DM-Camris' REIGN of WINTER Part 2: The Shackled Hut (Inactive)

Game Master Camris

"I don't know much about it. We call her the "Cold Woman". Some of the townsfolk think its Queen Elvanna, but Arbagazor thinks its been here longer than her reign. My mother once told me a bedtime story one night, that she is an Ulfen hero who will come to life in the hour of Waldsby's greatest need, to overthrow the White Witches. But I think it far too late for that to be true... "she looks down. "Now its mostly a perch for ravens."

In Heldren the villagers call it "the Lady", a statue thats been there longer than anyone can remember, and no one sure who it actually represents. Some say its the founder, or an old forgotten Taldan noblewoman. Even a mysterious fey forest goddess. As a kid growing up in Heldren you might have heard stories that its an evil witch, turned to stone for her wickedness.

"I'm likely to attract attention wherever I go. Maybe its best I stay here. "

"Possibly wise. The town is all humans, a few gnomes, and the dwarf barber. There's no way you can blend in here looking like that I'm afraid. If we say you're a Forlarren, rumors will still start. "

speaking of the statues similarities. The town hall here also has a clock tower, overlooking the town square. You're used to the tinkerings of it back in Heldren, and it eerily reminds you of that tower. But the one here displayed 12:10. so its either out of time, or broken.

what's more though, the temple is in the same place as in Heldren, the town hall, the general store, the tavern. What would be Ionnia Teppen's house back in Heldren, is a burned down husk of a home here. Old mother Teodora's is the last home on the east side of town, where you are right now here. The armor in Heldren, where the food tower is here. The smithy, the barber. You can almost remember Heldren, and close your eyes, and think of when you passed quickly through town, and the two are eerily similar. a shiver runs up your spine.

"Huh, that's curious. This town's layout is pretty much exactly like our hometown. I wonder if there's a connection? Don't you agree, Gond- oh, right, I'm sorry. Don't you agree, Arwyn?"

Giacomo puffs out his chest a little more.

"Don't worry, Nadya, I might not be an Ulfen hero, but maybe we could do something about your current situation."

I.. think it is best I stay here, with Caladan.

My goddess... did you veil my sight for a reason? Is there a lesson te be learned here?

lol he's blind, not dumb. ::badump ump::

"Well. I could use assistance, getting the food I promised to the Winter Witch, in return for my daughter. If anything were to go wrong, you would certainly be better equipped to survive from the looks of it, and how well you saved us from that Mantis."

"Odd, running into a mantis that size this far north, and then running into you five. Hhmmm."

It'd be totally in character for Giacomo to want to come along, but I don't want to hog the spotlight, so feel free to choose Arwyn or 10P.

As the possibility of being alone with Nadya dawns on him, Giacomo starts to become restless, and starts to fidget with a toy soldier in his hands.

ok. you wanted to look around town? Where would you like to head to? Looking for anything in particular? Gathering information, or keeping to yourself?

Gondork and Caladan will stay back at Nadya's cabin with the twins, and Giacomo, Ten-Penny, and Arwyn will go with Nadya?

>> a small smattering of images so far from Snows of Summer. << almost a campaign photo wall.

Then...

"I think I recognised one of the children. Remember that ghostly figure by that weird watchtower a few days ago? I think that was her. I don't know how, but I got the feeling her soul was what animated the doll that attacked us the next day. Should we tell Nadya?"

Arwyn blinked, amazed at the news.

Now...
The town square holds a large statue of a beautiful woman in the center of town. Curiously it bears a strong resemblance to the statue in Heldren's town square.
Arwyn gazed at the statue with fascination.
"That is one HELL of a conincidence, right guys?" She wondered aloud.

Coming into Nadya's cabin...
Arwyn brushed off the snow on her ice blue hair with her fingers.
"That was amazing! A little nippy out, but we made it through that snowstorm vortex thingy!" She said, enthused at the success.

Nadya returns shortly with a collection of winter clothing, urging you to put on the more common peasant garb of Waldsby to avoid drawing attention to yourselves. equivalent of a traveler's outfit & cold weather gear.
Arwyn happily dons the new clothing, the better to avoid notice.

"Is there anything else you need? We can go into town, there's a general store."

"Is there a white cloak available? Something suitable to aid concealment against a snowy background?" Arwyn asked.

