"We need to get out of this place quickly, before that Ogre Mage returns to seek revenge." Loren suggests.
"Get out, find someplace to hide ourselves, then rest up, recover, and plan our next steps."
The moment the group gave Ayame the all clear she can running in with the wand in hand. She used what she could to heal Ulf's wounds and help him out the of prison. "We have you now. You're okay." She promised, keeping her voice calm.
"We need to go get the merchant." Ayame reminded the group. "And we still have Whisper waiting for us down at the base." She added. "Lets get the poor merchant, and go down to Whisper and make camp there? Then tomorrow we can head back." She suggested. "Does that sound alright with you Ulf?" Ayame asked. "This place was horrible for you after all."
"The sooner we're out of here the better," Tahata agrees, wiping blood from his spear. "Ayame has it right, let's get moving," he says, calling Maitoh to his side with a gesture.
Durian helps lift the man as they slowly make their way out of the place.
Keep your eyes open, that mage could still be here somewhere. or something else new might still be here somewhere. look around for anything we need to take with us when we leave
The team manages to collect the merchant and make it out and back to the base. They are unmolested but near the base find the site of another battle. Tuffs of wolf fur can be seen under the nails of the dead Ogre-mage. Clearly its other captive got its revenge on its way back into the wild.
Hearing this Ulf spits near where he thinks the body is. "Blasted b@+~&, wish it was my hands but at least its dead."
As you move Ulf learns that Uksahkka had sent you he is more relaxed though still agitated by being blind.
"You get my sight fixed and we can talk about what you want from me. I figure I owe you quite a bit at this point."
"We can get back to civilization and speak of such things." Loren says.
"Don't worry Ulf, we'll take care of you." Ayame said softly. She got Whisper and brought the mare over to Ulf. "If it is alright with you, I wish to for to ride Whisper back. She's a wonderful mare, and with your eyes how they are, if we get into trouble she will make sure you're okay." She explained, and with the help of anyone willing she would get Ulf up into Whisper's back.
Then Ayame placed her hand upon Suishen's hilt. "I'm sorry I wasn't the one to bring her down for how she was towards you Suishen. I'd understand if you'd never forgive me, but I promise I will become better and be worthy of you as my weapon." She mentally promised her family blade.
Ulf is happy to ride as he cannot see. He is still gruff and you can guess probably unpleasant as a guide but with you he keeps himself in check. The trip back to civilization goes well. The merchant you rescued does offer some reward when you get back, a small chest with 100pgp.
What do you wish to do now that you are back in town?
Durian is also still blind from the fight with those creatures. he is able to make his way with less aid than Ulf, but his blind-fight skill can only go so far. he relies on the others to get them back to town safely.
He hears the others talk about the dead mage and interjects
well that wolf did a number on that beast eh? glad it was on our side. would hate to face one of those in the wild if it was against us! be syre to check the mage's pockets for anything useful. or shiny.
when they get back to town Durian asks for some help getting inside and orders a drink, carefully sipping it.
so, do you think you can find a cure for this blindness Ayame? sure is lasting longer than anything I've dealt with before.
"Lets head back to the temple of Shylen. We could see if the priest there can heal his eyes." Ayame brought up to the group. "I also need to return Whisper here to Sandru."
"The winter wolf is the most powerful of wolf-kind, we would do well not to make enemies of them," Tahata says in agreement as Maitoh pads silently alongside him. "We do need to find somewhere to have Durian and Ulf's blindness healed, sooner rather than later."
As you travel back to town Druian's eyes clear up leaving no last impact. Ulf's eyes are more damage but he is beginning to see shadows and you would guess with a good nights rest he will be nearly as good as new. He, however, also exhausted form his ordeal.
You do have a lose end with Sandru and the caravan is still camped out of the city. What do you want to do first, what else needs to be tied up before you make use of the guide you rescued? Shopping? Crafting?
Ayame got Ulf a room at the inn that had been staying at so that he could rest while the group talked about their plans. She also returned Whisper to Sandru as promised.
