After entering the house along with the others Easlis closes the door loudly but not before taking one last look outside.
The half-elf then positions himself as close to the hearth as he can trying to dry his gear gazing expectingly at the big man they've rescued.
Porablum follows the others, having no ability to really follow the conversation, but enjoying herself nonetheless. After all, every knew it was the unknown that was really fun.
The couple accepts your urge to move inside. they look a bit confused why you wouldn't want to be seen, but they offer no resistance or question about it, they are too distracted by being back together.
When the woman hears you speak common she switches to that language (though with a thick accent).
You are not from around here, but you have stopped to help my husband? why did you do such a thing? not many here are so kind. please, let us repay you for your help!
It is times like these that we need to help one another.
The large man sits on the ground next to a table and lets his shoulders sage slightly.
The couple accepts your urge to move inside. they look a bit confused why you wouldn't want to be seen, but they offer no resistance or question about it, they are too distracted by being back together.
When the woman hears you speak common she switches to that language (though with a thick accent).
You are not from around here, but you have stopped to help my husband? why did you do such a thing? not many here are so kind. please, let us repay you for your help!
Grim smiles at Hjor's wise words.
"Truth is we went by this cabin a while ago. We skirted it because we are being hunted and we didn't want any harm to come to you are yours because of us. Later we came upon a cave and Finngarth was inside of it but covered in a mindslaver mold... It is a plague of a plant from the First World. It didn't seem right to leave him to be used and feed upon by it so we decided to help. A few of my friends were attacked by it as well." He looks to Easlis and Porablum and smiles. " But thanks to Hjor's strength and bravery he ripped it from Finngarth's body and we destroyed it. We made sure there was no more in the cave and made our way back her."
the woman listens with interest
"you have your own concerns, but stopped to help a total stranger at risk to yourselves? if only there were more like you here. the people in these parts are not often kind, especially to us. they have never approved of us. but to you it made no difference...
she looks to the man, and they share a nod
"let us repay you, please. we don't have much, but we do have a small magical trinket that could aid you in your travels."
she pulls out what looks like an old bear trap. "this is a special trap. if you set it, it will vanish from sight.
She looks at Easlis with a calculating look.
"you look to have born quite an injury. was this from the mold? you appear to have been weakened by some great curse... i can feel the darkness in your skin. if you allow it, I think I can free you from it
Easlis disinterested at first at what the couple had to say quickly pricked up his ears upon hearing about the curse. He rolls up the sleeves of his robe showing the feeble arm to the woman.
"Wait, you actually know how this can be undone? How would you have gathered such knowledge? " he adds, remaining slightly suspicious.
Grim turns to Easlis... "I mean they have a magical disappearing bear trap...I am guessing these two have more tricks up their sleeves than helping you with curse you got yourself into." He gives a small laugh.
"Thank you for the gift...We will make sure we put it to good use."
the woman gently takes your arm
"oh yes, I have seen curses like this one. witches always did have a thing about time and aging... lucky for you, most magic that makes things unnatural can be unravelled.
at your question she looks a little bit uncomfortable.
"I have... abilities. it has made things hard for us here. not everyone understands or appreciates a person with certain inbred talents. and as I am not a witch myself it is not seen as a boon, but as a curse"
at Grim's mention of "tricks up your sleeve" she visibly but subtly pulls her arms a bit more into her large green cloak.
as the woman moves to help Easlis, her cloak shifts around her ankles. wait, was that.... a tail?
Grim listens and wonders at the mysterious remark to Easlis.
He leans back as the beautiful red hair women moves to Easlis to help him.
"We have seen many strange and dangerous things. Not all of them have intended to harm us. As you have said...this land is hard as are the people that live in it. In land so unforgiving the more friends you have the richer you are no matter their kind." There is more to this couple then meets the eye but they seem to be good folk. He turns to their guide and her children wondering if she knows anything of this couple in all of her travels. She looks at her face to see if she gives her thoughts away.
Not sure where to go with this so I am going to make a Know (Nature) and (Local) check to see if I can recognize this women's kind or any sort of tale I might have heard.
