Chapter 1: Willowdark, a Village Repressed

I shall head the second group if anyone wants to join me.

Kaio will wait until everyone else has chosen their leader, seeing as he can see advantages to being on either side. He feels it may be wise to go with Xaar to keep the rowdy barbarian in check, but then he also would prefer not to have to deal with her obvious lack of intellect. He is also not opposed to sallying out on his own, which might keep suspicions from rising due specifically to someone of his odd dress being seen with people who appear to be the "normal" for this area.

I'll walk with Geran, then, to even it out. Glad to have your spells at my side, illusionist

"I'll go along without Xaar and Thorolf." Jean pockets the shield.

"Do I walk with Geran and Rixon, or do I go alone?" Kaio asks, standing from his seat as they prepare to go. "I would not ask, but in this situation, upon further reflection, I think it may be better if I did work alone. In such a small town my strange garb would draw attention to not only myself but also anyone else in my company. If I move alone, I may use stealth rather than asking questions. Here again, my accent would not be helpful in ascertaining information in that manner, and spies of Notter would remember a man from a far land asking questions."

Xaar nods in approval at her newly assembled crew. "A map and a direction and we'll be on our way."

"That could indeed be helpful," Kaio concedes and bows in thanks to Frederick, "But I think there could be advantage to one of our number moving stealthily rather than undercover. If I do so, I will investigate the barracks and see what I can find. But then, I also understand if you want to stick to our previous plan."

And if you are found? A man in strange clothes sneaking about might get the whole town hanged if they find your emblem. As well, consider that safety is found in numbers in a strange place. I hope to stick to the shadows, mostly, myself. And the barracks do deserve a look. But, go alone if you will.

"If I am found, which I hope to avoid, the town can truthfully say that they knew nothing of my presence. Indeed, if I am found alone I do not cast doubt on any others and am able to act independently without worry about the safety of anyone else. I confess I work best in such situations, due to my prior occupation." He pauses a second. "The longer I think about it, the better idea it seems. Unless you feel the need of my company, I truly think it would be better if I were to go alone."

"Indeed." Kaio thinks a moment. "I will go with you then. Frederick?" he turns to the man, "Could I borrow that cloak?"

Rixon looks pleased at Kaio's reluctant choice, I do think checking out the Barracks is worthwhile, and a good starting place for us. I'd also like to speak with the Mayor, he seems like the strongest resistance to Notter.

Rixon turns to Xaar, And what will you three get up to?

"Let's move then," Kaio says, happy to be moving. Making a difference.

"We head towards the mountains. See what's out there, secure a campsite. Unless either of you have better ideas?"

Nice thinking, the mayor may have more knowledge on Notters lieutenants. Let's get going. Geran offers a thumbs up accompanied with a smile. He turns to the Barbarian, Sounds good Xaar.

"Let's move."

Jean steps into the room with the jail cells, carrying a ring of keys. "So I'm just gonna start with the obvious question here, you all knew this was an information-gathering mission, right? Keeping our heads down until we can have a full month to prepare for a fight rather than two days?"

We... We learned a lot. Lots of information gathered. I'd call it a success?

Maybe I was wrong about the sheriff, if he let you in here with those keys. We should leave. Tonight.