The summer in Taldor thus far has been as hot as can usually be expected for this time of year, but as of late, a chill wind would flow through town and cause shivers down your spine both natural and unnatural all the same. The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood to the south 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.
The tales have very little time to linger on the lips of the townsfolk. As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town just 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. The murmur of concern can be heard all throughout the town as the townsfolk grow both fearful and concerned about what is happening in the Border Wood, and what it means for them.
Braham was working the forge as usual. It was indeed a lot colder than normal for this time of year, but he didn't mind. During winter, the cold never seemed to affect him as much as other people, and now it brought a welcome cool to offset the heat of the forge.
That morning, Braham had overheard Master Isker talking to his daughter Xanthippe about the recent events in the village. "That poor Lady Argentea...", he thought, "why aren't we doing anything to try and rescue her?"
Sevrin hates the cold. Winter time always makes him a little afraid that this time things won't get better.
The thought lurks in his mind as he lingers in the Willowbark Apothecary. His foraging for herbs has not gone well lately. He knows he needs to range further out if he's going to have good results, but he's more reluctant than ever. As his takings dwindle he soon won't have the option.
Still the news of the disappearance of Lady Argentea makes him strangely curious. The weather, the rumors of creatures, it sets of a resonance in the back of his mind. He almost feels like he should suggest somebody goes and looks for her.
In the empty field behind Old Mother Theodora's house, Thanion goes through his morning sword forms as a cold gust of wind buffets his body. "It's coming for me", he thinks to himself. Flashes of memory assault him as he tries to remember what happend to him causes him to lose focus and accidentally bang his head with the the hilt of his estoc. "Dammit Thanion! Focus! ... You need to concentrate now more than ever" He berates himself before continuing his forms.
After finishing his morning ritual, Thanion heard the voices around town about Lady Argentea being kidnapped by strange winter creatures. "I must find out if anyone is going after her. If I can join them, maybe I can find out what happend."
Thalin stood outside the small home where Hrolgen Stoneaxe once dwelled and said a final prayer of thanks to Magrim for providing him the opportunity to assist in sending the old dwarf's soul to Torag's Great Forge. Thalin had known Hrolgren's time was short when he heard the labored breathing and saw the thick chunks of dark phlegm the former deep miner's coughs expelled from his body. The old dwarf had known the truth also and had forced himself out of bed and went to the simple rocking chair that was the sole source of luxury in the spartan dwelling so that he would not die in his bed like one of the weaker races.
Thalin had began the ritual of the Passing as soon as Hrolgen settled himself and slowly throughout the night, the coughing fits lessened as Hrolgen's spirit began to shift from this world to the next. Their chants intertwined throughout the night, producing a deep harmonious song that was at once full of the deepest sorrows for all the things that Hrolgen felt he was leaving unfinished on this world and full of the greatest joys for living a life that honored the tenets of being a dwarf. Then as the dawn sun arrived, their song came to an end as Hrolgen breathed his last breath on this world.
Sighing as his prayer finished, Thalin saw the faint wisps of frost breath and an involuntary shiver ran down his spine. While the cold had never bothered him, seeing any trace of it in the heart of the summer months disturbed him.
'Not to mention the kidnapping in the woods yesterday. Had I not had the Passage to conduct, mayhaps I would have had more time to speak with the guard that came into town.'
Knowing that the bodies of the fallen escorts were out there being denied a proper release from their slain bodies bothered the stocky priest almost as much as the kidnapping itself. Perhaps he could go have a word or two with the mercenary if he was still in town and go take a look around. If Magrim approved of this course, perhaps some others would be willing to go with him as well to see that all taken were returned.
Aavelixia rolls into town again, and goes straight to Willowbark Apothecary. She looks frustrated as she enters the apothecary. She says hello to Tessaraea, and informs her that everything is pretty much frozen further south.
As Aavelixia gets closer to Tessaraea, she asks about the local news, latest rumors/ gossip around town.
Diplomacy =
Perception to notice other people in shop (in case roll is needed)
+8 = 20
While I was out roaming the wilderness south of the town, did I noticed anything out of the ordinary? Besides the obvious weather change?
