The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead. As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman’s escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
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It was his first mission in Her name. He had grown up in a tribal cult of Sarenrae that brooked no heresy. He had trained in the monastery of the Dawnflower, day and night, hoping for the blessing to become Her right arm, the Sword of the Sun, that cut through Her enemies and those that practiced the Dark Arts. Finally, Her gift of fire was bestowed on him, and he knew his training was complete.
The brothers had sent him here. To this sleepy village across the border in hated Taldan, where strange weather phenomenon had the elders worried that witchcraft was afoot.
Certainly, when he had left the plains of Qadira, it had been full summer, the Dawnflower's Gift searing his eyes and the heat of the steppes filling his lungs as he walked. As he drew closer to Heldren, the weather had changed. A cool north wind blew, and not long ago, sleet had begun to fall. The temperature dropping sharply just in the last mile or so.
Wrapping his summer cloak around him to keep the wind off as best he could, Hassan crested the last hill and looked down on the sleepy village. It looked peaceful enough, he saw no soldiers or the feared Taldan Horse, but he knew well enough that appearances could be deceiving. "Black evil lurked in the prettiest hearts, he had been taught. He meant to not be fooled on his first mission, so he would trust no one.
As he strode into the crossroads, he saw what appeared to be a tavern, and hefting his pack, he entered, unsure of the welcome one from his land would have in this place.
Sweaty leather adheres to Sven's back as if it were his own skin, as the tattooed northerner tries to brush red strands of hair from his eyes. They too cling to his square face from the perspiration, and the man's fiery beard turns his neck into a swamp. The young woman up ahead turns around suspiciously to note the giant who follows her. In response, Sven quickly looks to the skies as if something there furiously demanded his attention. It's less than subtle.
The Völva (Witch) had made it quite clear that Sven's path lay far to the south, in the lands of Taldor. A winter was coming, and with it would come the barbarian's opportunity at glory. But this hardly seemed like winter at all. The snow on the ground was light, and Sven had stripped his furs long ago. It's a far cry from the frozen peaks of the northern stretches he loves so much. He hates feeling this warm, because when he's warm he sweats.
Fate is an interesting thing--sometimes the specifics are astounding, but often there's a lot of room for interpretation. Now in the southern reaches of Taldor, Sven has almost traversed the whole region without a single omen to direct him since he left the lands of Linnorm. No direction from the ravens, no dreams, not even a 'gut feeling'. The only note he had been given beyond the lands of Taldor itself, was to seek out a woman in blue. There have been several women wearing blue that the giant has come across. They've all proven rather less than helpful.
Again Sven stops abruptly, leaning on a creaking fence post as the woman up ahead steals another suspicious glance back at the bearded warrior. There's a hint of alarm on her face, and Sven can hardly blame her. He curses this weak winter, as well as the apparent silence of his fickle gods. He has grown quite frustrated with this new identity as one in constant pursuit of the fairer sex. It's a little bit desperate, and a whole lotta bit creepy. His pride stings.
But we don't choose our destiny. Our option is whether we will embrace it or not, and Sven has every intention of wrestling his glory from whatever path has been woven. He doubts that distant travels and humiliating interactions are anything more than the surface level struggles he'll face in doing so.
The northerner stares once again at the steely skies, trying to remain inconspicuous as the young woman ducks inside the inn. The blue trim of her dress trails for only a moment before disappearing past the threshold. Sven sighs again, resigning to the fact that he's likely walking into another awkward misunderstanding and likely brawl. But he's growing accustomed to that new reality.
It's Fate.
It has been some weeks now that Kirraak is on this village.
Under Lyza ministrations, his wounds healed, it took some time, but now he was again able to get to do his things. But the wings were never the same. Nothing Lyza did could fix then. At first he was angered, Kirraak wanted to vent his anger on the first person he saw, and he was bitter and cruel in his words to his companion. But he learned. It is easy to appear to care, and then it’s easy to fool and lie.
But that was some time ago. Now he knows better. It’s easy to convince then, to lie to then. But that is not the final goal. Living with the kreevar, he learned that they were not so different. Kirraak does not even know why he hates then. And it’s the same with the humans. They just hate, with no reason.
Now he wants to end this stupid war and hate. But to do that, he needs to be known.
He tried helping the village. Everyone knows his now, they still fear him, but now he has learned a little trust from then. Since saving the little one from the white bear. It’s good, but it’s still not enough. Kirraak needs something bigger, something that will make him known by everyone. And that’s why he is going now to the Inn.
Strange rumors and bitter cold. Deaths and missing persons. What more could he hope for?
