Road to the Wilderness

"I hope that you might put a small icon and offer shelf in this corner here in the lounge," Auxare explains. "It could allow for candles and good devotion for the men during their private time off duty and at rest.

Our structure is efficient and formidable, is it not, Kyrazenus? I believe Türas would approve and judge us well," he adds with a smile.

Leading back down and out of the tower, Auxare speaks with Gundus at the base of the heavy exterior ladder.

"So, Ius, will you and your work team be remaining here at Saromen Vic for a time?

Or does your mission carry you onward on the Lusetem?"

Local Leadership

The other two ranking Commanders on the Lusetem Trail are Centurion Helvetius Gala at Tower 2 and Centurion Drus Omander at Tower 4.
Castellan Calus Eramus Andra has Dominate Authority over all Legion forces and Civitus officials throughout Skausen Spen and the surrounding borderlands. The Castellan has been operating out of Tower 4 (Saromen Fro) since last autumn.
The party should coordinate with these 3 men for his assigned project.

The Towers and other features

Tower 2 is approximately 11 miles forward on the trail.
Tower 3 was never completed. The project was started years ago, but discontinued because of difficult terrain, continued setbacks, and a lack of building material in close proximity. The abandoned worksite however is approximately 7 miles beyond Tower 2.
Tower 4 is the final fortification completed thus far. It is approximately 9 miles beyond the Tower 3 worksite.
Each Tower site is built either on or near legacy fortification sites from centuries ago, in the early days when the Empire waged war against Krysea. Some of the ruins and remnants of those old Saromens from that bygone era can be seen along the Lusetem Trail, itself a revived trail from the past as well.

Travel on the Trail

Travel speed on the trail varies based on terrain and weather, but an estimate march speed for loaded is 2 miles per hour. This speed allows armored and battle loaded troops to maintain security vigilance. Forced march can reach higher speeds, but it degrades readiness and awareness. It is difficult to travel faster than 3 miles per hour, due to the terrain and ruggedness of the trail at certain stretches.

Danger

Skausen Spen is dangerous. The biggest threat this season seems to be two different species of giant spiders. One is a web-spinner. The other ambushes from tunnels and thickets. Giant centipedes and giant beetles also run along the trail in parts and can be aggressive.
Despite best efforts to stop it, banditry has resumed with the improving weather. It is unclear how bandits are bypassing the trailhead entrance. There must be one or more foot paths that cut into the Spen either from the mountains or from the western plains. Road brigands have been robbing the mule packer lines of borderland venture merchants supplying the Towers.
The rumors of beastmen in the Spen are confirmed as true now. Castellan Eramus sent word that Tower 4 forces skirmished against goblins 2 months ago. Auxare wishes he could hear more details of the encounter, but few have been shared in the lines of communication.

Lack of Communications

There have been no communications from Castellan Eramus nor from Centurion Omander at Tower 4 for around 3 weeks. This is a break in protocol. Weekly reports are the norm. If communications remain broken for 5 weeks, Commander Auxare will have to escalate to higher orders.

Lack of Pay

The biggest problem right now is the morale of the troops. None of the Legionnaires nor the Officers have been paid in more than 3 months. Before that they got one payment late in the winter, but that was a payment still short 2 months of back pay from last year.
Auxare asks Gundus to make an appeal to Castellan Eramus to intervene on their behalf. It seems to Auxare that a trip to Amanuctum would be prudent. It is increasingly difficult to maintain discipline as the legionnaires grow frustrated by the hardship, for themselves and for their families at home.

"That is unfortunate for you," says Quaestor Eunapius to Syrena. "The Towers ahead are falling apart and the Legion is in disarray. Desertion is likely, if not already occurred. The Spen is a danger, and this foolish project to renew the Trail should be abandoned. That is what your report should say, Nobira Rachess.

I advise you to stay here. I will help you write the report in the proper etiquette and legality for it to appeal well at Consulate.

However, if you are committed to moving onward with those Irregulars, then I insist that your scribe remain here with me. I need parchment as it is, and I will direct him to write a series of letters that I intend to send back to the Curule by courier."

Turning to Damanandros. "Stand and ready, you. Gather your pack supply and move it there to the tower. You're being reassigned and will be bunking here at this Post under my direction."

Back to Syrena. "As I said, it would be best for you to do the same."