No.
Draeven is not intimidated in the slightest by the guards. He does not turn to look at the chief but rather stares at the men blocking his way while answering the question posed to him in a similarly calm manner. What does it matter to you what my intentions are with it? I claim it as the spoils of combat. I would think you would be more appreciative of what we have accomplished here tonight. It wasn't just Tunuak who was fooled for months by this demon spawn.
Now are you going to let me leave or do we have a problem?
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
If in the fact the guards remain unmoved, then yes, there is a problem. Fortunately, Chief Nalvanaq elaborates, Of course, we are very much appreciative of all that's been done. However, that stave has been passed down from Shaman to Shaman since Na'nook created it. As a symbol of the role he played, Na'nook passed his staff to his successor when his strength failed him. The tradition has continued uninterrupted for generations and is how Tunuak came to possess it. Anyone carrying it is recognized as the rightful Shaman of Iqalait since this time. So I must ask, of what use do you have for it? Is it your wish to wield this staff, to assume the title of Shaman for Iqalait? Will you bare the responsibility? The Chieftain's tone is not light but sincere in the job offer.
But if it is mere spoils you seek, Iqalait can compensate you.
...
Back at the stables, Rennyn can see the horses are exposed to the elements crashing down on Iqalait from one side of the stable. Torrents of freezing wind blow loose strands of hay like whips while the growing howl threatens to frighten the creatures. Ulf and Uksakkah are already quickly securing the horses together into two of the pens but have only just begun the work. As for the wagons, so well is the dwarven craftsmanship of the group's vehicles that all the paladin really needs to do is see to any loose lines.
Don't think I could do any worse than your last Shaman. And seeing as how Tunuak told us repeatedly that there aren't any other suitable candidates in Iqalait, I could ask you the same question. What use do you have for it?
Not really caring to hear the answer, he adds, You were practically moments away from willingly handing this valuable stick over to a demon. I'd like to think that I am an upgrade in that regards. But I'll tell you what, you make your offer of compensation and I'll take it under consideration. Of course, when negotiating, one shouldn't let the other side know just how valuable the item you are discussing is worth to you.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Don't think I could do any worse than your last Shaman... What use do you have for it?
The Chief looks almost pleased with Draeven's initial declaration. The Spirits have seen and won't leave Iqalait without a Shaman forever. As Tunuak has been banished, Iqalait will hold the staff in safe keeping until a new Shaman comes forth to wield it, as is the right of all our Shaman. Your desire to keep the staff gives me hope. It is may be a sign! I entreat you to use your skills and claim your role as Shaman! The calling shall be yours until you choose a successor or until the spirits command. Prove your worth, command the staff! Use it to walk freely through Morozkos wrath and activate the lantern upon the high ice!
Sure thing. Draeven bows his head and mimics words and gestures he has seen Fenra do many times before. Ok. I have protected myself from the cold so that I can walk outside in the storm. No problem. He looks at the guards "blocking" his way.
Rennyn walks over to the horses and draws a wand. He speaks the activation word as he taps each horse with it.
He looks at the two guides. We can't have them die before we trade them in. Anything else that needs attention?
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Chief Nalvanaq's eyes narrow in suspicion - she appears leery of Draeven's displayed use of the staff. As you know, Morozkos has fallen upon our village. While I welcome Morozkoz judgement concerning Tunuak, we should not ask Iqalait to suffer more than it already has. As the wielder of Na'nook's staff, it is now your duty to appease Morozkos. Travel the path to the High Ice. Commune with the spirits there and activate the lantern. May your path keep Iqalait safe.
Chief Nalvanaq waves the guards to the side.
...
As Rennyn enchants the horses, Ulf and Uksakkah managed to herd the animals together towards the rear of the stable. Great! We should shelter them from the winds! Ulf calls back over the roaring elements. The equivalent of a 10 ft doorway remains exposed to the winds. While the horses won't freeze to death, flying debris may have another opinion.
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Ok, says Rennyn.
Draeven steps outside and makes his way back to the caravan to check on everyone. He contemplates tossing the staff into the nearest snowdrift as he walks.
