There wasn't much in the armory. All the village seemed to have was old, bloodstained armor that was probably taken from dead adventurers. On top of that, it seemed to be designed for Kobolds, which was a problem for Trey. Still, though, it was better than nothing, and he was getting it for free.

He handed the slip of paper to the Kobold in charge of the armory, then went into another room to try it on. It wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as he expected it to be, considering it was made for another species, and it was also light enough that it wouldn't hinder his flight. It certainly wasn't in the greatest condition, though. Several holes in the armor suggested that the previous owner was stabbed to death, and the bloodstains further supported this theory. There was also a dagger stuck inside one of the holes, and it seemed to be enchanted, too.

When Trey went back outside, Robert was explaining to the new guy why they were abandoning the village. He was pretty vague, though, so Trey decided to explain it in a little more detail.
"The corrupted areas drain the life force of anything that stays there for too long, and turns them into zombies. It's close to this village, so we have to leave as soon as possible."

Dorisma examined the armory with little luck, all she could find was a wooden buckler that already looked just about ready to break, but something was better than nothing after all. She strapped it onto her left arm and turned in her slip quickly returning to the head of the slowly assembling caravan, opting out of conversation as Dorisma felt there was nothing important to say. She took a seat and waited for the village to began moving, eager to get this underway.

In the beginning, there were several heroes who all stood up against some giant eldritch being. They all died.

Just pointing that out. Adventurers don't tend to last very long. They could die from stress alone via suicide if needed, because that was how damaging bad adventures were. That was my main reason for staying in the village, and hence why I couldn't leave immediately since it was highly probably that I'd be stabbed or shanked. I guess though my time would come to help others, as divine retribution for scamming the poor to the rich. Oh well, I couldn't argue with that - I'd probably be hung, drawn and quartered should I be caught in this village, so going out with these unlikely adventurers would be a good idea.

"So, say what again?" I didn't exactly catch much of whatever the team leader was saying. Well, more like he was pretty vague and needed to hear what he said for a second time. Sure enough, his avian friend managed to fill me in on some vital details (smart beings they were) - including a certain dust which would corrupt and reanimate the land around it. "Uh..." Well, that was reason enough for me to leave. "...any idea as to how that started corrupting in the first place? 'Cause that sounds like somebody freed an eldritch being. And I know a bunch of adventurers won't come out alive from this... rather, dead in fact. Bloody - walking - dead." I grew rather assertive, probably not good considering I just met them and needed their trust. Despite this, I knew what I was going to get myself into. Probably among the dead, and not even being able to rest in peace. Just perpetually walking.

Well... "I hope you lads got a plan against that thing, 'cause tossin' that princess in there probably won't help anyone including us." I shifted uncomfortably, not really ready to cleanse the earth and be an adventurer. Then again, I only needed to stay with them for as long as I needed to (preferably until I could get a stable life - maybe I could even be a merchant). Besides, I needed to get out of this village, otherwise I'd be a perpetual zombie.

Then again, I did question the ability of this party. Everyone had pretty shoddy equipment and seemed to be inexperienced. "Oh, lord." I muttered to myself, grasping my mouth. I turned away briefly, before spinning quickly on my feet towards them. "Er, never-mind. My name's Miles Hall, a bit of a nobody around here. Let's get movin'."

The new guy, who recently introduced himself as Miles suddenly assumed that I had some sort of combat plan against whatever's doing this... and he assumed that I actually planned on fighting this thing. "Plan? I'm just trying to survive, and that dragon stronghold, and those mountains are going to help me do that. I'm not planning on fighting some sort of eldritch horror," I tell Miles, who still looked like he was trying to hide something. I assumed that he wasn't going to stay with us, and was probably one of the civilians, speaking of, the mayor just announced that we're leaving right now, and just as well, I don't want to spend too much time idling. The road was oddly free of humans for a while, and the corruption seemed pretty far away thanks to us leaving in the opposite direction from it. For once, nothing attacked me or my allies. For once, there was a bit of peace, and it was nice. I actually had time to notice the small details in things, such as the random overturned wagon in the middle of the road, and the ox skeletons nearby it. I was going to search the wagon for anything useful, however, Backstabs apparently had the same idea, and she got there first. Apparently the wagon was already looted, as in, nothing was left, at all, and the wagon itself was broken. I had time to notice the fact that it was a cloudless day, and very warm, which was obviously nothing but good for a kobold like myself, though I could notice some of the ogres and trolls sweating... not to mention I could smell them, unfortunately. I both hoped that this peace and quiet could last for the entire trip, and knew that it wouldn't... of course, that doesn't mean I couldn't enjoy one of the few moments I wasn't getting attacked by this or that ever since I started adventuring.