Hjorleaf nods as the trap is brought forth. He is a bit confused when they mention about other not approving of them.
I am not sure how things are done around these parts but where I am from...we help one another. It is necessary for all to survive. I can only guess that out here the current situation with the witches has everyone on edge.
He looks the trap over.
This is a generous gift and we accept it with honor and respect in which it was intended for.
He bows slightly
Thank you
"Oh, great, you can help with that? That's so cool. Desna hasn't made me strong enough to do so, yet. Can I watch while you help him? Please, please, please?"
Porablum, whose mind had started wandering as the others spoke, completely missed any subtext or subtle movements that anyone may have taken.
the woman chuckles at Porablum's questions.
"of course you may see, but I believe our abilities come from vastly different sources.
she moves her hand over Easlis' arm, closing her eyes. her hand glows slightly and Easlis feels more warmth in his arm than he has in quite some time in this frigid country. after only a few seconds, Easlis takes his arm back and finds it completely healthy. he feels strong for the first time in several days.
you think through legends you have heard, and remember a story you heard once, probably years ago.
The beautiful woman smiles coyly, but as she turns, her foxlike tail and the wood-lined hollow inside her back reveal her true fey nature.
you realize this woman is actually a Huldra.
Huldras are fey creatures that legend claims were originally created by troll witches to lure humans into their clutches. Every huldra is aware of this tale, finds it insulting, and denies it at length—yet the legend persists. There’s no greater way to inflame a huldra to anger than to speak about this myth (especially while expressing distrust or contempt for the huldra), and the huldras’ hatred of all things trollish is well known among scholars of the fey and those who regularly encounter the less common fey creatures. From the front, a huldra appears to be a beautiful human woman, yet two distinctive features mark the huldra as something supernatural: her long, foxlike tail, and the fact that she doesn’t have a solid back—merely a hole that reveals her body to be a hollow, bark-lined shell. Most huldras wear their hair long to mask the hole in their backs, and they prefer long gowns to hide their tails when interacting with humanoids. Though huldras are not ashamed of their status as fey, they react rather negatively when someone points out their tails. So long as humanoids are respectful, however, huldras tend to be curious about other races, and may aid those who pass through their territories by telling them the best places for hunting or fishing.
Huldras sometimes become enamored of woodcutters or others who adventure outdoors, and invite these paramours to share their beds, but such romances usually end in disappointment and misunderstanding on both sides. Despite their relatively lithe frames, huldras are deceptively strong, and stories abound of them performing astonishing feats of strength such as straightening horseshoes and tossing aside attackers, and their natural weapons are quite potent.
Hjorleaf looks around and shrugs when nothing more is said.
Well...We should be on our way then. No sense for us to remain when you two have some catching up to do. Be careful and good luck to both of you.
Easlis looks at his hand, amazed, turning it face up and down and checking its strength by closing the fist.
"I... am at a loss for words, it feels as if all of its former strength has been restored. I am truly in your debt. "
After checking the other gift he adds: "Thank you for the trap as well, I am sure the lads will put it to good use. Master Hjor... is right of course, we really need to return on our road, but if we are to set foot in this woods again we will surely stop for an extended visit"
the two of them nod in understanding
Of course. we would not want to keep you longer, you have gone out of your way to aid us already, we cannot ask you to stay longer. but please know if you ever pass back through this way you are always welcome to share a meal or find a roof over your head.
the group gets back on the road, continuing on towards Whitethrone.
the next day of travel is mostly quiet. the land is flat and white, with only sparse trees breaking up the landscape. there are some clusters of trees, but these are few and far between.
One of these larger patches of tree cover catches oyur attention, however. it is surprisingly untouched by snow! a large patch of the landscape has no white coating, and the trees are green and fresh
Pointing his axe towards the green trees.
Grim, What do you make of that.?
Easlis stops for a second to see what has been bothering the large man. Not seeing any signs of danger in the direction he was pointing at, the half-elf shrugs "Yes, that is how this whole region ought to be. Not this cold white mess."
Suddenly you are aware of the presence of an elf within this scene of summer.
