Thirteen 2 session 27

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Summary

After returning form dinner at the Emira's, the group gather to make plans. Initially they decide that most of the group will take the boat and sail in the morning, and Hilde and Skalla will escape on their own later. However, when Welumque goes to speak to Captain Karjalainen, she finds that the whole city has been closed to trade. Instead they decide to use the signal that Lucas set up to get help from Elzahia's people. They sneak out early in the morning and are smuggled out of the city in barrels, and decide to head south, where they find the road has been heavily traveled by soldiers.

Session

Session date: 2022-12-18

In Game date: following on the previous session

The group meets at Shayka Naouar's to discuss their plans

<Narrator> Did folks want to return to Shayka Naouar's manor to discuss plans?
<Forthright> yeah
* Forthright is now known as Welumque
<Elanya> yeah
<Narrator> Presumably everyone will still be waiting for you there.
* Elanya is now known as Skalla
<Skalla> (Is Shayka Naouar here as well? I wanted to talk to her about it as well)
<Narrator> (She can be, just a sec)
* Shaykha_Naouar (webchat@68-235-164-162.gvec.net) has joined #thirteen
<Skalla> well, that was stressful - i think... it was okay....
* Skalla eyes Welumque
<Skalla> (I think rather)
<Skalla> I have some concerns still though
<Shaykha_Naouar> I would be surprised if you didn't.
<Welumque> I think it went as well as it could have.
<Lucas> So... are we staying longer?
<Lucas> or leaving?
* Welumque frowns.
<Welumque> Assuming the Emira isn't going to stand in our way, I think we should leave.
<Skalla> yes.
<Skalla> She want... well. She wants Iron, whe wants me to help her get it.
<Skalla> so she wants me to meet wih her daughter
<Skalla> to help with a proposal to take to my family
<Skalla> I was, uh, concerned it was a way to get us to stay but... maybe I can just wrote her a letter
* Skalla looks at the Shayka
<Skalla> I don't want to do anything tat will reflect negatively on our hostess, but I'd rather get out of here as soon as we can.
<Shaykha_Naouar> What was it she asked of you, specifically?
* Skalla thinks a moment
<Skalla> at first she asked if I had the power to make thse kinds of arrangements myself, which I said - no, not really
<Skalla> then she asked me to meet with her daughter to negotiate a proposal
<Skalla> she also asked Welumque about negotiating rrade ties with her people
* Shaykha_Naouar nods.
<Skalla> she handled it better I think >.>
<Shaykha_Naouar> I think, if you plan to leave, it's best to do it as soon and as quietly as possible.
<Skalla> I think we are ready to
<Shaykha_Naouar> As for reflecting negatively upon me and mine...well, we're survivors. We'll weather whatever comes.
<Welumque> Is there anything keeping anyone else here?
<Hildie> I've done all I needed to. I think we should get out of here before things get... interesting.
<Lucas> Nothing for me.
* Svald shakes their head.
<Welumque> Then let's go as soon as we can.
<Skalla> alright then. quietly we go.
<Shaykha_Naouar> Do you need anything? Supplies, horses?
<Skalla> horses? You think we shouldn't return to the boat?
* Skalla looks at Kaarina and Pierre
<Welumque> No, the boat will be fine.
<Welumque> If we leave the boat, how much more suspicious will this look to the Emira? Any hope of a trade relation in the future will be soured.