And confident that his chance had finally come. He steps into the inn.
Merisiel had come to see her friend Svetlana she had return to her home town of Heldren. it was a trip she was actually looking forward to as her friend was going to get married.
During the weeks of travel she remembered fondly some childhood memories.
As the merchant that she was travelling with on the final stretch of the journey had dropped her at the entrance of town she looking forward to a hot bath and a meal at the only inn available in town.
The five of you have all come to Heldren for your own purposes but it seems fate has something a bit more in store for you. You all enter the Silver Stoat and are sitting quietly. Kirraak is getting more than his share of very odd looks, and the locals are staying away from the strange "bird man". Hassan is getting openly hostile looks but no one dares disturb the Quadiran. The others blend in decently enough and the talk around the tavern is full of rumor and portents for the unnatural snows.
Meri, just feeling tired and excited about finally arriving tries to sit in an empty table.
She will order a glass of wine and some food to go along with it as she listen in the different conversation.
she is wearing a travelers outfit and a heavy wool cloak
There must be something they can tell me, despite the fear they feel of me.
Kirraak will walk over the bartender, his broken wings not covered by the winter clothes.
"Krevaar I need something to drink and to eat. You know me now for some weeks. I know that it is not enough time to trust me, but trust Lyza. I live with her, if I was to do something bad to this village, she would be the first. But the is fine... and she trust me." I really want to think so.
After a few moments he continues "I've heard rumors about a strange cold in the forest, and that someone was attacked, last time that little one was almost eaten by the white bear, it was only because of me she is still alive. I would like to do something about this too. To help you. As thanks for letting me stay. And for Lyza, for taking care of me when I needed. What can you tell me about that?" he says in what he things is a trusting manner.
The barkeep warms up to you Kiraak, all smiles and friendship.
Oh! Lyza, yeah sure she's my mother's cousin! Any friend O' Lyza is a friend of mine! Shoulda said so from the beginning ya should of.
The barkeep a Taldan named Menander ponders your question a minute
I hear the Lady what was attacked her name was Argentea Malassene. She was traveling to Zimora from Oppora. The High Sentinals usually keep the darned bandits away, whatever caused the snow might have done for the Rangers of the Border Wood also. I also heard that Ole Teppen has a survivor from the attack. She's takin care of him at her place.
The bartender finishes by nodding towards a Quadiran sitting alone in the corner.
I bet it was one of those damned Quadiran bastards what messed up the weather!
Sven ducks slightly as he passes through the doorway and into the Inn's main room. The woman he had been following has already found a small group of friends, who she is whispering to frantically. They all look at the tattooed, bearded giant as he enters. One of the men, who was all resolve and adrenaline a moment ago is suddenly feeling a bit more diplomatic after laying eyes on the northerner. Sven tries not to smirk at this realization, but is thankful for it as he wasn't looking forward to defending against another "chivalrous gesture".
As his eyes adjust, however, Sven notices a young woman seated alone. Her manner is calm as she sips her wine, but the northerner is immediately gripped by the color of her pale blue skin.
Perhaps the 'woman in blue' has nothing to due with the color of clothing she wears.
With a sigh motivated equally by frustration and relief, he shrugs off the suspicious young lady he has spent the past 10 minutes trailing and crosses to take up a seat at the empty table with the Samsaran.
Scraping the empty chair across the floor to make room, then plopping down on the creaking chair, the wipes a few more stray locks of fiery hair from his perspiring brow. "Ye've been hard t'find." He blurts in Merisiel's direction, an optimistic smile beaming through his braided beard.
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Hassan does not hear the bartender disparage him and his countrymen as he is quite interested in teh blue skinned woman. "Perhaps she can tell us about the reported strange weather?"
Just as he is ready to go approach the woman, a large red-haired lout with a beard storms in and begins shouting at her, plopping down at her table.
Hassan still means to go speak with her, when another man shouts across the bar about the status of the Rangers of the Border Wood. Warned about these protectors, he pauses again waiting to hear the local gossip regarding the Sentinels.
Gancing up from her cup of wine her solid white eyes with no pupil or iris level with the man in front oh her as her blond almost white hair fall to each side of her face If i had know someone was actually looking for me I would have taken steps to make it harder to do so. her voice is cold but not threatening.
So now that you have found me what is it that you want? she ask with more warmth in her voice
Kirraak then tries to open his wings, causing a small commotion at the inn. "Thank you krevaar." After eating his meal, and seeing the other travelers in the place: The blue skinned woman, the red skinned giant, and a krevaar asking for new of the rangers, he will approach the ones that seens to have just got here, travelling.
