Haltani looks surprised at Jawhar's allegation, I've said nothing of who you are good-man Dhakir. Her expression is one of disappointment. Any conclusions that, Master Radburn has made, have been without my council. Otherwise, I would have said much the same as you just yourself about assumptions...hmmph!. Haltani's eyes burn with anger, darting back and forth between Ake Radburn and Jawhar. For his part Ake's eyes study the floor of the Yurt for a moment before he says, I'm sorry Mr. Dhakir his eyes are worried as he hurries to add, and to you to Mistress Haltani! I should known my place and minded my own business.
Ake begins to rise and make for the Yurt flap. Well I'll be seeing to me own business. Mr. Jawhar we're still a day and a half away from Whitethrone. I'd advise you just to stay with us and we'll attempt to smuggle you in the city by hiding you and your friends inside the folds of the Yurts. If they're in a good mood the guards will look the other way. Lots of merchants enter Whitethrone on a daily basis. he looks closely at Jawhar, and see's that Jawhar might want more information so he continues. If you do insist on going in by yourselves, we're heading strait for the east gate. There's also a gate in the north and the harbor. Other than that, there's no way to enter the city except, through the breach in the Howlings, and I would avoid that at all cost! The breach is where the winter wolves and other things worse, move in and out of the city! Unless you know their rules and pay their bribes...well I just wouldn't try.
Ake looks around the room and says, Again I meant no offense. What a man or woman's business is, is for them to share. I shouldn't have intruded. But, please don't let my rudeness cause you to fly to danger. The best way to get in the city is, to be a merchant or be smuggled in by a merchant. Ake bows low and finishes by saying. I'd be happy to be of service if you require me. Mistress Haltani, has giving me and my troupe a good profit and I feel indebted to her. However, if you must make your way in to the city alone, please travel with us one more day. You have little shelter of your own and the distance will take three times as long on foot, even with snow shoes. After receiving an answer, Ake excuses himself and bids the party good night.
Haltani, likewise rises and says, I think I'll bunk with some of the others tonight. I'm not sure I'm trusted in present company. I know you did not appreciate my initial deception when we first met; but, I thought I had made it clear that, there was good reason for my deception...part of that being for you're own protection. Haltani sighs. Just so we're clear. I told Ake nothing of your business. Perhaps all the trading and such around Dalun for this exchange faction has taken a life of its own. Gods know rumors abound that Pathfinders have visited Dalun and that I..I mean Haltani, was the one that escorted them. She looks at the group as a whole and shakes her head. I don't know what I've done to earn such distrust. I've made arrangements twice now at behest of the Pathfinders to escort their agents deep in to my homeland where they are not welcome. Haltani crosses her arms in defiance. And I thought my own people were, the overly suspicious and un-forgiving! Haltani stomps her foot and throws open the flap to the Yurt, marching off into the frigid Irrisen night towards the nearest Yurt.
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Jawhar will kneel before Haltani and bow his head.
"Mistress, I believe you have misunderstood my reprimand. I had intended to rebuke Mister Ake for putting your well being in danger with his careless words.
Why would I think that you would knowingly put yourself in danger?
I humbly beg your forgiveness for any miscommunication. It was mine own error."
Jawhar will kneel before Haltani and bow his head.
"Mistress, I believe you have misunderstood my reprimand. I had intended to rebuke Mister Ake for putting your well being in danger with his careless words.
Why would I think that you would knowingly put yourself in danger?
I humbly beg your forgiveness for any miscommunication. It was mine own error."
Shocked a little by Jawhar's gesture, Haltani pauses for a moment as she exits the Yurt. The cold wind violently slaps the flap against the outside of the thick tent and a freezing wind that can even be felt through your protective magics cuts into the interior of your abode. It's alright Jawhar, perhaps it is my own paranoia that, produces such thoughts. I will rest with the others tonight. In the morning we shall set off under a new sun..eh? Haltani, makes a polite gesture of apology in the traditional manor of the Jadwigga and departs.
