[Sat Apr 21 20:14:24 GMT+00:00 2001]

You find your self with no trail and no light as you look upon the darkness of the forest. Crickets can be heard everywhere as you catch a glimpse of tiny orb like lights that seem to almost surround you from within the darkness as they fly back and fourth. The side-trail that you used to get deeper into the forest appears all but gone from the darkness as you peer off into nothingness.

[Feragan]: "I believe we made a wrong turn somewhere..."

Russeth laughs as silently as possible. "Aye well. Even if we went in a straight line it is still considered a wrong turn. Do you people want to continue along tomorrow or shall we head back to the main trail?" He looks very concerned of the matter. He pauses and glances at the glowing orbs, turning his infravision on and drawing his longsword.

Russeth glares intently at Feragan for an instant, thinking he might have an answer to that question.

Feragan looks back to the way that they have come from. "It’s a shame that we have come all this way for nothing. Yet I think it would be wiser to head back and continue along the main path. I doubt any bandits would waste their time here in the middle of no where."

Zakren leans back against a tree and watches the darkness..."I say we keep on this way." He holds his bow firmly as he gazes off.

[Feragan]: "On this way to where Zakren? This cursed forest leads on and on to nowhere..."

Zakren looks back the way they came..."That trail had a reason to be. People created it, it has to lead to something."

Russeth nods slightly at Feragan. "In a way it's true. Yet are we sure this place is the 'no where' you speak of? Bandits would have a way of finding their tracks, something others wouldn't notice." He pays attention to the orbs around as he says that. "Perhaps something stood at the end of the trail before that we might have missed. Continuing might lead to nowhere just like Feragan explained." He turns to the dwarf. "What'd ya think, dwarf?"

[Feragan]: "Well, I suppose we can continue another day's travel on this way, however, if we find no evidence of bandits by nightfall tomorrow, I say we turn back..."

Mordineon shakes his head in agreement with Zakren. "Well being off the main trail means we spend more time in the forest giving us a better chance to encounter the bandits. Granted they may not be back here but I don't think we will find them on the side of the trail camped out."

Russeth smiles at Zakren. "The trail might also be a trick built by the bandits in order to set adventurers off their tracks and perish in the depths of the forest."

Zakren raises an eyebrow..."I doubt the forest will be my downfall."

[Feragan]: "I also doubt that bandits would be that clever to think of a possible band of adventurers getting involved..."

Russeth raises his shoulders to a shrug. "I believe any decision has its good reasons. But since we have already entered the forest, continuing might be a better choice." He looks back at Feragan.

[Feragan]: "I think that we should continue on for one more day... if nothing comes of it, we should turn back..."

Russeth smiles of a corner smile. "Well it's quite interesting. Bandits are clever enough to capture a caravan holding merchandise while it is being guarded, yet not clever enough to be prepared against a possible group of adventurers?" He shrugs as he moves a few branches away to get a closer look at the orbs.

Mordineon sets back by a tree and places down a small piece of cloth flat upon the forest floor and sets his holy symbol atop it as he goes into prayer. Chatting in some unknown tongue.

Russeth nods to himself. "You think the day will be up soon?"

[Feragan]: "Well, I think I will get some rest for tomorrows journey...wake me when it is my turn at watch." Feragan goes to sleep rolled up in his blanket under a tree.

Zakren slides down the tree and sits down, bow on his legs.

Russeth sits up against a tree and shrugs after what he takes out his blade and lays it across his legs. "I guess." He decides not to sleep for the rest of the night, keeping a watchful eye at the surroundings.

You settle down for the night trying to get some well-needed rest. As the calls of the wild echo through the night, and the wildlife scurries all about in all directions.

As some of you doze off to sleep you are awakened only to hear rustling in the woods about you a short time later. The sounds don't appear to be far off and sound as if they are getting closer.

Feragan jerks awake, looking into the forest, trying to perceive anything that is moving...

Zakren slowly gets up and nocks an arrow to his bow before kneeling and watching to direction of the sounds.

Russeth grabs hold of his blade's handle with his left hand and puts the other one on the morning star's hilt, after what he freezes, acting as if he was asleep. He looks around while not moving his head, trying to discern the whereabouts of the rustling.

Getting up to check out the disturbance you see before you a Giant Spider standing some 4' foot high and 12' foot in diameter. You can see the hairs blowing upon its legs as it turns upon you all. The beast seems to have come from beyond the brush from farther in the woods. Looking for its nightly snack when it finds you.

Russeth lightens up his eyes as he notices the spider; he jumps to his feet, his weapons ready. "I've got something against spiders."

Zakren sighs as the trees block his shot and grabs his sword as he charges at the creature.

Russeth looks up around at who is and who isn't awoken and charges.

The creature stumbling upon your camp sees food as it moves across the camp in attack.

[Feragan]: "Cursed spiders... I doubt there is anything I despise more..." Feragan quickly cast Magic Missile on the creature.

Russeth silently runs towards the beast, as he approaches he lowers his blade and morning star on opposite sides of the creature, grimacing as he awaits its fluids to be thrown in all directions.

The creature is badly cut by Russeth as it screeches in pain.

[Russeth]: Both his weapons strike true on the spider as the grimace vanishes into a smile.

Feragan chants softly until a blue white ball of energy forms at the tip of his finger it quickly speeds towards the spider and explodes in a bright flash.

Gremag charges in with hair a flying landing a square hit upon the beast head sending it to the ground.

Zakren sheaths his clean sword and goes back to the camp.

Feragan quietly goes back to sleep.

Gremag grunts and mutters to him self as he goes back to lay down along side the tree.

Russeth glares down at the beast after Gremag delivered the final blow, shrugs and turns around. He then heads back to his tree, taking the initial position. "Let's hope the spider hasn't got a family."

After dispatching the beast you are able to sit back and relax while the large carcass still twitches in the night air. Before to long you are back off to sleep and resting again.

Russeth moves his eyes about the surrounding darkness, sighing here and there, watching his party carefully as they sleep. His eyes almost never blink.

Sometime later you can once again here something crashing through the brush as it makes it way to your camp area.

Feragan slowly rises. "Not again..."

Russeth brings his hands once again to the weapon's handle, fearing he cannot take too many spiders in one single night. "Feragan, stay behind and do not waste a spell." He instructs him.

[Feragan]: "Fear not for I have none to waste."

Russeth smiles at the thought. "Unless it's an even bigger one and I'm being half-eaten." He rises and walks into the darkness not far away from the others.

Coming from the darkness the elves, are, able to see what appears to be two humans or humanoids approaching the group.

Feragan quietly draws his dagger under his cloak.

They are some distance off yet as they make their way through the brambles towards you as a crashing sound comes from behind you.

Russeth brings his weapons in front of him quickly and gives a quick look at Zakren and Gremag, after he has noticed the humanoids. He then turns to face them and waits for them to act first.

Zakren draws his sword again but stays in place and whispers..."Humanoids incoming."

Feragan looks at the crashing sound.

Getting up to your feet and turning around you see a large 4 legged beast of black with a wide white stripe running down its back from its head to its tail stands before you. The beast must be 6 foot long or so as it makes its way over to the spider carcass and begins to eat upon it. Growling, only when you make quick movements it pays you no mind as it continues to eat.