<Skalla> I'm... not really concerned about that
<Shaykha_Naouar> I'm not sure you're ship is going to be allowed to leave the harbor. She can concoct any number of reasons to hold it here.
<Shaykha_Naouar> I believe Welumque means for the Emira.
<Skalla> right.
<Welumque> She could, of course.
<Skalla> see, this was my concern.
<Welumque> But I have been tasked with going to my people, to establish a trade tie. I was clear to her that I could hardly do that from here.
<Welumque> If she is going to keep me here, she is keeping me from doing the very thing that she asked me for.
<Welumque> That would truly be mad.
<Skalla> well, maybe *you* can leave on the ship
<Skalla> but she didn't really set a timeframe
<Skalla> she doesn't want us to go
<Hildie> Then We let her take the ship and we leave Can we let Welumque and some of the others go by ship and the rest of us can get away by other means?
<Hildie> (Gah)
* Skalla nods to Hildie
<Skalla> that's what I was goin to say
<Hildie> Can we let Welumque and some of the others go by ship and the rest of us can get away by other means?
<Skalla> they rest of you go, Hildie and I can stay, and leave once you are safely away
<Skalla> we can get somewhere you can pick us up
<Welumque> Skalla, if you truly feel that you would be held back individually, then yes, that makes some sense. Or we could simply smuggle you away.
<Welumque> Throw you in a box and haul you onboard.
<Skalla> I'd rather see the rest of us safely away
<Skalla> Hidlie and I can take care of ourselves
<Skalla> I don't want to tangle Captain Karjalainen in this either
* Skalla thinks for a moment
<Skalla> (is there somewhere we might be able to meet up with the boat that would be on-route-ish?)
<Skalla> (Even if it is just liek a convenient little cove or something)
<Narrator> (Hmm, let me check)
<Narrator> (When you say on-route-ish, you mean without the boat having to detour much?)
<Skalla> (well, some would probably be okay. Maybe fake fantasy Providence? ;p)
<Narrator> (Yeah, I was gonna say something like that would be your best bet, if you're trying to split up and regroup elsewhere.)
<Skalla> (yeah)
<Skalla> We coudl meet you at [Fake Fantasy Providence]
<Skalla> if the ship leaves today, we can take off tonight overland
* Skalla looks to Hildie for confirmation
* Hildie nods.
<Hildie> I can get us ready.
<Skalla> we won't need much
<Welumque> All right then.
<Hildie> We'll need horses.
<Skalla> I'll leave it to you to explain it to the captain
* Skalla nods
<Shaykha_Naouar> I'll have someone ready horses for you, then.
<Hildie> We're in your debt.
<Skalla> thank you
<Narrator> (Also, you said today and tonight, but it is already currently nighttime. The meal with the Emira was at sundown.)
<Shaykha_Naouar> Thank me by getting home safely.
* Skalla nods
<Skalla> (Yes, tomorrow then)
<Skalla> (Forgot that little detail ;)
<Narrator> (Okay, so then what is the plan?)
<Skalla> (Well they can try and sail on the morning tide I guess ;p)
<Skalla> (And if they are able to leave, we'll try and slip out of the city quietly
<Skalla> (I still think slipping out is better done at night though :p)
* Skalla can make sure Svald has any letters of authorization or whatnot neded for them to be 'in charge of taking our trade goods out of port or whatever in case that's a theoretical hangup.

