"Do you know how she did that? I might be able to ask Desna how to fix it."
Easlis's eyes light up with hope : "You can remove curses? I would love to get into all the intricacies on how to trigger one, but Grim is right. Someone is bound to notice the closed portal or the witch could have also been notified. Let's take what we can before they start teleporting."
Porablum nods and says, "I don't know if Desna has given me that gift, but I can try once we get out of here."
Grim gathers up the items that he and Easlis found in the room with out having to delve much more deeply. He pulls that out cautiously into the main room. Leaving it on the floor with the other stuff they found.
He looks to Brom. "There is a locked chest and an coffer. Very ornate...not sure if you want to look at it considering what happened to Easlis but there might be something in them that could help us. I would make sure they aren't cursed are you might end up with more than a wrinkled up arm." He moves back towards to the doorway to cover Easlis more for the magus's own good than anything else.
"Don't worry about me." Easlis says while helping Grim collect the items. "If we're heading to the capital we will surely find someone capable of dispelling this magic. Unlike the other, I feel like this might also get weaker as time passes."
He looks back at the chests. "They are not protected by magic, cannot guarantee about other things."
Porablum I've noticed that you had chosen lesser restoration but indeed that doesn't remove the curse's effects.
Grim looks at all the stuff they have "recovered" from the two rooms. "Brom if you intend on checking that chest and coffer you should probably go ahead and get it done. Otherwise, I think it is best we stow this stuff and be on our way."
He looks at Easlis and Hjorleaf and to himself. "Also, should we use some of these potions to get some of these wounds closed up? Just encase we have to deal with something else?"
He takes the six potions that Easlis identified out and points to them as he finishes his last comment.
brominate looks over the chest and coffer for traps
Looks clear to me! hopefully that statue was the only trap the witch felt was needed. if you want me to i can take a crack at these locks, but if we're in a hurry maybe we can just carry them out?
Easlis does detect magic coming from both the chest and the coffer. with the size of the items in question it is hard to determine if the magic source coming from inside each is an item of a trap of some kind.
Easlis gets closer to the coffer and quickly doubles back on his words.
"Actually I might have been mistaken about the chest... and the coffer... There certainly is something magical locked inside them yet it's hard to tell if they are also magically protected."
After smacking the lid of both containers with the magical invisible hand, to ensure they are safe to be handled, the half-elf shrugged: "We can either risk exposing us to the effects of the magic now, try some alternative opening methods later, or we can just throw them out the window and gather what is left of the contents downstairs."
Hjorleaf's voice is calm but with an underlying anger to it.
Just grab what you need and let us get the f*%% out of here.
Grim nods in agreement. "I can't agree more."
"I agree, too. Let's gather everything up, then get out of here. Is there any way out except the way we came in?"
the group grabs everything they can carry and looks for an exit. from this room there are two ice teleporters: the one you came in on and one more in the bedroom with the first ice sculpture. there is also an open window overlooking the courtyard, but you are 5 or 6 stories up in the air.
Once he saw that both of the chests are inside the circle a memory of Mierul jumped in his thoughts:
'there are others scattered around the tower that lead to other places...'
He looks down on his belt where the teleporter keys were tied and it seemed for a second that the curiosity almost got the better of him.
"Maybe Miss Blum was right, we've taken enough chances, no need to teleport in a room full of witches."He waits for the others just before the teleporter which they came from.
Easlis leads the way back to the previous teleporter tile.
once everyone is gathered, the group hops down one level at a time until they reach the bottom floor again. the tower is very still and quiet now that just about everything inside has been killed.
the group makes their way outside of the towers walls and into the woods.
Turning to Grim
We should get moving towards Whitethrone. The sooner we are away from this place the better.
”We should let Nadja know about her daughter, first.”
Just before teleporting out of the top of the tower, the half-elf grabbed one of the lamps and thrown in on top of the pile of books, making sure it caught on fire. "We'll see who's going to have the last laugh." he adds coldly.