The strix walked between the chairs with his head raised between his enormous, bedraggled black wings. This one was a juvenile, and male. Head to toe, it was the color of coal. Its eyes were enormous and eerily luminous, reflecting a green-violet iridescence in the bright hot light of the inn. There were no whites or pupils you can see, although it was difficult to be sure with the current light. Its ears were thin and sharp, lying flat against its skull. It went barefoot, its toes and fingers alike tipped with short translucent talons, and its clumsy pigeon-like gait suggested that it did not often find reason to walk upon the ground.
Above all, however, it was the strix's wings that commanded attention. Bent and broken, they still towered over the men in the inn. The feathers were a glossy, oily black, touched with a peacock shimmer like the plumage on a loon's throat. There was an undeniable grandeur to those wings, even as they were crippled.
"Are you travelers?" he says to the woman and the big one in taldane "Do you have any news about this cold? Or any news about the attacks on the road?" after a moment he continues "I am called Kirraak."
he shouts across the bar with a calm, warm voice: "Barkeep! What news of the Rangers? Nothing bad I hope!?"
The crowd quiets a bit at Gauthier's question, seems everyone wants to know the answer.
A short stocky middle-aged woman bustles out to deliver drinks to Gauthier's table.
Her name is Kale Garimos and she is wife to the barkeep Menander. She approaches Gauthier with respect as she recognizes him as nobility.
M'lord, no one has seen or heard from em since Dryden Kepp said he saw that giant Weasel. That mans always in his cups he is, probably made the story up. But he got one of them to come to town and told him his story. That was 5 days ago to be sure.
She places the drinks down, an ale called Three Devil Ale, and turns away quickly bustling back behind the bar.
Sven continues to beam that wide grin beneath his fiery beard, leaning back in the creaking chair so that he can keep the confident man who also took a seat in his peripheral.
If i had know someone was actually looking for me I would have taken steps to make it harder to do so. her voice is cold but not threatening.
So now that you have found me what is it that you want? she ask with more warmth in her voice
The giant leans forward quickly, a spark in his eyes--but seems to stall at the sudden revelation that he has no further information. He chuckles for a moment, just a quick burst of mirth before resuming his earlier reclined position as if the sudden burst had never happened. "What I want is glory." He smirks. "But this is as far as fate led me so far, to you. So I'm hoping you know the next step. Or perhaps your friend here?"
It was admittedly a poor pick-up line, mostly because the northerner intended no such thing.
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As Kale brings some drinks, Sven winks at the matron then raises the mug. He takes a moment first to breathe in the smell of the ale, closing his eyes to catch the nuances before taking a healthy swig of the amber liquid.
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Hassan considers the strange cast of characters coalescing at the table. "A blue skin woman, a bird-man, and a giant from the north. Not the most suitable of allies, but it seems they are as interested in the happenings in the woods as I. Perhaps they were sent to investigate from their people."
Taking a chance, he hesitatingly approaches the table where the Ulfen man is downing his ale heartily.
His voice little more than a whisper, and accented as befits his Eastern origin, Hassan speaks to the group at the table: "Pardon my boldness, friends, but it seems we have a similar interest. I am seeking the cause of this unusual weather in the woods, and it seems you are too? Between the missing Lady of Taldan, and the lost rangers, perhaps the storm bears closer investigation." He looks at Sven the most while making this interrogatory, clearly unsure of how to address the stranger looking folks at the table.
Draped in the customary dress of Qadira, the man stands out as an outsider even before you hear him speak. His is dusty and travel stained, but his eyes are clear and hard, unflinching as he speaks. A wicked scimitar is at his belt, and a holy symbol of Sarenrae, the Dawnflower, is around his neck.
Addressing Sven Well the next step. Indeed i do. Your path is challenge a Linnorm and then Glory shall be yours. she says with a smile
She then turn toward the strix
Travelers, indeed Kirraak, i am also wondering about this anomaly in the weather. As for your other question i just heard about it a couple minutes ago listening to people talk about it in this tavern
Merisiel turn her head toward the newcomer
i wouldn't go that far talking about interest but i would say that i am rather intrigued, alas i have other matters to attends to then going on a day trip inside the forest. I have seen snow before. As for how this storm came to be here is a possible explanation
Of course these don't last more than a few days.
Sven kicks up from his chair, suddenly furious that the gods would send him to the far reaches of the world only to be sent immediately back to the lands of the Linnorm. "I AM TO RETURN!?" He roars. His eyes are wide as his furious and confused gaze flashes between the mischevious witch, the confident druid, the feathered one, and the mysterious southerner. Then with another flash of revelation, the man's breathing slows and he narrows his eyes.
