TristenC
For more than fifty years, Daggerdale has been battling to survive against hostile raiders, bandits, and monsters. Zhentarim spies and agents have infiltrated the dale, and the men of Daggerdale have been decimated by the attacks.  They want nothing more than to be left alone. Located in the upper reaches of the Tesh valley, Daggerdale lies between the Desertsmouth mountains and the Dagger Hills, remote and hard to reach. Paths lead south to Shadowdale and east to Teshwave, but little traffic passes through the dale. Merchants of other lands have found the trip to Daggerdale to be dangerous and unprofitable.

The Zhents are the most frequent visitors to daggerdale. The people of Daggerdale are hunters and farmers, but many homesteads are abandoned. Large areas of the dale are heavily wooded; the open farmlands and manors of the other dales are not found in Daggerdale. Instead, people huddle together in small stockaded settlements for protection. Small villages lie in isolated areas. The villagers farm the land nearby and send hunting parties into the dark forests and hills. The Dalesmen barely produce enough to keep themselves alive and have little to offer foreign traders. The folk of the countryside band together in fortified villages, while the people of Dagger Falls, are protected by a Zhentarim-sponsored constable. Daggerdale’s rightful ruler, a rebel named Randal Morn, leads a band of fighters against the invaders of the Dale.

The largest community of Daggerdale is Dagger Falls, but it is ruled by a sheriff from Zhentil Keep. Randal Morn and the free Dalesmen keep moving their base to avoid the Zhentish forces. Randal’s forces have been trying to recapture the town for years, but there are too few to risk a battle against the Zhentarim garrison.

Yet it is in the Old Skull Inn of the nearby town of Shadowdale that the characters find themselves, for one reason or another, intentionally or unintentionally.  Rumors have recently made their way to Shadowdale regarding a strange illness, the "Dream Fever" which is affecting citizens of Daggerdale.

Dark has fallen and the patronage at the Old Skull Inn is active, but not yet crowded.


==== [I usually do lines like this to indicate OOC below]
Please describe your character's appearance in your first post for the group, and Welcome!  ^_^

OOC thread:   Here  

Recruitment thread:    Here  
(Un)Inspired
The Dalelands weren’t exactly what Ghariel Tharsis had expected them to be from his reading of the history books. Rather than storied fiefs with celebrated lineages, and preserved knowledge of past glory, they were more like subsistence farmers being ground down underneath the boots of bandits and tinpot tyrants.

 (Come on Tharsis, you're here in human lands, just pinch you nose and get to work finding were they keep the magic.)  He thinks to himself, and to the barkeep, “ Brandy, please. ” Hoping that distillation will protect him from whatever human hygiene practices the proprietors of the Old Skull Inn employ.

Ghariel performs some quick barroom calculus to determine where he ought to sit, finding a location that isn’t looming, but is close enough to other patrons to eavesdrop on interesting news; with his back to the warm fire and facing the door.

Clean shaven and tall with broad shoulders (for an elf) and a narrow waist, Ghariel walks (and sits) ramrod straight. His slightly wavy hair is cut to look stylish and he wears it messy as if he doesn't care about it but his constant fiddling with it would say otherwise. Other than his face and hands his body is covered in arcane sigils, brands and tattoos to facilitate the use of magic, the most prominent of which is the symbol of his bladesinging school-a full sleeve of seagull feathers. He has green eyes, hair dyed black, and although he can’t tan, as an elf, his pale skin has broken out in freckles since leaving the forests surrounding Myth Drannor.
Starbuck_II
Orimreat has finally found the Dalelands. He had traveled far all over the land. Preaching his god and challenging all to wrestling and other shows of strength.

He was thirsty after such a traversal. He was also hopeful for a job, now easy surviving on small purse strings.

The Old Skull Inn was where all the people he asked told him to go for a good strong drink.

