Tyv leans towards the other team to see if he recognizes them or their clan.
When Varghoss complains about Havark, Glowen pipes up, "Ránulfr was insulted by ole Lantern Oil Tongue? That poor boy cannot put two words together without insulting someone." He pauses for laughter. "But he's got a good heart and means well. Surely you jest. I cannot imagine a powerful clan like Ránulfr being intimidated by the words of a pup. That's a good one, I applaud your humor!" and he laughs again.
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Glowen looks for Jarl Runí Audunson and tries to talk to him.
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A few bemused chuckles travel around the room at the interjection. Varghoss doesn't laugh, however. "You look a newcomer, rat, so let me start by welcoming you to the Ice-Break Þing. Perhaps you do not know our ways, so let me be clear." The jarl slams his fist into the table before him for emphasis. "Ránulfr are NOT intimidated by anyone, much less Havark Torgrimson!" He then relaxes, his anger either hidden or suddenly gone. "My clansmen will not be made to suffer his or any other Hávardr's insults for the entirety of the Þing. If you know him well, perhaps you should convince him to apologize," Varghoss suggests, staring daggers at the much-smaller Glówen.
.
..
.
After council ends, Glówen catches the attention of Clan Dómarr's jarl. Bald with a braided brown beard, Runí's clothes are fairly plain in comparison to what the other jarls wear. His face softens when turning he turns around and sees that Glówen tapping at his side. "Quite a showing you made in there, rat. I rather like the way you speak: your words carry an amusing tickle. What is your name, small one?"
The trees give way to a plain at the top of the hill, and speed becomes the only factor. Another sled falls too far behind, leaving only six to compete with Tyv & Evyndir. Tyv asks his fellow rider if he knew the emen riding next to them, being unfamiliar with most the clans himself. As they slip behind, Evyndir guesses, "Hafgŕimr, maybe? Friends of Ránulfr."
Initiative
Tyv's Sled - Leader
Sled 8 - Point-blank
Sleds 2 | 3 | 5 - Medium | Medium | Long
Sled 6 - Short
Sled 7 - Short
Very thoughtful of you to notice, thanks. Hope you all are having a great long weekend!
"Thank toot five you're kind words. My name it's Glowen, but you may call me Silverbolt, rat, or anything else that catches your fancy." He pauses too look around, "that Varghoss chap seems to be quite the hot head, no? It almost seems an act though, as if he were just looking for an excuse to make trouble. I'm glad Clan Dómarr is lead by more sensible people."
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Havark looks around then stares down the woman.
"Look House níđingrs sends another, but this time the níđingrs men were too scared so they send a woman. I see you too draw on the unarmed wishing to prove your courage. Dalla you proved yourself well today do not lower yourself talking to the unworthy. Though this woman shows more courage then the rest of the dress wearing lady men of her house. If it is a challenge you want then I accept. Go ahead pick the place or do you wish to fall the same place as Ørlygr. I deal with him two days from now and you on the third. Pray to Wotan for peace and that you can show enough courage in your final days to be among the warrior dead."
He steps in front of Dalla as he speaks just en case the dog decides to bite.
Hafrimr falls behind as Eyvindr rather expertly guides their team around a sharp crosscut. But no sooner than the trail straightens out again, another team bounds forward and soon is literally barking at their heels.
Tyv whirls around and waves off the rival dogs with one hand ( the other locked death-grip tight around the sled rail). Bah! Bad dogs! shoo! When that has no affect, he leans down low and glares at the lead dog in they eyes. A low feral growl wells up from within him, from somewhere dark and misty where great white stags fall beneath the claws of beasts far more terrifying and primal than these pups chasing them now.
"Well met, Silverbolt," says Runí, extending a hand. "Varghoss looks after his own, same as the rest of us; I wouldn't think it the place of one man to judge his motives." The look he gives Glówen implies that the statement carried two intents: one part for self-reflection, the other as a minor, friendly reprimand. He cracks a grin for reassurance, "You've won me enough, rat, so save your butter. Tell me, what compels you to seek me out this morning?"
The woman hangs her jaw in stunned silence. Struggling to regain her composure, she stammers, "Fi-Fine! I dare not deprive Lake Ætla the saccharine taste of Hávardr blood, so the island will bear witness to your weakness." She sheathes her weapon, and storms off angrily. Havark doesn't catch her name.
