Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
As Sharadei investigates the barrier, Koya clears her throat and nudges Anara.
To the sorceress' twin, passing through the barrier is no more difficult than breathing. There is no resistance or sensation. However beyond that point, a gale force wind assails the slayer's outstretched hand with an immense cold so powerful as to leave her with no question, this is no ordinary storm. Being caught exposed by Morozkos is no laughing matter - it is deadly.
Ulf looks perplexed at Rennyn's questioning of their wagon's ruggedness, Two words, "Dwarven craftmanship". Circled with the Musk Ox safely in the middle, its what these wagons were made to do.
The stone lantern is called Adlartok and has stood here for over five generations. Adlartok was the work of the Shaman who taught Yura, Ahnah's master. His name was the great Na'nook, our most revered shaman. Na'nook was very wise and his connection to spirit immense.
The story of Adlartok's inspiration occurred when the wise Na'nook traveled far to the north. Briefly, somewhere near the center of the high ice stand tall spires said to the home of morozkos. Na'nook saw something in these spires and provided him with enough insight to create a means to protect Iqalait. He made it tall, like the spires. He cast a light into it to guide our people home. Lastly, he empowered it to protect Iqalait from morozkos.
Koya has already identified the means by which this is done and how often the lantern can be activated. The nature of the spell dictates duration. Previous discussion already pointed out that anyone can activate the lantern, no use magical device necessary
Morozkos are not just typical storms but the living scourge of the high ice! Tales say Morozkos seeks out all living things in its path to satiate an ancient hunger. It is powerful enough to devour an entire village with hurricane like winds (75-174mph) and extreme frigid temperatures (well below -30C plus a mind blowing windchill) lasting up to four days.
Those protected by Endure Elements won't be troubled by these temperatures.
The affects of difficult terrain and poor visibility will be harder to overcome without additional magical wards.
Wagons cannot move in a Morozkos, all caravan travel is halted.
No one walks out of doors during Morozkos. Erutaki stay indoors, that is the safest place to be.
Morozkos comes once or twice a year, during Kuthona or Abadius. It is very unusual for Iqalait to experience one now.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Unable to go forward and perhaps unwilling to return, Ulf circles the wagons. The veil of night settles over the world leaving, for the moment, hardly a trace of the raging chaos swirling only a few hundred feet away.
The evening passes uneventfully and the party awakes early to a scene similar to yesterday; an invisible magical bubble of pleasant winter weather somehow keeping Morozkos at bay.
Your evening meditation is a struggle with the most unlikely of thoughts interrupting what would normally be a peaceful routine. Time and again, the old shaman comes to mind. So obvious was his involvement in the plot to rid the village of its people, the very idea of him walking free is troublesome. As you settle deeper into your routine, other images flash before you. The caravan entering the village of Iqaliat. Masked people gathering around the caravan and shouting at the party, some wield weapons. Tunuak, his eyes clouded with an abyssal flame, urges them to make the party leave. A voice calls, Kill them! and the villagers press forward. Suishen sings as he is drawn from his scabbard then the blood of Iqaliat leaps unto his blade to the sound of Katiyana's laughter.
Deprived of another night of "entertainment", you turn in early just to get the day over with. Your plan soon comes to fruition and sleep soon wraps you in strong masculine arms. You dream of Bulldeck, or at least you think it is Bulldeck. There have been many strong arms wrapped about you yet it is his powerful frame over you moving to the rhythms of Ameiko's dueling shamisen. But Bulldeck was the most recent of your tristes so it is over his shoulder that the evening stars shimmer.
A yummy memory... that is until the song changes. Ameiko's shamisen fades, replaced by the tenor of children's voices in song. Bulldeck too fades leaving you to stand naked near Adlartok's lantern. The song is kind of catchy and you quickly find the words come to you easily. Gazing about, you can feel the eyes of others upon you but when you try to catch the voyeurs, your eyes are instead drawn to the stars. There, written in the language only you have been able to interpret, is a message of warning - Storms are gathering, building in force and intensity then sent swirling and raging across the ice in the form locals call Morozkos. The Path of Aganhei will be lost! Adlartok is all that stands between Morozkos and complete control of the High Ice. Morozkos batters and slams itself upon Adlartok's stone. Within the deadly storm, demons rake their claws and slam their fist upon the stone lantern, but Adlartok isn't easily destroyed. It will survive any onslaught. But will the villagers? Who will be left to sing?
