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The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby BorderWood speak ofunnaturally cold weather at the height ofsummer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead.
As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. 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 alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
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Nelwin rubbed at his newly healed leg, still puzzled by its refusal to respond to healing magics, maybe it had not been the best idea to try out his newest techniques on the limb - since he was going to heal it anyway. But given the rumours of cold buggers wandering the woods perhaps it was the Dawnflower's doing, what better than a hot blooded gnome to thaw chilly evil?
The tiny gnome with his odd glowing skin was now a familiar sight hobbling about the village, as he sought the chattier locals.
Not getting much from the excited locals he decided what was needed was a bit of fiery speechifying!
"People of Heldren, to whom I am behelden, pray listen to the words of this humble servant of Sarenrae! There's a Lady in danger, and though she may be a stranger, what kind of hot blooded heroes could leave her cold and alone? So I ask you, oh yes, I am gonna ask you, who is going to come with me to save her! Believe me bravery is all the braver, when the troubles we face are graver! And let me teach ye if you come with this fiery preacher, you would not want to face me as a wintery creature!
To punctuate his speech the gnome extends a hand and send a ball of flame shooting up from his palm.
Nelwin talks to Old Man Dansby. He 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.
All the people Nelwin speaks agree the weather is unseasonably cold for midsummer-it even snowed in the Border Wood! Most suspect magic is involved, and some fear Qadiran agents played a role in it.
Another story Nelwin picks up is that of a farmer's son. He 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.
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Kettil is blissfully unaware of anything going on, he is well accustomed of snows starting shortly after the summer solstice. After the speech of the weird gnome (not that anybody would know what constitutes a 'normal' gnome) he approaches the little chatterbox.
"Spare your antics for when they are truly needed. Snebold and myself will accompany you into the woods, you might want someone who is familiar with woods and snows to lead the way."
Snebold circles the gnome, sniffing at the small creature.
"Ah come on Snebold, do not frighten him."
The man extends his hand "Well met, my name is Kettil Grimsson, and the tiger is Snebold"
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Nelwin places his hands on his hips and scowls up at the looming Kettil,
"Antics? I will have you know I am a herald of the goddess of hot blooded redemption and fire! And don't worry about frightening me I spent seventy seven years in a temple of the bullheaded Archdevil of magma and war! I mean I did not know him personally, but you know, scary types. Plus I flayed my own leg the other week. So forgive me if I fail to quiver in terror at your cat, humph. But yes I suppose you could come in handy, I'll inspire you and Snebold here to new heights of hot blooded battle prowess and we'll melt these frost fey like the coming of a blazing dawn!"
He pauses, coughing before adding in a less impassioned tone, "I thought we ought to have a word with this mercenary fellow. Hopefully he can guide us to where his Lady got lost."
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From the small inn porch an elf watches the commotion. At his shoulder a thrush whisper to him with its squeaky voice.
I hope you are not thinking in going into the woods!
I am not.
Last time you tried something this foolish every single goblin in a ten mile radius ended up giving you a nap in the dirt.
Thanks for reminding me.
I am not going to keep risking my feathers to save your life every time you get in trouble elf.
Lets hope it wont come to that. I am here on business, researching for the society.
The society is the one who got you eating grass by the roots last time!
Variel takes a deep breath, exasperated.
Face it elf, you are just not cutted for this kind of life. Find yourself a cozy library while you still can.
Your sounding like my father.
Good, he was the one that gave me to you remember? What a wise man, the greatest wizard to ever walk this sorry land!
Yes... I... r e m e m b e r. After another deep breath. Come, lets search for Mother Theodora and ask her about this mess.
You should quit while your still ahead. Just saying...
Variel and his companion move to look for Old Mother Theodora and ask for some juicy details.
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What's this? Lady Argentea Malassene was taken? Isn't that the same name I heard that was looking for an extra sword? Joesef tries to remember what he had seen and heard about the caravan a few days past. Good thing I decided against it, I coulda been one of those men that got killed!
Joesef is a young traveler, perhaps too young. However the life of a nomad was not his first choice. Ever since he was a young lad he was forced to move for hamlet to village to who-knows-where just to survive. He can't say he's ever had a home to speak of and in some regards he'd prefer it that way... even if he doesn't know why.
The last number of places he had been he tried to at least settle in, picking up jobs wherever he could. Once at a smith, another at a farm, a couple of taverns here and there. Not every job was on the up-and-up as it were but those professions were usually when he wandered into the larger settlements. In the smaller places, like here, Joesef usually ended up holding a sword, defending his location from whatever foe decided to raid the place. Orcs, gnolls, bandits, whatever. He figured he might as well just start looking for that type of work from now on.
