More than a thousand years ago, the land that is now called the Iron Kingdoms was western Immoren, a mire of warring human city-states. Strong leaders would come and go, but in the chaotic realm then known as the “Thousand Cities” no one could carve out a kingdom for long. Then came the Orgoth, an evil imperial race from beyond the sea that would change the face of western Immoren forever. The way was cleared for the Iron Kingdoms to arise.
The Witchfire Trilogy book 1 - The Longest NightAct IIThe Witches' Tomb
The Widower Woods is a depressing place. The twisted trees and crawling fog certainly makes it even more depressing. Less than a mile down the road would take you back to where you were ambushed by gobbers the day before.
You stop for lunch before heading into the swampy forest. From the road you spot the rock formation Father Dumas told you about. It's far from where you are, but it won't be hard to get to the right place. One l, two hours of travel and you'll get there as you imagine.
Your feet are wet just a few steps away from the road. A few feet further and the sound of the forest is stronger. Depressing? yes. Dead? Definitely not! It's a few minutes past 01PM, so you can go and get back while the sun is still up if the investigation is quick.
Wanna make some special preparations before traveling into the swamp?
After lunch Denemere collects his armor and his weapons. Such things were not needed while exploring the city. Now fully ready for war the Priest spent about 15 mins in deep prayer, then checked his gear, and met up with the group before setting out. Without too much coin he didn't bother picking anything else up. He did collect from Father Dumas one item however... a shovel. It could come in handy out here. He also suggested someone see if they could get their hands on some manacles, he had rope to capture the girl with, but proper manacles could do the job much better.
Standing on the road, unwilling to get his feet wet until absolutely necessary he pauses looking around. "This wood is anything but dead, but I'm sure it would make a widow or widower out of anyone. Be on your guard." He scans the road and the rock formation looking around.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
Boruk spent the time beforehand praying to the Great Fathers, honoring all of them , but giving special consideration to Udo, Master of Hammers, and the Third Father of Battle. For a battle was clearly where they were headed, against whatever undead the girl and whatever allies she might have had created.
Boruk followed in silence. His eyesight and hearing weren't the best, and he needed all the help he can get.
After preparations the group starts making their way to their target. One thing they notice from the start is that one would need to be very slow or flying to avoid making noises. The constant splash noise produced by their feet is very hard to mask, specially with such a big paladin as Boruk.
As they keep walking towards the rock formation and the Witches Tomb, guided by Will, around halfway there, they listen some angry screams. They're gobbers, they're sure. Two at least, in the distance. The group can hear, but can't see them yet. Following what appears to be an aggressive discussion would be easy, though.
Denemere draws his blade, and equips his shield. In a low voice he looks at Dale, "You want to scout that out for us? See if its just two of them or more?" The cleric is anything but stealthy and he doubts very much the large Boruk is as well.
Is there only 3 of us?
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
Dale moves slowly, reducing the splash noise as much as possible. He advances for almost three hundred feet before seeing the source of the noise.
There are at least six gobbers there. Four are going through the contents of an open wooden chest, full of party dresses of various colors. The other two are fighting over one particular red dress. They don't seem to have noticed Dale's presence yet.