Once they are on the base of the tower:
"And what should we tell her?"
Grim finishes up gather up all the stuff using a blanket to stow it all and ties it up so when they have time they can divvy it all out.
He turns to Porablum with a dourer look on his face. "We should tell her the truth. As bad as it may be she deserves to know it. If it was my daughter I would want the same." He says it matter-of -factly but he knows it is sensitive subject.
"Let us be on our way out of this place. As we need to rest and mend."
"Agreed. From what you've told me about the possessed doll in the hut, and based on the worn clothes from the tower, it's clear that the witch killed her daughter and used her soul for the doll. Her mother deserves to know the truth of her daughter's fate. Besides, Nadja asked us to tell her what happened. If you're worried about it being too dangerous, I'll go alone."
"Agreed. From what you've told me about the possessed doll in the hut, and based on the worn clothes from the tower, it's clear that the witch killed her daughter and used her soul for the doll. Her mother deserves to know the truth of her daughter's fate. Besides, Nadja asked us to tell her what happened. If you're worried about it being too dangerous, I'll go alone."
"This tower is dangerous! Telling a mother the truth about her lost daughter no matter how terrible it is could be just as dangerous especially with a women like Nadya but it should be done. And sooner rather than later." He smiles back at his friend trying to get the thought of the poor girl out of his mind knowing the telling of this to Nadya will not be an easy thing.
He spits on the ground of the tower as he walks. "White Witches...curse their foul existence."
"I do hope you are mistaken even though the clues point in that direction. You're right. After all she's done for us, we cannot leave without sharing what we know about her daughter."
Remianing quiet Hjorleaf just walk along.
as you make your way out of the tower, you find it deserted. bodies from the previous fights have been left where they lay. if any reinforcements or patrols returned they did not stay after seeing the destruction left behind. you find the contraption that opens the front gates, letting you leave without resorting to scaling the walls again.
as if conjured by your discussion, you are greeted by a familiar face waiting for you when you leave the tower. Nadya and her twin boys stand by two loaded dogsleds. she looks to you with a hopeful expression when she sees you all return alive, but she is clearly looking for a glimpse of her daughter.
"You made it out alive! amazing! after you left soldiers came looking for me. i was warned by my neighbor, and i took my boys and slipped out of the city. the tower guard may be intimidating but they don't know the wilderness like I do. we were no longer safe in Waldsby, so i came here looking for you. tell me what happened in there!
Easlis smiles seeing the three persons right in front of him. "Well this is something unexpected and harmless. Didn't have too many of those lately. Nadya, it's good to see you're safe and, at the same time, I'm saddened to hear that you had to left your home. It is our fault that you have taken to the roads."
He looks back at the tower remembering all the fighting and the killing they've done. "Our business there has been concluded. Maybe it is for the best that you left. Our actions may trigger repercussions when the witches find out about that."
Easlis adds preparing mentally for the moment someone tackles the difficult subject.
Grim looks around to his companions and to Brom but it seems no one has the heart or the desire to tell the poor mother what happened to her daughter. He swallows Damn it...
His face is one of compassion as he looks at her and then to her children. "Yes, we did make it out alive." He pauses hoping for some one, any one to step forward and assume this mantle. "We routed the tower and all that where in it. I fear this tower will not remain quiet for long though. When the witch returns she will want revenge on those that razed it. Easlis speaks wise words; it might be best for you to leave with your children and get them to safety." He pauses again and turns to his companions and back to the women.
"Nadya, your daughter Thora is no longer. The witch..."[b] He considers what to say but in the end he decides to just keep it simple and if the women needs more detail then we will cross that path when needed. [b]"Your daughter is no longer in this world. Her life was taken by the white witch. I have no words for your loss and I am truly sorry for your daughter. No young one deserves to have their life taken so early." He stops talking there and his shoulders slump having no desire to be standing here right now in this moment. It is always the innocent that suffer the most...