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Jamir watches and listens to this all in silence. Once Ake and Haltani have left the tent, he breathes a sigh of relief.
"Yet another reason to detest this land! A simple misunderstanding between friends may quickly lead to enslavement or death."
He stretches out his shoulders, and begins a series of calisthenics on the floor of the yurt, although there is not really room for it. After a minute, his customary grin creeps back onto his face.
"My friends, I believe we are nearing our target. Are there any plans we should make before we enter the fabled and feared capital of the Witch Queens? Lia, Craggark, do either of you know anything about Whitethrone that would be useful? Is our unnervingly astute caravan master correct about the relative merits of the available entrances to the city?"
Jamir walks casually through the camp, checking on the guards, and looking for Ake. At the first opportunity to speak with him alone, he says:
"Ake, you told us earlier this evening that you had a suspicion about my friends and me. I am not suggesting that your suspicion is correct, but if it were, would it change anything? Is there anything you would ask of us, if we were who you think we are?"
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Having been silent for much of the trip, other than the occasional conversation with her friends, Analia chimes in with a comment after Haltani leaves and Jamir breaks his silence. "It seems that the less said among this caravan, the better. There certainly won't be need for deception to show a dispirited demeanor, what with the feeling of oppression that seems to leak from the very land itself."
She moves closer to Craggark, taking his hand gently and pressing it between both of hers.
"Before we plan to enter, it might smart to prepare with endure elements in case we encounter a sudden temperature drop that even our cold weather gear wouldn't protect against." she cautions.
A combination of business dealings and an acute ear for overhearing (and remembering) details of a place has Craggark in the unique position of knowing quite a lot about Whitethrone. First among those things is: Craggark can confirm that there are only a few ways to enter the city.
1. Over the walls (smooth granite covered in ice 40ft tall with regular patrols on the battlements)
2. The Harbor (you could try to jump the ice flows but falling into the icy water is almost certain death even with magical protection; also this area is also heavily watch because the queen's castle is located on an island in the harbor)
3. Through the gap in the walls in to the Howlings district. (If your comfortable dealing with evil monsters and their impluses..this might be a choice)
4. Through one of the gates. This will certainly involve delicate diplomacy and or subterfuge. Hiding in a merchants goods will work well if the merchant has paid his bribes faithfully. Impersonating a merchant might be an option. Going in as a foreign merchant will bring some suspicion and require you to register at the local magistrates office within a day. Going in as a foreigner with no business connections or passes is just suicide. (note you have Runa's pass but, it's likely that will only work for one of you...and Runa is a decisively feminine name in common); Anyway , your approach, using this method; will be contingent upon, winning the guards trust (even before offering them a bribe).
Besides confirming what Ake has already told you about entering Whitethrone, Craggark can pretty much some up, the basics of the city and give you a rough outline of it's districts ect..Whitethrone.
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"Lia, you should have that Whitethrone city pass for Runa White," Craggark suggests as the group moves closer to the city proper. "It's a perfect ruse; you look like someone named 'White', and that pass will let you travel unfettered all over the city if you need to. You should secret it away now." the half-orc suggests.
Craggark shares the majority of what he knows of Whitethrone.
"I think we get 'smuggled' into the city. That's probably the best way in. Hopefully Ake and his band do a decent job of paying their bribes. I can make sure that they have some extra gold to pay the bribes."
Assuming that the group agrees, Craggark moves to find Ake chatting with Jamir.
"Hey, Ake." The frostkin lowers his voice and hands the Irriseni a bundle of coins tied up in burlap. "Make certain that your goods are searched real well by the Whitethrone guards, eh? We wouldn't want anyone found smuggled into the town. Perhaps the guards find that bundle instead, yeah?" With a finger on the side of his nose, Craggark winks and walks away with Jamir.
(to Jamir)"Do you think Ake understood what I'm on about?"
Craggark then sets about finding the most comfortable place to smuggle himself into town, hopefully while nestled close to Lia.
