so puzzled by the reference to sending appeals to two different lords.

"Well, I will certainly do my best to help you, for it seems you have a grave need. I cannot speak for my companions of course, but I hope you will find them also willing. But before I do, tell me - who do you owe fealty to? You spoke of sending for help to both Highthorn and Beck, which is surely a mistake?"

 

[Sado]

Casparan appears reluctant. To the other, he says, "Though I sympathize with these folk, our quest is of much greater importance than a village having trouble with a local beast. The fate of the Five Kingdoms could hang in the balance. We should not tarry here.

"If it is on our way, perhaps we could see what we can do. But we should not allow ourselves to be led away from our mission."

 

[Scotley]

Bendyn Human Fighter/Psion

Softly to the others, "Aye Casparan we cannot tarry long, but these people have been driven to despair. Perhaps we can at least have a look at this most unusual bear." More loudly to the others "tell us more of this very odd bear, what did he look like, were you able to wound him at all and how are the wounded men?"

 

[Diirk]

Eric looks at Casparan.

"It is only an hour away, afterl all?" he asks hopefully.

 

[doghead]

Novermber 12, in Tabotty.

But before I do, tell me - who do you owe fealty to? You spoke of sending for help to both Highthorn and Beck, which is surely a mistake?

Roak looks up at Lirithan. He appears a little surprised and flustered by the question, and more than grateful when Casparen starts talking. He appears less happy with what the Warrior priest has to say. There are a few mutterings about "not from around here" and "Ruddlestoner" as Casparen's accent is noted by the crowd. But as Bendyn and Eric add their thoughts to the discussion, the mood of the crowd swings back upwards somewhat.

Roak hastily seizes upon Eric's comment. "Aye its only an hour away a most. And the wounded are doing as well as can be expected thanks to Hissok's attentions. The gods have been kind and there are no broken bones or infections.

"Please. It won't take much of your time. You will be back on the road by the noon I don't doubt."

With another five hours or so of riding ahead of you, that would mean finishing your journey as the light fails. But so long as the road remains clearly marked, you shouldn't have any difficulties finding Beck's stead. If the mounts are left here, then they should be well rested by the time you return. You would be able to push them somewhat, thus speeding your arrival this afternoon.

 

[Scotley]

Bendyn Human Fighter/Psion

"Let us make haste and see about this bear, while our mounts get some rest."