Tinton

[mek42]

As the group from Albrec enters Tinton, an unkempt young man carrying a nocked and mostly drawn bow steps around the corner of a house a couple hundred yards away.  His strawberry blond beard is going off in all directions, though his shoulder length red hair is held in back with a leather thong.  While it seems like he just might clean up well, he resembles nothing less than an overgrown wild urchin that was raised by the wolves.  His garments are made from roughly sewn mismatched animal skins.  Even his brown bearskin cloak just doesn't sit right.

He is 6' tall and his bow is as tall as he is.  Upon seeing the group from Albrec he pulls his bowstring to full draw but leaves the arrow pointed toward the ground, along a line traced from him to the group from Albrec.  In a voice tinged with fear or paranoia he calls out, "Did you escape or have you come for more?  I'm not going easily!"  He takes slow steps towards the group, his movements akin to those of a deer smelling a wolf.

[Silverthorne]

Mala

Mala hears the call and draws her blade.  Keeping it behind herself she moves to see what is happening.

A brown haired woman comes around the corner.  Her garments mark her as an outlander.  Robes of fabric tied tightly around her body.  She moves gracefully and moves to stand near the red headed man.  Her stance is neutral.

[Red]

Adrian
Adrian is *far* too distracted with the smorgasbord of women before him to notice either the two exit around the longhouse, or hear Gregori's call.  Of course if he did, he would have probably selectively ignored it.

Adrian goes to mingle.


[Rolling 3d6:

(5+3+3): Total = 11

]
[Rolling 3d6:

(6+1+1): Total = 8

]
[Rolling 3d6:

(3+2+6): Total = 11

]

[trooper6]

Morgana

The highborn lady astride the horse notices the armed man and female companion immediately. She outwardly stays calm, relaxed, and erect. But she glances at her male companions to see if any are going to move to protect her from this possible threat, if they themselves will take charge of this situation, or what they might do. Her large raven ruffles its feathers, feeling the tension in the air.
She also scans the surrounding area for other armed people...perhaps hiding. There was always the possibility that the town had been attacked by brigands, perhaps these were they? Had they walked into an ambush?

Saying nothing, Morgana prepares herself. If the wild man raises his bow to strike, she is waiting to slide off the horse so that it might be cover for her.

OOC: Wait, if Gregori moves to attack, she'll dismount with the horse between her and Gregori.

Rolling 3d6:

(6+1+3): Total = 10

Rolling 3d6:

(1+3+4): Total = 8

Rolling 3d6:

(5+1+4): Total = 10

Rolling 3d6:

(6+6+5): Total = 17

Rolling 3d6:

(4+4+3): Total = 11

[gherardo]

Gareth

Gareth is on the right of Morgana's horse. When he sees the red headed man, he puts his right hand on the mace's hilt and remains near Morgana, as to protect her.
Without letting the high-ranked respond instead of him, he says aloud "Our expedition, unted the aegis of the Albrec's Thane, is here to know what's happened to this village!"
Rolling 3d6:

(1+3+3): Total = 7

Rolling 3d6:

(6+3+5): Total = 14

Rolling 3d6:

(5+6+6): Total = 17

Rolling 3d6:

(2+5+5): Total = 12

Rolling 3d6:

(3+4+3): Total = 10

[Snargash Moonclaw]

Gareth feels a gentle hand on his shoulder as I step past him, murmuring softly but clearly enough for the group to hear, "If you will permit me for the moment my friends. . ." and approach the pair.

Gregori sees a face which seems vaguely familiar, while not acquainted with him, he's sure he's seen the man before in his travels. What really capture's the attention of both at first glance is that something about overall appearance seems oddly out of place. A moment later you realize that while the party has clearly been traveling for many days (Albrec is a good half week's journey), and his companions are covered with the mud and dust of the forest road, his own buff coat and boots appear as clean and shiny as if he'd just risen from a comfortable bed and donned them, freshly oiled and what can be seen of his tunic beneath looks white and neat like it was just washed. You can see the oiled-skin wrapping of a bow lashed to his travel pack above his shoulder and an oiled-skin case of some sort strapped over his right shoulder across his chest to hang out of harms way slightly behind his left hip. His left hand is held up and open while his right hand holds a long spear as a walking staff. While he doesn't raise his voice to call out, you can hear his greeting quite easily and clearly.

"Easy my friend, we've come to help, not harm. While we have not met before, our paths have crossed many times in our wanderings. If I may compliment your skill, your self-reliance presents a style readily remembered. . .

The troubles in this town have raised concern among its neighbors and we've come to learn what is amiss, giving such aid as we can. Both Tahvo Simosson of Albrec and Morgan Helsdottir of Leofrham (gesturing toward the two have have remained silent) have come in the company if young Gareth Smithson from Albrec, Adrian of the Roads and Bowers and myself, Karl Lander, an itinerant skald and bearer of tales. By your words fellow, I gather you have a tale to share and by your garb fair one, that you have another - both we would fain hear. But first, can you show us to where we might wash away the dirt of our travels and share a meal, as well as seeing to the care of the lady's mount?

