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Consummate C's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Holly G.

Reign of Winter


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Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Some of you are only recent arrivals to the Taldan village of Heldren, while some of you may have been here a while longer. Regardless, all of you notice that the town has been experiencing an unnatural cold as of late.

Despite the fact that it's the height of summer, heavy snowfall has blanketed the village and the surrounding forests. Investigations into the frozen woods have come up with no answers as to the source of the onslaught of cold, only whispers of an unnatural presence and new, dangerous predators.

In any event, life goes on for the townsfolk, with the only noticeable differences being the hunters and loggers that bundle up for long shifts in the snow and the whispering rumors that drift through the streets.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Feel free to describe/introduce your characters here once you have the concept ready. You don't need to have the mechanics all worked out to post in-character. You really only need the gender, race, and name, of course! You may also roll some KN(local) or gather information checks to maybe get some information on the local rumors, if you like.
Grand Lodge
Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

I know our fine leaders in the Grand Lodge may think this a paltry waste of time, but I prefer to think of it as a short vacation with, perhaps, something wondrous to see.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Below are details on several prominent locations in the village of Heldren. Because of the village's proximity to the Border Wood, most of Heldren's buildings are constructed of lumber. Several farms lie outside the village itself, providing food for its residents and for trade with nearby villages. Feel free to explore the village as much or as little as you like. Don't forget to post your knowledge (local) or gather information checks, if you like!

Heldren Map

1 . Armory:
A dirt path winds its way up a low hill west of town to the single door of this square stone tower. The tower is 30 feet high, with battlements on its roof and arrow slits along its walls. It is completely open on the inside, with no interior floors-just a wooden staircase running along the walls to the roof. The tower serves as Heldren's armory and a place of refuge for the villagers in case the village is ever attacked. In times of peace, the tower is usually unoccupied, but a selection of simple arms and armor-crossbows, bolts, spears, javelins, as well as a few suits of leather armor, padded armor, and light wooden shields-is stored inside for the militia.

2. Isker's Smithy:
Although he spends most of his time shoeing horses and repairing farm tools, Heldren's blacksmith, Isker Euphram (LN middle -aged male human expert 4/warrior 4), is quite skilled in battle. A veteran of Taldor's army, Isker served in Zimar and on the Qadiran border for years before retiring to Heldren. His chain shirt, pike, and short sword are still in good condition, oiled and wrapped in a chest kept in his house behind his shop, and Isker has taken it upon himself to oversee the training of the village's militia. He keeps a few weapons for sale in his shop, including 10 +1 cold iron sling bullets. He also has a suit of masterwork banded mail for sale (a relic of his army days), and could craft other suits of armor if needed. His daughter, Xanthippe (CG female human expert 2), works as his apprentice. When not at her father's forge, Xanthippe's likely to be found at the Silver Stoat, holding court with her numerous suitors. Although widely considered the village beauty, Xanthippe is as proficient with her fists as with her hammer, and those few of Heldren's young men who have tried to woo her too aggressively walked away with black eyes for their troubles.

3. General Store:
Heldren's general store carries everything a villager needs, as well as most gear an adventurer requires. Heldren sits on the road to Zimar, so plenty of trade passes through the village. The store's proprietor, Vivialla Steranus (N female human commoner 3), takes advantage of this brisk trade to stock her shelves. In general, most of the mundane adventuring gear listed in the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook can be found here, including five cold-weather outfits, leftovers from a particularly harsh winter a couple of years back. In general, Vivialla does not carry much in the way of armor or weapons, though she does currently have two magic items in stock: an arrow magnet and a ring of force shield.

4. Town Hall:
Rather grand for a village of this size, Heldren's town hall boasts a clock tower overlooking the town square. Its clockworks were imported from Qadira some time ago, and are kept in working order by Orillus Davigen (NG old male human expert 3), who can usually be found up in the tower tinkering with the machinery. The clock tower's bells ring every hour from 6 am to 6 pm (the villagers prefer to keep things quiet at night), and can be used to sound the alarm if there's a fire or to muster the militia in case of attack. The town council meets in the hall every week on Starday, though there's usually little to discuss beyond minor disagreements between neighbors. The hall is big enough to host almost the entire populace for monthly village assemblies and large social gatherings, such as the annual Longnight dance. On the wall outside the front door hangs a notice board, where flyers are posted with local news, job openings, and goods for sale.

