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The Black Rider grins. "Glad you asked. If you agree to take on this quest, I will bestow two things to you, my legacy. First, I shall vest you with the Mantle of the Black Rider, powers that will allow you to become more than mere mortals. You shall have part of my essence, which will allow you to grow in power immensely. Secondly you will need to access Baba Yaga's Dancing Hut to follow the Witch Queen's trail and find her. The hut is a powerful artifact that can cross great distances, even travel between worlds. If you can control the hut, it can take you to Baba Yaga."
"However, Elvanna stole the hut and put it on display in Irrisen's capital, Whitethrone, as a symbol of her power. You must go through the portal to Irrisen, close it, then find the Dancing Hut. My second gift to you concerns the hut. It has many keys - objects attuned to the hut - that can take it almost everywhere. I managed to secure two of these keys, but Elvanna stole their power to prevent anyone from using the hut to find her mother. Once they are reactivated, placing the keys in the hut's cauldron will retrace Baba Yaga's path."
He pauses for a second, as if to put the emphasis on what's to follow.
"I grow weaker, and I need an answer from you. Shall you take on the Mantle of the Black Rider? Will my legacy live onwards and see a glimmer of hope to see this world saved?"
Zadok hesitates only briefly before nodding his head, his dark hair falling down over his eyes. "I shall."
Thorgull looses his calm after Zadok's answer.
"What? Are you mad? Are you insane? Oh, right, yes, you are. Still, to accept such a "gift"?"
Thorgull pauses, with a gaping mouth, seeing that his companions seem to agree.
Out of argument, the young wizard crosses his arms on his chest.
"Well, fair enough. I'll accompany you on this journey for "the lesser of two evils" but keep in mind that these people oppressed my people for centuries in Irrisen! Whoever they are, I shall never feel pity for such miserable creatures."
Virgil narrows his eyes when Zadok refers to them as 'wanderers', clearly somewhat annoyed by the remark. Nevertheless, the bastard noble listens to the conversation with intent, sheathing his rapier. A smile slowly dawns on the duellist face as he realises that such an opportunity presents him with a chance to regain his families honor and create an even greater legacy, however a moment of doubt flashes through his mind as he considers the source. Stepping up alongside his companions the swordsman nods his head in acceptance.
"If you're going to go ahead with this, I suspect you'll need my help and skill at arms. I'd be remiss to let you go on without me and risk this winter spreading."
A war of emotions plays across Stian's face as he listens and considers all the Rider says. As each of his companions agree, Stian Frowns, but nods his head. Finally, heaving a great sigh, Stian nods. "Aye, I'll take it up. I don't thing there is anyone else you could look to for this, and if we don't, our lives will be forfeit eventually." Stian glances at his companions, giving a slight nod and smile.
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Worries then leave the Black Rider's eyebrow, his face suddenly looking at peace for a brief moment. He nods, then takes three items out of his bag: a lock of white hair from a frost giant's beard, a plague doctor's mask - "Those are the two keys to the Dancing Hut, never lose them for they are the breadcrumbs to the Witch Queen's trail." - and a cold iron dagger. A brief flash of anguish shows in his eyes, before a more resolute stare sets in. Suddenly he slits his own throat and blood starts pouring out of the wound, bathing the two keys. He also somehow finds the strength to mark your hand with a sign made of his blood. You immediately feel a strong surge of power coursing through your veins, awakening a seemingly limitless potential within you. You are one with nature, body and soul. You are a vessel of power without any boundaries. Or so it seems.
A moment later, all life has gone from the Black Rider's body. As he expires, his vestment melts away like ice in a fire, leaving behind the crumpled and miserable body of an old man dressed in a simple black tunic.
Then, you feel it. This power doesn't come without hindrance, for at its heart, you sense a strong duty you owe to a power far greater than you. The Black Rider's mantle is a boon, but a mantle is also a burden to bear, an unfulfilled obligation to the source of your power.
Find her. Do not relent. Do not evade your duty. Find the hut, find its mistress.
Zadok feels the power of the Witch Queen coursing through his elfin veins. He takes the two keys from the Black Rider and stows them carefully in his bag. He pauses in silence for a moment as the Black Rider disappears. "Well my friends, we have chosen our fate. We are the Black Rider of Baba Yaga now and it seems to me that we have an obligation to destroy this portal. And that means going through it."
After a brief hesitation, Zadok leaps into the portal.