You have no problem turning in and sleep comes quickly enough. The night passes as it should and you awaken feeling refreshed with only an inkling of a dream remaining. Something about that old shaman pointing that stupid staff and a great white dragon swooping in. There's no question of what happened, the dragon destroyed Iqaliat and all of its people. Tunuak didn't even lift a finger to help his people either. You are certain of this and honestly the idea isn't at all surprising. The old fool probably laughed the whole time as the dragon ate the villagers; completely in line with what you've come to expect of that poor excuse for a shaman.
Instead of drifting off to sleep straight away, you toss and turn. When sleep does come, it is filled with dreams of Tunuak. He doesn't speak and doesn't seem to know anyone is there watching him. He sits in the snow, drawing in the cold powder with the kind of look which says he's trying to figure something out. He draws a large circle with a small X somewhere near the edge closest to him. He places another, smaller circle in the centre then pokes the snow in several places seemingly at random while avoiding the area near the X. Then Tunuak's finger drags its way across a lower third of the large circle's area; roughly from the X to the opposite side. He draws another line from the X to the smaller circle at the centre then looks intently at the drawing. Your impression is, this is a map and there are two paths.
Fenra awakens early and unrested. The disturbing dreams of the night before are not easily dismissed and she feels that something more than the nasty weather prompted them.
We must go back. She informs the rest of the group. Desna came to me last night with a warning. This storm will not end until the cause of the Morozkos is dealt with. I don't know if something is bringing these forces to bear directly in opposition to us or if something else is at play, but all that is keeping them at bay here is the villagers and they will not be able to keep singing forever.
Sharadei adds, We will not be able to move forward in this storm. I don't see any signs of it ending.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
It is still early when Fenra reveals her vision. Stooping to add kindling to her wagon's stove, Koya stops what she's doing to look Fenra directly in the eye as though to say, Are you sure? When the barrier comes crashing down and the sudden fury of Morozkos hurls itself upon the encircled caravan, the old cleric's question is answered for her. This 'storm' isn't ending any time soon and it is a force of demanding to be taken seriously.
Outside the ring of wagons, frigid gale force winds lash away at the heavy canvas covering the caravan with demonic fury. The sheltering musk ox at the center can be heard to snorting and mewing in agitation. Morozkos rocks the wagons rock slightly from the initial blast. Fortunately, Ulf's guy lines and the sturdy canvas rigging hold just as the dwarfs promised they would.
Wide eyed, Ulf purses his lips with a long exhalation before adding, Ok. Ok, ok. This is working! I'm going to check on the Musk Ox. The guide quickly disappears into the inner circle to ease the tension.
Rennyn looks at Ulf. Not sure circling the wagons will provide much protection, especially to the oxen. When the storm arrived in town, the winds blew directly out of a 300' cliff face. The "protection" of that and the other stone buildings around us was nil. Besides that, circling the wagons won't provide any meaningful protection from the cold temperatures.
Maybe we needed to try prancing about in just our short pants. Seemed to work for old man Tunuak, Draeven offers sarcastically.
Rennyn's own "vision" leaves him confused. Tunuak is evil? No, Tunuak is good but mislead. No, Tunuak is evil. And yet I cannot detect even a hint of evil upon him. Intentions or otherwise.
In response to Fenra, Rennyn asks, You think the source of these storms is in the village?
I had a dream too. A white dragon attacked and ate everyone in Iqaliat. Better than they probably deserve if you ask me, Draeven says, seemingly meaning it.
Still struggling to process the meaning of her vivid dream, while also thinking of both her conversation with Koya and the cleric's nudging, the sorceress realizes that the cleric was dead on with her summation of the lantern's importance regarding the unnatural winter force. The sorceress turns, as Draeven and Rennyn start to speak with Ulf, and speaks to the cleric. As you predicted, the barrier has dropped and the weather from beyond is upon us. It seems you are exactly right about the lantern's importance, do you believe there will be someone to reactivate it or is that, now that the shaman is absent, likely up to us?... Or that Tunuak would? Anara thinks about her question a moment and comes up with the beginnings of a plan, assuming it would be up to them.I don't suppose protection from elements and a fly spell will see me all the way to the lantern in one piece, would it? I'd likely still be tossed around like a leaf in a wind storm.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
When the storm arrived in town, the winds blew directly out of a 300' cliff face. The "protection" of that and the other stone buildings around us was nil. Besides that, circling the wagons won't provide any meaningful protection from the cold temperatures.
