Your eyes scan the surroundings of the Silver Stoat, the only tavern in the village of Heldren in Taldor, just north of the Border Wood near Qadira. Glowing lanterns light this fixture of village life, that fills up with patrons in the evening as they gather to share gossip, hear news, and reward themselves for a hard day’s work. You count up to 30 locals at the nearby tables. This is certainly a far cry from where you started and you certainly don't expect much to happen during your brief stay. This village is just a pit stop for you, a pebble on the road of life, as you move on towards bigger and better things. Nothing exciting would ever happen in this village, right?
Your attention is suddenly drawn to a gruff-looking man, with dark, short-cropped hair and beard. A hunter of sorts, by the looks of the pelts on his shoulder, bow, greataxe, and leather armor with studs. Dirt and bloodstains blotch his cloak and clothes. The man, quite obviously a local, speaks to the innkeeper, a man named Menander if your remember correctly when he and his wife Kale introduced themselves upon your arrival. The man speaks in a loud voice, so as to inform the other patrons of the establishment. "I tell you, Menny, the rumors we've been hearing are true. I was in the Border Wood last night, I had to feel it for myself, when a frigid breeze hit me, and at the height of summer! This cold weather...I don't know, it didn't feel natural! The woods themselves feel uneasy. And I've heard other reports from other hunters, that they've reported heavy snow as well as new predators they've never seen before. Something weird is definitely going on." Menander and most of the locals look quite nervous at the news. Menander speaks, "By the gods, Marek, maybe Old Mother is right. Dark times lie ahead." The patrons say a quick prayer to their gods with looks of fear.
Marek laughs, "You were always too dramatic, Menny. And I'm sure Theodora says that about everything. She's bound to be right sometime. So anything else going on in town these past couple of days, other than I'm going to have to drag out my cold weather clothes from my trunk." Menander's face turns serious, as some voices in the bar whisper, "He doesn't know." Menander exhales, "Actually you've missed a lot, Mar. A badly wounded soldier arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of some fancy noblewoman, Lady Argentea something or other. He told the village council that the noblewoman’s escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He claimed to be the sole survivor and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. He's barely alive, from what I hear, and being tended to at the Willowbark Apothecary. Maybe you might lend a hand, Marek. And maybe the new strangers in town might chip in as well?" Menander stands up straight and looks at the other four new faces in town, listening in and eating their meal.
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Exiel's ears prick up at the mention of bandits attacking a noblewoman. Almost instinctively he pulls down the brim of his broad straw hat, lengthening the shadow cast over his Tian features by the tavern's lanterns.
Bandits attacking traveling nobility... I hope I'm just being too paranoid, but it sounds too close to my situation for comfort.
He purses his lips for a moment, then sighs.
If there's even a remote chance that my being here contributed to this happening, I have a duty to investigate. And it would be prudent to find out sooner rather than later whether this bunch of miscreants are actually hunting ME. Also, Master Yi Ruo would have my hide if I ignored the fact there was a lady that needed rescue and I just did nothing...
Exiel's lips shift to a soft smile as he pictures his mentor's lazy look of disapproval, but it fades as quickly as it comes.
...if he were still alive, anyway.
Pushing his food aside, he rises to his feet, his shoulder-length hair shifting around the fur-lined collar of his thick leather jacket as he moves. He looks to Menander and nods briefly as he speaks with an odd, un-placeable accent.
Of course, Menander. I have no skill in healing, so I am not sure what I can do for the man himself, but if there is someone in need of rescue from those bandits, I will do what I can.
With that, he nods to the inn-keeper once more and walks towards the door. He gets to the threshold before stopping and turning to face the rest of the patrons.
Were there some others coming as well?
A woman with shoulder length pale-gold hair nods at Exiel then pushes away the remnants of her meal, straightening her simple pale blue dress as she stands to face the room.
My name is Aurora, just so I'm no longer a stranger to you she smiles warmly at the room. Only too happy to help, did the bodyguard say where the ambush happened?
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Exiel. The man with the straw hat at the door states simply by way of introduction as he gives a slight bow.