It is as though he just sprouted from of the nature of the this place or perhaps he was always there timelessly entwined with it. He stands tall and slender, but exudes virility and power beyond his lithe form. He wears ancient armor of the finest samite, his clothing looks to be spun out of spider silk, leathers and skins of animals in winter colors. Resting at his side is an elven blade which is no doubt deadly, but looks as though it is something better suited to an elven court hunt than a battlefield. Loose and braided locks flow over his shoulders, it’s color a silvery white, like the moonlight glowing off of fresh fallen snow. His almond shaped eyes reveal irises large, even for a full blooded elf. He does not move, apparently seeking to be seen, as though he wants you to be sure you see him and is not just some figment in the mists.
The elf has a gaze that speaks of intelligence. In his grey eyes, though he does not speak, you feel as though you are aware of his heart, of every emotion that swims beneath those calm porcelain features. In his movements there is a softness, an inner peace that reminds you of a forest deer, that he is truly here with you in this moment. The wonder around him is like a conversation without words.
The elf holds posture as much as branches do and other things so natural. He makes you realize how stiff humans can be.
Before anyone can speak, he bows to you, he moves as autumn leaves do, freely yet within the flow of creation, a serene purpose woven with a nobility and purpose.
Grim, caught in a both a moment of fascination and appreciation for a spot of land with out snow and ice. It has been a while since we have seen green land.
"I am not sure Hjor." He goes to nod in agreement with Easlis when he becomes aware of another's presence. He quickly turns and moves to a guarded position as he becomes aware of the elf's position.
"Hold stranger!" More out of reflex and instinct the words pour from his mouth. He doesn't appear dangerous but in these lands that can be more cause for concern...
Gripping his weapon Hjorleaf moves to the left side of Grim
If this...elf...wants a fight, I will take left.
"Calm damn Hjorleaf, this elf looks peaceful. I doubt he will be so careless as to attack when he is clearly outnumbered." says Easlis astonished by the swift movement of the elf.
The magus bows, in turn, showing no sign of his usual suspicious behaviour and continues to gaze at what appeared to be their host.
"You may approach. We wish you no harm. What is this place? Is it enchanted? It must be..."
Hjorleaf shifts to his left keeping his eyes on the elf.
Porablum stares at the elf, awe-inspired, and then starts babbling, "You're so swift and flowy. That's so cool. How do you do that? How do you keep the snow off the trees? Is it magic? Could you show me? What's your name?"
The elf stepped away from the foliage so that he may be better seen.
With a melodic voice that spoke of Autumn as well as words the elf speaks.
”I am indeed not looking for a fight, at least not with you.”
He gestures at the warmth and beauty around him.
”Beautiful isn’t it?”
He picks a flower and offers it with delicate fingers to the gnome.
”A window into the former grandeur of the natural state of this place, of a time immemorial before the recent coming of the Great Hag and her land of eternal Winter.”
He straightens and his eyes drift to Easlis’s.
”This is indeed a magic place. A haven created by a ring of druids who act in defiance to the White Witches. Under the snow our land’s life magic still flows, gasping, yet still breathes.”
A slight smile reaches his lips as he looks on the scene with appreciation.
”I have magic of my own, but this is far beyond my powers.”
He looks back at the party.
”The land and its creatures began whispering to me of your arrival. Over time, your deeds began to reach my ears and now you are here before my eyes.”
He inclines his brow and motions with a hand.
”Allow me to observe your customs of exchanging names. I am called Erystelle and this bit of ground where we now meet was once the place my people made our home. We are connected to it and perhaps unfortunately changed along with it.”
He runs a hand through his hair.
”Though we are still here, we are now few in number and spread thin across the land.”
He looks at the adventurers before him.
”The land tells me you are a breeze from the South, your hearts are warm and you have fire in your eyes.”
”I revealed myself to you hoping to learn what your arrival means for us.”
"Hi Erystelle, I'm Porablum Flapzit. I don't what our arrival means for your people, but the Ice Witch Queen Elvanna is trying to spread winter to all of Golarion, and we're gonna try to find a way to stop her cause otherwise lots of people and animals and plants are going to get hurt and we don't want that to happen. We came through this winter portal thing that was spewing snow into Taldor but then we figured out how to close it so that's stopped but there's lots of these portals and the best way to stop it is to go to the source so that's what we're doing." Porablum simply tells Erystelle everything they were doing because he seemed very nice and she didn't want to be rude.
