I fly casual, but I don't LOOK like I am flying casual.
don't you mean you keep your distance, but don't LOOK like you're keeping your distance...by flying casual??
The mirror men appear to stare at Edward when he speaks, but his clever remarks give Kappi-Kathoolou an opening...
Diplomacy
Kappi-Kathoolou looks haughtily at Edward. Quiet! Know your place servant.
All suspicions assuaged, the mirror men shove the papers back in Ringeirr's hands and motion for the party to move on, a cold mechanical voice stating "public dancing remains strictly prohibited" as you pass.
Before you sprawls the stark, icy white of the city of Whitethrone.
"Well done everyone, especially you Kappi. You'll be an elder for your people someday!"
Once out of the Howlings and into the city of Whitethrone proper, Ringeirr reminds you discreetly that martial law has recently been declared in the city, making it even more dangerous than usual for foreigners to venture outside of the relatively safe Merchants' Quarter. Moving through the city without proper credentials would be a death sentence. But yer papers should suffice, he says in a low voice. Ye should be good.
The old fisherman guides you southward to the district called the Floes, heading for a small communal bathhouse catering to well-connected Ulfen just east of the Water Palace. With a knowing nod to the bathhouse attendant, Ringeirr heads downstairs and into the subterranean service tunnels connecting many of the nearby bathhouses, then throws a hidden catch near a blank wall which reveals a hidden door into the secret shrine of Milani. Welcome, he says quietly, to th' Heralds of Summer's Return.
The shrine itself is not very big, but there are living quarters for up to a dozen people, usually occupied by fugitives the Heralds help smuggle into or out of the city. There are no mirrors anywhere in the complex.
Ringeirr moves forward and embraces an Ulfen woman garbed in blue and red, then introduces her as Solveig Ayrdahl, the cleric of Milani who leads Whitethrone's cell of the Heralds of
Summer's Return. Ringeirr turns to the party and says, Ye can trust Solveig. I would, with my very life. Tell her yer tale, young'uns.
Now in relative safety, the rogue removes the rimepelt. He changes form from a blue eyed silver haired youth, to a somewhat gawky looking brown eyed and olive skinned Varisian youth. The lad bows deeply to the cleric. He pauses a bit too long, then realizing his mistake he tries to speak and just awkwardly blurts a few things out. Kappi... Ahhh uumm... Is my uuhhh. I mean umm. I mean my name is Kappi Matarito. . He extends his hand to Edward's shoulder. This is Edward, he should probably do the talking... . Kappi trails off not really sure how to step back out of the limelight and let their faceman take over. Running out of ideas, the lad simply bows deeply again and steps to the back of the party.
Kappi removes his head scarf and wipes the sweat away. All that talking their way through multiple guards and check points was more exhausting and stressful than disabling any 100 traps.
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Edward smiles at Kappi, and gives him a good hearty pat on the shoulder as he turns.
With the same genuine smile he extends his hand in greeting. He looks for any sign of her being married. Ms(Mrs.) Ayrdahl, It is very nice to meet you. Let me introduce the rest of us. Here we have the capable and beautiful Ali'yanah D'ohr'hein. Next is our northman Vojtek Wartooth, and yes his greatsword is as deadly as it looks. Here I present to you Davosh the Wanderer whom with his keen mind and arcane abilities serves his ancestors well. In fact if you are one of the lucky priests of Milani who do have memories of previous lives, Davosh would be a good person to talk to. Finally I am Edward W. Fell Paladin of Apsu, may he guide our travels, and I find it fitting and to meet one of the Everblooom's flock here in a city as oppressed as this.
We can get more in depth if you want, but long story short is that we are here to bring the return of Baba Yaga after meeting one of her riders and being quested to do so. To accomplish this we need her dancing hut, which I hear is located in the city. I'm hoping that we can help each other by completing this goal.
Davosh lets his own spell vanish, returning him to his normal weird self. "Indeed, our Edward speaks the truth. You have given us much, and I know we ask much in return, but such is the way of those who would come by their weird*. He is also correct, in that I am interested in all manner of knowledge, especially that which has come before."
One place where my interests intersect is in obscure heavy metal based on literature. The phrase "come by his weird" is a line from a Hawkwind song about the Eternal Champion, Elric of Melnibone. It's AWESOME music and 70s anti-Tolkien fantasy. Highly recommended.
Ali remains silent, but shows the priestess due respect with a deep bow.
Totally not! The author, the rather unfortunately named Michael Morecock, specifically hated the romanticism of Tolkein's work. He sought to make it's opposite. Whereas Aragon is the charismatic man who fights for his throne against the darkness, Elric is the antihero. He's an albino who loathes the throne and throws it away. He cavorts with all manner of unsavory types to find peace by fighting against law and order. The books are SO GOOD.
Vojtek initially simply nods, in accordance with his stoic nature.
He finds the proceedings interesting but doesn't quite know what to add until Davosh speaks of his love of knowledge, specifically knowledge of the past.
His seldom used voice starts as a croak, but Vojtek concurs with Davosh, I too am a seeker of knowledge, and all the knowledge I have comes from things that have already happened, just like my friend."
