Episode 1: The Salvaged Job

Kalis and Daniel each pick out an individual in each of the towers, and it appears they are armed with bows. Each tower is built into the valley wall approximately 20 feet up, and stretch another 20 feet into the sky, meaning these archers are 40 feet above the valley floor, at the same level as the bridge. The top of the valley walls crest another 10 feet above the bridge itself, where it is connected via ropes and posts.

The wall itself looks to be only 10 feet high, but the top has jagged spikes where pieces of wood have been sharpened and affixed. There appears to be two small platforms below the wall level flanking the road, accessed by a short flight of stairs; these would appear to allow someone to stand near the top of the wall and observe the other side.

You see two more individuals, one standing next to a small lean-to by the base of the wall, and another opposite on the road next to what looks like a simple sliding gate. It does appear that these people have noticed your arrival. The two archers each have an arrow nocked and ready to draw, and they watch you from their perch. The other two on the ground are relaxed, but attentive.

One of the archers looks down and calls out something to those below. A fifth individual appears near the top of the wall, likely standing on a similar platform on the opposite side. All now watch your group, seemingly waiting.

Where you are, the walls of the valley are climbable, though the going will be slow. Conceivably, Maribel might be able to traverse the slope if she and Coda are able to find a good-enough grade.

As you draw closer, you are able to pick out more detail. The archers above are human males, dressed in leather, and their shortbows are paired with several quivers both on their person and stashed upon the towers. A slender elf is at the top of the wall, unarmed and unarmored, twirling a small stick in one hand. Next to the lean-to is a half-orc clad in fur, a large maul resting by his foot. Opposite him is a large orc holding a light crossbow and wearing a suit of leather with metal studs, intricately worked with silver filigree along the edges.

The wall itself appears to have a small door in addition to the sliding gate, positioned just behind the lean-to. The door is currently closed.

"Hail, travelers!" the orc calls out in Common. "Where are you off to this fine day?"

The orc nods, returning the smile. "Wonderful! Now here's a fellow what looks after his relatives. Isn't that just commendable, lads?" The others nod, some as enthusiastically as the orc's mood.

"Now, let us not delay you from your noble task," the orc continues. "We just need a toll of 5 gold per head and 10 gold per vehicle, which your beautiful mule counts as, and you can be on your way. He bows, graciously.

"Mistaken?" says the orc, holding a hand to his heart. "My stars! Hey! Did I do my numbers wrong?" He looks to the elf at the top of the wall.

The elf shakes his head and replies in a low drawl. "No, boss."

The orc nods. "Ah, good. Well, since I am not mistaken, the toll stands." He taps a finger against his tusk, appraising your group. "Of course, if you don't have the money as you seem to imply, that does pose a problem. Tell you what; you hand over what you can pay in coin, and we'll also take some of that fancy equipment you all are carrying. I'm sure that will make up the difference!"

You notice that the two archers seem a little more tense than before, leaning their bows in your direction. The half-orc with the maul brings the head up until it rests on his shoulder. The door behind the lean-to now opens, and another orc appears, holding a greataxe in two hands.