As they all began to leave the village, Trey flew overhead, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger. There was an overturned wagon on the road, but since the oxen that were pulling it had been reduced to skeletons, it had probably been there for a while. Whatever got this wagon was probably gone by now. There didn't seem to be anything that posed a threat, but he still watched the path ahead of them carefully. It was peaceful now, but that could change at any moment.

Before I knew it, we were leaving this place. Was a shame, considering I actually liked our setting. We had to say goodbye to the trees and the birds, knowing that should we remain we'll just be doomed. It still was a pain in the arse to move though. Being a nomad isn't exactly a good life-style, especially as you're seen as a bunch of beggars and thieves to the more permanent settlements, even if they WERE thieves.

"Alright, I guess we gotta move... again." I lost count as to how many times we moved. That forest happened to be where I found the village as a kid running from bandits. After a while of moving we returned, intent on making a more permanent settlement. Too bad fate has other ideas and forces us to move once again.

I snapped back to reality, walking alongside old and weary nomads and the same party I had unofficially joined. I was surprised as to how quickly they accepted me. "So, what's yer name?" I asked the team leader, a Kobold like myself except decorated in red like some elite guardsman. Well, the remains of one anyway. The rest of his group stood guard as everyone moved on, away from some inevitable grey wall of evil. I couldn't see it on the horizon or anything, but to not trust him was probably not a good idea...

Deravan sighed calmly, before in his corner of his eye noticing Trey and a certain dagger. It seemed rather strange though. Maybe later he would ask about it, possibly use it. He then started to feel the heat, then sun beating down. He sighed slightly, before removing his black clothing and placing it in his bag, letting his fur move to the wind.
"Ouf... this heat.... I hope we find the shadows od some trees soon or something." he said. He wasen't really sweating much right now, being a bit less fur covered then normal all because of when he actually turned into a litteral fire troll, running around at the zombies. Now his fur was growing back after this, but with this heat, he hoped his metabolism would slow down that process. He then hears the new guy asking Robert's name. He stayed silent, letting Robert speak.

Dorisma returned to the back of the caravan after turning in her slip for a small wooden shield. It wasn't much to speak of but she strapped it onto her left arm and silently walked at the rear watching for any threats. She heard idle conversations start up here and there but had no desire to join in. Ugh, the sweltering heat was oppressive, she could only imagine what the fish man felt like.

I was enjoying the general peace of this trip so far when Miles interrupted my thoughts, and asked me my name. I simply answered "Name's Robert... and trust me, there's a reason for that name," I then continued on my way, enjoying the heat, the fact that we weren't under attack, as well as the sound of the music some of the villagers were singing behind us, almost as if they knew nothing was going to bother us right now. Seriously, where are the humans? Don't they usually use these paths as trade routes? I ask myself as I look over to the princess who was writing something in some sort of journal. Well, that's odd... I didn't know we had intelligence to steal. I thought as I notice her put it away quickly, as if I didn't already see the thing. The path ahead was just the simply dirt road that humans liked to make between their cities, separating one grassy field from the other. I smelled some alcohol, as apparently some of the villagers saw it fit to be drunk during this trip, and somehow, I knew that wasn't going to end well, at all. As expected, the trolls and ogres drank far more than any kobold, but, of course that could have to do with the differences in height and weight between the species. Some shouting replaced the sound of whatever few instruments the villagers brought with them, as well as actual singing, much to my displeasure. Unfortunately, we it started to get dark before we could get to the mountains, and as such, the mayor looks at our group and says "Alright, you guys... town heroes, or whatever, go make the tents for this camp," he didn't phrase it as a question, so it didn't seem like we had much of a choice.

Sure enough, we just kept walking through the lowly plains, minding nothing but the lone sun. Several birds circled the sky, curiously watching us as we travelled through to a new place to settle. Spots of vegetation struggled to grow as remains trees remained dry and parched. It was clear this place wasn't friendly. It was if as someone left a plant by itself in the windowsill, forgetting to water it as it began receding and wilting. The plains were essentially that, long given up on any sustained rain and fair weather. This was near-barren, not much activity going on aside from the occasional wolf sitting and yawning at us. We could definitely feel the heat from the sun, waving air into our faces and a few even taking moments to sit before catching up with the rest of us. I wanted to sit, but considering that I was now a part of this it would be quite odd for me not to assist others. As if I wanted to.

No one seemed to mind walking through such a deserted and arid land, as if they had been through worse (which we have). Though, I couldn't say that everyone was content on leaving a supposedly permanent village. We left behind frames of our buildings and our dreams of settlement. That grey dust was supposedly getting to us sooner or later, but I really didn't think we'd have to move... right? I was pretty disappointed with the way that turned out. Robert and everyone else in our party seemed to look as grim, unable to fully rest and relax like so many others in our village. I already felt tired from fighting a guard, who was likely in a stretcher and further ahead of us - hopefully I didn't get recognised by him.

