GM DSP's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Darksmokepuncher

The game has not started officially yet, but go ahead and play out a night in the tavern if you wish to get a feel for your character in relation to others. NPCs are fair game too if you happen to spot them. :)

She steps forward and puts a few silver on the counter, looking up at the man. "Here, that should make the bartender a little more generous, yes?" She gives him a warm smile before frowning some. "Something's wrong, isn't there?" She wasn't sure, but he looked... Cold...

Ragnarok looks at the money and then with a smile slides it back towards Ryksa. "Oh, my thanks for the offer. But I'm not quite ready for charity yet. And something is wrong. It shouldn't be snowing in mid summer." He looks around the room, his glare daring any rumormongers to speak up, knowing that some in the town blamed him. Damn his name, what was his mother thinking. He spies Ulfgard speaking with Tengezil and Argus, being served the comely wench Salvia.

An old women with a large walking stick enters the inn. As she enters the smell of freshly cooked bread and cookies enters with her. Quietly she walks up to the bar tender.
"Hello dear I have brought your usual order and a little something extra you must try. I have added a few walnuts and raisins to the bread." Grandma Mable says with a smile.

She looks around at the burning fire and the chilly customers.
"This is very strange weather we are having. Have you ever seen snow this time of year before?" she asks.

Smelling Grandma Mables delicious cookies, Ulfgard excuses himself and walks to the bar.Oye, I would like to have some briosgaid, I mean cookies please. Always best when fresh. Looking up Ragnarok up and down, he starts to stroke his bard."I doubt you have guid news, by your leak!"

Ragnarok helps the old woman with her load. As he smells the freshly baked bread his stomach gives an involuntary growl. "No 'mam. Its not natural." he replies to Grandma. Even as long as she's lived, this has never happened. he thinks. As Ulfgard comes up, he just shakes his head. "I went out scrounging for Tessarea today. But there was nothing. This weather is killing the plants."

Knowing that life is often hard for Ragnarok, Ulfgard slaps the man on the back and says."Work was guid in the smithy, lad and I wud like to hear what you saw. I even pay for your story with a mug of ale. Laddy, wud you like to join our baunk?" Ordering 3 fresh mugs he returns to the table making space for the others.

Salvia's evening shift at The Silver Stoat began with the usual suspects, the usual jokes, the usual coppers. She's learned, over the past year, that tips were better if she kept her thoughts and opinions to herself. Tonight she was determined to earn at least 5 silver in tips, and so was focused solely on the work, speaking as little as possible. When one or another of the regular tried to draw her in with a compliment, a joke, or a pinch, she simply twisted out of reach and tossed a knowing smile over her shoulder. Many of the more inebriated guests mistook this maneuver for actual conversation.

Suddenly, that lemming woman's voice cut through the din, causing the hairs on the back of Salvia's neck to stand on end. She fumbled, splashing ale on the floor, but caught the mug in mid-fall. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice. Returning to the bar to refill the mug, Salvia took her time, eavesdropping on Ryksa and Ragnarok. Sometimes she worried about Ragnarok and his unfortunate association with Old Mother and, now, this newcomer Ryksa.

Though it seems the Silver Stoat could not possibly hold another soul, the door creaked open and Councilor Ionnia Teppen walks in and stops.

Raising her hands and her voice, she addresses the tavern. "I'm sorry to interrupt what I'm sure would have been the gossip session of the season, but it is the subject of that gossip that brings me here tonight."

She sighs heavily. "I am calling an emergency village council. Normally, I would insist this take place in the town hall, but we're all here already and I can smell Grandma Mable just made cookies."

"Does anyone have anything they'd like to say before we begin?"

Argus Goldtooth raises a hand, "Tessaraea is back at her shop, but I think everyone else is here."

Councilor Teppen nods, "Thank you Argus. Cyren, can you go fetch Ms. Willowbark please?"

A gangling boy as 12, Cyren Neederling is off like a shot, not bothering the shut the door on his way out.

"Anyone else while we wait?" Teppen asks.

Sciath sits back and watches the others, a village council, is this about the unseasonable cold?

