Kyras listens calmly to the news presented by Mikmek seemingly un-surprised by the recent turn of events. As Mikmek finishes Kyras is about to speak when Bjelich interjects a plan to deal with the threats and Danna speaks to the urgency of the situation. Kyras looks to see if the others have anything to say before shrugging and rising to his feet.
Well let us be off then though I fear that we are not looking for survivors merely leftovers. It is doubtful that anything that attacks with such violence in the night is going to wait to eat their meal. I am fine with leaving today.
Taldani watches as the others converse about the meeting content to sit on the sidelines for the time being. Upon seeing Finwick arrive Taldani does not even try to hide his smirk of amusement. As everyone is preparing to leave Taldani shakes his head and follows the others out of the meeting room.
As the group stands to leave, Bjelich kneels down and places a hand on the gnome's shoulder. With the other he offers Finwik some assistance in getting up. You know Finwik, this lifestyle of yours is not doing your body any favors. Catching the gnome's eyes, Bjelich's tone turns cautionary, As a representative of Silvania, you would be wise to show restraint at your celebrations least your reputation discredit the rest of us with the population. The cleric's face reflects the severity of his counsel.
Standing, Bjelich looks away from the bilious gnome and behests, Come on. There is work to be done!
Heading to the stables, Bjelich enlists the help of one of the stable hands to acquire fresh supplies from the stores, calling out after him, Make sure they know it is to be charged to my account, I have credit there! He makes quick deliberate work of saddling up the group's mounts then checks Mokos' saddle bags.
Upon the return of the stable hand, the cleric helps load the supplies onto Mokos and eMP. His work done, Bjelich sends word to Akiros and Kressle of the groups departure, leaving instructions to continue tomorrow's archery practice without him.
Preparations made in earnest (including the acquisition of cold weather clothing), the Silver Guardians ride out within the hour, making for the logging camp in all haste. It is bitterly cold and the snow is deep.
Hour 1 DC 15
Hour 2 DC 16
Hour 3 DC 17
Hour 4 DC 18
Hour 5 DC 19
Hour 6 DC 20
Hour 7 DC 21
Hour 8 DC 22
After 8 hours of hard riding, having followed the Skunk River for most of the journey, the Guardians find themselves turning north west. Danna estimates it to be at least two more hours to reach the camp. The horses are tired, some of them already suffering minor injuries to their hooves from ice and other hidden dangers under the snow, while most all of the Guardians are also suffering in the extreme cold. Everyone except Taldani is suffering from frostbite and/or hypothermia, with Finwik in the worst shape having started the journey in less than ideal condition. Taldani's natural resistance to cold has kept him the only one unaffected by the cold.
Although only mid-afternoon, the sun hangs low in the sky. It will be dark in roughly two hours and the wind is picking up.
Bjelich calls the procession to a halt, Lord Kyras, we must stop here or risk suffering the same fate as those poor woodsmen! Let's use what remaining daylight we have left to set up a proper camp and see to the horses. Better to face what ever threat awaits us rested and prepared than wary and out of sorts.
The cleric turns to Danna, Is there a suitable area near here for us to seek shelter from these winds?
Danna eyes the shivering group noticing Finwik's blue lips and otherwise pallid complexion. We should definitely stop and rest for the night. I can have something ready to help you tomorrow. She says looking at Kyras and finwik. [b]I also did not wake up this morning and prepare battle spells so I will need to prepare for tomorrow.
She searches the immediate area for a suitable campsite. Given her relatively frequent travels (and flights) through the kingdom she should know of something.
Danna quickly guides the party into an old growth of fir trees clumped together in a small hollow on the leeward side of a small hill. The large boughs have kept the snow thin underneath and dry fire wood is easily recovered from the dead branches and ground fall. The tent is erected with a practiced ease, despite the cold fingers and general fatigue, and a fire is quickly built.
Meals are prepared and the group is just finishing up when the sun drops below the horizon. The tops of the trees high above sway to and fro as the wind picks up even more. It promises to be stormy night, but Danna has selected an excellent spot to ride out the weather.
The warm fire, shelter from the wind and a hearty meal has begun to undo some of the pain the cold has wrought upon the Guardians.
With warm meals sitting in everyone's belly, the cleric tidies away his dishes. Keenly aware of the injuries the party has endured, Bjelich positions himself in the middle of the group and horses. Then, calling upon his deity, the young cleric takes up his holy symbol of Erastil and utters familiar words in the god's ancient tongue.
This storm is going to make seeing anything difficult. Unfortunately, I don't know if master Finwik here is feeling up to his duties. Bjelich gives the gnome a scornful gaze, Kyras, would you be willing to take the first watch?
Kyras massages his frozen fingers as the wind howls around the outside of the tent. First watch is fine hopefully the weather keeps everything else inside tonight as well. Regardless I would suggest keeping your weapons close! With that Kyras bundles up against the cold and heads out into the darkness.
