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If you first look at Heldren, you would be excused for thinking that you were in one of a hundred other villages in Golarion. Like many other locales in the world, it's a small village by a forest. There really isn't much going on around it, and most of the residents like it that way. However, today the place bustles with excitement...and apprehension. The sleepy village 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, wintery 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.
Chloe is surreptitiously gathering information at the tavern - and checking for exceptionally rich or at least well-to-do patrons.
Diplomacy:
Perception:
Sun Xiao steps out the back door of the inn he's staying in and strips off his coat.
After taking a swig out of one his whiskey flasks to keep him warm, he starts his morning meditations, followed by training, kicking and punching a well worn tree he'd taken to using as a punching post in the week since he'd arrived in Heldren.
The place had supposed to be a temporary stopping point on his travels, but he found himself unwilling to leave the quiet and solitude of the little forest town. It gave him a little time to rest and recuperate, and figure out what he was going to do if Jeggare's men were still tracking him.
Lately he'd found himself intrigued enough that he might stay long term. Something interesting was going on in town, prophecies of dark times and an untimely winter might be harbringers of a worthy adversary to test his skills against.
After about an hour of that, he stops. Pulling back on his coat, though leaving it partially unbuttoned, he heads out, holy symbols of Irori and Achaekek clacking together on his chest as he takes another swig of whiskey and heads into the town proper, to see if anything new has happened.
He asks around for a while, inquiring after rumors and further information on what had happened with the guard that arrived wounded yesterday.
It had been a long time since Azor had seen a village. Hopefully now that he was in Taldor he could enter a village without risk of being sent back to prison. After all he doubted news of a prison escape that caused the death of 3 guards in Qadira would reach such a small village. Azor decided that it was time crossed his fingers and stepped onto the road leading into town and entered the town.
"First order of business: FOOD." thought Azor. He went into the inn and purchased his first real meal in weeks. After his meal he decided to go see what was happening in this town and kingdom.
Ghulassen rested his legs on the bar counter in his usual habitat, the local tavern.
Without even moving, Ghulassen cried out, "Hey can you get me some more ale?" to no one in particular. After quickly downing the drink, Ghulassen rose up out of his place and rose up onto a table to sing.
The song I sing
Will tell the tale
of a cold and wintery day;
Of castle walls
And torchlit halls
And a price men had to pay.
When evil fled
And brave men bled
The Dark one came to stay,
'Til men of old
For blood and gold
Had rescued Skara Brae.
Jack sits up in his bed, squinting at the morning sun through his window. Judging by the sounds of chatter and movement outside, there seems to be something happening in Heldren. How strange.
He begins gathering his psionic focus, setting his active energy type to fire, as usual. Since moving to Heldren, he had never even considered using any other energy types. Perhaps one of these days he might try cooking dinner with an electric shock, just for the fun of it.
Jack had hoped, when he first arrived in Heldren, that the quiet and solitude would help him concentrate on honing his psychic powers. Instead, he began to realize that the lack of incentive to push himself was causing his skills to atrophy.
Dammit. That senile old winter witch had been right about one thing: Psychic or magic, the only way to improve your skills was to challenge yourself. And these last few months had been the least challenging of Jack's life.
Oh, well. Maybe today's commotion would give him a chance to flex his mental muscles a little.
Jack steps outside and heads into town to see what's going on, doing his best to avoid interacting with people whenever possible.
In response to the multitude of people asking about what's been going on, a man who calls himself Old Man Dansby drains the rest of his ale, while motioning to the barkeep to give a round to those gathered there as well. "So, you want to know what's going on, eh? I'll tell ye-it's bloody WITCHCRA-hic...sorry, WITCHCRAFT! It's the middle of the bloody summer and you know what? It snowed up in the Border Wood! My farm's right next to the place and half me crops're dead from bloody frost! Some people're saying that it's the Qadirians...idiots. Those half-wits couldn't freeze an ice cube, much less the bloody forest."
