"Ah, a practiced eye!" He says, pleased at the interest. "Most of the folks in these parts want much bigger blades I find. Not a lot of appreciation for the ones requiring a bit more finesse." He smiles.
He will happily sell anyone a weapon at this time, though does not seem to press the issue, happy to just have someone appreciate the workmanship.
"As for those other two you mentioned..." He adds, after you've had a chance to look at his product. "They approached my friends and me a bit back." He frowns slightly. "Offered us a ridiculous sum to work for them."
He shakes his head slightly. "No way was I going to work for a washed-up Ulfen warrior and a foreign she-devil from the south. Hjort’s eyes told all the story I needed to know: he wasn’t doing whatever he was doing for profit, he was doing it for revenge. Pure and simple."
"That business has only one path, and it leads straight to Pharasma’s ample bosom. And the Runa woman? Well, she’s a foreigner, ain’t she?"
"No offense." He adds, a moment later, grinning.
"Well now. They didn't say nothing at all about my goods." He frowns slightly, clearly not thinking much of the omission.
He eyes Nella with a faint smile. "I vacated before they started talking details. Like I said, whatever path he was on... I didn't want to follow too close. Heard one of the guards broke up that particular meeting just after I left. Might wanna try them if you're set on going after."
You find he does not have much else to share, other than merchandise... though if what he says about a guard is true, they might have some additional info if you can track down which it was.
You've been on the hunt for over half the day.
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Malusha takes in all of the information from the blademaster. It's getting late and they have been trudging around all day. He turns to Nella, "I'm getting tired of all of this running around all day. And it's getting pretty cold out. I think we should find a place to retire for the night." He looks at Masym and the others, "What do you guys think? We can pick up the trail in the morning."
Deciding to brave the dark hours and cold night, the Pathfinders continue on well into the evening.
This time, armed with the far narrow parameters of a city guardsman, the search bears some fruit before all the taverns and inns have closed down for the evening (though after a couple of hours of it, both Nella and Masym are starting to feel the cold seeping in, despite their best efforts). You finally locate a pair of guards who recall the incident in question, and point you towards a fellow guard named Rafarta, and where her current evening route lay.
When you eventually locate your target, she is not all what you expected, in comparison with all the other ulfen warriors who seem to frequent the Trollheim guard. Rafarta is a young woman and stunningly beautiful, even the cold-weather gear and armor she obviously sports can't seem to hide that fact. The few small scars on her chin and cheeks, hint at past conflicts, but instead of marring her appearance, seem only to add to it.
She and her partner watch you with equal parts suspicion and caution when it becomes apparent you are looking for her specifically.
"Neither the weather, or those out in it, will treat you foreigners well this night." She says irritably. "Best be moving along to whatever warm beds you have waiting for you."
The other guard blinks slightly, then frowns. "What's this, you outsiders come into our town, and then start making demands? We ain't tour guides, we're working here."
Rafarta nods in agreement, clearly not all in the mood to chat after Masym's lead-in.
"Yes, you folks move along." She growls. "Stop pestering the peaceful folks of Trollheim. This time of night, talking like that, and looking like you do, they're more likely to yank your entrails out through your mouth and strangle you with them."
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Oh wow, she's very pretty but seems as strong as steel underneath. I wonder how often she has to deal with people making eyes at her?
"Whoa, it's okay, we're not meaning to be a bother," Nella interjects, raising her hands in a placating manner. "We were told to speak with you since apparently you were the one that broke up a 'meeting' of some people that were pestering a blademaster and his workers some days ago."
Though a little unsure of just how much she should share, Nella reasoned that honesty or something close to it, might be the best policy to take. "Yesterday we were attacked when we went to visit a friend here in the city and we've slowly been backtracking trying to figure out who those people worked for and why they targeted us," she admits. "We're not aiming to hurt anyone but we will defend ourselves if attacked by these people again. But to be honest I'd like to try and find Fastaxe and White before that happens."
Both guards seem to relax a little, as Nella intervenes with a slightly less hostile approach, though they continue to keep a wary eye on Masym.
"Still shouldn't be out here, this time of night." The male guard says. "Inviting trouble's the same as starting it 'round these parts."
Rafarta, nods in agreement, though ponders the original question. "What night was that you were asking about?" She asks.
"Oh. Those people." She continues, once it is clarified, and nods towards her partner. "You remember, that crazy red-headed bastard and the foreign lady your cousin told us about?"
