[GM Arcadius Blue] On The Fourth Day, We Kill Them All (Inactive)

Game Master B S 207

The five arrive at the scene after a minute - given the crowd gathered outside, it was indeed Hrafnkell Hall where the screams originated. Too spooked and distraught to notice the newcomers, Tyv and Havark can already hear the wheels of gossip churning as they make their way insde:
"First Runí, now Hrókr..."
"You saw it too? Their broken armor: they wore Hávardr symbols!"
"These creatures seek to break our spirits and destroy us, and will continue to do so until we stop them!"

Once inside, some are found sobbing, others found wailing, and frights are nowhere to be found. Hrókr "One-Eye" Kolurson lay impaled on a spear, face aghast, and words of clear implication carved upon his body: "COME STORM OR SHADOW, WE STAND"

Havark looks and shakes his head.

"Tyv stay, keep guard of the children. I'm going to go grab the body of the creature if it is not already gone. Our enemy attacks from many sides. I will return quickly."

Havark pushes his way back out and runs back to retrieve the body of the fright.

We waiting on Tyv?

Arf! With a grin to the kids, Tyv pantomimes a panting obedient dog behind Havark's back as the dour man issues his command and wades into the centre of the crowd.

He maneuvers them close to the hall's exit in case the crowd turns ugly.

Dalla breaks her usually serious demeanor at Tyv's impression and lets out an abrupt couple of laughs before stopping herself. Evyindr's thoughts must be elsewhere - looking to his arm & repeatedly flexing his grip, while Hákon does his best to stand stoically. The few folk standing nearest to them give dour frowns to Dalla and Tyv inappropriate humor, but are a collection of honorable people, and refrain from pushing the issue further once the two restrain themselves. Those inside begin dealing with Hrórk's body, wrapping it in blankets and bringing to behind their hall.

Havark pushes through the crowd with little trouble. In his favor, the second attack pulled nearly everyone away from the scene of the first, and the fright's remains still lay where it was destroyed.

What are you looking to do with the remains? Additionally, events are over for the night and there will be no more attacks in this 'scene', at least, so folk will be returning home and to their beds. Do you two intend to return to Hávardr Hall with the children and rest, or was Tyv going to resume his post outside Sigurðr camp and stand watch? If you don't sleep tonight, you'll be fatigued all day tomorrow. (Thought it was you who bought all that coffee, guess it was Glówen or Azul; too bad. :-P)

Havark covers the face and begins to drag the remains back to the hall. It will take some time do to dragging and fighting the crowd. Once back he tosses the thing on the ground kicks it over so it's face up and removes the cover.

"This is what attacked. This is what killed the Jarl, and this was once of house Hávardr. Now I don't have the gifts, but are there not those among us that can speak with the dead? If any has knowledge of who sent these things then this must be done."

Havark stands and waits for the Jarl to think if there are any among the clan that have the power.

Haverk will be returning to rest with the children once this is settled or if it is determined to be done tomorrow.

Tyv raises his hand and waits to be noticed. He looks at Havark, then over at the Jarl, then clears his throat when it becomes apparent neither man is paying him any attention. Ahem...I can do that.

Are you referring to curious spirit, Tyv? The fright's been destroyed for less than four days, but the body's been dead much, much longer, so direct communication is a no-go. A casting of speak with dead would work.

Jarl Ásvaldr waited alone by the fireplace for the return of his children. Happy to see them safe and sound, doubly so given the news of the attack, he shakes his head at Havark's question, "So, this is one of our ancient, desecrated kin? No, I'm afraid I can think of none talented in such magicks. She retired for the night over an hour ago, but ask my grandmother come morn. I may lead this clan, but I know very little if measured against Fastvi."

Havark looks at Tyv.
"You are full of surprises. Go ahead." He waits and watches as Tyv tries.
"Ah it is alright my friend. You could use your ability on the Jarl there. Maybe his tongue will be loosened in death. It is possible the enemy is taking out ally's that have information that could expose them.

He then turns to the Jarl.

