The two Lean Beasts follow the western trail through broken shelves and fir shadows, their noses low. Tuiwen and Eldred move behind them, keeping to stone and root.
Ahead, muffled voices drift between the trees. A faint clink of weapons answers them, revealing a concealed position overlooking the road below.
Eldred
That is no camp. The Woodmen patrol is being held there, and the Orcs are waiting for the settlement to come looking.
Through a gap in the firs, the patrol becomes visible: bound figures crouched behind a low shelf while ash-marked Orcs watch the road and keep weapons ready.
Eldred
They mean to make the patrol’s capture look like an attack, then draw the settlement’s defenders into the open.
One Lean Beast stiffens, recognizing the hollow. The other lowers its head toward a narrow approach behind the Orcs, where a second path winds toward the prisoners.
Eldred
The beasts have found us a way behind them. We can reach the patrol before the bait is sprung, if we move quietly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Free the captured Woodmen patrol
“She stealthily follows the the path chosen by the lean beast.”
SUCCESS (Superb Stealth, rolled +0)
Tuiwen follows the chosen path with scarcely a stir, placing each foot on stone or root as the Lean Beasts lead her behind the concealed Orc position.
Eldred
There. You have reached the prisoners’ side. Their guards still watch the road, unaware of us.
The narrow approach brings Tuiwen and Eldred within reach of the bound Woodman Patrol. The Orcs remain focused outward, their weapons angled toward the settlement.
The Lean Beasts settle among the fir roots behind them, quiet and obedient. From here, Tuiwen can reach the prisoners without crossing the open road or exposing the rescue.
Eldred
Free them silently, and I will keep the Orcs facing the road. Once the patrol is loose, their false attack will fail.
Tuiwen arrives at the patrol’s side unseen. The Woodmen remain bound but unharmed, and the ambush now stands behind its own captors, ready to be undone.
“"Wait. I have a better plan." Edhellen neledh dregar! She creates the illusion of three Woodmen walking down the road, when they see the orcs, they flee, drawing their pursuers in the ambush.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled -1)
Tuiwen
Wait. I have a better plan. Edhellen neledh dregar!
Eldred
What are you doing?
Silver-green light gathers beside Tuiwen and shapes three illusory Woodmen upon the road. They walk openly toward the concealed Orcs, then break into a convincing, frightened flight.
The illusion carries the patrol’s colors and hurried footfalls. The Orcs rise at once, abandoning their watch over the bound prisoners to pursue the fleeing figures.
Eldred
They took the bait. Hold until they pass the mark, then we close behind them.
The Orcs drive after the false Woodmen, weapons ready, while the illusion leads them toward the prepared shelves. Their formation stretches as they pursue, exposing every scout to the waiting ambush.
Behind the abandoned guards, Tuiwen and Eldred remain unseen. The bound Woodman Patrol watches as their captors are drawn away from the road and into the trap.
“While the orcs are chasing the false patrol, she unties the real one.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)
While the Orcs pursue the fleeing illusions, Tuiwen slips to the bound Woodman Patrol. Her fingers find the knots by touch, working swiftly in the shadowed hollow.
The first cords fall loose, then the remaining bindings yield in sequence. The Woodmen stay silent, understanding that a single cry could expose the rescue.
Eldred
Keep low. They are committed to the false patrol, and the shelves will close behind them.
The final knot parts beneath Tuiwen’s hands. The Woodman Patrol is free, and each member gathers close behind the stone without disturbing the dry leaves.
Eldred
They are loose. Once the Orcs reach the mark, we can take them between the shelves.
Beyond the hollow, the Orcs drive after the illusory Woodmen, their pursuit carrying them toward the prepared ambush. The rescued patrol waits armed only with resolve, while Tuiwen and Eldred hold the hidden ground.
Quest Complete
Free the captured Woodmen patrol
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Superb→Legendary