Ameiko nods in agreement, This Morozkos is strange. I've never seen a storm behave like this. It's not normal.
Shalelu raises an eyebrow, For us common folk at least. The way Ulf's been going on and what that crazy shaman said, Morozkos is a storm many consider to be unnatural. The elven woman says this last part in the voice of an old man.But if they all seem to know about it doesn't that make it not unnatural? Spivey asks innocently. I mean they've seen it before, right? And so that means they know it. I mean, like they are familiar with it and so what seems unnatural to us, is really just another one of those natural occurrences for them. Or is it that Morozkos doesn't act like other storms that it's unnatural? The tiny woman looks around for help.
I have to disagree with you Rennyn, Sandru says with a small shake of his head, These wagons have been kept in excellent condition by the group. And I saw first hand the work that went into making them, this caravan has been equipped to deal with Morozkos, or at least what's known about it. I'm feel pretty confident we'll make it through
Not everything lasts forever Sandru, Koya cautions. Some of those buildings didn't fair very well, and these people live with this danger. You'd think they'd know a thing or two and have stronger homes.
I can't speak for those buildings Mama, Sandru replays, What happened in the village wasn't not natural. Shalelu joins him is saying these last few words .
Wasn't the whole point of trading in the horses for Musk Ox was because they can take the cold? Spivey chimes in.
Yup. I had a chance to speak to the stable master as Ulf was them rounding up. According to him, these musk ox are practically immune to cold weather. Though I suppose even Musk Ox will eventually succumb to the extreme temperatures blowing out there, right Sharadei? But closely herded together within the interior like they are, protected from the wind, they ought to do fine - for now. As long as Sandru's fancy wagons hold together. Sandru points a challenging finger in the elf's direction for her jab.
Hey, no ones complained about them yet. Have faith!
As the others talk, Fenra absentmindedly fidgets with the ring on her finger.
Rennyn sat with his head down as everyone took turns chiming in with their opinions the voices blending into a cacophony of noise to the frustrated paladin in the extremely cramped quarters.
Eventually, once everyone has had their say, he raises his head and speaks wearily, Regardless of the durability of the wagons, the hardiness of the oxen, or the supernaturally protective nature of the shape of our caravan's formation, the reality is we are stuck here until the storm subsides. No one here can authoritatively speak on how long that may be. The storm, naturally occurring or otherwise, has been raging for well over twenty-four hours already and could go on for days, weeks or even months for all we know. Even if this one were to end, who is to say when the next one might strike? Perhaps immediately after?
Given the chance to move, neither forward nor backward seem particularly desirable, but we have to choose one.
So our choices are to press on, and almost assuredly succumb to the storm, starvation or some other unspeakable horror, or we can return to Iqaliat? Draeven furrows his brow as if in deep contemplation, nodding his head back and forth as if internally debating the merits of each choice. After some time he offers, Wow. That's a tough call. Both sound like equally utterly horrible fates.
I guess if we return to the village, maybe my dream will prove prophetic and I can watch the dragon eat everyone, he adds in a hopeful voice.
The thought sways the big man. I vote to turn back.
This dragon better show, he adds under his breath.
Another thought occurs to Draeven, Who is to say that the town has survived this bout of storm? It didn't fair very well during the short burst it endured while we were still there.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Momentarily distracted by the sound of howling winds outside, tea and the conversations within the wagon, Koya returns her attention to Anara, Hmm? Oh, so sorry dear. Yes, I suppose it does look to be up to us to reactivate the lantern. But only because I think we're the closest ones to it. Given the trouble those two guardsmen had sheltering on the trail, I don't know how anyone from the village will be able to make the climb in this. Koya's eyes dart up to the wagon's reinforced canopy currently being buffeted by winds. Likewise, I don't think we're any better off getting there either. Neither Rennyn or our robust Draeven could withstand these winds which ought to confirm the answer to your own question dear - flying is right out of the question! I agree with Rennyn, we are stuck here. Although the protection we've been using against the elements does work to preserve us from this extreme cold, so that's one thing in our favor. The old cleric absentmindedly adds another length to the stove and pulling her shawl tight as if just talking about the cold has chilled her bones.