One red eyebrow begins to rise as he grows more suspicious of the accuracy of the woman's words. He suspects, perhaps, that her words were more dismissive than prophetic. He mulls over the desert-dweller's questions, then the blue woman's response.
"The Linnorm's time will come." Sven finally states in reply, grinning again but still standing over a toppled chair. He seems resolved to ignore the woman's words and focus instead on what he has already been told. "But for now, I think that there is still something here for me to follow. And you, despite your tricks and wile, are that key. So whatever 'matters to attend to' that you have..." with a resolute knod, "I will attend to as well."
Then back to Hassan, "That doesn't mean we don't still share similar interests. However, unless that missing Lady of Taldan is more blue than she," with a gesture toward Merisiel, "then my path must follow hers for the moment."
Seeing how serious the big ulfen became Merisiel looks at him anew I am curious as to how that came to be and what makes you think i am that key you are searching for. But we will talk about it later if you don't mind.
she thinks for a second before adding in a serious tone
When you say that you will attend to my matters as well does that mean you will follow me around? does that mean i have your word that you will protect me from harm ? she level her gaze at him. Her solid white eyes with no pupil or iris look straight at him.
Kirraak turns to the Quadiran and asks "Why they call you damned Quadiran bastard, and why would someone says you are the one responsable for this weather?"
After a while he says "I heard that among the krevaar if you want to know someone name, you should give yours first. Am I wrong in my belief?" Those are stranges. They do not seens to fear me.
I am curious as to how that came to be and what makes you think i am that key you are searching for. But we will talk about it later if you don't mind.
she thinks for a second before adding in a serious tone
When you say that you will attend to my matters as well does that mean you will follow me around? does that mean i have your word that you will protect me from harm ? she level her gaze at him. Her solid white eyes with no pupil or iris look straight at him.
Still towering over the table, Sven shrugs his shoulders. "You have my word that I will do exactly what has been woven for me. But for now, yes, this fate is with you. Why, do you plan, uh, rampete oppførsel?"
"And this bird, he is also with you, yes? Ravens are good luck."
She turns her head as to adress the quadiran.
so i take it you are interested in finding out if that lady of taldan can be rescued ?
She lowers her gaze at sven again as she says in a loud voice
So who else is also interested and what skill set do you bring to the table. her eyes did not leave sven's
Councillor Ionnia Teppen is the head of the Village Council.
Her home is nearby to the Silver Stoat.
Good to know sir, but can you track also? Since we could start at the point of the attack with the guard can privide with decent directions. she ask looking in his general direction.
Sven wheels to face the druid, his eyebrows raised and eyes wide with wonder. "WINTER IS YOUR PET!" It's more of an exclamation of surprise than a question.
Sven's eyes narrow as they had before when Merisiel told him to seek out a Linnorm. He's not sure if this is a similar trick. "If this is so..." He says in a much quieter tone, "then that would be an 'unusual winter'." The northerner slowly looks to the rest, mumbling to himself A woman in blue, a strange 'winter' in the lands of Taldor, and even a raven-- He grins wide again beneath his beard, confident that this is where he needs to be.
and what kind of companion is Winter Gauthier?
She eventually will turn her head toward the Quadiran
So follower of the Dawnflower what do you bring to the skill table? Some divine magic i would hope ?
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Hassan looks at the Strix curiously. "I am a stranger in this country, bird-man, and an enemy of many here. Though I have done them no harm, myself. You see, our lands have been at war for centuries, so local villagers may blame me or my people for many things. I can assure you, the Caliphate and Faith is as concerned about this strange weather as any lord of Taldan. That is why I am here. And you, feathered one,? I have not seen your kind before. Are there many like you in Taldan?"
To the blue-skinned lady: "I care little for the nobility of Taldan, but the Dawnflower see innocents protected and wrongs undone. If I can find this lost Lady or determine the whereabouts of the missing rangers while I investigate the strange phenomenon, all the better."
As she speaks of his divine blessings, he says:"I am Sarenrae's strong right arm, slaying Her enemies and defending Her Faith. She has blessed me with some ability to control her cleansing fire. I am no priest, but I am a vessel for Her in limited ways, perhaps bestowing Her blessings on you to heal or succor you should you prove worthy to Her." His eyes burn with a zealot's fire as he speaks. He calms a bit and asks in return:"And you, lady? Whom do you serve and what is your calling?"