Nadya looks closely into Grim's eyes as he speaks. are... are you certain? a tear slips down her cheek Of course you're certain. you wouldn't tell me otherwise. I knew it. somehow i knew it in my bones. Did you kill Nazheena? the one who took my daughter from me?
While Grimgisli was talking Easlis starts looking in the sack. The magus pauses from time to time to listen more carefully but doesn't jump in to help Grim with explanations.
After a minute or two of searching, he draws out an object wrapped in a piece of cloth. He unveils it gently unknown what to expect but it appears that the porcelain fragment was still intact.
"I guess they build them sturdy. It was one of the last things from your daughter's belongings. I wish you to have it." He hands the piece of the ceramic doll awkwardly all the while avoiding looking into her eyes.
https://paizo.com/campaigns/BrightMorningsReignOfWinter/gameplay&page=1 7#v5748gbit6t5w
He comes closer to the Ulfen and placing a hand on his shoulder in a sign of friendship but also for support.
"We will avenge her. You have my word."
Hjorleaf looks to the women.
I am sorry for your lose...but
He looks to the horizon around him scanning the area.
We need to make Whitethrone. It might not be the most ideal place to go but that is where we must travel. IF you could point us in the right direction and we will be on our way.
He looks back at the women and it is plain that he is angry.
Since the tower has been put to the torch...
and he glances with unhidden disdain towards the magus.
...every person in the region will have eyes directed towards it. Not just the witches. So we need to move fast and put some miles behind us and pray that we can get out of the area safe.
All of us need to get moving.
Grim looks at Nadya and hears the words of his companions. Not wanting to leave Nadya without an answer he nods to Hjorleaf's cautions and turns to Nadya. "No...Nazheena still lives I am afraid. I am not sure we would have overcome her if she was here. Easlis nearly lost his arm just from a simple curse of hers..." He points to the Magus and his arm.
He turns to his friends and back to her. "We will be of no use if she does show up right now. Most of us are in need of rest and we need to get away from this place before they discover what has happened."
Nadya takes the piece of ceramic from Easlis and stashes it in her own pack.
"if she was not here in her own tower, Nazheena must have gone to Whitethrone. I will be heading in that direction, as i have family in the area. I cannot stay here with my boys. I will guide you to Whitethrone and do what i can to help you in your journey. I have an uncle who works in the city, perhaps he can help us track down Nazheena.
she looks at Easlis' arm with interest
My word, that is quite a wound you carry! I do not know any medicine that can heal something like that. there are those still in this country who fight against the witches,perhaps one of them is well versed in curses and can help solve your... malady
she walks back tot he sleds with you.
We should set off at once. as you say Hjorleaf, we need to put distance between us and this tower. we will camp in the wilderness for the next few nights. it will take 4 or 5 days to get to Whitethrone, assuming nothing happens along the way.
Hjorleaf is already prepared and starts to head off in the direction of whitethrone.
Easlis gazes at his arm again and tries to hide it again underneath the cloak once he's been reminded of its condition. He looks back at the smoke coming from the tower. "If Nazheena is in Whitethrone, all the more reasons to head there. She's going to pay in blood for what she'd done."
Pointing to the dogsleds the magus seemed a bit disconcerted.
"Given your load, I'm not sure the dogs can pull 5 more people all the way to Whitethrone. Hjorleaf has been getting chubbier since returning to his native lands."
Grim snorts with laughter as Easlis finishes his comment about Hjorleaf. At least he has his humor...
He turns to Nadya. "If I can put all this stuff on your sled I can jog along side it as long as the pace is reasonable. We will need to go through it all while we rest. Otherwise my big rear end doesn't need to be on the sled. Leave it to Easlis to think of the easiest way of traveling."
Hjorleaf has been getting chubbier since returning to his native lands."
Without turning to face the Magus, Hjorleaf responds with utter distaste...
Keep it up a&~**@! and I will change your religion.and he keeps walking.
Nadya laughs at Easlis' suggestion.
