GM Deuce's Mythic Reign of Winter

Game Master A_Deuce

I was comin' in from the depths o' the mine...death was all around. All the good men that manned the keep...the miners...over twenty stout dwarves. I spent the first night by me father's... and mother's bodies. They came to me, when I dozed...told me to make it right. Me father came to me durin' the day, too...told me to take his longhammer...and some certain things from the hold. I did, but it took a couple more days to bury the dead...I did that first. It was all I could do.

After it was done, I loaded Tom, the burro...the beast had no interest in him...and I left home behind. I've lost track o' days...but I found meself here.

Hitomi bows as she speaks. "Of course, my apologies. I shall go and have your food prepared and be with your drinks in a moment." She turned around and headed back to the counter so that she could have the food ordered to be prepared and then grab the drinks they wanted. "Wow, I'm honestly surprised that they may let me join them. I hope they do, I'm tired of being alone and I won't last much longer like this. I need their help, and if they let me, I'll have to show them my worth as well."

"A sad, indeed tale, dwarf. What are you going to do now ?"

Rikael notices the interest the barmaid has in the conversation.

She said she could travel with is, I wonder what her skills are? He thinks I himself as he continues to drink the ale the dwarf gave him. No matter though, the decision really isn't up to me...

Argh! sorry about the delay
Here is Agatha, a 1/2 orc witch

Suddenly in through the door walks a figure huddled over, as if by fatigue. Moving to the bar she whispers Ale, and please by swift about it. I have a strong thirst pulling back her hood she turns and examines the crowd. You see her face is covered by strange arcane tattoos and scarification, but below that you see a female half orc.

Anyone with any knowledge of the arcane sees one who was apprenticed to a orc witch. Many of these are slaves, subject to extreme discipline and punishment. If she is here, then she fled her mistress or killed her. Her eyes show a legacy of pain, her features a legacy of strength. At her side she carries a morning star.

She looks for a seat. Seeing the party she thinks I wonder if these are my destined companions
My pardon, may I join you.

Wow. You take one night off and come back to all sorts of new things. Glad to see we have 2 new people and a lot of interaction between people which reveals their personality and mannnerisms. Expect a second update this evening.

Specific comments to people:

Sildur Farwind - Welcome aboard! I have you set to not yet finished while you do your last few choices.

Rikael - Thanks for the update, it's not required but it is very helpful.

Rednal - Not a problem. That is one of the side effects of a long recruitment period, you get time to work around issues.

chillblame/Agatha - Glad you got everything taken care of and have your submission in place. It would be easier for me if you updated Agatha's profile with the character information in the spoiler. Have fun with everybody else!

Recruitment summary. As alwasy, point out anything I have summarized incorrectly.

Steven_Evil -Rikal Ashenstone, Half Elf Barbarian (Urban Barbarian)-Complete
Rednal -Shiro, Elf Natural Werewolf Sorcerer -Complete
Le Roy Batty-Uloth Moleskin, Half-Orc Ranger (Wild Stalker/Skirmisher)-Complete
Voyd211 -Kzethax Icerender, Kobold Witch-Complete
KyleS-Izumi Hitomi,Aasimar Sorcerer-Complete
Rhanloi Ehlyss-Lanarial, Half Elf (Drow Descended) Rogue (Sniper)-Complete
Irnk-Grey, the Lady's Dog, Halfling Summoner (Synthesist)-Complete
DM Aku-Aku Warashi, Strix Ranger (Urban Ranger)-Complete
Harakani-
Necrovox-
nightdeath-Thorn Silvertip, Half Elf (Drow Blooded) Ranger (Spirit Ranger, Trapper)-Complete
Chillblame-Agatha, Half Orc Witch
OTM Shank- Sildur Farwind, Human (Ulfen) Druid (World Walker)
EldonG-Sturion Stoutheart, Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord)
mechaPoet-
Rikash-

Welcome to Diverse City! Population, us!!

I'm in! There really aren't a lot of children icons, are there. Still looking for a better one. Reusing a name I've used before - Harakani

Two more children peer in through the door at the chaos within; a 5' tall boy and a much younger girl. A cart harnessed to a huge, shaggy yak waits outside.

"Excuse me" the boy asks the nearest patron "May we come in? Some places don't allow children."

the girl whispers something and the boy responds "No, not like that place near the mines. The ladies have all their clothes on, so I think it will be alright. "

Years of self-control were enough to stop Shiro from spitting out her drink, but only barely - she swallowed the sake instead, then glanced towards the door. Boy, this day just got more and more interested - if she hadn't been so interested in magic, she probably would have reconsidered her own travel plans just to see what else would be happening. "And where are your parents?" the elf asked calmly, examining the two more closely. An odd scent was tickling her nose, and she couldn't quite figure out what it was supposed to be.

no problem deuce, I'll update agatha to the profile as soon as I can get to a proper computer.
Hearing no opjection, agatha sits at the table.
Hearing the children at the door she turns to look. younglings, have no other place to be. With your family?