Welunque, Lucas and Chemames discover that they are trapped and no one is allowed to board any boats

<Narrator> (Okay, so someone should head down to the docks to inform the captain?)
<Welumque> (I can do that)
<Narrator> (Taking anyone with you, or going by yourself?)
<Welumque> (Lucas can come if he wants, but otherwise, no I'll just go alone. )
<Skalla> (Skalla will not let anyone go around alone at this point)
<Skalla> (Youre taking at LEAST Lucas and maybe also Chemames ;)
<Lucas> (if Welumque asks me, I'll go with her)
<Narrator> (I mean, Chemames would be fine tagging along for safety.)
<Welumque> (apparently Skalla is now my boss)
<Hildie> (Skalla is everyone's boss)
<Narrator> The docks prove to be quieter than your previous experience, almost deserted. Pairs of Khalijani soldiers are patrolling, and even the dockside taverns seem quiet.
<Narrator> (Roll me Notice)
<Welumque> !roll 4d3-7
* @Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 3 2 2 3 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Narrator> (Lucas?)
<Lucas> (sorry, had to get roll20 open)
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
* @Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 3 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Narrator> (gotcha, sorry)
<Narrator> There are fewer ships in the harbor than when you arrived. Only three Khalijani ships are still present, stationed out in the bay to guard the approach...or any exit. You can also spot people on the various docked ships, but no one is boarding or disembarking from them.
* Lucas frowns at the situation
<Lucas> that is going to be a problem...
<Welumque> Let me handle this.
* Welumque looks around to see if there is someone important looking on land.
<Narrator> You can spot someone wearing an officer's uniform.
* Welumque goes up to him with intention and as much height as she can muster.
* Shaykha_Naouar is now known as Officer
* Officer eyes you with curiosity and a little professional wariness.
* Welumque musters her best formal Khalijani language for the task.
<Welumque> Yes, good morning, my name is Welumque of the Lexkweyok. I and my ship have been tasked by the Emira to undertake a trade mission to my people and I am expected to depart as soon as feasible.
<Welumque> What process needs to be followed to expedite the Emira's request?
* Officer frowns.
<Officer> Do you have any of that in writing? My orders were strict quarantine, no one boards or leaves the ships for the time being.
<Welumque> Well, of course not.
* Welumque says in her best 'that is a load of ridiculousness' voice.
<Welumque> When the Emira gives you an oral request, do you normally ask for it in writing just in case?
<Welumque> Would that not be, among your people, deeply impolite to suggest that you don't trust her word?
<Officer> The emira hasn't given me a request, but my superior *has* given me an order. Unless you have some proof of your claim, there's not much I can do to help you.
<Welumque> Now, when your superior gave you the order ... was that also in writing?
<Officer> No, but don't think that means it's not going to be followed.
<Welumque> So we are in agreement.
<Welumque> Next question.
<Welumque> Your superior, does she report to the Emira, or does the Emira report to her?
<Officer> I can see the argument you're trying to make, but, as you have no proof you have any connection at all to the emira, I'll simply reiterate: bring me proof or leave.
<Welumque> So your orders are that Talat Kabira is closed to all trade?
<Officer> As of right now, these docks are, yes.
<Welumque> Very well, I'll take down your name and rank. Just to make sure the letter is properly addressed.
* Officer will supply such.
<Welumque> Thank you.
<Welumque> Come, Lucas, we should attend to this.
* Officer nods brusquely.
* Lucas will follow as instructed
<Welumque> (as we head back) Well, it seems as if the Emira's paranoia has accelerated even since yesterday.
<Welumque> This is not sustainable. A city this size falls, without trade, in days.
<Lucas> so, we will go with the others?
<Welumque> Well, we will need to find some way to inform the captain, if we do.
<Welumque> But I do not feel right simply leaving the captain and crew here.
<Lucas> I don't know what we can do for them, though.
<Lucas> leaving their ship behind would be a huge loss for them.
<Welumque> They can't even leave it. They can't disembark.
<Welumque> Apparently.
<Lucas> well unless we are able to overthrow a government by ourselves, there isn't much we can do.
<Welumque> No, but we need to ensure that Shayka Naouar takes care of them.
* Lucas nods
<Lucas> we can try, anyway.
<Lucas> The person I talked to, Elzahia, might also be able to help get them out?
<Welumque> Yes, that's true too.
<Lucas> speaking of which, do you think I need to get her help for us? I am not sure we'll be able to just ride away as Skalla seems to hope.
<Welumque> We may very well need to.
<Welumque> But also, this quarantine, it will not be much of a secret, either here or anywhere else. Ships from Sisawinak probably arrive here every day, and they will be turned away.
<Welumque> So our plight, whatever it is, will hardly be unknown or unnoticed.
<Lucas> then I need to give her the signal at sunrise or sunset.
<Welumque> Let's return and let the others know, and then if we need her help, we'll put out the call at sunset.

