As your traveling you come across a town with 12ft high wooden walls and with north and south gates.
When you pass through the town's gates you see. In the North west corner the Frozen A**, the south east corner has the BLT, the north east has the Pwn Shop. The town's centre has no buildings, but looks like space reserved for events and in summer used as a open market space for merchants.
The Frozen A**, Inn and Bar is the local pub and also has 2 small outdoor hot springs that are fenced. The Pwn Shop is a local General store and Pawn shop. There is a local blacksmith, lumber and tannery known as BLT.
Frosty hill is located north of the only pass through the Keel Mountains for over a 500 kilometers either side, The Keel Pass. It is also north of the Lost Sacred Ground "Briona Gwydion Skyway." There are some Cold forests nearby. and there is a frozen lake to the North East.
After several days of travel from the norther territories, Hack was very relieved to have finally dropped off the various pelts that his tribe collected at the Pwn Shop in the north east section of town. The behemoth of a man stalks across to the north west section of town to the Frozen Ass to slack his thirst and lend an ear to the possibilities of someone who may be able to use his unique services.
The large man with long brown hair and deep blue eyes opens the door to the Frozen Ass. As he shakes off the cold that really never seems to bother him, he scans the room for an empty table with a chair sutibale enough to accomodate his size. Standing at over seven feet tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds, it is difficult for him to go unnoticed. This alone would be enough, but he carries a Great Axe strapped on his back that bespeaks the thretening nature of his Mountain Folk heritage.
After finding a suitable table he calls for the attention of a barmaid and peruses the Frozen Ass to take the measure of current partons. He lays a silver on the table.
I need a tankard of ale. What can you tell me of current goings on?
Perception:
The barmaid is a human woman of about 5 foot 9. She has a curvy human build with pale skin, She has a pretty face and blue eyes and braided golden blonde hair that ends near her waist.
She is wearing a brown ankle length skirt, a white short sleeved shirt and a green bodice that assists with her figure. And a kerchief on her head.
"What ale would you prefer; Agre's 11, Mountain Ale, Dragon ale, or the local ale. As for current matters I have heard the Church of Zarus is still trying to get a foot hold here in the north, but keep having "problems," so they hardly stay here long."
You also that your not the only patron here.
Hack looks over the alluring barmaid from head to toe, lingering a little longer than necessary at the green bodice.
Aye, never had much use for the zealots of the Church. The longer they stay away, the better. The Mountain Ale will do, my flower.
He slides the silver to the barmaid with his massive hand.
"One mountain Ale and "my flower," watch what you say or my husband will have a talk with you." she subtly points to the Bartender, and he is huge for a human has blonde hair and very muscular (think Arnold from the 80's) wearing a white shirt.
she is quiet for a few seconds"Oh, and how is Valeria (Odin's adopted daughter), Hopefully she is not causing or in trouble for again. In fact I think she might even show up today."
Hack just smiles broadly.
I have not laid eyes on Valeria for quite some time. It would be good to see her again.
"When she does come in and she is hungry she finishes off our meal challenge. Oh I'll be getting your order."
she walks to the bar with her hips swaying. When she gets to the bar, she talks with her husband, and he goes and full a steiner of the ale. She comes back with your ale
"Here's your order."
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I slowly wake up from my Nightmare of fire and screaming to a rough tongue licking my face. Opening my eyes, I find myself peering into a pair of green-slit eyes.After a few seconds, the grey and black tabby hops off my chest and saunters over to the pony calmly grazing a few feet away.
After a few more seconds to clear my head I slowly sit up, my entire body protesting the movement. My first realization: it's cold. My second realization: my clothes are still smoking, that is definitely not right.
Climbing to my feet, I find myself only a short distance outside a small town. Perhaps there I can find out precisely where I am and perhaps where my companions are. Odd, I remember having companions, but their names seem to evade me.
Passing through the towns gates, I spy the Frozen A** Inn. Appropriate! Gathering my cloak more tightly about myself I head that direction, only to hear a noise from behind. The pony is following, with the cat perched atop the packs. The names Daisy and Mist come to me. So be it, It seems at least two of my companions are still with me.
After procuring suitable accommodations for my pony, I enter the inn and find an empty seat in the corner, my back to the wall. "Waitress, I'll have a bowl of stew and an ale."
I slowly survey my surroundings as I await my meal. I'll need to figure out where I am before I raise any attention to myself.
The barmaid quickly heads over the the wiry gentleman with a cloak.
"And What kind of stew do you want, we have both beef and chick stew, and as for ale we have;Agre's 11, Mountain Ale, Dragon ale, or the local ale?"
The bar and kitchen are to the south side of the room, a small 15 by 10 stage is at the western wall, and there are 3 restrooms in the north east corner.
"One Beef stew and one local ale, and as for strangers, It depends on how one defines the word. If you are referring to people wearing the same kind of hat your wearing, I'd say no."
She walks to the Bar, says something to the bartender and then heads into the kitchen. A few moments later she comes out with a bowl and picks up a steiner from the bartender and drops off the bowl of stew and the steiner of ale. "There you go one beef stew and one local ale."