"these creatures picked up their fallen before. We will rest and keep this body with us. Jarl Ásvaldr we could use a few men to keep watch as we sleep to awake us at the sign of anything. These things can move and vanish in front of men's eyes wo we will need a few sets to protect the body tonight."

He bows awaiting an answer.

Erhm, did I have the frights return for their fallen before? I don't remember that, but it doesn't mean it didn't happen. Either way, the jarl doesn't know any better. :-P

Ásvaldr lets out an worried sigh, "There is little honor to be found in disturbing a dead man's rest, but if others have discovered the origin of these frights, then..." He pauses, weighing the options, then shakes his head, "No, that decision is yours to make - I will stand behind whatever you choose to do. Take extreme caution though: should you be found out, I fear others would find that the last evidence they need before bringing swords to our door.Though I have not yet thought of a better plan." He turns to the eldest of his sons, "Hákon, go rouse Gunnarr and Ófeig - we need all our guards alert if the frights would come back for this."

When they return to guard the corpse, Ásvaldr clasps arms with Tyv and Havark in turn, "You have done well. Let these keep a look out - you both will need your wits keen for whatever tomorrow brings. Rest now while you can."

"If found out, you must protect the clan and your family. We will have acted on our own with no permission from you. If swords are brought I will send them to Valhalla. Thank you for your support, it means a lot."

He then looks to Tyv

"Can you use your power now or do we need to wait till morning?"

Yeah I got the vibe that this is a culture that would strongly frown on disturbing the dead with "speak with" stuff...

Tyv is frustrated by his failure to talk with the spirit that once inhabited the fright. He would have settle with talking with the fright itself even.

In response to Havark and the Jarl; Oh I can try now, but I'm tired and want to dream. Besides, what do you hope to learn? Tyv places his hand over one eye and puts on an exaggerated baritone voice. "I was drinking ale and patting wenches bottoms when this rotting fellow came out of nowhere and impaled me on a ruddy big spear."

Tyv drops his hands and continues on in his normal voice. Both the dead jarls were our allies - they're not likely to be able to tell us anything about the frights or Ranulfr that we don't already know. Hardly seems risking "swords at our door" as you put it.

He shrugs away from the others and stalks off to sleep away his growing sense of frustration and forboding.

"Then we will sleep on it then."

Havark heads off to get some rest with the others.

Day 3 Morning
In the earliest dawn hours, Tyv and Havark each awaken to Eyvindr shaking their dreams off of them. "Pst, wake up. Fastvi wishes to speak to you. Her raven's returned from the Castle Hávadr."

Once dressed and readied, Tyv & Havark find Fasvti, Forni, and Ásvaldr in the main hall, while the aromas of the morning meal's preparation begin to seep into the air. The figurine sits on the table in front of Fastvi, and as they approach, she hands them the parchment it brought back. "Here's what we know."

Our ancient ancestors played a pivotal role in the protection of the Vangaurd kingdom, one of the first to build and garrison a tower to defend agains the encroaching armies of Boreas. Named Íssvardr (Ice-Watch), I believe this to be the tower that you have found. Though it was built hundreds of leagues north of here, powerful servants of Boreas, known as living glaciers, were the weapon that finally destroyed the Vanguard kingdom with their curses of both fear and freezing. We know that Íssvardr was lost and swallowed up to the living glacier Illska before continuing southward, and so it must be that you had stumbled upon Illska's final resting place. The commander of the tower held a position that has since passed on its title to the maiden of the Ice-Break Þing: Vetrdís, and it is known that, much like the Spring's Kiss, ancient spellcasters overcame the curses of Boreas using powerful rituals tied to the vernal season. How to perform such rituals, or if they bear any resemblance to the Spring's Kiss, is unfortunately unknown to me. I wish there was more to share, but this is the extent of our libraries information on the subject.

Your humble librarian,
Gris Hrafnsson

"So the Vetrdis plays a part. Fastvi do you know of these rituals? Someone fetch the Vetrdis Fanna." He states to the room as he awaits the answer from Fastvi.