"oh no, these sleds aren't for riding. feel free to add your gear to a sled if you find room, but we will be walking!"
she leads the way, the dogs moving at the same speed as their master, obviously well trained.
the group travels hard for most of the day before finding a good spot to shelter for the night. Nadya has tents and food. the group quickly gets a camp established as the cold creeps in for the night.
"I'll take a watch in the middle of the night. Desna always seems strongest in restoring my gifts when the stars are out."
"I can take first watch so that all of you can rest."
second watch
"Then, if you have nothing against I would get a good night sleep and hopefully somebody wakes me up just before dawn, for the last watch of course."
the first night out passes uneventfully.
after his watch int he morning Easlis wakes the rest of the group up and they continue on their way, following Nadya's lead through the snow. Nadya and her two young boys are well acclimated to the climate and are able to go at a very good pace throughout the day.
around midday you start noticing ravens circling far overhead. while few in number, they do seem to be following you. and the longer you watch the more of them there seems to be
Grim
Around midday Grim watching the skies for a time points up and calls out to his companions something weird he notices.
He points out ravens circling far overhead. while few in number, they do seem to be following us over head. Their murder seems to increase in size as they do follow us.
"That seems to be an ill omen. Nadya have you ever seen ravens do this sort of thing? I am not totally sure what to make of this..." He continues to study the birds and then study the direction the new additions are coming from as well as the surrounding area.
Grim studies the growing unkindness of ravens overhead. the number of ravens does not seem to be normal for this area, and there seem to be more than would be supported by the amount of forest here. they seem to be circling your caravan.
Nadya looks up and curses
"ravens are often used as spies for the witches. it is likely they know exactly where we are now
Grim studies the growing unkindness of ravens overhead. the number of ravens does not seem to be normal for this area, and there seem to be more than would be supported by the amount of forest here. they seem to be circling your caravan.
Nadya looks up and curses
"ravens are often used as spies for the witches. it is likely they know exactly where we are now
Grim growls..."Damn witches. We had best expect the worst if that is the case." He looks to Nadya. "Protect your children at all costs. Let us deal with whatever comes our way. If you need to flee then do it I will do my best to hold them for as long as I can if we come across any more of their minions before we get to Whitethrone!"
After Grimisli pointed out the surveying ravens Easlis reflexively grabbed his bow but abandoned his plan quickly after acknowledging the futility in taking out one or two of those birds.
"I guess they also have a score to settle, don't they?" alluding to the events that transpired at the rookery.
"Well, we won't be able to lose them, and by this time they should know from our direction, where we're heading. I wonder if we'll get to see the welcoming party from the capital or if the trackers will reach us first. Best be prepared." The half-elf said still clinging to the bow.
"Is there any way to better use the trees to hide our direction? Maybe to throw them off the trail?"
Hjorleaf shakes his head as he continues to walk toward their goal.
I had hoped to get further away than this but the deck got stacked against us. So keep moving and be prepared for visitors. Someone will be coming to find us soon.
Grim turns to Hjorleaf and Nadya. "I am going to go out ahead of our group to keep eyes out ahead of us for "visitors/"
With that he picks up his pace a bit to push out far enough to stay in view of his group but far enough to be able to catch wind of any thing that might be dangerous to group. Once he gets far enough away he settles into a pace that allows him to move quietly. He gets his bow up and ready to draw if he needs to use it.
Hjorleaf nods as Grim takes point.
the trail that you were following looks to be a well-traveled road, but now that the ravens are overhead, Nadya directs you off the main road and guides you cross-country. Grim ranges ahead to scout.
We may be able to stay more hidden by sticking to the woods. they don't offer much cover, but it may be enough to throw off pursuit at least partially
the snow off of the main road is almost entirely undisturbed. it looks like most people stick to the road. as you make your way more into the woods you do find a smaller path that appears to be humanoid footprints that are at least a couple of days old, wearing a smaller but frequently used path through the wood, bisecting your current path.
once you spot these tracks you look around a bit and see that there is a thin line of smok rising into the air ahead of you, within the woods.