"Huh, that's curious. This town's layout is pretty much exactly like our hometown. I wonder if there's a connection? Don't you agree, Gond- oh, right, I'm sorry. Don't you agree, Arwyn?"

Arwyn thought a moment.

"Well. I could use assistance, getting the food I promised to the Winter Witch, in return for my daughter."

"Ah, yes. About your daughter..." Arwyn began.

then
"I can manage something, if they don't have it at the general store. I use the white tarps for my sleds. No problem.", she says to Arwyn, before.

now
"Yes, Giacomo?", her body turns as she stacks the dishes next to the basin, a washcloth in hand, idly drying her hands. Her eyes gaze over your expressions and settle on Giacomo.

"That was amazing! A little nippy out, but we made it through that snowstorm vortex thingy!" She said, enthused at the success.

Giacomo shoots icy glares at her and doesn't answer, still warming his hands by the fire, slowly forming a puddle of thawed ice around him.

"Ah, yes. About your daughter..." Arwyn began.

She shoved Giacomo forward.
"Giacomo had something he wanted to say." She continued, nodding encouragingly at him.

Giacomo looks back between the group and Nadya, unsure how to start. He gives an extra icy look at Arwyn again.

"Er, yeah, well... We didn't really know how to say this, but it might be important for you to know. This might come as a shock, so be prepared. When we were on our way here, we came across a hut on chicken legs, and a ghostly apparition of a girl who seemed afraid of a woman. It didn't mean much to us back then, but I think I recognised the picture in your locket, and it might've been your little girl, and the name she yelled in fear was the White Witch's.
It gets worse, though. Later, a doll thingy attacked us in our sleep and wanted to murder us. We had to shoot it to pieces as it wouldn't relent. I also got the feeling your daughter's soul was controlling it, somehow. I'm not sure what sort of power that White Witch has, but it doesn't bode well for your kid."

Giacomo looks down at his hands, unsure what to do with them, then looks up again, his voice wavering.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away, but I was afraid you wouldn't help us if I did. You've been so kind to us, and here I am, telling you your daughter might be dead. I'm a terrible person, I don't-" The rest of Giacomo's words are lost as he breaks out in uncontrollable sobs.

Whoo, that was heavier than I expected. I've got tears in my eye just from typing this. >_>

There's a look of confusion and then horror that pass across her features as you're retelling your tale. Her face hardens with an icy emotionlessness.

"What are you here for then. Not to consult a White Witch. What are you really doing here?"

Between sobs, Giacomo manages to tell his story.

"Remember how that Forlarren was asking for a Black Knight? He met us, several days ago, and he was dying. He said he was sent by Baba Yaga, whoever that is, and that her daughter, Queen Elvanna, has betrayed her and wants to kill her. He gave us some of his power, and now we're tasked with destroying all of the White Witches, or else we'll wither away. We didn't want the power, we only came here to save our village. I don't know what that woman wants to do, but apparently we're the last people alive who can stop her.
About half a month ago now our village was overrun with strange snows, right in the middle of the summer, and bandits were wreaking havoc and kidnapping ladies. We went to investigate, but things sort of got away from us, and now we're a bunch of farm boys who need to fight the most powerful being of this country.
Please know that I didn't want any of this to happen. You're the first friendly face in quite a while - sorry, Ten-Penny - and I just feel out of my depth. I just went along to protect my village, that's all, I didn't want to become a witch-hunter! I'm sorry I lied to you, but I didn't know if you'd still help us, and if you were secretly allied with them. But I know now that that isn't the case, and I should've told as soon as I knew, but I didn't."

Giacomo sniffs and looks at Nadya with tears in his eyes, almost expecting to be slapped.

She scoots over next to you, taking your hand and rubbing your hair in a very comforting manner."Its not your fault. You're trying to help."

Her resolve hardens, "Let me help you in your cause. If you need to get into the Pale Tower, let me help you."

the silence is broken by the sudden sound of dishes breaking, you look up, and see the wooden bowls set next to the basin flying off the table thudding loudly against the wall by themselves. No one is over by the basin. The twins run and hug their mother.

"Hatch! its not their fault! Nazhena is the one that took Thora from us! Its Nazhena who will pay!" , and the flying plates stop. a sobbing sound can be heard from on top of the wardrobe.

a small naked blue skinned man ( though its hard to say what's skin, he looks more like a dustbunny that shuffles, then you realize its mostly beard ), shuffles into view sobbing as it turns visible shimmying down the wardrobe.

