"Well then, it appears that you are ready to get some dirt under your boots."
Nardon then nods at the youthful looking man, barely past his teens leaning against the wall behind you -- dressed in a loose fitting chain shirt below a mottled green cloak. A shortsword and kukri swing from his belt.
"This is Ganyon, he is a native of Xen'drik and knows the jungles like the backs of his hands. He will guide you true."
The young man nods,"Lits git crackin' then and head uut - we should be able tuh git plenty far 'fore we should bog down fer the night. Shouldn't run inta anythin' too mean until at least tumarra afternoon I bet."
"If'n yer ready, lets git a move on."
Nardon and Ganyon walk towards the main entrance to the great hall. On the way, you notice two others silently appear behind your group -- one is a male half-orc, the other a female human. Both are dressed in mottled green cloaks above well oiled studded leather. The halforc carries a longsword and dagger on his belt, whereas the comely female has a longbow slung over a shoulder and a quiver of brightly fletched arrows visible over the other.
Nardon beckons a duo towards him as he reaches the entryway. A small male gnome and female halforc stop what appears to be a heated discussion and joins your group.
"Behind you are Gragth and Trista, both trained in jungle survival and combat, the gnome is Sanadal Sil Sivis and the woman is Maia-Zak."
He smiles briefly,"Sanadal is not trained in the ways of the forest, but has become somewhat accustomed to its hazards over the years he has been on continent."
The gnome's facial expression quickly turns sour. "Now THAT is not exactly the way to make an introduction my friend. I think you might benefit from some private tutelage on the matters of greetings and manners. Why, I think I saw a flyer on the way here for such an event. Back towards the Sivis enclave about 200 feet or so, on a high post. I could lead you there right there and get all the information that you would require...."
Nardon clears his throat and cuts the gnome off.
"Right. Well, greetings to you, it shall be a pleasure sharing the jungle with you, I'm sure." He bows slightly.
The halforc woman says nothing but nods slightly.
Nardon then gestures towards the door and leads you to the enclave entrance. "May your travel be short and true."
[D]aa[/D]
You make your way quickly through the market and soon are crossing over the last canal in the city. On the other side of the small bridge you spot a grouping of large tents and lean-to's.
On the path back to the city from the tents are Morika and Thanor, who quickly join up with the main group. Quick introductions are made and the city of Stormreach is soon out of sight.
The cobbled road leading from Stormreach into the wilds of Xen'drik is quite broad -- you estimate it to be nearly 100' wide as it exits the city, framed on each side by large, old growth trees.
The trees are so thick and dense as to appear to be nearly impassable. Vines as thick as a human arm weave webs around massive tree trunks, and tangled undergrowth fills in the gaps. Cackling birds can be heard, and occasionally a flock can be see flying lazily overhead. All in all, the wildlife noises are familiar, but markedly different than what you are used to on your travels in Khorvaire.
After a mile or so, the road gradually narrows, down to about 20' across. At this point the road has become more or less a well travelled path, the only thing keeping the vegetation at bay is the many footfalls of the Xen'drik traveller.
[D]aa[/D]
You have travelled about 9 hours now, with a short rest around noon for a hastily prepared lunch -- it turns out the gnome has some talents in the culinary arena and is familiar with some of the native plants that can be used for seasoning. You watch as he pulls out a few loaves of bread and a few hunks of meats and cheeses from a small sack. All in all, the fare is quite good considering the fact you are miles from civilization.
Ganyon stops and turns back to the rest of you,"This be a good time as any ta stop fer the night. We can git up at the cracka dawn an' git our move on agin. We should have good weather fer walkin' tomorra as well." He says as he looks toward the dark skies.
He motions towards the two scouts that have been flanking the group, near the trees, and the disappear for a moment.
Not too long after, they reappear from each side and report to Ganyon.
The woman has located a good campsite, in a small clearing off of the path about 100 feet on the south side of the main trail.
[D]aa[/D]
Camp is made, tents are pitched and the two scouts and Ganyon set out from camp to hunt dinner.
The gnome is busily filling a pot, which was pulled out of the same sack as the meats and cheeses at lunch, with water he creates with a quick prayer to the Host, and is slicing up some root vegetables that he just dug up besides the camp.
The sun has dropped below the trees and darkness and shadow has enveloped the campsite, except for the central fire and a small floating magical light the gnome created so that he can complete his meal preparation.
Some loud thumps are heard from the direction of the main trail. Your eyes stop watching the busy work of the gnome and focus more towards the direction of the sound.
For a moment, you hear nothing, then it begins again -- slow, plodding thumps. They sounds like they are getting closer. You can begin to feel the ground start to shake a bit.
Actions? (Listen/Spot/Initiative)
Let me know if you have lightsources on your person that I am not aware of. I've added the visibility of darkvision for Voadam, Yoggrith and Thanor , Sanne and Aeranduil have low-light vision, and what not.
Also, coordinates now will follow a cartesian system of (x, y)