Anara catches up with Draeven, on his way back to the wagons. I don't imagine you have that stick because you want to devote yourself to Iqaliat's vacant shaman position. I'm thinking you still have it because they tried to tell you that you couldn't have it. She smirks at the big man as she gives him a questioning eyebrow. If you decide you don't want it, after all, I could take the opportunity to study it and possible get us some use out of it. But don't feel obligated, I'd understand if you were intent on undertaking the training to light the lantern at the top of the hill there.
Walking in the half-orcs shadow, the sorceress could feel the power building and boiling behind the first signs of the coming winter storm. Having grown up in warmer climates left her both unused to the bitter cold and unwilling to spend enough time in it to change that. I will get across this blasted frozen wasteland if by sheer will alone! Thinking of the cold, her thoughts suddenly went to the shaman. Sure, Tunuak had erred grievously but wouldn't his punishment have been better reserved for someone who manipulated those events intentionally?
Draeven hands the staff over without hesitation, breaking stride or even looking at Anara.
I'd keep it out of site. When they ask me about it I'll say I accidently dropped it down the crevasse after a particularly strong gust of wind, he shrugs.
The sorceress smirks, taking the offered staff from Draeven. Thanks. I can already tell that I won't be able to use this to it's full potential but... She looks around at the drastically changing weather surrounding them. ... I would think the portion I can access, elemental protection, looks to be able to come in handy here shortly. As they head closer to the caravan, Anara turns the staff over, scrutinizing the details in the craftsmanship, wishing she could use all the item had to offer. I'll still run this by Fenra, when she gathers with the rest of us, before taking your advise.
Changing the topic of conversation away from what Draeven could clearly not care less about, Anara asks Are we going to hunker down in the wagons and wait this out? I can feel the intensity building every minute, do you think the wagons will hold steady around us?
Clearly uneasy with the oncoming weather she loathed, the sorceress finds small comfort in the warding offered by the staff she had just been given.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Shortly after Draeven and Anara's return, Rennyn, Ulf and Uksahkka, having first secured the horses, also make their way to shelter.
Outside, Morozkos howls down upon the caravan, pounding the excellently made wagons like toy drums. Inside, the howling is muffled by the wagon's insulated walls as the group is comfortably rocked - the dwarven suspension proves itself yet again to be up for the task much as it had in days previous over the rough mountain passes. Ameiko, Koya and Sandru listen quietly to the night's revelations, and like the group, try to make sense of it all.
Sandru shakes his head, I know Iqalait is your adopted home Ulf, but I have say things here are too strange for my liking. The sooner we get moving, the better.
I agree. We've stayed long enough, an exasperated Shalelu adds. We really shouldn't be expected to take care of these people.
What will you do with the staff Anara? Koya asks as steam from a kettle begins to billow.
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Having seen that the horses were protected against the cold, Rennyn sets off in the direction he last saw Tunuak and the guards, intent on finding them in the storm.
As he approaches the caravan, Draeven spots Rennyn and hustles to catch up to the paladin...
Entering the wagon, ahead of Draeven, Anara basks in the immediate warmth she is greeted with. Fragrances of fruit and spices fill her nostrils as the next round of tea is readied. She turns to respond to Koya's question and realizes Draeven did not stay with her; then she recalls seeing Rennyn depart as they approached. I'm not sure yet, so far I can only use a fraction of the staffs abilities but I think I'll give it a good test run right now. It seems the boys have gone out into the storm, likely for the Shaman and guards. Raising a hand to decline the offered cup, the sorceress turns back out into the weather, calling to Koya over her shoulder Keep the water warm for us when we get back!
Once outside, the sorceress uses the shamans staff on herself before hustling to following the trail they'd left in the snow.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Morozkos has now firmly settled over Iqalait. Exiting the stables, Rennyn is met by deafening winds which threaten roofs and hurl anything not tied down across Iqalait (North to south) at blinding speed. When Rennyn makes his way to the end of the stable fence line, the paladin is practically blown over were it not for the fence. He is stopped there in his tracks by the sheer force of the storm. By sheer strength, Rennyn manages to keep himself upright until a particularly strong gust knocks the elf down! Tumbling across the courtyard, the paladin is stopped by the building on the other side. As the gust ebbs, the elf manages to stand once more and continue west towards the High Ice trail.
