The Treasure of the Tierra Padre... [Knight Otu Judging]

[Gurdjieff]

Oirhandir's frustration is mounting. Once again the band had outsmarted themselves, and he was as much to blame for it as anyone!

"Well, I'm almost ready to trade my right arm for dry ground", says the elf, "but I'm not sure if we can get the animals across safely. We'd need someone to stand watch on both banks of the Roars." Seeing that Rogier is about to cross, he adds, "Be careful! I thought I heard something in the water, maybe just a fish, maybe not." Oirhandir readies his bow and nocks an arrow, just in case.

"Scared of the wild Oirhandir? The swamp is filled with frogs and fish, I've been hearing those things ever since we got near the swamp. Don't worry."
Rogier looks around and ponders if it would be smart to leave the animals on this side of the riverbank, and patrolling both sides of the river. With the lifeline the crossover should go quite fast if there would be any trouble, so he thinks.
"I'll check if the mill is good enough shape to spend the night in. I suggest leaving the horses on this side of the bank, so they don't have to cross again in the morning. And as this place seems pretty abandoned I dont think we'll have to fear much more than a stray swampcreature, if we're unlucky."
Checking the depth of the river once again before he crosses, Rogier moves over to the mill in a slow and steady pace, putting the lifeline in place once again.

 

[Pbartender]

The flat top of the stone dam is at least two feet wide the whole way across. Even with the river flowing high from the recent rains, the water spilling over the top of the dam is barely ankle deep. The millrace spillway is deep and wide enough to allow a rowboat to pass, but it is only a matter of a short hop from the dam over the rushing water to the shore and the mill's delapidated foundation.

Rogier quickly and easily makes his way across, and secures a rope lifeline. It should not be a difficult crossing even for the horses and mule.

 

[El Jefe]

"Scared of the wild Oirhandir? The swamp is filled with frogs and fish, I've been hearing those things ever since we got near the swamp."

"Fish and frogs do not concern me," replies the elf. "But other things that lurk in the waters do."

Rogier quickly and easily makes his way across, and secures a rope lifeline. It should not be a difficult crossing even for the horses and mule.

Seeing Rogier successfully cross without being molested, Oirhandir returns his arrow to his quiver. As a flash of inspiration crosses his mind, he calls to Rogier. "Do you think there's any chance we could lay down some planks to make those last few feet a little easier for the animals?"

 

[Gurdjieff]

Seeing Rogier successfully cross without being molested, Oirhandir returns his arrow to his quiver. As a flash of inspiration crosses his mind, he calls to Rogier. "Do you think there's any chance we could lay down some planks to make those last few feet a little easier for the animals?"

"I'll see what I can find at the mill" Rogier answers, and he walks over to the mill to see if it won't crash on them would they spend the night, and while he's at it look for some boards to make the crossover even easier for the animals.

 

[DM-Rocco]

OOC, sorry it has been a while, I had to move and get settled in. I am back and ready to continue. I have read everything to date, but I don't have much to add to this. I think some dry land would be nice, but I think a strong watch is in order for the night shift. Plus, it seems a bit unusual, Calamar readies himself for an ambush.

 

[Pbartender]

Any worked wood from the mill has long since distintegrated with the passage of time. Rogier dies, however find several recently fallen deadwood branches that he lashes together into a makeshift, but sturdy bridge.

Within minutes, everyone has crossed the stream, including the horses and pack mule.

The remains of the old mill is a simple stone foundation. The foundation now forms wall about a yard thick and nearly as high, which encloses an area thirty feet on each side. Brush and saplings grow inside the foundation, while the spare woods along the river surround the ruins on all sides but that of the riverbank. A dirt path winds its way through the trees to the east and west, following the river.

 

[El Jefe]

The remains of the old mill is a simple stone foundation. The foundation now forms wall about a yard thick and nearly as high, which encloses an area thirty feet on each side.

A ready-made redoubt! After slogging through the swamp, Oirhandir is pleased at the party's good fortune.

Brush and saplings grow inside the foundation, while the spare woods along the river surround the ruins on all sides but that of the riverbank.

Oirhandir immediately sets to clearing away enough undergrowth to create a pleasant campsite inside the walls of the old mill. Dry and snug! The elf plans to savor this evening as much as possible, knowing that tomorrow may bring more days of being hip-deep in murky water (even if it is only his mount and occasionally his boots that are so drenched).

He turns to Norman, who he expects to find even more morose than usual after the day's river crossing and the afternoon's long ride through the swamp. "I don't know about you, but I'm grateful for at least one night of rest outside of that cursed muck", he confides.

 

[Pbartender]

That evening a cheerful campfire dances in the middle of the old ruins. The camp is pleasantly dry and secluded as well. The rushing of the water falling over the dam is uncommonly soothing amidst the other night noises.

 

[El Jefe]

That evening a cheerful campfire dances in the middle of the old ruins. The camp is pleasantly dry and secluded as well.

Oirhandir enjoys dry feet and good camp food, and lounges comfortably as he plays his chimes after dinner. If it turns out that he knows some of the same songs that Katherine does (and he almost certainly does), it will be his delight to accompany her voice.

Later in the evening, the elf plays more restive music, once again helping the party to it's collective dreams. Oirhandir expects to take the first watch.

 

[Gurdjieff]

After camp is set, Rogier checks the surrounding one last time. He makes sure the horses are good for the night and gets ready for some sleep. Enjoying this dry break, Rogier listens to the sounds produced by Oirhandir and Katherine while slowly dreaming away.