After hearing the speech by Nelwin and his call for aid, good ol' "Average Joe" and boyish enthusiasm decided to approache as he saw a Kellid man do the same. After they had exchanged a few words he spoke, trying to sound older than he was. Are you looking to hire those that are willing to help find this Lady Malassene? If so, I'd like to join you. I'm not from here but for now it is my home, so if you don't mind I'd like to try and help if I can.
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Nelwin quirks a brow at the youth, "I seek to inspire, not hire! Its cheaper... I am sure that the hot blooded pursuit of righteousness will see us lauded, applauded and laden with all manner of desirables. Honestly you good guys, ah, us good guys, have got it made, we can kill people and take their stuff so long as they are bad slash ugly slash an undesirable species! So we save Lady Malassene, get our reward from her, kill her captors take their stuff and collect spiritual brownie points! I should have become good decades ago! Its very fulfilling!"
The gnome pauses, sighs and withdraws a carved wooden holy symbol that resembles an angel with a sun-like halo, gives it a melancholy look and hits himself on the head with it.
"Bad Nelwin, stop making goodness sound like a scheme."
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Go to Heldren, they said, Celiaea thought to herself, Keep an eye on the locals, note any interesting findings in your journal, and report back to us after a month's visit. Did they know this was going to happen? How?
The lithe elf warrior had only just arrived the night before, sent by the Grand Lodge to observe. Until now she was annoyed and skeptical of her assignment, reconsidering her choice to join the organization. With the rumors pouring in of unseasonable weather and strange, cold creatures in the woods, she was beginning to wonder about the motives of the masked Decemvirate council. She was certain it could not be mere coincidence.
She had been frequenting the local temple, asking questions about faith and the gods. It was a raw subject for her, having fallen out of favor with her parents for disagreeing with their religion, though she couldn't help herself nontheless. Her interest was genuine. That it helped her gain insight into the community was a handy side effect. And that was where she found herself now.
"Priestess, how are you?" Celiaea tried to sound cordial but her words rang guarded nonetheless, "Have there been any new refugees? And the bodyguard, is he going to be okay?"
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Joesef blinks at the mannerisms and words of the gnome. So, you've done this sorta thing before? I mean, it sounds like you're a mercenary. The youngster then asks, Is there any money in being lauded? I could use the money. I won't be able to stay in the inn for much longer without it and nobody seems to be hiring now.
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Nelwin cocks his head and scrunches his face up considering, "Well not this exactly, but I've got friends who have and most of them are crazy rich - though admittedly most of their wealth goes on not getting killed supplies. I was evil, not any more so you cannot take my stuff, but now I'm redeemed, or redeeming myself I suppose? So I need to do good deeds like this to atone, but that does not mean I need to be poor... Also first thing you need to do if you want to be redeemed is give up all of your ill gotten gains... I used to have this mahogany wrack that people were almost lining up for, figuratively, they might have been if they could walk anyway."
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A rack? A rack of what? Joesef seems confused by the gnome and his explanations. And nothing I have was gotten ill, in fact I've had most of what I've ever had taken from me. I often wondered if I shouldn't be doing the same. Seems to be how the world works. I never do since, well, it just doesn't seem right. Is that what you mean by evil? You used to be a thief?
I used to be a thief. Was I evil? Joesef wonders to himself as he thinks back on his time in the streets of the city... the name of which he can't seem to recall. I was just doing what The Rat Man told me to do though.
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"Its not really relevant, but stick with me kid and I'll ensure you get rich spiritually and properly! Its simple really there's a Lady in terrible danger, and we're going to save her, everything else is garnish! So stoke your ire, until it burns like a righteous fire!"
Nelwin casts about for a likely villager, and calls in his surprisingly booming voice,
"Now where can we find this mercenary? Need some directions if we are going to administer corrections!"
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Well, yeah, I'll join you... I thought you were together? Joesef seems a bit embarrassed by the situation he has found himself in. Maybe I ask too many questions?
The young man stays quiet as the other two announce there intentions. I guess I'll just follow them wherever they go. They seem to know what they're doing.
The priestess of the local temple looks regal as she answers Celiaea's question. The bodyguard she speaks is a strong man. He has suffered great injuries, but managed to pull through. You may find him at the Willowbark Apothecary, since sadly here we do not have the space to accommodate him.
On the other end of town, Variel find old mother Theodora, the old woman of the village. She's the village's most skilled midwife, and effectively knows everyone in the village since the day she was born, since she helped deliver the majority of them. These are worrying times, she says, It's never been this cold in this time of year. Strange, very strange. Never seen anything like it.
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Well, yeah, I'll join you... I thought you were together?
"Yes, the tiger and myself are a team, as for the gnome, I have never met him before. Well met, I am Kettil" Kettil says while extending his hand. He pointedly ignores the fact that the gnome has not volunteered his name.
"Blive" Kettil says to the tiger before they enter the apothecary. The tiger lays down and stays outside.