He drops the spoon and starts sobbing uncontrollably, turning invisible as he shuffles, depressed and sobbing, to the corner.

Nadya seems unphased by the bushy bearded naturist
>> Hatch <<

"Oh gods."

Nadya wipes her eyes and hugs her boys, reassuring them that she's alright and that they're safe.

"There will be a time for tears. A time to remember Thora. Its horrible, but knowing is better. I don't have to worry, or hurry, I know she's safe now."She gets up, getting herself some water and composing herself.

"The window on getting you into the Pale Tower will be short. Its one thing to just be foreigners here, you do have reason to hide." she takes a deep breath. "Focus. If we take the dog sleds, we can get you to the tower in two hours. I can't leave the boys alone with the guards possibly on their way here, but I'll do what I can."

She goes to her outdoors gear, and takes her snowshoes, and brings them over to Giacomo."I want you to have these. They're magic. They'll make navigating the snow easier, even faster if you say a quick prayer. "

"Hatch. Will you help? You know the Pale Tower."
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Sobs echo softly.

"Well, even if he won't help I will. Lets get you whatever else you might need from town that will help. Caladan, watch Gondork and the twins. I will explain later to them once this is over. If you can, coax Hatch to join us, he doesn't like to speak it, but he understands Taldane. He used to be a house spirit at the Pale Tower until Nazhena threw him out. "

She gets her coat, and stands facing the door.

its an odd and emotional turn of events. if you need a summary or have any questions go ahead and ask. She seems collected and satisfied to know what happened to Thora, and has a purpose right now still. She's putting off a big emotional breakdown to deal with it later.

"I can try."
Caladan just seems a bit stunned and confused.
k nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) - 2 + 1 = 15

"Little one, do you not serve Baba Yaga's family? We also serve her now. Come, help my friends into the tower and you might even be allowed to serve the white witches again.."

That was the most convincing I've ever manged to be... grandpa, is that you? Lady of veils, hide us from repercussions should this little one bettay us.

Nadya returns shortly with a collection of winter clothing, urging you to put on the more common peasant garb of Waldsby to avoid drawing attention to yourselves. equivalent of a traveler's outfit & cold weather gear.

Ten-Penny accepts the clothing, and then asks: "Is there a room where I can change? Normally I would ask for a room that has a lock, but since Gondork can't see anyway, it no longer is a requirement."

"Is there anything else you need? We can go into town, there's a general store."

"Actually, I have some shopping to do. Just some mundane things, but I rather have them with me just in case. It is somewhere in my bag, but I made a list."

Bandolier x2, a Bell, Candle x2, Chalk x10, Charcoal x5, Earplugs, Flint and Steel, Glasscutter, Glue Paper x10, Magnet, Paper x5, Sewing Needle, Signal Whistle, Msw Snorkel, Ball of String/Twine, Vial x2, Tindertwig x5, (actual) Snow Shoes, a set of Ice Skates. Total cost: 33,46. Will pay with 34 gp and 6 cp, change is 6 sp.

"Do you think I can find all that here, Nadya?"

"You're the first friendly face in quite a while - sorry, Ten-Penny - ..."

Ten-Penny looks at the little gnome that is on the verge of a breakdown and says: "That's okay, Giacomo. No hard feelings.". She then walks over and places her elbow on his head, slightly leaning on him. "Besides, I do believe the first time we met, we were immediately trying to knock each other's lights out. So this time it truly is a change of pace." she says with a smirk.

Gondork and Caladan will stay back at Nadya's cabin with the twins, and Giacomo, Ten-Penny, and Arwyn will go with Nadya?

I'm ok with that

Before heading out Ten-Penny turns back towards the living room and asks: "Hey guys, do you need us to bring you anything back from our little shopping spree? An eye patch for you Gondork? Or how about a see-through marble for that socket of yours? And how about you Caladan? Do remember though, this isn't charity. If you want something, you have to give us some cash to pay for it.

Gondork grumbles and grinds his teeth at ten-penny's remark, but keeps his quiet.

