The Pale North 4

[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 10:07 PM
The camp comes to life as every man present gets to work taking down tents, putting out fires, and loading the beasts of burden up for the trek ahead.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 10:30 PM
"We will need to decide on our route before making the crossing. We do not want to linger in such a vulnerable place for any longer than we have to," Teichmann says, stowing a map and book into a saddle bag.
"Halberdiers ready to go, sir," one of the mercenaries announces.

"Handgunners ready, sir."
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 10:35 PM
"Good job lads." He says to the men before turning back to Teichmann. "What routes are we considering, sir?" Sigvald asks as he scratches his chest under his armor.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 10:38 PM
"We pass through the mines, as you know, or we brave a northerly approach over the cliffside overlooking the mine entrance. I know little of the terrain, and we have no reliable charts, but I know it is used by hunters in the warmer seasons."
Grismund Reinhardt — Yesterday at 10:39 PM
Grismund and his knights finish breaking down their tents, loading supplies onto their riding horses before mounting their beasts of war, the grizzled templar lining up his squad with non-verbal commands.
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Yesterday at 10:40 PM
Ehmann is picking up his equipment after brewing some new potions. He assists in loading the tents on the donkeys.
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 10:43 PM
"I personally don't fancy going through the mines. Too cramped for my lads to fight effectively. I'd prefer we risk the cliffside."
Benedeit Sarazin — Yesterday at 10:49 PM
"I'm with Sarge on this one."
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 10:50 PM
"Having said that, my guy is saying we should give the mines a try, given the known dangers of the overpass. Let us try the mines Master Teichmann." He says before patting Benedeit on the shoulder. "Thank you, Sarazin."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 10:51 PM
Teichmann nods. "The mines, then."
He walks around to check on the progress of the camp tear-down, and mounts up.
"We have the advantage of familiar terrain, at least on first approach. Be sure to check on the oil flow of your lanterns before we make it to the entrance. We will move as briskly as possible and won't have the luxury of pausing for trivialities."
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 10:56 PM
"Make sure you've pissed and shat yourselves empty, boys. No latrines in those mines." He make sure everyone understands. "Do as Teichmann says, gonna wanna see while we're in those dark depths for a spell."
Benedeit Sarazin — Yesterday at 10:57 PM
"Aye sir." Sarazin prepares the troops for the trip for the mines.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 10:58 PM
"Doktor, caravan master, you will remain as near the center as possible. Any lesser-abled person will do the same, and allow the warriors to do their work unimpeded should we find ourselves in need of defense." Teichmann takes one final look around.
Satisfied that everyone is ready, Teichmann rides towards, and past, the knights at a slow but steady pace.
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 11:02 PM
Once everyone is squared away and back in formation Sigvald gives the signal to begin marching.
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Yesterday at 11:02 PM
"By your orders, mi lord."
Ethar Gabaris — Yesterday at 11:04 PM
Ethar and Adel gather up all their things in preparation to depart.
Grismund Reinhardt — Yesterday at 11:10 PM
The knights split their number; Grismund, Liebhard and Falko at the front next to their patron, Helferich and Betram at the rear of the column.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 11:18 PM
With the snows no longer falling, finding the path back is as easy as following the tracks left behind a matter of hours ago. The river crossing, however, remains a treacherous affair. Deciding nature's ferocity is a greater concern than that of any potential ambushers, the party takes a deliberate approach, looking for an alternate crossing more suitable for the beasts of burden.

The decision pays off, as the remains of a wooden bridge are found firmly stuck among rocks and ice, proving to be an unexpectedly sturdy crossing, even if the animals have to be given extra incentive to make it. In all, this detour costs the expedition upwards of an hour, and now the sun is firmly hidden behind the mountains.
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 11:19 PM
"Ulric smiles on us, lads." Sigvald says with a smile.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 11:27 PM
Teichmann lights his lantern as you approach the mine entrance. An eerie feeling washes over those of you who fought here before. The corpses once littered around you in this area are now gone. Behind are left only scattered pieces of armor, weapon handles, and only the most unrecognizably destroyed remains of your ambushers.
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 11:31 PM
"Looks like the scavengers got to them then. Not surprising." Sigvald says with a professional eye as the lights his own lamp.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 11:32 PM
"I will take your lead, Sergeant," Teichmann says, coming to stop with his lantern raised in attempt to get a better look inside.