5. Willowbark Apothecary:
A well-tended garden sits in front of this equally neat house, the home of Tessaraea Willowbark (NG female elf alchemist 3), Heldren's resident apothecary. Tessaraea is a relatively new transplant to Heldren, having arrived in the village only 25 years ago after a failed adventuring career up north in the River Kingdoms. She is quiet and somber, and most of the villagers believe she suffered some great tragedy in her past, such as the loss of her one true love. In fact, it was Tessaraea's brother who died on an ill-fated adventure, slain by a group of trolls. Devastated by his death, she gave up adventuring and moved south, settling in Heldren and taking a human-sounding surname when she opened her apothecary shop. Tessaraea sells a variety ofherbs and all of the special substances and items listed in the Core Rulebook, as well as a potion of resist energy (cold) and a surprisingly large stockpile of alchemist's fire-since her brother's death, Tessaraea has had an unreasoning fear of trolls, and almost obsessively crafts the stuff for the (in her mind) inevitable moment when she must face them again.

6. Barber:
An artist with razors and scissors, Argus Goldtooth (LG male dwarf expert 5) offers shaves, haircuts, and dentistry, as well as "leechery and other surgical proceedings." Argus is a fair healer, though he's prone to prescribing leeches (which fill several jars on high shelves in his shop) for most maladies, from stomachaches to broken bones. Argus also offers gold teeth to replace extracted ones, and is his own best customer-his easy smile reveals more gold teeth in his mouth than original ones. Though he would never admit it to anyone, Argus has something of a crush on his neighbor, the apothecary Tessaraea Willowbark. Argus has never acted on these feelings, but the two have struck up an unlikely friendship, and it's not uncommon to find Argus helping tend Tessaraea's garden on Sundays or sharing a pint with her at the Silver Stoat in the evenings.

7. The Silver Stoat:
Heldren's only tavern, the Silver Stoat, stands right on the town square acros s from the town hall. A fixture of village life, the tavern fills up with patrons in the evening as they gather to share gossip, hear news, and reward themselves for a hard day's work. Anything that's worth knowing in Heldren gets talked about here, and if asked where he got a particularly juicy bit of gossip or information, a villager will likely say, "I heard it from the Stoat." Husband and wife Menander (LG male human commoner 2) and Kale Garimos (NG female human expert 3) run the Silver Stoat as if it were their family kitchen there's always a seat at the table or a space by the hearth for a guest, or a warm bowl of Menander's hearty stew for an empty belly. Menander works in the kitchen, cooking up his famous venison flank steak and humble pie. Kale tends bar, serving up the tavern's signature brew, Three Devil Ale, which she brews in-house using imported Chelish hops. Heldren doesn't get many visitors, so there is no true inn in the village, but travelers are welcome to a spot on the floor of the Stoat next to the fireplace for a night, as long as they're up early and on their way. Those who linger risk a rude awakening from Menander's wet mop in their faces.

8. Livery Stable:
At the stable next door t o the Silver Stoat, Sophia Imirras (NG female human commoner 1/expert 1) offers horses (and a single pony) for hire or sale, as well as stabling and grooming. Royal couriers on their way to or from Demgazi or Zimar often change horses here. None of Sophia's horses are combat trained. Sophia also has two carts, a wagon, and a carriage for hire. A traveling noble gave her the carriage as a reward when she managed to calm the newly broken stallion he was riding before it could trample him. Both luxurious and ostentatious, the carriage sees most of its use at village weddings .

9. Town Square:
The most notable feature of Heldren's town square is the large statue of a beautiful woman right in the center of the town. Usually just called "the Lady," the statue has been here for as long as anyone can remember, and no one knows who it actually represents. Some believe the Lady was the founder of Heldren or some ancient, forgotten Taldan noblewoman or even a mysterious fey forest goddess. Others have more sinister theories-an evil witch turned to stone for her wickedness or a magical statue through which the satrap of Qadira can spy on Taldor. On any given day, a few entrepreneurs selling goods or produce can be found on the square, and a market is held on the last Fire day of every month. Elder Natharen Safander also hosts the annual Harvest Feast in the town square, during which the people of Heldren erect a giant bonfire in the square and bedeck the Lady in garlands of flowers.