Hjorleaf looks to the little one.
Little Nisse
The large man looks from the gnome to the elf and...
Carfeful, we know little about this one.
...to Grim.
The elf closes his eyes and for a brief moment his lips move in quiet whisper before falling still. His face remains impassive until he opens his eyes with a look of suprise.
”You speak true. The Witches have opened multiple windows all around the land. The south lands are caught unaware and will be unprepared. The extinction of entire ecosystems will occur and starvation will effect all living creatures and beings.”
”The Witches will face the stiffest resistance at first. That would be the only time that they are distracted, spread thin and vulnerable. Our misery will become worldwide, any hope of overthrowing the Witches will die with the rest of the world cloaked in snow and ice.”
He closes his eyes again. When he opens them again he looks over the group his eyes resting on Easlis.
”The Witches must not know you are here? Are you here to strike a blow?”
Carfeful, we know little about this one.
Standing with his arms crossed the half-elf looks resentful at Hjorleaf.
"There's no need to be so rude to our host" After hearing what the elf had to say Easlis added: See? He knows more than we do. And what god-fearing elf would ally himself with the witches of Irrisen?[b][b]Please excuse our northern companions. I am Easlis, scorcher of the Pale tower, catcher of bandits and necromancers. And those are Grim and Hjorleaf... our trusted scout and, witch butcher.
After clearing some leaves from a fallen log the magus took a seat preparing for a long chat. You see, we've made quite a name for ourselves in the short period we've returned... I mean come... to Irrisen. And since we've been on the run, agh..I mean in a hurry, to Whitethrone, we've had little time to enjoy some pleasant company."
Drawing a waterskin from his pack he offered it to the stranger. "Come have a drink with us."
as introductions are made you find yourselves drawn to the warmth of the pocket of green and growing things. Nadya looks around in awe.
I have heard of these pockets of growth but have never seen one myself! do you know the druids who did this, Erystelle?
she turns to the rest of you
even when the witches have had full control of this land for generations, there are always those willing to fight. The resistance, the Heralds of Summer's Return, often try to push back against the magic of the land, and are sometimes able to create areas like this that show what the land looked like before the witches came. they are usually stamped out quickly and brutally by the Jadwiga, but this one seems to have escaped their eye for now. I've never even heard of one this big!
as you are talking and meeting the new person, you see more motion in the clearing. a massive elk is grazing on the green grass.
the elk isn't the only thing in the clearing. in the underbrush you spot two other creatures moving towards the elk. large wolves, hunting together.
Hjorleaf moves to the side of Porablum and keep an eye on her.
"Oh so there is a chance we might meet some of them in this area. Erystelle, are you part of the resistance?" asked the magus slowly reaching for his bow as soon as he saw the big game in the clearing.
"Wow! That's so amazing! Isn't this neat, Hjorleaf? It's so nice and green here. Ooo, come smell this pine tree! That's an elk! Hi, Mr. Elk!"
Porablum seems to be all over the place with this wonder, running over to a pine tree to sniff the fresh pine needles, waving to the elk.
In Taldane, Hjorleaf lets a slight smile show on his face...
Little Nisse...pine trees all smell the same. It pretty much is the only tree in the land.
and it disappears just as quickly.
unfortunately we can not stay here long. This place albeit nice and refreshing is a beacon for our enemies. We need to move along and be away from here quickly.
Hjorleaf stares out to the whiteness beyond.
"Don't scare the animal miss. Who knows when we'll get another chance to have some venison on our plates." said Easlis as he raises the bow and aims.
when Porablum mentions the elk, Easlis is already drawing his bow. he fires off an arrow towards the large creature, but misses badly. the arrow sinks into the ground several yards away from the animal who looks up and spots the group. it paws the earth and sounds a challenging bellow
Come little Nisse...you should always show respect and ask for Erastil's blessing before one engages a bull. Even children know this.