Benedeit Sarazin — Yesterday at 11:36 PM
"Aye sir, we're gonna need a source of light designed for mine caves to not set off the gas," Offering advice to his sergeant.
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 11:37 PM
"Unless our hedge wizard has a means to light the way we're out of luck on that."
Ethar Gabaris — Yesterday at 11:39 PM
Both Ethar ands Adel dismount for the Elk, he then looks to the elk, "You may go my friend."

As he speaks with the Elk his apprenticed Adel takes notice of what Benedeit has said, "I believe my master and I could have a solution."
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 11:39 PM
"So your master has a means to light the way then, lad?"
Ethar Gabaris — Yesterday at 11:40 PM
Ethar turns from the elk as he walks away from it, "My apprentice speaks true, we both have spells that should help light the way along the mines that will be non flammable."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 11:48 PM
"You're quite right to take such a precaution," Teichmann says, shutting off the valve on his lantern.
Sigvald Dankmar — Yesterday at 11:51 PM
"Right....if he's fine with it then...I don't really have a choice there. Spread the word to douse the lanterns, Sarazin, but keep your tinder closer."
Benedeit Sarazin — Yesterday at 11:56 PM
"Aye sir."
Ethar Gabaris — Yesterday at 11:58 PM
Adel moves up to the mouth of the cave as he begins to chant the spell, but in his eagerness to impress his master the spell backfires causing him to loose his voice and collapse to the floor in pain.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Yesterday at 11:59 PM
"Are you well? Doktor, see to his needs, if you please."
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 12:01 AM
Ehmann runs to the boy to check on him.
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:01 AM
Ethar shakes his head as he then summons up his own light spell before Adel is checked on.
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 12:03 AM
"The boy is suffering from fatigue. He needs a drink to get his strength back."
"A coffee or any stimulating substance."
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:06 AM
As he finishes summoning his spell, a source of light appears at the top of his staff, he then looks to where the doktor and his apprentice are. "I am pretty sure his condition is because the spell backfiring."
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 12:06 AM
"That would explain his condition."
Ehmann takes out some of the medical herbs and a bit of poultice.  He cracks and places it in front of the boy's nose.
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:08 AM
Adel immediately jumps up and backs up from the doktor due to the smell as he gags from the smell.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:09 AM
"Well done, Doktor," Teichmann says with a nod.
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 12:09 AM
"Thank you, mi Lord."
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:09 AM
In a somewhat hoarse voiced, "Was that needed?"
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 12:09 AM
"Well that's done it." Sigvald chuckles.
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 12:10 AM
"My child, you were out cold."
Grismund Reinhardt — Today at 12:10 AM
Grismund snorts and shakes his head. "That....was....something..."
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:11 AM
He looks to his master after looking at the doktor for a moment, seeing that his light spell is up but his has failed, he takes a moment again and the turns as he concentrates on casting the spell one more time.
Ethar watches as his apprenticed tries again but seems his spell is not working.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:13 AM
"Go on, lad. You can do it. Concentrate," Teichmann encourages the young apprentice.
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:14 AM
Adel tries again one more time.
With encouragement for Teichmann he succeeds in casting his spell as 3 orbs of light appear above the group in different spots.
Ethar gives Adel a smile and nod of approval in the success of his spell.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 12:23 AM
"Well done, lad."
Benedeit Sarazin — Today at 12:27 AM
Sarazin tries to navigate through the tunnels after the light are cast.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:30 AM
Slowly, the column advances. The mine protecting you from the wind chill outside, but somehow maintaining a steadily cooling temperature the deeper you go.
The depth of the mines also brings about a narrowing of the tunnels, and soon, it is impossible to remain mounted, and only three men can stand side-by-side.
Grismund Reinhardt — Today at 12:47 AM
"Movement...ahead...I barely....caught....it."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:47 AM
Teichmann comes to an abrupt stop.
This causes a chain reaction down the column.
Grismund Reinhardt — Today at 12:48 AM
"Something...shuffled...about...up...ahead."
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 12:49 AM
"I heard it, too. Stop." He motions for everyone behind him to stop.
Benedeit Sarazin — Today at 12:49 AM
Sarazin draws his rifle and indicates to his gunners to do the same.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 12:49 AM
"Ethar. Get your light up here. I'm hearing movement ahead." He lowers his halberd and cautiously moves forward one step and then another as he looks around.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:51 AM
Teichmann readies his firearm, the shaman's floating lights dancing around its intricate patterns.