Russeth doesn't twitch as a sound behind is heard. "Something's brawling." He almost whispers to himself.

Russeth stares at the so-said humanoid, trying to get a better view at them, hoping for the best. He has his weapons drawn, ready to defend.

Zakren sheaths his sword and gets his bow.

The creature rips into the carcass of the dead spider as you stand several feet away watching. It appears to be making quick work of the giant bug.

Zakren nocks an arrow, kneels down, pulls the string back and closes his right eye..."Shoot it?"

Feragan quickly packs his blanket, just in case a quick get away is in order...

Russeth hears common and then seems to pay less attention to the humanoids; he turns and faces the four-legged beast, grimacing a little at its disgusting work.

The creature peers up at Zakren’s yells but pays him no mind as it continues to eat.

[Zakren]: "Come on...shoot it or not? Can't hold this string back forever."

Russeth glares over at Zakren and shakes his head. "Not unless it shows any aggressively. We should move our camp a little." He smiles slightly.

Russeth turns his head around looking at the two humanoids and then back to the skunk.

The two humanoids have moved up to about 30 or so feet away and closing.

Russeth slowly walks towards the creature, agitating his hands slowly, speaking in a low voice; his head leaned on the side a little.

Zakren slowly let's his string go back to it's original place and stands up.

The creature soon finishes with the spider’s carcass, as it looks the rest of you over flinching, it’s tail in the air before moving off into the darkness.

Russeth sighs in relief as the creature leaves off in the wild. He doesn't sheath his weapons for that much as he turns towards the humanoids.

The two humanoids in the woods appear to be trying to hide and sneak up on your position.

Zakren turns and begins to aim at one of the humanoids.

Gremag grunts and takes out his Sword again.

Russeth silently moves into darkness, looking directly at the humanoids. He smiles slightly and looks back at Zakren for a second.

Turning your attention back to the humanoids you now only see one.

Feragan speaks in a loud, threatening voice. "Hold, who goes there. I am the great ArchMage Feragan with my elite guard. Speak or die."

Gremag kneels down and wipes the blood off his blade and chuckles.

Russeth stays put as he watches the others silently.

Zakren snorts..."Elite guard..." he rolls his eyes in the darkness.

[Druid]: You see a tall figure draped in a flowing white robe. You can tell by the many pouches that hang from her belt and the long staff, which she carries, that this is a magic-user of some sort. On her right shoulder sits a great eagle. It looks at you with fierce eyes. As the figure lifts her head and lowers her cowl, you see the smooth, creamy skin of a beautiful half-elven woman.

[Feragan]: "You have my name, give my yours stranger."

Russeth patiently waits, taking slow and deep breathes, and he peers over at the now alone humanoid. "Bandits?" He questions the others.

[Druid]: You hear the woman give a sad sigh.

[Feragan]: "I mean beautiful maiden...."

Gremag shrugs.

[Druid]: "Druid, sir?"

Russeth lightens his eyes up at the sight of the half-elven lady. He sighs again in relief and brings his weapons down. "Greetings, stranger. Who are you and who is with ye?"

[Druid]: "Nothing more or less, just that."

Feragan steps closer. "Druid? ... Where is your companion?"

Mordineon looks about the area making sure it’s secure before he sits down and awaits the strangers in the camp. While the others stand ready.

[Druid]: "Before I reveal that, who are you? Bandits are known to roam these woods"

Gremag sheaths his sword.

Russeth shrugs silently as he looks over his shoulder at Feragan.

[Druid]: "Why are you here?"

[Feragan]: "I ask for forgiveness for my jest... I am a mage. These are my, companions. Please join our camp for the rest of the night."

[Gremag]: "I am Gremag, we were hired to protect these roads from bandits" *glares at Feragan* "Also I am not a elite guardsmen".

[Feragan]: "We have been chartered to deal with the bandits".

Druid nods.

[Russeth]: He steps behind the man as if not sure of what to a wait and coughs. "Well you said it. It is known there are bandits roaming through these woods." He continues circling around Druid and glances at him. "And we are..." He smiles sheepishly. ". In seek of them, have you seen anything strange lately?"

Feragan speaks in Dwarven. "Relax little brother..."

[Druid]: "Just you."

Gremag grins.

Druid makes several hand motions. "Come out, my friend."

Mordineon stands and bows to the lass. "I'm Mordineon a servant of the gods."

[Druid]: "Greetings to you, Mordineon".

Gremag looks at Feragan, and says in Dwarven "gratefully I am not your brother and I am probably as old or older than you".

Isreal steps out of the darkness.

[Druid]: "This is my companion, Isreal".

Gremag grin.

[Isreal]: "Hello ".

[Gremag]: "I really hope that wasn’t your spider" "it isn’t in the best shape as of late". Motions to the corpse.

Russeth moves a few feet away from the woman gesturing and watches her carefully. "My name is Russeth, Ranger of the House of Belintar Sharnraven. I see you were foolish enough to travel these woods as well? It is a very strange thing you have stumbled upon us in these vast woods. Are you also searching the bandits." He nods as Isreal comes in sight.

Druid chuckles.

[Isreal]: standing before you is a normal looking half elf he looks less than well off almost poor but he looks very capable an you see his ice blue eyes.

[Feragan]: Now Feragan glares at Gremag, and speaks in Dwarven. "My age compared to yours is not an issue and I called you brother out of respect... but if that is the way you want it, than that is the way it will be, little one."

[Druid]: "We are nay searching for the bandits, though we would gladly dispose of them were they to cross us."

[Isreal]: "well Friend Russeth I am getting out of the trail this be the way out right?"

[Druid]: "And may I point out that we were not foolish enough to be attacked by a giant spider"

Gremag shrugs.

Feragan continues speaking in Dwarven. "Shrug all you want, it matters not to I."

Zakren unloads his bow and sits back down.

Feragan sits against a tree.

Isreal looks around.

Gremag looks at Feragan again "Being treated respectfully is a nice thing, but not when you are being told to relax all the time...older brother".

Mordineon snickers. "Great a lass with attitude." Laughing as he lies back down to try and get some shuteye.

Russeth glares over at Isreal as he sheaths his sword and hangs his morning star. "Well, stranger Isreal, it be a little too early to call me friend." He smiles as he turns his attention to the druid. "Druid, can that eagle of yours see a great distance?"

Zakren looks to Feragan and Gremag..."What's with the grunting?"

[Druid]: "Aye, but nay at night."

[Gremag]: "we were just commenting on our nosy companions".

[Feragan]: "Well, Gremag, you must admit if anyone needs to relax is you. You’re a madman. A disaster waiting to happen. I just hope IM on your good side when you explode. Feragan grins as he continues speaking in Dwarven.

Gremag chuckles before bowing.

[Druid]: So Israel, shall we stay with them the night?

[Isreal]: "it was out of respect Russeth I think you not friend or foe until you cross me but now that would never happen would it?" an smile crosses his face.

Zakren shrugs and pulls his hood over his head.

Russeth nods politely to the lady. "Perhaps you can help us find our way within this vast forest then." He raises his head and smiles. "If we can find any establishment during the day, it should help... Forgive the Dwarven speakers."