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Zadok, soon to be followed by his companions, treads through the swirling cylinder that is the portal to find himself in a landscape not so different from the one he's just left behind. You find yourselves in a snowy forest clearing where the other end of the portal rests on a large stone pedestal. Although the weather is rather clear - a crystal clear night sky is indeed a welcom sight for you - this land is obviously far colder.
Exploring your surroundings, you realize that you are currently on a forested hillside. Gazing beyond the trees, you can see the faint and distant lights of a village miles away. However, you are still far from the warmth of civilization.
Virgil gasps as the power from the Black Mantle infuses him, and swells at the sense of duty and purpose now thrust upon him. As they step through the portal he casts his eyes about, keeping his rapier in hand lest any of the Rider's persuers come upon them.
"You have to wonder what we've let ourselves in for here."
The duellist gestures at the distant lights of the village.
"We should probably head there. We have our work cut out for us and a decent nights sleep and a good meal will certainly set us in good sted."
Stian's gaze takes in the village, then moves to the horizon. Pointing he says. "A snowstorm is coming...though it is moving unnaturally fast. We need to get to the village to take shelter, fast!"
Zadok nods to Stian. "Double time then. Let's move!"
"I don't like this..." says eventually the wizard after a long period of silence. He shivers from both the cold weather and from excitement, feeling power overwhelming his senses.
"...But here we are! Let's go, then."
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Stumbling through deep snowdrifts, you make your way towards the village. As you reach a hilltop, you hear noises of a fight just below you. You see a band of peasants covered in furs trying to fight off a gigantic mantis about the size of a small hut. The peasants are getting slaughtered by the beast, who appears to be crazed.
Only one person appears to put up a decent fight against the mantis, a woman fighting with a handaxe and a light pick. However, it is clear that she doesn't stand a chance alone against her mighty opponent.
The crazed mantis - round 1
1. Zadok, Thorgull, Stian
2. Woman
3. Mantis
4. Virgil
Stian has no idea what the creature is, as he steps south, drawing his bow, and firing an arrow.
Thorgull doesn't take long to scan the creature. He says out loud at his comrades:
"This vermin is obviously not native of this cold land, but must have crossed the portal and is unable to find its way back. As a result, it is confused and very hungry. And angry. I guess."
He starts to summon, including new verbal components in his arcane words.
"Uενεξ α νοτρε αιδε, αιγλες σελεστιαυξ!"
"It seems already quite confused," Zadok comments, "but perhaps I can frighten it away."
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Stian's arrow pierces the beast's thick chitin shell with a thunk, immediately catching the mantis's attention. Meanwhile, Thorgull opens a portal to Mount Celestia in order to usher a whole flight of celestial eagles, whereas Zadok attempts to warp the creature's mind. Unfortunately, the creature doesn't seem affected by it.
The woman must be used to fighting, for she uses the diversion provided by Stian to strike at the gigantic vermin. Unfortunately, the creature's chitin proves too thick to penetrate.
The mantis sweeps around her, killing off another peasant in her ruthless assault.
The crazed mantis - round 2
1. Virgil, Zadok, Thorgull, Stian
2. Woman
3. Mantis (6)
"Virgil! Wait a moment!" Zadok casts a quick spell and discharges the power into Virgil's blade.
Stian steps closer and continues firing arrows at the creature.
He finds himself watching the woman with admiration as she attacks the creature.
Thorgull shouts as loud as he can the information he has on the mantis.
"This mantis is able to lunge much farther than her normal reach would allow her to. She is quite apt at grabbing foes with her mandibles, and crushing them to the death. Be wary!"
When he finishes his sentence, four eagles appear out of the aether and land blows at the mantis in a flurry of claws and bites.
Eagle purple
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Eagle red
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Eagle green
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Eagle yellow
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Thorgull draws his wand of Scorching Ray and uses it against the creature! "Cinders!"
for
After that, he disappears from where he is to reappear behind Virgil. "Flanking buddies!" he whispers.
Virgil pushes himself, trudging through the snow to engage the fierce mantis. Upon reaching the creature, the duellist taps into the power bestowed on them by the Black Rider, releashing a sudden attack surprising both himself and the giant insect.
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Both of Stian's arrows wound the creature more and more, while Zadok turns Virgil's rapier into a blazing sword! Eagles appear and lash several time, shortening the vermin's lifespan. But the final blow comes from Virgil, who wades through the snow and aims his strike carefully before dealing a staggering blow to the mantis. It remains standing for a split second before it collapses, dead.