 "Barkeep, your strongest whiskey, my good man." 
He saw the lone Elf, and thought he might prove a useful ally if he needed one, he say opposite the man,  "So what brings an elf down to the Dalelands, name's Orimreat, but my non-dwarf friends called me Oliver; what say ye?" 

Oliver is full bearded dwarf, his red beard flowing like fire. He was exactly 4 foot, which wasn't short for a dwarf, but definitely not tall. He was lightly armored as he can be; but more of necessary than want; hard to find armor in the wilds. He was covered by a thin layer of dirt, as he hadn't had the chance to relax and bathe.
He had piercing green eyes, that darted back and forth as he walked for danger. All the while he was smiling as he finally had a chance to drink.
onlie2005
Walking into the Old Skull Inn is a 6 foot tall woman in her early twenties with shoulder length dark brown hair and piercing green eyes. She is very muscular yet lean, more or less athletically built and slightly tanned though for the most part fairskinned. Currently she is wearing green leather armor, a green cloak, black boots, green hooded cloak which partially conceals a backpack, shouldered crossbow and a quiver. She also has a sheathed bastard sword and short sword on her belt. Basic wilderness warrior or ranger, except for some reason she walks in a way with grace and nobility. There is no slouch in her step and her head is held high. Almost as if she were raised in royalty or nobility.

Regan had been hunting all day and was quite tired. Normally she would pitch a tent and sleep outside, but she had her old habits and quirks and one of them was the occasional need for a warm bed and hot meal. So as per normal habit she took the day's catch to the Old Skull Inn so that she may possibly trade any of her caught game to the Old Skull for the hopes of room and board for a few days and perhaps a free cooked meal from the game she caught.

  "Is it possible to trade these catches for the day for room and board and a free meal?"  , she asked the innkeeper Jhaele.

OOC: Placeholder for Skill Checks first that will be described in post. Just roleplaying a bit of Regan being a ranger and hunting for food to such as venison, rabbits, maybe a deer but not sure which proficiencies to use. So I guess I chose these two. Hope the first roll is good enough.

Hunting Proficiency Check:  (1d20-1)[ 4 ] 
Survival Proficiency Check:  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
JadedDM
Gimak steps inside the inn, glancing around methodically as he lowers the hood of his cloak and removes his leather cap.  He's a young dwarf, probably just barely over a century, with short, raven black hair and a thick, luxurious beard.  He's broad of chest and shoulder, as well as muscular--the build of a smith or warrior, or perhaps both.  And yet, his face is fairly gentle in appearance.  His skin is lightly tanned.

He kicks the dust from the road off his boots and moseys over to an empty table, his studded leather armor creaking along the way.  Taking a seat, he waits for a barmaid to pass before ordering an ale, or whatever is available on tap that isn't too expensive.
(Un)Inspired
* Orimeat, or Oliver if you prefer, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m here to take in the wonders of these human lands. I had heard there was a unique history of magic in the dales, but thus far the humans have done a fine job keeping it carefully hidden. So fine a job that one might wonder if such a history is truly accurate.

How about yourself? I confess, you’re the first fellow demi-human I’ve met in the dales. *

*spoken in lightly accented dwarven with the formality and clipped language of someone well trained, but with little practical experience, in a language.
TristenC
The patrons of the Old Skull seem idly curious of the rare demihumans, but none behave aggressively towards the newcomers.  Despite the name, the inn proves both clean and efficient.
A pair of young human serving maids tend the crowd with kind smiles, and the drink orders are quickly filled.

The Elven man Ghariel finds a suitable place to sit near the fireplace with a view of the front door; stoic and precise in his movements.  At his request he is soon served a local brandy which, while the craft cannot compare with centuries of Elven refinement, nevertheless delivers a smooth product with hints of what must be cherrywood casks it was aged in.

Orimeat approaches the bar and is served a stout local whiskey, distilled for a little extra kick (by human standards at least).  The redbearded Dwarven man wanders over and strikes up a conversation with the only other non-human present at the moment.