[Isreal]: "well druid I think it best for the night if they will have us.

[Feragan]: "Yes, yes. Stay. More elves to help us in the forest."

Druid smiles. "I have had my fair share of dealing with dwarves".

[Druid]: "All right, Isreal. Sounds good".

[Gremag]: "not near me, according to my good brother dwarf I am a natural disaster waiting to happen. Now this probably is true, but so far elves have been my only victim oh, and the spider over there".

[Isreal]: "well Gremag I will be sure to sleep light then".

Russeth moves his eyes from Gremag to Druid. "Bah. Your victims I wasn't gonna hurt you, I put myself straight in your way." He shrugs as he walks up to his tree.

Isreal goes and gets some webbing from the spider and puts it into a small sack.

Feragan laughs. "Fear not."

[Druid]: "Mind grabbing me some if there is any to spare, my friend And. Russeth is it? We will gladly help you in the morning."

[Isreal]: "sure druid".

[Gremag]: "now I must exercise the powers of the grumpy dwarf and go hunting".

Gremag wanders off into the forest.

[Druid]: "Thank thee, Isreal."

Russeth leans back against the tree and makes himself as comfortable as he can be. "So, Druid, is your eagle trained well enough you can have him find buildings and fly back to warn ye of the way?" He lets out a corner smile as he looks down at Isreal collecting the webs.

[Feragan]: "Druid, I see that you are a mage."

Isreal hands some to druid.

Zakren shakes his head..."I wouldn't go out there alone..."

Druid nods to Isreal.

[Druid]: "Aye, Feragan. As is my friend here I dabble in the clerical arts as well"

Russeth turns his head and glares at Gremag leaving. "Oh, dear. If he calls for help again this night I'm letting him alone." He grins towards the others.

[Isreal]: "but my talent lays stronger in other branches".

[Feragan]: "Well, its nice to know that I am in company of wizards."

Druid yawns quietly. "My apologizes for ignoring you Russeth. Yes, he is well trained. What exactly did you have in mind for him?"

Gremag slogs back into camp.

[Isreal]: "well who’s taking the first watch?"

Feragan laughs as he rolls over and immediately falls asleep.

Russeth shrugs. "Nothing specific, just making your eagle fly over the forest and direct you to anything of interest. Perhaps a thieves' den, what'd ya know." He smiles as he rolls to the side and lets himself fall backwards on the ground, his head landing in his palms.

[Russeth]: "Gremag, you are watching for the next few hours, I need some sleep!"

Gremag comes back into camp grunting.

[Isreal]: "I will watch".

Gremag goes up and leans against a tree. "Finally I can get some rest then". Then falls asleep.

[Isreal]: "you look weary Gremag go sleep".

Morning finally comes after the busy night of encounters as you sit back and rest while eating, and preparing for your day's adventure in the woods. Pondering the thoughts of going back to the main trail or proceeding on from here deeper into the forest. With the spider carcass gone and no sign of the large mammal about the camp you can relax and make your plans with your newfound friends.

[Isreal]: "boy you guys really leave a guy to watch don’t ya?" stretches and yawns.

Gremag laughs.

Druid chuckles.

[Gremag]: "why do the work when we can invite someone to do it for us" grinning.

[Feragan]: "I was wondering if we could delay starting our journey for a few hours."

[Isreal]: "I am living I do not need sleep what for?"

[Feragan]: "I would like to memorize a spell."

Russeth blinks as the daylight reaches his eyes. He rubs his eyes and stretches as he gets up. "Ah, well another fine day in the wild!" He stands to his feet and jumps up a couple of times. After what he goes for his equipment and grabs a morning ration. "Aye. We do." He nods slightly. "Bah Feragan. An hour should be enough nay?" He throws some meat in his mouth.

Gremag grumbles "that’s it, IM am going to bring some meat, IM stick of ration bars

[Druid]: "I may as well do the same".

[Feragan]: "We shall see" Feragan walks a bit away and begins to study his spell book, in deep thought.

Gremag gets and goes out hunting yet again.

Zakren stands up and looks up at the trees.

Druid finds a small cluster of bushes and sits down to study his spellbook.

Isreal pulled out a book and starts reading in it.

Russeth looks over that eagle of Druid and smiles, after what he turns to Zakren. "Well, everyone's busy in the morning here. I might as well get to know Gremag at this time." He walks behind him at a faster pace and catches up with him.

Zakren attaches his gear with care and begins to climb one of the older trees.

[Isreal]: "be careful Zakren".

[Zakren]: "Will do..."

Zakren begins climbing up into one of the larger trees. Trying to reach the canopy.

Russeth quickly comes back within the camp alone and looks up as Zakren is climbing.

Zakren makes his way up into the upper branches where he is almost lost from sight.

[Russeth]: "Anything up there?" He raises his voice so he clearly hears. Russeth covers his eyes using his right hand as he looks up.

Druid closes his spellbook, folds his legs, and offers a prayer to Mystra.

Isreal stands after looking over his book. "Well what’s to eat?"

Feragan puts his spellbook away and stretches.

Zakren yells from above..."There might be a clearing farther off in the woods...could only be a smaller tree thought."

You sit about waiting on the news, as the spell casters seem to have finished with their works while Zakren remains in the tree.

Gremag walks back into camp with a squirrel-hanging limp from his hand.

Russeth walks back a little to get a better look at Zakren. "How far of a walk would that be?"

Zakren yells again..."Anything else I should be looking for?"

Feragan eats a ration and drinks it down with water.

[Isreal]: "I will clean it for ya Gremag if you will give me at least a leg".

Gremag studies it; "not much meat is it?" shrugs "ok, a leg it is".

[Isreal]: "I could make the meat stretch I had a stint as a butcher".

Zakren yells again..."Half a day I’d say."

[Feragan]: "What has Zakren spotted?"

[Gremag]: "do it then".

Russeth shrugs while he still knows Zakren doesn't see and yells up. "Look for any interesting landscapes." He turns to Feragan. "He thinks there might be a small clearing about half a day's walk."

Druid stands up and walks over to Isreal and Gremag.

Gremag walks up to Russeth, "why were you following me back there?"

[Druid]: "Could we not enlarge it as well, my friend?"

[Feragan]: "Perhaps the bandits hideaway..."

Zakren begins to make his way down as he slides every so often breaking a branch or two before he reaches the ground safely.

Russeth draws a skinning knife from his belt and hands it towards Isreal. "Use that, it might help ye."

Zakren brushes himself off and picks out some small branches and leaves out of his hair.

Mordineon stands and cleans him self off, while gathering up his gear for the days march into the unknown.

Russeth throws the leather stripes of his backpack over his shoulder. "We should go to that clearing quickly. From there I think Druid's eagle might be useful." He smiles at her.

Druid returns the smile. "I hope so."

Zakren points in the direction of the 'clearing'..."It should be over there."

[Gremag]: "so, what are you going to do with my squirrel?"

Mordineon looks at the dwarf. "Eat it later tonight when we settle down. I would think you would at least cook it first."

Russeth nods at Zakren. "Lead the way."

Gremag shrugs.

