3 Peonu 720

[GM]

Time: Beginning of 1st watch - Middle of 2nd watch

The night continues to cool, the wind has shifted and now blows in from the east. Kugald and Algared can catch the scent of their latrine to the east with each gust.

With the hours of dark the only sounds to carry to the men standing watch are those of the nocturnal wildlife, the chirping of crickets from the surrounding trees and croaking of frogs from the riverbank.

In dawns early hours the chill in the air seems to bite that little bit deeper so that not even your cloaks seem to keep you warm, Algared ank Kugald seem to be subconciously drawn to the warmth of the fire, with the slightest hint of dawn Algared stokes the fire back into life to make sure that the fire will have ample heat to warm the morning stew.

The light from the fire grows at new life is breathed into it with fuel placed upon it.

With the flames of the fire now reaching the bottom of the cooking pot, Kugald is satisfied with the glow from the east from behind the mountain range that within a quarter watch there will be enough light to pack their things, eat and make themselves ready to march. With Algared tending the stew, Kugald begins to rouse his sleeping companions.

[Kugald Daas]

"It is alway darkest...and coldest...just before dawn."

"Right you sleepy heads, time to wake up. I know it has been a short night for some of you, but time is a wasting."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

Algared serves eveeryone a large steaming serving of the stew with a slice of the rye loaf that had contributed to making the stuffing for the previous meal. Once he has eaten Algared goes to scrub the pots then fills the water skins whilst his companions break camp. Once all is ready, cleaned and packed away he takes his position in their march and begins the trek back towards Daaslund and home.

[GM]

Time: Towards the end of 2nd watch - Near the end of 3rd watch

The morning starts off cold with overcast sky to the west, the eastern sky is lit by the rising sun. With the warband having packed their gear away lest their eating utensils they sit around the now dying fire as they enjoy a hearty meal of fish stew and mixed vegies with a portion of rye bread.

With the meal finished there is now enough light to allow the warband to travel more easily over the difficult terrain. Algared has washed and packed the cooking pots away and refilled everyones waterskins. Everyones plates have been cleaned and packed away in everyones own pack.

The warband heads off towards the north, the clouds continue to build in the sky and Barak and Kugald sense that later today there will probably be rain. The morning warms only marginally as you continue to head north. You try to avoid possible areas of habitation as you slowly crawl your way up and down the steep inclines of the surrounding terrain.

Soon after heading off the flora that you are travelling through changes as you are now no longer walking through a mixed forest but the trees are now more a mixed alpine forest.

The hills you are traversing seem to be spur lines running from high in the west to the lowlands in the east. This means that your warband is crossing this ground by moving from one spur line to the next. The climbs are steep and the descents dangerous but you continue on despite the slow going.

After having just completed a descent Barak notices a trap line that has been set up near a small creek that trickles at the base of two spur lines. Barak judges the trap line is only a day or two old and as yet there appears to be no wildlife caught. Steering clear of the trap line the warband continues to head north as best you can.

As the warband continues its advance north the flauna changes once again and returns back to the mixed woodlands.

The warband start out needing on a rest every quarter watch or so but soon fatigue begins to take its toll on the warband, with each ascent the warband find that they need to take a short breather, weighed down with the extra rations and equipment, even your spears are becoming a hazard as you attempt each descent.

Nearing high sun the warband stop at the peak of a spur line to take a break...

[Kugald Daas]

"Before we leave, we should take some effort to disguise the camp don't you think?"

Once everyone has packed their gear, Kugald looks to the others to help as he begins to tear down the camp. He takes down the lean-to. He scatters the branches and tree boughs as best he can, trying to make them look as natural as possible. He makes sure the fire is completely out and covers it with dirt. Then, he rolls the ring of stones apart, taking care to make sure that the charred side of the stones ends up face down.

Once the camp is dismantled, he asks Barak, "Is there anything else we can do to make the old campsite less obvious? I realize that is someone is looking for it, it will be easy to find, but what I am hoping for is that is won't be too obvious and so someone not paying attention won't see it or if they do see it, it will look like a routine hunter's camp."