He nods.
"Almost forgot about those two. Guess you've invited more trouble then most." She eyes you all again, speculatively.
"Don't remember where we were, some fly-by-night tavern. Over towards the west end of the market district by the end. Too many nooks and crannies to keep track of out there. That's not our regular route. Places over there you'd walk past a hundred times and never know about 'less you hang out with the right low-lifes. Was Ludin's cousin told us about it. A couple that were trying to hire him for some nefarious enterprise or other. So we went to check it out. But that was their names: Hjort and Runa. Everyone scattered before we could get much more." She shrugs, clearly thinking it nothing to have raised much interest.
She stamps her feet to ward off the cold. "Can't tell you much else, not sure how that's going to help you at all."
"You'll need to find someone more in the know about that section of town... but ain't no one gonna be too helpful this time of night or they're sleeping like normal folk. You should all run along, and stop pestering people." The last comes out as more of a warning then a suggestion.
She goes over to Ludin and the two of them prepare to head out, clearly not wanting to stand still in the cold much longer.
Ludin points at Masym, who can't keep from shivering from the cold. "And get that one inside. He clearly doesn't have the sense Gorum gave an axe handle. Look at him." He laughs, as they walk off into the night, to continue their route.
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Masym watches them go without saying a word until they are out of earshot. "Whoever said Pathfinders have any sense...just be glad you were not touched by the Lantern!'
He stamps his foot trying unsuccessfully to stay warm. "Lets' get inside. I don't think we will find anything else tonight." He does give a nod to Nella. "Thanks fer bailing me out there."
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"Happy to help," the priestess replies. "Sometimes it's hard to really get the measure of people, especially when you're new to the area. Since being direct didn't seem to work too well I thought maybe being honest might."
"And yes, it's been a long day and it's gotten pretty cold out here - let's call it a night and then head out to the far end of the market district in the morning," she agrees.
After a long day of searching for Hjort and Runa through the chilly streets of Trollheim, the Pathfinders finally decide to call it a night. You return back through the darkened streets to the inn without further issue, and are thankful to get in from the cold.
Up again, just before dawn, you return to your search. The temperature has risen slightly, and at some point after you retired, it appears to have snowed, so your travels are accompanied by the soft crunch of boots on newly fallen snow. This time you find yourselves looking for the tavern that Fastaxe and White apparently have been using as a recruiting station.
The sun is barely up, and the people barely starting to come out of their homes, when you meet up with a small gnome waiting outside a bakery, shuffling back and forth trying to stay warm. He looks even more out of place in the ulfen city then you.
Thin even for a gnome, when he speaks his voice his a little raspy. His winter clothes are worn and threadbare, with numerous patches.
"Ho ho!" He exclaims cheerfully. "The crick in my neck is only half there when I look up at you folks. So clearly not natives!"
"Probably a good thing, admitedly. Been tossed into enough snowbanks already." He smiles, wanly. "They usually ain't too bad, when their sober," He grimaces ruefully. "But they do like their drink."
His eyes widen a bit with curiosity at the sight of Tchak. "No, definitely not from these parts! Tengu, right? The ulfen's must love you!"
He hitches a thumb at the shop behind him. "You here for the bread too? I try to come early, before they open. Sometimes they let me have a few of the stale ones from the day before cheap." He sighs slightly. "Damn town sure don't make it easy."
"But, if I'm ever gonna get out of this place, I gotta pinch those coppers where I can, right?" He grins.
"'Sides, its kinda pretty, donchathink? After a fresh snow?" He indicates the still peaceful snow covered buildings nearby.
"Names Thorngrin!" He adds, a moment later. "Thorngrin Brightbeard."
"What's in the box?" He asks, noticing the chest Tchak is hauling behind him.
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"Nella Tabor," the redhead chuckles as she offers her hand for a shake. "And you're right, it is pretty - especially to anyone not used to seeing much snow or any at all! What brings you to Trollheim, if you don't mind me asking?" she asks, hoping to change the subject away from the box for the time being.
Thorngrin laughs, though there's the slight manic tone behind it of a man close to a breaking point.
"Bad luck mostly." He replies. "Horrible luck actually. Been trying to get out of here for over a year... but when I have enough coin, the river freezes over and no ships make it up this far. When the river thaws, my money is gone and I can't make the fare. You know how it is." He sighs.