[Isreal]: "well you mess the finer taste of the meet " Laughs.

Zakren takes his bow from his shoulder and begins to walk in the direction of the clearing.

Druid raises an eyebrow at Isreal.

Isreal takes a leaf and raps up the leg and stuffs it in his back.

Feragan follows Zakren.

[Gremag]: "well? I want my meat".

Isreal hands the rest back to Gremag "thank you for the food".

Mordineon follows behind Zakren, and Feragan.

Gremag grunts and puts it in his back.

Isreal takes up the rear flank.

[Druid]: "Shall we, Isreal?" follows after the party.

Gremag gets into formation.

You make your way through the forest for several hours it seems as the sunlight trickles down do the ground in small areas casting a slight glare upon the leaves of the lower brush and brambles when you come across a small clearing. In the center of it is a bundle of cloth, of sorts maybe some 3-foot long. The bundle is wrapped up fairly tight inside of some coarse burlap material.

Russeth draws his sword as he takes his position behind Zakren, keeping his ears and eyes alert. "Stop me if you feel something is unusual or so." After that he becomes totally silent.

Zakren nocks an arrow to his bow.

[Druid]: "Interesting".

[Zakren]: "I think that bundle is rather unusual."

Russeth raises an eyebrow as he sees the cloth and moves aside Zakren.

Gremag takes out his long sword.

Feragan walks closer to the bundle for a better view.

Isreal looks around. "You are right Zakren it does not look right".

Zakren looks back..."Everyone stay back...let the ranger search for tracks."

Isreal says "stay here I will get in for a closer look".

[Druid]: "Be careful".

[Isreal]: " I can help".

Gremag grumbles.

Isreal starts to move up on the bundle.

Russeth glares over at Zakren with a smile as he moves before him. "Wouldn't any of you make sure there aren't any snares before I go around that thing?"

Feragan walks over to the small bundle to get a closer look ahead of Isreal as the net swoops, up catching Feragan and taking him up into the treetops.

Zakren smiles perfect..."We wait here till the hunter comes back."

[Feragan]: "Damn..."

Leaves and small twigs drift back down to the floor of the forest as Feragan goes kicking and yelling to the top.

Isreal jumps back "I told you let me go first".

Russeth laughs at Zakren. "No one listens to me when it is very important." He turns at Feragan and smiles.

[Isreal]: "be quiet I will get you down".

[Feragan]: "Cut me down..." goes quiet

Isreal looks for the rope.

He dangles some 4o' feet in the air. Looking for a way to cut him down you find yourself surrounded by 12 small creatures wielding spears as they attack from within the brush. The little monsters fight fiercely as the poke and jab with their spears. Among the tree line you see some coming fourth with nets in hand in a chance to subdue you.

[Isreal]: "ranger keep an eye out we are primed for an ambush.

Zakren blinks and fires his nocked arrow.

Isreal pulls out his dagger.

Russeth quickly has his weapon twirling as he steps back into the wilderness. "Don't stay in the clearing!"

[Isreal]: "you little bastards will die for this!"

Russeth engages the two first creatures in sight using both his weapons.

One of the little creatures runs in and takes a jab at Hawk missing him.

Druid holds his holy symbol out and mutters a few words.

Isreal falls back to cover Druid.

Gremag lands a square attack upon the creature’s right shoulder dropping into the moss-covered ground.

One of his little friends seeks revenge as it stabs towards Gremag just missing him by inches with the point of his spear. Another joins his little friend as they try to pile up on the dwarf but misses him as he dodges away.

Hawk stands ready to hack at the nearest one as he is taken down by a group of creatures with a next.

Hawk kicks and yells as he tries to get free of his entrapment.

Mordineon comes in with an uppercut slamming his mace into one of the little creatures sending it flying into the woods.

In you quick glimpse of combat you see a third one attack upon the dwarf but they seem unable to catch the hairy man.

Zakren let's his first arrow towards one of the creature and then changes target for his next arrow. Firing his arrows at the little monster striking one with the second shot sending him to the ground motionless.

One of the little creatures looks to the trees at Feragan and the rope tying him off.

Druid grasps his holy symbol tighter and he mutters those last words of his spell. He points at a group of the small creatures and roots quickly entwine them.

Gremag steps to the side dodging the three while a fourth jumps from the brush and sticks him in the right flank.

Russeth is very surprised by the attack thus it takes him some time to react. He jumps to the side of the dwarf and slices at the first kobold that attacked him. He simultaneously tries and lands a blow at the second kobold that tried himself at the dwarf. "Ack Gremag, we are being surrounded, must back off." He glares over at Hawk with a furious look in his eyes.

[Russeth]: He swings his morning star badly, loosing balance on his sword badly, missing both attempts.

[Feragan]: I quickly cut a hole in the side of the net, and I try to climb up the rope IM dangling on onto the tree.

This little beast changes his attack as he runs by stabbing at Druid missing her with his spear as she completes her spell.

[Gremag]: "these little buggers are annoying aye?"

One creature springing fourth with a net in hand attacks Zakren. From the brush as it misses him cleanly as the net tangles in some of the brush. Two of the creatures appear to be held in place by brambles and vines as the others attack on. The little beasts over power Gremag as another one covers him complete with a net. As they take him to the ground.

Gremag struggles to get free of the net.

Isreal attacks the little guy that hit druid.

Isreal comes in swinging sending the little guy to the dirt.

Zakren slings his bow over his shoulder, draws his sword and attacks the creatures pinning Hawk down.

Russeth resumes his attacks on both the kobolds. "Beware of the other nets!" He shouts in the battle frenzy to Gremag.

[Gremag]: "IM already in one!"

Isreal keeps druids back.

There are 5 creatures attacking upon Gremag one that was still running about Isreal just sent to the ground as two are held.

Isreal keeps druids back.

Zakren slings his bow over his shoulder, draws his sword and attacks the creatures pinning Hawk down.

Russeth swings wildly at Kobolds around Gremag, swinging twice at the same kobold if his first hit misses, swinging at two different kobolds if his first hit succeeds.

Hawk kicks and screams but can't seem to get free of his entrapment.

Feragan makes sure he has a firm footing in the branches, than casts Magic Missile at one of the creature on Gremag.

Zakren comes in yelling at the creatures hoping to scare them before swinging down on one.

Druid whips out her spellbook, rushing towards Gremag muttering some words of power.

Isreal follows Druid keeping the little guys off her back.

Zakren swings to quickly and hits nothing but air.

Feragan begins to feel he can’t cast a spell, so he slowly climbs down the tree instead.

One of the little guys jumps off Gremag and attacks Druid missing her as she steps off to the right of the charge.

Gremag tries to get himself free from the net as the creatures crawl all over him.

Gremag struggles and almost gets free until one of the Kobolds shoves him down again with a spear.

One jumps from the clearing into the brush stabbing Russeth as it goes in the left thigh. Another jumps off Gremag and spears Isreal in the chest as he nears for his attack.

Feragan slowly climbs down the tree.

Isreal yells out "DAM".

Mordineon attacks one of the little beasts still on Gremag as he splits the creature’s skull with his mighty blow of the mace.

Isreal stabs at the on who hit him. Stumbling and missing the beast.