That must have been the woman in the ice we saw - the original Vetrdis. Wow, so we were inside a living glacier! So now we should what? Protect Fanna and make sure the spring's kiss ritual goes as planned, then hope it is similar enough to the original to put down all the frights? Return to the tower and look for clues to the old ritual?

I'll go get Fanna - the other clans might not take kindly to armed Havardr trying to take her into their custody for no reason.

Fastvi chides the two before Tyv can rush out the door "What do you hope to accomplish fetching the girl except to announce our next move? The ice on Lake Ætla may crack with the Spring's Kiss, but as you've made me understand, the tower is feet upon feet of solid ice." She pauses, and in the moment, it is clear something else bothers her. "Havark, I do not know these rituals, but I have a suspicion of who might."

She flips over the parchment and starts scrawling. Seeming as clueless as Tyv & Havark, Ásvaldr acknowledges the fey's point. "Indeed. Secrets are a Ránulfr game, one they have practiced well. Perhaps we-"

Fastvi interrupts to show that she has constructed a map. She points to an area circled. "Here, and may the gods be kind. This is the home of Ýrr Seiðkonur. She is a niðingr witch who consorts with the foulest spirits, but if there is something to learn beyond what our librarian learned, she is the one who can tell us."

Ásvaldr looks to both. "I'll keep watch on my children while you are gone. If you think Fanna would be safest with you-" he shoots a look to his grandmother, "- then you should fetch her now. Perhaps Nord spin a tale for her absence in such a case."

Why do you think Fanna would be safer going with us? Tyv asks Havark in surprise.

"If the forces at work here know at least as much as us then she will be a target. These Frights are beyond the capability of many if Fanna is tied to this and is needed then maybe she should come with us. Her missing could by some time for us as well as if she is part of the end game then her absence may cause a delay in the attacks as well. It wouldn't be too far fetched to think if the springs kiss ritual can break the ice, then there may be another ritual that could enhance the winter and ice and the power of these creatures and there masters."

He looks to Tyv.

"I think your right, it would be best if we go and get her. We can sneak her out of town and go and find this witch."

He stands and looks to the Jarl and offers his hand.

"Watch over your family. I will take on this task knowing I continue to protect you and the clan by finding out what is going on. Keep safe my brother and we will return as soon as we can. If there is nothing else... Tyv let's go."

Ásvaldr calls to another room, "Kollr! Bring some dried meats for two; they will be leaving before the morning meal."

Out the door, the two travel into Viezla to fetch their Vetrdís, Fanna. Their short journey sees them arrive in town early enough that they should have beaten the crowds... and yet, the town is above with activity. Dismayed faces throughout indicate that another attack has likely taken place. Stopping a nearby teenage girl and asking what happened, she tells them, "At dawn, Runí rose from his rest and attacked his family. His children heard their mother scream, and when they ran to her room, their found the corpse of their father sitting upon Hedvig, and her scream was silenced as he opened her neck with a knife. The boys ran to get help, but Runí caught up to his eldest son Ragnar and gutted him as well before Dómarr warriors arrived and stopped their former jarl." She continues in a too-level tone, betraying her shock. "Fear circulates that it will happen again, so the men in the village are gathering the bodies of victims to be dealt with."

And to think, if you had gone straight to the witch without Fanna, you'd go about your morning without a clue that this had happened. :-P If you don't want to pry deeper about the morning's attack and the villagers' plan with the corpses, you can just narrate yourselves arriving at Fanna's tent.

Havark looks on at first taking it in.

"Good then. Go girl tell them to burn the bodies and be quick with it. If they speak to you in a way to question this or on who's authority just give them my name. Havark Torgimson if you didn't know. Come Tyv we have other business."

Havark will not delay but if Tyv want to ask a few questions that's fine. Havark can get Fana and they can set a meeting point outside of town for an hour or so from now. Will wait to see what Tyv does before moving to the tent.

Make sure they deal with Hrokr's body too, is Tyv's only response to the incident.

Soon they approach the tent of Fanna. Havark knowing no better approaches the tent with the intent to open the flap and alert her they need to go.

I assume Tyv realizes Havark is about to enter the tent unannounced and will stop him and announce their presence.