The woman then sheathes her weapons and immediately attempts to succor the fallen peasants, but she's far too late, two of them now lie dead, their blood oozing from the large gushing wounds the giant mantis dealt before you even had a chance to intervene. With a sorrowful heart, the woman motions for the remaining peasants to carry the bodies to the nearby village. It is only then that she turns to you and addresses you a grateful look. She speaks Common, but her accent sounds very Skaldish.
"I thank you, travelers. Without your intervention, we would probably have all died to that creature. Who are you, may I ask? You look like you aren't from Irrisen. As for myself, I am Nadya Petska, from the village of Waldsby. I would consider it an honor if you would accompany us to the village, be it only to shelter yourselves from the storm that's closing in on us. My home is your home."
Zadok gives a small polite smile and bows his head to the woman. "Well met, Nadya, and we will take you on your offer of shelter. As you guessed, we are not from around here. I am Zadok Allendil, a student of the stars and acolyte of the space between them. These are my companions Virgil Ardelean, a respected student from distant Lepidstadt; Thorgull Kjalderssen, a mage who spent some time fighting demons; and Stian Ovesen, a woodsmen." Being unfamiliar with the political situations in Irrisen, Zadok elects to leave out any Ulfen heritages and connections to the Ulfen Guard in his descriptions of his companions.
"If you don't mind though, Stian here has warned us that a storm is coming and we would like to get inside quickly. Please, lead us to your village or home or wherever we might stay for the night. We can speak more there."
"Thankyou for your compliments Nadya, it is a pleasure to meet you, despite the circumstances."
Virgil extends a courtly bow to the woman, flourishing his rapier as he does so.
Thorgull has a shy smile in front of Nadya's face, clearly not at ease.
"Well it was my father who spent time fighting demons, but he teached me well enough... I think. It is a pleasure to meet you too, miss Petska." says the young wizard with a polite nod at the woman.
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Apparently Natalya doesn't care much for rapier flourishes, but she welcomes the warm words from Zadok and Thorgull nonetheless. She turns out to be a friendly person, and you feel that she's trusting you despite your foreign ties... or maybe because of them?
She nods. "I'm aware of the coming storm - you're right, we need to hurry. Come with us."
The dead peasants are then put on sleds by those who remain, although the vehicles are loaded with packages - food, from what you can guess. The journey to Waldsby turns out to be a harrowing one. The climate is so cold that it feels like every bone in your body has frozen solid. Strong billowing winds bite your flesh severely, and you feel that your progression is greatly hampered by the terrible weather condition as well as the heavy snow under your boots. It soon becomes clear that you won't make it to Waldsby by the time the storm hits.
"We'll have to stop and set up a camp to weather the storm!" shouts Natalya in an attempt to be understood despite the howling winds.
Zadok is not used to this weather and despite the snowshoes and thick coat and leggings he bought, he still nearly succombs to the cold on the way to the town.
Thorgull resists the cold weather but not as good as he could.
Stian tries to bolster himself and his companions against the storm.
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It is clear that this terrible weather is not going to improve anytime soon, but the camp allows you to remain sheltered for the time being. While you're trying to treat your wounds from the bitter cold, Natalya prepares a meal over the fire she's been able to set up. Over the howling winds, she tries to know a little more about you, and likewise she tells you more about herself.
"Life's here is hard." she states, but it isn't a complaint. "The Witches' hold over this land is strong and nefarious. We suffer from this everlasting winter as much as from the creatures enslaved by the witches: ice trolls, wintry fey and other monstrous allies. I lost my husband Hjalnek two years ago to one of them ice trolls, and that left me alone with my three children, Thora, Orm and Mjoli."
"It's all the Witches' fault - all our misery wouldn't exist were it not for their presence. Anyway, after my husband's death I had to take up Hjalnek's trade as a food merchant and importer, leaving my children in the care of family friends while I'm away." She motions towards the goods packed on the sleighs. "We were on our way back to Waldsby when that strange outlandish creature attacked us and slaughtered Rolf and Girard. Another tragedy I will have to explain to their families..."
A moment of silence, then she resumes talking about her trade, as if to take her mind off more dire thoughts.
"I've set up trade routes in this area, in the eastern reaches of the Hoarwood, and many rely on my business to be fed - including local Jadwiga - the offspring of those blasted witches. But I have no choice, the "food tax" they ask for simply allows us to keep them at bay, and avoid harrassment from them in the village. The local White Witch Nazhena Vassiliovna, who lives in the Pale Tower near Waldsby, is the perfect example of those cruel Jadwiga."