Russeth brings down his long sword with a battle shout at the kobold who has jumped towards Isreal and then strikes with his morning star sideways at the one that just stabbed him, about the level of the kobolds' heads. Striking Isreal's kobolds on the head with his morning star, dealing lethal damage as it falls to the ground.

This one rams its spear down into the net striking Gremag again.

[Feragan]: "Get those fiends off of Gremag!"

Druid stands there casting some sort of spell as he chants and calls out a simple word of "Sleep" As three little beast hit the ground in slumber while the other stands there looking on from the brush as it darts off into the woods. His furry little butt is gone lost in the briers and brambles almost leaving no trail as he went straight through them.

Zakren sheaths his sword and takes out his dagger..."Let's finish this."

Gremag tries get out of the net.

Russeth notices Gremag being hit below the net and winces in pain for him. He fearlessly spins around; striking the kobold that stabbed him and one near Gremag, trying to clear a way out for him. "Fear not, dwarf, for I swear we will get out of this alive!" He walks up to the sleeping kobolds and raises an eyebrow, not wanting to slay a sleeping creature.

Isreal moves for one of the sleeping ones.

Feragan continues climbing down the tree.

[Gremag]: "stop trying to act noble like and GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

Zakren kneels over one of the kobolds and grabs it's spear and throws it away.

Russeth shrugs and rolls the kobold over Gremag away, keeping his sword at the ready. "Any of ye speak these beast's foolish languages?"

Gremag grumbles.

4 creatures lie sleeping on the ground while two are entangled in the briers. Gremag is bleeding pretty well while the rest of you have superficial wounds.

Zakren looks down at one..."I don't even know what they are..."

Zakren looks up..."Is that your blood Gremag?"

Gremag grits his teeth in pain.

Isreal lays out "I am really hurt guys" holding a bloody wound.

[Feragan]: "I can't believe how high I went up in the air...

Zakren stands up, sheaths his sword and goes over to Gremag.

Gremag tries to move but yells in pain as he rolls about.

Mordineon looks around for any who need healing, as he sees Zakren go to Gremag he goes to Isreal and begins to cure his wounds. Speaking in a strange dialect he chants over him sending a soft glow of blue light through his hands.

Russeth looks down at Gremag and notices he is being taken care of. He keeps an eye on the surrounding. "Should we go after the fleeing one?"

[Isreal]: "thank you Mordineon.

Zakren begins to chant and his hands become bluer as he chants. He finishes and touches the dwarf's head, sending the healing magic through the dwarf's body.

Zakren looks at the wound..."Is that enough?"

Hawk finally gets out of the net now that he was able to take his time and free himself. "Man they are quick.

Russeth ignores his wound, as they are not very deep. He walks over to the entangled kobolds brandishing his sword and glares at them furiously.

Isreal stands back up.

Zakren looks at the dwarf's wounds..."Is that enough?"

Gremag systematically makes his way out of the net. "For now."

[Isreal]: "WOW that’s great". Moves over to the ones in the brambles and kills them.

Zakren stands up..."Anyone else need any healing...I have one prayer left."

Gremag walks around favoring his right leg.

Russeth shakes his head at Zakren. "It can wait."

Zakren walks towards him..."no it can't...as soon as I cast the second, I can begin to pray for their return."

[Gremag]: "well...if no one else needs it, one more can’t hurt".

Mordineon looks around at the others. "Should we regain our spells before moving on, who knows what else is out there or if there are more of them."

[Isreal]: "you ok Druid?"

Gremag limps around.

Druid smiles at Isreal in assurance.

Zakren glances at Gremag an then Russeth..."Well...I guess the dwarf needs it more."

[Isreal]: "you sure?"

Zakren goes over to the dwarf and repeats the same chant.

[Gremag]: "stupid spears, why do they have to be so pointy".

[Druid]: "You were injured, not I. you must stop worrying about me so. Let me tend to your minor wounds, my friend."

Russeth shrugs at Zakren and moves in the opposite direction. He points to where the coward ran and sighs. "We have to leave this clearing quickly before more come by. We will come back later and follow the kobold's tracks. I am sure they will lead to many surprises." He grins, forgetting about the bandits for a moment.

[Hawk]: "Heh guess they didn't like dwarves" Laughing as he rolls up the net and stows it away for possible use later.

[Isreal]: "I am better now" looking for tracks leading off from the clearing.

Zakren begins to search the little creatures.

Russeth sheaths his sword, hangs his morning star and looks down. "What are we doing with the sleeping ones?"

Gremag straightens up and put his sword away and walks up and kicks a Kobold.

You rest up and begin looking about and searching the little creatures when the three that fell asleep seem to be stirring a bit as they begin to come too.

Gremag takes out his sword, time for roast kobold.

Zakren gets his bow and loads it quickly and begins to aim.

Gremag walks up over a Kobold and picks it up.

Feragan scans the field, looking for the Bundle.

[Gremag]: "hey Russeth, see if you can hit this".

Russeth shrugs as he kneels next to the kobold he slain, searching him over as the others take care of the remaining beasts.

Gremag throws the Kobold into the air.

Zakren fire two arrows into the backs of two of the creatures sending them down to kiss dirt.

Russeth feels tempted by throwing the kobold back at Gremag but just moves away and avoids it, shaking his head as he looks up.

Gremag grins’ walking ups to it again and relives it of its head.

Russeth looks up at Zakren and smiles. "You really had to use your bow on such easy targets?" He lets out a sharp laugh.

Zakren shrugs..."It's faster..."

While you stand about throwing around a dead creature the 3rd one that was sleeping runs off into the brush and brambles making quick work of the undergrowth as it goes.

Gremag runs after it. Taking out his blow dart gun as he runs.

Russeth ignores the running away creature. "Gremag, come back here!"

Feragan looks closely at the net he was once in, at the top of the tree.

Gremag fires at it.

Zakren goes back to his pilfering.

Feragan climbs up the tree all the way up to the bundle.

Russeth searches every kobold one by one and removes them of their spears. "Good firewood." He laughs shortly and resumes his searching.

Gremag stomps back into camp.

Feragan attempts to climb back up the tree but only gets so far before falling to the ground below.

Feragan gets up and tries climbing up again.

Mordineon looks at Feragan. "Why are you trying to climb the tree you just came down from?"

[Russeth]: He stands up to his feet and smiles. "I think I can track the kobolds easily until nightfall. Should we get to it?"

[Isreal]: "well no tracks can’t follow him to their layer what now? Really lead on I did not find any tracks".

[Gremag]: "now what?" putting his blowgun away.

Russeth glares over at Isreal. "We just saw them leave. We don't need tracks RIGHT now to know which way they went did we?" He raises an eyebrow. "I might be able to keep track of them."

Mordineon waits to see if Feragan can get in the tree again.

[Feragan]: "Damn it! Who can climb a tree?"

Isreal picks up one of the bodies "are you sure these guys are really small and light an with the brambles in this wood? Oh I was not paying attention to them sorry"

Russeth hands everyone a little sum of what gold he has found on the kobolds. Everyone counts 3 copper pieces.

[Feragan]: "Can anyone climb a tree?"

Zakren counts some silver coins and hands 2 SP to everyone.

Isreal lead on fair ranger this is not my place "I can".

Mordineon asks again. "Why do you wish to climb the tree again?"

Gremag shrugs.

Feragan points at the bundle. "I wish to know what is in that bundle."

[Isreal]: '"what do you need from up there?"

[Feragan]: "The bundle, the bundle went up in the net with me..."

[Isreal]: "where is the bundle?"

[Mordineon]: "Then just take and cut the rope down that holds the net up there. It has to be lowered somehow around here."

Russeth shrugs. "You think anyone put anything important in a trap?" He then kneels down where the first kobold left to see what type of tracks the creature left behind.

Isreal moves for the rope.

[Zakren]: "Probably old food..."

Feragan looks for the rope holding it up.

With a quick search of the trees you find the rope that leads to the net above you.

Zakren scratches his chin..."We could use the rope thought."

[Isreal]: "anything of value?"

Gremag takes the rope off that was slung around his armor.

[Isreal]: "I have some but if you would carry it."

[Gremag]: "I got plenty".

Isreal cuts the rope holding the net in the trees as it comes down.

Russeth begins following the kobold's tracks in the wilderness. "I will scout and come back in a few minutes." He shouts as he walks out of the clearing.

Gremag puts the rope back on.

With Isreal’s cut the net comes crashing down sending the bundle to the ground as the rest of the rope comes over the branches and coils up upon the net as it falls.

Isreal grabs one of the nets and puts it in his back.

Unfolding the net to get to the bundle you see the net is some 8-foot in diameter and has a hole cut in one side.

Isreal grabs one of the small spears also.

Feragan looks into the bundle.

Zakren looks to the others..."Does everyone have a rope?"

Opening the bundle you find nothing more then cloth, more then likely just a ploy for the trap.

[Gremag]: "yep".

[Feragan]: "damn...."

Russeth comes back with a poor smile upon his face, walking slowly. "Bah. The tracks ain't as easy to follow there as I thought." He makes his way into the middle of the clearing and picks up one of the smaller unharmed nets; he folds it somewhat and puts it in his backpack.

[Isreal]: "could these be the bandits?"

[Feragan]: "I thought there would be something... a clue...."

[Isreal]: "I told ya don’t listen well do ya. I may not be great as a tracker as you a great ranger but I know what I speak".

Zakren looks at the rope and tries to figure out how long it is.

[Feragan]: "I investigate as deeply as I need to satisfy my curiosity..." Feragan abruptly turns around and walks away a bit.

[Isreal]: "did anyone here could these be the bandits?"

[Feragan]: "Well, the reports on the bandits didn’t say they were kobolds did they?

Checking the size of the rope it appears to be one long piece maybe 120 to 150 foot long. Hard to tell with out checking the size precisely some how other then rolling it up.

[Isreal]: "wit out a trace as they have left us they make prim targets an they are bold attacking well armed men. I would not know I have heard no reports".

Zakren takes out his 50 feet rope and begins to count the net's rope length.

Russeth shrugs as he stands in the middle of the clearing. "We have to find a safer clearing before the night. I think the eagle could help us find the bandits, if they are in these woods."

[Isreal]: "well all I am saying is these guys make great raiders for the unprepared "

Russeth glares at Zakren. "Oh C’mon. You really have to do this?"

[Zakren]: "Just keep talking and let me do this."

Mordineon snickers as he rubs his head looking around the forest. "Well we should move while we have some light."

Russeth shrugs as he looks around, wondering which way they should head.

[Isreal]: "how long you all plan to stay in the wood?"

[Feragan]: "I say we move in the direction that last one ran in."

Zakren spends some more time as you wait about checking the size of the rope. Before he finishes.

[Gremag]: "let’s go!"

Isreal takes the scalp of the dead kobold "there may be a price on these guys anyway"

Zakren gathers all the rope and puts it all away..."Lead the way."

Russeth shrugs. "As you wish Feragan. We’ll see what he brings us to." He smiles and walks in the brushes, without leaving sight of the others. He brings his hands to his hips and sighs.

Gremag follows.

Isreal brings up the rear keeping watch on their back.

Druid walks beside Isreal.

Gremag grins, "maybe ill have the chance to finish him off".

After dealing with the little beasts you make your way off into the forest searching for any signs of the bandits, or where they might of come from where you get to another point in the day where the sun has begun to set. Allowing the mists to settle once more between the trees and forest with no sign of the little creatures and or bandits.

Russeth continues walking as everyone follows. He keeps his eyes in front of himself and listens to the noises. Looking at the surrounding trees and sighs. "Someone wants to climb and see what possibly lies ahead?"

Gremag goes up to a tree and starts climbing.

Feragan surveys the surrounding land.

[Mordineon]: "Its getting dark now what can they see in the night up there?"

Zakren shakes his head..."there's just something wrong about a dwarf climbing trees."

Isreal starts climbing a tree and quickly moves up it.

With Mordineon words Isreal scales up the tree with no problem, as he is lost in the canopy.

Gremag is still climbing the tree.

Russeth laughs as the dwarf proposes him self at climbing. He then leans against a tree and takes out his waterskin, from which he pours water down his throat. "Ah, refreshing." He then puts it back in his backpack.

Feragan looks at how thick the forest is surrounding where they are standing.

[Druid]: "Just be careful Zakren. He'll most probably fall on you".

[Gremag]: "ok, that’s it". Goes back down to the ground

Zakren looks around..."Are we going to camp here?"

Gremags attempts to climb the tree fail as he sides back down in the bear hugging style.

Russeth winks at Druid and smiles. "Luckily you are a lady, or else Gremag would have tried and killed you... once or twice." He shrugs as he looks at the dwarf climbing down.

[Druid]: "He mentioned something about elves. Why is that?"

Gremag stomps off and gets firewood for a fire.

Feragan looks at how thick the surrounding forest is.

A short time later you see Isreal sliding back down to the ground.

Russeth shrugs as he rises away from his leaning position. "He just thinks we are not worth travelling with. That’s all." He then turns to Zakren. "I was hoping not. But seems like people intend to?"

Druid sighs. She turns to Russeth and looks him straight in the eye. "And please do not call me lady".

Isreal drops down.

Druid turns away and walks to the edge of the clearing and sits down.

Russeth nods at Druid's comment with a smile. "As you wish, ma'am."

[Isreal]: "well there looks to be a clearing long may be a river or a large clearing

Zakren looks at Russeth..."I'll need time to study my spells with the battles we'll probably encounter." He moves 10 feet away from the group and kneels to pray.

[Isreal]: "we staying here for the night?"

Gremag comes back with some firewood.

[Mordineon]: "Sounds like a good idea Zakren." Doing the same finding a quiet place out of the way.

Isreal looks at Gremag "well I guess so".

[Gremag]: "can anyone make a fire?"

Russeth nods at Isreal. "Great news, let's head there right now and not loose any time!" He scratches his head a bit as everyone leaves the spot. "Okay then. Take your time..." He turns to Isreal. "How far is that clearing from here?"

Druid stands up and walks back. "Give me a moment Gremag".

Druid pulls out her spellbook and begins concentrating.

Gremag drops the firewood and leans against a tree.