In the silence following Draeven's contemplation for Iqaliat Ameiko asks, What do you suppose would happen if Iqaliat was destroyed? This Katiyana was a demon, right? Now, my demonology is a bit rusty but don't demons thrive off of death, destruction and chaos? I'd say Iqaliat has been exposed to all three since Katiyana arrived; the death rate went up, the one and only shaman became incompetent and now this fabled Morozkos is threatening to finish them all off. Ameiko raises three fingers, one at a time, as she ticks off the events. But why? Why Iqaliat of all places? Is it the lantern? Is Iqaliat the only settlement around with one? Given what we've heard about Unaimo being unreachable due to weather, I think it could be. Right now, that lantern is the only thing I can think of to set Iqaliat apart from every village I've ever heard of.
A skeptic Sandru asks, If Katiyana was here to destroy things and sow chaos, why didn't she just destroy the lantern ages ago? Why has it taken months for her to murder, what, half the villagers? Who, or what was stopping her?
Shalelu takes a stab at the caravaner's questioning, She probably wasn't strong enough to take on an entire village at once. She likely used those other demons to quietly thin the herd first and sow some fear before moving on to a more destructive phase of the plan. A better question to answer would be, can the lantern be destroyed. If so, what would happen? Also, is Katiyana and Morozkos linked somehow? Demons sow death and destruction all over Golarion on a daily basis, but how many call up a supernatural storm to do so?
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.
Anara nods in response to the cleric and leaves her to find her warmth. The sorceress' attention shifts to listen to the conversation between Shalelu and Ulf. Thinking about what each was saying, she spoke as the thoughts came to her. I don't think Katiyana was responsible for the shift in weather. Directly. If she could summon and control those three lesser demons, wouldn't that indicate she would have little trouble with the townsfolk? More likely that she has a master who either provided the demon trio or they were hers and her full potential was being held in check. She looks up to see she has interrupted them. Sorry, I was just thinking out loud.
A smile creases Draeven's features at Ameiko's mention of Iqaliat being destroyed. I would dance a little jig perhaps? he offers as an answer to her initial question.
After a moment longer he adds, So now you are fully endorsing the idea that Katiyana summoned that horde of demons, by herself, repeatedly over the span of months, and we are the first to have noticed? On the first night no less. Then we kicked their asses and hers back to back. How powerful was she and how incompetent were they?
At Sandru's comment Rennyn's eye shoot up at the wagon master. Half?! Half of the villagers have died?! I'm sorry but I hope you are exaggerating. When was this disclosed?
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
As Anara thinks out loud, Sandru shrugs, My demonology is no where near as good as Ameiko's. But if it takes a demon to summon a demon, Katiyana was the most likely. As to how powerful she was, you're a better judge Anara.
Turning to Draeven, Ameiko smiles at the image of the big man doing a jig, I don't doubt that. She holds the smile for a time, Do you need me to endorse the evidence you've already uncovered? Well, if it makes any difference. Ameiko chops the air with the flat of her hand to the left, right then center, There you go! Endorsed! Should I read you the usual list of caveats and limitations of liability or are you good? Having spent so much time with the former tavern owner, Draeven of course sees Ameiko's banter as nothing more than playful. Her smile slips to a frowned concern, And no. I don't see what this group did on our first night here as very surprising, especially given all the amazing accomplishments I've already seen on this trip. Honestly, I don't believe just anyone could have spotted those demons Draeven. Had we not posted a watch, Desna knows what we would be doing. For all I know we could still be in the dark about what was going on and Katiyana for that matter. Yet thank Desna, a watch was posted and there was an attack. What better reason could you have had to go up the trail to investigate? And powerful or not, you acted quickly. Not only did you recognize danger, but you guys also deal with it. Katiyana could have been that dragon you saw in your dreams for all I care. It wouldn't make the slightest difference in outcome because I know in my heart, you guys would have dealt with that dragon just as quickly. As for incompetence, Ameiko leans forward and looks Draeven in the eye, name one foe we've come across who's outmaneuvered you enough for you to respect?