Pleased to make your acquaintance. I believe it was said that the attack occurred near the edge of the Border Wood, though the woods are large, and the border wide. Menander also mentioned that the bodyguard is at the Willowbark Apothecary. Perhaps you will come with me to ask him where the attack occurred, and what survivors, if any, we can hope to rescue, or where the bandits may be found ...and dealt with...if they are still a threat.
There is also this damnable winter that has popped up out of nowhere. The bandits worry me more at this point, but if the attack was conducted by "bandits and strange, wintry creatures", then there is a chance they are connected. Two birds with one stone, as they say.
I would say 'pleasure to meet you' if it were better circumstance Exiel, I'm happy to accompany you, I just need to grab my gear
She moves off at speed towards the private rooms of the Silver Stoat, reappearing a minute later with a pack slung across her back and a crossbow in hand.
I think it a good idea to see the bodyguard first, but once we're in the woods I have only a small skill at tracking. Are there any here that might make a living in the woods who would be happy to join us and help find this woman?
The dwarf sitting at the corner table had just pushed away his bowl of stew; he had licked the thing clean in spite of the looks thrown his way.
He fills his pipe with decent tobacco and is about to light it when he flinches almost involuntarily. He quickly grabs what looked like a some sort of white rodent and stuffs it back in his traveling cloak.
He takes a deep breath and looks around. Maybe this is the best way to make myself useful in this town. As if in answer, the roaring fire in the fireplace crackles and Kitah, the rat now in his cloak, squirms trying to get out.
The dwarf grabs his spear and slowly makes his way to the front of the room. Dark hair, heavy eyebrows and ample facial hair frame his face; unlike most dwarves, he keeps his beard fairly trim, for a dwarf. A couple of deep scars mar an otherwise handsome face. A drab brown traveling cloak and heavy outdoor, leather boots complement his simple attire.
"Miss, I have been walking in the outdoors since way before your parents were born. Perhaps I can be of help?"
He is about to say that he could also heal but the scars he left on his last patient are too vivid in his mind and he holds his tongue.
Adding to his offer, a white rat, curiously singed, appears on the dwarf's shoulder and squeaks its offer as well.
Aurora breathes a sigh of relief as the dwarf finishes his offer of help, she was not looking forward to trying her amateur hand at tracking in a life or death situation.
You are most welcome to join us master dwarf, your help with skills and spear would be greatly appreciated she pauses, cocking her head and looking curiously at the rat you too master whiskers, we need all the assistance we can get if it is only us few against the unknown
She's not sure if making light of the situation is a good idea, but wants everyone to remain calm despite the sense of urgency she herself feels, and levity seems a good way to go about reassuring the village-folk that things are in hand.
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The doors part briefly enough to let a bit of moonlight into the otherwise dimly lit establishment that was the Stoat. Sure the lanterns did their part, but the environ was still drab to say the least. Silhouetted against the door is an older middle-aged man wearing an exquisite brown longcoat, trousers, and a matching deerstalker cap who traipses into the tavern. He walks with a finely-crafted cane, but beyond that it doesn't appear as if he bears any signs of an injury that would require a cane. His eyes scan the room briefly, but he attempts to ignore most of the folk who greet him. He moves to the bar itself and stands erect for a few moments, taking the time to remove his longcoat and reveal an exquisite yellow-white short. The man appears every bit the part of a noble, save that his jawline is silhouetted with the makings of a beard.
Later on in the night when Menander calls him and his fellow inn-guests out, Dresen swallows his meal and takes another swig from the flask he carries on him. "And what, my good man, makes this the business of strangers?"[/ b] He stands, thanking the barkeep, and turns to Menander. "How do you know for sure we weren't the ones responsible? Oh yes, that's right, you don't. So let me speak plainly and address other things you don't know. Our abilities and our equipment are both unknown as well. Most importantly, though, you do not know our intentions. Do not assume that all strangers come to your town with good intentions and before you volunteer others, volunteer first yourself. Fair warning for next time." Dresen finishes scolding. "As for me, I'll be glad to investigate this strange occurrence. My name is Detective Inspector Dresen Cale of the Sleepless Agency and I'd be glad to forgo early payment due to the nature of this threat whether real or imagined by your guard."[/b] He produces a card with the seal of the Sleepless Agency upon it and his name and title underneath it. [b]. Maybe we can discuss more of the lady's kidnapping and less of your personal wonderings over a wonderful flagon of rum or some such."