The war band heads off.

At about noon they stop on a ridge line (presumably they stop just to either side so they aren't silhouetted against the skyline). Kugald takes the opportunity to survey the valley to their east. What can he see? Thrans? Fields? Any large groups of men moving? He also looks to see if there is a better path lower down that involves a lot less climbing.

Post by GM The terrain you are travelling through is quite heavily wooded and as yet you have not been able to find a suitable vantage point where you can see the surrounding lowlands through the canopy of the trees. Your visibility is being restricted by the numerous trees which at this point seem to be a hazard (not allowing you to see to far ahead) and a blessing (it conceals your movements from any third parties).

The path to the west seems to be an impentrable wall of rock without any sign that there is a path through, to the south lies the road you have just travelled and to the north the terrain seems to go on unchanged from what little you have been able to see. To the east, well, you know that there are likely numerous thrans with there associated fields, pastures and meadows and Jurri has already informed the warband that the farmers are now back out and working the fields in preparation for the spring sowing.

[Barak Daas]

Barak helps Kugald to disguise the campsite though he knows it won't be concealed from even a rookie tracker. He is also intrigued by the trap line "Why is there no game and why hasn't the trapper cleared the traps? We need to be careful."

Over the midday break Barak says "We can't keep on like this. Only a watch sleep, and the spend two watches hiking in this terrain. Either we're going to have to keep less of a watch, or move at a slower rate. We should also try to hunt, fish or forage everyday; and try to keep the preserved food until we really need it."

[Kugald Daas]

"I agree, this terrain is much more difficult than I expected. Perhaps we can move lower down. There will be greater risk of encountering people, but it will be better going."

"As far as the watch goes, I think we may have to go to a single man on watch. That way, everyone will get at least a watch and a half's sleep, even if it is interrupted."

"I disagree on the hunting and foraging idea. The whole point of stopping was to gather enough food so we didn't have to stop again until we get back into Daaslund. I think we need to press on."

[OOC: The follow statement presumes that Kugald doesn't see any armies or patrols from their vantage point on the ridge.]

"When we get to the bottom of this ridge, we'll following the foot of it, well inside the tree line, but down on the lower reaches. It will be further, but we won't be climbing up and down these bloody ridge lines."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Jurri Grebel]

The next time we get to the top of a ridge, Jurri gazes along the next nearest ridge line to gauge how difficult it might be to follow one up to the main spine of the mountains. If it seems practical, he'll suggest:

"Maybe we're making this harder on ourselves. What if we just went over? (pointing up at the mountain) The other side is Daaslund, and it's a fair bet we'd not run into any troops. Hard until we reach the top, yes, but fairly easy afterwards."

Post by GM Casting your gaze west towards the mountains what you can see through the canopy of the trees is a steep and unwelcoming chain mountains.

The details visible to you from here indicate that the mountains consists of steep rock faces and what would seem an impassable avenue of travel.

[GM]

I have added to Kugald's and Jurri's posts....

[Algared]

'It is hard going, I'll admit though I recall the inital plan was to march lower down admitedly at least this high up we do avoid others." Algared says in response to the others as they rest. "Kugald if we go to a single man on watch when we are setting up camp maybe one or two could catch some shut eye before the evening meal."

When Barak ponders about the trapline, Algared asks how long they were set, then adds.
"Surely you dont set your line of traps then check them the same day,if they are recently set it tells us we aren't as alone even here as we thought we were. To me that is more reason for us to press on, we have one advantage at present we have at least four days rations with careful planning we can probably stretch that to eight days. So we dont need to hunt or forage for a couple of days yet and I do try to ensure we save as much of the preserved foods as we can. last night alone you and I easily added two days of fresh fish to our rations and we have the remains if the deer still."

