[3.5] Barons of the Stonelands - IC

[Dimers]

"I think our best course of action is to travel to Castle Crag and talk to the castellan, then move on to Halfhap, get the lay of the land and more recent information, and then move on to New Tilverton. How we do so depends on how we want to get after Cutter."

There's two basic ways we can find them. The best way is to get to New Tilverton and seek them out. The other way is to have them find us, and then pursue them."

Umil nods without commenting.

"Yup. If we can't learn enough about where this Cutter is holed up, reckon you lot have the brains ta doll us up to make us look a plum. Maybe hire a wagon an team ta travel in, make us look like we got somethin maybe they want?"

"I'd guess that anyone willing to try traveling in that area WILL have something bandits want -- food, if nothing else. If we avoid looking like soldiers, we should be able to attract attention. Though not necessarily Cutter's; there are other bandits too. Which is fine, we need to hammer out the small flaws as well as the large. Maybe we should think on how to use a lesser group of marauders to draw in Cutter." The dwarf pauses. "Plenty of time for that during the trip north, though."

[robnar]

Johann replies - "I'm cautious about inviting the bandits to attack us at the time and place of their choosing. If we go for the plan of making ourselves a target we need to have some good, covert reconnaissance so we know when the ambush is coming."

[Ancient]

As the conversation dies down, Johann interjects. [B][COLOR="#800000"]"I'm more worried right now about the task at hand than the Zhents or Shades. I think our best course of action is to travel to Castle Crag and talk to the castellan, then move on to Halfhap, get the lay of the land and more recent information, and then move on to New Tilverton. How we do so depends on how we want to get after Cutter."

There's two basic ways we can find them. The best way is to get to New Tilverton and seek them out. The other way is to have them find us, and then pursue them. Both ways have some risk, and even if we prefer one over the other we need to be prepared for both. Any thoughts?"

Joru eats plainly and sparingly, some simple grains and vegetables mostly from amongst the offerings.

"What you say makes sense, a journey is best begun with the first step.." Joru says, nodding in agreement. "As for Cutter, I agree that we must be prepared for as many scenarios as possible, I think this bandit shows some cunning, but I also think we should begin as the aggressor, it is unwise to cede initiative to this criminal."

[Zergh]

"Certainly, good sir. We will dispatch a runner to take care of your family. Right away." replied one of the servants to Rooster's plea. As meal came to the end, Westar bid them farewell and escorted them through the palace interior, pass the courtyard until they reached main entrance of the palace. "I'm confident that you will find right way to deal with problem. Until then, easy ride and enjoy your final afternoon in Arabel." said Westar, turned and headed inside.

Sun shined brightly in the open sky, without any trace of the clouds. It was about noon. Temperature was still rising and air shimmered with heat in the distance of the open fields. City was bustling with activity, with caravans pouring through city's gates, mainly heading for central plaza. The group members spent afternoon as they wished, and were to be at night in rooms designated for guests. Gathering was scheduled around 6 a.m. in front of stables, in one of palace courtyards, pass the botanical garden.

[Toliudar]

Rooster grunted his appreciation to the waiter, and returned to his meal. At its conclusion, he nodded to his new companions.

"Sunrise by the stables, then. I'll pack grub."

And then he lead the servers from the palace back to his family's encampment, and sat to enjoy a second, silent meal of fellowship. After the meal, he sent two members of the family into town with a wagon to buy a side of beef, a sack of potatoes and some vegetables.

He sat down to go over details of what he'd be facing with Mattie, in case she had any additional insights, and to go over her necessary preparations to follow and set up for the ranch outside of New Tilverton. While the timeline was clear, the scope of the work that would be required was evident.

And then Rooster and Mattie settled in the late afternoon at a nearby pond. He settled his mind, pictured a great orc named cutter with strange coloured eyes, and drew upon the power of the earth to seek him out.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Rooster is trying to buy about a week's worth of food for the five people, and Dusty. Feel free to adjust quantities and bill me as desired.

He's casting Scrying in the afternoon, hoping to catch the orc asleep. Will DC 19, with whatever modifiers

[robnar]

Johann bids his compatriots farewell for the evening and proceeds with Cristina back to the inn. There, they spend a little time packing for the trip and going over finances and business. Johann pays for Cristina's room and board for a month with most of their remaining funds, and then they hold a little party.

They've talked it through. Cristina has a good memory for faces and names - part of being who she is. Johann buys the inn a few rounds in celebration of "the reconquest of the Stonelands for Cormyr!" Cristina works the crowd, getting people enthusiastic and seeing who's curious or opinionated about the thing.

