Adelsean walked through the snow. While there were certainly benefits to living in an isolated citadel hidden in the mountains (and not just the nice ring to it, he could leave it unguarded since anyone who might accidentally find it was far more likely to simply die in the cold first), it was a hassle now that he had go acquire supplies and (he shuddered at the thought) [i]interacting with people.[/i] He sighed and shrugged it off, pulling his heavy winter cloak closer around his himself. The cold never really bothered him but he decided not to risk the health issues that came with exposing oneself to cold. He hefted his heavy backpack and grunted. There were a few dozen more miles to go to the closest settlement and a medium sized forest to traverse. He was not inclined to use the roads due to brigands, although he would enjoy allowing Laradrar to drink and spill the blood of foes... Ah, what the Hells, he'd be doing a public service to remove the criminal scum if they attacked him and it would justify trudging through foot deep snow in plate armor...
[hr]
At last, Adelsean crossed the mountains' snow line and entered the more heavily forested areas. He stepped onto the poorly maintained road grateful that at least walking would be easier. He walked along whistling "In the Hall of the Mountain King" not caring if it alerted others, in fact hoping others learned of his presence. Predictably, a band of seven ruffians practically materialized out of the trees. The one in front gave the old "Your money or your life." line and Adelsean was about to draw his sword when he noticed something. These bandits did not look like hardened scum of the earth. They were weary and emaciated for starts, Adelsean looked at the hands of the man in front and noticed the calluses more akin to a man who worked the land rather than one who bullied and threw his weight around. None of them looked happy about accosting Adelsean although they were all armed and presumably dangerous. Adelsean set aside his bloodlust momentarily for curiosity. "You men do not look like bandits. I have seen bandits and I have seen common folk robbed of what is theirs by uncaring nobility. You look more like the latter to me. How about you tell me your tales of woe and then we'll see about the toll." The men looked a bit relieved in actuality and agreed to tell him what had happened to them. Some had been the scapegoats for crimes of others, some had lost a relative due to cruelty, some had had their meager possessions taken for avarice's sake. Often, their troubles would overlap with the man in question falling into more than one category. Their leader who seemed to be named Sarik explained "We've been haunting these roads hoping to strike back at the nobles but so far we have had no luck at all." Adelsean revealed his armor and sword and smiled grimly, "I too have lost much to the nobility, come with me and I can help you reach vengeance."