[spoiler=Rolls]
Perception
[Diplomacy dice]1d20 + 7[/dice]
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Exiel frowns slightly at the detective's words. As the latter speaks, he walks slowly to the man and puts a hand gently on his shoulder.
There is truth in what you say, sir, but right now, the people are understandably rattled by the combination of the very unusual unnatural cold that suffuses the woods, the thought that there are bandits out there bold enough to attack a noblewoman's entourage, that those same bandits would ally with creatures of that supernatural cold, AND that together they possess a real threat to this small settlement.
What they need now is not a lecture on logic, but a source of hope, and I for one would give them that hope, or at least do all I can to try.
Turning to Menander, he brings a hand to the brim of his broad straw hat, pauses for few moments as he considers the wisdom of his action, then with a long sigh pulls his hat off to reveal his features and so that he can look the innkeeper straight in the eye.
On my honour I swear to you that I came to your town with good intentions, and that I will willingly help you for the sake of that honour. I ask only that when other strangers come to this town, you tell them not of a man of my description having passed through, or of my part in these deeds. And trust me when I say it is for the best.
With that, he gives a slight bow to the innkeeper and returns his hat to his head. Turning to Dresnen, he indicates the door with an open palm, inviting him to go first.
Come, detective, the witness awaits us at the apothecary. Perhaps your questions about the abduction would be best directed to one who can give a first-hand account?
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"Uh.. yeah... Hi!" Marek manages to say, obviously ill at easei in front of strangers. There is more he'd like to say, but the words get stuck in his throat. Instead, he just glares at the outsiders who have been talking. What a weird bunch... Dwarves and foreigners and whatnot... Are they really going to travel the woods in that clothing..? He ponders, looking especially at Dresden.
After a while of wide-mouthed staring he manages to grasp his voice again. "I know the woods well, I hunt there every day. That will be no problem." he proclaims, sure of his skills if not of himself. "We should see the wounded bodyguard, go get your gear afterwards."
He turns back to the innkeeper."We'll get to the bottom of this, and find the noblewoman", he says, tapping Menny on the shoulder. Or what remains of her...
Aurora catches Exiel's gaze and nods thankfully, appreciating his smooth words to the detective.
Well met Inspector, I'm sure having a member of the fabled Sleepless agency with us will make things much easier.
She turns to Marek We'll be glad of your help too, woodsman touching him lightly on the shoulder. Yes, let us away to the apothecary, we may have lost the light with the evening drawing in, but time will be of the essence I'm sure.
She leads the way out confidently.
However once out of the tavern she turns to either Martok or Marek (whoever comes out first) I thought it important to move things along quickly, however I'm not local... could you please lead us to the Willowbark!? she smiles appreciatively.
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Marek blushes slightly as the strange, attractive woman suddenly invades his personal space. "Buh.. umm.. Apothecary. Yes. Yes, this way, follow me!" he manages to say.
Waving his for a goodbye to the locals, he starts leading the outsiders towards Willowbark Apothecary. Not that there was any chance of getting lost in Heldren, anyway.
Menander and his wife Kale stand there a little flabbergasted with their mouths agape, when Aurora and Exiel pull their hoods back and make their presence known. They are just two beautiful people and many of the male patrons look at Aurora a bit lasciviously but compose themselves when Kale shouts, "Alright people, respect the lady please!" Menander fumbles his words a bit, still a little awestruck..."No, uh...I haven't heard where the ambush took place." His face turns red when his wife glares at him and he turns away, to wash some mugs. The rest of the males in their tavern tip their hats at Aurora, offering their table or drinks, praying they had a chance with her. They are sad when she turns to leave with the party and even more perplexed looks when she prefers the company of the dwarf with the rat.