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"Thank you." Lia says to Craggark, with a demure smile. "I'll take the pass, but just remember to call me Runa from now on. In case anyone calls me Lia just pass it off as a second name, Runa Lia White. Pass that information to the rest of the merchants however you need to."
She gathers ice and snow from the ground near her tent and eagerly begins to pat it into place. Eventually she makes it into a firm mound of ice nearly four feet in height. She even occasionally makes use of ray of frost in her efforts.
Once she is satisfied she has enough material, she begins to stroke and carve away bits and pieces of it, a smile growing on her lips as she works. She continues for some time, until finally she is left with her prize, a hidden gem in the formerly mundane frozen pile.
Just before pulling up camp and leaving to go inside the city Lia pulls her blue skinned friend aside, "Before we go in, I made something for the merchants, and that includes you Craggark. It's just behind the tent." she leads him outside to a small sculpture of ice and snow. It is in the shape of a key, the symbol of Abadar. "I hoped it would bring you all the fortunate eye of your god, and perhaps help bolster the merchants at risk for helping us."
Lia then sets about finding the most comfortable place to smuggle herself into town, hopefully while nestled close to Craggark.
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Jawhar dislikes the need for deception and grumbles to himself throughout the planning.
"Bribing the guards is fine. Hiding in the baggage is fine. I'm not sure why posing as Runa isn't enough. She was obviously going to arrive with compatriots wasn't she?
Whatever gets us in without fighting with the guards, I will go along with."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"I am glad you approve." Lia replies to Craggark, smiling happily.
Her smile soon fades, to be replaced with a more concerned look as she comments, "Poor Jawar. He seems so uncomfortable with all this."
She starts to head back to the others and on the way she continues, "He is a kind soul and I worry that your, creative solutions, have him wrestling with himself. He grumbled enough in there to make that plain for all to see."
Once back with the rest of the group she asks, "I think we all agree that the best way in is to avoid violence. My question to you is that since I have the pass, should I go in openly or hide like the rest of you? I don't have any skill with deceit, as that was never needed with my family."
The next day before camp breaks and sets off towards Whitethrone, two sleds escorted by a large Winterwolf stop in your camp as your busy packing up yurts. Haltani, and Ake greet the visitors and several glances are thrown your way as the a Irrisen woman clearly in charge motions towards your area of the camp as the Winter Wolf sniffs the air and paces about near her sleds. After a few minutes they leave your camp apparently heading to Whitethrone as well.
When Haltani returns to your group, there is no mistaking the worried look on her face. When questioned about why she's worried she's reluctant to say only that, They're from the Verge, my aunt's territory. I've no love or trust for most of the residents there but, merchants travel to Whitethrone from all provinces...I suspect, I just worry too much.
The rest of the day is un-eventful you set up camp without incident and Ake drops by your yurt. Tomorrow we will head into Whitethrone. We should be there by mid-morning. Please make yourselves comfortable tonight and get some rest. Tomorrow will be cramped and un-comfortable until we're safely out of site in one of my colleagues store houses inside the walls of Whitethrone! Ake smiles as if the task were already completed. Ake stays a few more minutes giving directions on the importance of remaining quiet and other obvious instructions on how to remain stealthy and the importance of concealment. After, politely listening to his repetitive and un-necessary instructions Ake seems satisfied and takes his leave. Until the morning then my friends.
As Ake leaves, Haltani pays your yurt a visit. Her face is still creased with concern but, less so than earlier in the day. I just wanted to check on you all before we enter the walls tomorrow. She looks around at the group before her. Hope and worry share the same features on her face.
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"Yes, Haltani, I am sure you are being paranoid."
Jawhar brushes off her concerns. This entire country is evil incarnate, and you want to mention one particular source of evil that we should be worried about? I'm just hoping nobody casts Detect Good on our sleds...
"Now, Ake, once we are inside of the walls will we be permitted to walk about freely?