As he watches her go, Havark is suddenly shoved once the Ránulfr woman is out of sight. "What is wrong with you?!" screams Dalla, the apparent aggressor. "I am strong, I am Hávardr, and I can TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!"
Maybe it brings to mind the commanding roar of Fenris, or maybe the dogs truly understand the what sort of predators the Elflands play host to. In either case, their excited barking turns to nervous whines and yipping, and the Hávardr team gains some space laterally. Tyv may have overdone it, though, because these frightened dogs now move with desperate speed, even as more and more sleds slip into the distance.
Initiative
Tyv's Sled - Leader
Sled 8 - Point-blank
Sleds 2 | 3 - Medium | Medium
Sled 6 - Long
"Come with me girl." Havark walks to get out of sight of most people. He then turns to face Dalla.
"I have no doubt you can take care of yourself. I am defender of your father and by extension your house and you. The Ránulfr have been insulted. I won't see the Jarl hurt by them attacking his children. You must allow me to burden this to protect your father. We still have to show strong with the loss of many of our warriors. If something happened to one of you either death or treachery that would influence the Jarl the whole clan could be destroyed. Prove yourself in the ring here with the sword. Holmganga is no game. Now let us go watch the arm wrestling and quench our thirst with some mead."
Following Havark, Dalla half-listens to what he says while her blue eyes still flicker in anger. She retorts, "My father requested your protection, not I. He may be the jarl, but how hypocritical! He raised me to stand, come storm or shadow, but yet he treats me like a babe!"
"Listen girl don't be foolish. You are daughter of the Jarl. Be thankful for family and friends that care for you. I protect your father by protecting you. You don't have to understand but you will accept it. I'm sure you would have bested her as well, but are you ready to take a life if it comes to that. These dogs are hurt and have much to prove. I will not let you be a tool for one of them. Now let us drink and enjoy the day. You have more fights tomorrow do you not?"
Tyv stands back up and yells to Evindr, Keep it, they're right on our heels!
Despite the excitement of their breakneck ride, Tyv keeps his eyes peeled for glimpses of the island as they circle the lake.
"I do," Dalla states broodily. She follows Havark back into Viezla without saying another word, spending some of her father's coin to provide the two of them mince meat pies for lunch. After they finish, they find seats inside the main hall to wait for the arm wrestling to begin.
"If you wish to make a little coin. I think I have a good feeling about who may do well."
He says to Dalla.
Team Hávardr continues to command a tireless lead as they push through the snow, and they build even more distance from the competition. Tyv takes a moment and looks left to search for the silver leaves of Vætta Isle. He barely spots a shimmer in the distance before the dogs turn hard, nearly toppling him end-over-end out of the sled. Once recovered, he sees that the commotion of the race has scared a hare out of a snowbank and into a full sprint across the field. Evindr whistles sharply in an effort to discourage their dogs from giving chase.
Obstacle - Distracted Dogs: Handle Animal DC 15
Initiative
Tyv's Sled - Leader
Sled 8 - Short
Sleds 2 | 3 - Long | Long
Glowen says he heard stories of his clan raiding with our guy and wanted too meet him.
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Tyv taunts the closest team as the rabbit breaks loose. Mind you hounds now - Taking a tumble this close to the shores of the lake invites Boreas' icy embrace! I've seen it first hand - not a good way to die...
The men gulp in fear at Tyv's taunt, look at each other... and completely lose sight of their goal. The remaining teams all get pulled away in pursuit of the rabbit, and Tyv & Evyndir make their way through the rest of the trail for an easy first place.
"Yes, indeed we have. Hávardr's been overflowing with brave battle companions in the past. Though with the missing expedition..." He tugs at one of his beard-braids thoughtfully. "Perhaps it was destined to vanish. One cannot defy Fate, after all. It would be better to say that we are unsure about Hávardr moving forward. How they handle Ránulfr's challenge should determine if Destiny yet favors them. Clan Dómarr wishes Hávardr luck, but we will let Fate play it’s hand."
WooHoo! Tyv yells happily. He claps Eyvindr on the back as they coast across the finish line. Well done lad. Well done!
He steps of the sled and does a off balance pirouette as he adjusts to solid ground again, then announces loudly You've done Havardr proud today!
The other teams begin to cross the finish line and Tyv demonstrates that he may never have been introduced to the concept of being a gracious winner as he dances up to the Ranulfr team and addresses their panting hounds straight in the eye. In your face Ranulfr dogs!
