Arrival at Nurok

Appreciative of the firm confidence of the group, Colonel DeLarouge smiles and tips his cup. "To metal caves and mystery. May your gods see you safely through this." he says before drinking deeply.

Afterward, he directs Captain Agard to bring you to where you will be staying. An area of camp close to the gates provides you a place to pitch tents or bedrolls, and a few soldiers have already gathered wood for you to use to form a fire if you wish.

"Not as opulent as your lord and ladyships might be accustomed, but closer to the gates means a bit less chill. If you are in want of anything, our quartermaster is just there." Agard says pointing to where you were to drop your weapons. "He can provide most things you may need, coffee and bread included."

With a nod, the captain leaves you to yourselves and returns to his duties. The sun is making its final trek toward the west, with about an hour of sun left in the day.

Setting up your camp, you all soon find yourselves deep within the blanket of sleep. It is a quiet night, with only the sounds of the night animals and shifting guards to break the heavy silence. Nearby, the large bonfire continues to crackle and flame as the occasional refuse or creature is tossed upon it, though by morning it has died down significantly with only a thin trail of grey smoke rising into the morning.

As you awake, the fort is already beginning to come to life, and your men-at-arms have gathered your wagon and horses in preparation. Elavain is speaking with soldiers at the quartermaster's tent, and within a few minutes several sacks of food stuff are added to your dwindling supplies.

"It'll be 'bout four or five days up into th' hills, ladies and gents, and it promises to be chilly at best. If you've warmer attire, I think it best to don it 'fore we leave. We'll be up in th' range soon enough. Thought 'bout headin' t' Thunderhead, but that'd put us a day further along, and so unless there's need, I think it'd be best t' just go to th' cave."

Bram
"They might, sir, aye. I'd have an ask with th' quartermaster there. Corporal Elkridge says captain was pretty adamant about helpin' us on our way, so if they do I imagine it would be yours for th' asking."

Bram
The quartermaster smiles and gives an affirmative nod as he enters his tent, returning with a set of fur-lined pants and gloves, anda heavy wool shirt.

"Ain't great for thick winter, but this time of year they'll do you just fine sir." Sliding you a small metal flask, he adds "And here's for what needs warming on the inside."

Starday, 15 Coldeven 580 CY
It has been a full ten days of travel since you all left Gorna in service of His Radiance, Duke Owen III, ruler of Geoff. Leaving the last real vestiges of civilization behind, you leave Fort Nurok and its new contingent of soldiers behind and begin to head north into the rocky range of mountains to the west.

The Barrier Peaks stretch from the southwestern edge of Bramblewood Forest that forms the southern border of Ket to the north, all the way south to the beginning of the craggy peaks of the Crystalmists. Its terminus of northern hills is so rugged and steep as to be regarded as basically part of the mountain chain. The Valley of the Mage is hidden within the central Barriers, and their southwestern end forms the western boundary of the Grand Duchy of Geoff. These mountains are infamous for their strange inhabitants. Of course, there are some dwarves dwelling in hidden places within the Barrier range, for they have many precious minerals and gems.

It is those strange monsters that has brought you this far, and as you begin the slow climb to higher altitudes you take time to reflect upon what you know. Strange, fell beasts have been seen in the area. Even the normal dwellers such as gnolls, orcs and giants avoid the areas where the creatures are seen, alluding to the thought that your true test is coming soon.

The weather remains steady, with occasional gusts of wind, light precipitation and bouts of thick fog hampering your travel, but after several days of hiking through the rugged highlands Elavain brings your train to a stop. You find yourselves in a low valley, the far end of which is dominated by a craggy cliff face. Even from here you can see what looks to be a glint of metal at the base of the hill.

"Just there, my lords 'n' ladies." the half-elf says, pointing to a flat area a few hundred yards from the base of the steep hill. "There's good earth to set camp. Water is close, as are supplies should you need to make more than one foray into th' caves."

Freeday, 21 Coldeven 580 CY
You have arrived at your destination.