Alternate plans are formed

<Narrator> You can return to the Naouar residence easily enough.
<Skalla> How did t go? Any trouble?
<Welumque> Well, insofar as no ships are being allowed in or out of the port, and no one is allowed to board or disembark from any ship without written authorization, we're no worse off than anyone else.
<Welumque> But yes, you could say there's some trouble.
<Hildie> Well... that's not great.
<Skalla> fuck.
<Lucas> Do you think I should get help from Elzahia? I can signal her at sunrise or sunset to get us help escaping.
<Skalla> I knew it >.>
<Hildie> You think this is because of us?
<Skalla> do we have any way to get a message to the captain?
<Welumque> No, it's not just us, Hildie.
<Welumque> This is much more than us.
<Lucas> maybe Svald could get a message to the captain?
<Lucas> like... by bird?
* Skalla looks to Svald
<Svald> I could do that.
* Svald nods.
<Narrator> (To clarify, that's summoning a bird and tasking it to take a message?)
<Skalla> Okay.
<Skalla> I wonder if we could.... help them get out to the harbour somehow? Slip past the other vessel?
<Svald> (I was assuming Be a Bird)
<Svald> (but carry a message works fine)
<Skalla> (I wouldn't have thought you could fly >.>)
<Svald> (oh right my hand :/)
<Lucas> (yeah I meant to like... summon a seagull or something and use it to deliver a note)
<Narrator> (Yeah, I'm not sure you're up to flight just now, but getting a bird to deliver a message is easily doable for you. I'm not even gonna make you roll for it.)
<Skalla> any ideas, or do we just apologize and let her fend for herself?
<Welumque> I'm sure she's aware of the situation.
<Welumque> I don't know what else we can say. This isn't just us. This is every ship, every load, every crew, at the whole port.
<Skalla> uh, we can say 'we're ditching the city and this might cause you a few more headached, try and slip away when you can' but I meant more - is there some way we coudl help her do that?
<Skalla> eityher from here or once we're out of the city
<Welumque> Unless you want me to go actually try to get written permission to leave from the Emira, I don't think there's anything else I can do.
<Skalla> hah, no I doubt that's happening
<Skalla> I was thinking more like.... I dn't knonw. Convenient fog, or something that would keep the guard ships occupied
<Svald> Maybe? That would be a lot of fog...
<Skalla> yeah... maybe not feasible
<Narrator> (It would be a herculean effort to generate enough fog to cover a full-size ship's escape, and that's assuming no magical interference/counterspelling)
<Skalla> well, then at least we can warn ner
* Svald nods.
<Skalla> what is this 'quarntine' even supposed to be about?
<Welumque> Does it matter? We know it would just be a rationale.
* Skalla sighs
<Skalla> okay. Well, I'll write her a note then, and I guess we see what these other allies you've found can do for us now
* Skalla says to Lucas and co
<Skalla> (and yes, I'll write a letter saying we are going to try and escape the city, and do what you need to do to get out/keep your crew safe, we'll see what we can do once we're free, sort of thing)
<Narrator> Svald can summon...yeah, a seagull would work fine, to take the message to Captain Karjalainen.
<Narrator> (Just so I get my timing correct, y'all went down to the docks the morning after the meal with the emira?"
<Skalla> (yes)
<Narrator> (Okie doke)

Lucas uses Get Help

<Narrator> So, then, Lucas is gonna do the "summon help" thing that evening at sundown?
<Lucas> (yes I guess so)
<Narrator> (Okie doke)
<Narrator> When you complete your circuit around the house, there's an orcish man standing nonchalantly near the gate.
* Officer is now known as Orc
* Lucas will approach him cautiously
<Lucas> hello?
<Orc> Hmm? Sorry, no, I don't have a light. I was just waiting for a friend.
<Orc> (very quietly) Alleyway across the street, five minutes.
* Lucas will nod and walk away
* Orc nods politely and walks away.
* Orc will be waiting in said alleyway at the appointed time.
<Lucas> We need to get a group out of here, discreetly. 8 people.
* Lucas says quietly.
<Orc> That's...doable. When, and where to?
<Lucas> If you get us out of the city, we can make the rest of our way on our own. And, as soon as possible?
<Orc> We can leave just before dawn, if your people are ready.
<Lucas> Very well. Where do we meet you?
* Orc gives you the address of a farrier's not too distant.
<Lucas> All right. Anything else we need to know?
<Orc> Ask for Raheem.
* Lucas nods
<Lucas> Thank you.
* Orc nods, and will turn to leave.
* Lucas will head back and relate this to the others
<Svald> So soon...
<Lucas> I thought it would be good not to delay.
<Skalla> I agree
* Svald nods.
<Narrator> Any prep y'all need to do before you leave?
<Skalla> (I don't thikn anything new, but I'll probably be judicious about what I'm actually taking vs just ditching here, for packing)
<Welumque> (in terms of the deal I was brought here ostensibly to make, is it totally concluded? Have we been paid?)
<Lucas> (I mean I guess we can't take printing presses with us, so idk what Pierre will do.)
<Hildie> Oh yeah :/
<Narrator> (Yeah, you've been paid.)
<Skalla> (I had assumed the presses had been loaded on the boat in the last week...)
<Welumque> (ready to go then)
<Narrator> (And, ostensibly, Captain Karjalainen has them on her ship, whenever it gets out of dock.)
<Lucas> (nothing else for me, then)
<Hildie> (I'm good)