Perception +8 = 17
Not sure if I need rolls, but just in case.
When his shift was over, Braham decided to walk to the Town Square to see if he couldn't spot Lady Argentea's bodyguard, since he really wanted to find out more about what had happened in the woods.
All the streets in the little village converged on the square, so that seemed like the best place to keep a lookout for the guard. Braham prided himself on being so clever.
He sat down in the shade of the Lady, his eyes scanning the goings-on in the square.
Sia listens intently to Kale as she tells her about the bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene coming into town the night prior. Kale mentions how the Lady was supposedly kidnapped then offers Sia another round, but she declines.
"Have you noticed the chilly air? It's so strange around this part. I left the North to get away from the cold. Hopefully it changes soon." Sia leans back in her chair and continues chatting to Kale.
I hate how chilly it has been. It reminds me of the warmest days of home. That wasn't home though, this is my home. That place is nothing but a sour memory now. Just force it out of your head Sia. Remember, you have a good life now. Stable. Free.
As most of the town ponders what is wrong with the weather, and whether or not anyone will step up and do anything about the missing Lady Malassene, Aavelixia makes her way back into town after her usual time away. She enters the Willowbark Apothecary. Sevrin stands inside, having just come in to settle off on the few herbs he's gathered lately. Tessaraea comes out from the back room to tend to her two customers. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, I've been a little busy since yesterday's excitement."
With the introduction of the recent events, Aavelixia prods Tessaraea for a little more information about what's going on. "Well, from what I heard, Lady Argentea Malassene traveled past Heldren two weeks ago, on her way from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed. Rumor has it the two didn’t get along and Lady Argentea caused a scandal by calling off the engagement and returning home. That's why she was passing the Border Wood. Now she's kidnapped, and all but one of her guards have been killed. I wonder if her betrothed is involved at all?"
Braham doesn't see much activity going on, but he does notice Councilwoman Teppin walking brusquely toward the Willowbark Apothecary. She seems intent on her path, and doesn't even pause when she offers the man a curt greeting, "Good Afternoon, Braham. Doing well I hope?" The question was clearly not expecting an answer, as she wasn't even looking his way by the time she finished asking it.
Kale nods in agreement with Sia's assessment, "I know, it is so weird. I hear tell that it's worse further out of town. Some of the farmers have been talking of losing crops because of it."
Sevin hears a strange woman talking about the conditions to the south. He seems startled. He doesn't want to talk to a stranger but he can't stop himself.
"I'm.. uh... Excuse me... I'm uh... Sorry, did you say everything was frozen down south?"
Although Thalin had been in town for a few days, the human village was still a bit of a mystery to him, but the large form of the human blacksmith's apprentice was instantly recognizable and perhaps the lad had heard some of the news of the recent events.
Thankfully, although Thalin would never admit it out loud, the human was sitting down and did not tower quite as much over Thalin's shorter and stockier frame.
"Excuse me lad, ye name is Braham right? The blacksmith's apprentice? I was wondering if ye had heard news of the kidnapping? Or perhaps knew of where the guardsman might be?"
Dressed in his somber dark gray, bordering on black robes, clerical robes with Magrim's holy symbol on display, Magrim hoped the lad would know that he meant to look into things by requesting the information.
Realizing he had not introduced himself, as he had not spent much time socializing since his arrival, he stuck out his calloused, and seemingly perpetually ink stained, hand and offered it.
"Thalin, son of Thanin of Clan Ironskull, and priest to Magrim the Taskmaster."
Thanion was walking through town square when he overheard a dwarf talking to the blacksmith apprentice.
"Excuse me lad, ye name is Braham right? The blacksmith's apprentice? I was wondering if ye had heard news of the kidnapping? Or perhaps knew of where the guardsman might be?"
I think that dwarf is the cleric that performed the last rites on Hrolgen. If he's looking for the bodyguard, the bodyguard must be more hurt than I heard. I really need to find out what's going on.