Bandolier x2, a Bell, Candle x2, Chalk x10, Charcoal x5, Earplugs, Flint and Steel, Glasscutter, Glue Paper x10, Magnet, Paper x5, Sewing Needle, Signal Whistle, Msw Snorkel, Ball of String/Twine, Vial x2, Tindertwig x5, (actual) Snow Shoes, a set of Ice Skates. Total cost: 33,46. Will pay with 34 gp and 6 cp, change is 6 sp.

all the core book equipment like bell, candle, chalk n stuff you can find. she's (the general store owner) has plenty of cold weather gear like snowshoes ( it won't change the game effect, the game effect for snow shoes is to count each square as 1.5 squares, instead of 2 squares per square of movement. neither allow five ft steps on the snow afaik ). she does have ice skates.

stuff it looks like you prob can't find is the msw snorkel, glasscutter, and tindertwigs probably.

Nadya takes you wherever you want to go. I'll just run down a few stops.

Blacksmith:
Waldsby's blacksmith is busy making arrowheads in the back when you stop by the shop. Nadya greets him. There's a rather nice looking unique shield hanging out front of his shop, that differentiates it from a typical store-display-sign, but nothing unique in his inventory.

Verana's Sundries:
Not as well stocked as Heldren's store, Waldsby's general store seems to carry the bare necessities for its customers. Verana greets Nadya and the chat a bit in skald. Nadya comes back with news that the most interesting items Verana has are a suit of magic studded leather (asking 4,175gp), a belt of mighty constitution (asking 4,000gp), a potion of feather step, and a mwk shortbow.

Village Chapel:
Rolf Halzberg offers what little comfort he can to the beleaguered villagers. After a chat with Nadya, he lets on that he has an oil of protection from evil, a scroll of goodberry, and its no secret that he's got holy water.

You're floored as you walk by the chapel though, and see a gnome with a shock of blue hair sitting outside the carpenter's cabin. Gloomy but elaborate and well carved wooden adornments. So shocked are you, because there sits Tengezil Frimbocket, the blue haired gnome carpenter from Heldren, sipping a steaming mug of chocolate on his portch and waving to Nadya who doesn't bat an eyelash. He's dressed oddly, like a normal villager here, and he shows no hint of recognition for Arwyn or Giacomo.

did you want to speak to the gnome? stop by the tavern and gather information? do you want to try and gather information while shopping?

stuff it looks like you prob can't find is the msw snorkel, glasscutter, and tindertwigs probably.

Meh, can live with that, saves me 15 gp. Originally I also wanted a Skeleton Key because all my characters have one, but I doubted something as convenient as that is sold in this village (let alone that the Winter Witches have locks that allow such a thing...).

Blacksmith:
Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
There is nothing here that Ten-Penny needs. So unless Gondork/Caladan had something he wanted, she will only be window shopping here (shield is fancy, but that is about it)

Verana's Sundries:
I'm interested in the Masterwork Shortbow (330 gp if I'm correct). I like to buy that by spending 3 blue quartz ice diamonds (100gp each), selling her my regular Short Bow (15 gp), and the 15 gp that I "saved" by not being able to find those three other articles. That potion of Feather Step is also alluring, Ten-Penny also buys that (Sapphire Ring of 75 gp, change = 25 gp).

It seems that I will spending quite some time here, as most of the stuff from the list can be bought here. Therefore it might not be a bad idea to gather some information here as well (talking while buying stuff from her).
Gather information: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14 guess it is mostly small talk

Village Chapel:
I would like to use the 25 gp I got as change to purchase a holy water from the priest.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Nope, Giacomo's too shaken up by the previous events that he doesn't notice anyone taking interest.
I'll buy the Oil of Protection From Evil (25 gp, I believe), and I'll finally sell the longspear I wanted to sell but hadn't (+2.5 gp, so a total loss of 22.5 gp).
Also, am I healed up again (14 nonlethal), or do I need to throw some healing at it?

Giacomo waves at Tengezil, and hopes to see a sign of recognition. If he doesn't, he'll try to act as if he was stretching his arms to throw off onlookers.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

ten-penny

purchases approved. note that ten-penny might already have had a potion or two of feather step from the last loot.

you learn more by inference, that the White Weasel is firmly in the pocket of the White Witches, information gleaned by the proprietors is conveyed to the tower, and there is a large mirror set up in the tavern that winter witches can watch over the town from.

The burnt frame and crumbling foundation belong to the town's last headman, Tjorvar Letkovich. Three years ago he came under suspicion of being a member of the underground resistance. Nazhena's response was quick and brutal: her guards burned down Tjorvar's house with his wife and child inside, and Tjorvar was hung from the town hall's clock until he died of exposure and the ravens picked him clean. Since then the village has had no leader.