Exiting the Chieftain's tower, Draeven and Anara manage to make their way to the wagons just as the winds reach deafening speeds. Taking advantage of the leeward side of the stables, Anara makes it safely into the wagons while the big man presses on at a fraction of his normal stride . As Anara disappears into the wagons, the wind gusts and for a half a heart beat, the big man is picked up by Morozkos then sent barreling across the courtyard into a pile of hardened snow! Finding his feet once more, Draeven manages to take a few more steps towards the paladin.
When Anara opens the door to exit the safety of the wagon, the two warriors are not where she'd imagined. Now on the other side of the village, neither look particularly worse for wear but are struggling to make headway. Based on the strength it took her just to get into the wagons, Anara can see trying to get to the warriors might mean taking a tumble across Iqalait herself!
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Rennyn sits himself up against the wall and waits out the storm.
Draeven uses the wall for stability and makes his way over to Rennyn and joins him in sitting against the wall. They sit in silence for the duration of the storm.
Before her second step, outside the wagon, Anara scans as much of the immediate area as she can see, trying to find exactly where the other two went. What?!?! Shocked, the sorceress watches as both Rennyn and Draeven are knocked off their feet and tossed about by nature's force. Backing up a pace and a half, she pushes, head first, back into the rear of the wagon I think I'll take that tea now after all. Looks like those two have decided to wait out the storm, I think I'll do the same in here. Nodding her thanks for the offered mug, Anara listens to the conversation around her, awaiting a spot to jump in.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
With the considerable strength the big man is able to summon, Draeven is able to at last join Rennyn. Seated with their backs to the building wall, the winds nudge and push the duo.
Time ticks. Accumulated snow from rooftops whips across the courtyard to sting their faces. Seven minutes. Ten. Howling winds make speaking nearly impossible without shouting in the other's ear. The air about them is blisteringly cold - enough to kill most living creatures. Yet to the two warded warriors, it is no more than a cool 100mph breeze.
Fifteen minutes. Wooden tiles are blown loose from roofs, hurled across the courtyard like chaotic arrows before crashing holes into walls. A section of the Chieftain's tower roof ripples then flaps turning a large section into debris that crashes into nearby houses.
I've never heard of Morozkos striking Iqalait! Ulf remarks, The Hungry Storm, it's what we sometimes call Morozkos. The winds will blow and howl for days searching every inch of ground, looking for a weakness. When it does, Morozkos will devour shelters and those within. For anything above ground, it's only a matter of time.
Inside the safety of the wagons, the group is rocked and buffeted enough to rattle a few dishes. Fortunately, the sturdy dwarven construction negates practically every movement and apart from Anara's brief attempt to venture outside, no winds yet penetrate the cozy interiors.
Twenty-three minutes, one of the wagons is blown several inches before Ulf's secondary anchor halts the movement. With a sideways glance at Uksakkha, the guide throws a smile at the group that is too short to be convincing, adding, It'll hold.
All of Iqalait is subjected to a full hour of Morozkos' anger leaving no corner left unmolested. The winds turn and blow in seemingly impossible directions without losing strength. Only the sturdiest of structures not strengthened by magical wards hold out. Then just as suddenly as it arrived, the unnatural storm ebbs leaving the village in a tranquil peace. In Morozkos' wake walls have been pierced, windows broken. Roofs ripped to expose trusses, their many pieces littering the tiny village's main concourse - nothing that cannot be repaired. Thankfully, no one was serious injured, not even the two guards who'd accompanied Tunuak out of the Cheiftain's tower. These guards now emerge stumbling down the high ice path in one piece, however upon closer inspection, both now suffer from frostbite, their actions impaired.
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Besides hearing the wind die down, Anara noticed she could feel that the storm had drawn back, at least for the time being. The sorceress finished her tea and stood. I'm going to look and see what the aftermath looks like. Giving her thanks for the warm drink, she turns away from the others and heads back out the rear of the wagon.
Stepping out, she was glad to see much better weather. She scowled noticing the dark brooding storm clouds were still too near for her liking. She saw the signs of damage all around but her attention was drawn to the two returning guards as soon as they came into view. Marching straight toward them, she started questioning You two look in rough shape, do you require aid? Where is your charge?
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
The two guards stumble toward Anara as she approaches and the sorceress can see there are obvious signs of frostbite upon each. One of the guards mumbles something, the other stutters an answer to her first question, Ye..ye..yes. Cccc...cold. The more coherent one notices the shaman's staff in Anara's possession, P..pl..please. Haaalp. Barely able to speak, both suffer from the affects of the recent Morozkos.
