Part 1: What Just Happened?

[Leitz]

Robert

When Marsha got back up front with him, Robert gave her a sideways look that suggested the answer to her question was "A curse of stupidity". There was also a minute nod of "thank you" as he said nothing, grinned, and stretched his legs to keep them in front.

[Rex]

Casiphia

Casiphia will take her place in the marching order.

[JustDave]

Gabriel mumbles something under his breath, mounts his pony, and goes forth with the rest of the party.

[archolewa]

Robert

When Marsha got back up front with him, Robert gave her a sideways look that suggested the answer to her question was "A curse of stupidity". There was also a minute nod of "thank you" as he said nothing, grinned, and stretched his legs to keep them in front.

Marsha catches his look, and surreptitiously rolls her eyes at Esmerelda in a moment of shared exasperation. She suppresses a giggle at his expression, carefully schooling her face into one of polite neutrality as she had been taught.

[Edeldhur]

Thorg

The cleric felt amused at the whole situation, and all the miscommunication flying around - with a chuckle he moved after the others, waiting to hear how the arrogant Esmeralds would answer Marsha - "Come along Lashes" - he urged the mule - "We need to keep an eye on these youngsters"

[dmw71]

To Brackendale

"Keep up," Esmerelda demands, before turning and walking in the direction you all were already traveling.


Theodlac and his horse converge from the left flank, where he exchanges a silent look with Casiphia, who's likewise engaging from the right.

"Let's reform our column as before," the fighter suggests.



As if annoyed that someone else dare issue a command, Esmerelda halts.

"No," she starts. "Unless you're offering me your horse to ride upon --" she directs at Theodlac, "-- we will proceed in this order..."

She proceeds to direct how positioning within the procession will be held.

"Fine, you two can remain up front... I especially want that one --" indicating Robert "-- in front of me where I can keep an eye on him."

"I'll keep the other ladies on either side of me, with the animals in back."

"The mules... way back." she concludes.



Assuming the "proposed" marching order is adhered to, Theodlac carefully studies Esmerelda from his fairly advantageous position directly behind her.

See private forum: SterlingBlake.

Marsha, too, gives Esmerelda a quick inspection as the woman proceeds to direct the marching order.

See private forum: archolewa.

Once the order has been settled, Marsha inquires: "If I may be so bold, m'lady, what brings you out, so far from safety without an escort?"

"Well, I did have an escort, as I'm certain you witnessed."

"But, to your point, we came out this way... for... ... privacy."

From her response, it is evident to all within hearing range that she is choosing her words carefully, and being guarded.

---

We'll pause here for the moment, just to ensure that the "proposed" marching order is acceptable, and to allow for further questions or lines of discussion.



Actions?

---

Positioning

Code: Select all

                                 Robert    Marsha        

                          Adeline    Esmerelda    Casiphia
                                   
                                   Theodlac
                                    +Horse
   
                                 Thorg    Gabriel
                                 +Mule    +Mule

Cast of Characters
gurusql | Adeline | Human | Female | Magic-User
Rex | Casiphia | Human | Female | Fighter
JustDave | Gabriel | Halfling | Male | Thief
archolewa | Marsha | Human | Female | Fighter
Leitz | Robert | Half-Orc | Male | Fighter
SterlingBlake | Theodlac | Human | Male | Fighter
Edeldhur | Thorg | Dwarf | Male | Cleric

Player	Character	Gender	Race	Class	Height	Weight	Armor Worn	Shield	Melee Weapon	Ranged Weapon	Mount
archolewa	Marsha	Female	Human	Fighter	5'10"	141	Banded Mail	Medium	Longsword	--	--
Edeldhur	Thorg Hammerhand	Male	Dwarf	Cleric	4'11"	185	Banded Mail	Medium	Heavy War Hammer	--	Mule ("Lashes")
gurusql	Adeline	Female	Human	Magic User	5'06"	135	--	--	Dagger	Dagger	--
Leitz	Robert	Male	Half-Orc	Fighter	5'09'	184	Mail Byrnie (Chain)	Large	Bastard Sword	--	--
Rex	Casiphia the White	Female	Human	Fighter	5'05"	140	Mail Byrnie (Chain)	--	Bastard Sword	Short Bow	--
SterlingBlake	Theodlac	Male	Human	Fighter	5'10"	189	Banded	--	Long Sword	Short Bow	Rouncey Horse ("Name")
JustDave	Gabriel	Male	Halfling	Thief	3'05"	60	Studded	--	Short Sword	Sling	Mule ("Name")

[archolewa]

Marsha

Marsha narrowed her eyes, and while she obediently took up in front of the woman, her irritation briefly showed through. "Pretty pathetic escort, if he flees at the first sign of armed folk. If we had been bandits, or slavers, you would be well on your way to a very unpleasant life indeed my lady."

[SterlingBlake]

Theodlac

Theodlac offers a a polite-plus-ten-percent bow to Esmerelda at her suggested marching order, "I am very pleased my Lady accepts our humble escort."