"And of course, the few times I manage ta get everything all lined up proper .... something else always comes up. Last time I got horribly sick and missed the sailing." He frowns. "And that was after I'd already payed them!" For a moment, you think he might be about to break down crying... but he takes a deep breath and recovers, the smile returning once more.
"Still trying to recover from that double whammy. Was probably the fish. Its like every meal here is 'fish this', and 'fish that'. And not a one a these lugs have ever heard of a vegetable, much less eaten one."
He looks down at his thin frame sadly. "Not sure how they get so big. Maybe its the alcohol?" He laughs, though it sounds a bit strained and eventually develops into a small coughing fit.
"Sorry." He mutters, when he gets the cough under control.
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Tchak nods at the mention of tengu. "Yes, Tengu is correct. And the love has not yet been forthcoming, but they don't seem to like anyone different around here. I'm sure you're familiar with that. And it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Tchak." He hopes Nella's question distracts the fellow from the issue of what's in the box.
"Oh, wait til you see the drunk ones." He adds ruefully, to Tchak. "At least you're not a conveniently tossable size." He adds, holding up his hands helplessly.
"Once, some of 'em hung me off a peg and threw knives at me for kicks." He shudders slightly, before the smile works its way back onto his face. "Still standing though! You get good at spotting the trouble spots and avoiding them eventually."
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Malusha can't help but laugh with Thorngrin. "It is good to see that you maintain such an upbeat spirit despite all of the troubles." Malusha thinks for a second and then pulls out his wand of Endure Elements. "Would you accept a gift? I can't make it permanent, but I can bless you with this wand and make all of this cold go away for a day. You'll feel as warm and comfortable as if you were back home on a summer's day."
Thorngrin ponders for a moment, then shakes his had. "Nah. Then it'll feel all the worse once it goes away."
"You get used to it." He sighs. "Eventually."
"Appreciate it though."
He glances in the window to the bakery, and although you see someone moving about in there now, the door remains shut.
"So if you're not here for the bread, why are you lot up at this early hour?" He asks.
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"Well...we're looking for some people," Nella admits, hating to not share at least a little after listening to Thorngrin's tale of woe. "Hjort Fastaxe and Runa White...I think we've walked across half of Trollheim looking for them," she sighs. As both Malusha and Phoebee offer to relieve the gnome of some of his distress, she gives them both an approving smile.
Good deal. A person should never be too busy to give someone else a helping hand.
Thorngrin happily accepts a snack, as he quickly consumed the proffered cookie, careful to get every crumb.
He ponders Nella's words as he does so. "No... don't think I know them." He says finally shrugging slightly, "Though they don't always introduce themselves." He adds. "You got a description?"
As Runa and Hjort are described to him, someone shows up at the door to the shop, and you hear it unlocking. He quickly stops listening and with a quick apology hurries over to it, a small coin appearing in his hand as he goes.
The door opens with a small burst of heat from inside and a dusting of snow from above. A woman pokes her head through. She gives you all a suspicious glance, before looking down at the gnome as if this is something they do regularly. This time, she shakes her head slightly saying something to him quietly in skald. Thorngrin's small shoulders seem to sag for a moment, and he nods. The woman gives you another look, before quickly going back inside. You hear the sounds of the locks being set again, apparently not opening time yet.
"Would seem no extras today." He says, forcing a smile onto his face as he turns back to you. "Guess I try again tomorrow." He drops the coin back into his coat pocket. "A copper saved, right?" He adds lamely.
"Anyway, your Hjort... and Runa was it?" He quickly changes the subject back to the descriptions you were giving them.
As you describe them, a look of recognition appears on his face. "Oh, those two!" He says, momentarily excited at being able to help. "Ya, I remember those two. Didn't know their names. Seemed like the types to avoid."
"But I don't think you wanna be going after those two! No no. They hang out at the Horned Helm!" He says with a worried frown. "Seen 'em a bunch a times." You're not sure if its Runa and Hjort he's worried about or the place they're hanging out at.
"If the two yer lookin' after are the two I'm thinkin', they been hold up there most days for a few fortnights at least."
The gnome shrugs slightly. "A big ulfen fellow, mean-lookin, with red hair and beard and a ugly scar on his cheek here?" He moves his hand along his left cheek in a vertical motion. "Other one, a dark-haired woman from Cheliax? Devil-worshipper that one, everyone seems scared a her."