Giacomo
no recognition from Tengezil.
50gp for the oil of protection from evil

you've recovered 2 nl from the time spent indoors. unfortunately i think its 1 nl / hour for recovery, so you may want to throw some healing at it in the shack.

The gnome looks on with curiosity, but you see no flicker of recognition.

Knowledge:Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

You're floored as you walk by the chapel though, and see a gnome with a shock of blue hair sitting outside the carpenter's cabin. Gloomy but elaborate and well carved wooden adornments. So shocked are you, because there sits Tengezil Frimbocket, the blue haired gnome carpenter from Heldren, sipping a steaming mug of chocolate on his portch and waving to Nadya who doesn't bat an eyelash. He's dressed oddly, like a normal villager here, and he shows no hint of recognition for Arwyn or Giacomo.

did you want to speak to the gnome? Yes.

Arwyn stopped, astonished by the presence of one of her fellow villagers.
"Mister Frimbocket?" She asked, approaching him. "What are YOU doing here?" She asked.

Whoop, I'll also do a retroactive Channel to patch up the soldiers after the mantis attack.

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2

Well.
I'll use two taps from the Wand of Cure Light (6 charges remaining) and I've fully recovered (was at 14 nonlethal). 3 channels left.

note that ten-penny might already have had a potion or two of feather step from the last loot.

I know, but i'm not the only party member who'd maybe need one in the future. handy to keep more of them on me

On the road after the shopping spree at Verana's Sundries, Ten-Penny quietly says to Giacomo and Arwyn:
"We might want to skip the White Weasel. It seems that the influence of the White Witches is strong there. Plus, they have a great mirror over there, and we know what that means..."

Ten-Penny then waits for an opportunity to tell them something when nobody is in listening range, especially Nadya, and then speaks in a hushed tone (perhaps at the temple).

"If we are going to do this, we need to make damn sure that we finish it. Apparently, anyone suspected of disloyalty has their entire family killed and then is gruesomely put on display until they die of cold exposure. I'm sure Nadya is aware of this possible outcome, but that doesn't mean we can slack off."

Arwyn stopped, astonished by the presence of one of her fellow villagers.

"Mister Frimbocket?" She asked, approaching him. "What are YOU doing here?" She asked.

"I'm sorry child, do i know you?" , he looks up from his steaming mug, a puzzled look on his face.

ten-penny shopping
re: gondork & caladan, there's not much in town that might interest them. the belt is nice but i dunno if anyone wants the con bump yet. the studded leather may be of interest to ten-penny and arwyn. its +2 armor ooc. Caladan and Gondork both use heavy and tower shields respectively, the light shield (unidentified) probably won't interest them. but if gondork gets his sight back i think he can easily identify the shield.

You approach his cabin, remarkably similar to his cabin back in Heldren. He sets his mug on the bannister and stands up, pulling his dark fur cloak tight against some of the cold Irrisen air.

"I'm Arbagazor Frimbocket, and who might you be? Merchant friends of yours Nadya? If you're interested in fine woodcraft, you've come to the right place. I was trained in Whitethrone at the Crooked House, and the best craftsman you'll find in these parts."

The more he speaks, you realize it can't be Tengezil though he looks just like him, and speaks like him. he looks you all over, preparing his sales pitch.

"small-fellow, perhaps you seek a fine carving or symbol of your faith? Mistress-toothy, perhaps you would be interested in my fine darkwood quarterstaff, carved so lovingly that its even enchanted on one end ( the striking end mind you, if you're so inclined ). And you coldborn, perhaps.."

His eyes freeze on Kepp's mwk shortbow.

"That bow. Where did you get that bow?"

Can't afford the very nice studded leather...

"I'm sorry child, do i know you?"

"Mister Frimbocket? It's me! Arwyn! Don't you recognize me?" She asked, throwing her hood back to show off her white skin and ice blue hair and eyes.

The more he speaks, you realize it can't be Tengezil though he looks just like him, and speaks like him. he looks you all over, preparing his sales pitch.

"Oh. I'm sorry sir; you look so much like a gnomish carpenter at our home village. Please pardon me." Arwyn said, abashed.

"That bow. Where did you get that bow?"

She glanced at her bow.

She glanced at her bow.