Will we need to somehow disguise our appearance? Will we need special papers in order to hire a room or purchase supplies?
In the extreme case of defense of our life will displays of magical ability cause any problems?
I have heard that many cities have strange customs that can cause problems for unwary travelers. Are there any you can think of that might crop up?
If approached by guards or monsters, what should out response be?
I know we have discussed these issues many time of the past several days, but it is always good to recap."
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Walking up from the side, Lia tugs lightly on Haltani's sleeve to get her attention. When the much taller woman takes notice, Lia smiles warmly, motioning for her to come closer.
Going to one knee, Haltani leans close and Lia whispers,
-Posted with Wayfinder
[dice=sense motive]1d20
Walking up from the side, Lia tugs lightly on Haltani's sleeve to get her attention. When the much taller woman takes notice, Lia smiles warmly, motioning for her to come closer.
Going to one knee, Haltani leans close and Lia whispers,** spoiler omitted **
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Craggark doesn't bother much with Haltani this morning; he's far more concerned for Lia.
"Now, Lia --- I mean, Runa, you can use this pass with the gate guards, but we will be right here, ready to spring out and assist if there's any trouble...hey, where ya going?" The frostkin calls confusedly after the gnome as she wanders away from him and over to Haltani.
Craggark turns to Jamir. "We're looking for this abandoned brewery on the Bone Road - that's one of the main roads in town. We'll have to be sly as we get in there. Getting out is another concern. Oh, and that stupid chest."
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"I cannot confirm your suspicions, my friend, primarily because to do so would put you in greater danger. In the land of the witch queens, your own uncertainty is the best protection, for you and my friends and me as well. But I also promise you this: My friends and I mean no harm to the people of Irrisen, and would help your people should the opportunity arise. We would be thankful for any reliable information that would come our way -- you are correct that such information may be valuable for our own goals and perhaps to further your own as well -- and I believe that the material rewards for providing such information are generally considered to be more than sufficient consideration for the effort expended, above and beyond the goodwill such efforts would engender."
"If by chance you come across any information regarding associates of the organization you mentioned who might be located in Irrisen, or threats to that organization, I might be very interested in being informed."
Jamir cannot read Haltani's expression, but as always, he is far quicker to place his trust in her than are the other Pathfinders.
"My lady, is it paranoia if there really are conspiracies against you? It may be that they were only merchants, as they appeared to be. But they might also be merchants in the servants of your aunt, quick to report anything out of the ordinary. Or they may be no merchants at all, but hunters of men, proceeding to Whitethrone in disguise as we are. We should increase the guard around the camp as a precaution. I myself will join the second watch, the darkest hours of the night."
"What advice do you have for us once we have entered the capital - any particular dangers to be wary of? Do you have contacts we should meet with? Do you have plans of your own that might benefit from our assistance?"
As an aside to Craggark, Jamir whispers, "There is nothing sadder than an abandoned brewery! Such wasted potential!" He snorts at the mention of the chest. "We should have tried harder to bring the Nag."
"I can see how worried you are. More so than you are letting on. Please, share what you are thinking. It could be important.
Her reply is prompt however, It's nothing Analia...at least nothing any of us could do anything about if....um never mind...it's just my suspicious mind running amok again! Haltani's laugh is nervous and forced.
If by chance you come across any information regarding associates of the organization you mentioned who might be located in Irrisen, or threats to that organization, I might be very interested in being informed.
Ake again nods his head in genuine excitement and anticipation. Of coarse swordsman Motajay, I'd be happy to warn the Path..er ..um..I mean your organization of any danger or rivals...that and a lot more!..Um er, but, I has one favor to ask. He pauses for a moment to make sure he has Jamir's attention. Me sister, she's a widow, I'm her only provider..if anything were to happen to me...she'd have nobody. If I do this thing for you promise my sister will be taken care of? Maybe even she could go see some place that there's no snow...she'd like that, I think..
Now, Ake, once we are inside of the walls will we be permitted to walk about freely?