After the evening and the dinner, Johann and Cristina go back to their room, with Johann singing a little too loudly to himself in an awful tuneless drone.

The next morning, the team reports to the castle for departure. Johann is wearing practical traveling clothes and carrying a small sack; otherwise, ready for the journey.

[Dimers]

Come dawn, Umil is at the stables early and looking well-rested, putting a few items into a pack saddle on a rather burly-looking mule as her companions arrive. The dwarf's brother is there, too, seeming small by comparison with both his sister and her beast. His expression somehow looks both sour and serene as she sings an ollam's song under her breath.

"That's all, then," she says. "One hug and one blessing before you go." The two share a long embrace and Umil sighs happily. Then they back up to face each other a couple arm's-lengths apart, and each begins speaking a prayer to Moradin, he in Dwarven and she in Chondathan. At the end, they clasp their right hands together. Her "Be well, Hager" mixes with his "Be safe, Umil", making her laugh as he turns to walk off. Hager bows to the gathered heroes before leaving.

"My brother, Hager. I also have the pleasure of introducing Fairchild," she says, gesturing to the mule. It looks up at her and snorts, as if to say "Quit being ridiculous and let's get on with it."

[Toliudar]

Rooster's arrival in the courtyard is without fanfare, but causes a bit of a stir regardless. He is grimly perched forward on a saddle strapped onto the shoulders of a massive mountain lion. Behind him, clearly enjoying the ride, is a young and attractive female halfling, in a bold blue and yellow dress, with long strawberry hair back in a loose ponytail. Behind her, there is a large oilskin bundle strapped behind the saddle.

Drifting in from far above is a great winged beast. Rooster gestures for it to approach, and it resolves itself as a great bat with a figure strapped to its back. They clatter to the ground of the courtyard in a flutter of leathery wing. A rather dowdy halfling woman with a mop of curly brown hair, dressed in leathers and carrying a bulging pack, steps down from her harness.

Rooster lurches out of his saddle, and reaches up to help the young halfling do the same. He makes eye contact with the mountain lion, and it sits back on its haunches. The three small figures make their way over to the gathering group, and the young halfling woman immediately engages in small talk, comparing notes on everyone's evenings.

When everyone arrives, Rooster nods to all and very nearly smiles before he gets hold of himself again. He gestures first to the bat-rider, and then to the woman who had ridden in with him on the big cat.

"Morning, all. This is my sister Mattie, who'll be gathering a herd an supplies here. An here's Daggett, who, uh..."

He pauses, squinting in thought.

"What do you do, again."

Daggett laughs and smacks Rooster on the back of the head.

"Smooth things over after you louse everything up, you old fool."

Rooster nods and spits.

"Ayup.

"Mattie, seems like Johann and Cristina there are masters a stone an building. Reckon you can learn a lot about what we kin do to build smart for the ranch buildings. What do we know about houses, eh? An these dwarves, Umil an Hagar there, they could teach you a lot about what to look for the weapons and tools we'll need."

[Ancient]

Brother Joru

Brother Joru and Chapwell arise early to do their morning castigations. After, they enjoy a simple breakfast of grains and fruits.

"The way ahead looks arduous, but like much suffering, I can see much good can come of it.", Brother Joru muses.

As they join the caravan out front, they see the array of mounts and beasts and find themselves lacking.


"I don't suppose anyone can give us a lift?" Joru asks humbly.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Joru asks for Ilmater's favor and casts augury, though I don't expect the results to be particularily revealing.

[Toliudar]

Rooster nods and grimaces at Brother Joru's words.

"Ayup. It kin take a while ta get used ta riding a cat, but you seem a patient sort. You kin ride with me if you like. Or, reckon we kin find the coin for your own horse, if you'd rather."

[Ancient]

Brother Joru

"Your kindness is much appreciated, we have coin, and are willing to help to pay for feed, but we see little sense in purchasing a beast of our own when we will only need it for the journey at hand."

[Dimers]

Umil's mule makes a grumbling whuff sound as it sights the massive predator, but doesn't try to move away.

"Mattie, seems like Johann and Cristina there are masters a stone an building. Reckon you can learn a lot about what we kin do to build smart for the ranch buildings. What do we know about houses, eh? An these dwarves, Umil an Hagar there, they could teach you a lot about what to look for the weapons and tools we'll need."