"Oh; this was Mister Kepp's before he died." She replied.

he seems intently focused on it. ignoring decorum"Its so close to... Kepp? you say? I don't know any Kepps. He carved this bow? or that gnome from your village carved it? "

he all but mutters to himself, "...cant be..."

"What was this other gnome's name? When did he die?"

you can make perception checks if you're so inclined.

i might as well test these to see if i need to update them

perception checks
arwyn: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
caladan: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
gondork: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
giacomo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
10p: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

back at Nadya's cabin

"Here little fey-fey, heeeeree little fey-fey. fey-fey want some food? I've gooot traail rations... "

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"What was this other gnome's name? When did he die?"

"Tengezil Frimbocket? He's not dead..." Arwyn answered.

the spry gnome rushes you, catching you off guard. he grabs you by the wrist, "What do you mean!? Tengezil is alive?!"

he lets go, staring through the floor, taking a few steps back."that can't be..."

Arbagazor locks eyes with you. "Where?"

"Mr Frimbocket has been living here my whole life."Nadya says, coming up beside you for support, her hand at your shoulder.

"We should probably discuss this in private."

there's no "rush", if someone wants to step in and stop him, or say something, there's time to.

Arbagazor walks backward a few steps, bumps into his chair, knocking over his mug. He walks backwards, shuffling into his cabin, and closes his door. leaving you standing there by his porch.

Nadya walks you back. Up at the corner where you thought someone was watching you, you see a heavyset man with little hair.

"Emil, god ettermiddag. How is your morning?" Nadya says, abruptly, startled by Emil's appearance.

>> Emil <<

Emil takes a step forward, practically spitting in Nadya's face as he raises his voice in punctuation
"What do you think you're doing Nadya! Who do you think you're fooling!"

the spry gnome rushes you, catching you off guard. he grabs you by the wrist, "What do you mean!? Tengezil is alive?!"

he lets go, staring through the floor, taking a few steps back."that can't be..." Arbagazor locks eyes with you. "Where?"

"Well, yes!" Said Arwyn, surprised. "Back at my home village of Heldren! How do YOU know him?" Arwyn started to ask as the gnome started his retreat.

Emil takes a step forward, practically spitting in Nadya's face as he raises his voice in punctuation

"What do you think you're doing Nadya! Who do you think you're fooling!"

Ten-Penny approaches Nadya and their new "guest".

"What a mighty fine first impression you just made, sir. I do hope that the other villagers are nothing like you. Oh, but excuse me, where are my manner? I'm miss Tacey, and you are?"

Ten-penny then reaches out with her hand, assuming the pose for a firm handshake.

He spits into the snow, then kicks the door to the Silver Sto- er.. the White Weasel open, and turns around to walk in without shaking Tacey's hand.

I put it on the map, in case my description of where people are is confusing

There's noise and people inside the tavern. Its midday, and snowing a bit in the village. But his attitude seems to almost dare you to do something.

He spits into the snow, then kicks the door to the Silver Sto- er.. the White Weasel open, and turns around to walk in without shaking Tacey's hand.

"Such a nice fellow... a friend of yours, Nadya?"

There's noise and people inside the tavern. Its midday, and snowing a bit in the village. But his attitude seems to almost dare you to do something.

Ten-Penny shakes her head and turns back to the rest of the party.

She then suddenly gives a strange expression, as if she suddenly remembered something
"Oh yeah, Gondork still has a vision problem... Maybe someone in this village has the means to heal that. Do you know someone who we can trust with that, Nadya?"

She just kind of shrugs at Emil's behavior. "We can't worry about those who have eyes and cannot see... "

"Rolf is the only one that might be able to help with Gondork's eyes, but he's barely an acolyte. Still, we could try asking Rolf to come by for tea and try, otherwise it will be days before those scratches heal properly. " flavorful. hp recovery won't mend them outright.

You met Rolf when you bought the holy water. While he seems to be operating below the notice of the law of the land, he doesn't strike you as the type that would actively oppose it, he doesn't seem trustworthy as he might roll over on you if asked.

do you want to stop by the church and convince Rolf to help? or head back to Nadya's?

Nadya urges caution, and you end up going back to her cabin, where you share your thoughts on the town, and the odd gnome, and hostile tavern owner. Gondork seems to have just been laying in bed resting, while Caladan has his hand behind the wardrobe groping around. He straightens up and greets you. The kids are playing with their wooden soldiers and what looks like a wooden polar bear

*Snore*