The tunnel system is about 5 strides underground. It is only 2 strides wide and 3 strides tall. During its active use, a person could have probably transversed the smooth path at a full run or, at least, at a forced march; but with the advent of age and disrepair, a slow, disconcerting walk is what the party can manage.
Wrenn moves far enough out front to not specifically be illuminated by the lantern rod that Oorvid and Askari alternate carrying, since they remain in the middle of the group. Being unable to flank in the narrows, Volki hangs back with Hiroshi as part of the rear guard. Astrid stays with Oorvid and Askari.
Being in a dark environment, Wrenn and Volki both cause their skin to darken in an attempt to blend in. Quite interestingly, the skin changes and mottles if touched by the light. Neither have any talent to alter sound but must physically try to be quiet.
After 6 long hours of walking, which only covers about 3 hours of the distance that could naturally be walked, the party enters an enlarged room with a metal ladder offering egress to the surface, a needed respite and preferred camping. The tunnel, at this juncture, only continues west.
Back on the surface, the pergola is intact though overgrown with vines and obscured in shrubbery. The forest here is populated by average size conifers. Oorvid and Askari begin gathering material for a fire. Astrid discovers a small covey of thrushes and manages to stun 4 of them with a charges sling stone. Hiroshi finds and pulls a groundhog from its den. Wrenn and Volki both give signal of having definitive evidence that someone else has camped here, and both are pretty certain that they caught a glimpse of a person or two headed the party's way through the forest from the southeast. The party has maybe 3 minutes before that someone or someones should arrive.
Askari: full wellness Astrid: full wellness
Stones: 20 Hiroshi: full wellness
Javelins: 3, stone: 3, ularin Oorvid: full wellness
Tunic: 68 Volki: full wellness
Tunic: 50 - 2 = 48% Wrenn: full wellness
Tunic: 59
Arrows: 14
Someone should take the high ground, if you can use those vine to reach the top of the pergola. Or maybe the trees. Maybe we can get a idea of their number and intent before they arrive.
Askari will remain close to the southeastern side of the inside of the structure, relaxed and alert but not overly hostile. If the unknown subjects move to attack, he will use the structure as cover from range attacks until they’re close enough to be engaged in melee.
Posting for @Astrid
Like Wrenn, Astrid quickly attempts to scale the pergola on the far side from the approaching people. She is much more suited to aiding combat than engaging in melee. She prepares a stone for her sling incase she needs the extra distance.
Oorvid stands beside one of the columns out from under the pergola, his hands rest easily on the loops that hold his carving axes. He takes a deep breath through his nose and holds it for a second. A ripple runs over his skin like when a fly lands on cattle. He says one word to himself in Orngaddrin, "Ready."
Wrenn scales a column to the top of the pergola like he was born to it. Astrid quickly realizes that she will not be able to do so and moves to be near Hiroshi. Volki moves in with the foliage and seems to disappear.
As is likely expected the approaching people are Shimadows. The group possible senses something before any of the party can be noticed or perhaps they are more cautious. They are older than any of the previously encountered individuals but still young adults. Their cloud white skin is marked with patterns dyed from various berry juices.
The group fans out as it draws closer to the structure. Their quiet banter ceases when Oorvid and Askari are seen. The group appears to have been checking snares for they are carrying small game. A male near the center of the group looks around before speaking. He notices Hiroshi and Astrid but has not yet noticed Wrenn and cannot see Volki.
Not realizing that he can be understood he states in Shimadow, "Okay we accept the challenge for this location."
They drop their game and ready javelins, walking forward slowly. They are wary not foolhardy not stupidly agressive.
Askari: full wellness Astrid: full wellness
Stones: 20 Hiroshi: full wellness
Javelins: 3, stone: 3, ularin Oorvid: full wellness
Tunic: 68 Volki: full wellness
Tunic: 50 - 2 = 48% Wrenn: full wellness
Tunic: 59
Arrows: 14
Remaining hidden, Wrenn says, in perfect Shimadow:
"Leave now. You will not win this challenge. And we have no desire for further conflict. Failure to leave would be bad for you. Cut your losses, and leave now."
OOC:
Hopefully, they will leave. If not, Wrenn will shoot the one who spoke, while at the same time affecting him with Acidity.
Bow Attack: 83, Acidity: 98(+78) = 176 Wow, great roll.
Askari will place him hand on his weapon and adjust his balance in preparation for the possible conflict.
Don’t be foolish, is a spot to sleep worth your life. You will not be the first Shimadow to have chosen wrongly upon meeting us. Fammi sapere se si muovono per circondarci.
Askari will not attack until they act first
OOC:
Fammi sapere se si muovono per circondarci; Let me know if they move to surround us - Meant for Volki.