A human woman in her prime with the look of a life forged in the woods enters; a large jackrabbit lashed by the hind legs to her belt. Regan asks about for Jhaele, the matronly but tough owner of the Old Skull inn, but finds the Matriarch absent; perhaps at her family farm.  The young ranger proceeds into the kitchen and returns to the taproom shortly afterwards, sans rabbit.
[Regan is able to barter the healthy jackrabbit for room and meal for the night.]

A Dark haired Dwarven man enters shortly after, scanning the crowd evenly.  The establishment seems organized, clean and well run, and the patrons well behaved for the most part.  In one corner some humans are discussing some sort of business dealing amid laborers taking their ease after a long day.  He takes particular note of the human woods-woman emerging from the kitchen and the demihumans in the corner in particular.  The latter pair seem to be speaking in Dwarven, in fact, though he is too dar at the moment to over hear.  Taking a seat he is quickly seen to by one of the human serving girls.  A pint of ale is soon brought before him, a local brew with a rich nutty aroma.

====
Pint of ale, small glass of brandy or shot of whiskey= 5cp ea

That's a pretty good hunting roll, which would certainly get her in range of some game. Normally we'd proceed with some to-hit rolls and go from there but since we're just in the intro I'll say Regan sucessfully hunted up some small game, enough to cover a simple room for the night (normally 2sp) with a little left over for her meal. A healthy jackrabbit can yield 3-4 lbs, and 1sp/lb is the standard for 'meat for one meal' so it seems a reasonable trade.
JadedDM
Gimak pays the barmaid a silver piece, telling her to keep the change.  "You hear anything lately about some kind of plague up in Dagger Falls?" he asks her as he drinks his ale.
Starbuck_II
As Oliver was about to answer another dwarf walks in, he replies back in dwarf, " I wonder to see what life has to give me. To spread the word of my god, Moradin, and fight a great battle. I have... anger issues I need to deal with  *he gives a hearty laugh*"

(switching to common)  Guess there is another, hey, fellow dwarf, what is this about a plague? Join us for a drink." 



Oliver pays his fee for the drink
TristenC
 
 Originally Posted by JadedDM 
 Gimak pays the barmaid a silver piece, telling her to keep the change.  "You hear anything lately about some kind of plague up in Dagger Falls?" he asks her as he drinks his ale. 
 

The young woman smiles and thanks Gimak for the tip.  She nods at his question and replies,  Oh yes, we only heard about it recently ourselves!  It seems that some of the people there have succumbed to what they're calling the "Dream Fever".   She says with a serious expression.   Some says it is a natural illness, others some dark magic or even an ancient curse!  I really don't know what to think, but I hear those affected cannot be woken from sleep. They sleeps for days and days until... well until their bodies can't survive no more..  she seems saddend by the idea.
(Un)Inspired
Gharial gestures to an open chair at the table Oliver and he share gesturing for the newly arrived Dwarven reinforcement to join them, leaving conversational space for the newcomer to expand on the barmaid’s answer to Oliver’s question.
onlie2005
Regan moves to the bar and orders whatever special that requires the rabbit she traded for. She also orders some tea or water. She isn't really the alcoholic type and remembers a time where drunken lords often invaded her former home and wreaked havoc. She also listens to the conversations around her and what was going on in Dagger Falls.

  "How long has this 'Dream Fever' been going on?"  
JadedDM
"Sounds awful," Gimak says to the young woman.  "But it hasn't spread this far south, I take it?"  He hands her another silver for the information.  "Thanks."