Seeing that he has the attention of the group, he leans forward a bit. "And I'll tell ye another thing-it's not just SNOW in the forest. My neighbor's boy, he fell through the ice over in Wishbone Creek. Idiot said he saw a white stag in the forest, and get this-apparently it TALKED! My bet's that the boy had been hitting the sauce a bit, but that's just me own opinion. But then yesterday, a local hunter comes in-lad by the name of Dryden Keep. He was ranting and raving about a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. Of course, we all said he was mad...so he went back out there to trap it! Haven't seen him since, and good riddance to the ruffian.
As the drinks arrive, Old Man Dansby settles back into his chair. Draining his ale in one long pull, he lets out a great belch before he continues with his story. "And then as if all that weren't bad enough, we've got that bloody royal coming through too, bringing that scandal with her. Lady Argentea was on her way back from...Zimar, I think...but anyways, she met her betrothed for the first time and within a day, the whole engagement had been called off! So she's coming through the Border Wood, and what do you know, she gets bloody bushwhacked by bloody bandits! What in the hell do we pay those rangers in the High Sentinels for if they can't do the ONE JOB they were supposed to do? Bloody...rangers....Lady Wishbone...zzzzzzzz"
As the old man finishes up his story, his eyes droop and he falls into a drunken stupor. A few moments later, a group of people walk into the tavern-the customers tell any non-residents that it's the entire village council, led by Councilor Ionnia Teppen. She scans the bar, and after a moment walks over to the group clustered around Old Man Dansby. Councilor Teppen stops in front of the group, and quietly murmurs "Excuse me, gentlemen-and lady. I hate to just come to you out of nowhere, but as Heldren has no sort of militia, it seems we are forced to ask travelers such as yourselves for assistance. As you may know, one of Lady Argentea Malassene's bodyguards survived the attack and has made it back here. What he's been able to tell us leads the council to believe that this whole village is in grave peril. Please-is there any way you could at least try to find Lady Argentea, and determine what exactly is causing the forest to freeze up? We would be able to repay you in any way we can. Please, you're our only hope."
Jack happens to overhear Councilor Teppen talking with a group of travelers. In particular, the words "grave peril" catch his attention.
Hmm, a perilous adventure, eh? That could be just the challenge I need.
Jack casually sidles up to the group.
Sun Xiao smiles.
I'd been afraid my skills were going to rust away here. Glad my instincts weren't wrong.
"I'd be glad to help...for a price, of course."
Ha. Like the chance to fight a giant creature isn't payment enough.
A moment before Chloe could impulsively agree, the ever-so-slightly creepy (albeit musclebound) monkish-type guy speaks up, saying something about "for a price".
Oh, right... I do need money, and it'd be nice to do something that won't get me arrested. Again. But can I even trust these people?
Smiling sweetly, she says, "I'd simply love to help as well, but I'm a bit short on money - there would be some money involved, correct?"
A quest...hmm. It couldn't hurt to be in a group of some strong looking adventurers if the Qadirians send out some bounty hunters and if things are really as bad as this man claims I don't think I'll be able to move farther from Qadira by myself.
" I'd also be perfectly willing to assist, on 2 conditions: One we do not enter Qadira and two we get some supplies and gold upfront."
Councilor Teppen smiles a bit. "We would never ask you to enter Qadira, don't be silly. Goodness, no. As for the gold..." She turns to her companions and confers with them for a moment. Turning back to the group, she continues. "Please understand, we're by no means a rich village. But...we do have some gold in our coffers from the last harvest. Enough for say...each of you to have 50 up front, with the promise that we can negotiate for more when you return? And any supplies that we have that you may need, we'll be happy to let you use."
"If this is pleasing to you, please-follow me. I'll take you to the Apothecary, it's right next to the village hall and is where the guard is being cared for. He can help answer any questions you may have about the attack."
Jack strokes his beard in contemplation for a few seconds.
Somehow I doubt the council will be showering us with riches upon our successful return. Still, it has to be much more than the pocket change I've made these last few months from doing parlor tricks and lighting stoves.