Taldani has remained silent for most of the ride out. Trying to avoid the frigid looks the others have thrown his way as he sits upright his coat on but open to the wind his un-gloved hands seemingly impervious to the biting winds.
As camp is made he moves around easily tying trying to erect the shelter as quickly as possible to help warm the others. After settling in and eating a hot meal he looks over to Finwick a slight smile creeping across his face. Not quite as hospitable as that maiden was last night. Maybe you can find someone to keep you warm tonight. With a chuckle his eyes look over to Danna before he rises to clean up after the meal and head outside to toss away the scraps and check on the horses before resting for the night.
Given her relatively frequent travels (and flights) through the kingdom she should know of something.
Waking for his shift, Bjelich stokes the fire with a couple more logs. Warming his hands, the cleric scans the camp, taking note of his surroundings. Satisfied, he rummages in his pack for a kettle, fills it with clean snow and places the vessel next to the fire to boil. While he waits, Bjelich checks on the horses and prepares their feed for the morning.
As the sun rises in the morning sky, Bjelich takes up his holy symbol and prays to Erastil for enough divine strength to see him through the upcoming day. His preparations complete, Bjelich collects the kettle, makes some tea and thinks about breakfast...but not until the others are ready to get up.
The night passed without event and the secluded location of the camp allowed everyone to get a decent nights rest given the circumstances.
Danna casts a critical eye over the shivering Finwik and Kyras and then the wholly comfortable Taldani. Perhaps you should do some winter maneuvers with Taldani sometime, toughen you up a bit. You have spent too much time indoors with your papers, this she directs at Kyras, and your too warm women, perhaps we need to find you some colder ones, a frost giant perhaps? The last is obviously a gibe at Finwik.
Satisfied she has taken them sufficiently to task for their deficiencies she casts endure elements on them.
During the journey Finwik is not his usual jubial self. Dogged by a terrible hangover and assailed by the relentless weather, he spends his time shiverring in silence. When at long last the party comes to a stop, he collapses from exhaustion.
Hours later, laying close to the fire, he finally stirs and cracks his eyes open. He is awake only long enough to hear that he is exempt from watch duty. He manages a weak smile at Taldani's remark but cannot muster the energy to reply. Relieved, he closes his eyes and lets sleep take him once more.
As he wakes the next day, he feels well rested but frozen through and through. It is not until Bjelich fills him with the warmth of healing magic that he feels like a being of flesh and blood once more. Springing to his feet he sweeps a low bow to the cleric.
Thank you and praise to Erastil! I felt I was upon the brink of death but I have been revived.
Turning to Danna he shrugs. I confess the only time I have spent out doors lately was traveling between bro..eh..buildings.... Rubbin his chin he ponders for a moment then winks at Danna. Frost giant you say? Challenge accepted! That is, if I ever meet one that doesn't try to step on me at first sight!
Breaking camp in the early morning hours the Guardians press on towards the logging camp. The wind has died down but the bitter cold remains. The nighttime snow has drifted badly, making travel even worse than the day before.
Hour 1 DC 15
Hour 2 DC 16
Hour 3 DC 17
As the group rides on for the next three hours, only Bjelich suffers in the cold as Kyras and Finwik are protected by Danna's magic, Taldani's natural resistance continues to shield him from the cold and Danna's skill as an outdoors woman keeps her from harm.
Cresting a small rise, the logging camp comes into view in a shallow valley alongside a frozen over stream. From your elevated view it is obvious that nothing moves within the camp. It is deathly quiet. The fresh blanket of snow is undisturbed with pulled down tents covered as well.
Shivering from the cold, Bjelich can only think of getting a stout fire going while the others investigate the rest of the camp. Looking around, he finds the camp's supply of kindling and dried wood (if any). Gathering these up, he sets to work lighting and tending to this source of heat so that he might relieve his condition somewhat .
Severe cold checks (redone)
Hour 1 DC 15
Hour 2 DC 16
Hour 3 DC 17
As the group rides on for the next three hours, only Bjelich suffers in the cold .
Danna searches the area for tracks and indications of what might have attacked the camp.
Severe cold checks
Hour 1 DC 15
Hour 2 DC 16
Hour 3 DC 17
Noting the stillness of the camp, Finwik says to the others That doesn't look right. Shouldn't there be loggers going about...logging..? Somebody should scout ahead and check it out...
Kyras reigns Bjelich in before he races down the hill towards the apparently abandoned camp site. Mayhaps we should not rush into the camp before we have scouted around a little to make sure there is nothing still lurking around? His eyes looking at the trees surrounding the camp his voice ominous.
Kyras turns to Finwick a smile on his face. That is exactly what I was thinking perhaps we can find a we small scoundrel to send in first and make sure nothing is lurking about. Do you happen to know any scoundrels. I can think of one we can send. Kyras pauses long enough to let Finwick shift uncomfortably at the proposition of scouting ahead in the cold all alone.