Russeth nods at Gremag with a smile. "The elf can make a fire." He looks around at the trees, wondering if a fire wouldn't be too dangerous.

[Isreal]: "about a days travel".

Gremag takes out his squirrel.

Druid closes her spellbook and walks over to the firewood. She kneels down and places her thumbs together, opening her hands in a fan-like position.

Isreal takes out hit leg drives a stake through it and starts cooking it.

Gremag cuts up the meat into strips and drapes them over a stick.

Druid mutters a few words and, a bright blaze shoots forth, from her hands, lighting the wood.

You sit back for a short time while Isreal gets the fire going and Gremag prepares to eat his squirrel when the spell casters seemed to be finishing up.

Gremag smokes the meat over the fire.

Isreal cooks his squirrel and offers half the small leg to druid.

Druid walks over to Russeth.

Russeth smiles as he kneels next to Gremags gathered firewood. "Alright, we will camp here for the night then. Tomorrow morning at sunrise we will head there and see what we can find." He then prepares to build the fire by digging a round on the ground, making sure nothing is flammable.

Mordineon returns to the camp and finds a nice soft spot to rest in while watching the dancing flames in the night.

Settling in for the night you once again peer into the darkness of the skies wondering what tonight will bring to your camp. Hearing only the calls of the night as the creatures once again surround you making some of the most beautiful and scariest sounds you have ever heard.

Russeth jumps back as the wood is lit. "Hey. Beware with that. I don't want to set the forest on fire!"

[Druid]: "Thank thee Isreal".

Zakren comes back from his prayers and looks at the squirrel hungrily.

Isreal eats some of the squirrel. "No problem Druid".

Gremag takes the meat off after it is smoked and eats some of it. Then takes a large swig of water and puts the remainder of the meat in his pouch.

Russeth watches Druid walk over and sits back with a smile. He crosses his leg and lays his blade on top of his knees, making the blade glitter from the fire.

Druid takes a few bites from the leg, taking light sips from her waterskin now and then.

[Isreal]: "any of ya have an wine skin I could barter from ya?"

[Gremag]: "hey Zakren, catch". Throws some squirrel meat at him

[Druid]: "I must apologize Russeth".

Isreal moves away from the fire some asking again. "Any of ya have an wine skin I could barter from ya?"

Russeth raises an eyebrow at Druid. "What for, Druid?" He pauses and bites his lower lip. "Is Druid ok?"

[Druid]: "You were being very gentlemanly, but I would prefer you just call me Druid. I am...there is something about me...just...call me Druid."

Zakren turns to Gremag and catches the squirrel before eating it..."Thanks".

Russeth shakes head in Isreal's general direction.

Gremag shrugs.

[Isreal]: "well that’s ok I will find some water".

Druid quickly gets up and moves to the edge of the light's boundaries.

Russeth shrugs at the lady silently, preparing himself to go to sleep. "Wake me up at the first sunrays tomorrow morning." He looks at everyone not knowing exactly who is going to be last watching.

Gremag takes out his blanket and goes to sleep.

[Druid]: "I suppose I've yet to contribute something to this little party. I will wake ye all tomorrow".

Gremag shrugs and mumbles incoherently while he drifts off to sleep.

Russeth glares at the eagle with a smile, seemingly indicating something to Druid, and quickly becomes very calm, his eyes closed. It's almost as if he was nay breathing.

Isreal bundles up his cloak an falls to sleep.

Zakren yawns..."Before I go to sleep...want your wound healed Russeth?"

Russeth seems not to be answering; yet his wounds are obvious on the side of his chest.

Hawk sleeps up against a tree sitting up with his back to it.

Zakren pulls his hood over his head and yawns..."Tomorrow then."

Druid stares long and hard at Russeth.

Russeth lies by the fire, immobile, his sword is now at his side.

Druid eventually gets up, walks over, and places a hand on Russeth's chest. Muttering a few words, and a blue light flows from her hands into him.

Russeth blinks as the man lays a hand on his chest and touches his wounds. "Gnaw. What are you?" He glares over at the common blue light and smiles. He brings a hand to Druid's shoulder and presses against it, "Thank you, Druid." He quickly goes back into Trance.

Druid as the sun rises, walks to each member of the party, and wakes them gently.

Gremag grumbles.

You spend the night all cozy, in your bedrolls as the morning sun begins to shine down upon you in stray rays of light that pierce the canopy above you. Getting up and eating, before gathering your gear for the days trek through the woods you see it will be a slow process with the thickets that stand before you.

Isreal wakes up and stretches and walks away from the group and uses the bathroom.

Russeth points to the thickets as he comes back from slumber. "Is that the way we will be heading?"

Zakren gets up and stretches while walking over to Russeth..."Alright...let's see your wound."

[Gremag]: "don’t know, don’t care let’s just go somewhere".

Russeth smiles at Zakren. "Hey. No. Druid has already helped me."

[Isreal]: "well some one take the front with a sword an clear a path". Grabbing a leaf and drinks the water from it.

Gremag starts singing a Dwarven marching song.

[Isreal]: "I would keep quite Gremag there are bandits about".

Zakren stretches and moves over to Russeth..."Let's see that wound of yours."

Gremag stops singing and glares at Isreal.

[Isreal]: "more of a suggestion Gremag".

Gremag continues the song once again not paying any mind to the others.

Feragan packs all of his belongings after a quick breakfast.

Isreal giggles.

Moving on into the woods you come across a few knocked down trees a few hours later covered in moss in a small clearing. There appears to be a crude trail running deeper into the forest from this point.

Russeth packs up his stuff and throws his backpack over his shoulder. "Shall we get going?" He draws his sword stylishly and cuts the first thickets on the way. "Let us be on our way to many more dangerous... CLEARINGS!"

[Feragan]: "So, what will we do today? Perhaps run into a band of ogres?"

Druid whispers something to his eagle and throws it to the air. The eagle spreads its wings and takes off passed the brush.

Isreal again brings up the rear of the group.

Russeth laughs at Fergan’s comment as he notices fallen trees. "Now. Your band of ogres has run through this area more than once. Should we follow that trail?"

[Gremag]: "I hope so, I need something to do".

[Feragan]: "I think the trail will lead to something, and I want to know what that something is."

The small trail winds in an out of the priors, and brambles as it winds ever deeper into the forest where before you far off down the trail you catch a glimpse of some sort of construction.

Russeth doesn't wait longer as he climbs on the first trunks. "We're following it my friends!"

Zakren touches the trees as he passes them..."Gotta love forests."

[Isreal]: "this trail looks well traveled doesn’t it ranger?"

Russeth notices deeper down the trail and motions the others to stop. "I will go have a closer look at this building. Follow me about a hundred feet behind." He smiles as he takes the lead.

Feragan slowly walks along the trail to the "some sort of construction".

Isreal follows.

Feragan stays with the group.

Gremag follows.

Russeth sheathes his sword and draws his bow from his back on the way. He tries to make himself as silent as possible as he walks, peering around himself.

Isreal whispers "want me to try an sneak up on the place.

Making your way farther down the trail nearing the structure you are able to make out a small moss covered bridge that spans a small crevasse that breaks through the forest floor some 30' feet below.