He looks at your worriedly. "But you don't wanna go there! The Horned Helm ain't no place for foreigners." He says. "It ain't hardly a place for locals. Only people what go in there are those looking to punch someone else in the face and watch other folks get punched in the face."
He pauses briefly then adds. "Or get punched in the face, I s'pose." He grins slightly. "All types, right?"
"Even the guards don't go down there, even if they could find the place."
He seems reluctant to tell you where the Horned Helm is for our own sakes, but finally relents, giving a fairly detailed description on how to find the place, from your current location.
"But will be boarded up tight now. Last a those still breathin' woulda been tossed out in the snow hours back. Won't be no one there til tonight, includin' those two."
And with that, you finally have a bead on where to find Runa and Hjort. Though you might have to wait the day to do so.
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"We'd rather not have to punch or be punched, but we'll see how it goes when the time comes I suppose," Nella says with a wry smile. "Thorngrin, you've been a big help. Is there anything we can do for you in return? How much would it take to pay your way out of Trollheim and on your way to somewhere better?"
"Would take more luck then I've ever had." He says, with a sigh.
"Took near a year of pinchin' last time... And that was just to Kalsgard. Be there now if I hadn't gotten sick and lost it all." He forces another grin. "But to be honest, there's no better'n here.... just more ulfens and snow. But one step closer, right?"
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"I'd like to see you get to warmer lands like Varisia, I bet you'd love Sandpoint or Magnimar... Maybe even all the way to Absalom... I'd like to help you get there... perhaps when we leave to go home, we can take you with us. You might even decide you like traveling with us... maybe even become a pathfinder someday yourself. Considering what you've probably been through just surviving here, you've certainly got the stones for it."
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"We appreciate your help. If you need help getting passage to warmer lands, let us know. In the mean time get yourself something fresh and warm from the bakery here." Jones hands the gnome a couple gold.
Turning back to the group. "All right. Let's go check out this place and get to the bottom of all this."
Thorngrin smiles and nods at Wei Tchak's offer, though its more the response of someone being polite then someone thinking there's any real chance of any of that happening.
"Well, whoever you work for, doubt I got much to offer 'em." He adds. "But a ride'd be nice."
"Anyway, gotta go before my toes freeze off. The boots don't keep it out like they used to. You best be careful."
He takes Jones' offered coins with a surprised smile. "Well, that's super nice of ya." He says, then quickly scans around to make sure no one saw him get them, before squirreling the coins away.
"Maybe I'll get out of here before winter!" He says, cheerfully. "You think its cold now." He gives a strained laugh before wandering furtively off into the snowy streets.
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"Nella, I trust that you'll be able to help us find a way home. Even if it takes months of travel, I will be ok." Malusha pauses for a second, not sure if he should say what he's really thinking -- 'Besides, I can think of nothing better than spending months in your company.' But his shyness wins out and he simply says, "We are all friends. And we all enjoy each other's company."
After whiling away the remainder of the day to give the place time to open, you finally return to the section of the market where the Horned Helm supposedly is.
The peaceful serenity that the previous night's snowfall had created has long gone: tramped over by numerous ulfen feet and victim to many an ulfen broom. Still, Thorngrin's directions were quite precise, and lead you to a rather nondescript side street in a rather run-down section of town. But once there, you see nothing that looks like a tavern or other public house... just tall, sturdy buildings on either side, looming ominously in the predusk light.
After a couple of minutes of moving up and down the street trying to figure out if the directions were off or not, there is a sudden crash as a door you did not even realize was there is thrown open, and a cacophony of sound bursts out into the quiet street. A couple of big surly-looking ulfens step out hauling a third and toss him unceremoniously out into the icy street laughing. They then go back inside closing the door behind them. The street goes quiet once more, apparently the walls are quite impervious to the noises within.
The man does not move from where he hit the ground.
You can only guess this is the place you want, though you see no signs or indications of it from the outside at all. Clearly not an upscale establishment.
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"Hoo boy...this is going to be fun," Nella sighs as she bends down to make sure the man the bouncers tossed out is at least still breathing. "Hopefully if we don't act too threatening but not too nervous we can skate through this without much trouble. Though some music might not hurt either," she nods at Phoebee.
The man is still breathing and reeks of alcohol. One eye is swelling shut and there is a small trickle of blood running down the back of his neck. Looks like someone hit him over the head with something. He's down for the count.