And it's not like anyone in this town would really miss me if I didn't come back. Not until they run out of firewood, that is.
Besides, these guys look like they can handle themselves in combat. I'm sure I can hide behind that burly monk if anything big tries to peel my face off.
He nods curtly, and stands up to follow Teppen.
A quest? Finally an opportunity to find myself the glory that I was destined to find. Just have to tag along to spin a couple of epic tales about the journey and I'll be worthy of as a part of a noble's court.
Stepping off the table, Ghulassen yells out to the rest of the people following Teppen.
"Hey! You're going to need someone to document your troubles and hardships. You could become heroes of this town, but not without me."
Sun Xiao shrugs.
More gold than I was hoping for, really. Mayor must be desperate.
He cocks his head as the Bard hops off the stage and comes running after him, yelling about "documenting their troubles".
He waits until the man gets much closer.
"And who says I'm interested in being a hero?" Sun Xiao says to him with a look of disdain.
That monk guy is risking it making it real. And besides, who doesns't want to be a here? He must be one of those brooding, angsty types...
Doing her best to smile brightly, Chloe pipes "Guys. We don't need to argue - we'll be stuck with each other, so we might as well get along!"
Jack nods in agreement with Chloe.
The monk may be tough, but he's also unstable. I should try not to get on his bad side.
"True enough."
"I suppose we should try to track the woman first, since she's the only real lead we have.
"Or we could, y'know, talk to the Apothecary first. See what he knows."
"Oh! First, we gotta make our introductions! My name is Chloe Korsine, but you can call me Chloe, Chlo', Ms Korsine, whatever floats your boat."
"Hey, I'm Azor Silverborn if I'm going to be of any use to this group I have to add all of you to my collective. Just let my touch your arm and I'll be able to do all sort of useful stuff should we run into trouble."
Azor adds anyone willing to his collective.
Oh, great, social interaction. I suppose this was inevitable.
"I'm Jack Cogito. Call me Jack."
"Hey, I'm Azor Silverborn if I'm going to be of any use to this group I have to add all of you to my collective. Just let my touch your arm and I'll be able to do all sort of useful stuff should we run into trouble."
Azor adds anyone willing to his collective.
"Yeah, sure."
"Sure, sweety!"
The group follows the council to the nearby apothecary, conversing with each other a bit as they go along.
"Or we could, y'know, talk to the Apothecary first. See what he knows."
"Probably nothing useful, these kinds of 'witnesses' never do. But I'm in no hurry, so I suppose we can start off slow."
"My name's Sun Xiao. I'm interested to see how well each of you can handle yourselves."
"Hey, I'm Azor Silverborn if I'm going to be of any use to this group I have to add all of you to my collective. Just let my touch your arm and I'll be able to do all sort of useful stuff should we run into trouble."
Azor adds anyone willing to his collective.
Sun Xiao looks at Azor warily.
"What is this 'collective'? I don't generally like to agree to things I don't understand. Especially if it might bind me to you."
"Oh, come on, Sun. We'll help each other - we shouldn't need to handle ourselves! We're a team now!"
"And you won't be "bound" to him, either; you can remove yourself from the collective any time."
"See? We can all trust each other! Besides, he can help us out through it, and who doesn't want help?"
"Well I guess you all need to know the name of the local skald eventually. My name's Ghulassen Hakim, singer and drummer extraordinaire of Heldren. I'll be documenting your adventure and making a fine tale out of it."
"Hey, I'm Azor Silverborn if I'm going to be of any use to this group I have to add all of you to my collective. Just let my touch your arm and I'll be able to do all sort of useful stuff should we run into trouble."
"Sure. As long as it helps, I'll be fine with it."
Sun studies their faces carefully for any sign of deceit, especially the elf's.
After a moment, he relaxes, satisfied that they're probably not lying to him. His instincts are rarely wrong.
"I...believe you." he says finally.
"Okay, Azor. Let's see what you can do."
This should be interesting.
Note to self, keep an eye on the perky one. She's too happy to not be hiding something.