Thorn's hackles rises with the newcomer. He cannot explain it but the new comer makes him reach for his arrows but he manages to supress the urge. Looking at the people in the Inn and being ignored makes his decision an easy one. A quick trip to the local butcher and his winter stores would be full with a full purse of coin as well. It wouldnt' take long.

"I'll see about getting that drink from here. You carry an interesting tale Dwarf and mark my words, intrigue me enough to return later as I must see about getting this bear not going to waste. I might just go with you on your trip as this town just isn't as pleasant as it seems to be."

Sturion sits up and looks around, dumbfounded. He shakes his head...no, he hadn't drank enough to even muddle his senses...it was all real. ...expected humans...maybe one of those flighty elves...half of the clan would be totally at arms...ain't detected no evil, yet...kobolds? Orcs? Not evil? Damn dark elf, even...an' kids, now. Be it witchcraft?

Sturion makes a little sign, and says a silent prayer, before taking another long pull of ale.

I don' yet know where I'm headed, for sure...but it does seem the gods be playing games tonight.

Sturion nods to his potential tracker, and finishes his mug...watching the strangest night of his life unfold.

Aye? Soon, then.

Agatha looks at thorne as he gets up to leave and purses her lips in thought. Then she looks at the dwarf sitting there with a lost expression on his face.
Are you troubled dwarf. You look as one does if his tribe was ended leaving but one. Like myself. Alll I loved and held dear was destoyed in a single night, and I have traveled far seeking understanding of that act. So whatever your tragedy, there are those who comprehend your pain. I can see it in your face . Perhaps I can help you, and you me.

Taking a seconds look at the children, Sturion fishes out yet another gold coin.

These poor waifs need food. I dunno the rules here, but surely they can come in to eat, lass? They're hardly nothing but skin and bones.

Station leaves the coin on the table, and beckons to the young lad and his sister.

Come on...the lady here is nice, she is, and the food's not bad... not really. Well, it's got wonderful flavor, anyhow.

Brows furrow deeply, as Sturion tenses.

Are ye a Witch? Are ye in my head? Mayhaps...you listened, from the door? How is it ye know these dark days?

Sturion has reflexively clenched his fist on the huge hammer, and barely avoids hefting it.

Again, he detects no evil, so he relaxes, if only slightly.

Agatha sighs.
not in your head dwarf...I do not wish to be rude. Calling someone dwarf or orc or kobold merely labels them. What is your name dwarf? I am not in your head, that requires greater magic than I wield, and I did not evesdrop on you. Your loss is written on your face and in your posture. I know this because I have felt the same. The pain I have felt has led me on a path different to what I expect. It led me to here. Maybe it did the same to you.

Agatha sips her ale reflectively as she considers the bereaved dwarf.

Sighing she says I will not lie to you. A witch you call me, and a witch I am. But I seek not to ensorcel you, or harm you. I am on a quest you see. I seek to learn from others, to gain power and understanding, and find out who in irisen slew my people.

Shiro finally set the near-empty pitcher of wine down. It was interesting, seeing how much people distrusted each other and felt the need to prove their own innocence... but in this world, perhaps that was only normal. Hmm. Still, she could understand the thing about labels... after all, if you didn't perfectly fit in with others, you often had no place at all. Still, most of these people sounded like their problems could be solved with a visit to somebody who could divine the truth and point them in the right direction. Shiro stretched a moment later. That was enough alcohol for one day, and she needed to prepare for the journey. You couldn't be too careful in the midst of winter...

Probably the ruling witches. Your people don't seem to be part of them, or retaliation on the offenders would be swift. If you are going to Irisen, and are not afraid, take me with you.

Now, tell me something about Irisen I don't know yet, and your next drink will be free.

one thing about irisen that you don't know? A hard question to answer, since I know little of your knowledge. Hmmm
Agatha drinks more of her ale, considering. A follower of the law? It seemed so. But she had broken no law.
Irisen is ruled by the offspring of the queen of witches. These witches rule giants and winter wolves and many others., and they brook no opposition. Even from a small orc tribe that could not pay their tribute. But something you don't know? The witches of irisen are ruled by fear. Fear of opposition. Fear of outsiders. And fear of the mother of them all, Baba Yaga. How do I know this. My mother was one of those witches. She was banished from her people, and as a joke was forced to join with the chieftain of my tribe. She taught me much and left me to soon . When she passed I was aprenticed by the tribe's shaman, who gave me these.
Agatha gestures at her face.
Is that something you did not know?