Stupid dice
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Any chance to try to influence any other leaders?
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It was not difficult for the Jarl to catch on to the rat's ultimate goal. "Your loyalty is admirable, Silverbolt; doubly so for one outside their family. Despite this, I maintain my assessment. Discretion must be applied for the sake of my people's future." Noting Glówen's disappointment, Runí cracks a grin and says, "I wished your clan luck with sincerity, now - I know not what Fate holds in store, but it would be a cause for celebration to see Hávardr's obstacles overcome!" He clasps Glówen on the shoulder in parting, and continues on to the day's events.
Evindyr responds with as much enthusiasm. "Oh we sure showed them! Should have gone for another lap, maybe? We make a great team!" As Tyv goes to harrass the dogs, Evyndir runs up to a couple of Hávardr spectators to ecstatically retell the experience. Perhaps his seeming slips for a moment, or maybe there is a true undercurrent of understanding, but either way, Tyv's taunts seem to take the spirit out of the dogs. They drop onto their sides, exposing their bellies in submission.
Tyv's attention is quickly pulled away, however, when he hears a crooning tenor voice. "Well, if it isn't Ásvaldr's babe Evindyr. I hear you think Ránulfr to be cowards."
Turning to see, Tyv spots the lean and muscular man harassing the jarl's kid. Evindyr whirls, caught completely off guard, stammering, "What, no, I never-" before he's cut off again.
"Everyone! He admits Ásvaldr lied about Ránulfr honor! He admits Hávardr has no honor!”
Tyv dances over to the quarrel. Who admits what now? You need to get your ears checked lean and muscular man. I heard Eyvindr the Swift make no such claim. Tyv turns to the crowd that the other man so kindly gathered with his proclamation and points out a woman at random. Did you my dear? No? Well how about you then? Did you, just now, hear this lad speak of Ranulfr honour for good or ill? NO??
Well then tall and strong warrior of Ranulfr, it must be your ears then, for all here agree Eyvidr Snow Racer needs not throw about careless words. Perhaps you mistook the yapping of the dogs for the name of your clan.
Tyv pantomimes a "eureka!" moment and continues with a broad grin. That must be it. For I know that such a capable and brave warrior such as yourself would never stoop to such dishonour as browbeating a couple of children. And no Ranuflr would throw around words like liar and coward so loosely. Then in a mock whisper to the crowd he adds, What with their own history - glass houses and all...
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After the clan meeting, Glowen wanders around and checks on the other events, possibly getting to witness the various conflicts.
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"No, he- he called his-" stammers the Ránulfr man, but he is quickly drowned out in the crowd's booing. Whatever objective he had, it was certainly forfeit now. He turns to Tyv, anger carrying his voice over the crowd, "You would make a fool of me, of Ránulfr! Prove it with steel, boy with the sharp tongue: I challenge holmganga!" The challenge cleaves a hush through the spectators, and with a smug grin the Ránulfr growls, "Of course, the man that dishonors me is the same that raised such an unruly child. Is your father around? I'd gladly go to the island with him. Or has he left me to teach you in his stead?"
"You would make a fool of me, of Ránulfr! Prove it with steel, boy with the sharp tongue: I challenge holmganga!"
Tyv is unfazed by the man’s threats and saunters up to him, confident grin still firmly in place. He places the flat of his hand upon his own head and draws it across to the tall warrior, measuring up somewhere mid-chest height. He rolls his eyes to the crowd. Psht! And what would that prove? Truley, what honour would you gain from spitting a wee and scrawny lad half your size? Come now, the spirit of the Thing is about resoving feuds, not creating new ones. I have done well at the game of barter today, let me take you to the mead hall and we will lift drinks together and you can tell me of a the real and worthy foes you have vanquished in combat
"Of course, the man that dishonors me is the same that raised such an unruly child. Is your father around? I'd gladly go to the island with him. Or has he left me to teach you in his stead?"
Tyv, who had been walking away from the man, cocks his head and turns back slowly as his father is invoked. All trace of his trademark joviality has vanished. One moment he is looking up at the Raulfr, then he just sorts of unfolds and it seems to all watching that he dow looks down upon the taller man. His speech takes on an archaic lilt. The air becomes colder. The wind bites harded. Do you truly not know to whom you speak, Ranulfr-man? Tyve begins. I am the Everchild. When you cringed as you walked through spiderwebs in the dark as a lad, it was my touch you feared. When your mother prayed for her swaddling babe to wake safe and sound the next morn, It was me that stalked her nightmares. When your grandmother left goat’s milk and dried fruit on the step to protect her daughter’s unborn child, it was me she warded off. Your grand fathers named me Andetag Tyvve on the olde tongue - Breath-Stealer. And you would meet MY FATHER!?!
