"Sure, sure, let's go downstairs. Perhaps our new found ally knows some more information about it?"
Erland arches an eyebrow towards Tacey, moving towards the trapdoor.
"As much as I'd like to stand on ceremony, I think you're better equipped to take point, Ingrit."
"What took you so long?" an imperious voice calls out. It comes from a dirty and disheveled but still somehow regal woman on the floor. She reclines on a rough blanket spread on the floor in the southeast
corner next to a bowl of half-eaten food. A half-dozen boxes and barrels take up the majority of this underground cellar. Then she seems to reconsider. "By Abadar, I am glad to see you. Have you come to rescue me?" Then she frowns again at the sight of Tacey. "Or are you friends of that one, come to collect the ransom?
"Friends would be a charitable description of our new relationship, my lady. For the moment, it might be best said that we have come to a working agreement. She assisted in dispatching the evil cleric, and has pledged to do no further violence."
Erland offers a hand to the lady to assist her up.
"My name is Erland, this is Ingrit, and Einar. We have a few more in our group as well, recuperating from our battle. Are you injured, or in need of anything?"
The lady tries not to wince as she accepts Erland's hand. "Well, I am somewhat bruised and have seen better days, but I am in no immediate danger. Will you be able to bring me back to civilization? I bear distressing and urgent news. There is a pretty penny in it for you, I assure you."
"That is the plan, my lady. We came here seeking you in particular."
Erland cures the lady of HP via hex
Dom introduces himself as well, eager to make a good showing of himself. "Lady Argenta Malassene, it is an honor to meet you. Domitian Olavsgaard, at your service" Dom bows formally in introduction. "One of your guards made it back to Heldren to speak of your capture, and we immediately assembled this team for your rescue. We come not for any reward, but to ensure your safety. What tales do you have of your capture? It appeared from the wreckage of your caravan that you were assaulted not only by bandits but also the creatures of winter that have invaded these lands."
Eianar splutters in disbelief at Domitian's reply, digging Erland in the ribs and saying beneath his breath. "Ya ear tha, he says wees dinna want nah reward, when tha royal lady offers it freely. Is ee senseless or wha? I means wees dinna come fur reward, but if offered, wees sure as Gozreh sends tha winds gonna accept it, ain't wees?" He looks at the lady again to see her reaction, though he's never seen such a fine and noble woman before.
He rubs his cheek and pulls at his white beard again, before wiping both hands on his robes, looking at them as he turns them around, blackened grit still ingrained under his nails. He follows Domi's lead and bows, he coughs and splutters to clear his throat and then speaks, "Aye Lady, Oi be Eianar an it be a great privlige to rescue ee. Like Erland an the city gent Domi says, tis why we set out on dis journey, tha an ta stop tha winter's advance. Any elp yous can give us, me Lady, on what brings winter so soon, wees would welcome? As wees would if yous decide ta offer us recompense an take yous kindly offering, despite wha the onerable Domi says. And aye, like yous, we got tales to tell, but i'll let them wha as words, tell ee the tales." he nods and bows, before he adds "me Lady Mallessennnne" He stps and looks up at the Laddy, smiling through his white facial and untidy hair.
is eyes wander and look to Tacey, as his forehad gets tied in knots, Wonder wha ee did ta the Lady afores wees gets ere.
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Seeing Eianar's probing stare, Tacey hastily defends herself.
I'd like ta take this opportunity to point out that I was not allowed to interact with the prisone-lady here. Bossman thought I'd be overly sympathetic given my sweet and caring nature.
Tacey offers the last sentence as a sarcastic aside.
Eianar is barely able to restrain himself from letting out a gaffaw at Tacey's words, He tkes a deep breath, smiles and answers, "Corse, sure tha's what it was." The grumpy old druid, almost has a different side to him from that which has been evident to the rest of the party during the quest to rescue the Lady.
The lady breaks out in a smile as Domitian presents himself. "Finally a proper gentleman. I take it these are your henchmen. You do have to make do these days. Thank you for the healing, however. My manners have indeed suffered from being confined in this ill-smelling hole."
