[RCFG] The Eyes of Mellythese (Playtest)

[Raven Crowking]

Crappy maps are my specialty!

Each hex is 1,000 yards, or 10 minutes walk along a good path.

 

[Redbadge]

"If amongst the trees we go stumbling," I comment, motioning to the woods, "We are not likely to discover our prize, I think.

If we follow this path, we are likely to be finding something at the end of it, yes, whether for ill or for gain."

"And also, we are yet retaining our right to stumble," I add, noting that the path still brings us close to the woods, should we decide to eventually enter. Since an ambush is likeliest at that point, I add, "Or something may decide to be stumbling upon us. Comrades, maintain vigilance, yes?"

With that I start down the footpath, alert and cautious, now wielding my spear.

 

[Redbadge]

OOC: RCK, would it be equally valid for me to assume either that the eight rubies may each be hidden in different spots on the island or that they may also be hidden all together in the same location? In other words, do I have any reason to suspect one possibility over the other?

 

[Raven Crowking]

OOC: RCK, would it be equally valid for me to assume either that the eight rubies may each be hidden in different spots on the island or that they may also be hidden all together in the same location? In other words, do I have any reason to suspect one possibility over the other?

Either could be the case.

Of course, if you find one (or all), then you'll know for sure if they are all together!

 

[Walking Dad]

John Greyson

"We are faster on the path and the way will be less tiring." John comments.

 

[Raven Crowking]

You travel down the path for about 20 minutes, with the woodland growing ever closer on your left. Where the footpath meets the woods, there is the remains of an old roadway, once paved with cobblestones, going roughly north and south.

To the north, the old roadway enters the woods. These are light woodlands, consisting mostly of poplars, birch, and other fast-growing trees. A few beech young trees have also taken root, but they are far from massive. The wood looks light, cool, and green -- and perhaps offers some shelter should the grey skies release their threat of rain.

To the south, a ruined fieldstone wall runs along the old laneway to the west (your right should you choose to go south). It is covered in brambles, and parts of it have fallen long ago. Wild roses and other wildflowers grow along it in places. A few raspberries can still be found amid the brambles, missed by bird and beast alike.

 

[Redbadge]

OOC: What is the roadway leading towards in the south? Presumably back towards the beach landing described at the beginning?

Palamon takes the time to search the area for signs of passage, more discarded items, or other features of interest. He'll encourage his allies to do the same.

 

[Raven Crowking]

You see some sign of hoofed prints in the dirt covering parts of the old roadway -- this is obviously used by some creature. From their size, and the occasional scat, you would guess goats.

As you are looking at the road surface, you hear a human voice utter a swear, which Eric's Grandmother forbids me from transcribing, and one...no, two...other men laughing. From the sound of it, somewhere to the south, hidden from your view, another party is on the road. And, as did you, it seems that they discovered the goat (?) dung....in their case, by a man stepping in it.

It seems likely that the road leads back toward the beach, although you cannot see it all for the twists and the folds in the land, as well as the scrub brush, which limits your vision somewhat. You can certainly see the rise that leads over the cliff's edge, and you think you can see where the roadway meets it. There might be other branches not visible from where you are, though.

You'd guess that the people you can hear are about 1-2,000 yards down the south road.

[Probably best to let everyone chime in before moving on now.]

 

[Redbadge]

OOC: DM, does it seem likely that the old fieldstone wall would completely obscure us from the road if we all lay behind it? Also, is it within a few hundred feet, and do I believe can we reach it relatively quickly and silently? If so, I quietly lay out the following plan before my comrades:

"Quick, comrades, and listen, unless another claims to have a better plan. These mystery men will be upon us in but a few minutes. We know not their purpose or their destination, and we are wanting to know both, yes? It is my thought that we steal over to yonder wall, and move up tight and prone behind it, so that we are obscuring ourselves from the road and those who will be transversing it shortly. After our friends have passed, the most silent of us trail 100 yards behind these men, thus following them. His comrades shall follow 100 yards behind that, for we are not as quiet. You must signal us if we are to be stopping, and so forth, and if danger does present, you must flee back so that we may aid you. Answer now, or lay forth your alternative, for time is fleeting, yes?"

 

[HolyMan]

"Ye sure bout this," Scarven says testing the edge of his axe blade. "I means best we be see if we can use them to help us. If'n they aren't friendly best to be ready, right here right now, then have 'em somehow surprise us."

He looks about but sees nothing really interesting for an ambush site so shrugs. "Let's talk to 'em first."