10. Ionnia Teppen's House:
The leader of Heldren's village council, Ionnia Teppen (NG middle aged female human commoner 7), lives in this simple two story house just off the town square. lonnia's family has had a place in Heldren's politics for generations, and her membership on the town council was all but assured. She is by far the most influential member of the council, and most villagers consider her the de facto mayor of Heldren.

11. Temple of Erastil:
Although Elder Natharen Safander (LG half-elf cleric 6) is a cleric of Erastil, he tends to all of the village's flock regardless of their faith. Though most of the villagers follow the teachings of Old Deadeye, the temple also contains shrines to Abadar, Gozreh, Pharasma, and even Sarenrae. Natharen doesn't much care for the Taldan government's intolerant stance on the faith of the Dawnflower, and believes that in a village like Heldren the sun goddess is as important as the god ofagriculture. Natharen's wife, Zaarida (NG female human commoner 2), is a Qadiran transplant and faithful worshiper of Sarenrae, and assists him during services and with the temple's upkeep. The temple also has some minor divine magic items for sale, including a scroll of aid and a wand ef magic weapon (24 charges).

12. Carpenter:
Heldren's foremost woodworker is Tengezil Frimbocket (N male gnome expert 7), a gnome with a wild shock of electric blue hair. He decorates his creations with delicate and elaborate trim he calls "gingerbread," a style that has proven quite popular among the well-to-do of Taldor's southern cities. Tengezil has a twin brother named Arbagazor, but the two were separated when they were young.

13. Heldren Sawmill:
Heldren's sawmill stays busy day and night cutting timber harvested by the village's woodcutters into planks for shipment to Zimar and other cities, and stacks of lumber are always heaped outside. Partners Alexius Demetri (CG male human commoner 1/ expert 2) and Lycio Vallant (LG male human commoner 4) oversee the sawmill's operation, which makes them two of Heldren's wealthiest residents. Their large house on the north side of town is easily Heldren's largest private home, nicknamed "Sawmill Manor" by the town.

14. The Butcher of Jalrune:
The name of this butcher shop refers to the supposed nickname of its proprietor, Perkin Tarimm (CN male halfling expert 2/warrior 1), who claims to be a retired Zimar corsair. In fact, Perkin was nothing more than a common river bandit who took up the safer trade of butchery when the real Zimar corsairs almost caught him, and he has never butchered anything beyond the chickens and pigs that inhabit the yard behind his shop. Customers are welcome to enjoy one of the pickled sows' ears in the large jar on the counter while they wait for Perkin to prepare their cuts of meat.

15. Old Mother Theodora's:
Every village has its resident wise woman, and Heldren is no exception. No one in the village is sure just how ancient Old Mother Theodora (N venerable female human adept 5) is, but she's been around as long as anyone in town can remember. Old Mother Theodora is Heldren's most skilled midwife, and she helped deliver just about everyone currently living in the village. She's also a soothsayer and hedge witch, and villagers come to her to have their fortunes told or buy love potions or herbal remedies . Among the jars of dried herbs and strange ingredients in her hut, Old Mother Theodora also has a scroll of sleep and a wand of scorching ray (42 charges) that she might be willing to part with for the right price.
M Human Ranger (Wild Hunter)

Paid travel is the finest sort.
Male Tiefling Wizard 1 Perception: 0 Sense Motive 5

As long as the teleport puts us somewhere useful. How well can he really know this little hamlet?
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5
Vostok Al-Samara wrote:

As long as the teleport puts us somewhere useful. How well can he really know this little hamlet?

What teleport? As far as I know, you've just mundanely travelled to Taldor so far.

Grand Lodge
Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

Himaballuka gave the tiefling wizard a look out of the corner of his eye. Teleport? His tiefling heritage must have addled his sense of reality. Or perhaps it's just that he slept most of the way here cradled in his hulking brother's arms. I'll keep an eye on his state. As long as it doesn't negatively impact our traveling companions or our mission, I suppose it won't be a problem.