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Having only arrived two days ago from Demgazi, the raven-haired elf sits beside the Silver Stoat's door and watches the antics in the town square. While far more used to the heat of Qadira than this unexpected cold, she is rejoicing in it. The chill winds raise goosebumps along her arms and b ring to mind the cold spells she favors so much.
Hearing the little gnome go on about fire and the Dawnflower brought a faint smile to her lips. She stands and takes a step toward the three warriors planning to head out before pausing, shaking her head.
So loud..perhaps I shall allow that fiery voice to learn some things before going along. I've never 'rescued' anyone before, that could be fun..but the cold in the forest interests me far more. She spins on her heel, turning her back to the leaving trio and enters the Silver Stoat.
Knowing that the innkeeper distrusts her a little for being Qadiran, she tries a friendly approach. "Hello, did you hear all of that hub-bub? It's too bad about the Lady. I was..thinking of helping out those going to rescue her from the woods, but the intense cold in there worries me. Do you know anything about that?" She'll sit slowly onto a stool at the counter, smiling at the innkeep.
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Nelwin glances back as names are exchanged, "Oh, did I not say, I'm Nelwin Magmaglow, cleric of Molo.. Sarenrae, The Dawnflower, The Everlight, The Healing Light. You know sunshine, redemption, scimitars, honesty, healing, placed the eternal fires of the sun in Rovagug's prison to torture him for all eternity - all round classy Lady."
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"Thank you, Priestess."
Celiaea left the temple and made her way to apothecary's. Upon arrival she discovered a motley crew of three had already arrived to call after the injured bodyguard. She began to bristle at that until she noticed the hunter Ketill, another frequenter of the local temple.
"Ketill, hello. So, you're here for the mercenary too?" She stifled a laugh when she noticed the gnome. She found him ridiculous, moreso than she found other gnomes, "Who are your friends?"
Inside the Willowbarks apothecary, Yuln Oerstag is an easy spot (). The big Ulfen warrior is wrapped in bandages, and his nose and fingers are blue from frostbite.
Sizing up the band of adventurers before him, he says You see an ashamed warrior. My 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 before they dragged Lady Argentea away
The inn keep answers Kezia's question: What worries me is not the cold, but the high Sentinels. They're a group of rangers in the Border Wood, and they usually keep bandit activity curbed. They're doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea.
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The inn keep answers Kezia's question: What worries me is not the cold, but the high Sentinels. They're a group of rangers in the Border Wood, and they usually keep bandit activity curbed. They're doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea.
"That's..worrisome. Do you think something may have happened to them? Also..do you know where they live? I'd like to offer my hand in helping recover the Lady. The Sentinels may know something."
Yurln describes his assailors: 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 ofthe 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 winter-touched are fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length ofa man's forearm. But don't be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver ofice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.
We were on the road from Zamir when we were attacked ()
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The Sentinel, they live in the woods to the south. There's a lodge when you venture into the woods. the inn-keeper says.
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When I was small it might have been that cold Theodora says but never this late in the year! Most strange indeed. She doesn't seem to know much more than anyone else about the attack - after all, Yuln is not from this village.
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"North's all I know, but its pretty far. Anyway no time for procrastinating I'm fetching Butley, my donkey, and heading down the road to Zamir to see what can be done. Can anyone follow a trail? I assume they'll not be waiting for us, though I suppose they could be trying for more ambushes..."
Heading out he grabs his donkey, slinging on a set of saddlebags and sets off.
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"Irissen is at the top of the world, it is also known as the land of eternal winter. My people never roam there, that place is cursed"
"I can track, although it would make sense to try to recruit some more people to this cause. If these Ulfen could not protect their mistress then we need all the people we can get. Celiaea, I believe two other elves recently arrived here, do know them?"
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"Yes, of coarse fey exist, gnomes used to be fey. Small things are easy to fight just hit 'em with your sword, now hitting them might be tricky, but you probably only need to do it once. And the more the merrier says I, if we can pick up anyone else interested in some hot blooded heroism we should do so!"
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Kezia nods sharply to the innkeeper and thanks him for the help. She'll head over to the apothecary to follow after the three she'd seen head over earlier.
Walking up as they exit the building, she places one hand on the hilt of her blade and grins. "Heading into the chill forests to fight off gloom and recover a noble in hopes of rich rewards, right? Or were you going on about honor and all that instead, eh. Reward sounds better though to me." With a poor, unrefined flourish and snarky bow, Kezia looks up. "You can call me Kezia."
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Nelwin grins, "Nelwin Magmaglow, and honour is a reward, even if not in and in of itself you can cash it in with other sap... honourable folk! But yes you'd hope for something in the way of direct financial remuneration, the trick is pretending you don't want it while not protesting quite enough that you don't get it."
He points to the rest of the group in turn, "Joesef, Kettle, Celiaea, Snebold the tiger, and Butley the donkey."