It's at this point he realizes he is being signaled by an unusual pair--an elf and a dwarf.  He was pretty sure he didn't recognize either, but shrugged and got out of his chair, grabbed his mug, and moved to their table.  "Evening, strangers," he says.  "Name's Gimak Rockcrusher.  Something I can help you with?"
TristenC
 No sir, so far only The Daggerdale has had such troubles according to what we've heard.  But one can only think 'tis a matter of time.  The maid says to Grimak.  Thanking him

As Regan moves to the bar, the bartender turns his attention to her.  Ah, Ms Regan, good to see you again.  Yes, of course I'll get some tea going for you.   He addresses her question while the tea is brewing.   How long? Hmm... well we've only caught wind of it in the last week or so, but apparently it has troubled them for several weeks already before we had word.  Proud folk, those Daggerdale types.  I suppose it's a testament to their desperation that we've heard anything at all...   Regan is offered a bowl of the hearty mutton stew (spiced mutton in a dark broth with carrots and fingerling potatoes), and her tea is soon ready.

Nearby she hears the Dark haired Dwarf speaking of it with one of the serving maids before he makes his way over to the Elf and Redheaded Dwarf seated in the far corner at their beckoning.  Listening to the locals around her she hears little more than obviously wild speculation
(Un)Inspired
 It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Rockcrusher . Gharial bows his head in a formal, if dated, courtly greeting.  We were hoping you could tell us more about Dream Fever. I’ve recently heard rumor that it’s source may be some species of dark magic.  
JadedDM
Gimak shrugs and says, "I'm afraid rumor is all I've heard myself.  And only since I came into town.  But apparently it seems confined to Daggerdale and hasn't spread any further south...not yet, at least."
Starbuck_II
 "Where do you think we can find more information, because this plague is interesting. Ghariel we may even discover some magic for you to research if we lucky.
Well met, Master Rockcrusher, always nice to see another dwarf.
Are you a good hunter, Miss Regan?
" 

Sounds like adventure to me, thought Oliver. Now how do we proceed he wondered?
onlie2005
Regan, who has been thinking of heading to Daggerdale to help with the plague turns to Ghariel and says,   "Yes I am a hunter. More precisely I am a ranger and scout. My specialty is scouting ahead of the party, providing ample warning of traps and possible ambushes. Why? You planning on heading there yourself? I am willing to tag along."  

OOC:

Direction Sense(Not Sure What Skill to Use to know how long it would take to get to Daggerdale from Shadowdale(WIS):

 (1d20+1)[ 2 ] 

Forest Survival to determine ahead of time the safest route to Daggerdale. Speed would not be of the essence since it is important to get there in one piece. Important goals, getting there as quickly and as safely as possible avoiding dangerous ambush areas and pitfalls as much as possible(WIS).

 (1d20)[ 4 ] 
TristenC
[Well that was frustrating, typed out the whole response and browser refresh lost it…  I hope I remembered it all]

Most of the rumors seem to infer it all started in or around the town of Dagger Falls. The route between Shadowdale and Dagger Falls is a fairly well-known one in the area, and it is easy to get directions.  Regan is able to translate the information and her knowledge of the wilderness and surrounding terrain into some options.


=====
Since Regan has been in and hunted around this area for a while, I’ll say she has a pretty good idea how far it is and what terrain lies between Shadowdale and Dagger Falls.

How long it takes basically depends on two things: the Terrain, and the Slowest member of the party.  The two Dwarves clearly have the lowest movement rate (MV 6) which equates to 12 terrain movement points per day of travel without exerting themselves or finding mounts.  Regans “Overland Guiding” ability will help reduce the terrain cost when traveling through Rough Terrain, but won’t benefit the party if traveling over roadways or established trails.

Carts or vehicles will speed travel along roads only, Mounts like Mules can speed travel along any of the terrain they will be crossing in this area. Mules also can survive by grazing alone, so would not require any additional feed.  Their movement rate is 12.