The group gets smuggled out of the city in barrels

<Narrator> Okay, can I get everyone to make me Stealth checks? Let me know if there's anything you're wanting to do to aid in said Stealthing ;)
<Skalla> (I would like to be armed though if the shayka can make that happen.)
<Lucas> (I would like to apply Keeps a low profile to my roll)
<Welumque> (stealthing, huh? I can try that)
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-4
* @Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 1 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Svald> !roll 4d3-2
* @Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-2 ] getting [ 1 3 2 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -2 ] totals [ 6 ].
<Hildie> !roll 3d4-8
* @Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 3d4-8 ] getting [ 1 2 3 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ -2 ].
<Skalla> (Man stealth is not my strength lol)
<Welumque> (would you like to try 4d3 Hildie)
<Narrator> (She can probably spare a couple of rifles)
<Welumque> !roll 4d3-7
* @Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 1 3 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 0 ].
<Svald> !roll 4d3-6
* @Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 3 1 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Hildie> !roll 4d3-8
* @Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 1 1 3 1 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ -2 ].
<Svald> (somewhat less invisible)
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-8
* @Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 3 1 2 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Skalla> (Idk good ideas for stealthing but I'll bring up the rear so I can make sure everyone else is doing okay at least :p)
<Narrator> You all make your way to the place the orc man told Lucas to meet.
<Narrator> You can hear people inside, talking quietly and moving things around.
<Narrator> You can also hear horses.
* Lucas will go up cautiously and ask for Raheem
<Skalla> (well it is a farrier so..)
<Hildie>
<Narrator> An orcish woman answers the door, but nods and lets you in after Lucas asks.
<Orc> Quickly, come in.
* Svald hurries inside.
* Hildie will also
<Narrator> You find a group of orcs and humans loading a wagon full of large barrels.
* Skalla waits until he rest are in
<Orc> This will likely not be the most comfortable ride of your lives, but it should get you all out of the city.
<Lucas> thank you
* Skalla makes a face, but nods
<Orc> We can help anyone into a barrel who needs it, then we'll close them, and pack the rest around so they won't be looking into yours, if any.
<Hildie> If anyone is claustrophobic, say so now.
<Skalla> have you got a spare axe? Just in case.
* Skalla wll ask them
<Skalla> crowbar, even?
<Orc> Probably somewhere around here.
* Orc can scrounge up a hatchet and a large knife.
<Skalla> pefect, thanks
* Skalla adds that to her growing personal arsenal
<Hildie> Want me to take the knife?
<Skalla> I guess >.>
* Skalla will give it to her
<Skalla> come on then
* Skalla will help other folks before crawlign in a barrel herself tho
* Hildie sighs.
<Hildie> My leg is going to ache for days after this...
<Skalla> :|
* Hildie will climb in with assistance
* Lucas will get in a barrel
<Orc> All right, just keep quiet, and everything should be okay.
* Svald will turn into a coyote and hop in
<Narrator> Everyone should be able to fit into a barrel of one size or another, and you all have to deal with some jolts as they shove the barrels all into place.
* Skalla will brace herself whle being loaded and will otherwise try and get as comfortable as she can
<Narrator> Though you can't see, it's still dark as you set out, the creaking of the wagon and the clatter of the horses' hooves seemingly louder in the absence of other sensory data.
<Narrator> You ride along for a good thirty minutes or more before you hear the wagoneer hailed by, you assume, soldiers at the edge of town.
* Skalla wil do her best tp try and hear what's beong said, though no doubt everything is pretty muffled
<Narrator> Roll me Notice.
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-5
* @Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 2 2 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Narrator> You can make out a fair bit. The soldiers are asking where they're headed, and they're claiming to be headed out to make deliveries to some of the surrounding farms.
<Narrator> They carry on a conversation for a few minutes, and a couple of outer barrels get opened, but the soldiers seem satisfied after not too long.
<Narrator> The wagon begins rolling again, and you're in for another thirty or forty-five minute ride before the wagon comes to a halt.
<Narrator> It's a little bit longer as the driver and his partner move around barrels to allow you all to exit yours.
* Skalla stretches and will check on people
* Hildie will stumble out of the barrel and stretch her sore leg.
<Narrator> Hmm. Roll me Physique, folks. ;)
* Hildie will then look around to get a lay of the land
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-5
* @Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 1 1 3 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Svald> (can I get a +2 for aspect of the wild and being a lil animal)
<Welumque> !roll 4d3-8
* @Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 2 1 3 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Hildie> !roll 4d3-5
* @Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 4 ].
<Lucas> !4d3-8
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-8
* @Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 2 3 1 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Narrator> (Sure, Hazel)
<Svald> !roll 4d3-5
* @Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 2 2 1 2 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Narrator> Everyone is none the worse for wear.
<Narrator> It was by no means a comfortable ride, but you all weathered it fine.
<Skalla> thank you
<Hildie> Yes, thank you for getting us out
<Orc> Just repaying a debt, but you're welcome.
<Lucas> We won't forget your help.
* Skalla nods in agreement
<Hildie> Will you be ok here?
<Skalla> Do you know anything about the situation outside of the city?
* Skalla is trying to figure out where they should be heading from here
<Lucas> If you're ever in need of help in Fastning Irena, we'll be at your aid.
* Orc nods.
<Orc> The road north of here runs west to Hiba, and you can head south from there, or keep heading west into the Waunohàmsèpu lands, to the [FF Hudson].
<Orc> Goddess protect you all.
* Orc will put the barrels back in order and head out, unless you had anything else.
<Skalla> (How's the weather?)

