LWAG: The Lost Caravan - Scene One, The Story So Far...

[ManWithDoor]

The wizard, at least according to peasant terminology, enjoys the respectful acknowledgements, although inside he knows that respect is towards what they represent, rather than the individual beneath the Brotherhood mantle. He speaks to the others as they move along. "Well I enjoyed our little stop in the Alema Mitre, despite the brief drama. Amazing architecture. And pleasant people as well. But I suppose this is where our journey actually gets difficult."

[Vardaen]

Once the group reaches the farside of the bridge, the Kia looks at the others, "Well, we have out goal before us. Before we continue, is there anything you'd like to offer in the way of tactics or strategy, how we should go about this?" He takes a moment to gaze at the Alema Mitre once more admiring its craftsmanship.

[Orvost]

"We know the caravan's origin, its destination, and its likely course. We simply back-track, checking with every traveler and way station along the route. From this direction, we are narrowing the scope of where it was unseen until we find where it was last seen."

Ermanaric joins the others in looking back toward the bridge and the crawling mass of merchant activity.

"Events we have witnessed suggest that merchants make an all-too-tempting target for the desperate and unscrupulous, even within their own community."

[silverfoxdmt73]

As you traverse the Alema Bridge, you are astounded by this grand feat of Sommlending engineering. Its paved roadway spans the River Unoram for almost a mile and it is wide enough to easily accommodate two lanes of wagon traffic with plenty of extra room on both sides for pedestrians. The warmth of the autumnal sun is chilled by the cold waters of the river rushing beneath the great stone arches. You cross the bridge and walk down the ramp on the far side. Another two reeves are standing guard at the exit archway and cheerfully they bid you “Good day” and “Godspeed” as you pass by.

The bottom of the exit ramp adjoins a wide highway that heads off towards Holmgard. This is the King’s Highway. A wooden signpost indicates two directions: Toran (to the north) and Holmgard (to the south).

The journey is made easier by the road’s good surface. Although this section of the King’s Highway appears to be deserted at present, with a little luck you may be able to find some clues as to the whereabouts of Trevis and his missing caravan.

[ManWithDoor]

Kir looks back at Kia. "Looks like it's time for the people with scouting and tracking training to take the lead again. I wouldn't know what we are looking for, unless it's incredibly obvious. If we find a burned-out wreck of a series of wagons, I think I would notice that."

[Vardaen]

"Come."

The Kai Lord nods to Ermanaric, "Wise words." He helps lead the company, searching the road and roadside for signs of the missing caravan as they travel. He chats with the company, and at some point at the next camp he asks for a song, one of heroism, something new.

[silverfoxdmt73]

You have not been searching long when you discover tell-tale tracks of a heavily-laden wagon. They are found in the soft soil at the side of the King’s Highway. These furrows reveal that one of the wheels was out of true with the others. To your surprise, you discover that the tracks indicate that two wagons, one with a damaged wheel, left the King’s Highway and headed off across the adjacent fields in a due easterly direction.

[Orvost]

Ermanaric consults with the Kai about what they know about the tracks leading away from the road.

"The number of wagons matches Our missing caravan. Our merchants would be concerned about the damaged wheel. They wouldn't take it off the road unless they were caching it to get help, or leading it to an obscure wainwright shop that direction. A thief wouldn't care about damage to the cart and would just want to get it away from the road as quickly as possible. This looks more like someone other than our merchants is controling these wagons."

[ManWithDoor]

Kir looks at the tracks with the others, all this being logical from a common sense perspective, but reassured that the experts clearly know what they're doing. "Any way to tell how long ago this happened? I assume no, since we don't know when last it rained around here. I guess we just try to catch up quickly."

[Vardaen]

Lowering his voice Storm Oat replies to Ermanaric "Or of course they could have been attacked by the people hiding in the woods watching us right now. Ready yourselves for battle." Storm Oak winks at his companions and draws blade and shield, turns to the trees, "Show yourselves you cowards! I know you are there! I am a Kai Lord of Great Might and if you surrender now I will show you mercy, and not damn your souls to walk the Dark Lands after death!"