Menander stands a little perplexed at the Inspector's scolding though grateful to Exiel for his defense. But there's just something how Dresen spoke that did not inspire anger only mirth. "Bah Inspector, I knew you were here to help. Councilwoman Teppen let it slip she had asked some northerners for help some days back, some Sleepful agency or such. Oh, it's Sleepless. Whatever! Haha!" The rest of the patrons join in the laughter. Menander continues, "So you see, I knew you were all here to help, in some fashion or another." Turning to Exiel.."I have seen nothing, my good man. Now good luck on your journeys and go make the Border Wood safe again for us decent folk! Oh and Mar, don't get hurt, you still haven't paid up your tab!" He smiles at the party as they leave.
Councilor Ionia Teppen - authority figure - human
Elder Natharen Safander - Half-elf cleric of ErastilOld Mother Theodora - village soothsayer
Isker - human male runs the smithy
Xanthippe - female human beauty of the village and smithy apprentice
Vivialla - owner of general store
Tessaraea Willowbark - elven female village alchemist
Perkin - town halfling butcher
Tengezil - town gnome carpenter (famous for his blue hair)
Those are the most notable NPCs in town. Everyone else you can make up the name.
You walk quickly, a cold draft blows through the village, as you reach the Apothecary's house. Tessaraea answers the door, wary of stranger at night and spooked thanks to Old Mother's cryptic sayings, but relaxes once she sees Marek and he vouches for all of you. She welcomes you in to her home. You can tell she is rather short for an elf, no taller than 5'1", with silver hair and green eyes and spectacles resting on her nose. She is rather demure and her fingers are stained blue and red, perhaps from dyes or chemicals you imagine. "Wow, such beautiful people. So I assume you came to see our visitor, huh? He's from the north, calls himself Yuln Oerstag that one. Barely alive..Bless the gods we were able to save him but not even the Elder could heal all of his injuries. He's conscious if you wish to speak to him. Just try not to take longer than 10 minutes, that boy really needs his rest."
She leads you to a room down the hallway and lets you in. As you walk in, a lantern lighting the room, you see a tall man, perhaps 6'2", of Nordic ancestry with blonde hair and blue eyes wrapped in bandages, lying in a bed. His nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded, as evidenced by the blood stains on his dressings.
Image of Yuln
Yuln struggles to open his eyes and upon seeing the party, whispers "More strangers come to witness my shame?"
Thank you Tessaraea, we appreciate your hospitality especially given the time of night, we'll try not to keep your patient too long
Aurora gazes over the injured man, frowning slightly with concern at the extent of his wounds and noting from his words how abashed he must feel.
Hmm, we're not going to get anywhere if he's focusing on how poor a job he thinks he did protecting his mistress
Shame Yuln? There's no shame in doing your best to protect your charge Aurora indicates his bruises and more than that, you survived to bring word to others where you could not continue. She looks him straight in the eyes Knowing nothing about your experience or skill with a blade, I'd still hire you based solely on that
Perching on the edge of the bed, she changes the tone of her voice. Now we need to know as much as possible if we stand a chance of helping your Lady Argentea. Please tell us everything you can, starting with where you were attacked
The dwarf bows deeply, "I see no shame here. I'm sure you gave as much as you received."
He pauses and looks at his injuries, "Perhaps I can be of help. But Lord Fire's healing leaves scars and it's painful but the offer stands."
The dwarf pets a white rat perched on his shoulder and continues with his slow, even speech, "We actually are here to help. Can you tell us more about the attack that took your patroness? Any details that you can remember would be helpful."
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"Thanks, Tess! We'll keep it short"
Marek enters the house, and approaches the man. "Uh-uh.. No shame. Rest easy, you're in good hands here."
While he talks, Marek looks at the wounds on Yuln, trying to figure out what might've caused them."What happened, you look like you took a pretty bad beating?"
He is especially concerned about the frostbites. It's cold, but not this cold...
"Tess, was Theodora here? Did she say anything? I trust she saw the hands and toes" ,Marek says, turning back to the apothecary with a frowning look on his face.