It's best if you keep as low profile as possible until we take you to the brewery under cover of darkness; me be thinking Haltani nods in concurrence.
Will we need to somehow disguise our appearance? Will we need special papers in order to hire a room or purchase supplies?
Agian, don't think you should be about, might raise suspicion, if ya give me a list I might be able to pick up a few things without many noticing
In the extreme case of defense of our life will displays of magical ability cause any problems?
If you're life is on the line, Ake aint' going to be the one to tell ya how to fight!
I have heard that many cities have strange customs that can cause problems for unwary travelers. Are there any you can think of that might crop up?
Everything, is strange in Whitethrone. Best to keep your mind focused on the dangers of whatever mission you're on. All I can do is get you close to where you need to be.
If approached by guards or monsters, what should out response be?
Best to be deferential and try and get on their nice side before offering them a bribe, cause they're sure to recognize you as foreigners..and without the proper documentation..Ake lets the last ominous warning linger without further explanation.
I know we have discussed these issues many time of the past several days, but it is always good to recap
It's always best to go over a plan and be on the same page as your team-mates! Ake shoots Jamir a quick wink.
"My lady, is it paranoia if there really are conspiracies against you? It may be that they were only merchants, as they appeared to be. But they might also be merchants in the servants of your aunt, quick to report anything out of the ordinary. Or they may be no merchants at all, but hunters of men, proceeding to Whitethrone in disguise as we are. We should increase the guard around the camp as a precaution. I myself will join the second watch, the darkest hours of the night."
"What advice do you have for us once we have entered the capital - any particular dangers to be wary of? Do you have contacts we should meet with? Do you have plans of your own that might benefit from our assistance?"
Haltani strains under a forced smile, I'm sure you're right Jamir, there's no cause to worry. I'm seeing ghost where there are none. As to how to proceed once inside the city walls..I believe goodman Ake has done a sufficient job of preparing you.*yawn* Haltani covers her mouth to stifle another yawn. I'll take my leave of you then, until the morning. Ake, likewise bids you goodnight and you're left alone in your Yurt for the night. Whitethrone only a few hours away by sled.
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Ake again nods his head in genuine excitement and anticipation. Of coarse swordsman Motajay, I'd be happy to warn the Path..er ..um..I mean your organization of any danger or rivals...that and a lot more!..Um er, but, I has one favor to ask. He pauses for a moment to make sure he has Jamir's attention. Me sister, she's a widow, I'm her only provider..if anything were to happen to me...she'd have nobody. If I do this thing for you promise my sister will be taken care of? Maybe even she could go see some place that there's no snow...she'd like that, I think..
"Aye, friend Ake. That I can promise." Jamir clasps the merchant's hand in his own, intending to fulfill his promise from his own purse if Venture Captain Benarry decides he has overstepped his authority.
Back at the yurt, once there is an opportunity to speak with the other Pathfinders alone (either before or after the discussion with Haltani in the post above), Jamir tells the group about his discussion with Ake.
You settle comfortable, in your Yurts for the night. Some of you even take turns, in the dark hours of the night, to keep watch. The wind howls all night. There's a sense of unease and tension building. Finally, you all drift off to sleep; dawn only an hour away. It seems only moments after you laid your head down, that Haltani/Uliyara comes busting through the tent flap. Several of you grab for weapons but, none of you relax. Haltani is frantic. Quick!! Arrise gather your things! We've been betrayed! Several of you start throwing questions at Haltani, all at once but, she brokers no nonsense. If you value your lives, flee now! Go first south toward the lake and then to the city! You won't last more than a day or two in the wilderness, so despite everything..you must flee towards Whitethrone!
Haltani, starts helping you pack and put on your armors. While you have a minute she explains that, she thought she recognized something about the woman merchant from the Verge but, dismissed it when she couldn't recall. Now she regrets her error! It wasn't the woman she recognized or had seen before, but the . The wolf was familiar because she had seen her son recently; in fact you all had...the Winter Wolf was Marvory mother of Rigory the Winter Wolf you all fought outside Dalun.
