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

[Pbartender]

The return trip to the old mill is much quicker now that Rogier and Oirhandir know the way and avoid the swamp. Leaving Orussus early in the morning , lunch is spent at the campground near the stone bridge, and you arrive at the mill just before nightfall.

At dusk, you come across a low stone dam running the entire width of the Roars. On the near side of the river, a spillway channels the water into a millrace that flows past a crumbling stone building foundation that sits on the very edge of the river. Underbrush and trees crowd in and amongst the ruins... The mill has obviously been abandoned for some time.

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.

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.

The dirt path you arrived on winds its way through the trees to the east and west, following the river.

As you all stand there examining the ruins of the old mill, Oirhandir hears an odd plooping splash nearby. When he looks, he can't see anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps it was just a fish jumping, or maybe a frog, or some small water-borne lizard.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, guys... Busy week at work. Alright, I think we're back where we left off.

 

[El Jefe]

Oirhandir is relieved that the party has arrived before dark, and is quite pleased with his new company.

As you all stand there examining the ruins of the old mill, Oirhandir hears an odd plooping splash nearby. When he looks, he can't see anything out of the ordinary.

"I heard that exact same noise the last time we were here", remarked the elf, not realizing that only he had heard it. "Rogier, did you hear that? Maybe it was a scout for those infernal snakes!"

Oirhandir surveyed the scene for a moment. It was getting late, and there was still a camp to set up. He addressed the paladin: "Seriously, though, was there anything you wanted to do differently when we set up camp? Perhaps we can clear some of the brush from inside the ruins before nightfall, if we hurry."

 

[Manzanita]

Iggy

"This place is dangerous, perhaps. What say we backtrack a bit and make camp as far away as time allows tonight?"

 

[Zweischneid]

Dismounting and stretching, Razir winces slightly as he feels the sores a days ride inflicts on those not used to the saddle. Ignorant of the splosh that Oirhandir mentioned and only half listening anyways, he leads his horse to the river, watering the animal as well as dousing himself with a few handful of water to shake off the weariness.

Stupid, stupid you,.., he thinks to himself, stiffeling another yawn. Out drinking all night the very same night before your first decent job in years. Stupid!

"This place is dangerous, perhaps. What say we backtrack a bit and make camp as far away as time allows tonight?"

Still kneeling at the riverbank, the half-elf looks up and scans the surrounding underbrush ((Spot + 3)).

'Certainly doesn't look dangerous to me.. ' he whispers '..but I assume this is the spot where your previous companions nearly met their demise.'

Slowly he stands up and turns back towards the group 'Is it not?'

 

[El Jefe]

"This place is dangerous, perhaps. What say we backtrack a bit and make camp as far away as time allows tonight?"

Oirhandir wasn't sure that wouldn't be trading one danger for another. But he stilled his tongue and looked to Rogier for an answer to the halfling's question. Rogier did have some ideas for this situation, did he not?

'Certainly doesn't look dangerous to me.. ' he whispers '..but I assume this is the spot where your previous companions nearly met their demise.'

"Indeed, it is", replied the elf. "I heard them coming, but didn't see them until they rose from the very sticks and leaves on the forest floor. But when we drove them off, they slithered across the river to the far bank in one big swarm."

"But there was something else", he continued. "We first approached this place late in the day, then as now, but from the opposite bank." Oirhandir pointed to where the opposite end of the dam emerged from the swampy muck. "Just as Rogier was setting foot on the dam to see if a crossing was possible, I heard the same sound, that of something jumping or falling into the water, that I heard just moments ago. I drew my bow, but Rogier mocked me, saying I was fearful of frogs and fishes. He crossed without incident, as did we all, so I presumed he was right. Indeed, he may still be right, and it might have been nothing more than a frog; but still it is a mystery that I wish were solved."

 

[Gurdjieff]

"Hm? No, I didn't hear anything Oirhandir, but I can imagine there are lots of things in these swamps that create sounds. We still have some time before it gets too dark, so if you want you can check out the surrounding area to make sure there's nothing there."

When Iggy's question pops up, Rogier walks over to the horses to find a shovel.

"First of all, I think this place is as dangerous as any. At least we know what we can expect here. Second, if we dig a trench around us, and sleep close to the fire and the guards, we shouldn't have to worry about those snakes. Finally, we keep torches at ready, so if the snakes get too close for our liking, they will be scared off before they can do any harm."

With the shovel, he draws a big circle around the fireplace. "This should be big enough. We'll be fine Iggy, trust me."

 

[El Jefe]

Rogier's plan seemed sensible to Oirhandir, and he set about making camp and preparing the evening meal as quickly as he could. He longed to do some scouting and searching, but considered it more important that the group be well-prepared for the next day. Once that was taken care of, he resolved to spend what time he had left looking for the source of the odd noise...but if it turned out that there was no time left, he wouldn't waste his energy worrying about it.

OoC: Do we still have Norman with us, or was he able to talk his uncle into substituting a different nephew?

 

[Manzanita]

Iggy

"Fine. I trust you Rogier. I will be a vigilant watch tonight. To be sure. I'd prefer the first watch actually. That way I'll be able to prepare spells in the morning if need be, but still have some tonght, if necessary."

 

[Zweischneid]

"Just as Rogier was setting foot on the dam to see if a crossing was possible, I heard the same sound, that of something jumping or falling into the water, that I heard just moments ago. I drew my bow, but Rogier mocked me, saying I was fearful of frogs and fishes. He crossed without incident, as did we all, so I presumed he was right. Indeed, he may still be right, and it might have been nothing more than a frog; but still it is a mystery that I wish were solved."

Most interesting. And elven ears are keener by far than those of man and should be trusted.
Razir thinks to himself, his gray eyes carefully studying the waves in the darkening twilight.

And I do hope this Rogier can be trusted. Guess you'd better cover yourself, just in case.
the Rogues thoughts wander as he gazes back at the camp from the waterfront. Among the places and people the half-elf frequents, the words "We'll be fine ..., trust me." almost always mean quite the opposite.

Ambling back into the groups encampment, the half-elf quietly sets about to prepare his bedroll with all the caution one would ward his nights rest in the most seedy inns and gloomiest back-alleys of Orussus.
Carefully, the half-elf arranges his blades and a small but loaded crossbow for easy access besides his bedroll, as well as scattering dry leaves and sticks a few feet outside the makeshift trench to warn of any approach.

Finally satisfied with his defenses, and those of the group he squats down at the fire and grills a piece of moldy bread above the flames.

'Just wake me when you need me to take a watch. Till than, I guess I'll get a bit of sleep' he whispers after finishing his meal.

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OoC: Do we still have Norman with us, or was he able to talk his uncle into substituting a different nephew?

Who is Norman?

 

[Pbartender]

Who is Norman?

OOC: Norman was the nephew of Rupert and the party's 'horse holder' NPC during the last foray. I'd fogotten... Norman is no longer with you. His mother is far too afraid for his life now to let him go mucking about a snake infested swamp, and Rupert couldn't find another hireling on such short notice.

Game update soon...