I have made assumptions that the party would group up after their separate actions as well to hold a conference, and under this assumption, I've written a new post.

Rather than go round and round in the game thread, let me clarify a few things:

* The party has expected to reach Crandel by nightfall.  Even allowing that the pilgrims are much slower than the adventurers, there is no way that they have endured these attacks for four nights between here and the town.  This would mean that the attacks had to have started west of Crandel.

* The pilgrim leader will agree to the above - they have walked the same road in the opposite direction, yes, but their starting point was well to the west of the town, their journey is much farther than four total days.  These are country folk, not surviviors of the town.  That isn't to say that the town is not in jeapordy, but that they didn't come from it. 

* The pilgrim leader has provided information that the road is no safer near the town, which is presumably patrolled.  If it matters, you have not seen any issues on the road farther to the east, which did appear to be as safe as wilderness roads ever are.

* Just an FYI - while Lysoran temples and shrines are typically open to all, a group on a pilgrimage to an isolated shrine may not want an escort may only be allowed to let non-worshippers so close to the shrine.

In the interest of moving the game along, you guys can discuss whether or not to offer escort here.  We need not carry on an in-character conversation/argument that can take days to resolve.

Cast votes here, hash it out, etc.  But I'd like to move to the next game post as opposed to arguing for days. 

...but, as Aranwen has noted, I'm sure you all know Ch'dau's mind on this one. Let the Lysorans fend for themselves or, alternatively, force them to follow us back to Crandel (as will be proposed in my coming addition).

The cat votes we continue on our original path with or without the bedraggled hajjis in tow.

Cedric realizing that the pilgrims encountered the undead before and after Crandel(sp?) makes him think that it may be centered in or around the town. And since we did not encounter any undead until we neared the town he is willing to let go on their way and make for the town with all due haste to try and save all those people and if not then to destroy the evil that resides there.

Seems we haven't heard from GrinNoCat in a bit... have we lost Midge, already? Did the little one fall in a puddle? Is he stuck betwixt the toes of one of the fleeing zombies? *knock knock knock* Helloooooooooooooo????

I was going to have Gib wait until everyone else had a chance to speak, but in light of the new information and Gib being all about duty, he would side with continuing on to Crandel. After all, the Lysoran pilgrims are basically turning down the party's assistance. 

Okay.  It seems like the majority are convinced to part ways with the pilgrims.  Is that what I'm hearing?

From what I understand, our healers have bandaged the wounds of the pilgrims as best they can.  Even so, you have three with more serious wounds - the leader has broken ribs, two have major gouges from the giggling monster.  There are bumps and bruises among the group, as well.

I am aware the Gib has no intention of expending healing magic on anyone unless he feels it is a critical need, and only after combat.  Will Cedric expend any spells on the injured pilgrims?

These folk are fairly hungry.  Does anyone intend to share any food (or cast such a spell) for them? 

Or are we taking our leave at this point, wishign them the best on the road, and continuing to Crandel?

...Well, Ch'dau wouldn't be beyond offering the pilgrims a share of his rations (I figure he can purchase more upon arriving at Crandel if need be or, barring that, he can hunt). Also, if there were any other towns or Inns along the road behind them that the Lysorans might come upon, perhaps the big cat would be generous enough to offer a coin or two to provide them with a noght out of the weather and a hot meal. Having said that, though, I'm not entirely certain he'd come to those decisions on his own... more like if one of the others were to suggest it, he'd happily chip in (at least where the coin is concerned... the rations he'd part with willingly enough. He's been hungry, himself, after all, and isn't so dim as to know that a full belly makes for a better fight)

Cedric is sharing some food and water with the pilgrims.

Please note that unlike many games, I base my world's monetary system around silver, not gold.  Furthermore, different countries have their own currencies and exchange rates.  If you care to read about it, there is an article here that details currency in Antaron.

If you don't care to read, just note that a "falchion" is the common silver coin of Ertain.  A road toll of a single silver coin is relatively common. 

Good considerations, all. Gib would happily give most, if not all, of his iron rations as well as up to five silver Falchions. Especially if the party is going to make it to town this evening. 

Okay.  I will note who ever shared food, coin, etc  

*lays face down, limbs spread* Might I interest you in a nice area rug, instead?