"I suppose our first order of business would be to see if any of these townfolk know anything about the strange occurrence we are here to investigate. Perhaps we can find an inn or tavern for a meal and some lodging. What say you?"

What time is it when we arrive?
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

about 5pm
The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

Yes, let us find food. By the looks of some of these who came with us. I fear they may not be accustomed to the cold. A hot meal while we can get it will do everyone well.

I'm not sure if there is an inn in this sleepy village.
Grand Lodge
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Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

Well, you know the best place to find directions to the inn? The tavern! And while we rest our travel-weary bones, we can catch the lay of things here
Let's see if there any juicy rumors or information on the atmospheric phenomena.
Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Gather Information Time: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Grand Lodge
Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

These pastoral villagers seem more interested in my appearance and whether I might be some sort of pygmy frost giant than answering my queries.

Did the rest of you have any luck?
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

@Himaballuka

You do end up learning that the town has no inn, though you make take some floor space in the tavern overnight.

Aside from that, you also notice a few worn-out looking Taldan soldiers. You overheard them complaining about the invasion of the cold weather and attacks by strange creatures. Distracted by your appearance, they drop their conversation when they notice you.

You can try talking to some folks again "tomorrow;" perhaps they will have become accustomed to you!
The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Gather Information Time: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Do I notice anyone with shiny, expensive looking things (like say precious metals such as gold-teeth)?

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Do I have room (and permission) to string up my hammock here in the tavern for overnight?

@ Himaballuka Frosty one, what brings you to these parts? Returning home?

Grand Lodge
Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

Not at all. My home lies far to the north and west, past even the island empire of your ancestors, in the snowy Forest of Spirits. Though, come to think of it, snow is why we're here. Rumor is that in the midst of summer here in the Taldane riviera, an unseasonable and possibly otherworldly winter has taken hold.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

After most of the locals head home for the night, agruff man named Menander introduces himself as the proprietor of the Silver Stoat. "I doubt you'll find a good place to string that up in here," he offers to Hokkaido, eyeing the strange company interestedly. You may find a suitable few trees in the Border Wood, but... I wouldn't recommend it right now. It's typically quite nice this time of year, but recently...?" His words trail off as a worried expression crosses his face.

After a moment, he seems to shrug off his concern. "But here I am, being a poor host! Tell me, what brings such a group like... yourselves... to a town like Heldren?"

Meanwhile, the Taldan soldiers you noticed earlier lay out bedrolls in the corner of the room and seem to fitfully settle in for the night.

@Hokkaido
This is a pretty small town; the folks here don't appear to have much in the way of "fancies."
If you choose to pull a N'seema and break off to find a tree on your own...
Random Encounter!: 1d100 ⇒ 14
Encounter type: 1d100 ⇒ 9
So... roll your initiative! :)

The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

"Understood Mr. Menander. The floor will work just fine. In regards to your question, while I cannot speak for the rest of these travelers, many of my business associates in Taldor have long be curious about the region from a commercial prospect standpoint. I am aware the while timber is the main business here, they were curious about other ventures. The rumors regarding the unusual snows have only further piqued their interest. Thus, I have been sent here on business to survey and size up the land in these parts.

Everyone roll initiative? or just Hokkaido? I'm confused.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
M Human Ranger (Wild Hunter)

@Hokkaido: I believe that would've been a roll for a random encounter had you gone outside to string up the hammock, which you did not, leading me to believe no roll was actually necessary.

Menander, I am Ailmar, well met. Would you do us the kindness of sharing your knowledge of the strange events, and especially any rumors or theories as to what might be the cause?
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

@Hokkaido
Yes, I meant initiative only if you went out on your own. 25% chance of random encounter in the Border Wood.
The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

Yeah, let's not go out there yet. I'm curious to learn about the goings on here and the other travelers.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Menander's anxiety is clear as he speaks of the current situation. "Now mind you I haven't seen it personally, but the loggers, they say parts of the wood have grown all icy and that the ice seems to be encroaching a little further each day. Some of them as well claim to have been harried by strange creatures while in that part of the wood. I don't claim to understand what is going on, but it is clearly unnatural. Perhaps some plot of the Qadirans to drive us from the border? I just..." His words trail off as he shakes his head. "It's just unnatural."
Female Human Winter Witch lvl 5 | HP: 40/40 | AC: 13 | Perception: -1 | SM: -1 |

Catriona enters The Silver Stoat and searches for the proprietor; her snowy owl, Archimedes, is perched on her shoulder. While she looks around, she notices several guards bedding down for the night and a strange looking bird man, two Tieflings, and several others.