Approaching the two, Thanion interjects himself. "Pardon me sirs, I couldn't help but overhearing your conversation. Did you say you are looking for the Lady Argentea's bodyguard? Are you going to perform the final rites for him?
"Well met, good sir." Braham shook Thalin's outstretched hand, having to stoop a little.
"I'm afraid I don't know where the guard is now. Actually, I was looking for him myself. I'd like to get more information about Lady Argentea. Something should be done to rescue her!"
When the elf joined them, Braham greeted him in friendly manner. "I don't know how badly hurt the guard is, but Thalin here might know."
"Well met, good sir." Braham shook Thalin's outstretched hand, having to stoop a little.
"I'm afraid I don't know where the guard is now. Actually, I was looking for him myself. I'd like to get more information about Lady Argentea. Something should be done to rescue her!"
When the elf joined them, Braham greeted him in friendly manner. "I don't know how badly hurt the guard is, but Thalin here might know."
As the blacksmith's hand nearly swallowed his, Thalin appreciated that the youth didn't do the traditional act of squeezing harder than necessary to give an honest handshake, but neither insulted him by not putting any pressure in the grasp.
Disappointed he didn't know much beyond his enthusiasm to lend some manner of assistance, Thalin turned when the elf asked if he had been called to preform his duty to the guard.
"If the guard is one of me people and Magrim shows me the signs that their time has come, then I will do what I must. If he be one of yours, then I will give what aide I can, but Magrim's rites are for the dwarven folks alone."
Wondering if the elf could have been sent by the town, Thalin asked to see if he had the information they were seeking.
"Did the town send ye to me? If so, lead on and I will do what I can to help. If not, are ye familiar with the town to know who might have the answer it seems we all seek?
[quote
A small frown crosses Thanion's face. They don't seem to know anymore than I do, he thinks to himself. To the small group he says, "Alas no one sent me. I just overheard you and thought you might know something. I have not resided in this town long, but maybe the Ionnia, the council leader, would know something. Else if the bodyguard was hurt he may be with Argus the barber. He's the closest this town has to a doctor."
Suddenly looking abashed, Thanion continues putting out his hand, "Appologies for my maners but in my haste I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Thanion, Thanion Aeraviel."
Extending his hand to properly greet the elven stranger, Thalin was impressed that the elf was using the less formal greetings of man instead of those of the elves. "Thalin, son of Thanin of Clan Ironskull, and priest to Magrim the Taskmaster."
After shaking the elf's hand, Thalin looked back to Braham.
"Do ye know where either of those folks be lad? If so, would ye mind taking us there?"
“Yes, not far from here, perhaps 3-4 hours south of the town. The forest is covered in snow and ice. I found a giant frozen bee, there could be more out there dying as we speak. I fear that many of these creatures will not survive this, this.. frozen chaos or whatever this is. Something is very wrong, this isn’t natural. I apologize for my ranting, my name is Aavelixia, nice to meet you ”.
As Aavelixia is speaking to Sevrin, she moves her arms as to help describe what she saw while she was out in the cold forest in the south. She is deeply concerned that many of these animals and plant will not survive the evil that plagues that area. She regains her composure and realizes she has not introduced herself. She extends her hand to greet Sevrin with a warm smile. As Aavelixia extends her hand, barely wrapped with rags, her hand is cold to the touch.
Aavelixia turns to Tessaraea
“I need to tell Ionnia about this. We need to find out what is going on in the forest.
From the doorway, there’s movement. A green tentacle-like creature gets closer to Aavelixia, as to wrap itself around her.
Tessaraea sees it, and doesn’t seem afraid of it.
Aavelixia looks at Suzy
“Common Suzy, we need to find Ionnia.
Aavelixia starts heading outside and turns to look at Suzy to make sure she’s following.
“I’m not carrying you, you’re a big girl.
Suzy seems to not like her words, but is now following closely behind her. Some might even think that Suzy is too close to her feet, almost like a cat waiting to trip their owner.