"But we must make haste. Winter creatures are invading and I must alert the authorities. And of course there will be a reward."
With most of the danger cleared, Eianar steps outside the lodge, "Won't be a minute, I need to get some berries for Damiano, teach the city gent some country ways." He moves away from the direction of the bridge to the safety of the bushes nearby.
Returning he gives Domiano the two berries he found, "Ere, try dese , a country cure fah yous ills. Best tell tha lady, we should res awhile, get yous strength up a bit afore wees head back. Dinna want nah casualties on tha way."
With Damiano now able to walk a little, Eianar claps his hand round the half-orcs shoulders, "Nah tell mees, me friend, wheres dat stew yous was tellin us about. All dis fightin makes a man 'ungry an tha Lady looks in need o a good meal. P'haps yous can tell us more o dese cold allies dem bad lads had. De leader, did he ave any papers, anytin that might gis us a clue to wha tha lad was up to? " Scratching his forehead and moving the hair from his eyes, he continues, "Yous can help us ere, after wees eaten we should search dis place for anytin, dat might be useful, including da body o tha evil priest."
Rolling her eyes at the implication that they were all somehow henchmen for Domitian simply because of his way with words, Ingrit speaks up. "We aren't going anywhere right this minute Milady. Most of us were pretty badly injured taking down the bandits......some of us practically dead more than once. Without taking the time to recover we'll all be dead in the snow halfway to Heldrn. Take it from somebody used to this kind of weather."
Assuming that you also can cast Detect Magic, here's what you find:
On Rohkar: a scroll of animate dead (10 HD), two vials that are probably poison; a set of masterwork studded leather armor, dagger, light crossbow with 10 bolts, mwk short sword, white fur coat that radiates magic, mwk thieves’ tools, ring of keys (to the trapdoor, a chest and a cage to be mentioned below, a spellbook and a wooden unholy symbol of Norgorber, as well as 15 gp.
In his room: a gold ingot engraved with the Taldan royal seal (worth 50 gp), a spyglass , a silver lady’s ring (worth 25 gp), three shards of tiger’s eye gemstones (worth 10 gp each), a fine pair of leather riding boots of elven make (worth 15 gp), a silver dagger with a hidden compartment in the hilt containing 1 dose of some sort of poison, and a leather portfolio containing several pieces of parchment, including a scroll of endure elements, two scrolls of magic weapon, and a scroll of unseen servant.
In the storeroom: a birdcage containing a trapped blue fairy, just like the ones you battled, three scrolls of lesser animate dead(2 HD), as well as 2 more doses of poison and a small lockbox containing 25 pp, 150 gp, 180 sp, and a blue quartz “ice diamond” worth 100 gp. There is also three oils of magic weapon and 10 f lasks of alchemist’s fire.
BT, can you confirm that Eianar found some berries ?
Can you also tell us what time of the day it is now ?
If he is healed , Damiano will
* cast read magic on the spellbook and the diverse scrolls
* use spellcraft on the white fur coat
* use spellcraft on the oils
Otherwise he will do so later
Anything distinctive of the lady's ring ?
Also about the blue fairy, does it speak Common , Varisian , Hallit , Skald , Ulfen or Sylvan ?
BT, can you confirm that Eianar found some berries ?
Tacey doesn't feel comfortable poking around asking for a share of loot with the party just yet so she seems most interested in the fairy in a cage.
Can anybody speak fairy? These little buggers have always confused me, and maybe it knows what its friends are up to.
Rolling her eyes at the implication that they were all somehow henchmen for Domitian simply because of his way with words, Ingrit speaks up. "We aren't going anywhere right this minute Milady. Most of us were pretty badly injured taking down the bandits......some of us practically dead more than once. Without taking the time to recover we'll all be dead in the snow halfway to Heldrn. Take it from somebody used to this kind of weather."