Marvory seeks vengeance for her son! She will stop at nothing short of your deaths and she brings a small army of Winter Wolves and Ice Tolls from Whitethrone, to aid her. Flee!! flee now! I'll try to care for the others as best I can and meet you near the brewery in Whitethrone when I've thrown off pursuit! Haltani/Uliyara's words are painful but, ring true. To stay is to die. As you peek out of the Yurt you can see a rumbling cloud of snow fast approaching your camp. Tall bluish figures are are in the middle while large white canines lead the charge. The men of the camp grab at spears, torches, and bows. Ake shouts out, flee!!! flee! for your lives or it was all for not!....remember my sister goodman Montajay! with that, Ake hefts his great axe and moves towards his men to meet the intruders.
Haltani says only this, as she slips out of the Yurt and begins to sing a song of encouragement, to Ake and his men. Don't let them die in vain Pathfinders! Complete your mission.. Haltani begins to sing and moves toward the others defending the camp. Torn and desperate..all of you struggle one way or another, with the agonizing decision to leave...... You are Pathfinders first and friends second...and the mission always takes priority. For most of you, this is the only solace you have, as you flee and leave your friends and/or traveling companions, to die.
You travel desperately. Following Haltani's instructions. Your brave comrades must have fought well. As you travel into the afternoon; you fail to hear the howls and growling pursuit, of those who hunt you. It would have only been a 3 hour trip to Whitethrone by sled, according to Ake. But, even with snow shoes, it takes you until late afternoon to reach the walls. Your group is about 50 yards away from the East wall and 400 feet north of the east gate. You're concealed by a large snow bank. Sunset is one hour away and the gates will close at night. Sporadic traffic, travels along the trade road leading to the east gate.
A biting wind blows from the north and snow blows in blinding drifts amid numbing fog. The bone-white walls of Whitethrone, capital of Irrisen and home of Baba Yaga’s white witch daughters, rises into the frigid northern night. Somewhere within is the Shadow Lodge headquarters hinted at in Trollheim where the poor historian Rognvald Skagni is being held. Reaching this point was a difficult challenge, but gaining entry into the city itself presents the greatest obstacle yet.
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Craggark makes his egress silently, saving the majority of his energy to ensure his friends' safety. Nearing the walls of Whitethrone, he pulls up.
"It looks like we'll need to make use of your letter, Madame Runa." Seeing Lia's pained expression, Craggark spontaneously hugs the icy maiden to his chest. "Shhhh...don't cry. It's ok, it's ok..."
He suddenly looks around. "Who's got that blasted chest?"
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"I've been carrying the blasted thing for the past three miles."
Plopping the chest on the ground, Jawhar takes a seat.
"I agree with Craggark, it is time to try the letter.
The play should be fairly straight forward. Runa will act imperious and aloof, while her herald...", here Jawhar indicates Jamir,
"...announces her presence and shows the letter and passes along a small gift for the guard's trouble. Meanwhile, her bodyguard...", signaling Craggark, "...and porter, stand by and look disinterested.
Seems pretty straightforward, I think. Nobles, and people operating on their authority should be fairly simple to emulate."
Touch of Glory for everyone (+1 to a Cha attempt for 1 hour).
Preparatory AA roll:
* Sigh... wasted roll
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Shuddering uncontrollably, Lia chokes back her sobs with the help of Craggark's embrace.
"I...I can do this. For Ake and Haltani, and all the rest."
With one last heavy sigh, she wipes the frost from under her eyes and straightens her stance, throwing her head back in her best imitation of an imperious manner.
"How is this?" she asks the group.
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This is no way to begin a rescue!
Jamir, Lia, and Torvald struggle through snowdrifts that threaten to engulf them even with their snowshoes, until they are within sight of the city gates. When they stop to rest and get their stories straight, Jamir gratefully drops his pack and stretches.