As Aavelixia gets ready to leave, she turns around to face Sevrin
“It was nice meeting you. Be careful if you are planning on traveling these roads, they are becoming more dangerous by the day. Avoid going south if you can.
Sevrin furrows his brow and rubs the back of his neck, flushing a little.
”Yes well um…" He trails off and looks as though he might turn to go and then bursts out.
”I’d… I’d like to talk to her too! Do you know where she lives? I’m from around here I can help you find her.”
He looks a little bit like he expects to be shouted at in response.
As Aavelixia turns to exit the door, she almost bumps into the very person she intended to go find. Councilwoman Ionnia Teppin maintains her position at head of the town council for as long as she has, because she's good at her job. Part of which is knowing the who and what goes on in her sleepy little town. "Aavelixia, Sevrin, nice to see each of you again. I hope your days are going well?" Her attention is not on either of the two, the question a mere pleasantry.
Sparing no time for small talk, she enters quickly and with a purpose, heading straight to the counter to speak with Tessaraea. "Tessa, how is your patient doing? Is he recovering, and able to talk about what happened?" Tessa shrugs noncommittally, "Elder Safander has been in to see him, but he says it may still be a few days before the man is hale and hearty enough to travel again."
After shaking the elf's hand, Thalin looked back to Braham.
"Do ye know where either of those folks be lad? If so, would ye mind taking us there?"
"No problem, I can help! Thalin and Thanion, follow me please!"
He strode purposefully down the street. He liked it when he could actually do something and be helpful to people. Much better than simply sitting in the square waiting for something to happen...
This house here is Argus's Barbershop, and the next house is the Apothecary. Just a couple of minutes ago, I saw councilwoman Teppin walking towards the Apothecary. Where shall we go first?"
He looks expectantly at his two companions for guidance.
Following behind the large human, Thalin managed to keep up with the larger man's strides despite their difference in size. As he stopped to explain what each building one, Thalin thought there best chance might be to ask one of the townsfolk that holds a position of authority.
"I think the Apothecary might be the best option for us if one of the town council is there."
I must agree with Thalin here. I'm not even certain the guard is with the barber. Shall we?
Thanion steps towards the Apothecary and holds the door open for his two new comrades.
Stepping into the Apothecary, Thalin looks at the gathering of people at the counter and looks to the smith's apprentice as he speaks.
"Which one is Councilwoman Teppin?"
Sevrin opens his mouth to speak as the councilwoman brushes past him and then shuts it and follows her sheepishly for a few steps. Sure is input is unwelcome and unwanted Sevrin nevertheless blurts out to Ionnia. "Are you talking about the mercenary who was attacked in the woods? Did he say what happened?"
As Aavelixia was about to leave, she turns to Sevrin with a smile and is about to respond when she sees Ionnia enter the shop.
She looks surprised to know that the guard was at the apothecary. She steps away from the door and follows the councilwoman towards the counter where Tessaraea is standing. She looks at Suzy and jerks her head towards the councilwoman, as though trying to convey a new direction to Suzy. She stands beside Ionnia to better hear the information regarding the guard. She will take this opportunity to inform the councilwoman of what she saw while traveling the woods in the south. Perhaps, after Ionnia resolves the well-being of this poor man, maybe then she can focus on the bigger issue; the winter weather wrecking the lands on the south.
“ Glad to hear he is doing better, seems he will recover and be able to give his account of what happened real soon. He will probably make a full recovery. “ As she is about to continue she notices more people coming into the shop. Aavelixia sees her opportunity to inform more people so that action can be taken. She turns to Ionnia and continues to tell what happened in the woods. “ I was on my way to see you Ionnia. As you guys may have noticed, the weather has turned for the worse.” She repeats what she just said to Sevrin and Tessa.
She adds a sense of urgency to her statements. “ If this continues, the entire town will be covered in snow and ice soon. People might die if the evil that has plagued the woods isn’t cleared. “
"Which one is Councilwoman Teppin?"
Braham points to the stout, matronly woman currently engaged in conversion. She exudes an air of confidence and authority.
"That's her..." he whispers to his companions.