To Casiphia, "This narrow pass worries me, would you split the distance between the troop and me while I scout shortly ahead?" Then to the others, "And then we'll proceed in formation, as Lady Esmerelda suggests."

Assuming that Casiphia assents and the others don't object, Theodlac will keep pace with Casiphia out to 60 yards before spurring his mount ahead another 60 ahead to asses the situation, or trigger any ambush, before rejoining his comrades.

At 40 yards out from the group, a minute or two before parting with her, he will confer with Casiphia, "I think our Lady is high born, but has seen some hard times. We should be gentle. Cut her slack. You know?"

"Either that or she's a hell of an actress and we should think about managing a troupe when we get to Brackendale!" he jokes before riding ahead to scout, or spring, any trap that may be laid.

[Rex]

Casiphia

"Yes of course I will split the distance as you scout Theodlac."

Once away from the others. "Agreed, I think it best for now we just follow along and see where it takes us. But be alert, I have a feeling something is going to happen."

[gurusql]

Adeline

Adeline will remain to the side of Lady Esmerelda walking with her right hand on a dagger hilt.

[Leitz]

Robert

Having started walking before the imperial interruption, Robert hasn't bother stopping.

[Edeldhur]

Thorg

Thorg chuckled softly at the exchange between Marsha and Esmerelda, shaking his head as he positioned himself towards the rear of the group. He could sense the tension and the underlying currents of distrust and frustration within the party. His eyes flicked from one member to the next, assessing their moods and readiness.

"Mules, way back indeed," he muttered under his breath, giving a gentle pat to Lashes. "Keep your wits about you, my friend. This promises to be an interesting journey."

As Theodlac and Casiphia moved ahead to scout the path, Thorg adjusted his grip on his weapon, ready to support the front or rear as needed. He knew that their path could be fraught with danger, especially with the evident friction among their ranks.

"Watch out for any surprises, Theodlac," he called after the scouting fighter. "And remember, a cautious step is better than a quick fall."

With a deep breath, Thorg turned his attention back to Esmerelda, who seemed to be struggling with something internally. He decided it was best to let her be for now, but he made a mental note to keep an eye on her.

"We move as one," he said loudly enough for all to hear, hoping to instill some sense of unity. "Let's keep our heads and watch each other's backs."

[JustDave]

Trots along, looking back often to see if anyone is following.

[dmw71]

Splitting the Party

"I am very pleased my Lady accepts our humble escort," Theodlac leads, offering a polite-plus-ten-percent bow to Esmerelda as he speaks.

Then --

"This narrow pass worries me, would you split the distance between the troop and me while I scout shortly ahead?" Theodlac requests of Casiphia, whom readily agrees.

"And then we'll proceed in formation, as Lady Esmerelda suggests." Theodlac continues, directing this latest comment to the rest of the group.

When met with no disagreement, the fighting man mounts his horse and begins a slow trot, keeping a slow pace for his unmounted companion.



Rex & SterlingBlake, see here.


Everyone else, see here.

---

Positioning

Code: Select all

                                 Robert    Marsha        

                          Adeline    Esmerelda    Casiphia
                                   
                                   Theodlac
                                    +Horse
   
                                 Thorg    Gabriel
                                 +Mule    +Mule

Cast of Characters
gurusql | Adeline | Human | Female | Magic-User
Rex | Casiphia | Human | Female | Fighter
JustDave | Gabriel | Halfling | Male | Thief
archolewa | Marsha | Human | Female | Fighter
Leitz | Robert | Half-Orc | Male | Fighter
SterlingBlake | Theodlac | Human | Male | Fighter
Edeldhur | Thorg | Dwarf | Male | Cleric

Player	Character	Gender	Race	Class	Height	Weight	Armor Worn	Shield	Melee Weapon	Ranged Weapon	Mount
archolewa	Marsha	Female	Human	Fighter	5'10"	141	Banded Mail	Medium	Longsword	--	--
Edeldhur	Thorg Hammerhand	Male	Dwarf	Cleric	4'11"	185	Banded Mail	Medium	Heavy War Hammer	--	Mule ("Lashes")
gurusql	Adeline	Female	Human	Magic User	5'06"	135	--	--	Dagger	Dagger	--
Leitz	Robert	Male	Half-Orc	Fighter	5'09'	184	Mail Byrnie (Chain)	Large	Bastard Sword	--	--
Rex	Casiphia the White	Female	Human	Fighter	5'05"	140	Mail Byrnie (Chain)	--	Bastard Sword	Short Bow	--
SterlingBlake	Theodlac	Male	Human	Fighter	5'10"	189	Banded	--	Long Sword	Short Bow	Rouncey Horse ("Name")
JustDave	Gabriel	Male	Halfling	Thief	3'05"	60	Studded	--	Short Sword	Sling	Mule ("Name")