Sturion relaxes, but his brow remains deeply furrowed.

Apologies. 'Tis strange, then...we share the same story. Me name...it's Sturion. The last of clan Stoutheart... previously Wardens of Whitestone Keep.

I think the gods be proddin' me.

Giants.

Sturion spits out the word as if it was fat, gone rancid in his mouth.

Agatha looks at sturion and says I am agatha Mystblame, formly of the ice knife tribe, witch of winter. I welcome the gift of your name. Agatha nods politely. A blessing upon our meeting

Fear not witches, mmmreh. After Dreams, I live as witch doctor. Kzethax takes a quick swipe with his good hand at White-Fire, who tries to steal his drink. Bird unhelpful. Keeps robbing patients.

Sildur grins as Hitomi returns with his mead and bowl, "I believe this'll be just the thing, my eternal gratitude if another follows swiftly."

He adds his voice to Sturion's as the two children appear in the doorway, "Surely it'd not cause any harm, fetch our wearly travelers some food."

Sildur inclines his head gratefully as Thorn moves to remove the carcass from the common room.

As the others make introductions, he pours a measure of his mead into the bowl he was given and sets it off to the side for Dru. The young bear rubs against his leg before flopping down on the floor and laping enthusiastically at the bowl.

He returns to his seat as Agatha and Sturion exchange names. He raises his mug between them, "A blessing indeed! More tragedy lies behind the two of you than any mortal should bear. A toast to those we've lost. May the future bring brighter days."

Agatha grins tootherly. A good toast, indeed and she tips her cup and then drinks from it.

The cloaked kobold gets up from the fire and makes to join the others. The snowy owl flies across the room and lands next to him.

Mmmreh, I be called Kzethax. A corner of mind speaks "Icerender," but I know no Icerender. My... er, traveling partner... be called White-Fire, mmmreh.

Kzethax leans away from White-Fire and whispers toward whoever's nearest. In this case, Sturion.

Watch food and trinkets, or he steal them. Has caused problems in past, mmmreh. Sometimes I swear he be not owl, but magpie.

Sildur drinks deep of his cup, his expression is solemn as he regards Agatha, "There are none in the Linnorm Lands who do not know of the cold darkness at the heart of Irrisen. I'm grateful to see at least one sole has escaped it." He raises his drink once more, downing the last of his mead he sets the mug heavily on the table.

The ulfen inclines his head to Kzethax, "Well met, I am Sildur Farwind.", he nods in the direction of the bear licking the last drops from his bowl, "My shaggy friend is Dru."

GM Deuce, I've finished up the last couple lose ends on my character sheet. Should be all set!

I have updated Rikael to reflect his mythic choices as well. Please let me know of any of it is not acceptable. I chose abilities and feats that keep in theme with his eclectic adventures and drinking. Also, he'll start with guardian, and take dual path to have champion as well. This will give me the ability to make him still feel like the dazzling swordsman who has had no formal training, and so fights like an Urban Barbarian, and drinks like a fish. Let me know if you have any misgivings or questions, or wish me to change anything. I'm terribly interested in this game in particular, so I would like to make sure I get in. Haha

Well met. His warped face grins as he turns to his owl. Mreheheheh... You see, White-Fire? Be good, or bear eat you.

White-Fire looks unimpressed and simply fluffs up his feathers.

Rikael continues to watch the new arrivals, but he no longer seems surprised. He is now fully convinced that the gods are playing games, and he's content just to watch and. See what the end game will be.

Well met, new friends. It seems that tonight bears us new meetings and stories enough to last a lifetime. My name is Rikael Ashenstone, adventurer for hire, and swordsman extraordinaire!

He is also starting to get a little drunk.

I would like to submit Urga the Ogre Prophet for your consideration.

As the food finishes being prepared, Hitomi picks it up and brings it out to those who ordered. "I apologize for the wait, here your food." After she sets it down and bows, and turns to walk away.

I welcome the gift of your names. Well met and blessings all. Destiny perhaps all of us meeting. I wonder what god or spirit set it in motion.
Agatha finishes her drink and asks for another, and some food.
should I speak of the dream. No, beginings are delicate. That kobold, a cloud is over him. I wnder why?
A path opens. Perhaps for all of us.

Rikael puts an arm out to stop Hitomi.

If you truly plan on coming with us, then you should probably share your life story. Looks like that's the theme of the night, actually. Tell me, what skills have you?

He takes another long pull of mead, but for anyone looking, his eyes are still clear as day, almost as if he is becoming more clear headed the more he drinks...

Yes tell us your story. Hardship I see in your face, but strength too

Kzethax stops shooing away White-Fire to look at Agatha.

Mmmreh, you be orc, yet not orc. What be you?