As Sevrin speaks, both women stop their conversation to turn and look at him. The councilwoman answers his question, "Yes, Sevrin, that is the one. I was hoping to see if he could give us any more information about Lady Malassene."
It is then that Aavelixia decides to convey her message of importance, only to get caught in the middle of it by Braham being the leader of an odd trio entering the Apothecary. The interruption does not stop Aavelixia from explaining what she finds to be the bigger concern, spreading her message now to everyone that has assembled in the shop.
The councilwoman takes the message in stride, offering her position, "Yes, Aavelixia, I understand your concerns, but if we can find Lady Malassene first, we have a better chance of her putting in a good word to her family in Oppara. With at least a little clout there, we just might be able to get some assistance in resolving whatever this strange weather issue is. Right now, Heldren can barely marshal a decent militia, so I need to get as much information from this wounded man in order to find anyone willing to help find her."
“ If the weather continues to be this aggressive; the village may be buried in ice within a week! A dead village can’t help find a missing lady. “
She looks at the councilwoman. “ Let’s get these answers, we’ve waited long enough. I have a village to save. “
Aavelixia starts heading towards the back of the apothecary where the guard might be. She stops briefly to look at Tessaraea. “ May I enter? “
Thanion steps forward a bit timidly and interjects himself into the two women's conversation. "Pardon me, Councilwoman Teppin and Miss Aavelixia is it? Might the two issues be connected? The rumors I've heard is that it was winter creatures which attacked the Lady Malassene. Perhaps whatever is the cause of the winter to the south is the same thing that kidnapped the Lady. Regardless, I would like to volunteer myself to assist in anyway possible.
Sevrin watches the exchange between Councilwoman Teppin and Aavelixia uncomfortably. When Thanion speaks he perks up. "I ah... He swallows "I agree with Thanion. Sevrin looks around like he thinks someone else might be watching.
"I'll volunteer too. To, um help."
Pleased to see the focus returned back to the reason she came to the Apothecary in the first place, councilwoman Teppin is eager to move forward. As Tessa nods in agreement to Aavelixia's question, and moves to open the door to the back room, the others speak up.
Ionnia lifts her eyebrows in surprise, and nods appreciatively, "Well, thank you gentlemen. That will make things much easier. Now, the word was that Lady Malassene was traveling with a few guards when she got attacked. Are you sure the two of you are up to the task?" She waves them to follow her as she joins Aavelixia and Tessa in the back room.
The group enter the back room to find the lone survivor of the attack on Lady Argentea Malassene’s caravan laying on a cot. He is clearly Ulfen by the size and look of him. The wounded bodyguard is recovering. Wrapped in bandages, the mercenary’s nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded. Ionnia moves up to the man, "Yuln Oerstag, is it? Are you okay to speak with us? We're working to get help in rescuing Lady Malassene." She indicates the two volunteers.
He waves the group of them over, "Yah, I yam Yuln. Would dat I could go mit you,” he says in his heavy accent. “Mine yancestors would ridicule mine lack of valor for fleeing rather dan fighting to da end. But I faced enemies dat even the greatest warriors in da Linnorm Kingdoms haff faltered against, dough I tink I slew yat least one of dem before dey dragged Lady Argentea yaway.”
"Losing crops is never a good thing, Kale. Are there any rumors going around yet? I really dislike what is happening around here. I cannot deal with this weather. If there's snow in the south it will eventually happen here. I do not want to live here if there's snow. I came here to leave the snow, Kale! Snow is terrible!!" Sia's simple question turned into an angry rambling about how she dislikes snow. It's a touchy subject for Sia.
Kale just stares at Sia in stunned silence as she rants about the snow, before excusing herself. "Okay, I got work to do. I'll give you a moment." She turns to leave, before stopping to add over her shoulder, "Maybe try to relax a little."
"Well, thank you gentlemen. That will make things much easier. Now, the word was that Lady Malassene was traveling with a few guards when she got attacked. Are you sure the two of you are up to the task?" She waves them to follow her as she joins Aavelixia and Tessa in the back room.
