Mist beads on the pines as Benjamin and the others crouch low. Ahead, a muddy clearing opens around a rough knot of scavengers and one kneeling prisoner.
Dane is on his knees with his hands tied behind him. His head hangs, but he is alive, and that sight snaps the search into focus.
The Raider With The Red Scarf
If he knows where the house is, we keep him. If not, he walks.
The Scarred Scavenger
He says he is worth more alive. I say we trade him fast before the dead smell us.
Benjamin stays hidden behind the pines, watching the weapons, the bind on Dane’s wrists, and the way the scavengers keep glancing toward the trees. The missing companion is here, but so is the path back to the group’s dwindling supplies and safety.
Benjamin
Dane is alive. Three armed scavengers between us and him.
“Emerge from the woods, rifle aimed up at the raider with the red scarf. "Hands up! Now!"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Leadership, rolled -1)
“Emerge from the woods rifle raised. "You hurt him and I open fire. Who the hell are you people?"”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +2)
“I stay hidden and listen for their deal”
SUCCESS (Superb Perception, rolled +2)