Ulfgard takes out his pipe and carefully stuffs it. Taking his time he takes a splint and lights it. Waiting for Tessaraea to arrive he enjoys another swig of ale.

Sciath, I can't tell if you're talking out loud or thinking. Please use [ b] [/ b] around things you're saying. Just don't use the spaces :)

Ryksa turns to look at Lady Teppen. All this talk of cold, snow... Her skin begins to goose as she takes a seat near Ragnarok. Hopefully this is just some fool wizard's hiccup... She looks around the room some, spotting Salvia giving her a sideways glance. Smiling, she nods at her.

Grandma Mable finds a comfortable seat at a table.
"Something bad is coming. I can feel it in my bones I can." she says wearily.
She picks out a cookie and begins to nibble on it.
"Salva dear, could you get an old women a nice cup of tea, please?" she asks with a smile

Sorry, just thinking

Ragnarok gladly joins Ulfgard at his table but holds a chair out for Ryksa and Grandma Mable when it becomes apparent they're following. "I'll pass on the mug, my friend. It sounds like Councilor Teppin has something important to say."

Before long, Cyren rushes back into the tavern with Tessaraea Willowbark not far behind.

The graceful elf smiles as she enters. "Sorry to be late. I wasn't aware there was a meeting."

"Not to worry Tess, I only just called the meeting and Argus noticed you were not already here." says Ionnia.

Tessaraea locks eyes with Argus. "Thank you for thinking of me, Argus." She moves to the bar and takes an empty seat.

Councilor Ionnia Teppen removes her gloves and tucks them in her belt.

"With this unseasonable weather upon the Border Wood, I thought we should discuss or food supply."

"Those who hunt and trap the Border Wood, chiefly Ragnarok Fimbulwinter, are reporting a scarcity of game. Moreover, the plants have been shocked from release their fruit. Additionally..."

Bern Stergon, a middle-aged, cantankerous farmer slams his hand onto his table and points at Ragnarok. Interrupting the councilor he shouts, "That queer boy's tha one bringing this winter on! I seen him! I seen him carrying on with tha animals like he can talk to 'em. I seen him live days out in 'em woods just fer the hell of it! It's him, you mark my words!"

Stunned into silence for a moment, the tavern suddenly roars with noise: some pointing at Ragnarok accusingly and others waving for ol' Stergon to sit down and shut it.

Councilor Teppen shouts down the noise and looks to Ragnarok. "You've been openly accused. I find no merit in the charge, but if you have something to say..."

She holds out a hand to indicate that Ragnarok has the floor.

Sciath mutters under his breath, "He's been here all his life and now chooses to bring winter, better looking to the newcomers."
Anyone close to Sciath will be able to here, but he speaks low enough not to reach the councillor.

Salvia sets a small tea pot, mug, spoon, and tiny dish of rock sugar down in front of Grandma Mable, slips the tray under one arm, then leans over to whisper into the old woman's ear, Sorry, we've no honey, Grandma. Bees are sleepin' these days.

Into the uproar that follows Bern Stergon's accusation, Salvia adds her own two coppers: There's nothing wrong with livin' in the woods, Bern! I done it myself! I'd trust Ragnarok before I'd trust you, you stinking old goat! As soon as the words are out, she regrets them. Why am I shouting at that idiot when there's real danger nearby? Her eyes sweep the room, and she moves to a spot near the bar where she can keep both Ryksa and Tessaraea in sight.

Puffing his pipe, Ulfgard smiles a little smile.Oye, that fin laddy has fyr. And she is right. Bern is an old giat

There is rage in his eyes as Ragnarok pushes his chair back and shouts at Bern, all thoughts of reasoned argument fading. "YOU LYIN BASTARD. If I were wantin to cause trouble, I'd start with you, not the town. I'm affected by this weather too. More than most. And its not a fight I'm after, but if you start one with me Bern. I'll finish it."

Intimidate if necessary (Darn Charisma): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Hammering his fist on the table Ulfgard loudly speak:"Oy lad tell that old gait and us all what you found in the wid I mean in the forest. If we all are in danger, especially if hairst is failing we do need all yar knawledge. And Bern, lad sit down and let young Rag say!"