The girl nods, and absently wanders off to deliver the message.

Havark makes it three feet from Fanna's tent without Tyv's intervention, but the Vetrdís steps out into the open first, a large yawn accompanying her sleepily shut eyes. She jumps in surprise at Havark's announcement. "HAVARK! Tyv? Oh, uhm... let me speak with grandfather."

Nord steps out of his tent with Fanna a couple moments after she goes in and speaks to him. He readies a small note to hang from the threshold to Fanna's tent, "Alrighd, where we headed? I'll leave a node for if anyone comes lookin' for us."

Havark looks to Nord.

"You will be staying. The Jarl thought you best suited to spin a tale as to where or why Fanna is not available. So do it. Don't raise a fuss but come up with a tale for anyone that ask of her. Make it clear she will be here for the Spring's Kiss. We have to take her to keep her safe. I will not tell you more so you too can remain safe. I ask a lot but I have shown you that I can be trusted. Fanna grab what you need quickly. Warm clothes, food or rations if you have it. We need to leave and not be seen."

Hi Fanna! Tyv smiles and waves at the Vetrdis from behind Havark. He looks happy at the prospect of Nord joining them, then raises his hands and shrugs apologetically at the old man as Havark puts that idea soundly to rest.

Ah yes, now I remember Nord's speech affect. >.>

Fanna slips into her tent to pack a few things, but Nord objects to Havark's commands, "Mope! Where Famma goes, I go - I drusd your blade, Havark, bud I drusd mo ome alome with my gramdaughder."

Though generally friendly, his attitude is indifferent about this. DC 15 Diplomacy check to convince him to stay behind.

"I'm sorry Nord but did I lead you to believe you could negotiate on this? I stated what is happening as it is the will of the Jarl. Now return to the tent and prepare a tale that will cover Fanna's absence. We will return as soon as we can. Or you both can stay and when the frights come you can die with the comfort of knowing you failed to protect her by keeping her here."

Havark Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Worst diplomat ever :)

Oh let him come Havark. He can just leave a note saying that the Vetrdis ha been enchanted by a fey prince and you and he have ridden out to retrieve her and will be back in time for tea.

Tyv pauses, then continues with curiosity on his face. And, I don't think I've ever seen someone actually die with comfort, have you? How would that work exactly?

Havark looks and stares at Tyv.

"Let him come? You would have me disobey the Jarl I have sworn to protect and serve. No... The Jarl said he will stay and spin a tale as to where Fanna has gone and that is what he will do. And yes all warriors that die a warriors death on the field of battle die with the comfort they will fight the eternal fight in Valhalla until Ragnarok. Now we have delayed long enough. Come Fanna it is time to go."

Typical Havark, taking a suggestion as an order. :-)

Nord shakes his head. "Mevermimd, Dyv." He then turns to Havark with a serious eye, "Havark, you're a fime warrior, bud you place doo much faif im your owm virtue."

Fanna steps out, and his tone immediately changes as he breaks into his toothless grin, "You dake care of my gramdaughder! I'll ward off da curious locals." She casts a look of doubt at the elder, but Nord gives her a hug to reassure her, and then hurries the group along.

The three set out along the path drawn by Fastvi, leading them into the woods where Tyv had raced with Eyvindr two days prior. "Please, can you tell me what we're doing out here now?" Fanna asks.

Also, Perception checks please.

Too much faith in my own virtue? What is this old fool rambling on about. It doesn't matter he is listening now.

"We will, just let us get a bit further away. We fear you may have been in danger."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 +2 if it involved man/creatures

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Up and over a hill, through thicket after thicket of trees, crossing a frozen stream... Fanna, Tyv, and Havark come upon the last waypoint after more than an hour's worth of walking: a monolithic rock with an ᛦ (inverted algiz) rune upon it. The symbol, Fastvi makes clear in her map, is a warning to turn away - so it mustn't be much further now. While Fanna's taken to the unexpected journey gracefully (Tyv's ever-present humor is no insignificant boon in this), now would be the last chance either would have to explain their purpose for being here.