Rennyn's sudden challenge puts Sandru on the defensive, Woah! Yeah, of course I'm exaggerating! The wagon master's surprised look clearly says he'd thought everyone understood he was just making a guess, I mean, it takes more than just a few deaths to send an entire village into a scared panic, right? There'd have to be, he looks around at nothing in particular and, predictably, makes another guess, at least a dozen? Two? The place isn't exactly overcrowded.
Not expecting the big guy to name anyone who actually posed a challenge for the group, Ameiko continues, My previous question remains, why Iqaliat? What's so special about this part of the world that it needs to be destroyed, be it slowly or fast? And how is this Morozkos connected? or is it just a coincidence one hits so soon after Katiyana's death? Since it affects our route and, more importantly, all the trading between Minkai and Kalsgard, I'd like to know more about this so called Hungry Storm.
Having been unable to figure out what her dream had meant, the sorceress could not keep it from her thoughts. What Ameiko said had triggered something in her thinking and suddenly she thought she understood. I would think we should pose that very question to xxxxxzzz; why Iqaliat indeed. If theres a reason, I'm betting both she and the ex-shaman would know of it. And I don't know that we should spend the time looking for him. Beleiving her dream to mean they had two options, those being returning to Iqaliat to investigate or to forget it all and carry on down the path, she posed the alternate as well. Otherwise we forget all this and carry on. Unfortunately, both require waiting out a storm that ends.... sometime, possibly never? Anara looks around the group, hoping others, or at least someone, would provide something more productive. Shar's been quiet lately, even for her, I wonder if she's working on a different angle altogether?
Just out of curiosity, but what exactly do either of you two know about demons? Rennyn asks of Sandru and Ameiko. It is my understanding that it takes true demons to naturally summon other demons, and when they do, it is usually more of their own kind. And their chance of success is not guaranteed, and the numbers are usually quite limited. A single demon, perhaps a pair of lesser demons. Five demons at once seems like it should be beyond this Katiyana's abilities and lineage.
As Sandru attempts to justify his wild speculating, Rennyn shakes his head. One or two deaths can't un-nerve a small settlement? It must be a couple of dozen eh? Is that what you are going with?
Draeven blinks at Ameiko, Uh, I'm sorry, what?
There was that un-killable raven... he adds quietly.
Rennyn turns to Anara, The six questions need to be in the form of a yes or no answer. You can't just ask "Why Iqualiat?"
Fenra listened to the back and forth of the others with uncharacteristic silence.
I think we should ask the following questions:
Is this storm natural?
Will this storm break within the next 2 weeks?
Does the one known as Katiyana have a master?
Does the Shaman Tunuak wish death or destruction on the inhabitants of Iqaluit? or alternatively, Can the shaman Tunuak be trusted by us?
Have any of the attacks we have faced since we entered the crown of the world been related to our original mission?
Are the forces at play here being directed at us specifically?
She looks to the others for input, We need to make a decision and get on with it. If my dream was sent by Desna we must act soon.
Sharadei finally pipes up, I think that if this storm lasts more than an few more days we will be in trouble, 2 weeks is too long.
he sorceress nods to Rennyn as she digests the conversation and thinks on Fenras posed questions. I like your line of questioning, with Shar's suggested change, but I think we should spend no further resources on the shaman. Instead, I would ask more about the demons. Maybe clarify if we were their target or if Iqualiat was. Thinking of Rennyn's advise she adds 'Were we the Demons target?' Or 'Could more be summoned the exact same way now?' An answer to the second one may actually tell us a few things.
A wide eyed Spivey nods along with the rest of the group. The looming prospect of once again getting to commune with her goddess has the tiny blonde a little excited!
Ameiko does a double take at Draeven's hushed remark about the raven, Does that mean he respected that bird?
Other than Oni are a type of demon and all demons crave chaos and destruction, honestly, I'm more than a little rusty in that department. I'd say there's so much rust, all that accumulation has corroded my knowledge of demons down to creative speculation at this point. In short, I know absolutely nothing about summoning demons, Sandru?