Umil is more stunned by the mountain lion than Fairchild, giving a wide berth as she approaches Mattie. "Not too knowledgeable about tools, really, other than tools of war. The needs of the two fields have surprisingly little overlap. But if arms and armor are wanted, I am here to serve, and Hager is a good young man to know regardless."

"I don't suppose anyone can give us a lift?" Joru asks humbly.

"Ayup. It kin take a while ta get used ta riding a cat, but you seem a patient sort. You kin ride with me if you like. Or, reckon we kin find the coin for your own horse, if you'd rather."

"I expected to go by shanks' mare, myself. This beastie will carry a rider if required but I wouldn't want to inflict the weight of this armor on him for long!" Umil shakes her head. "If we're to ride, I imagine the mounts will be provided. We'll know soon, I'm sure."

Spoiler: "shanks' mare" OOC

Show

It's a phrase that just means 'walking', more or less by saying "I'm using my own shanks (legs) as my mare (horse)." I heard it a lot when I was growing up but I'm not clear on how local it is.

[robnar]

Johann agrees with Umil - "I'll walk as well. My magic doesn't... feel right when I'm not touching the ground. Umil, want to hire a carter for if we need to keep pace?"

[Zergh]

Dawn was just breaking in the almost dreamy atmosphere, as the first rays of sunlight were seen upon horizont. In that moment priest of Lanthander rose up from his prayer and blessed the whole congregation of people gathered in front of the stables, just as Rooster's entourage came.

Spoiler: Cyrigan

Show

Cyrigan casts [Persistent] bless.

There was quite a commotion in the stables as wild beasts approached and three stablehands jumped inside to calm the steeds while Filan just shook his head. Lord of Arabel spoke first, and then turned toward the group. "Thank you for your blessings, Cyrigan. Heroes, the path before you is difficult and demanding one. We all have trust in you to deliver to us something that was stolen when Tilverton was destroyed. Not mere stones and buildings, but also hope and faith in the future. With the blessing of Morning Lord I bid you farewell and may we see each other again, with the title to your names that will remind everybody of your exploits, deeds and success.“

Westar called for one of the stablehands to bring decent horses for those in need of a steed. „You can exchange them at Halfhap if it need be. If you need cart we can also provide it.“

One by one members of the group set upon their mounts, and waved hands one final time to their loved ones, perhaps for the last time for some of them. The streets of the city were still asleep and all was so quiet and almost serene. They reached the northern gate of the city and Moonsea Ride lay in front of them. Journey had finally begun.

As they rode their way upon the road, real road and not mere trail, they could see farmsteads on either side of the road. These lands are ideal grazing country because of their numerous ponds and rivulets, and so numerous shepherds and keepers of herds of goats, cattle, and other herd animals have come to live here over the years. Through the entire morning they passed several caravans while riding their mounts, in either direction and also came upon a patrol of Purple Dragon Knights while maybe in the middle of the road between Arabel and Slingdyke. Morning has passed and sun was high in the air. It was about 1-2 p.m and unpleasantly hot.

Nearby stood the Laughing Head, a stone marker of forgotten origins that stands just west of the road in a thicket of young felsul trees. About 12 feet tall, it is capped by a sculpted, mirthful human head and shoulders. Legend says folk present at just the right time, when the rays of the rising moon on a particular night of the year first touch the head, hear the head laugh and speak.

There were about twenty men in the patrol, most of them in their youth and not beyond twenty years of age. One imposing figure, about two meters tall, clad in heavy armor of Firstsword military rank stepped in front of them and asked sternly „Say your business and explain why your weapons are not peace-bonded?! You do know that persons legally bearing weapons must wear peacestrings about their sword hilts.

Spoiler: Rooster's Scrying

Show

As you gazed upon little pond and invoked your spell, almost nothing happened at first. Slowly, outer edges of the pond begun to swirl in mist-like manner, and surface of the pond was quickly covered with said mist. As if something was blocking spell from working in proper manner.

[Toliudar]

Rooster's farewell hugs to Mattie and Daggett were terse but full of genuine emotion. Once the blessings are completed, he guides Joru up behind him on Dusty's saddle (if Joru still wants that) and sets off, taking point because, weirdly enough, some horses are unsettled by being followed by a massive predator.

At the noon meal, he related his efforts to spy magically on Cutter last night, and the fact that magical defenses shut him down.

"No bandit, this Cutter, an no mistaking that."

When they meet up with the patrol, Rooster nods unsmilingly. Slowly, he reaches into his vest and displays the badge of honour that the Purple Dragons had bestowed on him in gratitude in Tilverton. The talking, he reckons, is best left to others.