Danna can you not turn in to a finch or a butterfly or something and flutter around the place and be sure it is safe for us to enter?
I am afraid those particular shapes are not available to me. but at his request she shimmers into the form of a golden eagle.
Taking avian form, Danna flies down from the crest of the overlooking ridge where the rest of the Guardians wait. She passes over the deathly still camp looking for any signs of life or activity. She finds none.
What she can see, now that she is closer, is a scene of absolute carnage. Although the recent snow has muted things, the unmistakable forms of many bodies lie within the central fire pit. Although everything covered in a layer of the white stuff, blood shows through everywhere. The slaughter occurred all over the camp, very likely in the pitch dark and amid mass confusion and panic. Most of the bodies in the gruesome pile show obvious signs of dismemberment and/or of being partially eaten.
The horses in the pen to the back of one of the tents are in the same condition.
A number of tracks are still visible in the snow. While those made by the men are mostly covered, a large humanoid set can be seen amongst them. It appears the creature came in from the south-west and left, eventually, to the north-east. It is accompanied by a large four legged creature.
Danna recalls that the direction it is heading is directly toward the sawmill to the north-east. The same mill most of these men used as a base of operations.
Danna flies closer to get a better look at the tracks to try to determine their age and what might have made them.
She also searches for any possible survivors, but she doesn't hold much hope in her heart.
The trail appears to have been made the morning after the attack.
Danna is able to identify the humanoid tracks as those of a troll. The four legged beast escapes her though. She can tell from the spacing, and depth of the tracks, that the creature is roughly 4' at the shoulder, short legged and weighs upwards of 300 pounds with canine-like features to its paws.
There is absolutely no sign of survivors. Nothing moves at all. Everything is covered in a layer of snow and no new tracks have been made since the night of the attack save for the arrival of carrion birds and other animals drawn to the smell of fresh kill.
While the troll and beast have headed off in the general direction of the logging mill, there is no guarantee that is where they have gone. The mill is at least 2 hours away, double that if you intend to follow the tracks.
Danna flies back to the others, circles them and screams a long eagle scream. She then flies in the direction the tracks have gone her eyes looking for any disturbances in the forest that may indicate the trail. She tries to follow the tracks from the sky.
Cold and fatigued, Bjelich looks scornfully at the tyrant Kyras. Shivering, the cleric watches as Danna takes her form and flies off. Watching the eagle flap about the camp does little to warm his flesh, We all know there's nothing there, too much time has past since the report.. When Danna soars out of sight off into the distance, Bjelich gestures with an open hand, suggesting the group move onward toward the camp. The cleric's impatient eyes tell the magus it is time for tea. Danna's triumphant return and call serves to clinch Bjelich's assumption, There, you see? All clear. Can we head in now? Or do you want your healer to fall victim to these harsh elements?
Not waiting for permission, and either not noticing or not caring that the eagle has once again disappeared, Bjelich spurs Mokos and eMP on towards the camp.
You lose the trail after a mile.
Bjelich enters the camp and decides to make his own fire, seeing as how the camp fire pit is full of bodies.
Finwik eagerly spurs his mount toward the camp behind Bjelich...several healthy strides behind Bjelich..
Danna, losing the trail from the air and spotting the fire, flies back to the others to report.
Troll, and something else. It seems to be heading to the sawmill but we would have to follow it to be sure. I lost them about a mile away but could probably pick them up again from the ground.
Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, Bjelich tosses a tasty snack of trail rations into his mouth. Seeing the druid resume her normal form, he washes down the morsel with the last of his second cup of tea. Tidying up, the cleric listens to Danna's report and quips, Lovely, more tromping through snow and bush. More seriously now he adds, With a troll on the loose, we'd better not spend any more time here. Which direction is the fastest to the sawmill Danna? Perhaps along the way, you can tell us what you know of Trolls! Bjelich smiles then covers his fire with plenty of snow creating a cloud of steam and smoke as the embers choke and die. Untying the horses, he mounts Mokos and follows Danna's lead.
Danna warms herself briefly by the fire and clarifies to Bjelich. The tracks were in the general direction of the sawmill but I don't know that we can assume that is its destination. It could change direction at any point, for any reason. She looks to the sky to assess the weather and time, But I do agree we should be on our way immediately.
I don't think we should bother tracking the troll at this juncture. Our priority is to our people. Let's make for the sawmill as quickly as possible and make sure the men there are still with us. We will worry about the location of this creature later. When this blasted weather clears... Spurring Mokos onward, the cleric follows Danna to the sawmill.
We should head for the sawmill but if we notice the troll change course towards another populated area we should follow it there.
She barely even checks to see if the others are following before heading in the direction of the trail.
Agreed Danna. Bjelich following the beast is our priority, if it strays in a different direction heading to the mill will be pointless and we may not be able to pick up its tracks again so easily.
Kyras takes up his normal position behind the cleric. Taldani falls in Behind still seemingly unconcerned with the biting cold.