Westward Expansion

Heading west you move through a grass field just outside the expedition camp walls. After a short walk down the well worn road you reach the beginning of the mashes and soon the swamp itself. Ahead you see a guard tower. A couple of guards lounge at the base with another couple up in the lookout.

The guards warn you that though there is a road and it is much safer than before the swamp is still a dangerous place. They point out the waters and thick vegetation hide a variety of local wildlife. These threats range from large alligators, swarms of fish that will strip you to the bones in seconds, poisonous snakes, and the ever-present flies.

The two guards wave you on through as you continue west. The road continues on the far side of the second tower, which is taller and of sturdier construction with four guards, however the road dwindles to a simple track just wide enough for a single horse cart. As you travel you see a variety of plant and animal life. Snakes, insects, frogs, lizards, water rats, squirrels, and an occasional larger beast you have learned are referred to as "Dinosaurs". These large beasts are often hunted for meat by many of the intelligent species that moved into the area causing most of them to have learned to not wander too close to the road. Turning north then west you continue on following the path till the far end of the swamp is in sight.

Beyond the swamp are high grasses with clumps of trees and a few hills. The lush grass must be a common grazing area as your spot a few dinosaur herds. The main trail heads west but you soon find a side trail heading SW through some trees.

Date&Time(Alpha): 19@9:15
Looking over the map you secured from the clerk you ascertain you are at the western edge of the swamp just west of the Manor Ruins (4)
on the dotted trail just above the camera iconLooking out over the west you see knee to waist high grass with clumps of bushes and trees spotting the area. Low rolling hills add to the difficulty of seeing very far. The hills seem to be somewhat dryer and tend to be more overgrown. Throughout it all the number and variety of the dinosaurs increases. So far the herds have been small, ranging from 6 to 12. However you can see dozens in some of the larger herds further out over the hilly grasslands.

The hers you spot havve several varieties of donosaur. The largest are beasts larger than some buildings with lang neck that are grazing on tree tops. North by the river are some cattle sized beasts wading and swimming as well as some bird like versions of the beasts. Others if varying sizes graze further to the west and south.

Taking a closer look at the map you figure if you want to go to the library (B) you need to head SW. Straight to the west you can see one of the "Remnants", the residential one (A), that looks to be a walled off area of buildings. The SW path has a bit more recent traffic you presume that the expedition does send their researchers there occasionally. But if you want to stick to the trails and reach the other remnants you should head west past the Residential.

However the presence of the nearby herds indicates that these groups are either fast enough to avoid the beasts or large enough to discourage them. Herbivores have been known to be dangerous if not handled properly. As you watch the dinosaurs you are comforted that most you see seem to be grazing though you do note that the fliers look to be fishing in the river. The question is, if these are are herbivores, where are the carnivores that prey on them?

Where are you going?

A couple of the largere fliers circle the area but most stay over the river. Based on ARc's experience he estimates that some of the fliers have larger wings than he does though most are his size or smaller The most common fliers have total wingspans about a wide aas one or Arc's wings (5-6')

Judging a short flight of limite altitude to be safe enough Arc launches up into the sky before circling abouve the others for a short moment. Scanning the grassy area Arc confirms that the open areas are dominated by the larger dinosaurs but there are smaller ones near the tree cover and river. Some of these definitely have the look and behavior of hunters. Fortunatley you have yet to catch the attention of any predators.