[robnar]

Johann tries to avoid getting cranky at the inconvenience. The first sword is obviously trying to do his job, but we aren't the problem he needs to be patrolling for.

He stands near Rooster, hands casually folded, and starts to appraise the militia around him before drifting off into thought about how best to quickly fortify a settlement of fifty against an infantry attack supported by airborne troops.

[Dimers]

Umil briefly bows her head to the leader. "Yes, Firstsword. I'm Umil Horn, recently honored with a Rock of Hlunadim. My equally esteemed companions and I are under charter to address bandit depredations in the New Tilverton area. Times and Zhents being what they are, we thought it prudent to stay ready for danger while traveling." Her smile combines wryness with social politeness.

[Ancient]

Dawn was just breaking in the almost dreamy atmosphere, as the first rays of sunlight were seen upon horizont. In that moment priest of Lanthander rose up from his prayer and blessed the whole congregation of people gathered in front of the stables, just as Rooster's entourage came.

Spoiler: Cyrigan

Show

Cyrigan casts [Persistent] bless.

There was quite a commotion in the stables as wild beasts approached and three stablehands jumped inside to calm the steeds while Filan just shook his head. Lord of Arabel spoke first, and then turned toward the group. "Thank you for your blessings, Cyrigan. Heroes, the path before you is difficult and demanding one. We all have trust in you to deliver to us something that was stolen when Tilverton was destroyed. Not mere stones and buildings, but also hope and faith in the future. With the blessing of Morning Lord I bid you farewell and may we see each other again, with the title to your names that will remind everybody of your exploits, deeds and success.“

Joru bows in respect and thankfulness for the blessings and kind words

Nearby stood the Laughing Head, a stone marker of forgotten origins that stands just west of the road in a thicket of young felsul trees. About 12 feet tall, it is capped by a sculpted, mirthful human head and shoulders. Legend says folk present at just the right time, when the rays of the rising moon on a particular night of the year first touch the head, hear the head laugh and speak.

There were about twenty men in the patrol, most of them in their youth and not beyond twenty years of age. One imposing figure, about two meters tall, clad in heavy armor of Firstsword military rank stepped in front of them and asked sternly „Say your business and explain why your weapons are not peace-bonded?! You do know that persons legally bearing weapons must wear peacestrings about their sword hilts.

Joru regards the Laughing Head, and wrinkles up a grin at the statues sense of humor. Brother Joru makes a note to visit the statue another day when the moon is inviting to see would secrets the statue will tell.

"Peace unto you, Firstsword. I am Joru, a humble servant of the Broken One, and it is as Horn says."

[Zergh]

As group got closer, dozen of recruits started whispering and moving forward, for the sight of giant lion stirred their curiosity.

"HOLD BACK! WHO ordered you to brake your ranks? Bunch of sissy-homewives-gossiping-****s! Not seen a wild beast in your life in backwater hole from where you crept out? DISCIPLINE! That's what will keep you alive here, not inquisitiveness of a young lass who's seen **** for the first time!" shouted tall man in armor, and the commotion lasted for mere moments as the group fell into the line for march in short order.

"****ing recruits. Meatshields, nothing more! Sorry about that, initiate of Illmater. Had my share of help from your order. Fixed my left arm real good, was broken to six pieces, bloody troll swipe it real good. My name is Zodjak, Firstsword in the ranks of Purple Dragons and these idiots behind are recruits which are on their third patrol mission. Luckily, these roads are less foreboding so here is where they learn their first lessons. If they were behind Halfhap with these manners,they wouldn't last for a Ride.

You have royal charter with you, I see. To top it with your badges of honor which means you served the army as well. Glad to have you and meet you. Well, road till Castle Crag is mostly safe, I've met Firstsword Jongar of their garrison few days ago, talked mostly about gnolls looking for food till Halfhap, in few numbers. We got to move forward, I bid you farewell. SISSIES, ONWARDS!"

With that, patrol started rolling forward, in the direction of the south. There were about six-seven hours of sunlight, enough for the group to reach safehaven of Slingdyke in the evening. It could exert enough effort to make some of them feel really tired, but they decided it was worth the trouble. Day went mostly uneventful , with dusty road occasionally having caravan, cart or chariot riding by. As dusk fell, they saw the Slingdyke in the distance.

