Another group of warriors, clad in similar garb, might be spotted marching between the hillocks and alongside the streams of Thundar's Ride. An observant traveller would count their number at half a dozen, including a half-naked berserker with long, raven hair.DM Golem wrote:Rumours spread of the trade route through Thundar's Ride being patrolled, although not by Baldur's Gate or some other settlement.
Caravan drivers speak of a body of eight or so dark clad warriors who area seen walking the route - slowly, it must be said - and hunting and killing any bugbears or similar hazards who stray too close.
Although the caravan drivers do not speak of ever seeing the mercenaries actively seeking out battle, they do say these soldiers are contributing to keeping the trade route itself safe.
When hailed, the warriors state they march under the banner of the Ebon Blade, and its generous captain. Although they are quick to say their blades will be red, if they get any trouble, no reports come back of these soldiers acting as bandits or the like.
There is some talk of how disturbed Thundar's Ride has been over the last few years, wtih infighting amongst the humanoids and then the impact of the recent war against the undead. Some caravan drivers wonder if this armed human presence might provoke a reaction from the tribes; others suggest it might keep them firmly down.
This group differs from the other; it marches in formation and at a quicker pace.
They also seem to be combing a wide area around the main trails, and are not afraid to tackle larger groups of the resident humanoids. The slain bugbears are left to rot where they fall, as a grim warning to any who would threaten the safety of the trade routes.
Travellers passing near Soubar may hear the locals speak of the same Ebon Blade patrol swinging Northward into the High Moor. Many columns of smoke are seen that night, with rumors trickling in from local hunters of burnt out camps and heaps of blackened hobgoblin bones piled as high as a man.