"Well said, Jawhar. I think I can manage being a herald well enough, my friend."
Jamir turns to Lia. "May I have the letter, Miss Runa? So that I may present it to the guards, along with the customary gratuity?"
He pulls 2 pp out of his belt pouch and palms it for when they reach the guard.
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As the party finishes up their plans for entrance, they begin heading to the gate, looking for other last minute travelers to join in with.
Lia, shakes herself one more time, settling in to her role of Runa White. She hands the note to Jamir, thankful for his introduction.
Keep it aloof, but be serious if pressed. she thinks to herself.
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Before he begins to make his way to the gate, Jamir hands his new wand of Speak Local Language to Lia so she may quickly - if temporarily - teach him Skald.
"I don't want to have to try to find a guard who happens to speak Common!"
Turning to Jamir, he asked, "My friend, would you please lend me a bit of Sarenrae's guidance? This new armor makes me a bit clumsy, and I could use the assistance if I am to pass a few coins to one of the guards unobserved by his fellows."
Jamir approaches the gate. He does not have to try too hard to appear exhausted and relieved to be out of the wind, even for a moment, in the shelter of the enormous ice wall. He approaches the nearest guard, and holds out Runa's documentation for inspection.
"A good evening to you, sir! Mere words cannot express my mistress's delight at finally arriving beneath the walls of this glowing capital once again!"
As the guard inspects the papers, Jamir prattles on, brushing the snow from his hat and cloak as he does.
"'Twas a a perilous journey, and close indeed did we come to never seeing the fair walls of Whitethrone ever more! We were beset by bandits, sir, can you believe it? Bandits on the road, not two hours from this very gate! Dozens of them, screaming and howling like demons of the Abyss! They attacked our small caravan, slaughtered the dogs, and rapidly overwhelmed our guards! My mistress, wise as always, commanded our small band to retreat with her, and we have - at last - made our way here, to Whitethrone's welcoming embrace."
Jamir quickly loses count of the times he has to swallow to prevent the bile from rising in his throat at pretending to be servile and a coward, but he manages it.
Dropping his voice so that only the guard he is talking with can hear him, he adds, "I realize, sir, that my mistress's name may not be immediately familiar to you. But she has had a difficult day and has a bit of a temper, which she sometimes takes out on those of us who are closest to her. It would be a kindness, sir, to my mistress - and to me and to her other servants - if you might greet her and welcome her to the capital in a manner that suggests her name - and her power - is well known to you?"
He sidles forward and attempts to slip the two platinum coins into the guard's hand, unobserved by any watching eyes.
Torvald approaches the huge walls and waiting guards with trepidation. The sun is just barely hanging above the horizon as the group approaches the massive eastern gate. It appears, one of the gates has already been shuttered in anticipation of the oncoming night. What appears to be a group of peasants with carts waits just in front of you waiting to granted entrance in to the city. Your party, decided to follow these peasants at a distance when you cut back to the road and approached the gate from the east. The peasants seemed the least likely to take notice or alert the authorities that your party "suddenly appeared."
After a short wait in which the peasants in front of you are questioned and some documents are examined, it's your group's turn to step forward and present themselves. The wind has picked up and the temperature is dropping. The guards seem resentful that they must stay in the chilling wind for a few more moments. The main detachment marches off to somewhere inside the city after shuttering the remaining gate so that only a horse width gap remains to let your group pass if you're admitted entrance. The remaining three guards look impatient and irritated as a young corporal ushers your group forward.
Torvald shifts his feet uncomfortably and adjust his grip on the heavy chest that he his holding with Jawhar. *whisper* here, we go.. Torvald says under his breath to Jawhar, just as the corporal speaks.
Who are you and what's your business in Whitethrone!? Says an irritated guardsman while his two companions look at your group inquisitively.