Terrain cost:
clear land 1/2 (doesn’t benefit from Regan’s guidance)
Rolling hills 1 (2 without guidance)
Medium forest 2 (3 without Guidance)
road or train  1/2 the cost of the base terrain

There are basically 3 paths, and one is clearly faster and safer

Main roads:
-West along the Main Highway (30 mi @ 3/2), then turn North to follow the road, crossing Serpent’s bridge, passing the ruins of Daggerdale Castle in the distance and near the Dwarven Mining ruins of Tethyamar (110 mi @ 1/4).  Crossing the bridge to the north and Into Dagger Falls (10 mi @ 1/4)
Low chance of encountering wildlife, high chance of people (could be good, could be bad). No chance of getting lost, no unknown terrain obstacles
Total: 150 miles, (Terrain cost 75) about 6 days

Overland:
-North through the forest of Cormanthor (30 mi @ 2) then across the Dagger Hills (60 mi @ 1) and finally the roads and bridge crossing north to Dagger Falls (10 mi @ 1/4)
High chance of encountering wildlife, low chance of people, chance to getting lost or terrain obstacles
Total: 100 miles, (Terrain cost 122.5)  about 10 days

Wilderness Trail:
-East along the Main Highway (20 mi @ 2/2), then turn North along the Existing Wilderness trail (120 @ 1) that winds all over the hills, and finally the roads and bridge crossing north to Dagger Falls (10 mi @ 1/4)
High chance of encountering wildlife, low chance of people, low chance of getting lost or terrain obstacles
Total: 150 miles, (Terrain cost 142.5)  about 12 days

 
(Un)Inspired
A placid smile unfolds itself across Ghariel’s face and he nods at Oliver’s suggestion.  You make a fine point Oliver. Its seems the four of us all have an interest in further knowledge about this dream fever. Is there any reason we ought to take a route other than the main roads? It seems the most expeditious and convenient option, but I defer to you practical experience in this area Miss Reagan.  
onlie2005
  "We should stick to the main roads. That way we can avoid any wildlife along the way. Of course we won't be sure that we will not encounter human bandits. But it is the more practical and safest route. And barring unforseen and unexpected happenings we should arrive at Dagger Falls in around 6 days."  

Regan has a thought. She calculates in her head how long it would take to reach Dagger Falls by horse driven wagon and then asks the bartender,   "Are there any caravans passing by heading to Dagger Falls that are willing to hire guards?"  
Starbuck_II
 That's a good idea, Regan, we would be great bodyguards as team. 
JadedDM
"So I take it you all are intending to head to Daggerdale?" Gimak asks.
TristenC
Asking around, they learn that a small caravan will be leaving for Dagger Falls in a few days. The caravan itself would provide additional protection but also additional responsibility.  Additionally the wagons laden with cargo would be little faster than walking.


=====
Let's call a caravan MV 9 and say it strikes out tomorrow morning. That would cut the travel time to 4 days

Purchasing mounts for the Dwarves would be slightly faster, 3 days, though of course associated with a fee. They could be sold again later if desired.
(Un)Inspired
 It seems we are indeed,  Ghariel responds to Gimak,   would you care to join us? I’ve heard there a small caravan heading to Daggerfalls that we could join, but it would mean added responsibilities. Perhaps that’s the best method of travel for our quartet.  
JadedDM
Gimak strokes his beard.  This was all very sudden, but he had been planning on heading to Dagger Falls anyway for business reasons.  "Yeah, I've done some caravan work before.  And if we're all heading that way anyway, may as well team up."
onlie2005
  "Then it is all agreed then."  , Regan said, she did find it sudden too but she had grown to love Dalelands and its peoples and would do anything to help defend it,   "We should make a list of anything we would need for the trip and to help escort the caravan in a few days. Any suggestions?"  
JadedDM
"I think I've got everything I need," Gimak answers.  "I'd make sure everyone bring food and water, if they don't already have it.  And weapons to protect ourselves.  Beyond that, we can probably make do on the way."
Janwin
While the others have been discussing the plague and their plans for travel, another has been observing from a table on the other side of the inn.

After some time, he decides that this group seems like his most likely chance of success at getting to the bottom of whatever plagues these lands, and he rises to his feet.  He makes his way over to the group and addresses his fellow elf and asks,  "Would you be willing to add another to your company?  I've some curiosity about the source of this plague as well, and would be interested in accompanying you." 