Nadda. Zilch. Well, other than the odd campfire story. There's that one about the girl who has to guess the name of the demon in order to get her family back and the only way to trap the fiend was to use its name... Sandru trails off before shrugging ignorance. Clearly he is not the one the paladin should look to to justify the actions of others.
Ameiko leans closer to the paladin, her chin resting upon one hand and her eyes filled with renewed curiosity, I'm glad you're so well versed though, it will make solving this much easier.
I do appreciate your input Fenra, but I'm concerned that most of the answers to those questions don't really give us anything to act upon.
I suspect the answers to be; no the storm is not natural, yes the storm will break, yes Katiyana has a master (likely Sithhud), no Tunuak cannot be trusted, and no and no respectively. Even if some of those answers are the reverse, what do we do with that information?
If the storm is unnatural, who or what is causing it? If it is natural? What then?
If the storm doesn't break, we surely perish. If it does, we flee?
We learn nothing about Katiyana's master if it is revealed she has one.
So on and so forth. Perhaps we need to narrow our focus, and try and get as much information as possible about one portion of this mystery and then hope that pulling at that thread leads us to more clues.
The question is, what do we focus on?
My suggestion is the storm. What or who is causing it? Can we stop it? That kind of thing.
We should craft our line of questioning to account for each branching response. For example, if our first question is "Is Tunuak causing the storm?" and the response is "no", then we ask something like, "Is someone, or something, within Iqaliat causing the storm?" If the response is instead "yes" then we ask "Will killing Tunuak stop the storms?" or "Can Tunuak be compelled to stop the storm?"
All of the possible outcomes the questions lead to are staggering.
Eyebrows arched, the sorceress sees the wisdom behind Rennyn's line of thinking. I hadn't thought of it like that, focusing on the questions would provide much better direction if we choose the right line of questioning. Even if we don't, can't we try another line again tomorrow? And the day after? Anara turns to Spivey and seems to struggle to find the right wording. How do you feel about thinking on the fly? We can go over possible questions and answers all day long but once you make the connection to your God all else will likely fade to the background. I mean no disrespect, I just want to make sure we put our best foot forward... although I speak like we have options to choose between at the moment. Frowning to herself, she seconds the elf's suggestion after a moment of silence. Focusing our questions is definitely a better plan. We should focus on the first question and alternate options for the second. Beyond that, I think we're going to have to put our faith in Spivey to fill in the rest. Can we start right away?
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
The tiny blonde folds her arms, scrunches her face and looks down at her feet. She tilts her head like a puppy, comparing each foot but then rolls her eyes and does a little spin mid-flight. So like before! But this time I can, There is a moment of doubt and then her eyes light up, Ok, you mean I get to ask the Goddess my own questions?! That sounds super exciting! Spivey squeals like a school girl and does another pirouette. Blue eyes find the big man's bulging bicep but looks away quickly as the building excitement is reigned in by the sudden violent flap of canvas, Oh! Right. You mean mission type questions, right? I guess I should keep to what you'd like. Except, that's kind of hard. I mean, I think I know what you like. But then, what I think and what you think. There's a lot of, you know, the tiny blonde stretches her arms wide, and what if I think of something, and its not the right question? Almost anxiously, her eyes briefly rest upon the place Draeven knows the Lyrakien keeps her stash of liquor, before shutting them hard. Focus Spivey! You can do this! Ummm, ok! I got this! Like, ummm, how about, are our wagons strong enough? or should we return to Iqaliat? Oh! How about, can we re-activate the lantern? That kind of thing? Spivey tilts her head again, one of her eyes squinting in hopes she's close to the mark but is worried she's not.
Rennyn looks the tiny Lyrakien in the eyes. I trust your judgment Spivey. You have been a true friend throughout all we have endured. The questions you propose are excellent. Please proceed when you are ready.
Draeven gives Spivey a grin and a wink of encouragement.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
The tiny blonde blushes at the praises of the two warriors. Eager to be of use, she wastes no time in gathering her components and setting them in a suitable place. With the sound of high winds buffeting the caravan, Spivey constructs her spell. Humming a simple tune to Desna's favor, she sets out candles and sets to flame a small dish of incense. As before, the lyrakien chants the words of incantation, their syllables disappearing from memory the moment they are heard. The wagon's interior is filled with an exotic scent and within minutes Spivey's eyes glaze. Her normally girl-like voice begins to ask each question, changing to something feminine and unworldly with each answer.