Anyway, the only reason why I've joined Robert's party is to avoid capture (by being credible and... 'reformed'), while also seeking some revenge for our old home. Too bad it'll be in vain considering we'll just keep moving and moving, until of course we happen to meet... bandits? War tribes? Grey dust at the other end of the world once everything else has been taken?

Robert wasn't very happy when he told me his name, and I could certainly feel his disdain for something. Regardless, I didn't think too much of it and decided not to press on it, preferring to get along with others for my own safety. Sure, I was annoyed when the damned mayor told us to make tents for the entire village, calling us 'heroes' as if I'VE done anything remotely good. I haven't of course, it's just that you shouldn't expect me to look out for you.

"Ok. Anyone know how to unfold a tarpaulin, let alone some temporary shelter?" I said, looking around and rather tired.

Soon after my rude encounter with the brown bear I found myself thinking straighter, my tongue stopped stumbling in my teeth. The reason was clear, acquiring a class seemed to enhance my capabilities. Testing my new found prowess towards bows, I found that my accuracy and damage would drastically fall beyond 20 feet even against my immobile targets, trees. After a series of tests I came to understand my basic strengths and weaknesses, but lost several arrows in the process.

As I didn't want to end up as my unknowing benefactor, I decided against hunting into the forest. Looking in the vicinity of the perished hunter I managed to find a small path. Hoping it would lead me outside of the forest , and lead me it did. Some twenty minutes later though music could be heard and a few minutes later the smell of alcohol and food filled the air.

At the cover conferred by the dwindling light of dusk I drew nearer to the camp. Keeping his bow in hand he peered from a bush at the people gathered, multiple races, most if not all of them considered nothing but monsters by humans. In the camp I could distinguish mostly civilians, there were but a few that were armed somewhat better than novice adventurers.

Taking a leap of faith I carefully backed away from the bush and after a brief detour I made it seem that I came from the same direction as they. Making sure to make my self visible and not seen as a threat. Thus I hung my bow over my shoulder and looked for someone I could ask about the caravan. A yellow scaled Kobolt seemed to be in charge of this whole transmigration. He was dishing out orders about setting camp.

Thinking it would be best not to disturb people at work I decided to talk to him as soon he was less busy. Until that moment arrives I sat down at the edge of the camp.

Dorisma simply grunted and began getting to work. Though her tribe did not use tents she herself had used them several times while traveling and was rather experienced with the whole process. She grabbed a pile of them from one of the carts and set them down on the ground. Them she grabbed one and began the rather admittedly slow, process of setting them up. Dorisma had little in mind for plans of organization instead simply planning to set them up next to each other until there were no more tents.

She did not ask for help nor did she require it. Dorisma sniffed her nose disdainfully at those getting drunk and singing, and they wondered why the humans found and killed them... "One watch humans and one watch girl." Dorisma said bluntly to no one in particular while setting up the tents. She gave an inward sigh, she really did sound stupid when she talked, perhaps she should practice tonight by herself.

Deravan looked at the group and sighed softly. He looked at the mayor and shaked his head.
"Asking us to work to make tents as well as guarding you guys... and the smell of alchool... now you wonder why humans find you and kill you easy..." he says in a low tone, looking at the mayor with a annoyed look before starting to work on the tents, helping the others out, getting the materials needed for this. He shakes his head. He looked at Robert.
"I know we are suppose to save them, but with what little we received and how we are threated..." he says, shaking his head.
"They need to learn to have a bit more respect and be able to work for themselves a bit more." he then says. continuing to place the tents up. He hoped they would arrive soon and that there won't be lots of trouble.

Most of the civilians were getting drunk and singing, which posed a problem for the group. It could easily attract some unwanted attention, which, considering their limited defenses, wouldn't end well. Unfortunately, shutting them up wouldn't be an easy task. It had to be done, though, otherwise they might not make it to the stronghold in one piece.

It was starting to get dark, and the mayor ordered them to set up the tents. As much as he didn't want to take orders from the mayor, Trey obliged, since most of the townsfolk were too drunk to do it themselves.
"I hope you all realize how much danger we're in." He said to the rest of the group as they set up the tents. "Just listen to them. Anyone who comes anywhere near our camp will know exactly where we are. As soon as we're done with this, I'm going to try to quiet them down. I probably won't be able to do it alone, though."