An exchange is quickly passed between Jamir and the young corporal. He examines Runa's documents closely and nods his head in acceptance. He seems un-caring about the group's troubles on the road but, seems to accept their story, at face value. He gladly accepts the bribe and quickly ushers the party through the gates as his companions motion to several guardsmen standing on the battlements far above the gates, the apparent all clear sign.
Being, you're foreign merchants, you'll need to report to Iron Barracks, to get a licence to trade in the city. One of the other guardsmen hands the corporal a ledger with a charcoal pen tied to the spine. The corporal nods his thanks and reluctantly peels off his right glove, exposing his hand to the weather, in order to write in the ledger. I'll need to know your names,nationalities, the nature of your merchant business, and how long do you intend to stay?
Torvald sets the chest down while the guard opens the ledger. He slides inconspicuously closer to Jamir,*whisper*Perhaps it's better you speak for me. I can never keep a strait face when intrigue is involved Torvald's expression is somewhat doleful, as he paces back to the chest an obediently hefts it again.
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The rigors of the trip, the death of their travelling companions, even the stress of the mission itself, all combine with the current bitter cold to wear Lia down. Her spirit fights on, even as her body gives in. She knows she must find warmth, or suffer greater fatigue.
She surveys the situation, doing her best to look imperious and aloof, letting Jamir do the talking unless she is directly addressed.
[dice=Fort vs cold]1d20 + 8
the corporal speaks common
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Rule 1: lie about everything, even in small ways. Spread misinformation everywhere, especially about yourself.
"Jamie, sir, Jamie Montegue. Formerly of Taldor, now - as my large blue colleague says - with our mistress. And the dwarf is Torvald Stormflask, formerly of some horrid cave in the mountains somewhere. He does not speak much, but he can lift heavy things, and can practically sniff the gold right out of your pocket."
Jamir cranes his neck to see what the corporal is writing.
"I beg your pardon, sir, but that's 'Montegue,' with two e's."
The corporal brushes jamir's hand away as Jamir points to the ledger. He seems tired and cold from, a long day standing sentry. Alright, alright, two e's got it! He says exasperated. The corporal sighs and finishes entering the names in to the ledger. Above you you can here a the cranking of a great winch, as a massive iron bar settles into the brackets bracing both of the eastern doors to Whitethrone. Whether you like it or not, it appears you will be staying the night in Baba Yaga's capital.
The guardsmen finish up their duties and the corporal turns to address the party. You're still here? It's getting dark, [/b] he looks up and down at your party taking in your clothes. The merchant district is toward the center of town. That will be your best bet for finding a suitable inn. Oh and don't forget to check in with the Iron Barracks, they check the gate logs once an evening...you wouldn't want to spend a night it their dungeons!har!
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As they file through the gate, Lia watches to see where other people coming through seem to be going, looking for the Iron Barracks.
Once clear of the guard station, and reasonably clear of any onlookers, Lia asks Jawar, "May I have the wand? The chill has set in under my skin and I'm afraid I'll be a burden otherwise."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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As the party trudges up the street in the vague direction of the merchant district, Jawhar softly speaks to the rest of the group.
"That went better than expected. Hopefully that won't mean that there is a winter wolf following our trails at this very moment.
We're not actually going to go to the Iron Barracks, are we? I say straight to the brewery. Get in and get out as fast as humanly possible. If we have to stay in this town more than a night, I think we might as well just announce our purpose to Queen Elvanna right now."
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"Runa, please hang onto the wand of Speak Local Language, and use it on Jawhar and me whenever it seems appropriate. The quartermaster on the Grinning Pixie told me that it only lasts for 10 minutes per casting, so we will need a fresh charge anytime we are going to have to speak with the locals."
Jamir waits for Craggark's explanation of the "Iron Barracks" before giving his opinion on how they should proceed.
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"Thank you Mr. Montegue, with two e's. I will do that very thing. I appreciate your wisdom." her voice and manners remain in character, though her eyes show nothing but friendship to Jamir.
She stows the wand of speak local language in her pack and then waits for Craggark to finish his explanation before saying anything further.