This defensive earthworks stands on the west side of the Mountain Ride at the spot where the Dragon Trail to Hillmarch (and hence, the East Way) meets it. Originally the site of a hilltop fort overwhelmed by orcs in the early days of the realm, Slingdyke has been held by many forces over the years.

Spoiler: Umil's History check

Show

It is named for the courageous last stand of a Purple Dragon patrol against a huge band of orcs. The Cormyrean soldiers used their slings and the rubble of the long-destroyed fort to heap the corpses of their foes around the dike by the hundreds were they fell.

Today, all stones large enough to build with are gone, and the steep-sided hill is bare except for a beacon that Purple Dragons light to warn all who see it that orcs or other invading forces are nigh. A deep well of clear water is set into a cleft on the side of the hill that faces the Dragon Trail (the southeast side), and below it stands a lone duskwood tree.

Spoiler: Group knowledge checks

Show

An inn once stood on the northeast corner of the trailmoot here, but it burned down almost a decade ago. It hasn't been rebuilt by royal decree, which is something of a mystery. The reasons for the decree are rumored to have something to do with a curse or unresolved peril lurking in or above the burnt, tumbled stones of the inn. A Purple Dragon guardpost is located in a rather ugly little walled compound, complete with a small keep, just east of the ruins, but they refuse to discuss the demise of the Slingdyke Arms.

The only two farms within sight of Slingdyke's ring of earthen ramparts are inhabited by two families. Though no inn or tavern remains at this place, the easternmost farm houses a blacksmith. He makes a living shoeing beasts that pass on the road. The stables and paddock that once belonged to the inn, located in the southeast corner of the trailmoot, have been maintained by the Purple Dragon detachment stationed here as a campground for passersby to use for free. There's a huge horse pond at the back of the stables, several fire pits, and ample stored straw and firewood at the ready.

[Dimers]

Umil takes care of her mule first, then offers her help to the rest of the caravan before light has completely fled the sky. She'll be able to pitch her own tent after dark, but not many in the group have either her night vision or her endurance after a long day traveling.

To no one in particular, she comments, "Nothing louder than crickets or more violent than hunting owls here tonight. It's strange to think of the battles this site has seen. Fighting to keep the nights quiet and safe ..."

[Toliudar]

As the group arrives at Slingdyke, Rooster helps in locating a campsite near the water, but not so close to the farms that Dusty would spook the stock. He listens attentively and without comment to the background shared by those more learned than he. Once the group was settled in and Dusty was fed, unharnessed and brushed down, Rooster grunts to the group.

"Gonna do a quick recon before I turn in. Stretch my, uh, yeah. Back in an hour or so."

Grimacing, Rooster stretches up his arms and transforms into a massive bat, similar to the one that his sister rode that morning. He leaps up and is off into the gathering night.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Rooster is wildshaping into a Desmodu hunting bat (MM2, pg 66), heading up to a height of about 70' and does a loop at about a mile away from the camp site. Blindsight 120', spot bonus is +25.

If he sees nothing out of place, Rooster will return to camp to check in with the others, then curl up with Dusty for warmth.

[Dimers]

"Wow," Umil says plainly, gazing at the transformation. "Sights like that will never lose their appeal. The world is a wondrous place."

[robnar]

Johann takes a few moments to send a quick message to Cristina, letting her know their progress, and then writes a small personal note and seals it with a single hair under the seal. He then takes the note down to the Purple Dragon guardpost and asks them to drop it into Arabel.

He has two motives - first, to test how long it takes the mail system to get communication; and second, the hair under the seal is a quick check to ensure that the mail is not tampered with. It's not totally reliable, but if the hair is missing on receipt than someone likely tampered with the note.

Afterwards, he asks the guards if he can take a quick look at the old in. Johann mentions that he could shore up the structure, no problem, but fully expects no reply.

Spoiler: Next actions

Show

If Johann gets permission, he'll take a quick walk around the old inn with Detect Magic active. If not, or once he's done, he'll set up his tent and camp.

When it's time for bed, Johann asks "Who's got watch? I just need enough time to restore spells."

[Zergh]

Group set their camp in vicinity of the guardpost. Soon after, escort of 5 guardsman approached them and inquired about their stay. Encounter had familiarity with patrol on the road and upon specifying their intent and general plan for journey they left the group. Guard also informed them about recent activity in the area and supposedly it was safe and comfort to sleep outside. Last attack was about 2 rides ago, when monster approached one of the farms, slaughtered some goats and one horse. An owlbear descended from the hills nearby and was put to grim rest.