Gremag stomps up to Russeth "now what?"

[Feragan]: "I wonder if the bridge is safe to cross..."

[Isreal]: "don’t trolls live under bridges?"

Druid hits Isreal.

Russeth smiles. "Ugh, you guys are crazy. That’s just a bridge." He smiles as he puts his bow back atop his shoulders and smiles. He sets his foot on the bridge and then slowly makes his way across, "We will go one by one."

Isreal shudders.

Moving down to investigate the bridge you see it was constructed of woods sometime ago as it is all but hidden by the green moss that grows all over it. The bridge it self seems to be wet and the moss makes it slippery to the touch as you peer across the span of some 60'feet or so where the trail continues onward into the forest beyond.

Feragan follows Russeth.

Gremag takes out his sword "come on out troll, we wont hurt you".

Russeth turns around and glares at Feragan. He explains to him with gestures. "One. By one."

[Isreal]: "well what now? Who’s the lightest? An who has the most gear?"

Mordineon stands over looking the bridge as Russeth goes out on it. "Seems someone wondered this deep in the forest at one time."

Russeth has already begun crossing the bridge.

Russeth nods at Mordineon, as he doesn't look back. "Aye, I guess."

Gremag looks across the ravine for a tree on the other side.

Feragan stays behind, waiting for Russeth to cross.

[Isreal]: "be careful".

Russeth makes it to the other side with no problem.

Gremag follows Russeth.

Trees line the other side as far as you can see as you still stand in the forest.

Zakren waits to go after the dwarf.

Gremag makes it’s across with no trouble.

[Isreal]: "who’s got a bow cover the crossing.

Russeth looks down at the bridge and smiles as the dwarf is in front of him. "Will the bridge support such a dwarf?" He turns and looks around at the forest; he makes sure they aren't being spied.

Feragan goes across.

Druid prepares to follow.

Zakren grunts...

[Russeth]: After Feragan has crossed he throws his rope on the other side. "Just grab a hold on this to make sure."

[Gremag]: "Russeth, how would you like it if this dwarf kicked you with a crampon?"

One by one you make it to the other side with no trolls or other foul creatures attacking from below as you onward upon the trail.

Russeth shrugs at Gremag. "I'd probably just throw him down this ravine."

Russeth brings back his rope seeing it's not long enough.

Gremag chuckles "like you could".

[Isreal]: "well that went well".

Russeth laughs at Gremag. "I should've let you stuck in that net and not even show a bit of help for you." He then proceeds onward very seriously.

[Druid]: "Shall we continue to the construction?

[Isreal]: "I guess".

Gremag mutters harshly at Russeth.

Feragan walks along the path with the others.

Making your way safely across the old bridge you begin following the trail once more when you see the beauty of the woods fly by as some of the local colorful birds go by.

Isreal brings up the rear.

Russeth doesn't look back as he continues along the trail. Once they have walked about a few feet he draws his blade and keeps alert, looking for anything that might not be green.

Russeth looks at Gremag with a smile. "Are you going to try and get those birds now?"

[Gremag]: "not worth the effort".

Isreal thinks, "eggs that sounds good doesn’t it?"

Russeth shrugs as he continues moving onward whistling a joyful tune that sets his walking pace.

Druids eagle flies after the birds.

Proceeding off into the trees you march onward for several hours you see the woods give way a little as the brush, brambles, and the rest of the thickets seem to get sparse in this area. Where you notice stones covered in moss about the area some large as you make your way up to a large rock out cropping of stone as it stands50 or so feet tall.

Russeth looks around at what forms a stone wall in front of them. He kneels down and rubs his chin as he looks about the earth with great care.

[Isreal]: "well wonder what’s up there.

Gremag snorts.

[Feragan]: "You know what guys, IM beginning to think these bandits are unmatchable..."

Russeth gets back up, seemingly unsatisfied. "Seems nothing has come by in a long while." He looks up at the rock. "This has not been leading to any good as of now, should we climb on those rocks and see if we can find anything interesting around?"

Observing the stones you see in the large rock out cropping, of a cliff face section of stone. A small cave of some 3' foot wide and 6 to 7' foot tall some 30' feet off the ground running back into the rock amongst the shadows of light an out of your sight.

[Isreal]: "well I will climb up any of ya want to follow.

Mordineon looks over at Feragan. "Well not like we were told where to look either the Halfaxe Trail is long and deadly. We are only a few days into the woods and now not even on the trails anymore."

Russeth shrugs at Feragan. "I'm beginning to think we just ain't looking at the good place." He then walks back and looks up at the cave and raises an eyebrow. "Wait up. There must be a better way to get there."

Isreal takes out his 50"of rope an a grappling hook.

[Gremag]: "finally some good OLE' fashioned rock".

Russeth nods at Isreal, "I was thinking the same."

Gremag ties his rope around his waste and puts on some crampons. "Anyone else coming?"

Druid searches the ground for any tiny spiders.

Isreal lets fly the grappling hook and rope.

[Gremag]: "oh, lets use your rope".

Russeth laughs and mutters something about pulling Gremags rope once he's about to reach the cave. "Nay. I'll just guard down there while you guys make your way up."

Druid walks towards some bushes and grabs at a small spider.

[Feragan]: "Whose rope can I climb up?"

[Gremag]: "may I use your rope Isreal?"

Druid then walks to the rock wall and scrapes a small bit of it into her hand.

Russeth looks up and down at the cliff from the cave to the bottom. Then at the surroundings, he seems to be studying the area and the vegetation.

Druid opens her spellbook and wrinkles her brow, muttering a few words of power.

Druid opens her mouth and pops in the spider and the tiny speck of rock.

[Gremag]: "well?" Looking to Isreal.

Druid swallows, makes a small circular motion in the air, and closes her spellbook.

Russeth gets back from his work and smiles at Druid as he watches her spell casting. "Marvelous work... But you might want to be ware with what you do. I see many scattered old creature bones around here." He shrugs, not certain of what they could've come from.

Isreal throws up his grapple as it lodges itself somewhere up on the ledge.

Isreal starts up the rope.

Gremag follows up behind Isreal.

Russeth lets them climb first as he keeps an eye on the surrounding.

Feragan climbs up the rope when it’s his turn.

Isreal looks around at the top.

Zakren climbs up after the rest.

Druid steps up to the wall and places her hands on its surface. She places her left foot on the rock side next as her right foot leaves the ground; she continues her climb along the rocky cliff.

Gremag slips on the cliff face but holds himself on the rope as he tries to regain his footing.

Mordineon waits for the others as he stands in the back with hawk behind him.

Hawk watches the others back with Mordineon.

Feragan looks at how deep the caves are when he reaches the top.

Gremag tries to make his way up again.

Russeth climbs up before Zakren and stops as he reaches the cave. "You okay up their, dwarf? You like rock so much you want to kiss it?" He smiles as he watches him almost hit rock face first.

One by one you make it up to the ledge except for Druid whom scales the wall with no trouble using her hands.

Isreal walks to the cave mouth.

Russeth glares at the tunnel in question and then at Isreal, he follows behind him.

Feragan walks to the cave mouth also.

Gremag goes into the cave mouth after Isreal.