As he sees Ingrit's eyes roll, Dom hesitates for a moment, torn between his desire to please Lady Argenta and to not alienate his newfound allies. But there was no benefit to pleasing the lady if they were all dead. Dom decides to correct the record. "Erm ... well, as my companion, Ingrit, states, we are better off recovering in this place. This was the base of the High Sentinels, and gives us a defensible position." He hopes to keep the Lady in good spirits despite the news. .
"We have one more in our company - Damiano Delstrego, a learned scholar and mage. He too was hurt in our battle, but will be up and about soon enough. You should meet him."
It is still night, so you may well be wise to take some more rest. It doesn't matter much if you do it before or after ransacking the lodge but I understand that you'll want to clear the area first. Eianar finds berries enough for all of you.
The sprite speaks Common and Sylvan, and tries to cajole you into letting it free.
The lady's ring is not particularly distinctive and Lady Argentea does not recognize it. She's warming up to you somewhat and thanks you for saving her. She's looking forward to a night in a proper bed, but she understands the need to heal fully before you venture out.
Rohkar's cloak is a Cloak of the Yeti. Made from actual yeti hide, when the hood is pulled up, it makes you look somewhat like an abominable snowman, granting a +2 competence bonus on Intimidate checks. It also gives you Endure Elements (cold) and wraps around you to provide a +1 natural armor bonus.
Walking over to where Tacey points out the sprite in the cage, Ingrit studies the little creature. "Given that we've been attacked by a number of your kind recently, why would we let you go?"
Exactly. You folks ain't exactly been performing a civic service with all the ice and whatnot.
"Indeed, a good night's rest and some food seems in order. It will take some time to thoroughly investigate this place as well. Who knows what else these men have stashed in the nooks and crannies."
"On that note, what say you, bandits? Are you willing to reform your ways and become productive members of society? Or would you prefer the cold and dark?"
Erland goes room to room with anyone else, looking for any hidden treasures, papers, or the like. Fiske prowls around as well, looking for prey or other fun things.
Erland goes room to room with anyone else, looking for any hidden treasures, papers, or the like.
Dom is pleased that the party has settled on resting and recovering. While the others converse with the fairy or bandits, Dom focuses his energies on securing the building - locking down the doors that lead to the outside, and looking for places from which they could keep watch on anyone or anything that might approach. He is particularly interested in seeing if he can view this bridge that supposedly is guarded by a witch and a troll.
"Dom, we got 'orses in tha stable, dinah put dem at risk by lockin us in ere." Eianar says concerned. He leves the building, quickly making his way to the stable to tend to the horses.
Once no longer at 0 hp , Damiano will introduce himself to Lady Argentea
My Lady , please excuse me for not being able to come with my companions to deliver you but the cleric of Norgorber did wound me quite a lot . Damiano Delstrego at your service
He will also speak to the fairy
Hello. Before we decide to free you or not, we would need to know the circumstances of your imprisonment. You must understand that our previous encounters with people of fairy were not congenial
BT , is he a blue fairy ?
Looking over her shoulder at Eianar, Ingrit gives him a puzzled look. "How in the world is locking a door going to put the horses at more risk than they've already been in? It's not like there were going to be walking in and out of the place as they please."
She knew that as a druid Eianar had a better understanding of the natural world than most but sometimes he just didn't make any sense.
Yes, he is just like the ones you fought.
The fairy changes his tune as soon as you make it clear that you're not going to let him loose. "Release me, you disgusting warm bags of throbbing meat. We just might make your death quick and merciful."
The lady smiles at Damiano and says: "Enchanted. I did get a look at them. There were several little blue fairies aiding the bandits. They created some sort of magical mist and then peppered us with arrows. Our guards didn't stand a chance, fighting in this unnatural environment. I saw no troll, but they did have some kind of a leader, a blue old crone, no more than four feet tall, but skilled in magic, that she used to drain our courage and hinder us from fighting back. I don't know what sort of creature she was.
Frowning Ingrit looks at the faerie. "Keep that up and I'll just toss you in the fireplace."
Tacey chimes in.