Not wanting to be left behind, Braham rushes after them. "Don't forget about me, I want to help too! I'm very strong!"
When he sees Yuln, he is at first taken aback by the sight of his injuries and his frostbite, but he quickly recovers. He blurts out:
"What kind of beast caused injuries like that? How many were there?"
Sevrin trails behind expecting to be shooed away at any moment, half attempting to use Braham's bulk to screen his presence. He listens intently but doesn't speak up yet.
Ionnia lifts her eyebrows in surprise, and nods appreciatively, "Well, thank you gentlemen. That will make things much easier. Now, the word was that Lady Malassene was traveling with a few guards when she got attacked. Are you sure the two of you are up to the task?"
"I... I cannot say if we are up to the task, but I feel I must try," Thanion replies, attempting to sound sure of himself. However, when he enters the back room and sees the state of the guard, his confidence visibly wavers. "Frostbite? here? I haven't seen injuries like this since back in Irrisen. How could this type of cold made it down here?"
Thanion loses his decorum amidst his running thoughts and he blurts out, "What... What happend?"
In the flurry of motion that followed Braham point out the Councilwoman, everyone seemed to rush to the back room of the Apothecary at once and Thalin followed behind as well. Seeing the stranger on the bed, Thalin was shocked to see the severity of the frostbite on the man's appendages. When a lull presented itself in the conversation, Thalin stepped towards the man's bed.
"If it be ok with ye Councilwoman Teppin, I would like to ask Magrim to grant me the ability to speed up his recovery. Glancing at the man, Thalin pauses and nods his head in greeting.
The name is Thalin, son of Thanin of Clan Ironskull and servant of Magrim the Taskmaster. As he watches over those that battle, so to do we provide aide for those who survive.
Feeling the warmth of Magrim's blessing spread out from his hand and into the man's body, Thalin glanced up at him and spoke again.
"Ye's time is not done warrior, or Magrim would not allow his blessing to come to ye. When you have the words, I would know what happened to ye and those that traveled with ye."
Suzy tries to follow Aavelixia but is unsure where to go. Aavelixia walks towards the back room and gets as close to Yuln as she can. She is eager to hear what he has to say about the woods, she gets excited when she hears people volunteering to help solve the mystery of the evil-weather that is destroying all manner of life in the woods. “It warms my heart to hear such valiant people willing to help our little village get rid of this evil that lurks in the woods. “
Although a bit skeptical at the “coincidence” of the two events.
It makes sense that it "could, probably, perhaps, even plausible, " that the two events can be related.
Sense motive (+3) or is it perception (+8) to get insight on
As for Yuln, sense motive or perception to see if he is telling the truth
Sense motive (+3) or is it perception (+8)
“It would be wise to stock up on firewood, food, water, and winter clothing. This could get worse before it gets better. “ As she is talking, she looks towards the door. She sees Suzy trying to squeeze into the small room where everybody has gathered. As Suzy slithers through the room, she tries very hard to move slowly. Aavelixia looks at Suzy, and moves her hand as to indicate hold position. Realizing Suzy is not listening, she then moves her hand again to get her to stop slithering. Clearly, Suzy is not paying attention to hold signals. She rolls her eyes, and then gestures to Suzy to get over where she is standing.
Aavelixia looks at Suzy and tries to whisper as quietly as possible. “Seriously?, you couldn’t wait for just one more minute? Fine, come here. “ She moves her hand towards Suzy, in an attempt to hold Suzy’s hand, or in this case; limb.
As Thalin moves up with an offer to provide healing, Tessaraea shakes her head in apology, "Elder Safander has treated him the best he can, but unless you can regrow whatever parts were lost to frostbite, I'm afraid it isn't enough. Save your prayers for the road ahead, if it's as dangerous at it appears."
As everyone gathers around, Yuln props himself up, with a little help from Tessa. Preparing to speak, he takes a deep breath, which sets him to coughing a hacking wheeze. Tessa grabs a nearby waterskin and urges him to drink a little, explaining as she does, "He suffered some damage from the cold to his lungs as well, give him a moment."