There are an awful lot of muggles in here.... Why is he blue?!.... where is the owner?

She sees the bird man talking to what looks like the proprietor, and she approaches Menander.

Pardon me; I don't mean to interrupt I totally do but do you have any room available tonight? I don't need much space, just a corner of the floor.

The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

@ Taldane soldiers:

Good evening, gentlemen. Settling in for the night as well, eh? What brings you to these parts?

Why are so many people here in this sleepy village? And soldiers? Maybe things are worse than I had heard.

Male . Race:Maybe later, my legs aren't up to it. Classes/Level: Graduated/Drywall, torpedo, line, pocket, and laser

This is a Taldane city close to the border with their long time enemy Qadira. Soldiers probably aren't a rare thing here
The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

Right, but if it's a long-time enemy (and thus probably long-time border), why wouldn't they be staying at an established fort or outpost? Staying in an inn on the floor seems like this is not their regular posting.

This is what Taldor's low tax policy looks like. "Support the troops" they say. *SMH*
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

One of the soldiers grumpily rolls over and gives Hokkaido a bit of a glare before sitting up and responding, "Can't you see we're trying to get some rest here? Bad enough being ordered to stay back in this village, now I've got some bird-brained half-wit can't tell when people are trying to sleep... The soldier then lays back down, firmly putting his back to the birdman.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Ailmar forgotten, Menander blushes as he turns his full attention to the beautiful woman that has just entered his establishment. Fumbling a bit over his words, he says, "I apologize that I don't have any accommodations suitable for a lady. You are of course welcome to take up a corner as you like, though there is not as much space as usual...not usually so many folks in here... Would you like the space by the fire?"

Menander then moves to shoo the soldiers from their prime location close to the fireplace urging them to "make way for the lady."

Noticing the new arrival, Vostok elbows his brother. To Eiji " Watch this. Walking towards the Lady, Vostok waves his hands and mutters Presto cleano! casting Prestigitation on some of the floor. Noticing that only an inch of the floor is now clean, he mutters to his right hand We'll have to work on that. He bows to the Lady and walks back over towards his brother.
Scarab Sages
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@ Menander
Thank you, sir, but a space by the fire won't be necessary. I don't get cold easily. Any free space will do.

Catriona moves to the clean inch of floor, nods to the Tiefling prestidigitator, maybe one inch is all his right hand can handle, and sets her bag down. Her owl Archimedes begins flying around her head, until she pulls out some food from her bag and begins to feed him. Archimedes eyes the food skeptically but eats anyway.

@ Archimedes
I know it isn't a mouse, but maybe you'll find one when you keep watch tonight.
Archimedes hoots gleefully and flies up to a beam near the ceiling and perches watchfully.
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Female Gnome Sorcerer

*a disheveled Gnome stomps in the front door, brushing dirt out of her sky blue hair, which had, up until a few minutes ago, been done up in a stylish beehive*

Stupid mammoth! SEE IF I EVER INVITE YOU TO ANOTHER PUN WAR! That last one was a classic!

The Gnome looks around the room until she sees a likely proprietor. She does her best to put on a winning smile as she approaches.

Good sir, my mount has decided that your delightful tavern looks like a good place to stop for the night. Would there be room for a tiny thing like me to get in out of the cold? The mammoth can stay outside, he'll be comfortable enough, so long as no one with a love of puns approaches him. shouts loudly towards the doorWeird creature has no sense of humor!
Grand Lodge
Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

Glad to see you finally made it! Looks like the mammoth stomped you again. Someday you'll best the beast! We saved you a spot in the corner here between the icy damsel and the devil twins.
What is your character's name? BHG? (Blue-haired Gnome)?
Watch that the arcane-inclined one doesn't mistake you for his new crush in the middle of the night.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

The tavern owner Menander gawks for a moment after the boisterous arrival of the blue-haired gnome. Did she say "mammoth"? What a strange group of folks. Shrugging, he pulls himself together and says, "Well, you all seem well enough settled. Whenever I stay up to late, my wifey can get a little... well you know..." He looks around uncomfortably as if expecting the scolding appearance is said "wifey" and continues, "At any rate, I suppose it is getting late; long day; long strange day." He eyes the odd crowd occupying his tavern common room one last time before heading up to his room. Yes, very strange.

