Act 2, Scene 1: "A Flicker of Hope" (Main Game Thread)

[TristenC]

Enough tinder and breakfall are easily gathered nearby, some actually tucked away under a natural lean-to by other travelers perhaps expecting to pass this way again sometime. Before long, the camp is set and the group is ready to rest for the night...

The evening passes uneventfully, and dawn comes early the next morning.

[Nocturno]

Enjoying the sleep not under the pressure of an enemy encampment, Nocturno rises and performs his daily rituals.

Ready to go after a brief exercise with his long sword, he will sheath it and look at the group.

"Shall we?"

[Squirrellord]

Once Jordek's morning meditations are complete and a small meal is shared with Chitt, he concurs with the elf and appears excited to continue on the way.

[TristenC]

The four travelers rise and finish their morning routines, eager to head out. While Jordek eats, he can't help but notice the former captives glancing around. It occurs to the Gnome, that they likely have not eaten in the last day. In fact, they have nothing but their threadbare clothes and the crude weapons found in the goblin cave.

If we make good time, we can probably reach Bordertown before sundown. Sherfan says, hopefully.

===
Squirrely, did you want to swap up your spell selection for the day or keep the current lineup?

Is there any particular manner or marching order you guys prefer?

[Nocturno]

If pointed out or he notices, Nocturno will share some rations. He isnt cruel. Just dour.

"I'll take rearguard. Gnome if you would honour us with your scouting again?"

[Squirrellord]

Let's keep the current spell lineup.

Jordek will offer to share what rations he has as well as offer to see if he can scrounge up anything to eat from the surroundings (I leave that in the DM's hands)

At Nocturno's phrasing of the request to scout, Jordek blushes momentarily and replies "Of course I'll scout. Happy to help"

[TristenC]

The former captives thank them enthusiastically as the pair of adventurers share their fare. Before long Jordek begins to lead the way. Somewhat more sure footed than before, Sherfan and Dirk following and Nocturno taking up the rear.

The morning passes peacefully enough, with no interruptions on the road as it makes its way through the thick forest. As it draws near to midday, a structure becomes visible roughly 100 yards ahead; a wide bridge spannig a steeply sloped embankment. 30 feet below cold, clean water rushes by; the calm surface indicating a hidden depth. There seems to be no easy way down the embankment, nor up the opposite side; but a well-constructed bridge of stone and timber spans the divide. It is clearly well maintained, and wide enough for a wagon and a two men abreast besides. A 3’ high thick wooden rail makes up the edges.

[Nocturno]

Nocturno will keep watch at the rear as the group approaches.

[Squirrellord]

Jordek will walk off to the side as they approach to see if he can get a look at the underside of the bridge before determining if it is safe. Once, and if, he doesn't spot anything he will lead the party across.
-----------------------------------------
50 years of hiding only feeds the paranoia

[TristenC]

Jordek moves to one side but the bridge sits low enough that he cannot see the underside completely, particularly on his end of the bridge.

===
He could attempt to climb down the side of the embankment to look. There are Abundant Handholds (+40) so his chances would be about 90% total.

[Squirrellord]

He shall do so against his players better judgement

[TristenC]

[lol, fair enough]

Jordek begins to make his way down the side, his attention mainly on the bridge. Only a few feet into his climb, one of the handholds suddenly begins to give way! Shifting his balance quickly, the Gnome avoids losing his grip. Turning his focus a little more on the steep embankment, he manages to position himself to see the underside of the bridge. It appears normal enough, as human constructions go, but while beneath it he notices something unusual... The earth around the landing on the north side (the side Nocturno still waits near) has been disturbed recently. Not enough to cause any issue with the stability of the bridge itself, but more like the entrance to a large burrow...

===
LOL.
Jordek climb [1d100] = 89, pass (barely!)

[Nocturno]

OOppss nothing to see here.

[Squirrellord]

Jordek will haul his butt back up to the group with all the pertinent haste he can muster with an agitated Chitt flitting about on his head.
Hoping from foot to foot as he scurries back to the group it appears he can't seem to contain his nervous energy as *tries* to hurriedly whisper the following.
"Iknewit!Iknewit! Therisaholeunderthebridgeonthissideohmygoodness!Somethingislivingunderthisbridge!!!"

[Nocturno]

Hearing the gnome Nocturno rushes to the edge with his sword drawn.