As Roster flew in the air to scout nearby countryside, he noticed mostly hilly terrain with some forest outcropping here and there, with plains of light underbrush and low vegetation inbetween. He detected no sight of dangerous activity, tho he did spot few herds of wolves and wild animals. One particular boar was sight to behold, was almost 12 feet long. He returned to the group after an hour, pretty certain that site is safe enough.

Johann delivered his note to the guards at the post and also got the permission to explore the sight of a burned inn so he spent about an hour inspecting the area. As he probed the ground and took notes of the damage suffered by the building, he concluded that fire burned most supporting beams and the roof collapsed from side to side, into the center of the house where chimney of a fireplace still stood, damaged badly and barely still standing. Seems like fire was searing, as it melted iron and steel poles which now laid disfigured inside the foundation columns. He detected no sign of lingering magic, but whole sight made him pretty sure some was involved in destruction the establishment. The rubble bore no sign of recent disturbance, as if he was the first person in a long while to explore the area.

[Toliudar]

On his return to the group, Rooster stretches and winces as his old bones settle back into famliar patterns.

"Ayup. Should be all right here. Big boar snuffling about to the southeast, and a wolf pack in the distance, but wolves don't usually bother with people, less they been conditioned ta."

He glances curiously over toward the inn, where Johann was investigating the remains, but said nothing more.Since no one had started an evening meal, he quickly and great economy of movement gathered a few sticks, built up a fire, and prepared a simple stew of chewy beef and fresh vegetables. Got to use up the fresh stuff first, after all. He offered bowls to everyone who approached the fire, and then fed the leftovers to Dusty.

"Dusty an me kin take first watch, and then I'll wake ya, Johann."

[Dimers]

"Thanks for the stew, Rooster. I'm sorry I didn't have anything to throw into the pot. Johann, I don't mind keeping an eye out in the predawn, after I get a solid rest." With that, Umil stands up and heads to her tent for prayers and sleep.

[robnar]

"Fine with me! Nap time. Nothing at the inn - it got burned down by something magical, but there's no sign of any magic there now and I was the first person to tromp over the grounds in a while."

Johann wakes for his watch at the appropriate time, and takes the time to pray for new spells.

[Toliudar]

Setting up watch points was old hat for Rooster, for whom there had been no permanent home most of his life. And when it seems like everything around you thinks that you look like a snack, you get careful.

Given the position of the Cormyrian guard outpost, it seemed most likely that a threat would come from the other direction, so Rooster left Dusty close to the others, with an order to guard them, then settled on a rock about 20 yards away, and dropped into a familiar presence of mind.

He missed the family already. The constant banter of mindspeech, sometimes impossible to translate, let alone convey the incredible intimacy of hearing each others' innermost thoughts. Today, on the road, he had thought a couple of times about broaching the topic of his silent speech with these new companions. They seemed open-minded and thoughtful folk who might understand the importance of such a thing. But seeming and being were totally different things, especially among city folk. No. Best to leave it aside for now.

[Zergh]

Night passed away and sentries noticed nothing of importance that could bring harm. As dawn was breaking, group recollected themselves around the morning campfire. Usual preparations were done, with some still eating and others praying and preparing their magic. It was already hot in the morning, and heat intensity indicated that they could use some cover or rest during midday when the sun was strongest. Moonsea ride was continuing to the north and was in good condition. Their route was set on Gnoll Pass and they came near Castle Crag sometime before noon.

Located on the far eastern foothills of the Storm Horns, Castle Crag is reachable by a lonely trail that winds back and forth up a very large stone hill on the side of a mountain. The trail often times on the side of a cliff on its western side, falling away on one side hundreds of feet below. The Castle Crag is a large castle with 60’ walls and towers surrounding, and a large defensible keep in it’s inner courtyard, on its east side. Its large, impressive gatehouse is protected by 2 sets of huge portcullis and iron bound doors, protected by arrow slits and murder holes, is the only entrance or exit to the complex. Judging from the distance at the road, it's about an hour climb to the entrance.

[Toliudar]

Rooster rides stolidly through the day, taking the lead unless someone else wants to. The heat is oppressive, and does Dusty no favours in her heavy fur, but they get through.

As they approach Castle Crag, Rooster looped back to confer.

"Reck we'll want ta check the big house, case Cutter's using it for a base or some such. Spose I could come down at it from above while you all start the climb, or you could just wait here. Spose I could take one a you with me, if you're interested."

He pauses to take a pull from his waterflask, and looks around at his colleagues.