Yuln's eyes light up as Aurora speaks, as he notes her complexion and her hair and eye color. "Aye, fellow sister of the north, you are right. I should stop feeling sorry for myself, not when the Lady's life is in danger. Though I believe my Ulfen ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them with my blade before they dragged Lady Argentea away." He pauses, struggling to sit upright, the pain in his face quite apparent. When he finally does so, he speaks again, "I was part of the guard escorting Lady Argentea Malassene from Zimar to Oppara. As the caravan skirted the Border Wood, we came under attack. Perhaps six miles south of Heldren. We thought they were just bandits at first—outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south. The men fell and the winter-touched took the Lady back into the forest, through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don’t know what happened."
Yuln grimaces. "No thank you, master dwarf. Thank you for your concern. I am in enough pain right now that I don't need the healing to hurt also. I will wait for the Elder to come see me tomorrow morn. I have been told that with enough rest, I shall be fine. So I leave it in your hands to save my Lady."
Yuln grimaces. "No thank you, master dwarf. Thank you for your concern. I am in enough pain right now that I don't need the healing to hurt also. I will wait for the Elder to come see me tomorrow morn. I have been told that with enough rest, I shall be fine. So I leave it in your hands to save my Lady."
Martok nods, inwardly relieved that he didn't have to heal the Ulfen. Maybe one day I will learn to control Lord Fire's power.
At the mention of cold and winter, Kitah, the singed rat, shivered and went back inside the dwarf's cloak.
The dwarf turns to Marek, "Do you know enough of this Border Woods to take us where the Ulfen has mentioned?"
Now paying attention back to Yuln, "Do you think these were just brigands wanting money? Did they name a price for your Lady?"
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Exiel takes in the man's words appreciatively.
Good sir, I perceive that though we are from different cultures we are both men who know and value honour - but honour is never understood independent of context. There are indeed times when it will be good and honourable to fight to your last breath. But it is not such a time when your mistress is taken and there are none but you left to bring news of her abduction. In those circumstances it was dutiful and honourable of you to bring news to this village where others might help. THAT is a battle that you fought well and won. Rest easy now, for you have done your part. Now it falls to us to rescue her, and I for one will do so in the name of Yuln Oerstag, that none of your ancestors may find cause to ridicule you.
If necessary: Diplomacy
Turning to the others, he adds
Six miles south from here, on the road from Zimar to Oppara as it skirts the Borderwood. Would it be safe to say that not many locations will match that description? Marek and Martok, is that information enough for you to bring us to the site of the attack?
Aurora blushes slightly when Yuln addresses her directly as a 'Sister of the North', never having been there it is her turn to feel a slight bit of shame, though she seems to quickly refocus her thoughts on the matter at hand.
You do more damage to your foes by getting reinforcements, I'm sure your ancestors would approve, especially if you took an enemy down as well.
She listens to Exiel's words as well, nodding appreciatively at the deft way he reassured his fellow warrior, knowing the words would be better taken from someone of similar standing and profession.
So we have both a location and a description of our foes, so unless anyone can think of anything further to ask our friend here, we should probably make haste
She hesitates, you suspect she may be hoping someone else takes the lead, as never having had much adventuring experience, or even seen much combat, she's feeling a little out of her depth. She is thankful for Martok's question when he asks it, thinking it a good idea to get as much information about the bandit's intentions as possible.
Marek, I think you've been nominated as our lead tracker, I hope that's ok. Do we need anything to help track the lady and her kidnappers? Aside from light of course?
Yuln's voice rises.."Bah, sir Dwarf, brigands you say! This is not what this is about. Have you not heard me mention the winter-touched?! Foul fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. If they're here, it's because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow. Be careful with them...tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man's forearm but don't be fooled by their small stature. Legends say the winter-touched have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter, as my body can attest to."
Exiel takes in the man's words appreciatively.
Good sir, I perceive that though we are from different cultures we are both men who know and value honour - but honour is never understood independent of context. There are indeed times when it will be good and honourable to fight to your last breath. But it is not such a time when your mistress is taken and there are none but you left to bring news of her abduction. In those circumstances it was dutiful and honourable of you to bring news to this village where others might help. THAT is a battle that you fought well and won. Rest easy now, for you have done your part. Now it falls to us to rescue her, and I for one will do so in the name of Yuln Oerstag, that none of your ancestors may find cause to ridicule you.