Havark would have explained along the way as soon as he felt they were far enough away. 10 minutes in or so.

Just so I don't miss anything as a player, Havark would have told her all he knows in his blunt matter of fact way. With little regard for her concern or feelings. As he does.

Fanna looks more worrieded the more Havark explains. "You're taking me to see a witch? Isn't that dangerous? This doesn't..." she slows, as she comes to a horrible realization. [b]"But you made my grandfather behind! If I was in danger, surely he is now too!" Tears well up as the implications blossom in her mind. "Why would you do that?!"

And no update over this weekend - got a show tonight, show tomorrow, recording Sunday, and I need to get some chores done in the free moments in between.

That's fine, My wife has/wants to do lots this weekend as well but CIV VI came out today. I don't see myself getting much sleep.

"Your grandfather is not in danger, no more then the rest of the village. You are the Vetrdis and the focus of the ritual, you are whats needed. This is much bigger then you grandfather or any one man. We are trying to save many of the clans. Now stop crying we need to carry on. you are stronger then this. Think about what you have already done. Think about what your grandfather survived. Trust in that, or trust that if he dies he will see his end with bravery and fight eternal in the halls of Valhalla."

Havark does his best to comfort her in his way as he keeps them moving.

Huh, I haven't seen anyone that fought the frights die bravely. Tyv begins ticking off points on his fingers. We've seen screaming, weeping, uh, begging, that's a popular one. Fleeing, cowering, gurgling, but nope, bravely, never seen that.

Come to think of it we probably should have at least warned Nord that trouble might come calling. Really Havark you should start taking my advice - or anybody's for that matter - once in a while.

"You speak in such a manner and wish me to take your advice when you just shattered any comfort I may have offered her in bringing up the death of men with these creatures. It is you that may need to think before they speak. If I took the advice of those around me I would be long dead. As the most common thing I hear is why don't you kill yourself?"

He then turns back to Fana.

"Don't threat on his words Fana. Nord remembers to not look upon those creatures if they attack. He will keep his wits and survive for you. Now let us continue."

Psst, if you guys ever want to see where an RP conversation goes without my intervention, do so. I'll not assume otherwise that you two want me to let a discussion develop, and so I'll keep pushing the game forward unless told otherwise. (Thought I'd bring it up since Tyv & Havark's differences in philosophies are becoming more apparent all the time. :-P)

"Enough!" Fanna declare, exasperated, and loud enough to stir a pair of larks from their place in the brush. At some point in the bickering, her tears had turned from fear to frustration, but she now blushes, embarrassed by the outburst, "I may not have travelled outside of Drífa before but neither am I a tender babe. Tyv, thank you for being forthright with me: my grandfather's fate lies with the Norns, not Havark." She calms, and turns to Havark, "But my grandfather is wise, Havark, and he knows how to protect himself - this is true. Yet I don't understand what you gain when you keep secrets from us."

Fanna is tired of the matter, and does not engage further if Tyv and Havark continue their debate. They finish following the map and find the isolated cabin of Ýrr Seiðkonur perched near the top of a ridge and nestled in the trees. Unsettling fetishes and odd totems dangle from the beams of the roof, and smoke drifts idly from a small, misshapen chimney. Most notably, however, is the massive wolf laying comfortably near the cabin's closed door. The beast has a thick dirty-black coat, and would likely match Tyv's full growth at its shoulder when standing. It does not react as they approach other than to eye the three warily.

Havark simply nods as Fana interrupts the two. He listens and lets the girl vent before leading on.

As they approach, Havark eyes the wolf as well. Not wishing to kill off her pet or endanger Fana he decides to call out.

"Ýrr Seiðkonur. I am Havark Torgrimson. Me and my two companions seek your aid. We have questions we have been told you may be able to answer. Show yourself so we talk."

Tyv has the decency to look sheepish at Fanna's rebuke, and like Havark, decides to stay silent on the subject.

When they approach the cabin, Tyv admires the fetishes adorning the place while Havark calls out his greeting.

