Skull Mountain: the Return

[greyarea]

Morning comes and all are well rested. The day outside is gloomy: a fog has rolled in and by the temperature it doesn't seem like it will roll out soon. You have a breakfast of cold mutton, warm ale and boiled quail eggs before you set off.

The trek is hard. The fog isn't too thick to hinder visibility, but it makes for a cold wet day. Everything is damp. The road is muddy from a rain that seems to have missed Wolford but soaked the ground here. You encounter nothing on the road, not even tradesmen or farmers bringing their wares to town. You exit the road and head across the high grass of the prairie.

It doesn't take long to pass the remnants of battle where you encountered the brigands only a few days ago. The stench is heavy and the corpses partly eaten by scavengers. You trek on.

Entering the woods, you know you are about halfway to Skull Mountain. You eat a bit of colder mutton and cold boiled eggs from the Inn, washing it down with tepid water. The berries you find near the lunchsite are deemed edible by Wulfric, your new druid companion, and add a hint of sweetness to the otherwise dull meal on this miserable day.

The woods are nicer than the open land. The fog seems not as dense here and while it isn't dry by any means it is easier to walk through. The food in your bellies helps the travel.

You are a few hours away from the Mountain when you notice something in the path ahead. A white cloth is being waved. As you get a bit nearer you see a small group of men, one waving the cloth.

One of them calls out to you, "Hail, fine adventurers. We need to talk."

Actions?

[badams30]

Grimes - Fighter

Grimes slowly puts his hand on his sword, and cautiously eyes the surroundings for any sign of ambush. Not having been here before, he glances at Dieter and Dandy to see if they recognize this fellow.

[Spanningtree]

Dieter - Mage

Dieter will shrug his shoulder to Grimes to indicate that he does not know these folks but the berries at lunch were good. Ho there, what do we need to talk about?

OCC: How many are there?

[greyarea]

OOC: From what you can see, there are five men. All appear to be human, from this distance. They are dressed in leather and hues of green, as if they inhabit these woods regularly. Think Robin Hood or similar.

[connivingsumo]

Dandy Dwarf Cleric

Keeps his Dwarven hammer ready to throw if needed...

[greyarea]

A strange company...

The same one that called out initially says, in response to Dieter, "I am Bars Tolvik. I have been following your exploits into the place known as Skull Mountain and see you've had some success. I know something of this cult you seek to destroy and may be of some service to you. We seek similar ends, you and I. If you don't wish to talk, that is fine, be on your way and we will disturb you no further."



The men do not have their weapons drawn but appear to be in a state of readiness, should you prove hostile.

Actions?

[badams30]

Grimes - Fighter

Grimes will ease his guard somewhat, and edge forward a bit to listen, but he'll stay silent and observant.

[Spanningtree]

Dieter - Mage

You can understand our apprehension... this area is crawling with members of the cult. He will walk forward about halfway between the two groups. Let's have a chat.

[badams30]

Grimes - Fighter

Seeing Dieter advance, Grimes will advance with Dieter, staying just behind and beside him just in case.

sort of like a 1/2 size bodyguard....

[connivingsumo]

Dieter - Mage

You can understand our apprehension... this area is crawling with members of the cult. He will walk forward about halfway between the two groups. Let's have a chat.

Dandy lowers his hammer but keeps it at the ready, then also moves forward... "An if'n it aint full o'cultists - it be full o'thieves! But I'll listen to ye."