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"This is the point where you need to realize that you made the decision to accompany us in peace, at least until treachery is made plain. A single boatload of your warriors, no matter how competent, would merely be slaughtered if you attack openly now. Bide, and observe. Things are not always as they seem. But, if you insist on open assault, allow us to distance ourselves from you so that we are not slaughtered along with you in the inevitable reprisal."
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Rogzul will cast endure elements on himself, and offer a scroll to any companion who would like one.
As Halvor speaks, Rogzul frowns, unable to tell his intentions.
He will remind him of the previous discussion they had about attacking and the results.
"You decided to come in peace. Are humans so determined to destroy that they do not keep their word?"
Halvor does not speak, but he moves his hand away from his axe. His warriors follow suit. He stands still, mouth agape as if he can't comprehend his own actions, as you pass by him and greet the guards. They cast a few divinations to scan for poisons or particularly potent or odious magic before welcoming you all into the city, albeit with the suggestion that Huron and Baloo stay on their best behavior and that Yakanzi treat himself to a bath.
The grey stone buildings of Dalun stand huddled together, as if the stonework was attempting to withstand the cold. Snowy cobblestone streets lead to a tall white spire in the center of town, its sharp point piercing the blue sky; an icy sheen covers the surface, glistening in the muted sunlight.
Colorfully dressed merchants stand out against the blue, grey and white clothing worn by the citizens of Irrisen, who trot through the white cobblestone streets with immediacy. The occasional ice troll lumbers along, giving non-Jadwiga humans a disdainful snarl.
"Even if just to maintain appearances," says Haltani as she walks you to the center of the city, "you'll want to exchange your letter of trade for... well, I don't know. I'd like to think the outside world would find mirth, if not value, in the goods our merchants offer. I've taken the time to prepare you a list of the more interesting traders."
"You'll need to go talk to Nadya if you want leave to explore the areas around the city," she says as she prepares to depart. "I've business of my own to attend to, so I can't accompany you, but do tell the Baroness that I... tell her that Haltani sends her regards."
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Watching the warriors head off in a different direction, Huron comments, "I think they're headed for a drink, which may or may not turn out to be a good idea. Either way, we should make our presence here as short as possible so we don't get dragged into whatever they get themselves into."
"I suggest we figure out what our next step is, then use the letter of trade to obtain supplies. Sound like a good plan?"
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"That plan sounds good. And yes, Haltani, if we meet with the Baroness we will certainly give her your regards."
Gregor went quiet, thinking to himself. Why would someone who had presented herself as a guide be on personal terms with the Baroness of Dalun? he resolved to speak with the others about it once Haltani was out of hearing.
Nicholas doesn't even need to think hard to find the baroness' residence - the prominent spire visible from throughout the city marks her home as clear as day.
Baroness Nadya is sitting at an open-air court in the gardens, if you can call them that, surrounding her palace spire. Given that the usual flora one would tend in a garden don't grow so well in the frigid north, she has settled for frozen facsimiles. She surrounds herself with the forms of every flower imaginable, carved painstakingly into ice and preserved by some form of magic.
She is attended to by several guards, who eye you with open suspicion as you enter the gardens. As you approach, the lead among them steps forward, demanding that you lay down your weapons and state why you've come before the Lady of Dalun without invitation.
The baroness scrutinizes your actions from her icy throne, clad in fare more richly cut but no more colorful than that of her subjects. She wears no jewelry save that which nature has granted her - eyes like cold sapphires and hair like golden thread.
The baroness looks a little surprised when the dwarf finishes speaking. "Haltani?" she says softly. "How could you know... never mind. Karl, Joreg. Leave us be a moment."
Her guards look at her in confusion. She nods, and they disperse.
"I've tried so hard to make Dalun a welcoming place," Nadya says, "and yet here you are, seeking to leave. Why should you be allowed to wander? There are monsters and wild things in the snows beyond the walls, and I am responsible for your safety. Unless..."
She pauses a moment.
"Unless you think yourselves more than a match for the monsters and wild things, in which I am responsible for their safety. Either way, I am disinclined to allow your request."
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Rogzul stiffens as the Baroness declines their offer, he did not travel this far to not complete his mission.