If necessary: Diplomacy 1d20+8
Yuln relaxes at hearing the wisdom and conviction of Exiel's speech. "Truer words have not been spoken, warrior. You humble me." He points to his belongings. "There, my friend, lies my sword. It is made of cold iron and an anathema to the winter-touched. Please borrow it and put it to good use rescuing my Lady. You should have no trouble finding the ambush spot in the light of day. There is an overturned carriage and..the bodies of the guards, I imagine." The longsword lies in its sheath in the corner. Yuln lays back, his mind finally at ease.
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Exiel nods to Yuln and retrieves the sword.
I will bear your blade against the ones who hold your mistress captive and retrieve her in your name. Rest easy, friend.
And I pray that we retrieve her alive, or else avenge her with your sword. Exiel thinks to himself, though he does not say it aloud lest the suggestion that his mistress might be dead upset Yuln once more. For now, he is content to let the Ulfen warrior rest.
Noting that the Ulfen warrior is now resting peacefully, he motions to the others that they should leave. Once outside, he says to the group:
Well then, we have our destination. I can't say I'm the best at path-finding, but if memory of my father's mobilisation of troops serves me accurately, we should cover 6 miles by road in little more than 2 hours if we have a road to follow.
Noting Yuln's comment about how the ambush spot will be easy to find in the day, he adds:
I propose we spend the rest of the evening resting and seeking out what equipment we need, then meet at the the front of the Silver Stoat at first light tomorrow, ready to set off. But I will defer to the superior expertise of our trackers if they propose otherwise.
Aurora feels a little foolish, all ready to run off in the middle of the night with nothing but a light cantrip and dogged determination. She takes Yuln's words of wisdom to heart and realizes how dangerous it would be to leave now.
In a quieter voice than you've heard her use up til now she suggests
Very well, meeting in front of the Silver Stoat at first light sounds like a good suggestion.
Aurora feels a little foolish, all ready to run off in the middle of the night with nothing but a light cantrip and dogged determination. She takes Yuln's words of wisdom to heart and realizes how dangerous it would be to leave now.
In a quieter voice than you've heard her use up til now she suggests
Very well, meeting in front of the Silver Stoat at first light sounds like a good suggestion.
The dwarf nods to the suggestion, "Aye, first light it is then."
He then quickly comes to his senses, "However, if we are to work together in this then it's best that we get to know each other a bit better."
He thinks for a moment and slowly adds, "The flame burns brightest when there is fuel at hand..."
Seeing their puzzled looks, he adds, "I mean that it is best if we know something of each other. I'll start. I'm a mountain herder." The little rat squeaks in protest and the dwarf blushes, "or rather a goat-herder from the mountains and I have been chosen by Lord Fire. He grants me magic after I pay my reverences to him."
Martok slams the butt of his spear on the ground, "I can also hold my own in a fight. More than one wolf has found its end on my spear."
The singed rat appears from underneath his cloak; Martok pets the small rodent, "And I can also heal although my healing magic leaves scars, burn scars. Only sometimes."
Now ashamed, the dwarf looks to see who would be next in opening up to the group.
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"Fey... should've known" Marek mutters upon hearing the details of Yuln's story. Unconsiously he rubs a scar of an old wound long since healed.
Then he turns towards the others, terror-struck by the Dwarf's suggestion. Feeling the group's eye's upon him, he feels his voice getting stuck in his throat again.
"Uh-I-I-I'm Marek", he manages, struggling to get his voice steady. "As-as-as you already know, I guess. I-I-I'm a hunter, you see. So I know the woods pretty well." Once the first words come out, the rest start flowing easier. While talking, he points at his bow as to emphasize.
"So that makes me a good tracker for you, I guess. Umm, I'm also pretty good with the bow. And I know a bit of healing herbs and such, so if you get hurt I can maybe keep you alive."
Suddenly his expression get darker, and his stammering is gone. "I've seen some of these fey creatures before. Vicious things, almost killed me once. But cold iron hurts them. Hurts them real good." He pauses for a while as if letting out some steam. "But these cold ones are new. I haven't seen them before. But I have felt the chill gnawing my bones in the woods, so maybe it's them feys behind it."