I walk toward them as quickly as I can without appearing aggressive - as if simply trying to shorten the distance to make our conversation easier and slowing a bit as I draw closer, to stop 4 yards from them. Initially I try to determine if they have any further weapons not readily displayed: Observation (11). I pace my introductions in order to draw them out for the duration of my approach. My speaking constitutes Public Speaking: Oratory (14) and success in this (to get and hold their attention) will permit, after 1minute, an attempt to use Persuasion (10): at +1 if it was a critical success. I am, of course, seeking to convince them that we are in fact friends seeking to help. Once I stop my Maneuver is Wait - I will be close enough that if Gregori raises his bow I can take a single step forward and knock it down or to the side with my long spear at Reach 3 - part of the reason my left hand is held up and open is to be ready to grab the spear shaft if necessary.

<img src="http://www.rpgrm.com/rmsmf/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 3d6: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(3+5+2): Total = 10</div>

<img src="http://www.rpgrm.com/rmsmf/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 3d6: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(5+6+3): Total = 14</div>

<img src="http://www.rpgrm.com/rmsmf/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 3d6: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(1+4+4): Total = 9</div>

<img src="http://www.rpgrm.com/rmsmf/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 3d6: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(5+1+1): Total = 7</div>

<img src="http://www.rpgrm.com/rmsmf/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 3d6: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(2+1+6): Total = 9</div>

<img src="http://www.rpgrm.com/rmsmf/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 3d6: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(1+2+5): Total = 8</div>

[Snargash Moonclaw]

Bugger - used wrong colors and editing to correct does weird crap to the die roll formatting/display. Do they need re-rolling in a new post?

[Silverthorne]

I can see the totals.  I have to do a check versus your perception to avoid you noticing my sword.  I think I have the skill. I think the skill required would be hold out.  If I am wrong let me know.


Mala Holdout 9.. Rolling 3d6:

(4+3+3): Total = 10

[Silverthorne]

The woman is holding a sword in a defensive position.  Keeping it far enough back behind her that it would not be noticeable, to people not looking for something out of place.

[Snargash Moonclaw]

If he notices it he shows no reaction. Instead he seems more concerned with Gregori's bow and has clearly interposed himself in the line of fire between Gregori and his companions.

[Humabout]

Karl does get their attention and also notices Mala's sword.  Continue!

[mek42]

Gregori

Gregori reduces the pull on his bow as Karl approaches, but keeps the arrow nocked with his hand on the bowstring.  His eyes shift from fear to mere wariness.  "Forgive me, fellow traveler, I am Gregori.  There is no time for niceties - something was here last night.  I think it has something to do with the missing menfolk.  I've only been here the one night - there are tracks to follow.  Follow me, but keep out of the tracks - won't help us to have them obliterated before we start tracking."

Gregori then starts stalking to where the trail of barefoot tracks is.  His gait marks him as an experienced hunter, as does the way he keeps looking all around him.  As an afterthought he asks, "How long have you known something was amiss here?"

Rolling 3d6:

(6+5+2): Total = 13

Rolling 3d6:

(2+3+1): Total = 6

Rolling 3d6:

(2+3+2): Total = 7

Rolling 3d6:

(5+4+3): Total = 12

Rolling 3d6:

(3+1+4): Total = 8

[Silverthorne]

Mala

Mala slides her blade into the sheathe as she turns away.  Her movement as fluid as water and nothing seems to be wasted.  Her eyes look a bit bloodshot, and her hair is messy.

[Red]

Adrian
Adrian manages to pull himself away towards the group speaking, interested to find out if he should be running away or enjoying himself. 

Giving a nod to his companions and the new comers, he strolls up.  Quite oblivious to any tracks on the ground.
"Good day, fellow travelers" he says with a flash of his smile at the new female warrior. "Tell me, was this place stricken with some terrible, man destroying plague? Or have I finally made it to the promised land?" he finishes with a hearty, yet half nervous chuckle.

[Silverthorne]

Mala

Mala smiles softly *a man not afraid of failure.* "No there are tracks that say that someone came a visiting last night.  Most of the men seem to have been taken away.  I doubt it is your promised land."

[Humabout]

OOC:  Jus so everyone is aware, I am still monitorign this thread and just waiting for some action requiring my posting to take place.  Feel free to continue interacting, but I'll remain quiet until such a time as something outside of your own doing occurs.

[trooper6]

OOC: Does this mean that Tahvo, the Thane's son says and does nothing during this encounter?

[Humabout]

OOC:  It means I'm not stepping on your toes as PCs.  He's not deaf or dumb, but his presence will be of no concequence until it becomes necessary for the plot.

[Snargash Moonclaw]

I stare past the man thoughtfully for a moment before replying, "I believe it was first noted about a month ago in Albrec that the expected tin shipments were late. The thane sent a man to inquire into the delays who never returned. Rumor of trouble here has been spreading through the vales over the last week or two and many with relatives here have become very worried. Did you travel here through Albrec, or by another road?

For myself, I have little skill in tracking, and would be of more help learning what I can from those who still remain - as I have many messages to deliver among them. Some of my companions however may be of more aid to you in your trace."

"Ware your step Gareth - the ground seems to bear some tale these two seek to read."

I turn and beckon to Tahvo and Morgana, calling out,

"Please join us, though watch your step; there is something here you should see."

[Humabout]

Tahvo hops down the slope to the tracks about the house and comments, "Those certainly aren't animals.  They're of people.  Too small to be men, too.  It's a shame Elias isn't here; he's a far better huntsman than I.  Know you anything of this, Morgana?  What about you two?"  Tahvo glances at Gareth and the somewhat distracted Adrian.