Once out of the city, they decide to head south

<Narrator> (How're you wanting to head home? Quick or safe?)
<Narrator> (Good question. High or low?)
<Skalla> (high)
<Narrator> It's currently hovering just above freezing, and not likely to warm up too much over the course of the day. At least the sky is currently clear, though there's a good dusting of snow on the ground.
<Skalla> South is faster - West *maybe* safer, but the weather could turn before we find anyone that way who can help us
* Lucas looks over to Welumque
<Lucas> Faster, I think?
<Skalla> I think so, but let's keep off the road unless we need to be on it
<Hildie> Fast is good. I don't suppose there's any way we can cover our tracks? I doubt it will get warm enough for the snow to melt.
<Skalla> not effectively
<Skalla> if we get of the road, maybe
<Skalla> snow is a friend for the tracker, not the quarry
<Svald> That sounds like a good idea anyway.
<Svald> (anyway)
* Skalla nods
<Narrator> (So what's the plan?)
<Skalla> then we're going south, sounds like
<Skalla> (south, but stay off the road as much as possible)
<Narrator> (Okie doke. Did you still want to find the aforementioned road for orienting in the first place?)
<Svald> (I can sort of watch the road we go if I travel as a coyote again... just to see if people *are
* looking for us)
<Svald> (like sort of weave back and forth between the party and the road)
<Narrator> (*nod*)
<Skalla> (Yeah, that makes sense)
<Skalla> (Though I am also going to assume Skalla can orient to 'what is south' pretty reasonably
<Narrator> If that's the case, Svald, you'll notice the road is *very* worn, though it looks recent, as last night's snows lay untouched in places.
<Narrator> (I know she can manage "where south is", but she doesn't actually know this particular land very well, iirc.)
<Skalla> (true)
<Narrator> Actually, come to that, Svald is military trained. They know what a road looks like after an army marches on it.
<Svald> (uh oh)
<Svald> (like they marched before or after the snow?)
<Narrator> (Before)
<Narrator> Though you'd guess only by a few days.
<Svald> well, I'll make sure to let Skalla know
<Skalla> (goody :V)