The northern track climbs a low hill above the farms. From the crest, the stone well, town road, and distant fields lie open beneath the brightening sky.
Bren leads the mule onto a patch of coarse grass and loosens its reins. The animal lowers its head to graze while the companions settle near the roadside.
Bren
We have enough food for several days, though the water will decide our pace. The next reliable well matters more than the miles on the map.
Slaan
And conversation matters nearly as much. Our story is simple, but every extra detail gives a curious stranger something to remember.
Nhal
Then we speak of the road, the weather, and the farms. Mortals enjoy harmless subjects when they are not busy inventing dangerous ones.
Slaan shades her eyes and studies the roads below. A cart moves between the farms, while two distant riders emerge on the main road and remain far too small to identify.
Bren
We rest only a little longer. When those riders pass, we continue north, and we let the road decide how much company we meet.
“I set back cheaking the map, " one more small hamlet between here and warlocks crypt, we stick to the cover story of us heading to daggerford." I say plainly”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Kynes unfolds the road map across his knee, pinning its corners with a cup and two smooth stones. The northern track and its hamlets are clearly marked.
Kynes
One more small hamlet lies between here and Warlock's Crypt. We stick to the cover story that we are heading to Daggerford.
The map confirms the route: a farm hamlet ahead, then rougher roads leading toward the crypt. Daggerford remains a believable destination without requiring them to reach it.
Bren
Agreed. We answer plainly, mention Daggerford, and keep moving. No invented details unless someone insists on asking.
Slaan
A modest hamlet is ideal. Enough traffic to make travelers ordinary, not enough crowds to make mistakes memorable.
Nhal
Then the story stays simple, and the road stays ours. I will watch the riders while you fold away the evidence.
Kynes rolls the map closed and secures it beneath his cloak. Below the hill, the distant riders pass along the main road without turning toward them.
Leave the hilltop with the shared travel plan intact
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Warlock's Crypt
“" I know at least one of my iterations had dealings there. So this should be interesting" I share with the group”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Kynes
I know at least one of my iterations had dealings there. So this should be interesting.
The remark settles over the roadside pause. Below, the hamlet’s roofs cluster around a muddy lane, a small common, and a weathered signpost pointing north.
Bren
Dealings can mean many things. We keep our account honest, and we let the place tell us which version of you it remembers.
Slaan
Interesting is rarely harmless when memories are involved. Still, a hamlet has fewer eyes than a city, and fewer ways to make a mistake memorable.
Nhal
If one of your iterations walked there, then the roads may recognize habits before people recognize faces. We should observe first.
Bren tightens the mule’s reins and checks the packs. The distant riders have vanished beyond the main road, leaving the northern track quiet and open.
Bren
We go down together, mention Daggerford if asked, and offer nothing that is not true. Whatever your past dealings were, we meet this hamlet as we are now.
“" let go, nether the hamlet or the crypt are getting closer with us sitting here ." I say”
Kynes
Let go. Neither the hamlet nor the crypt is getting closer with us sitting here.
Kynes rises and folds the map beneath his cloak. Bren gathers the mule’s reins, while Slaan and Nhal shoulder their packs without delay.
Bren
Agreed. We walk in together, keep our answers plain, and decide nothing beyond what the road requires.
They descend the hill along the northern track. The hamlet grows clearer with every step, its muddy lane quiet beneath the afternoon light.
Slaan
Observe first, speak second. If anyone asks, Daggerford remains the destination, but we need not discuss the whole journey.
Nhal
And if no one asks, we enjoy the rare privilege of silence.
The party reaches the first cottages together, passing a fenced garden and a stacked woodpile. No one hails them, and the road remains open toward the hamlet’s common.