Aurora listens carefully to Martok and the little rat, fascinated by the description of his abilities.
So were you born with this ability to call upon 'Lord Fire' for aid? She seems genuinely interested and inquisitive.
She also heeds the words of Marek, listening intently about the fey, never having seen them herself.
So are there any other ways too hurt these creatures aside from cold iron? Would flame or magic do it?
As for introducing myself a little better to you all...
She dips in to her belt purse and retrieves a copper piece, then speaking a word of power she leaves the coin floating in the air, gradually changing through all the colors of the rainbow before it drifts down to drop back on to her outstretched hand.
I'm Aurora Ulfurdottir, sorceress.
She sounds much grander and more confident than she feels.
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Exiel falls silent at the invitation to speak about himself, and he absently pulls the brim of his straw hat just a little further down over his face.
They're not after my life history, just what I can do. I can tell that much safely, at least.
Despite telling himself that, his hesitance renders him sparing with his words.
"Exiel," he says with a shrug and forced levity, "just an itinerant warrior."
Aurora listens carefully to Martok and the little rat, fascinated by the description of his abilities.
So were you born with this ability to call upon 'Lord Fire' for aid? She seems genuinely interested and inquisitive.
The dwarf looks confused for a second,perhaps... but quickly turns to the sorceress, "No, not born with it. Some would say that I was cursed but it's now clear that I have been blessed by Lord Fire."
"What of you? How did you come about your magic?
The dwarf turns to the local tracker, "I think Lord Fire's blessing will triumph over these 'winter-touched' but I wonder if there's a place here in town to obtain weapons better suited for the task at hand. Marek, is there a smithy here open at this late hour?"
Martok has clearly got Aurora's full attention at the moment, she's never really spoken to anyone about their magic before...
How wonderful it must be to be able to talk to your power like that she says, wonderment clear to see in her expression, she almost looks jealous.
As for myself, it's something that's always been there since I can remember
She twirls her hand in the air and a large, crude-looking snowflake appears, dancing briefly before winking out of existence again. She sighs.
Yet it doesn't talk to me, I can feel its power in me with every breath, but its secrets remain hidden from my understanding. I envy you. She looks wistful, but quickly snaps herself out of it.
Martok, I think I'd enjoy talking more about this with you when we get a bit more time, if that's ok with you and Lord Fire she pauses for a second before adding and ok with Whiskers too she winks at the rat.
Aurora indicates her crossbow and sheathed belt dagger
I'm not the kind of magic user that blasts things to cinders left and right she confides in you So would be good if I can get something at the smithy too, if they have anything that is
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Exiel's hand moves to the Yuln's sword that is now sheathed at his left hip.
I may seek a new weapon after I return this to Yuln, but for now, I have what I need.
He notes Aurora's cold-weather outfit, and indicates his own as he adds:
Perhaps, master dwarf and master tracker, you may wish to seek some warmer clothing, since the woods presently appear to be inundated with snow?
The smithy and general store are closed right now, but open early the next day, especially if coin is involved.
The night passes uneventfully, although a cold draft can be felt, as the summer temperature continues to drop little by little. In the morning, the Inspector is noticeably missing and when you inquire at the inn, you hear he checked out early, apparently called away on business. You then visit Isker and his daughter, Xanthippe, at the smithy. She is quite beautiful with toned muscles, but does not compare with Aurora's almost ethereal beauty. Isker greets you with a hearty handshake and thanks you for your role in helping the town. He continuously complains about the cold weather. If you ask regarding cold iron or higher quality items, he tells you that he has a set of MW banded mail ("a relic of my army days") and 10 for sale.
The general store run by Vivialla sells mundane adventuring gear and has five cold-weather outfits ("leftovers from a particularly harsh winter a couple of years back" she tells you).
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Marek is ready at dawnbreak. He had managed to find a slightly cleaner outfit, in order to feel better in front of the charismatic visitors. Donning his armor, and packing his hunting gear, he heads to Vivalla's store to buy some winter clothing. Wool and fur in midst of summer, my world is going crazy. He shakes his head as he packs the heacy coat and skirt for easy access later.