Tyv stepped forward and his smile returned. But there were more teeth than there should be. Go then. Wretch. Fool. Go to the island and wait for him, for he is there. You will feel him in the sting of frost on your cheek. You will hear him in the call of the ravens as they peck at your eyes and you will know him as the black earth soaks up you blood and sucks you down, and in the end you shall feed him as the worms dine of you mortal flesh
All of the sudden the world is normal again, and Tyv grins sheepishly ant the man. He grabs Eyvindr by the hand and says to him, Right, yeah, so… RUN! And the two boys bolt through the crowd, laughing in giddy fear and with the exuberance of youth as they go.
If Glowen is there to witness plan b, he attempts to assist by adding fitting sound effects to Tvyv's frightfulness.
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Tyv's words whitewash the challenger's face in broad strokes - the color doesn't leave all at once. He goes for his sword, but when Tyv smiles, he fumbles and drops the blade in the snow. As Glówen brings the sound of wind to a deafening howl, it's his tongue that fails him next: "Ande... Andeta... Andetag?" he sputters aimlessly. He crouches to take his blade, pushes it around a bit more in the snow, before finally accepting defeat and leaving it behind. He runs towards and through Fisherman's square, and for as long as he's within sight, he doesn't stop running.
The crowd (and Evindyr), meanwhile, look to Tyv in bewilderment.
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Tyv looks about at the crowd, as if returning from a trance. Then he grins at them all as if including them in the punchline of a joke and says, Well, that was fun! Eyvinder, lets head back to the hall and see how your siblings made out in the duels and...ooh.
Tyv notices the discarded sword in the snow and bends to retrieve it.That Ranulfr was as careless with his sword as he was with his tongue.
He spies Glowen. Fur-friend! Come with us. Eyvindr Wolf-chaser and I are going to the hall with our new racing friends to celebrate his victory! He shouts inclusively to the assembled crowd.
Tyv, Glówen, & Evyndir make their way to the Market Square, where vendors sell a variety of fish and small and large game. Some is smoked, some dried into jerky, and some incorporated into mincemeat pie, and all served with strong drink. There are also a variety of pastries available. Evyndir spots Dalla sulking at her meal near Havark, and her mood seems to improve as he relates the exploits of Tyv and Evyndir Wolf-Chaser.
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Glowen wants to try archery and then juggling
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The longsword dropped by the Ránulfr man is lovingly crafted. The cross-guard crescents slight towards the blade, and gold cord binds red leather to the grip as it traverses the length in a tight spiral. A rune, , is etched into the pommel, but Glówen is unfamiliar with its significance, if any.
What say you Eyvindr? Shall we cheer on Hakon at the arm wrestling contest?
Glowen notices that, so far, the baddies have attempted to taunt our Jarl's children into unfair combat or something equally dangerous near the end of each event. So he warns the Jarl and about what he has noticed and what he plans to do about the archery contest.
He gets hold of the children Tyri, Sverrir, and Osk. He explains what he believes is happening and warns them of the dangers of walking into a trap. (He also includes any words their father would have him add). He instructs them that if he can do nothing himself to diffuse the event, they are to keep their cool and pretend to be bored with the taunter. If forced to respond, they should say something to the effect of 'It is clear that your clan has chosen to challenge ours. Yet instead of a direct confrontation, you choose the path of a coward, trying to taunt the Jarl's children into an unfair slaughter. You hope that a grief-struck father will be weak enough for you to defeat. Only a fool would accept your absurd challenges'
However, Glowen hopes it does not get that far. Instead, he plans to use Ghost Sound to simply make enough noise that no one can even hear the taunts. He'll boost the sound of the crowd talking, a dog barking, a vendor hawking wares, a child crying, and if necessary, a woman's shriek. He will then try to get the kids out of sight.
If things go wrong and Glowen is discovered, he continues to make the taunter's words unhearable. Every time he/she opens their mouth, the only thing to be heard is random animal sounds. Rooster, dog, goat, sheep, horse, etc. He points and laughs. Once the children are gone, he bows and loudly thanks the taunter for being such a good sport.