That monk guy seems like a real tough customer... Still, it's a start!
Chloe sidles up next to Sun Xiao, and drapes an arm around his shoulder. "What's your story?"
Sun Xiao tenses up at the contact and goes on alert, but manages to stop himself from reflexively hitting the woman for the unwanted contact.
She's a bit too comfortable around other people for my liking.
"My family is dead and I kill things for fun. What's your story?"
Maybe that'll throw her off. Then again, maybe she doesn't have any hostile intentions. I'm terrible at these sorts of things.
"Oh. Um. I... My parents died of old age a while back, and my uncle
thought it would be good for me to go out and see the world. Umm, perchance - you don't socially, like, interact, that often, do you?"
This guy needs to loosen up... I'll have to get him into carousing or something.
He sighs a little bit and relaxes slightly.
I might as well give her something. She doesn't seem malicious. Just...enthusiastic.
"I spent most of my life either studying, training, or helping my father run his business. Never had much of a social life after I turned 10 or so."
"Look, my reasons for why I ended up here are something I don't like to talk about in detail. My parents were murdered...well assassinated... less than a year ago, and I've been traveling ever since, for one reason or another. The only reason I'm here is because I thought it'd be a quiet stopping point for a little while, and my instincts told me there might be something worth testing my skills on here soon. Trouble's in the air, I can almost taste it." he says, cracking a small smile.
"Honestly? I could care less that these people are in trouble. Or even about the pay, though I certainly won't pass it up. All I care about is honing my skills and living up to the ideals of my gods."
He lifts up his holy symbols slightly.
"Absolute perfection. Of body AND soul. Maybe an unachievable goal, but one well worth striving for."
He looks around some.
"The Apothecary shouldn't be far now. I suggest someone else do the talking, the owner doesn't like me very much. My amateur attempts at mastering the art of Alchemy may have damaged their workstation a few days ago."
Stunned into silence by the sudden opening of the metaphorical floodgates from what she had percieved to be a man of few words, Chloe lets her arm fall off of Sun Xiao's shoulder, deep in thought.
A really, really tough customer.
Jack watches the whole exchange in silence, pondering Sun's words.
So his primary desire is to hone his skills, AND he hates socializing! Perhaps we aren't so different after all...
Well, Sun is one hell of a guy. Could make a nice subject for making a song about. Of course I'll be the main character, but he could be a useful support.
"Let me talk to him. I'll just distract him with some small talk and you go on, doing whatever you do."
So Sun seeks perfection. Interesting he might be a worthy candidate to become an Elan. I'll have to see how good he really is in battle.
"Well that was... nice?...interesting?...Much more information than I was expecting to get from people i just met."
Should I now share that much information. Not yet. maybe later. and I should probably leave out the fugitive part when I do.
You arrive at the Apothecary, where one of the council members gives you each a small bag containing 50 gold as a down payment. Upon entering the store, you see that the center of the room has been taken up by a large man covered in bandages. Calling himself Yuln Oerstag, the Ulfen mercenary is still heavily wounded-his fingers, toes and nose have all become almost black from frostbite, and several deep cuts and scrapes that haven't been bandaged up are visible on his body.
Although he is obviously in a great deal of pain, he still gestures you over a bit closer to speak with him. "I wish I could go with you, but you know...half of me is still back in the forest, it seems..."he croaks with a pained chuckle. "My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, and I'm almost sure I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away."
"Who or what was it that attacked you, exactly? And do you have any idea where they might have taken Lady Argentea?
"Who or what was it that attacked you, exactly? And do you have any idea where they might have taken Lady Argentea?
"We thought they were just bandits at first-outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.
As to where they took her...it was somewhere into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don't know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here."
"We thought they were just bandits at first-outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north."
"Were the people you thought were outlaws allied with the fey? Or did the fey come after you finished off the outlaws?"
"I don't know whether the bandits and winter-touched were working together. Most of the bandits were dead by the time the winter-touched showed up...the rest fled soon after.