Then Marek proceeds to the smithy, and waits there for the others.
Aurora will venture that she believes she has everything she needs, and will be waiting by the smithy at first light for everyone else.
Marek sees her round the corner, a different, this time white, dress swirling around her leather boots as she strides towards him.
It's a shame to get this one scuffed up by walking through the woods in it, it's my 'posh' dress! she laughs
still, better to be wearing something that blends with the snow she smiles at Marek
She spends a minute adjusting straps on her pack and finding the best position to sling her crossbow. These distractions exhausted, she can't help but give in to her curiosity. She turns to Marek again
So you've met fey before then, you've an avid listener here for that story, if you feel like telling it
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Exiel leans against a post by Heldren's southern exit, his breath misting in the chill air as he absently works at Yuln's sword with a whetstone. Despite his otherwise shabby choice of armor and weaponry, he works the stone with practiced competence, even as he loses himself in his thoughts.
Rescuing a member of the Taldan nobility.
On top of that, I also showed my face openly in the tavern. Even if I ask for discretion, it will only be a matter of time before word gets out, and I will have to move again. Not that it could have been helped. Much as I would have liked to keep a low profile, honour demanded that I act.
... And then there was that detective who disappeared in the night. Why did he leave? Perhaps he'd heard of the bounty and recognised me? Perhaps he's looking even now for men who will come with him to collect? But then, it's also possible that the bandits who kidnapped that Taldan lady already know about the bounty and my whereabouts...
Or I could just be over-thinking things. Not everything's about me. Ha. Maybe once this is done I will get to enjoy a few quiet years here...maybe even settle down and start a family...
But he doubted those words even as he silently said them to himself, and he knew that once this matter was dealt with, it would not be long before he was on road again.
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So you've met fey before then, you've an avid listener here for that story, if you feel like telling it
Marek still finds it hard to look Aurora in the eyes, baffled by her beauty. Her smile and sudden interest in his past makes him blush.
"Uhh.. Well, there in the forest.. I mean.. I've been going there since I was a kid. And I've heard sounds, and I've thought I've seen things, and of course I've heard a lot of rumors. But then one day there I started to feel drowsy, I mean really, really, drowsy. And I must've fallen asleep, there in the woods." Word follows another in quick succession, tension in the voice. Then the hunter exhales and closes his eyes.
"And then I wake up, my birthmark, here...", Maker rolls up his sleeve to show an odd-shaped blot, "...burns and hurts like hell, rousing me from slumber. And I'm somewhere deep in the wood, I didn't know where. And there's this creature above me. It looks like a lady, beautiful, but not in a good way. Creepy kind of beautiful. And she had a mouth of needle-sharp teeth just reaching to bite me." Marek shivers as the memory overcomes him.
"I draw my dagger and punch her. But nothing happens, the blade doesn't even pierce her skin. Then she just start laughing, cruel and high and loud. And then she pounces and her claws rip my flank open, a deep wound there. I almost pass out from pain, but then I remember my pa's stories and the arrow he gave me. It got a tip of cold iron, you see. I grab it, and shove it deep into her belly. And she screamed. Oh, she screamed and ran away all bloodied."
"Uh, well.. That's the story. Not that anyone here believed me anyway." Now that the story is over, Marek is back to his shy and awkward himself, looking at his feet and scratching his head.
Happy with his new outfit, the dwarf tries on the wool cap. It takes Kitah a mere second to snuggle inside the dwarf's hair and the comfy cap. With her body half inside, she lifts her head to sniff the air.
Martok looks at Exiel, "Too bad the smithy didn't have a cold iron spear head. I guess we'll have to rely on my Lord Fire and your sword if we ever meet these winter-touched."
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"Yuln Oerstag's sword - I am merely borrowing it," Exiel corrects with a soft smile.
" But if the gods have placed this blade in my hands, then I suspect we will indeed encounter the winter fey on this venture," he adds grimly.
He inspects his work with Yuln's sword. Apparently satisfied, he slides it into its scabbard and pockets the whetstone, then nods to Marek as he follows the ranger down the path.
Indeed. The sooner we rescue the lady the sooner I will rest easy.