The Coast Way

The dawn is especially cruel this morning.

After a night of fleeing over rough terrain and through shadows, rain, and trauma, the party finds a sheltered copse of trees to rest for a moment and decide their next course of action. Their goal is the Friendly Arm Inn, but without knowing quite where it is, or where they are currently, they have some thinking to do...

Sheemish lays a hand on the small dragons shoulder. "not quite the adventure I was going for either." He reaches down To his own clothing and feels the tear in his clothing where the arrow tor through. "best to take a break from this current one as soon as we can, right? Your wings would probably be a huge help with that," He says confidently as he gestures to the canopy. b]"between you and Runeson we should be able to figure out the best route to some help."[/b]

Speaking to the group,"With us being divided into two groups now we had best stick with Aiwes plan. It sounds like their is an inn close by and possibly a temple." With a glance to dieters body resting on the horse, Dieter does protecting his companions, I didn’t know him well, but that proves his valor Enough for me. I’m only hoping we can honor that sacrifice. I’m not as familiar with what magic that will require, but I assume since it’s some form of reviving that it’s time sensitive. Best to head off quickly and only rest if absolutely necessary." And anything you keep us moving and not dwelling on what just happened.

Looking towards Runeson "Any clues as to where to go now?@

In the vast, untamed wilderness that makes up the Western Heartlands, the Friendly Arm Inn stands as a beacon of civilization and safety. As such, it's a common stop for travelers, merchants, and caravans. Runeson may have even been there before. From what he and the others can tell, there are two ways to find it from where they are. The easiest way would be to travel west until they hit the Coast Way road and follow it north until they reach the inn. Once reaching the road, the going will be much easier and the party will for sure know where it's going. However, the group will also be much more visible, should anyone be pursuing them.

The more difficult way is to continue north until they find the river, and follow it to the northeast until they reach a large forest. Then either going through or around the forest will bring them to the Friendly Arm Inn. With so much wilderness travel and vague landmarks, it may very well be easy to get lost, and travel will be slower. But, should pursuit be coming, it should be easier to evade humanoid enemies.

And so the choice is the easy, fast path, or the slow and difficult one.

"Judging by the look on everyone’s faces I assume we’d rather not find anymore unwanted company along the way. If that’s the case let’s stick to the woods rather than the road. Not sure if that’s safer or not, but if it’s peace of mind I’ll take it. In case of pursuers I volunteer to stand in the back. I suggest our best guides be up front. Runeson with his horse in the middle. Any thoughts?"

Sheemish says this matter of factor, but not in a commanding tone. It’s more out of necessity to keep moving and get farther away from any chance of pursuit.

The group starts off. Stella's calculations have the party moving in the right direction, and with Rift able to fly and spot various landmarks, the party is able to make confident progress.

Copses of trees amid rolling hills. It gets hotter under the rising sun, which is only augmented by the humidity. Gnats and other flying pests go for the eyes and mouth, always seeking liquid to drink. Mosquitoes, bugs unknown in Icewind Dale, bite and suck the blood of the travelers and generally make nuisances of themselves. Deer look up and leap away, and squirrels watch group curiously, while birds of all kinds sing their songs.

It is around midday that the group sees something truly awe-inspiring.

Icewind Dale is known in part for its Reghed 'barbarian' tribes that follow the caribou herds across the frozen tundra. What the group sees here is no caribou, for this beast must be five times larger, with broad antlers that spread nearly as wide as it is tall.



Muscled and majestic, with a thick mane of brownish-white hair, this giant deer stands tall as it watches the group. It shows no sign of fear, for what could the party do to harm it? Even large Tulco looks like a small pony next to this creature. There seems to be a spark of intelligence and percipience in its eyes.

I motion for everyone to stop and calmly wait for Stella, our resident guide, and try to remember if I have heard of any creature like this before.

Try as he might, Rift can't see anything threatening. The birds continue to chirp, the breeze provides some comfort against the heat. There's even a small bunny that's stopped to watch the proceedings.

In response to Stella's questions the giant stag tosses its head and stamps a cloven hoof. It would seem that it does indeed understand Common and Elvish.

Runeson recalls stories told of lost travelers who were visited by such an animal. In every tale it was a portent of good fortune, or the precursor to some momentous event. But the tales hardly do justice to this creature!

"Please," Sheemish says with a humble respectful Dwarfish bow "we are not trying to intrude, we are seeking shelter and help for a fallen friend." Sheemish stays in a bow, head lowered before this majestic creature.

The deer listens attentively as the group pleads their case. Then it turns to leave. After a half-dozen steps it turns its head to look back at the adventurers, as though beckoning them to follow.

Sheemish rides from his bow, Unless any of you have objections?" He whispers to the group. And then he steps forward following the creature.