1: Destitute in Esperance (the campaign begins)

[Porkbelly]

Poncho hangs towards the back of the group with bow strung and kept handy. He'll keep an eye open for any wild game that might be worth a pot shot. Also keeping an eye to the rear to see if anyone might be following.

"I say we press ahead and leave the dregs of the city well behind us. If this weather gets any worse I hope we can find a cave, or even the lee of a large boulder to pass the night."

[burke]

It's still early in the evening when you reach the entrance to the pass, the wagon trail ahead is winding, with the walls of the mountains standing high on both sides. The storm looks to be a couple of hours away. The clouds over the Bay of Salt are black and looming.

The afternoon of walking in the fresh air has done you all some good and you are all feeling strong and in high spirits.

(Do you press on, trying to make it to the other side before the storm breaks? Or do you want to make camp early?)

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Drugan looks around the area trying to see if there is a suitable spot to make a safe dry camp for the night.

"Well lads I don't know if crossing the pass in the dark during a storm is wise, but we may have to if there is nowhere to shelter here"

[Hogscape]

Quinlan: "I had hoped that we'd be on the back of the mountain by night fall but perhaps that was too optimistic. Instead, I feel we should make camp while we have light enough to see by and, as fine as this hat is, it does get heavy after a full day. How about we draw straws for watches?

I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't abandoned campsites hereabouts; both sides of the pass in fact. We should keep a weather-eye out for such signs.

Drugan, you have a keen eye I've noticed, how about you and I scout around for a pre-made site whilst the rest see what good they can find here?"

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

"Grunt" Yes Quinlan, if we can find a campsite before I have to use my shield as an umbrella I'll be the happier for it"

[danhem]

Charles is amazed at how fast the day has passed.

"Have I been sleep walking?" he mutters to himself.

"I agree we should not try the pass tonight. Those steep mountains may bring floods or boulders down on our heads. I'll take first watch if no one else wants it. I feel rather rested."

Charles sets about searching for a cave, overhang, or pile of boulders that may serve as a shelter. He has his spear and shield ready in case of trouble.

[Hogscape]

OoC: how about some open-ended Saving Rolls to find campsites - give the GM something to look at?

[21] 09-06-25 16:43:07 EEST
Quinlan makes a quick SR to spot an abandoned campsite.
2d6
3 + 6 = 9

[danhem]

OOC: Sure, here goes nothing:

[22] 09-06-25 17:06:28 EEST - [e-mail]

Charles SR to find campsite

2d6
6 + 5 = 11

[Porkbelly]

OOC: Worth a try.

[23] 09-06-25 19:56:17 EEST - [e-mail]

Poncho makes a random spot check

2d6
6 + 3 = 9

[burke]

Charles discovers a huge slab next to a pile of large rocks and some small trees. The slab forms a natural roof and the remains of an old fireplace confirms that it has been used as a place of refuge before. It should fit you all snugly.

You manage to gather some firewood and have a bite to eat before the storm rolls in.

It is an impressive sight. The dark clouds roll in over the shore, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The sheets of heavy rain and sleet, pounding the city below, are clearly visible from where you stand. Even though the sun has not set, the land around the bay falls into darkness.

After a while the tremendous downpour reaches you and the water flowing from the slab overhead is like a thick veil around you, only pierced now and again by the flashes of lightning.

Suddenly there is huge boom and you see flames and sparks down the hill. The lightning has struck one of the larger trees, splitting it in half. The flames soon die out and all is once again dark, except for the odd flash.

After a few hours the thunder moves farther away and you manage to get some sleep. The rain keeps pouring all through the night.

The next morning is gray and chilly and the rain is still drizzling down. The environs around you have changed completely, the torrents of rain have washed away the whole surface layer and dug huge trenches down the hill. In many places trees with shallow roots have fallen and the broken pieces of the large tree have been swept away, only the charred stump is still standing.

No dry firewood is available, so you enjoy a cold breakfast.

(23 EP for Charles and everyone should remember to update their character sheets. Food, staffs, gold, sandals and other stuff have changed hands since the game began.)

[ragnorakk]

(ooc - sorry, internet connection been shaky last couple of days - and I realized I'd made an assumption - that I'd
use my ring as a makeshift 'staff' - If this is not OK, I'll have grabbed a branch too)

A good thing we got out of that storm!

While travelling, I'd like to keep my bow drawn and an arrow in hand.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Drugan stretches and scratches vigorously.

"Well Lads its an early start for us if we are to reach the tower before dark"

Drugan repacks his equipment and resettles it into a comfortable position for a hike.

"And don't forget to keep a wary eye out in the pass, it's a perfect place to set an ambush"

Drugan resumes his position on the forward left of the party with shield and staff at the ready and fastidiously scans the area for signs of danger.

[Hogscape]

Quinlan takes care of hismorning ablutions, spruces up his hat and heads off with the rest.

"The albatross will bring us good luck after the storm friends."

[danhem]

Charles wolfs down his share of the mornings rations and crawls out from under the overhang.

"Well this is a depressing day. Perhaps the rain will keep the riff raff off of the trail."

Charles readies his spear and shield and takes a position at the lead of the group.

[apeloverage]

OOC: What are we eating? I have one day's rations (for one person).