The elf wears no armor, but carries two longswords slung from his hips and a shortbow slung over his back.  His simple clothes don't indicate much as to his profession and he bares the marks of no gods.  He stands 5'2" tall with blue eyes and brown hair, but otherwise seems quite unremarkable.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Observation Roll, if desired:  (1d20)[ 18 ]  [18]
 
JadedDM
Gimak shrugs.  "The more, the merrier, as they say.  You're welcome to join us."
TristenC
The group continues their planning into the night.

Early in the morning the group acquires any supplies they deem necessary (can plan in ooc) and approach the area where the caravan is preparing.

There is a bustle of activity near a public stable where three wagons and several pack animals are being loaded up.  A human man in his mid 40s with dark hair is directing the activity, clearly in charge.  The party can see a number of common laborers, teamsters and wagoneers about; as well as a pair of men in chainmail with light crossbows and spears.


====
anyone staying in the inn tonight can find a room for 2 sp tonight.   Fancier and larger rooms can be had for 5sp or 9sp.  Up to 2 people can share a larger room if they like, and can split the cost.
Regan has her own 2sp style room from her earlier barter.

If anyone is not planning to stay at the inn, let me know in ooc what your plans for the night are
JadedDM
Gimak will stay at the inn for 2 silver.
(Un)Inspired
Ghariel, believing that one should take advantage of luxuries when one can, pays 9sp for a big room and luxuriates.
Janwin
Llwellyn gets one of the normal rooms and is up early the next morning to meet the caravan.
Starbuck_II
Oliver gets a 5 sp room, not going for a common room, but not wasting extra for most expensive.
Live a little is his motto.
onlie2005
Regan does not change her accomodations. Being a ranger and all she is quite happy with it as long as she has a warm bad and meal. When she wakes up in the morning she has a quick breakfast before heading out to the caravan. She will approach the obvious boss and says in a curt but polite tone,   "Hello. Are you looking for guards? As it is me and my friends are heading to Dagger Falls ourselves and are hoping to hitch a ride and provide protection should you need it."  
TristenC
The man shifts his attention to Regan as she approaches, obviously taking in her manner of speech and equipment as well as that of the others.   Thomes Arder, miss.   He says, offering his hand.   You've the look of a woods-person to you. And your group seems at least basically well equipped.   He adds, looking over the rest of the party.

 Well we are headed to Dagger Falls if that matters to you. We do have a couple of guards already, and not much more money to spend on that, but if you are looking for traveling companions I'm sure we can work something out.  We have plenty of supplies...  Thomes rubs his chin in thought.

 What do you say to 10 gold each, and we cover your meals if you and your friends help out with camp chores? The whole trip should take about four days. 
JadedDM
"Sounds fair to me," Gimak says.  He was heading that way anyway, so getting a little extra gold out of it is just fine in his book.
TristenC
[Since there haven't been any objections]

Thomes seals the deal with a firm handshake,  Well then, we've a bargain.  If you have any other gear to gather, now is the time. We'll be off momentarily. 

A short time later the trio of wagons and trail of pack animals line up as the caravan sets out, East from the edge of the city. The morning is overcast and cool, though the day threatens to warm quickly. The thick Forest of Cormanthor greets them immediately, looming to either side of the road; thick enough to hide predators or small armies.  The sounds of creaking axles, hooves and boots on earth, and the call of animals fills the air.

====
Let me know if each character is riding or walking, and where they want to be in the traveling order (lead, middle or rear).  To keep the intended 4-day pace the Dwarves will need ride one of the wagons.
Janwin
Llwellyn walks along toward the front of the caravan, keeping his eyes open for any sorts of ambushes along their route.  While he might not be the best fighter in their group, he might be able to notice something in time for the dwarves to roll, tumble or otherwise fall out of the caravan and be ready for combat.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Will walk and will be in the lead.  Ideally not the lead lead, but toward the front.
 