Hjorleaf steps away from the area, pulling the gnome behind him in protection. He shakes his head...he keeps his eyes facing the Elk.
...and...the wolves might take offense to stealing their food.
”Fool! Animals exist in this land because of places like this! That may well be the Druid that created this space!”
The elf’s face breaks with emotion.
”I am the enemy of the Jadwiga. In this land you are either master, slave or prey to them. The druids are the only force in this land, outside of their internal struggles, which even presents a thorn in the Great Hag’s side.”
”I am part of the resistance, but I am not a Druid. I am simply a survivor who has been able to keep myself alive through theft, prayer and happenstances beyond my control.”
He calms a bit.
”The land and animals speak to me. It’s creatures like this elk that keep my kin and me free. Many eyes, wings, and burrowing creatures watch for those of us that can do any thing to struggle against the enemy grinding and strangling the life out of everything around us!”
”Now Baba wants to grind the entire world’s bones into her bread. If this assault is not stopped that will be the outcome. The soft southerners cannot fight Winter itself and the invasion at the same time. Only the Druids have seen this and tried to stop it.”
”The Druids keep the smoldering ember of hope alive.”
His demeanor changes again at the Warriors pronouncement.
”Wolves? Here!?”
Easlis raises an eyebrow. "The druid is an elk? "
The magus listens patiently to the elf's protesting but his gaze turned stern and put one hand on his hips.
"My friend, this is the cycle of nature. In order to survive, to recover our strength, we must fill our bellies.
And Hjorleaf, what are you blabbering about? I see no wolves here."
Once Hjorleaf points them out a second time, now Easlis and the others can make out what they perhaps thought was only the movement of wind in the grass. two large wolves are stalking the elk. it becomes aware of them also, and rears up, ready to fight. it no longer focuses on your group as it sees the new threat emerge from the brush.
the wolves are actually Wargs, larger and more intelligent cousins to the wolf that can also speak. and are usually considered evil
The elf glowers.
”The sanctuary is compromised! Don’t let them escape!”
He sends an arrow at the wolf closest to the elk.
Erystelle fires his bow, striking one of the worgs
it yelps and looks towards the party, but continues to chase the elk
bold may act:
porablum, hjorleaf animals, Easlis
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Erystelle HP: 34/34 - AC: 17/14/14 Status:
Porablum HP: 28/28 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
Easlis: HP: 32/32 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 40/40 - AC: 16/12/14 Status:NPCS:
Worg 1 HP -3 | AC ??
Worg 2 HP ?? | AC ??
elk HP ??| AC ??
"Oh, no! We have to save the elk! Desna, aid us in our quest!"
Porablum babbles out some words in a lovely sounding language that fills her companions with feelings of warmth and conviction in their fight. She then stepped forward a bit.
Hjorleaf charges the closest Worg, using his speed to add to his swing.
Hjorleaf steps up and cleaves a worg clean in half. the other one turns and faces off against this new threat. it charges Hjorleaf, biting him
you will pay for that, human! it yells in common, then bites down, hard! it tries to drag Hjorleaf to the ground but can't move the big man.
the Elk stamps it hooves, ready to charge but does not attack yet
the whole party may act
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Erystelle HP: 34/34 - AC: 17/14/14 Status:
Porablum HP: 28/28 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
Easlis: HP: 32/32 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 26/40 - AC: 16/12/14 Status:NPCS:
Worg 1 HP -3 | AC ??
Worg 2 HP -64 | AC ?? | dead
elk HP ??| AC ??
Looking down at the bloody wound...
Ohhh...you want to play. There may be some thing left of you to make a pair of boots...
Seeing the devastation his strike does...
...maybe not
Erystelle rushes up and heals the human warrior.
”Looks as though you have grown too accustomed to eating helpless peasant children Warg, your meal bites back.”
The elf speaks to the evil wolf as the healing energy flows into Hjorleaf.
”And soon those peasants will instead feast on you when I deliver your deboned carcasses to them on a cedar shank.”
Hjorleaf kills the second worg in one massive swing as Erystelle patches him up a bit.
Porablum, Easlis, elk, Hjorleaf, Erystelle