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 12:52 AM
Aldar noticing the group stop concentrates to halt the spell, in doing so two of his marsh lights hang over the group while one of them end up being stopped about 10 to 15 yards ahead of the group.
Ethar moves up through the ranks of the group to bring his light to the front.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:53 AM
"Are you lost?" a voice calls, a woman's. But, not a voice; the echo of one. Somehow reaching you from every direction at once.
"Lost... yes." the voice echoes. Beast and man alike shift and shuffle in place, searching for the source of this ethereal sound.
Teichmann mouths a brief and barely audible prayer under his breath.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 12:58 AM
"Lovely." Sigvald grunts to himself.
"Moving through, actually." Sigvald says in answer.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 12:59 AM
"Ulric crush you, witch!" you hear a roar from the rear of the column.
Grismund Reinhardt — Today at 1:01 AM
"Hhhh..OLD!"
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 1:01 AM
Ehmann is shaking in his boots, cowering in the middle of the group.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:01 AM
A commotion starts at the rear, and soon involuntary forward movement pushes the column forward several steps.
The sound of metal on rock snaps from the same direction, a single rhythm, shortly enjoined by a second.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:03 AM
"Are your lads trying to mount up in here?" Sigvald looks back at Grismund.
Benedeit Sarazin — Today at 1:03 AM
"Fuck..."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:04 AM
The murmurs make their way forward, our backs are to solid stone - the way back is gone
"Why, children, do you wander so?"
Grismund Reinhardt — Today at 1:05 AM
"Have...faith...Ulric...guides...us...forward! Let...us...press...on...Master...Teichmann..."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:06 AM
"We haven't a choice," he says with determination.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:06 AM
"That's a fact, make no mistake."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:07 AM
Holding his weapon pointed forward, he nods to Sigvald and Grismund, taking short steps forward.
"Some men must find death before reaching the grave. Others simply walk into theirs."
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:09 AM
"Talkative cunt, isn't she?" He says as he keeps walking forward.
Benedeit Sarazin — Today at 1:10 AM
"Aye sarge." He replies and follows along foward.
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 1:10 AM
"Yes."
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:11 AM
Slow, steady movement, now accompanied by prayers on the mouths of several anonymous members of the expedition. The echoes carrying the beseechments to the gods in every direction as a chapel might.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:12 AM
Sigvald mouths his own prayer to Ulric, but he keeps it to himself.
Ivo Richarr Ehmann — Today at 1:13 AM
Ehmann is slowly praying to Sigmar while trying to keep calm.
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 1:14 AM
As the group moves, Adel gets the lights to move again but he has them moves up slightly so that more light is spreading out.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:17 AM
The sound of steadily dripping water seems to mark the pace at which each nervous step is taken, and soon, the floor ahead disappears, dropping at a pronounced, yet manageable angle.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:18 AM
Sigvald stops for a moment at the edge of the dip and looks down.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:18 AM
"Is that..."
Ethar Gabaris — Today at 1:20 AM
"Sergeant the winds here are.... off putting, they are wild and dark." he says in a hush voice to Sigvald.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:20 AM
Teichmann, Grismund, and Sigvald see it all at once. The floor below is hidden beneath an ankle-deep layer of blood. The cold air inside carrying the sweet metallic scent.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:22 AM
"Thank you for the insight, Ethar." He says with heavy sarcasm as he slowly, cautiously starts to make his way down. "Dip up ahead, make sure the animals are prepared."
Benedeit Sarazin — Today at 1:24 AM
"Prepare for combat gentlemen." He instructs to the soldiers.
Sigvald Dankmar — Today at 1:28 AM
"Steel your hearts lads. Know that Ulric watches over us, and that you're fighting with five of his finest knights. Most of you saw how they and the rest of us stood up to those abominations yesterday. Also, you don't have any where to run this time. And I will shove my armored boot up your arse if you do so." He chuckles into the dark at his sense of humor.
[+T+] Tywin Lannister — Today at 1:34 AM
"Morr, God of Death, King of the Underworld, destroy this abomination of your form..." Teichmann stops mid-prayer as the blood before the column begins to shift and churn, forming a clotting figure. It rises, a fearsome sight, in the form of a man, skin grafting on, loose and wrinkled. Then tightening, hair growing, and finding its youth once more.
"And how generous an offering you have brought," the creature's feminine voice now clearly reaching you from the assembling creature before you.