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"Thank you, I assume this will be sufficient payment."
I lay a single silver piece on the table, and slowly sample the drink before me. My attention stays focused on the room.
I get the feeling that Mist has also found a warm place to hide and a suitable meal. As I last saw her heading into the rafters above the stable I can only imagine her hunt has gone well.
"Thank you, and hope you enjoy." she says with a smile.
she then walks back into the kitchen.
Hack cannot help but notice the only other patron in the Frozen Ass.
He definitely does not look like he is from these parts. I wonder what he is doing here?
Hack whistles sharply to get the stranger's attention, then he holds up his tankard in a salute while beckoning over his shoulder to the barmaid.
Another Mountain Ale for me, and one for that guy when he finishes, on me.
The barkeep prepares the drinks and the barmaid collects them and walks over to Hack and drops off your ale "Here you go." Then walks over the Artanthos and drops off his ale "A free drink from the mountain man."
You all hear chatting outside and it is getting closer.
Then through the Frozen A**'s double doors come 4 adventurers.
3 Females and 1 Male
The male is a muscular towering 6'2 Human with brown hair and brown eyes.
One of the females is 5'7 with a slim build with long loose platinum blonde going to her waist and sapphire blue eyes.
One of other females is 5'8 has a athletic build with some curve to it. she has short sliver hair that looks stiff as stone and amber eyes.
The last female is 5'6 with an athletic hour-glass build (that is slightly more curvy than the barmaid's) with short Copper red hair and green eyes.
??:
"Hey Mia, are you going to sing today, it is the 15th of the month."
??:
"Not until, we have ordered our meal and drinks, Sanjario"
Sanjario:
"Just asking?"
Mia walks to the table and says
"Well first things first take a seat, then your orders, then I'll think about singing on stage."
Hack nods his head in silence and lifts his tankard in the direction of the newcomers.
they give a nod in return.
Hack stands and walks to the table occupied by the stranger for whom he bought an ale. When he stands, he towers over everyone in the room, even the large human. As he walks by the others he takes a sidelong glance at the tall athletically-built female with the short hair and smiles.
Hey stranger, mind if I join you? People call me Hack, and you be?
?? (Red head):
in a playful voice and a grin"Hey Gardenia, looks like someone likes yyoouu."
Gardenia:
"How do you know he was not staring at you, BlackRose. You have a figure, most men drool over." she says with a smile.
?? (long silver hair):
in a calm tone"Stop it, both of you. Your making a scene."
A fortnight passed since he embarked on his desperate flight over the hills and down the pass. The trail was treacherous and rugged, the rocks sharp. Game was scarce on the high plateau and his face is gaunt and haggard. His hair is matted and greasy. His outfit is worn and frayed. He leans on a thick and heavy-knotted oak staff. At long last Moseby strides up to the walls of the town. He salutes the guards as he enters. They recognize a soldier when they see one - an imposing hillman too. The thick-handled Halberd, the winter mantle, the armoured kilt mark him as a one of their profession.
He needs food now....hopefully he can dig up a few coppers to pay for it.
The guards direct him to the Golden A**.
He arrives and immediately feels out of place. He awoke this morning like a beast in the wild. Now he finds himself in the midst of a bustling common room. The wench doesn't bother taking his order. He takes a seat near the entrance and she swiftly slides a big bowl of stew and strong ale before him.
He eats. He drinks.
He sees Hack at the other end of the room and raises the tankard in a silent greeting.
He keeps eating and drinking. There`ll be time for acquaintances later.
Hack, with an ear towards the women, looks at Artanthos.
Aye, not so interesting, though. You become a named man in the mountains of the north when you earn it, and I come by it honest.
He pats the Great Axe on his back with endearment.
So, what brings you to town Artanthos, and where are ya from?
Upon noticing the arrival of one of Odin's Tribe, Hack returns the greetings of Moseby with a lift of his tankard as well.
Ahhh, one of me own! I need to stop by and lift the tankard with him soon!
Sanjario:
"Sapphire is right, stop it. You can do that after we have a few drinks."
Sapphire:
"Sanjario, you are going to take responsibility for those words, even the bar tab."
Sanjario:
"Now that ain't fair, You know those 2 can drink like a fish and Blackrose, is hard to handle drunk."
With a cool nod at the wench the weathered warrior stacks an assortment of coppers on the table. He accepts another ale with a thankful wink He takes a deep pull from the tankard and gives it back empty to the girl for a refill.
"Hic-ack...hic...h..Hack! You drooling cur! Get over here! What the hell r ye doin here? Shouldna ye be back in the Longhouse scrubbin' the privy's? I'm surprised yer 'ere. Ye had a real talent for that, eh? Aye. Ye were the best at the privy's - ye had alot of practice they say. Hahaha!"
Hack perks up at Moseby's comments, and with a huge smile on his face responds loudly in the Mountainborn dialect.
Mountainborn:
Hack, nudges Artanthos as he speaks in a somewhat unintelligible form of common. After the diatribe, he stands and begins to head over to Moseby's table, but he speaks over his shoulder to Artanthos as he departs.