It takes the guards a little longer than they would normally take to explain the situation, but Anara is able to learn the main points. The two guards had followed Tunuak a short way up the High Ice path when the storm began. The half naked old shaman shouted for the guards to return to the village but they ignored him. When Tunuak cast a spell , the two guards were caught off guard, able only to draw their weapons in response. However, when nothing happened, neither saw the need to punish the ex-shaman for casting what must have been a healing spell.
Soon afterward, it was clear Morozkos was upon them. The two sought what shelter they could on the trail but that path is largely open to the elements. Only by working together to frantically chop an improvised shelter into the side of the ice wall were they able to huddle/hold on together for dear life. Somehow, the two were able to survive, lucky to have not been blown over the side. When Morozkos subsided, the guards immediately headed back to Iqalait, less the hungry storm return.
The last the two guards saw of Tunuak he was continuing up the path. The first guard is unsure but Tunuak may had cast another spell after casting the first but by then survival had taken priority.
Rennyn sits against the wall listening to the guards conversing with Anara, shaking his head slowly.
Hearing the guards recounting, Draeven raises an eyebrow at how the elderly Tunuak, in just his underclothes no less, was able to stroll about completely unaffected and casting spells in the wind storm that knocked him and Rennyn off of their feet, threw them across the ground and pinned them to a wall.
Should we try to track him down? he asks without any enthusiasm.
I couldn't care less at this point, Rennyn replies sounding equally as disinterested in the whole affair. We have our own problems. I'd be just as happy to trade out the horses, get the wagons moving and leave this place behind as soon as we can.
Knowing she cannot access most of what the staff has to offer, the sorceress ignores the longing stares toward the shamans' staff and ushers the men toward the nearest hearth fire before approaching the other two out here with her. So? do we take time to look for Tunuak, who is out there in the weather seemingly unaffected, according to all reports? He is not at all what he has revealed himself to be so far and I'm not sure there's any benefit to us chasing shim down.... other than not having him behind us. Anara holds up the ornately forked, dark grey staff And I can't seem to use much of this staff's potential, Fenra will likely get more out of using it.
The twin turns around and looks around the immediate area before panning out as far as she can see. Otherwise, we seem to have a break in the weather, we should make all haste to adjust our caravan and head back out.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
If his expression could speak, "What in Desna's name is happening around here?!" would be about right. Putting incredulity aside and taking up the helm of professional guide once more, Ulf and Uksakkha begin preparations for a speedy departure; inspecting the caravan and seeing to the horses. More than one reverent remark concerning dwarven craftsmanship is uttered.
The guide and his companion are not the only ones to immerge from shelter. The easing of Morozkos sees many of what remains of Iqalait's residences venturing out as well. Most survey damages and begin repairs, some keep wary eyes upon the turbulent sky above (its like a bubble was placed over the village) as others watch with open interest the activates of the caravan.
Satisfied the caravan is none the worse for wear, Worth every copper and then some! Ulf corners the stable master. A rapid negotiation ends in exchange of coin and animals.
These Musk ox are all fine animals, Ulf declares, We should have the harness adjustments made and be ready to depart by mid-morning.
Fenra addresses the core group, I suspect Tunuak has done his duty and used his spells to complete his ritual and protect the village. He strikes me as seeking atonement. I have no interest in his staff, it belongs here, these people obviously need all the help they can get considering they don't have much in the way of leadership. But they have also expressed no desire for help so let's just gather our supplies and leave without permanently burning any bridges for Ulf.
She then asks Ulf if there are any damages that she can help with on the wagons before leaving.
Sharadei listens to everything that is being said but declines to add anything to the conversation, her sister more than makes up for her lack of input.
When the storm approached she listened to those with much more experience in the matter and, after assisting with securing the wagons and horses, took shelter in her wagon and went over her weapons and belongings, making sure everything was in good repair.