White-Fire quickly takes the opportunity to quickly grab and swallow a bit of Kzethax's food.

My father was an Orc Chieftain of the Ice dagger tribe, and my mother was human. I am therefore a half orc. What of you, scaly one. A kobold of the northern tribes? Which one, and why are you here?

Urga walks in, bringing pitchers of ale for the group, "Drink well my friends! Storm clouds gather on the horizon and I fear that soon fate will test our mettle. But, please don't let me interrupt. I too would like to hear your story Izumi."

Ah, more ale? Now I know Cayden is involved here!

Lanarial practically shrinks away from the press of bodies now crammed into the small tavern. Even though he hated the drow and all they stand for, it is hard to overcome the attitudes and prejudices of those around you for so many years. And so, in addition to his paranoia of people in general and being caught in particular, he was now surrounded by the hated foes of his upbringing; an elf, a dwarf, even a halfling! Kobolds and orcs were tolerated in that they made generally faithful servants. And now an ogre, too! Every part of him screamed "RUN!!! Get out of here now, before you are trapped!"

But he doesn't. The hatreds of his upbringing are not the hatreds of his heart. The elf had been one of the kindest to him, and she had no reason for it! If anything, he had learned that stereotypes often reflected the fears and weaknesses of the owner. Yes, he would stay and talk with these strange others in this odd place. Perhaps even find a new tribe where he belonged - a group of misfits...

The boy speaks up over the crowd to Sturion and Sildur "Thank you, sirs, but we don't want to get in trouble. Does the Innkeeper say it is alright for us to enter? We do have some money."

"Our parents? Mother never told us about our father, and she's dead now. Our new stepfather sold us, but we ran away south to the warmlands."

The boy - still not across the threshold - looks at Agatha, the young girl hiding behind him and peering out.

He repeats carefully, a cadence to his voice. "Agatha Mystblame of the Ice Dagger tribe. Child of an Orc Chieftain and a Jadwiga. Seeking who in Irrisen slew your tribe? You seek a Name, and Revenge." he drops back into a more regular tone "It is like knowing the start of a story, but not the end. Do you have any clues as to who it was? "

"Wait - are you going into Irrisen?"

End of Day 6 update

Sildur & Rikael - I got the updates.

Urga - Welcome! The text version of your character sheet stops just after "Traits:" for me. Is it possible for you to get the rest in your profile? It makes reading easier for me.

Known character list and status

Steven_Evil -Rikal Ashenstone, Half Elf Barbarian (Urban Barbarian)-Complete
Rednal -Shiro, Elf Natural Werewolf Sorcerer -Complete
Le Roy Batty-Uloth Moleskin, Half-Orc Ranger (Wild Stalker/Skirmisher)-Complete
Voyd211 -Kzethax Icerender, Kobold Witch-Complete
KyleS-Izumi Hitomi,Aasimar Sorcerer-Complete
Rhanloi Ehlyss-Lanarial, Half Elf (Drow Descended) Rogue (Sniper)-Complete
Irnk-Grey, the Lady's Dog, Halfling Summoner (Synthesist)-Complete
DM Aku-Aku Warashi, Strix Ranger (Urban Ranger)-Complete
Harakani-Aevann, Human Witch (Winter Witch)
Necrovox-
nightdeath-Thorn Silvertip, Half Elf (Drow Blooded) Ranger (Spirit Ranger, Trapper)-Complete
Chillblame-Agatha, Half Orc Witch
OTM Shank- Sildur Farwind, Human (Ulfen) Druid (World Walker)-Complete
EldonG-Sturion Stoutheart, Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord)
mechaPoet-
Rikash-
wehrpig-Urga the Ogre Prophet, Half Orc Battle Oracle

Mmmreh, do not remember tribe. Remember nothing before Dreams. Traveled to Mana Wastes, mmmreh. Was... afflicted.

Kzethax seems hesitant to show his right arm again.

Shiro frowned slightly. Small children, running south through the snow? That couldn't have been safe... not by any stretch of the imagination. And her nose was still bothering her, like something just wasn't entirely right here. Well, that was probably the way it went. It didn't smell dangerous, anyway... so there was that. Well, they probably wouldn't want to go the direction she planned on, and no responsible adult would take children into danger anyway. "Why don't you two come warm yourselves by the fireplace?" she asked, smiling at them. "I'm sure you'll feel much better once you've shaken off the cold."

Mmmreh, hatchlings alone. Is dangerous. Listen to gold-eye, go by fire. He turns back to his food, only to find it gone.

Mmmmrrrr... blast that bird... Kzethax starts muttering darkly in Aklo.

deuce modified my character a bit to better suit her actions
exchanged combat casting (which I was never happy with) for extra traits.

She now can do what I want her to.

I am whole (finished character building)