Stergon, visibly shaken, but too dumb or too stubborn to shut his mouth shouts, "If I weren't so old and broken I sure would put ya in yer place ya damn drifter!"

He quickly sits down having had the last word.

"Enough." Teppin's voice is firm and low. "We have a serious concern before us. If this doesn't stop, we could easily run out of food. We'd then run out of money trying to import it from Oppara."

"I propose we send a small group to investigate. Would anyone care to volunteer?"

Just then, the door to the Silver Stoat slams open and a severly wounded Ulfen man falls inside.

"You've got to help her. They took her: Lady Argenta. Bandits. Snow. Strange creatures. Save her. Save her."

The man shudders, then blacks out.

Already standing Ragnarok starts to thump the table to volunteer when the the man falls through the door.
Yuln? He rushes to his side, looking up at Tessaraea. "Can you help him?"

K/Local or K/Nobility, doesn't matter which they're both unskilled for lady Argenta: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Fear is clearly crossing Ryksa's face. Talk of cold, winterlike conditions even at this time of year and then Ragnarok being singled out. "I'll go..." She barely says those words when the man comes crashing through the door. Seeing Ragnarok rush forward, she follows, though not sure how much help she'd be.

Tessaraea leaps up and manages, despite the crowd, to kneel beside the fallen mercenary withou disturbing anyone else.

She nods, "Yes, I can help him, but he is hurt badly and will need time to heal."

"Argus, help me get him to my shop." The dwarf barrels through the crowd, spilling drinks, and jostling patrons on his way to help. With strong, sure arms he bears away the great Ulfen man.

In the quiet that follows, Councilor Teppen asks, "Who will go with Ryksa?"

Grandma Mable stands up.
"I will go. We cant have these young ones go alone. Most of them are not use to such weather and I have seen worse weather than this."

She looks at the injured man.
"I can heal him a little, please allow me to help." Grandma then limps over to the injure man and places her hands on him

Cure Light Wounds
cure: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Oh, I'm going. What say you Bern. Ready to act, or are you just hot air." He holds the farmer's gaze long enough to realize the coward isn't going to volunteer. Then he turns his back on him. "Thanks Grandma. You too Ryksa." He asks councilor Teppen. "Who is Lady Argenta?"

Ryksa looks at Granny Mable and Ragnarok and smiles at them. "Thank you." Then, with a bit of an angry look on her face, she turns to look at the crowd. "The man accused and an old woman will be going with a lemming breeder to hopefully save your all's hides! Will no one else come?" She has a bit of an exasperated look about her. If her fears were true, then she may not come back but she needs to protect her new home. Halina...

She looks over at Lady Teppen and frowns. "I'll be back in a moment. I... need to grab a few things and speak with my sister." She sighs and walks out of the tavern.

Tessaraea smiles at Mable. "Thank you, Grandma, but the real danger here is frostbite. This will take some doing to save his feet and nose."

Yuln chuckles weakly, gazing at Grandma Mable. "Thanks ma'am. You've got a warm, loving magic about you. I feel better already."
___________

"Lady Argenta is an Opparan aristocrat who happened to be traveling the wrong road at the wrong time. However, she was on our lands and is therefore our responsibility. We must try to rescue her."

"However, that goal is secondary to the need for discovering and, hopefully, stopping whatever is causing this cold snap."

Councilor Teppen casts about the room. "Salvia, you've spent a great deal of time in those woods, I would take it as a personal favor if you would help Ragnarok keep Grandma Mable and Ryksa from freezing out there."

"And Ulfgard, you are our best warrior. If there are bandits out there, I want you to keep our people safe and bring those lawbreakers to heel."

She levels her gaze on young Sciath Nalis last. "You've talked a big talk about fighting against witchcraft Sciath. There may very well be some out in those woods. I'd like you out there watch for signs and watch Ulfgard's back."

"If any of you would rather not go, I will understand. I am asking a lot of all of you, but Heldren needs you: all of southern Taldor may need you more than you know."

She patiently waits.