"We do not want to fight monsters and wild things. We would win if we do, but even Rogzul will avoid fighting. If you let us travel, we can say how you are...'welcoming' and how you are strong."
He hopes the Baroness is as concerned with the appearance of power as orcs are.
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Nicholas raises an eyebrow when the Baroness dismisses the guards on the mention of Haltani. Just how familiar are they?
"Indeed, we could find no fault in Dalun's welcome. Ulfen, half-orcs and Taldan alike are granted safe passage here, which honestly defies the prejudice that some foreigners may have about Irrisen. It shows how confident you are in your ability to maintain the order you have built in this town. It takes an uncanny mind to see that the society is most stable when it is ruled by rational cooperation instead of blind fear of the outsiders. With your graceful permission, I would be happy to share the story of your successes with certain nobles I have come across in my travels, who would be happy to discuss the principles of enlightened leadership with your Highness."
Nadya ponders a moment before responding.
"Very well. If you are not so competent as you say, you have at least presented yourself as otherwise. I grant you leave to move freely within five miles of the city walls. If that is not far enough, then you abandon my sanction and my protection if you travel further."
"As for you, the clean-cut one," she says, turning towards Nicholas, "perhaps you misread my intentions, but I will... consider your offer."
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"Before we take our leave, I would like to hear your opinion on a matter that directly affects your domain. We passed through lands controlled by the Whiterook tribe. They had recently been attacked - by Jadwiga soldiers working with white wolves and ice trolls, or so they claim. Do we need fear war between your people and the Whiterook when we return to our homelands?"
"I assume you mean the group of Ulfen accompanying you up the river?," Nadya asks, continuing without waiting for a response. "They were not the target of the attack they describe. Our trade envoy was. That we do not attack our neighbors does mean they will return the courtesy."
'
"I will say nothing further of the matter, save that I am glad Halvor's blood-feud has been discharged harmlessly," she says, sighing. "According to a runner, he was last seen at the main tavern drinking with some... delinquent... gate guards. Apparently his men and mine are playing a game involving a knife and one's fingers and trying to teach each other to say "I love you, man" in their respective native tongues."
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Gregor mulled over the woman's words as he prepared to leave with the others. The trade envoy was the target of the attack? Who was this person? And was the attack aimed at her personally, or professionally? So many questions, and yet the Countess seems to want us to leave, and soon. Interesting...I guess we'll have to take her at face value for now.
As you prepare to leave the city for Naldak's Point, Haltani emerges from the crowd of people mulling about the city gates.
"I assume this means you got Nadya's permission to explore? Good job! She can be a prickly one."
The weather outside the walls is no warmer than it was on the trek upriver, and, absent magical means of warding against the cold, you all begin to shiver. Haltani tries to help cut a quicker path through the snowdrifts, though even she is bothered by the chill.
Haltani eventually gives up even trying to help the party find its way north to Naldak's Point, as Rogzul, by luck or skill, shows an affinity for these lands perhaps greater than her own. In three hours time and several miles of frosted plains, you all apparently arrive at your destination.
As the vast plains give way to rugged hills, the ground becomes hard and icy. An enormous rocky mound protrudes from the ground, covered in ice and snow. On the northeast side of the mound, thick walls of ice cascade down the side of the hill like a miniature glacier. Two shapeless stone monoliths stand near the base of the mound.
"I think this is our destination," remarks Haltani, "though it presents an unfortunate barrier. I can lead you over ice. I can't lead you through it. Any of you have a cleaver idea for cutting through that wall?"
You'll be fatigued until this damage is healed. That'll require shelter and time or magic.
Nonlethal damage from elemental exposure may not be healed while you are still exposed.
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It was cold. really cold. Colder than Gregor had ever been before in his life. Good thing I got those endure elements scrolls. Maybe I should have gotten more.
Gregor looked at the wall, and thought about the crowbar in his pack. It wasn't likely to work all that well to bash through something like this. As the others talked about the alchemical clay they had been given, he thought for a minute, then spoke up.
"If it works like similar products I have seen used, I think you just mash it together to activate it. Maybe just a couple of blocks to start with, and then we can add more if needed?"