Northwest of Dam'ess- Stagecoach Interior

The matter settled, Mal hands the coin over to Selissa, who stows it appropriately for it's danger. The coach rolls on for the next few hours in relative peace, providing scenic views of field after field after field to excite the mind and indulge the senses. It isn't till after the fields fall away that the true beauty of Dame'ss is revealed. On your right, a large river cuts through virgin terrain, the carefully curated wilds of the Hartswood, tended faithfully by the Green Faith for generations. Vargath spots a jumping fish, while Dr. Madaras is quick to point out a cadre of hunters, standing aside on the road to let the coach by, each one carrying poles being used to haul a massive wild boar. "Spirits go with you! Hart bless your journey!" shouts one of them. On your left, the untamed forest of the Banewood, where Ulu stares as though searching for threats, while Selissa spots the largest bear she has ever seen, it's coat touched by grey. But before you can signal the driver to stop, it is already moving deeper into the forest at a good pace. Perhaps it is it's taboo home that has allowed it to survive into old age, or perhaps there is something more mystical about it. But as the gentle rocking of the stage coach continues on, you travel most of the day without incident.

Then, just as the sun was setting, there are a few cries from the front of the stagecoach and Kagiso slows the stage coach to a halt. He is speaking loudly in his native language to someone as Maus shouts over the din. "Barricade set up in the road. Armed men. You should all come out and look at this." The banner of the king hangs down from a nearby tree branch, and from the shouting Kagiso is in disagreement with being stopped.

Northwest of Dam'ess- Along the Delvus River

Outside the stagecoach, even the fading light of the sun seems bright, as though the star were resisting the call to rest beyond the horizon. Along the left hand side of the road is thick forested hills. The land appears to be rising in elevation, and all who traveled to Dam'ess before know that the road passes through a mountainous region for the next few days. It is impassable by the stage coach, and wound be rough terrain to try to hike through as well. To the right, the Delvus River comes down from the mountains to as one of many rivers that feed the local lakes. It is nearly forty feet across and would be a difficult swim for a skilled athlete with the speed at which it flows and the many large rocks either protruding from the water or hiding beneath it. Straight ahead, the road is blocked with several rocks of varying size. While it would be a simple matter to walk through the gaps in the stones or shove them aside, until they are moved the stage is somewhat trapped. They are piled in diagonal lines that Vargath notes is prominent in military theory. Whoever is blocking this road knew how to do it right.

Speaking of who is blocking the road, a stout human woman stands in your path. She is wearing chainmail armor, bearing a shield with the king's seal on it and a longsword. She is simply staring at the ranting Nguni man, as though she is waiting for someone to come along and have a proper conversation. The feathered helmet she wears identifies her as a lieutenant in King Haram's armed forces. Flanking her, behind the nearest stones, are three men who are wearing the same equipment, though without the feathered helmets, wearing iron caps instead. All of them look vaguely threatening, as though they are passively trying to exude an aura of authority. Selissa notices Ulu's gaze go beyond them, and she spots two more lightly armored people further back, each of them wielding a longbow. Ulu moves to silence Kagiso, speaking a single word that immediately halts his shouting. Then Ulu begins striding toward the armored woman, her impassive mask in perfect form. The lieutenant holds her position, a small grin upon her features, as though she enjoys making people come to her. Either that, or she may just have the good sense to stay by her cover and her back up. Maybe some combination of both.

Spoiler: OOC
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Who wants to negotiate and who wants to stay by the stage coach? Charging head long into battle is also an option, of course. In that case we can roll for initiative.