Ryksa, and anyone else this may apply to, if you want to speak to your sister, or anyone else "not on screen", just spoiler the converstaion addressed to me and I'll play the other part for you. That is one nice thing about PBP, we can do multiple scenes at once :)

Ryksa's words shock Salvia. Does this witch, this outsider, really care about us? This tormentor? This sender of nightmares? . . . But the emotions she sees cascading across Ryksa's face are undeniable, and Salvia shudders as she considered the possibility that the witch she's been frightened of for months might not be an enemy after all.

Of course I'll help, Councilor. I just need to run to my brother's house, change clothes, grab gear. She tosses off her apron. I'll be back in half an hour.

At her brother's house, Salvia sneaks upstairs to her room, packs, then leaves without saying a word to anyone.

Grandma Mable gets up slowly.
"I guess I will need to get some supplies ready. Shall we all meet here first thing tomorrow morning?" She asks

After she gets conformation of when to meet
"Well I will see you all in the morning." she gets up ready to leave
"Oh we should find out where the lady was attack. It seems like a good place to start."

Ulfgard carefully cleans his pipe. He walks to Teppen, smiles sadly at her and speaks, very carefully phrasing his words:"You can count on me! Adressing the others still here:"Prepare for exploration. So do not forget your food. And get some winter clothes ready!" Twinkling at Grandma he adds with a very warm smile:"If you have some guide cookies left, bring them, but don´t bake fresh! Get some sleep!

"I'll come, of course, I do not shirk my duty."

As an afterthought Ulfgard walks to Steranus and says loudly"Lads, we might need some things from the store. I know the oidhche can be cold in winter. Can you open it for us? I can bring coals from the smithy they should help, but maybe a brazier to burn them? Some canvas and such!"

"Of course. The store is open for your needs. Tell me what you want, and we'll pack it up for you."

Coal is no problem, good idea :) Anything else y'all want to buy, let me know then we can head out of town!

Tent if we can borrow one cloths of canvas and rope if not, brazier, a sack or 2, Hard Liquor(for medical reasons, cough)
a warm blanket, if someone gets wet and has to change clothes, a saw, some lipbalm(fatcream), vinegar for drinking (freezes later), a rope Ulfgard will throw his last gold in the pot to buy the stuff

Grandma Mable quietly chuckles at Ulfgards words.
As she walks to the door she begins to make a list
" Now where did I put those snowshoes. I have to make sure to pack the cookies so they dont break, oh and I should bring some bread...."
In the morning she will cast endure elements as she begins her day.
sorry no link tocthe spell. I am using my phone at work. I will add link tonight

No worries about the link. They're great, but you don't have to do that if you don't want to.

Ulfgard spits into his hand and shakes vivellas hand. He gives the trader 5 Gold as deposit.
He would select a big tent (4 people) and some tools like a spade and a saw. A rope. Also a big and a small brazier, one for the tent, one for cooking. Also 2bottles of spirit. Vodka or something like that. And a few minor foodstuffs.Anyone with him with other idea.

Whatever you get Ulfgard, put it in a spoiler in your profile and note the cost for me. Also, be mindful of carry weight or be sure to split it up among the party.

Salvia catches up with Ulfgard at the store. I brought rope, Ulfgard, if that helps. I also have fishing gear, pitons, a hammer, a pot for cooking, and a few other things. As for cash, all I can spare is 1 gold, but will gladly part with it to help with the cost of the tent and braziers.

Ragnarok tries to catch Ryksa before she leaves, stopping her outside the 'Stoat' so their conversation cannot be overheard. "I know its alot to ask, but can you bring some lemmings. Bern may be a blow hard, but he's not wrong about me being able to speak to animals from time to time. I'm hoping I can find a hawk or eagle, something that roams a large area and ask it some questions about the woods. And for that I may need to 'pay it.' He looks embarrassed, as he has no idea how attached she may be to her pets.

After talking to Ryksa he returns to the Silver Stoat. Seeing his friend Yuln feeling much better, he asks. "Yuln, its nice to see you. Although not under these circumstances. What attacked you?" he asks.