Hand over the backpack
From Create Your Own Story
"I don't want trouble," you reply. "I'll give you what I've got." You unstrap the pack slowly, making no sudden movements.
One of them kneels and grabs for the pack while the other leaps forward, clouting you with the hilt of his sword. You fall to the ground, dazed, while the two bandits make off with your belongings, your gold, not to mention your pride.
Once you're sure that they've gone, you pick yourself back up on your feet and continue your journey, quite miserable. About half an hour later you reach the start of the climb into the Hills proper, and continue upwards until you reach a fork in the road.
The road splits around the base of a gigantic tree, but does not rejoin on the other side. The left path winds down into a valley. There is a river there, and the path follows the left bank. It is a safer route, secluded and protected, but the curve of the landscape would mean you were almost backtracking. The right path rises up a slope towards the first thick forest of the Hills. It's hard to see much further, the forest is so sudden and thick. It may be hard going in that direction, but the Hills will involve a lot of climbing eventually and you may get a decent view of the next leg form the top of the ridge.
You are about to make your choice when you hear a faint cry from somewhere close at hand.
Do you:
