Theodora continues Tis not the attacks that have me worried. Yes, it's a grave thing that bandits have free reign. But worse still, the weather. This should not be, and it's most unnatural. Oh, if I were younger, I would seek this out. Who knows what secret lie behind this phenomenon?
You, what brings you to this village? I have seen a number of people from elsewhere wander this town. Are you with them?
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Me, and four of my companions. Brave men all. We didn't stand a chance when the winter-touched came. Would that I know why they are here - they should not venture this far south!
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The battle was over before we noticed. Winter Fey are vicious creatures. Small, but vile, using cold magic with deadly precision. They were quite organised and came out of nowhere. In the snows, they're almost invisible. Yuln is clearly impressed by the Fey creatures that bested him.
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Well, she is a girl. She might not want to go looking for trouble. Joesef blurts out the statement before he fully understands what he said. As if a light came on he stutters, Of, of course, I once worked with a, um, captain guard that was a gir... err, woman! Before. I don't remember where now though... but she was good! She actually give me this! "This" being the scimitar that was at the lad's side. She said it was a gift of the Dawnflower. Its not much though. Just a curved sword, but still its the best I've had.
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"Thank you, Yuln. Hopefully, we can avenge your comrades," she said, not convincing even herself, "And if not... well, hopefully someone can come and avenge us all, huh?"
At that she turned to follow Kettil out the door. As she passed Joesef she slapped him on the shoulder suddenly, hoping to get a scare out of him, adding, "You've got a lot to learn, youngster."
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"Life is more valuable than time. The Lady may already be dead, or may be alive. Rushing does her no benefit; simply encouraging our own demise. Shall we meet at the Tavern in an hours time? I, for one, would like to get something warmer to wear if we are to be treading through snow."
Kezia scowls as she reaches into her purse, frowning at the single coin within. "...Nevermind that statement. I am ready to go after retrieving a few belongings from the Tavern."
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"Life is more valuable than discomfort, so if there is the chance that you taking an hour to get a coat costs this Lady her life then oughtn't you not take an hour to get a coat. Seems to me there's good reason to think every minute might count. If she is a live they probably want something from her, if they get it they won't need her any more... Nelwin retorts, though he does not really try to hide the fact that his reasons are more related to impatience than altruism.
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Still it IS awfully cold. It won't take an hour to purchase the winter outfit, will it? Look, I only learned of this quest a few moments ago, surely time to prepare is needed. Joesef looks to the women of the party as if he might score a few points on the good side of the slate. Anyway, I'm not even sure how much of whatever we'll need. How far are we going?
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I am doing a research on the non-divine traditions of healing developed by isolated populations in the past centuries since the time of darkess for an organization called the Pathfinder Society. Dont you remember? We talked about it yesterday. The elf asks concerned about the effects of old age on the frail Mother Theodora.
Nevermind. I will see what I can dig up on the weather for you mother. See you later. Variel says and returns to the inn hunting for some more gossip.
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"Fine, fine, so we all meet at the Silver Stoat Tavern as quickly as possible, and the last person to get back is responsible for any horrible dismemberments of ladies by snowball toting fey - or minor fire caused by bored gnomes," Nelwin says grumpily, heading over to the general store and tying Butley up outside.
Heading in he asks if they have any warm winter clothes in his size.
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At the tavern Variel orders a tea and a soup. While he is sipping his meal he recognize one of the patrons from a distant land.
Hello. I am called Variel. He says to Celiaea Glimmertide and KeziaTalinathe. I dont know your names miladies but I remember you from the Grand Lodge in Absalon. Are you both here on Society's business too? What news do you bring from the city at the center of the world? I have being on the road for quite a long time now...
The black thrush at his shoulder looks to the elven maiden inquisitively while bending its neck in a twisted and very bird-like way.
KeziaTalinathe
Enter Ionnia Teppen, Councillor of this village, a worried look on her face. Overhearing Variel, she walks up to him, saying Are you the people from the society that are here?
I heard of some society members in this village, and the apothecary told me of adventurers visiting Yuln. I'm sure you heard the grave news, and the troubles that bother us.
Cold weather and bandits, on the road to Zemir. Heldren is ill-fitted for such bad tidings: apart from the mercenary escorting lady Argentae - which may very well all have perished - and the occasional help from the High Sentinels - who keep to the woods mostly - Heldren does not have the means to gather its own militia. Rest assured though, I will provide payment if you could investigate the source of this cold, and the fate of Lady Argentae. Can I count on the Society?
