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Message: <blockquote data-quote="GreyOne" data-source="post: 977607" data-attributes="member: 858">Long has been this day, as you've tallied the dead and buried them together outside the village underneath the stone and sod of a barrow.  Most of the villagers have taken leave of their Lady with respect, or have simply trickled away into the woodlands, hopeful they can survive by foraging and such.  Saufgad, and six of Preda's armsmen have survived.  Preda has brooded deeply on Boian's betrayal and has vowed his death.  Nonetheless, for now, Kotso can no longer survive.  She has decided to abandon it, and will go into the south with those who will still follow.  The road will be too dangerous since Lygadh to the south now already pays its tithes to Visel and he will have men seeking her and her followers.  The Maergyr will doubtlessly ride the northern road beyond the river.  Thus, Preda's only route will be the river.  She has called on you to aid her remaining folk down river past the woods and marsh to Eastfair, where she can find sanctuary and support.  For now, this means Ghis and Joffer will have to wait.  It would be easy enough to let Preda and her followers fend for themselves, but too many decisions already on this long journey have made you compromise your oaths and loyalties.  No.  Preda will be delivered to Eastfair, and THEN you will continue on your quest.Preda's retainers have organized her household and loaded the captured riverboat with supplies and treasure.   Altogether, six warriors, Saufgad, Kuik and twelve villagers will be accompanying their Lady downriver.  The rest of the village have decided to take their chances in the woods.  The river keelboat is 30' long and 10' wide.   It has a small sail but oar banks for eight men.  It easily accomodates all of the passengers.  Ten horses are taken aboard too, as well as supplies for the journey and Preda's belongings, packed in a half dozen locked chests.  (OOC: One of Preda's warriors is experienced enough to master the great boat, and the time of year will not be conducive to using the sail--the winds blow from the south during the summer season.   You will occasionally need to take a turn at the oars, though the Janek's current should help your progress downriver.  The vessel will have a speed of 10' to 20' depending on current and number helping at the oars.  One person will always be needed at the bow to watch for obstacles and another at the rudder.  This crewman will need to make successful Wilderness Lore checks (DC varies) to assist the crew in safely avoiding dangerous obstacles -- if a crewman or PC has at least 5 ranks in Profession-Sailor there is a +2 synergy bonus to all checks.)Preda's men have fired the hillfort and thick black smoke billows into the air to be dispersed by the wind.   As you are about to cast off, Preda is the last to board, her gaze taking the village in for perhaps the last time.  You each stand near the bow, watching her as she climbs aboard with a helping hand.  "'Aye.   Sailing stirs the blood, doesn't it just?" smiles Nado, gazing downriver, his hands grasping the gunwales.</blockquote>

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