Well met friend, you should join me and my fellow tribesman at his table. I still want to hear your story, if yer willing to share?
Hack stops mid-way between the tables and turns back at Artanthos' response.
Hmmm...come join us, scribe. You can record the saga of two Mountain Folk who have been soaked in blood, eh?
He makes his way to the table of Moseby and grasps forearms with his fellow tribesman. The two incredibly large Mountain Folk make an imposing tandem at the single table.
It is good to lay eyes on ya, Moseby. It has been quite some time, eh? You look a little worse fer wear, what gives?
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I pick up my ale and take a seat near Hack, choosing a position that keeps my back to the wall.
Gesturing with my mug of ale: "Let us hear this saga then. Tell us all, how did Hack earn his name and why is the warrior Moseby in such poor condition? I am quite sure such an epic tale will prove most entertaining."
Valeria:
Valeria walks into the bar.
Valeria is a 5'6" dragon-half (not half-dragon) with an athletic hour-glass build. She has human white skin, long red hair and red eyes with 1 horn on each side of her head revealing her dragon heritage.
She is wearing fur clothing over her breastplate armour.
"Hey Mia, the hunger special please. It's chilly out their"
Valeria than takes a table close to the northern side of the stage.
Mia:
"Coming right up."
Mia then heads into the kitchen
Ha, ha, ha! Moseby, they finally let you off the wall, eh? All that time buggering your fellow guards has left you addle-brained. A Berserker like me never has privy duties! I'll bet these women really have you in a way considering your regular companionship and the strict rules of Odin's elite guards....You look a little worse fer wear, what gives?....
"Oh, you're the one to tell me I'm cracked in the head? I must really look like dog - s~*+! Bah!
But I can't say I am all that well. Not at all. I was stationed up the Burgenstock Fort with Magnys and his boys, shoring up the walls. It was damned cold - even for up there. The north fells were blood red at the setting of the sun when a Zarg army laid siege. A foul priest was with 'em - and used magic fires to torch the scaffolding and effect a breach. Man it was fierce in the fray! Hot steaming blood was filling the moat! But really steaming! They were heating the place up with magic to make the blood boil. At least a dozen of us were cooked inside and out. It was ghastly. But it only made them stronger. You would have appreciated it all right. It was crazy - a real gemetzle. Six of us fought our way out with Magnys and escaped over the high ridge. I don't know how they reached the pass at that time of year...their caves were leagues away and those high ranges are too windy and cold for an orc army . I think it was the priest's magic. But they sent wargs out to hound our trail through the hill country. We scattered to confuse the trail and I marched all the way here.Aye. But you'd have appreciated it. We could have used a nutjob like you in that fight."
Damn! Sorry to have missed that one! It gets my blood to boilin' just thinking about slicing up some of Zarg's beasts. Glad you made it out, but Odin is sure to act quickly on this one...speaking of Odin - here is his daughter now.
Hack looks up from the table and raises his tankard to Valeria.
Hail, Valeria!
Valeria:
She smiles and waves.
Mai:
She comes out of the kitchen with a 80oz steak, that looks and smells like is was marinated in honey and garlic, with a small serving of potatoes. For a drink it looks like a double size steiner. and places it on Valeria's table.
"Here's your order, Valeria."
Valeria:
"Great, because I'm hungry, time to dig in." she says with a smile.
"Damn! Sorry to have missed that one! It gets my blood to boilin' just thinking about slicing up some of Zarg's beasts. Glad you made it out, but Odin is sure to act quickly on this one..."
Moseby interjects,
..."But the privies in Burgenstock! Phew! We really could have used you for those, mate!-"Then,
"...speaking of Odin - here is his daughter now. Hail, Valeria!"
Seeing Veleria approach, Moseby stands up reflexively and bows, knocking back his chair with a crash. It's all very embarassing. He stammers a "Hail"....but can't help staring at the steak on her plate at the same time.
Hack leans over close and whispers to Artanthos with a smile.
Valeria is the adopted daughter of the head of our tribe - Odin. Moseby is falling all over himself because he is a military man, and is trying to show what he thinks be the proper respect to a superior, and all. Me, I am all for killin', not so much for salutin'.
You all hear more chatting outside and in comes another group of adventures.
3 Females and 1 Male
The male is a strong 6'1 Human Draconic (silver) with silver hair and silver eyes. He is only wearing brown pants, some good boots and a white shirt.
One of the females is a 6'3 half-elf with a slim build with long loose golden blonde going to her waist and emerald green eyes. She is wearing fur clothing over her clothes.
One of other females is at 5'6 and has a athletic build with some curve to it. she has long red hair going to her shoulders and green eyes. She looks human but her features a little to perfect for human. She is wearing fur clothing over her clothes.
The last female is also 5'6 with an athletic hour-glass build (that is slightly more curvy than the barmaid's and matches the other red head's figure) with long Copper Red hair going to her waist and green eyes. She is wearing fur clothing over her clothes, but a holy symbol of Kord can be seen around her neck.
They take their seat and order.