A voice calls back. "Is Havark the one with faulted skin? Or the youth-who-is-less-but-more? He is not our year's Vetrdís, that much is known." The clanking and shuffling of mixed items can be heard from within, and Fanna looks to her companions nervously. Finally, the door swings open, putting a face to the speaker. In her middle years, Ýrr Seiðkonur retains the vitality under her tanned skinned, and her flaxen-hair is seamlessly blended with the graying of age. She points a crooked quill at each. "Ásdís. Do not petition me through the vile namecalling of the ignorant masses unless you wish to forever remain one of them. The name is Ásdís." She stares at the group until she feels her point is understood, then asks, "Now, for what reason have you sought the wild-witch?"

A slow grin spreads across Tyv's face at the witch's words. He inclines his head to Havark and responds to the woman. This is Havarki. You may call me... whatever you choose. It is a fine thing to meet someone who understands the power in a name. We seek your aid in thwarting winter and learning how to deliver a better kiss.

Sorry busy work day yesterday.

He simply shakes his head at the witch's comment
How does she know me, maybe she does have foresight

"Well met Ásdís. As Tyv said we need aid." Havark goes on to explain what they learned from the librarian.

"You see the living glaciers have shown themselves. The are killing allies loyal to house Hávardr. I serve Jarl Ásvaldr and we are here on his behalf. This is Fana the Vetrdís. What can you tell us on the Springs Kiss and the living glaciers that we don't know?"

Returning a mirthless smile to Tyv, "You have the true wild within your heart, unlike myself: Ýrr fits you well." She places a hand upon the dire wolf's head, and Ásdís looks softly at the beast as she speaks. (In the background, the cacophony of clutter coming from within the cabin begins again. Ásdís is unfazed, and either doesn't notice or care.) "I know much of winter, for I study Boreas intimately. Clansfolk call me witch, call me niðingr, but tell me, how do they fight Boreas? Hold their frilly festivals? Pretend he's only a threat when the icy legions beat down their door? HMPH!" She pauses to chew a nail. "Nið is ignoring an enemy when you should be facing him head-on. I am no niðingr, for I seek Boreas in hidden places where others dare not tread, and ask forbidden questions folk dare not think! When he comes for her, Ásdís will be READY! Hávardr, Ránulfr, Sigbjorn? All cowards at her feet, and deserving of death from exposure according their own laws." Isolation has not been kind...

She then looks up sharply. "Though she cares not which they receive. Live or die, my life continues the same. Now, if I am to understand the power behind the Kiss of Spring, I'll need to examine the carnage the glacier has wrought. Bring me the body of one of the accursed, and I can learn this ritual; it matters not if the bones belong to Boreas's victim or his servant." She stops as if her piece was said, but then abruptly continues, "This knowledge does not come free, however. Living as I do, the tools of witchcraft are hard to come by. I need a number of inks and treated parchments of magic. Bring me these, and I will also teach you the ritual."

She'll need the body either way, but if you want to try to renegotiate the payment or another part of the agreement, you're welcome to try to influence her with a social skill. Her attitude towards you could be described as indifferent. The writing materials she is asking for will cost 50 gp.

Havark's body language is disinterested in her tale, he even rolls his eyes at her niðingr comment.

"Fine, Fine. I will bring you the body of one of them and the supplies. We will return as quickly as we can."

With that he turns to lead them away.

"Let us go then so we can return and finish these matters."

Tyv hangs on the witch's every word, and as they turn to leave he whispers to Fanna, a little awe-struck. Did she just give me her name? He tries on his newest moniker for size."Yrr Wildheart".

I like her. If I didn't have to stick around to keep Havark out of trouble, this would be a fun place to stay for a decade or two - I'd like to learn those forbidden questions and hidden places she talked about. The only forbidden question I know is, "Hey Havark, what's up with you skin?" Oop! Tyv, or rather Yrr, clamps both hands over his mouth and glances nervously ahead of them, hoping Havark hadn't been listening too closely.

:-D This is a good game. Is it safe to assume you'll be going to Viezla first to purchase writing supplies, and then to Hávardr Hall to fetch the corpse, rather than the other way around?

Sure. We should also check on Nord