Will this storm break?
Yes.
Should we continue on the Path of Aganhei?
When Morozkos is destroyed.
The lengthy answer raises a few eyebrows sharing the wagon. Ameiko leans in intently, barely breathing as Spivey asks her third question.
Is someone, or something within Iqaliat causing the storm?
No.
Is Tunuak causing the storm?
No.
Spivey's forehead crinkles in thought and the tiny blonde risks something unscripted for her fourth question, Does Morozkos dwell here?
To the north.
For a second time the Goddess' answer is more than a word and in an excited squeal Spivey blurts, Can Adlartok's lantern defeat the storm?
Spivey's eyes grow large and her body is forced up to standing on the very tips of her toes, her back arched so the Goddess' final answer is directed across the ceiling, No~~!
Even with her limited experience, Anara realized right away that Spivey's answers had given far more insight than usual. She kept a steady watch over the tiny blond as the strain of the spell became evident to anyone watching.
Looking at her companions briefly, and making eye contact with each, the sorceress found a sense of uncertainty was evident among them; she was no different. That's not normal, is it? Unsure of exactly how Spivey was handling things, the sorceress braced to catch the Lyrakien, expecting her to swoon once the connection was severed.
So to the north then?
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
That's not normal, is it?
Fortunately, Spivey does not collapse at the spell's end. The tiny blonde instead seems to float softly back to her original seated position then blink her eyes as though waking from sleep.
Not entirely. Koya carefully replies to the sorceress. More than the usual "yes" or "no" is a rarity to be sure, yet there have been documented cases. The old woman's words drift off to a whisper.
Across the wagon Ameiko mouths, Documented cases? to Fenra and Sandru. Since when has Koya delved into a library?
Could the spell have failed somehow? Shaleu asks with some uncertainty.
Failed? What?! Spivey's eyes grow wide, Did something happen? I mean, the spell felt right! I think. I'm sure it must have worked! And I can remember some of it! Well, most of it. A little panic begins to spill into the tiny blonde's eyes, Oh, no! I changed a question! Was that wrong?!
Ameiko raises her hands to calm the excited lyrakien, No, Spivey, you did great. The goddess came through! It's just, a couple of her answers were, longer than expected.
Koya shoots Shaleu a glare as she passes Spivey a small cup of tea, Yes dear, Ameiko's right. In fact, I'd say your spell was more than effective!
Turning to Rennyn Ameiko says, I agree. Somehow, I'm not sure how just yet, we're going to have to confront this Morozkos. And according to the Goddess, that means travelling north. Trouble is, as far north as we already are, I'm pretty sure North is still really big. I think we're going to need something more than just a direction. We'll also need some way of travelling. Ameiko trails her eyes across the caravan roof letting the howling winds outside make a point. I'd bet The Rusty Dragon this isn't the only time Morozkos is going to make another appearance before we find where it dwells. Perhaps even several. Our caravan is great, its solidly built and seems to hold up, but at the moment, it's not moving. We need to be on the move, storm or no. This last assessment troubles the Tian the most.
Let me guess, going back? Shalelu groans and lets the back of her head tip to the wall, Why can't we just leave this place?!
As soon as Morozkos breaks, we need to head back. Look for anything that Tunuak or his predecessors might have used to get around; a compass, map, journal, anything. We need to navigate. A little extra magic like that lantern's got would be nice too.
So to the south then?
No?
Glad to have Spivey back, unaffected, the sorceress takes in the points made in the conversation around her while mulling over the answers provided by the goddess. Obviously, we are to be going north in an effort to seek out and deal with this 'Morozkos' but I don't imagine us being too welcomed back in town. Are we just going to be able to waltz in and search around until we find something that can help? Not wanting to drag things out any further she adds I'm just happy to get going on something we can make progress on. Seems we've not made much of that lately.
Sharadei comes up with an idea and tentatively speaks.
If we can't travel through this wind can we somehow tunnel under it? The wagons and oxen would need to stay put but could we somehow dig a path either by magic or mundane means?