Finally turning to Gauthier, Hassan nods gravely. "If there is one who has been in the winter, and survived he may have news of import to share with us. I, for one, would go see this man. Would you join me in questioning him?"
"Gauthier speaks true. Better go see this survivor than keep sharing pleasantries here. Chat all you want, the winter, the attacks are not going to stop because of that." he turn to Gauthier. "I understand your postion. The strix are not many, but humans and strix have a unexplained natural hate between then. I would see that ended." and with that he leave the inn, going looking for Ole Teppen.
I disagree Kirraak, before going anywhere and trying to do anything I care to see if there are the necessary skill to make this expedition viable. For this is what we know: A lady of taldan was abducted all of her guards killed save one. Strange creatures have been seen and harsh environmental conditions will be upon us.
she pause for a few seconds
So that means for this rescue attempt to be successful one needs: a few good capable sword arms, Someone who knows enough about surviving in the outdoors to guide these swords arms to their quarry and as combat will ensure at least someone that has access to healing magic.
she looks straight at him
so should the rescue party be missing any of those necessary skill well i don't need to spell it out now do i ?
she lowers her gaze and look at no one in particular
So sven fight, Gauthier is the survival expert, his dog can fight and track; Hassan can heal although he is no cleric, Kirraak hasn't said anything but looking at the type of weapons he has i would wadger that his can fight also. As for myself Arcane Might will be one day mine to command.
Her Gaze focus once again on sven
Now if you are all in agreement and are willing to fight for each other during this rescue then I agree that now is the time to go talk to this survivor
she grabs her cup still fixing her gaze intensly on sven
Well it does appear that you have found something
"Fate." Sven beams, standing tall as his leather stretches and crackles, raising the mug to his lips and quaffing the rest of the dark ale. "Well, fate and me."
He sets the empty tankard back on the table with a loud thunk, along with 5 coppers. One of them, however, he tosses inside the empty glass with a clink. "So then I take it we aren't staying long enough for another?"
The group heads to the home of Councillor Ionnia Teppen. After a few knocks she answers the door
Yes? Can't you see that I'm bus...
She trails off as she notices the motley collection of humanoids assembled in front of her, a blue skinned woman, a raven man, a fierce Ulfen, a damnable Quadiran and a noble.
Oh! Yes M'lord come in please. She eyes your companions nervously but seeing your ease with them she allows them entry as well.
This man sits up in bed and waves you closer. He is wounded and bandaged and obviously in pain, but his eyes widen a bit when he noticed Sven. He speaks in Skald at first but then switches to Taldan.
Hail, my name is Yuln Oerstag. I expect you come to hear of the Lady.
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Seeing the local councilor's expression upon seeing him, Hassan recognizes it will be best for him to take a back-seat here. He swallows his pride and that of his people, knowing that old wounds die hard.
As they are waved into the room with the wounded man, Hassan leans closer to hear the details of his story. He whispers a prayer to the Dawnflower for the man's health and recovery.
Speaking in his accented Common, Hassan answers the man:"We would hear of her, and what has happened in the Woods. We have heard stories of winter weather, but lack any first-hand account. Please tell your story, and spare no details."
Merisiel for the moment stayed in the background
they don't really need me for this, i can remain in the background.
"Jaja! Du ser forferdelig ut, bror! Selv om jeg er sikker på at det er fortsatt en forbedring." Sven bellows with laughter as he sees the man, recognizing a fellow native of the Lands of Linnorm and slapping the man heartily on the shoulder. "Jeg er her fordi nornene har sendt meg. Vel, og en seidkona ... men det var nyheten om denne "Vinter", som er grunnen til at jeg har kommet."
The barbarian narrows his eyes and leans in close enough for the man to smell the Three Devil Ale on his breath. "Nå har jeg vært føre til deg, noe som er bra. Og jeg frykter ikke det onde, så fortell meg bror: hvem er dette Zima Kosnulsya?"
I am here because the Fates have sent me. Well, and a witch... but there was news of this 'Winter', which is why I have come.
Now I have been lead to you, which is good. And I do not fear the evil, so tell me brother: who is this Zima Kosnulsya?
The strix will observe while going to the woman house, if there's anything out of normal in the way, mostly looking for threats after all that attack talk in the inn.
"Ole Teppen, I'm called Kirraak. You already know I've been living here with Lyza for some weeks now. The good krevaar at the inn told me about you and the one you are taking care of." he will pause for some moments and then continues "I know you have a lot of reasons to be concerned about my presence here, but I assure you I would help this village, if only to pay my debts to Lyza, for taking care of me. But if you would feel better, I can wait the others outside." says the strix.