As his breathing returns to a more relaxed state, still a wheeze but not as bad, he begins to speak once more. "We were coming up da road from Zimar, not far from where it passes da Border Wood, when we saw movement coming from the trees. We tought dey were just bandits yat first, outlaws who hide like wolves in da forest. Dey were no match for us. But den came da cold fey of the nort. Dey yappeared yamong us yand da battle turned quickly. Mine people speak of da winter-touched yall da time, but I never expected to meet dem dis far sout.
Sevrin’s mind is awash with information gleaned both from the mysterious communion with his patron through his familiar and the stories and teachings of the local hunters and woodcutters.
"F-Fey! He's talking about fey... I've heard stories. They're supposed to serve witches from up north. They... could have done that. The frostbite, with their hands.
As the guard speaks of cold fey and winter-touched it all means nothing to Thanion. Nothing that is until Sevrin speaks up.
Creatures that serve witches and cause frostbite with their hands? Those were the ghost stories we used to tell the children. Stories about them getting snatched up if they misbehaved. None of that was real, was it?
"How many of those creatures were there? Did you see where they took Lady Argentea?"
Poor Lady Argentea, carried off by these nasty creatures. We should do everything to help her!
Knowledge Nature +9
”I’ve heard some stories about what lurks in the north. “
Aavelixia looks worried. She glances at Sevrin, and the other people in the room. “We better bundle up. Winter is coming” She looks at Suzy and wonders how this crazy weather will affect her.
She turns to the councilwoman for more information. " When do we leave for this little excursion? We need to make sure we have the right provision to survive the icy weather waiting for us.“
" I apologize if I seem a bit pushy, but I am worried about what is happening in the woods, and I am also worried for the people in this village. The noble woman might not have much time left if we are to save her. We need to leave as soon as possible. “
Yuln looks flustered, "Of da bandits, dere were many, but wit da size of our group we did well enough against dem. It was da winter-touched dat ruined us. Dere was yat least four or five of dem. Dey took da Lady into da forest, back trough da ice yand snow. Beyond dat, I don’t know. I followed yas far yas I could, but da winter-touched were too many yand too hard to fend off in da snow yalone. I barely escaped, yand rode to seek help here." He shivers with the memory of the events and injuries so recent in his mind.
"Four or five of them. At least. They overcame an experienced group of mercenaries. How can we fight them?"
Yuln scowls at what he sees as fear in the smaller man, "Mit cold iron yand burning flame. Bote burn dem, yand bote yare weapons dey fear. We were caught off guard by dem here in da Taldor summer. You can be prepared." With these words, he repositions himself, with a some struggle, and reaches over to his stuff piled nearby. He grabs a long sword, still in its scabbard, and holds it out toward the group as best he can in frostbitten fingers. "Here. You can borrow mine long sword. It's cold iron, just bring the Lady back before it's too late."
"Perhaps there something here at the Apothecary that could help us against the cold? A potion perhaps? That way we would be better prepared than the guards."
Tessa raises an eyebrow, and sheepishly offers with a shrug, " I have a pretty big collection of alchemist's fire, but I can't exactly afford to just give it away. I could probably swing twenty-five percent off, but only if you are using it to go save the Lady, and figure out what the deal is with this sudden winter weather."
Sevrin frowns. How much is your life worth? "Twenty five percent off to save the town? Well, maybe... save. I can always make you more, we just don't have time right now for that."
As the bandaged man finished his story and extended the sword, Thalin took it and then looked to the others.
"Would this blade be of use to any of ye? My training has been with Magrim's hammer and with the more basic of arms. With enough time to prepare though, I can ask Magrim for blessings that may help us strike strongly against these fey creatures."
When the topic shifts to the discussion of alchemist's fire, Thalin stays out of that discussion knowing he has no practical experience with the volatile stuff. This situation seemed tailor made to the explosive substance, but Thalin also knew many dwarves had suffered grievous wounds clearing out infested goblin dens after the little savages had discovered the effectiveness of the item also.