As she mentions that, a much gloomier look crosses her eyes, and she falls into a sad silence.
Virgil listens somberly to Natalyas story of hardship, suddenly greatful for his comparatively affluent (if tragic) youth.
"I'm sorry to hear of your troubles Natalya, but you seemed to have weathered them regardless. Your determination to commendable."
Virgil cuts himself off before giving up anymore information or prying further, curious to see what his newfound allies take is.
Zadok listens and then says, "Perhaps it will hearten you, then, to know that we have been tasked with helping fight back against these Witches who hold so much power and abuse citizens such as yourselves."
The elf clears his throat and then opens and closes his mouth a few times, obviously struggling to put words to what he must say next. "You mentioned your children; Thora was the name of your daughter, correct? Forgive me for prying, but what happened to her?"
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The moment she hears her daughter's name, her eyes grow weary.
"Alas one day while I was traveling the land selling my wares, Nadezhna came to Waldsby and Thora stumbled upon her. She was a very honest child, and inadvertently insulted the witch. Nadezhna had my daughter taken away to the Pale Tower. Once I learnt what had happened, I went to see the White Witch, and she ultimately agreed to release my daughter in exchange for a new shipment of food, much larger than anything anyone could afford in the vicinity. Once I reach Waldsby, I'll head towards the Pale Tower to bring these foodstuffs to her, and hopefully Thora will be with us once again."
Thorgull shifts his feet nervously, not knowing what to say and how to tell her about how the party met her daughter. He looks frantically at Zadol and Virgil, waiting for them to tell the horrible truth.
Zadok clears his throat again and says, "My poor friend, I think you should keep this food for yourself and the townsfolk who truly need them and not give them to the witch. I don't believe Nadezhna ever intended to give your daughter back, at least not whole and well. On the other side of the portal we came across a doll. A special type of doll in which souls are often trapped. It asked for release and we set the spirit free from its misery. The spirit claimed the name Thora Petska. I am very sorry. I hope you feel that we did the right thing in setting her free; we had not the skill nor power to bring her back."
Stian clears his throat and looks away as Zadok informs the woman of her daughter's fate.
Thorgull eventually decides himself to speak after Zadok.
"My lady, we... I tried to use my magic skills to know the best we could do. And... couldn't do anything for her." The wizard's voice breaks and he lowers his head.
"As my friend Zadok said, the only thing we were able to do is to free her from the curse. These witches... They took so much to our people!"
A tear of anger pearls down Thorgull's cheek.
Stian tries to give the woman an consoling look, but it appears to be more like he's trying to keep from passing gas.
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Nadya looks at Zadok, her eyes filled with mixed horror and grief.
"You speak the truth... my Thora, can it really be true?"
Your guide then falls into a quiet silence, though it is quite clear that she mourns for her loss. Irriseni people, however, are said not to cry, for their tears would freeze instantly. She contemplates a cloth armband she is wearing around her wrist. Mere moments later, her grief turns into an icy cold anger and steel resolve.
"That cursed witch... I will see her dead, and Thora avenged! This I swear on the old gods."
Yet she blinks and nods at Zadok as she takes his hands in hers.
"My apologies, friend. This probably doesn't concern you in any way, but I would like to thank you nonetheless for allowing me... a measure of closure. Eventually, at least. For now, we must rest and prepare for our journey to Waldsby as soon as the blizzard weakens. I will stand watch, you all get some rest."
The next morning, the snowstorm is gone. Only thick clouds marr the sky and give the new day a grim mood. Or is it Nadya's somber look, lost in the seemingly endless icy plains?
-2 vs surprise/traps
+2 cold terrain
As the peasants help Nadya packing, Stian and Zadok's keen gaze perceives an unusual cloud about to come down on you, and are able to warn their companions. It is only then that you realize this is not a cloud, but a swirling mass of crows seeking to gouge your eyes!
Eyes in the Sky - round 1
1. Stian, Thorgull
2. Crows
3. Virgil, Nadya, Zadok
Thorgull stares at the sky, not knowing what it is.
Stian points to the sky. "Crows!"
Frowning he draws his bow and fires a shot at the flock.
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Stian's arrow takes out one of the ravens, but way too many remain to break the swarm. It swoops down on Virgil and the ranger, attempting to gouge their eyes!
Nadya opens her backpack and retrieves two vials of alchemist's fire, which she hold out for you to use.
"They hate fire, use this!"
Eyes in the Sky - round 2
1. Virgil, Zadok, Stian, Thorgull
2. Raven Swarm
3. Nadya