Algared stops for a moment and ponders,
"Without rationing, we'll have 3 days supplies remaing after today, if we are going to continue in this terrain then we probably dont want to be rationing as we'll need all our strength. Thus I'd say we have two days days where we can march as far as we can without stopping to forage or hunt. Of course if we come across a hunters trap that has been sprung I say we liberate it of its catch. If our current march arrangement is too taxing on us all, how about today we march as intended. Tomorrow we do a single march, find a camp siite and forage hunt or fish,and then the following day do a double march. When we marched with the Daas we marched all day and now our family and friends likely march that same trail back to Daaslund, but we are probably better supplied than they are."

[GM]

Time: End of 3rd watch - Mid 4th watch

After taking a break just below the ridge of the spur line you have just climbed, the warband head east in an effort to find an easier path north. You have moved east about a kilometre when the terrain becomes easier to march through, the vegetation is a little more scattered improving your visibility around you.

From your vantage point you are able to see through the trees farming land to the east, the hills and trees continue of to the north and seem to bend around towards the east in the distance. A thran sits about a kilometre to the east through the tress. The thran looks like the thran first seen as you headed north and the one that Jurri visited to obtain the rations.

You push on north keeping within the treeline to provide the best possible cover while still maintaining a reasonable visibility ahead.

By late in the afternoon you have continue to travel north until you reach the end of the woods. Ahead of you lay the farming lands to the north and east, the woods to the south behind you and to the west the treelined mountains.

You can continue to head north along your current heading but it shall be through the open countryside of farming land or head more westerly up into the forested mountains to continue north. Which way shall it be?

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald looks out of the forest at the open fields.

"I think we should bear west, staying inside the tree line. It will be longer, but I don't like the idea of walking in the open...unless we wait until nightfall and cross them by moonlight. But with the short night last night, we will be exhausted if we stay up another night. Let's push on to the west."

"Agreed?" Kugald looks to the others for confirmation or debate.

TTYL

- Kerry

[Borygg Raal]

Borygg nods his head in agreement with Kugald's suggestion.

[Algared]

"Well Cous, what do you think? continue sticking to the trees or do we march across the fields?" Algared looks at the way ahead and to Kugald as he decides the path they will take. Either way after a day treking for what feels like minimal result towards their goal has left Algared feeling frustrated, a feeling he imagines his cousins and friends likely feel as well.

As Kugald choses the tree line Algared nod's his aggreement.

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri nods as well.

"Not much moonlight anyway."

[Kugald Daas]

"Tree line it is. Lead on Barak..."

Kugald falls in behind Barak. They have made frustratingly little progress. As they march, he weighs the pros and cons of risking travelling through the fields. He doesn't like the odds. If they encounter men on horse back, in the open, they are done for. At least in the trees, they have a chance of escape and more cover. He weighs his options and decides to wait and see what the end of their first day brings them.

TTYL

- Kerry

[GM]

Time: Mid 4th watch - Mid 5th watch

With the sky still filled with ominous grey clouds that block out but a little of the blue sky above, the wind has picked up and now blows quite strongly from the north east, this wind also brings the temperature down as well.

You turn slightly west to keep within the tree line. You have travelled less than several hundred yards before the going becomes increasinly difficult. The hills you now traverse are far steeper than before and the footing a lot more unstable. The warband now walk along the foot of the mountain range and soon the sun is hidden behind the mountains to the west.

Making the most of the now diminishing sunlight the warband push on.

By the end of the 4th watch you have travelled about a kilometre or two but it seems you have walked at least five or six. With the sunlight now fading Barak calls a halt to the warbands movement when he has found a suitable campsite for the night. It sits in a small hollow at the base of a extremely high cliff face. There is a slight overhand that extends about 10' into the cliff face and about 20' up the cliff that should keep the warband dry should it rain later on.

Barak and Kugald set to have a quick look around the area to determine if it will suit the warbands needs for the night, while Borygg and Jurri set to gathering what timber they can for a fire. Meanwhile Algared sets up his cooking stand and pot and begins to prepare the evening meal. When Kugald and Barak return from their search they too join in gathering enough wood for the fire tonight, with enough timber gathered to keep the fire burning all night the warriors set up the rest of the camp.