As you awake the next morning, the tavern room is filling with what appear to be loggerfolk. After a surly and quiet breakfast, a man, presumably the foreman, rousts the group and urges them to get back to work. He assures the lot saying, "We'll likely face no such problems today as these brave Taldan soldiers are here to keep a look out." The three soldiers exchange a quick, worried glace before mustering their courage and heading out.

Chat amongst yourselves as you like. Then, feel free to roll or re-roll your gather information checks this morning.
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Male Hungerseed Tiefling Unchained Barbarian 1

Eiji nods to his brother. "Very good, brother. That part of the floor is now very clean."

Grabbing their packs, he moved with his brother to a small spot of free space in the common area and removed his sword, propping the massive blade against the wall by him.

The next morning, after doing a series of stretches, he approaches his brother, moving quietly for someone of his size.

"Vostok, you should have some breakfast."
Scarab Sages

The next morning, Catriona woke up to Archimedes nipping urgently at her face. She sat up immediately, heart pounding in her chest, and saw a group of burly men entering the inn. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized they were only lumberjacks. Calm down. There's no one from Irrisen here. They probably don't even know where you are.
@Archimedes Thank you for protecting me from the scary woodsmen. Did you find a tasty mouse last night? Archimedes hooted enthusiastically. Now which spells shall we prepare today?
Catriona spent the next hour communing with Archimedes, preparing her spells for the day. Afterwards, she sat down next to the birdman at the common table to eat breakfast while the other patrons were finishing their meals.
@Hokkaido
Excuse me sir, I don't mean to interrupt your breakfast but I totally do but are you from these parts? I'm not from this area and could use some directions.

The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

@ Catriona:
...I am not from this area. Where are you trying to go? What brings you to these parts?

Hokkaido continues his breakfast.

God, my back is swore from sleeping on that floor. [i] I'm sure I could have made it work in here with the hammock.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Gather Information Time: 1d4 ⇒ 4

@ Ailamr
Perhaps we should follow the soldiers and lumberjacks to see if we can encounter these "problems"?
Female Human Winter Witch lvl 5 | HP: 40/40 | AC: 13 | Perception: -1 | SM: -1 |

@Hokkaido
I'm not sure where I'm trying to go yet.
I honestly hardly know where I'm at to begin with or how exactly I got here. I think the villager said Heldren in Taldor last night. A magic Portal from Irrisen to Taldor? I need to study this.
Do you know much about Taldor? I was under the impression that most of the southern lands didn't have snow this time of year. I'm be very interested in studying the weather phenomena; it seems to be an exceedingly peculiar mystery.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Gather Information Time: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Catriona has the Clever Wordplay trait which gives her Diplomacy as a class skill and allows her to use her INT instead of CHA, hence the 8 bonus.

Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Well, 14s are certainly better than 1s!

Gather Information Checks:

DC 10:
Old man Dansby claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off.

DC 12:
A farmer's son took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest--and heard it talking--then tried to follow it.
Female Gnome Sorcerer

The failed wrestling match with the grumpy mammoth has addled the gnome's brain, causing her to temporarily forget her full name. That's her story, and she's sticking to it. You can call her Copper for now. (yes, there is a backstory. It will be revealed in mysterious segments. DRAMA)

Hazzuka could use some exercise. What say you we join in some tree cutting and hauling? We could follow those fellows with the protective detail and see what there is to see. Like handsome lumberjacks lumberjacking. Just sayin.
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Copper follows along and assists with the day's logging efforts.