She helps to check over the animals and wagons after the storm to ensure all is ready for their departure.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
After what felt like an eternity, Ulf slaps the reigns on his musk ox team directing them north up the High Ice trail. Leaving Iqaliat for the winding trail, the group plows their way up the narrow pass under a turbulent sky. Where powerful winds had polished ice, erased tracks and packed drifts mere hours ago, now the trail is in the process of melting, approaching pre-slush conditions. As the wagons climb, the mild weather turns the trail into a blind boxed mixture of easy going and heart racing slips towards a deep crevasses.
By mid-morning, the caravan reaches the High Ice and the mystery of turbulent skies contrasted by mild weather is solidly revealed - the stone lantern, Adlartok, has been activated. The once small beacon of light nestled within is now a radiant white light. Approximately two miles away, the epitome of chaos and the might of Morozkos, is now held at bay by the invisible barrier projected by Adlartok.
Recognizing that the caravan can not possibly push past this invisible barrier and survive the waiting Morozkos, Ulf shakes his head and calls a halt to the caravan's progress, We should stop here, circle the wagons and prepare for the inevitable.
As Ulf starts to circle the wagons in what seems to be a formation to shelter them as well as the animals, Anara raises her eyebrows and studies the guides' actions. Why would we stop here like this? Keeping her thoughts to herself, she asks Ulf, what inevitable do you speak of? Adlartok's barrier falling or Morozkos pushing through it?
Concerned that either option would make stopping here a poor choice, and waiting for the guide's response, she glances toward Fenra's face to try and gauge the oracles' thoughts.
Rennyn looks at the barrier and the storm raging beyond it. He then looks back at the source of the protective barrier. If this is what Tunuak was to accomplish each night, how on Golarian would the citizens of Iqaliat fail to notice he wasn't accomplishing his task previously? Seems hard to miss, he says gesturing to the beacon's light.
Besides keeping out storms, what else is the barrier capable of excluding? Demons or other monsters?
None of this makes any sense.
Turning to Ulf, and echoing Anara, he asks, Yes, why would we wait out here? And what is 'inevitable'?
Our death if we stay here, Draeven mumbles under his breath in response to Rennyn's last question.
Seems we are trapped in this god-forsaken place, he states more loudly. Can't wait to return to town and see all those smiling faces, he adds sarcastically.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Ulf points in the direction of the lantern, You think whatever that lantern is doing is going to last forever? I don't. Nope. At some point, that barrier is coming down, and when it does, that, Ulf points at the Morozkos, is coming straight for us.
With the caravan halted, Koya finds herself standing next to Anara. The old woman leans over to the sorceress, points in the direction of the barrier and whispers, 24 hours. It'll keep that Morkthing at bay until sometime early tomorrow morning, then. Koya holds up a clenched fist then spreads her fingers. Well, keeping it at bay isn't quite correct. I'd say, more like taming it. Assuming Adlartok there is responsible for all this. If it is, the lantern has tapped some power to change the nature of that storm. I honestly don't think it does anything else. I mean, it could also be used to keep out demons, but really we'd have to go back and examine it in more detail. Demons is a completely different spell, am I right? In the meantime, we should be ok to remain here. Sometime tomorrow morning someone can reactivate Adlartok, and we'll have another day of spring... provided they know what to say. Suddenly, Anara remembers the children's song Tunuak had alluded to.
Fenra looks out at the storm raging just outside the bubble. Weather is not my forte, How long do these things normally last and how big are they? Is there any chance of a break and we could get past it? Or is there something controlling this that we will have to deal with before we can continue? Is there any chance that Ameiko's enemies have somehow caused this?
Sharadei tests the storm as well as she can from inside the protected area, looking to the sky in all directions. She briefly steps through the barrier to gauge the severity of the storm as well, tasting the snow that falls on her outstretched hand, examining its shape and texture.
Rennyn shakes his head at Ulf. You are confident the beacon will fail, just as sure as you are the storm will outlast the barrier. Based on what exactly? The storm will also surely destroy us, but not if we circle the wagons?! Again I ask, based on what?
Turning to Koya, I'd ask you the same question. And we should remain here?! How can you assume that anyone with reactivate the beacon? Or that they even can? How long will the storm last? When will the next one happen?
And finally to Fenra, I fear you contemplate the unknowable and anything is possible.
I bet a god might know, Draeven offers matter-of-factly. Spivey could do her little trance trick and we could ask some of these questions of a higher power.
True, but I fear even with answers, we are likely unable to affect anything.