With only the light of the fire to light the surrounding area, Algared is now ready to serve up his stew that he has prepared.

Lit only by the glowing embers of the fire the warband sit around and discuss the plan for the coming day.

Now with full bellies and aching legs, backs and shoulders the warriors turn in for the night after setting up their watch.

Feel free to now discuss your plans for the new day and post your watch order for the night

[Kugald Daas]

"Right, first things first. As soon as we are done talking, everyone except the sentry hits the sack.. We need to get some rest tonight. As for sentry, I think what we discussed on the ridge is the best idea, just one person an sentry for a half watch each. Tonight, Barak, you first, then Borygg. Jurri...you get the middle of the night. Then me. Algared, you get a full night's sleep tonight."

"So, now that that's out of the way, let's talk about the march tomorrow."

[OOC: I am a little unclear, how did we get back up in the mountains? I thought we were skirting around the fields just inside the tree line? I realize the fields probably run right up to the foot of the mountains, but it shouldn't go super steep immediately. There should be some sort of foothills or area where it is only moderately steep.]

Post by GMThere is a small section along the eastern edge of the mountains that has the fields etc pretty well flush up against the topo symbol for the mountains that is how you ended up back in the mountains

By late in the afternoon you have continue to travel north until you reach the end of the woods. Ahead of you lay the farming lands to the north and east, the woods to the south behind you and to the west the treelined mountains.

"I say tomorrow, we skirt the edge of the fields. The fields cover the flattest part of the valley, if we stay within 50m of the fields, the terrain shouldn't be too tough and if we see anyone, we can duck back deeper into the woods."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

'Very well.' Algared replies. Once the meal is eaten Algared cleans the pots then heads to bed. As he lies upon the bedding roll, wrapped in his claok and wearing his gambeson for extra warmth, he meditates upon the ways of the Odivshie for a couple of hours and then gives silent hanks to Sarajin for their good fortune so far before drifting off to sleep.

[Barak Daas]

"Okay first watch it is then." says Barak. "I agree tomorrow will spend the middle two watches go around the edges of the forest following the level as much as possible. It means we will walk far longer, but it will be easier going, whicj should make it less tiring for Algarad and Juri [OoC: or whoever is tiring quickest]."

When we're done making camp, eating our food, chatting etc, and people are preparing for bed, Barak will grab his spear and shield, and his warm cloak, and go on guard. He'll mix patroling around the camp from cliff edge to cliff edge, with resting out to one side among the trees. He'll avoid the fire - afraid to get to comfortable and fall asleep (or loose his night vision).

[GM]

Time: Mid 5th watch - End of 6th watch

With the fire burning low and the warbands bellies full of fish stew and a variety of vegetables, the warband settle back for a quick discussion on their next days plan of action as they chew on a few chestnuts around the fire, seeking what warmth they can from the low burning embers.

The dark clouds in the sky hide the stars from view but occassionally there is a glow through the clouds from the thin sliver of moon struggling to shine from above. The wind continues to blow from the north east bringing with it a chill in the air.

With the warband ready to get some rest for the night, they begin to turn in to take maximum advantage of the hours of darkness to rest.

Barak is the first to stand watch and apart from the occassional rustle that can be heard amongst the pine needles and leaf matter on the forest floor and the swoosh overhead from the local nocturnal wildlife his watch passes without event. Nearing the end of Barak's watch he makes his way towards where the warband are sleeping and with as little disturbance as possible he wakes Borygg for his turn on watch and then Barak retires for the night to gather what rest he can.

Boyrgg taking his turn on watch finds the night air cold compared with the warmth of his blanket and notices that the fire is low and so places a few smaller pieces of wood on the fire to rekindle the flames a little. Like Barak, Borygg to can hear the sounds of the nocturnal creatures of the forest going about their hunt for food. Apart from a startle from a low flying owl Borygg too has a watch with nothing to report. From the glow in the night sky from the moon Borygg figures it is close to the end of his watch and so finds Jurri asleep in under the overhang and like Barak causes as little disturbance as possible while waking Jurri for his turn on watch.

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