Depending on how much you are working vs chatting, you can either:

Roll diplomacy to gather info (in your case, 1d20 + your Charisma modifier; also roll 1d4 to see how long you were gossiping) or

Roll a profession check to see how much money they offer you for your assistance (1d20 + your Wisdom modifier divided by 10 in GP; presumes 8 hours of work).
Female Gnome Sorcerer

I think I'll roll for information. Copper won't work any more than she has to, so it was mostly gossip and oogling. Hazzuka did all the work.

Gather information: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 716 + 4 = 20
Gather information time: 1d4 ⇒ 13 = 3
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Copper's previous head injury continues to cause some lingering problems as she repeats herself a bit in her conversations with the locals. Two gather information checks. In the end, Copper hears a few additional rumors in addition to the rumors that Catriona and Hokkaido heard in the tavern posted above (link).

DC 15:
A hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. No one believed him so he went back to trap it and prove them wrong.

DC 20:
Two weeks ago, Lady Argentea Malassene traveled past Heldren on her way from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed. Rumor has it that the two did not get along and Lady Argentea caused a scandal by calling off the engagement and returning home.

That is all the info available. The rest can either roll their own to see what they find out or those that know can tell them.
Grand Lodge
Male Samsaran Druid (Goliath) / 1

Himaballuka spends his day trying to guide the loggers to the older and sicker trees, counseling them on the wisdom of planting a brace of seeds for each tree felled.
Profession: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 sp.

Edit: Apparently his efforts are not entirely appreciated or valued.
M Human Ranger (Wild Hunter)

Ailmar quickly decides that scouting the area might be more productive than sitting around watching logging work.

I think I'm going to traipse through the forest and see what I can see, should anyone care to join me.
The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |

Hokkaido tells Ailmar, Himaballuka, Catriona, Vostok, and Eiji the news he gathered thus far regarding a farmer's son took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest--and heard it talking--then tried to follow it. I also tell them the story I heard regarding Old man Dansby claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
He also shares his feelings regarding how trustworthy the locals seem regarding what they know with these eerie events.

Despite these odd occurrences, everyone seems genuine.
The Exchange
Male Tiefling 7 | Fighter | HP: 76| AC: 24 | Percp: +8 | Acro: +15 |
Catriona Marushki wrote:

@Hokkaido

Do you know much about Taldor? I was under the impression that most of the southern lands didn't have snow this time of year. I'm be very interested in studying the weather phenomena; it seems to be an exceedingly peculiar mystery.

I've only been in parts in Taldor for the past 9 years. From everything I have seen and heard, the snows this time of year are not normal.

Female Gnome Sorcerer

Copper tells the group what she heard while Hazzuka worked.

A hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. No one believed him so he went back to trap it and prove them wrong. And, separately, Two weeks ago, Lady Argentea Malassene traveled past Heldren on her way from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed. Rumor has it that the two did not get along and Lady Argentea caused a scandal by calling off the engagement and returning home.

Male Tiefling Wizard 1 Perception: 0 Sense Motive 5

Stretching in his corner and opening his eyes, Vostok takes a survey around the room, What a wonderful smattering of folks. He takes out a small book with a strange symbol on the cover. He presses his right hand to the cover and it opens. Vostok loses himself in the book and waves his hands in the air a little while silently mouthing words. After an hour of this, he joins the Tengu at the table and is regaled with tales of a sick boy, and talking animals.

He racks his brain for any reference to a talking white stag in any of the stories he has read. knowledge: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Knowledge anything except planes would give the above result
Female Human GM/2 | HP: 12/12 | AC: 10 | Perception +0 | Sense Motive +5

Vostok does not recall any specific tales of talking elk. Perhaps some awakened beast or wandering fey?

Meanwhile, as the day progresses to evening, Ailmar (and whoever was with him, Hokkaido?) sees a man coming out of the Border Wood along the road towards Heldren. As he stumbles slowly forward, Ailmar can see he is an older man, lightly armed and armored. Clearly injured, the man collapses nearby.

As Ailmar leans over to check his condition, the man pulls him closer. In a barely croaked out whisper he says, "The wood... it's not safe.....the Lady Malassene...they took her... I tried to......"

The man falls silent, appearing to have spent the last of his energy to deliver those words.

Ailmar looks to see if he can discern the nature of the wounds, notes the place where the man has fallen and his direction of travel, and makes haste for the group.
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