I was thinking if he didn't tell us of a way to make the weather less crazy, we might just go and boil him.
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Dom claims the Cloak of the Yeti and decides to try it on. He joins in the chorus of threats. "Perhaps we can skin him alive and make a tiny coat. These winter creatures have exceptionally warm fur."
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Damiano looks at the fairy smirking
'"we just might"'? Forgive me . I did not understand that you were royalty . Otherwise using the plurar 'we' while you are all alone and helpless seems a really bad idea to me. It would be better for you to cooperate if you want a chance to go free. Otherwise we will have no choice but to kill you
Intimidate
Diplomacy
"Evil little fey, wants us all to die. Probably got a chunk of ice in its heart, like the last fe we killed. I bet it's not gonna tell us anything, and will lie like a demon if it does. I vote we drown it in the cage, although the slow boiling trick sounds appropriate as well."
Erland makes himself as comfortable as he can, dragging the bodies out and positioning captive bandits on chairs and the like. Frisked busies himself prowling around, stalking for prey.
"At least that priests energy attack didn't cause a lot of bleeding. Aside from Domitian's spurts, there's hardly any spatter at all." Erland smiles and sits by the fireplace in one of the chairs.
The winter-touched fey trembles in its cage. "Go ahead, boil me he stammers. My friends will do worse to you once they get you. They will skin you alive, inch by flabby inch. He waxes quite eloquent about the tortures the winter creatures will inflict on you.
Tacey squats down and looks at him on his level.
Who's got you so spooked? Why you acting all tough when it's clear you're scared, huh?
Sense motive
Dom has no reason to doubt the fairy, but plays along with Tacey on the chance she knows more. "Come on, now. It isn't worth it to keep up your act."
Eianar watches as Tacey starts to interrogate the fey, hoping the half-orcs ferocious looks will aid the effect and bring the information theEianar so desires. Who is responsible for this weather and why? He waits to see what comes of Tacey's words before taking his own actions.
He brings his face down to the cage, his wild white hair and beard twitching, "Listen ice blu, tha be ya master you scared of, tell us, wees can free yous from im or er. But we'd need yous elp." He watches for the sprite "Di theys creates dis weather? Soes tell us wheres we find 'em? Wha hold dey has over yous? Let us elp you be free o dis servitude." He turns his face, his eye looking right into the sprite's face.
While the fairie is clearly frightened, Ingrit can't fathom the point to his continued bravado.
The little fairy squirms in mental agony before bursting out: "Isn't it obvious? The white witches, who else? You know we accepted their sign in our hearts. They opened a portal into your disgusting steaming dungheap of a land to spread the glorious winter everywhere. That's all I know. Now please kill me before they do."
Raising an eyebrow, Ingrit looks at Eianar. "Do you know anything about how the Winter witches would have put the ice in their hearts and if it can be reversed?"
The young druid looks with his piercing eyes at the sprite, "Ayes dinna knows much o dem ice witches, other dan dey bad, dey powerful, many say dey evil. Mees I never met one, dinna wanna either. Deys 'ave deep magics, dey must 'ave to put de ice in dis sprites 'eart." He moves away pacing up and down, pulling on his white beard, "Ayes nah sure aye knows dey way to take de ice from its 'eart. If only ayes could remember."
He shakes his head, "Maybees, best ta take 'is life gently, dan leave it to dem ice witches."
He returns to the sprite, "Looks little one, if wees let yous travel to de old ones, de first world spirits, wees do it wid kindness, den tell us more o' de witch what did dis to ya? Her name? Where is dey?" his eyes look calmly at the creature with so sympathy, knowing its breaths are numbered.
"Is there a way to close the portal?" asks Dom to the sprite.
The sprite flips Eianar the bird and refuses to say more.
"Fine, give him what he wants." Ingrit mutters.
I must disagree with you , Eianar. There is no need to kill her now. She told us plenty there. Let us keep her there for now. When we will vanquish her masters, maybe the slice of ice in her heart will melt down and she will have the opportunity to mend her ways before meeting Pharasma's judgement.