Day 7: Return to Braerk

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**Road Reconnaissance – Day 7**

Everyone seems comfortable with going along with Gohdes suggested course of action and so belongings are gathered and the party prepares to set out. Gohde and one other pathfinder accompany you back to the track and once there, Gohde bids you to wait for a couple of minutes.

Gohde: “Okay, you have undoubtedly been wondered about a number of things, why none of us keep our totems visibly manifested, and more importantly how on earth you are going to get to Braerk and return in the timeframe I mentioned.”

Gohde: “Well the totems question is easy, none of us like putting our totems at risk in hostile territory and we have found that once identified totems and familiars are often the first target of hostile actions. Many of our own battle plans focus on removing any such creature from the field as fast as possible. So, except in special circumstances, we do not keep our friends manifested, unless in safe territory. I would advise you folks to do the same, unless they are playing an active role – keep them safe.”

Gohde: “But now, timings mean that we need a totem”, and he nods to the accompanying Pathfinder, “Rekka here has a very useful totem…”

Rekka nods, and a large husky type dog appears next to him.

Gohde: “The totem will accompany you for 8 hours, stay within 30’ of him and you will find that your rate of travel is more than doubled. In other words you should easily make Braerk by sunset. If you are ambushed or need to stop for whatever reason, pat the dog three times on the head and he will return to latency.”

Rekka: “He’s called Wolf, unimaginative I know but….”

Gohde: “Anyhow, get moving – and remember – if you can, be at the clearing a couple of hours after dawn in 4 days time”

The party sets out, with “Wolf” trotting in their midst, it is immediately obvious that you are covering the ground extremely quickly. At a quick walk, the trees pass by as if you were sprinting – which is somewhat disconcerting – and for some slightly nausea inducing. Although after an hour or so, everyone becomes accustomed to the effect and the party is able to push on quickly.

In the event, you opt not to stop for lunch but eat “on the hoof”, and so it is well before sunset when Braerk comes into sight. In the past few days it is obvious that a lot more work has been done on the fortifications, the palisade walls now have a number of raised platforms, walled and roofed. The gates have been reinforced and the ditch has been deepened and broadened, with a timber bridge crossing it.

As you approach the bridge you are challenged by a sentry on a platform above the gates, and it takes about half an hour before you are told that you can approach. Quercius takes the time to pat “Wolf” on the head three times, and the dog disappears. The gates are opened and you are met by Elliser, who seems pleased to see you.

Inside, there has obviously been a lot of work, a number of houses have been torn down and the main thoroughfare and town square are now lined with laden wagons. The civilians that you can see are obviously busy, but some spare you inquiring glances.

Elliser: “Don’t tell me anything just now, I’ve told Cagrun that you are here, and we will meet him in the main hall. The other group made it back yesterday, so lots of news”

In the main hall, Cagrun, Glagdan and another civilian are having a heated discussion – which quietens quickly as you enter.

Cagrun: “Right, Glagdan, Aerin – we will finish this discussion later.”

Glagdan: “Sir, I believe we have the right to hear what these scouts have to say.”

Cagrun: “And you will, but first I want to hear how things stand and that is a military matter.”

Glagdan and Aerin, leave the hall but are obviously more than a little put out.

Cagrun: “OK, sit down and tell me everything. Elliser, could you arrange for some drinks and food to be brought in please, and then stay and listen as well.”

Cagrun and Elliser listen to your briefing in relative silence, although Cagrun does give an approving grunt when Gohdes’ name is mentioned.

Once you have finished, there is a pause.

Cagrun: “So, something strange is happening, monsters only remembered in childrens fairy tales are being seen again, and whilst they do not seem particularly coordinated are certainly inimical, to everyone. It is probably no great surprise to you, that I am planning to evacuate all of the civilians from this area South of the river and so I am in total agreement with Gohdes’ plan of action. In the meantime, let me see this message bag that Ranlarke sent up.”

You have over the leather bag, Cagrun opens it and takes out a sheaf of papers that he passes over to Elliseer.

Cagrun: “See that the men get their correspondence please Elliseer”

Cagrun then looks closely at the bag, and puts it to one side.

Cagrun: “Apologies, the messages on the bag are probably not meant for your ears – I will pick those up later”

Cagrun: “So things you do need to know….. well the other party returned yesterday. They reported no Elven military activity out for a few days travel towards Stormhaven. But what they did find was an Elven scout, dead. Nearby were two dead large humanoids with bulls’ heads, obviously killed by the scout. So, in this area, we have evidence of three different humanoid types, having talked to one of the elderly grandmothers in the village they seem to fit the description given to Ogres, Minotaurs and Kobolds. All seem at least semi-intelligent and whilst not operating as a coherent whole, the groups have some form of internal structure. Most importantly, all of them appear to be hostile to the civilised people on the island, even the Elves.”

Cagrun: “Whilst I think Gohde’s plan is good, we need to understand more about what is happening and why. Now you folks aren’t under military command at the moment, and I am reluctant to impose that – if only because if you get conscripted you will simply become part of the Alveran war machine, and at present that is focussed on simply driving out the Elves and then prosecuting the war with Solara.”

Cagrun: “Sooo, my thoughts are this – I would like you to help out with taking out these ‘kobolds’ but after that I personally believe that we need more information. My personal thoughts are either at the Royal College in Starport, Northlake College or in the libraries at Far Haven. The latter two are most likely to be useful although you will need to see if Gohde can give you advice about how to get there. Unfortunately, I cannot requisition Warhawks for you, and even if I could I do not believe any of you are skilled enough to ride them effectively.”

Cagrun: “Anyhow, I need to read the imperial despatches now, I suggest you go off to the mess tent and get some sleep. Tomorrow we will form up some additional forces to accompany you to help Gohde with the ‘kobolds’, and if any more relevant information comes to light I will let you know. Have a think about my suggestion and let me know what you want to do.”

CLOCK WILL START TICKING ON THURSDAY.

Decisions needed:

* Carry on with Gohde mission (yes/no)
* Propose travel to Starport
* Propose travel to Northlake
* Propose travel to Far Haven
* Other

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