The Necessity of Travel

@GameMaster - Johnsan can search around - with Tatianna helping him, so you can roll twice - I think a Forage roll would be best here. You'll find what you're looking for - or the lack of it either way, but there's a chance you run across something else as well.

Oxana, what kind of marker are you looking for? Do you want something to trail behind you as you go, or more of a landmark to keep an eye on?

Well let's see, there's always the portal itself. The edge of it glows a bit during the day, but would be really bright at night with no other lights around. There's also one pine tree that's taller than most of the others around it. But those will probably only work outside of the forest. Inside you'll have to rely on your ability to work out directions from the sun, probably.

Everyone sets out on their respective tasks. It's only a few minutes though, before you hear Johnsan yelling for you all to come back, quickly. From the sound of his voice, he's not hurt or in danger, but there is an urgency to it, so you all rush back together. Johnsan is running out from the woods, and beckons you to follow him, then heads back in. When you finally catch up to him, he's standing at the gates of a large fortified wooden wall. Inside, you can just see the tops of several buildings, but there's no one at the gate or visible on the wall.

The wall itself isn't in great condition, although it could be if it were taken care of again. Whatever is on the other side of the wall - if anything - is awfully quiet.

No one answers Irwin's call, but the gate pushes open easily. You're immediately struck by the state of the buildings. Unlike Agnon's Wood, which seemed to be in pristine condition - simply without people - The abandonment of this village was obviously long, long ago, and not altogether peaceful. A few of the houses suffered from fire before rain collapsed the roofs, and here and there lay scattered old - no, ancient - swords and shields, as if they'd been lost in a pitched battle. Most of the structures though, seem sound, at least on the surface, although the true length of time this place has lay fallow is impossible to determine.