Vojtek pauses then goes on, "I seek The White, a fearsome dragon that obliterated my ancestral home on the tundra at the edge of the ice. I have also taken the quest as my companions told it.
Vojtek nods again, as though to indicate satisfaction at his monologue. He steps back and contemplates his surroundings.
Edward's gregarious nature puts Solveig at ease almost at once. She leads you to a table in a side room with chairs and bids you all to be seated as you tell your tale.
Solveig marks the appearance of the Black Rider with interest and nods. Aye, Queen Elvanna has put the Hut on display Whitethrone's Market Square, but a thick a thick forest teeming with strange creatures sprouted up around the hut almost overnight, and the market is now completely overgrown. She continues that the Winter Guard, under direction of one of the queen's great-great-granddaughters, a White Witch named Nazhena Vasilliovna, has cordoned off the entire Market Square. They have labored feverishly to cut down the forest, but so far they've only succeeded in halting the forest's spread through the entire Merchants' Quarter. Around the square itself, any trees cut down grow back the following morning. There be no way to get to the Hut without going through a small army, she says with a shake of her head, no matter how quiet ye are or how good ye papers be. She is quiet a moment, then breaks into a slight smile. Howe'er, I've an idea.
She tells you that the Heralds have made careful and tentative contact with the remains of the Iron Guard, the former military order loyal to Baba Yaga that Elvanna replaced with her own Winter Guard. Several of the Iron Guard's commanders survived Elvanna's purge and were driven underground, but they hunger for the chance to reclaim the city (and all of Irrisen) for its true mistress.
They dinnae trust us, she says, which isn't a surprise. But we don't much trust them either, so tha' makes it even. Consider us allies of convenience; we are no supporters of Baba Yaga, but Queen Elvanna is by far the more pressing evil, and removing from her from power is more important. 'sides, t'would be a telling blow against th' White Witches, hmm?
Now th' Iron Guard is just itchin' for an opportunity to launch a counterstrike against the Winter Guard; but Logrivich is the one thing stands in their way. Solveig leans forward for emphasis. But if he be removed, shall we say, I could maybe convince the Iron Guard that now is the time — and such an uprising would be sure to draw troops away from the Market Square, if ye take my meaning!
Vojtek pauses then goes on, "I seek The White, a fearsome dragon that obliterated my ancestral home on the tundra at the edge of the ice.
Indeed? Solveig's brow arches at the Northman. Fortuitous, then, that Logrivich be a white dragon.
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Edward subtly moves to in front of the door at the mention of the white dragon. He leans back against it.
A white dragon you say. Well for our barbarian friend I hope it is The White. If not, then we might have to question the dragon before hand.
A slight pause and a calming hand on Vojtek's shoulder. Don't worry Vojtek, we will get to the dragon, but going after one of those takes some planning. Now isn't the time to let our blood boil, let's listen and plan some before we do something brash.
Vojtek pauses then goes on, "I seek The White, a fearsome dragon that obliterated my ancestral home on the tundra at the edge of the ice.Indeed? Solveig's brow arches at the Northman. Fortuitous, then, that Logrivich be a white dragon.
Before Ed's diplomatic intervention, as soon as Ali hears about the White, she gasps sharply, and a slow smile spreads across her face as she meets eyes with Vojtek. No sh1t!!!
"Logrivich? Hmmmmm"
Does the name ring a bell for Davosh?
"Are ye asking us to kill this dragon?"
Kappi stood staring blankly at the mention of a forest that sprang up around the Hut overnight. "Wait a literal forest? Bark, leaves, pine needles FOREST?" The lad thought to himself. He was a bit behind the curve of the conversation now realizing they must deal with a dragon.
The lad sputters a bit Wait, Log Rich is a DRAGON?!! You want us to kill a fracking DRAGON?. The lad starts to retie his head scarf which the others have come to know is sort of a nervous behavior of Kappi. ...by the blessed teats of Desna I pray we can pull this off... he whispers to himself.
The quietest whisper you can detect, "ahhhh Desna's teets..."
Full volume (and maybe a little more), "It's okay lad, we will be like the heroes of the books and tale!"
His extensive knowledge of arcana and history reveals no knowledge of the name, lending some inclination that the dragon is still a young one, not renowned as of yet. That would fit with the idea of Logrivich as a deputy of the White Witches; most dragons do not take well to servitude.
Ooc- well Adam's reaction to all this: why don't we set up a lumber mill here in the market where there is apparently an infinite supply of trees that requires little or no hauling. Infinite money machine!
I just came off shift - I'll try to do a post this evening before work.
For now, Davosh shares nothing. "So what are we looking to do FIRST here?"
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Yes Kappi, she did say a dragon. It's good that your showing concern. This threat should be taken seriously, but be not afraid.
Solveig, unless anyone objects, we will help you get rid of Logrivich so the Iron guard can join the fight. But I need assurances that they will be there otherwise this might all be for naught. Do you what allied forces the dragon has with him? Any special resources that he has at his disposal?
So your saying that this forest sprang up after the hut was placed there. This might be good news. It seems the hut wants to protect itself, it might sense our bond with the rider and provide us easy passage to itself after we remove the winterguard and it's threat.
