An Unexpected Reunion

ROLL 1 DIE.

Score: 2 – Attacked by a wolf.

While Gyneth recuperated from her injuries, the group of adventurers traded stories and experiences. Cedric, the bard he was, drank in the details and began weaving them into verse. Learning of his abilities with music, Lyonesse gifted the troubadour the mandolin ( charisma +1 ) she and the warrior found in the ratmen’s nest. As they prepared to leave for Caran Baru, the party eventually felt it was necessary to explain to the warrior of Tyrnai what happened to Hector. Specifically, that hiding the truth from her might cause mistrust between her, them, and especially the rogue.

Gyneth didn’t know everyone all that well. Lyonesse had been her longest traveling companion since the day they met. The mage explained why she hadn't mentioned anything sooner during their earlier adventures in Yellowport, but she agreed with Trystan and Ysolt’s reasoning for opening up about their desire to rescue their friend from slavery. Hector was a valuable asset. Without him, they could not have completed their quest to retrieve her mentor’s belongings from the dragon of the lake. His skills would come in handy again, but he would need help recovering from the shame he likely felt for attempting to steal something from the temple of Tyrnai. After all, a priest of Sig had tempted him.

Trust was a difficult trait to earn from anyone. As a former soldier disillusioned by the power struggles between Sokara's former and current leadership, Gyneth understood that not everyone could be taken at face value. Trystan and Ysolt felt a strong bond for the rogue. Even Cedric’s accounts made Hector sound endearing; he wanted to do right by the pair who rescued him back in Venefax. The warrior promised to keep her blade sheathed until he proved himself untrustworthy.

To save travel time, Trystan led the party through the Curstmoor, bypassing Trefoille and much of the traffic and patrols on the main roads. A wolf's howl warned them trouble was afoot as they set up camp. The ranger and warrior both headed out to confront the creature.

Wolf: COMBAT 3, DEFENSE 5, STAMINA 7

Trystan’s Combat Score: 5 + 4 + 2 = 11 Total

11 – 5 Defense = 6 < 7 Stamina = 1 – Wolf Attacks!

Trystan and Gyneth agreed that he would shoot the creature first. She would rush in after the shot, especially if his aim wasn’t true enough to slay the beast. The wolf yelped as the arrow pierced deeply into its flesh, but the feral creature would not back down so quickly. The warrior drew her sword and ran forward, ready to meet the beast.

Gyneth: COMBAT 6, DEFENSE 8, STAMINA 9

Wolf’s Combat Score: 3 + 5 + 3 = 11 Total

11 – 8 Defense = 3 < 9 Stamina = 6 – Gyneth Attacks!

The warrior dipped low as the wolf lunged to snap at her. She shoved her forearm into the creature’s maw, allowing it to clamp its sharp teeth onto her vambrace. Gyneth felt the pain in her muscles as the wolf twisted and attempted to wrench her arm out of her shoulder socket. She held firm, though, and struck the beast down with her sword.

Wolf: COMBAT 3, DEFENSE 5, STAMINA 1

Gyneth’s Combat Score: 6 + 5 + 4 = 15 Total

15 – 5 Defense = 10 > 1 Stamina = 0 – Wolf Slain! Gain a Wolf Pelt.

The warrior ended the wolf’s life in a single slash. Trystan called for Ysolt to help escort Gyneth back to the campsite and treat her injuries. The wayfarer stayed behind to properly dispose of the wolf’s bones and entrails. He kept everything else, such as the meat and pelt; they could add the meat to the evening’s stew. When properly tanned, the pelt could be sold or traded.

After a day or two traveling across the countryside, Trystan led them farther west to follow the main road. They kept a far distance, as they didn’t want to attract too much attention from the patrols. Near the end of the day, as they neared the roadside waystation called the Weary Pilgrim Tavern, Lyonesse’s sensitive hearing caught rustling in the nearby overgrowth. The wayfarer scouted up ahead and found himself face to face with someone familiar. Disheveled and delirious from lack of sleep, Hector nearly barreled through Trystan to escape an ambush that wasn't an ambush!

“Hector!” Trystan hissed, gripping the shorter man’s shoulders to ground him before the rogue could do any serious damage to himself. At the sound of his name, heterochromic eyes widened and focused on the grizzled face of the young yet recognizable ranger. “Trystan!” Hector practically yelped, though the angered roar of a cook who realized something had been stolen from his larder interrupted the reunion. With a signal to the group, Trystan quickly led Hector and the others to the edge of the Forest of Larun before anyone else could catch up.

Although the forest was dense, Trystan didn't doubt his ability to navigate its lush vegetation quickly enough to lose their pursuers. Only once he felt they were safe did he suggest they set up camp and properly express their excitement over unexpectedly running into their long-lost roguish friend!