I was about to volunteer to watch out for humans, but before I did, the mayor called out for the some of the guards to take the first watch, I then tried to help Dorisma, but by the time I got there, the tents were already set up, albeit somewhat haphazardly placed. After that, I looked for the princess, who was already being watched by two more guards. I then finally take notice of a new goblin in the camp, an archer, apparently, and I introduce myself "Oh, hey there, new guy, my name's Robert, and apparently everyone around here thinks I'm some sort of hero because I helped save the town from a human knight, or something," I then ask "So... who are you?" after that, I start looking around for yet another party member, R'lyeh, who I couldn't locate. I stop one of the citizens who followed us, a drunken ogre who was complaining about something in his native tongue, and ask him "Uh, sir? Do you know where the fish man went?" he laughs and says "Fish man leave while ago. Said something about 'swelt-ring heat', and 'drunken nin...something or other'. Probably back at sea," unfortunately, that seemed like something he would have done, especially if the drunkards were picking on him for not wanting to or not being able to drink with them... as well as being what he was.

The mayor seemed to actually listen to Trey, and he called out for everyone to be quiet, and oddly enough, most of the civilians did... well, sort of, they seemed to be mumbling and whispering to one another like younglings whose mother told them to shut their mouth. Of course, that was still preferable to the loud singing (if you could even call it that) and shouting that happened earlier. I then wondered exactly WHY there weren't already humans around here, after all, this seemed like one of their paths, and we weren't too far away from it, as unfortunate as that is. The ogre from earlier started stumbling towards Dorisma, and he started mumbling something in their native tongue again, of course, even I could tell from the tone of his voice that what he was saying was probably some sort of pickup line. I already knew that she wouldn't do anything with him, after all, I could smell his beer breath from here, and it wasn't what I would call 'pleasant', or even 'bearable', considering how much closer she was to him right now than I was.

Dorisma sighed, not this again. Just because you were an ogre didn't mean you had to act stupid and be drunk all the time. Smiling she sauntered towards him and hugged him somewhat roughly with one arm. Then proceeded to sharply rap on his temple with her other fist, probably harder than she should have. Assuming that the orge was knocked out, after all she was rather confident in her own strength, Dorisma pushed him to the ground lightly and grabbed one of the tents, lifting the whole thing off the ground and moving it further away from the group of tents and placed her stuff inside. She checked outside briefly before going inside and setting up her bedding, then laying down. Doubtless the majority would go to sleep in a couple of hours without setting a watch and then she would go outside and make sure they stayed safe during the night.

As I was waiting for a chance to talk with someone in charge, a kobold donning red armour took it the chance to greet me instead. Not sure what to take from his phrasing, since he seemed to have great disdain towards the title. "Sorry, to have bothered you with my humble presence," I retorted to his self introduction with just a hint of sarcasm. "Name's Rou and as you've probably guessed I'm a Ranger..." as he turned his eyes from me and started speaking to someone else I could feel I was being ignored. Thus I as well turned away from him, in order to walk away.

'That went pretty well' I retorted to myself. I don't think highly of my capabilities but the way he acted really got on my nerves. Wandering where I could find the kobold that was ordering the red mage around earlier.

Thankfully, the mayor heard Trey, and got the townsfolk to quit down.
"That honestly was easier than I expected." He said. "Anyway, we've got a long journey ahead of us tomorrow. Don't hesitate to wake me up if you need someone to watch the camp."
Trey went into one of the tents they'd just set up. He tucked his head under his wing and began to drift off to sleep. After a rather eventful day, it felt good to finally get some rest.

Deravan just listened as the group started to talk less and less, being more silent, before seeing Dorisma punch and probably knock out a ogre that was trying to seduce her. He grin slightly, and shake his head.
"Trying to seduce like that in a drunk state... never a good idea." he says under his breath, before setting up his own tent and looking around. He breath deeply, before noticing a strange dagger that Trey had. He stared at it for a bit. That thing really did seem of a higher quality. He looked at Trey.
"Uhm... hey Trey... are you gonna... use that dagger? Just wondering." he asks, a bit shy asking someone for something right now. Well, he did want that thing, but if he would get it, that was another question completely.

"Did that guy just...?" Well, this wasn't a bunch of rag-tag adventurers to mess with, I guess. First he approaches a team-mate and gets socked. These were desperate times I guess, and everyone was drinking their sorrows away. I couldn't really help but feel sorry for pretty much everyone around here. They WERE harbouring a fugitive.

It was quite a day - first escaping from a guard, then betting some cash and equipment... now this. "Hey, Robert... am I a part of this?" I asked, curious to know if they considered me one of their own. I guess it would be harder to go around the village to see whether or not I can make a quick buck. It was the perfect environment after all: drunks everywhere, ready to gamble and lose whatever money they had left. Everyone was also on edge, so they would probably notice an innocent gambler offering them a chance to buy a horse and leave. Though, I didn't really feel like doing much. I just wanted to sleep, staring at the sky above before returning down to earth. Everyone was fast asleep or just beginning to rest. I pulled out my pouch and began counting my money, scratching my face when I pulled out an old card of mine. "Hm." It was an old heirloom. Not a good one, unfortunately.