First things first I think we need to do a little shopping about town because our supplies are running thin. Could any of your agents pick up the stuff we need? Our papers are good, but the less we have to show them the better.
"A.... Dragon?"
Vojtek takes on an almost religious awe, mixed with an undertone of rage. He feels a sensation of fear, something to which he is unaccustomed.
As the conversation unfolds, the barbaric Northman engages excitedly in probing the woman for any information she might have. His questions are in-depth and thoughtful, which surprises his companions because he is usually quite taciturn.
Vojtek remains polite and respectful, but he lacks the self awareness to stop once he begins to become a bother.
Ooc- questions about appearance, age, history, etc in order to try to determine if this is indeed The White, or perhaps a creature of the same bloodline.
Solveig answers Vojtek's pointed questions with patience; she knows relatively little about Logrivich beyond what she has already shared, but willingly offers the shrine as a base of operations and shelter while the party is in Whitethrone, provided the party maintains a low profile. This includes using the contacts within the Heralds to procure goods and magic.
Does the party have at least one CLW's wand?
Our party Oradin does an amazing job with healing but it wouldnt hurt.
Yes one was purchased. When we met ringierre
Okay good
Ready.
Ready--Ali would loan Ed some cash. Have about 1000 available...
Ready--Ali would loan Ed some cash. Have about 1000 available...
Ali should craft up some CLW's wands in the future when we have down time. Those will always be useful.
Kappi would like a matching +1 sh sword on his other hip, belt of dex, vest of escape, googles of night. So he will save his coppers for now.
However, since he feels pretty obligated to Ed for all the healing and life saving. He would gladly be back lender with Ali. They could each give 675 gp for Ed to buy his new shoes.
Once everyone is ready, Solveig gives you directions trough the winding, twisting streets of Whitethrone to the clock tower that Logrivich has claimed as his lair. Ye shall face a horde of ice trolls there on your way, she warns. Solveig offers three potions of cure light wounds — 'fraid it's all we have t' spare — and a pair of skyrocket fireworks. Fire one o' these off when ye succeed, and we'll know to begin the attack on Market Square.
I have a personal request for ye, as a man of faith and honor, she says quietly. I confess there is more than just a greater good in this for me, for which I beg your pardon. With a deep breath, she continues. One of Logrivich's prisoners is...she is an opera singer from Kintargo named Bella Belvorica. I feel responsible for her plight; in a world that so thirsts for beauty, seems a crime t' have her be collateral damage in all of this. If ye can save her, bring her here to the Shrine of he Everbloom; I shall see that she makes it out of Whitethrone alive.
"Ice trolls! MWAHAHAHAHAHA"
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Sounds like we need some acid and fire to keep these trolls dead.
I'll adjust my spells accordingly.
Make a Sense Motive check.
Edward is certain that Bella is more than someone Solveig "used to know" — possibly quite a bit more. If this is so, he deduces that her feeling responsible for Bella's plight is likely because one came looking for the other.
Solveig doesn't expound beyond what she has said, but thanks you for your willingness to take on the charge and for your discretion.
Kappi also picks up 3 more molotov cocktails.
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Edward nods at her and is ready to continue.
Ok I'm ready when everyone else is lets get a scouting of the area and make our ingress.
Kappi hefts the alchemist fire flasks and tosses one high enough in the air bring a sense of panic. However, the Varisian lad catches it easily and gently. He looks to Edward in response. But we still get to burn stuff right?
Sovleig's directions to the Clock Tower take you within sight of the overgrown and well-guarded Market Square. You do not see the Dancing Hut, but that's probably because the conifers about the Square stand a good thirty feet tall each.
The Clock Tower itself looms some seventy feet high; one of its four faces (the one facing the interior of Whitethrone) appears to be missing, while its construction looks to be solid stone rather than ice.
As you approach, you can see a small courtyard outside behind a delicate-looking white picket fence. Close inspection reveals that the building material for this fence is bones of assorted sizes and shapes. Within, a single step leads to a landing and a recessed set of double doors to the north, while to the east and west stand two stone statues depicting two women in identical poses, reaching skyward as if to catch snowflakes. Neatly trimmed evergreen bushes surround the statues.
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Edward chuckles at the young Varasian, and then bemuses the fact that he isn't much older than Kappi. Yes Kappi I'm sure we will burn things. Apsu has no problem burning things that need burnt.
As we stroll by just getting the lay of the land. We stop at the next intersection looking for a quiet place to strategize.
So no ice trolls visible. That's worrisome. We either have bad Intel, or there is something else guarding the enterance. Those statue's were nice, wonder who they represent. It can't be that easy just to walk in the front door.
Davosh's attention is pulled from the trees to the statues at Edward's words. He looks them over and concludes that.... .
Meanwhile he has Liska do a little scouting:
Davosh combines his Local knowledge with Nobility and determines that these two are a previous Irriseni queen, Betyrina, and her oldest daughter Zivia. The two Jadwiga were well known for their work with clockworks and constructs; they together were responsible for the clock tower's erection in aeons past. Both are dressed as White Witches (robes, furs, wands, daggers, etc.).