Finally speaking Fenra adds,It doesn't seem that we will find answers in Iqaluit, but my dream seemed to indicate that we do need to use Adlartok and save the villagers and I believe it came from Desna. She closes her eyes and repeats the last part of her dream vision.
Adlartok is all that stands between Morozkos and complete control of the High Ice. Morozkos batters and slams itself upon Adlartok's stone. Within the deadly storm, demons rake their claws and slam their fist upon the stone lantern, but Adlartok isn't easily destroyed. It will survive any onslaught. But will the villagers? Who will be left to sing?
Unlike Draeven I am not as keen to leave the villagers to their fate. We met too few to judge them all and it's not the fault of the commoners or children that their leaders are incompetent. If we don't help them they will surely perish. And Ulf has had nothing but good experiences with them in the past. Perhaps the recent events have left a mark on them.
We also know the way back to the village, North is a little vague. If we can reactivate Adlartok it will be much easier to search for the source of Morozkos.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Ameiko turns to Anara, There's only one way to find out, head back into town. And with a nod to Rennyn, South.[b/]
Sandru smiles and raises an interested look in Shar's direction, [b]Tunneling, huh? That idea might just work! How long would that take? Does anyone have that kind of trick up their sleeve? The caravaner looks with hope in his eyes to each of the magic users in turn.
Too old to dig and lacking the magical skills, Koya quietly, slowly leans away from Sandru, physically distancing herself from needing to tunnel anywhere. I don't see why we can't return to Iqaliat. After all, we were instrumental in helping to rid them of those murderous creatures.
Spivey taps a finger to her cheek in thought, Maaaybee, the tiny blonde draws the word out, Desna means Adlartok can't be destroyed by the storm. Like, the storm isn't physically damaging to stone, get it? It's strong, but not like Draeven strong. So with Katiyana and Tunuak gone, the lantern's safe. Except the people aren't. If no one finds the source, Morozkos will like bury the town's trail in or out and starve the people there. Once they're gone, Adlartok kind of loses its power because there'll be no one to activate it. See? Cause Desna's like, "Who will sing?"
So take the stone north with us? Sensing some push back from Koya, Sandru grasps for another idea.
No. Spivey shakes her head. Take it away and Iqaliat is defenseless. Besides, Draeven needs his hands free to fight. Spivey flashes the big man a wink suggesting she's pretty sure he could carry it.
And for all we know Adlartok's location is key to it's power. Leylines or something arcany like that. Ameiko sides with Spivey. If we use Adlartok's lantern, it will be to protect Iqaliat. Until we can figure some way of reactivating it, all we can do is sit this Morozkos out. Once we get back to the village, we'll need to find a way to travel north. Tunuak or his predecessors must have written something down - I hope. For now, I suggest making regular inspections of the wagons and covering. If a weakness comes up, the sooner we find it the better.
Pffftt, please. These wagons are built like tanks! Sandru rolls his eyes before leaning back in his seat.
Well unless anyone else has some kind of tunneling magic or fireballs or something to melt out a tunnel I think I will wait it out here. I don't have anything to calm these winds, if someone else does maybe we could make it back more quickly.
Land of the Linnorm Kings |The Crown of the World - Aganhei Path | Iqaliat | High Ice
Three days. With the group's vigilance and magical mending, Morozkos' assault on the caravan proves manageable. Upon the fourth day Ulf has the teams returning their burdens back down the high ice trail and into Iqaliat.
The village is a mess. More damage has reduced the dwellings by a quarter of their previous number; the chieftain's tower has lost it's upper story. Shell shocked villagers rummage through debris and set about making repairs. Many look to the party with hopeful eyes and friendly acknowledgements. Their need is obvious.
We should check in with Nalvanaq and Sonavut before we do anything else. Fenra maybe you Koya and Spivey can see if any villagers need healing. We should also find out if Tunuak's whereabouts are known and or what he has been up to these past days. A visit to the Adlartok is also in order. Has it survived the storm and can it be activated in the future? The village won't last without it.
Draeven sees the hopeful and "friendly" looks on the faces of the villagers as they re-enter the settlement. Oh NOW you are happy to see us? Should have opened with this last time. he thinks to himself. He does not offer a smile in return.