JadedDM
Gimak will ride in the middle wagon and will converse with any other merchants to talk shop.
onlie2005
  "Sounds good to me."  , Regan says and just patiently waits for the caravan to begin moving helping out if she can. She will be ahead of the caravan, scouting ahead and keeping the caravan alert for trouble keeping her usual 25 feet away.
Starbuck_II
Orimreat rides in the lead wagon looking out for danger, he keeps an eye out for useful plants on the way.
He can brew an ointment for wounds if finds the right ones. Always useful to have on hands.

He sings as he rests, an old dwarven travel song for the team: " I call it, I like big beards" 
 
 Spoiler 

 I like big beards and I can not lie
You other dwarves can't deny
When a girl walks in with a big thick waist
And hair all over her face
You get sprung
Wanna pull up tough
Cuz you notice that face was scruffed
Deep in the helm she's wearing
I'm hooked and I can't stop staring
Oh, baby I wanna get with ya
And draw your picture
My homeboys tried to warn me
But that beard you got
Make Me so horny
Ooh, ain't got smooth skin
You say you wanna get in my clan
Well use me use me cuz you aint that average groupie
I've seen them smithin'
The heck with romancin'
She sweats, wet, gots whiskers like my uncle Chet

I'm tired of elven queens
With their smooth little things
Take the average dwarf and ask him that
Her face has gotta scratch, so
fellas (yeah) fellas (yeah)
Has your dwarf-girl got the beard? (heck yeah!)
Don't let her shave it, shave it
Keep that healthy beard...

Baby got beard...

Hairy face makes for dwarven beauty... 
 
(Un)Inspired
Waking up at dawn, Ghariel groans his way out of the luxury bed he paid for, drops to the floor and does his daily regiment of calisthenics he does to build his strength and agility, before privately bathing, studying his Spellbook, making sure his outfit for the day is crisp and pressed and (finally) stepping out to join his compatriots at the caravan.

Ghariel will ride ( ride when you can, walk when you must ) and, while drifting up and down the column of the caravan, will tend towards the middle.

That serene Sun Elf placidity that he maintains, like a mask, across his face faltering repeatedly as he can’t help but enjoy the jollity of Orimreat’s song.
TristenC
[Sorry for delays, holiday stuff]

The caravan continues moving past noon, slowing only to distribute the midday meal; a hearty way-bread with a hard cheese and  some cured meat.

The day continues to be bright and pleasant, despite the looming nature of the nearby wood.  And aside from ths occasional skittish squirrel or hunting hawk, the roadside is relatively tame.
The shadows stretch and yawn their silent silhouettes across the packed earth as the encroaching evening settles upon them.

Thomes calls a halt a little before sundown and points out a well-worn clearing beside road.   This is a common camp, coming from Shadowdale. A fresh creek runs along the south side, and easy way for the wagons.   With a shout the lead wagon drives off along a short dirt trail pull-over and circles the small meadow.  The wagons are arranged in a tight circle and the teamsters begin tending to the animals.  Thomes approachea the group,   Well now, always lots to do with setting camp, and we'll need watches 


[How does each character want to help with setting camp, and their own prep for the night?  What sort of watch, if any, does the party want to set?   Thomes, the two 'men at arms' guards and a couple of other people are willing to help keep watch as well]
=====
Starbuck_II...
That is the Dwarven travel song we didn't know we needed, but will never flake out of our beards. Blessings of Dumathoin be upon you, good Dward
onlie2005
Regan is no freeloader. She will help set up the caravan and tie the horses. She will also patrol the perimeter to make sure everything is safe. As a whole she prefers to take either first or last watch but is flexible.
JadedDM
Gimak will volunteer to take the second watch.  In addition, he'll pitch in to help with the cooking.  He's no gourmet chef, to be certain, but he's picked up a few things on his travels, so can make a decent stew.
Janwin
As an elf, Llwellyn will volunteer to keep watch in the middle of the night since he can take advantage of his darkvision.