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Variel seems to frozen by the sudden intromission of the village councillor. Cornered into a wall he cant afford to make the society look bad or make a fool of himself in front of the two lovely pathfinder elven maidens armed to the teeth right next to him. Errr... ahmm... right... the society... He nods while sweat starts to form in his forehead. Of course Councillor, the society will help to the best of its resources.
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"The Pathfinder Society, I'm a member to actually...Though to be honest the whole they give me missions thing sounded like a terrible idea so I decided to go covert some heathens instead - go Sarenrae woo! But I suppose its pretty handy, Keryn told me they can get you all sorts of rare stuff one you earn enough prestiege. Plus they write up most of their members adventures in these Chronicles which are a pretty good read, hot blooded adventure and daring do and all that," Nelwin says, his chin resting upon the table as he kicks its leg in an impatient rhythm.
I'm sure the general store can provide you with winter clothing. I'll send them word, and they'll provide you with warm clothing. This whole cold spell isn't too normal around here - I don't think they'll have any fur coats - but they will no doubt have thick layers and, if need be, blankets.
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Kezia leans against a wall while the Counselor speaks, one foot propped up against it. "Oh! The rest of you are with the Pathfinders? I only just joined! I haven't really done anything with that yet..I just wanted to leave Qadira. Payment..Payment sounds good!" The overtly hyper, and easily distracted, elf continues on for a few moments.
"See, I told you warm clothing would be a good idea, little Magmaglow. And for free, too, maybe! Erm..I'll be--I guess we'll be happy to help out, Counselor."
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No point delaying the inevitable I guess. Variel thinks with a sigh.
Lets hope it will not come to that sir. You are Kellid right? I have read that the temperatures up north are so cold that this would be like a hot summer day up there. The elf nods. I will grab my gear and meet you guys at the store. He says quickly finishing his soup and getting up.
On his way out the black bird perched at his shoulder whispers.
Should have kept your mouth shut elf. You never listen.
After gathering his belongings Variel visits the general store and picks up whatever the Councillor was able to secure for them. I guess that's that.
The temperature in Heldren is low for the time of year, but not chilly. Word of much colder weather has reached the adventurers already, though, and Yuln even spoke of snow.
Ketill knows the common lore on fey: they are vulnerable to cold iron weaponry.
At the general store, the adventurers are provided with the few thick coats the place has lying around ().
Near the forest, the temperature grows noticeably colder. The road ahead is littered with debris and the corpses ofslain humans and horses. A carriage stands in the roadway, its team of horses missing or cut free, while another overturned carriage lies sprawled and broken next to the tree line. To the south, more bodies have fallen around what appears to be a statue of ice. A snowy trail leads deeper into the forest.
The temperature is just above freezing, and a light dusting of snow covers the ground.
The westernmost carriage is wrecked, and overturned. Two handmaidens lie dead inside, killed by deep knife cuts. Outside, the bodies of the guards have been pierced with tiny needles and shards of ice. No armour or weapons remain on the guards, except for the frozen statue: he is still wearing his breastplate, and the arm - frozen and chopped off, still grips a fine specimen of a longsword.
The second carriage has decorative chasings, bearing the marks of Taldan heraldy. Many arrows still stick in the wooden panels. A spear has been wedged in the handles, to hold the door closed. Inside, muffled sounds can be heard.
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"More ice sculpture, but not really, no way for a hot blooded fellow to die that." Nelwin says sadly, "You should take his sword though Joesef, looks well made and he won't be using it any more - he's 'armless!" He then moves over and knocks on the side of the carriage,
"Who is in there? Speak up or I am gonna light this thing on fire and check posthumously! If you aren't a winter fey or a bandit we are friends if you are there are lots of us and you should consider swearing yourself to Sarenrae and seeking redemption for your naughty ways."
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"I did not mean to be rude earlier. I hope you weren't offended. The society was just frustratingly vague on why I was sent here in the first place... and then this happens. I just can't shake the feeling that they knew something beforehand. But if they did... what does that mean?"
Oh, my! What should I do? I do not even know what the proper way to react would be with a human woman, let alone with an elven one! Here goes...
No offense was taken, I can understand this is discomforting. If you had an idea how the situation would be here and if it is something else that must be confusing. I try not to assume how things will be, that way I am never surprised. Ketill places his hand on her shoulder and then quickly, as if surprised by himself, removes it.
At the site of the ambush Ketill tries to determine what made the trail