When the group was sitting around drinking, Ayame just ordered hot tea. "I'm glad your eyes are doing better Durian. Ulf's are still recovering... Not to mention he seems exhausted." She told them. "So, I had a thought, maybe we should take this time to get ourselves some warmer clothes? If we're going over the crown of the world then we're going to need them... Not to mention maybe picking up a wand of endure elements for everyone to use. Actually depending on how long it will take, maybe two. Though Durian is all set! He has those boots after all." She paused for a moment to drink some of her tea. "Is there anything you all can think of?"
"Maitoh and I are already prepared for the cold," Tahata says, pointing to the wolf's boots and his own fur-trimmed clothing. "Extra magical protection might be useful though," he adds, worried about how much colder it might get further north. "We should find out from those with more experience what preparations they would suggest for the far north."
"I think I need a nice long spear. The world is probably full of narrow passages and tiny rooms. If I had a good long spear, then I could stab past whoever is in the front." Loren says.
"I think I need to pick up some sort of ranged weapon. maybe even just a sling or something... the mage made me realize I can't always just punch everything...
"So... are we going to go shopping together?" Ayame asked with starry eyes and a large smile. "I've... I've never had friends to go shopping with before!" She giggled happily.
"Do we know how much money we collected?" Loren asks.
"Do people enjoy shopping together for fun?" Tahata asks an obviously excited Ayame. "Is it not just an opportunity to make preparations and obtain supplies?"
Durian looks at Tahata and just shrugs. he is very much in agreement with the Shoanti man. supplies were a chore to be done before striking out, nothing more.
let's see what we have gathered, I'm sure we can make trade for what we need in this town
"Nooo" Ayame said with a shake of her head. "You that's a supply run! Those are never fun! But I'm talking about is shopping, going to the tailor's and getting something nice to wear, then maybe over the general store to pick up some tea for later, then a meal to talk about how excited you are for your new clothes!" She explained, though this seemed more a scene from some book than something that Ayame had taken part in.
"At... at least that is what people say." Ayame muttered.
When they asked how much they made Ayame brought out the items of pure coin and what jewelry they found onto the table. Quickly she seemed to count it all up. "Looks like we have about 5249 gold worth, but that is just in easy to spend coin or equal value items. We have a few items that need to be sold." She said before she returned the items to the safety of her bag. "We can get a wand of endure elements, and a few other things. If you two don't like shopping I can handle it." Ayame offered "I handled a bit of trade negotiations with my father when... well when he was alive..." Ayame cleared her throat and her smile returned. "But I'm good at getting things is my point!"
"Then I only experience of what you call supply runs. There isn't much opportunity for shopping in the lands of my ancestors," he says with a smile.
"Seems like you're in charge of the shopping then," he says once he can get a word in. "If the far north is truly as cold as they say it is then we'll need as much protection as we can find."
Durian humphs into his beard. I would think that for where we're going a supply run is more what we're in need of. but however you want to get it done this does seem like something you have more skill in than I. get what you can, but remember it will be quite harsh as we travel with limited options for resupply.
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"I'll go change and then head out and get everything we'll need!" Ayame said with a smile, before she got up and grabbed the bag of their items that needed to be sold and the coin purse of their jewels and loose coins. "I promise to do well just leave it to me!" She told them as she bowed slightly before heading up to change.
Ayame came back down dressed in simple dress and mixed varisian and Minikan style. She had placed the money purse in her large sleeves of the top styled after a kimono, and on her back was a pack filled with what they had to sell, at her hip at Suishen and on her head the angel Helgarval. She gave a smile and a wave to the group then to the tavern keeper before she headed out to the streets to sell their spoils and get what they needed.
First Ayame focused on selling what they had. First she stopped at the smiths, both armorer and goldsmith. She sold the armbands that they had gotten and since they where pure gold it was easly to get a main value for them. Then came the three wakizashi, which where masterwork in quality. She got close to five hundred for the three of them. Next she brought out the shrunken, both magical and non. The non-magical shrunken only gained her two gold and half a gold in silver, but the magical ones where a different story! She had to count out a rather fair amount for those, over eighteen thousand gold. She also sold the death kiss dagger for a bit over five thousand, and shozoku for six thousand on the dot.
Now with 35553 gold, and five silver, Ayame set her mind on shopping! Walking through the streets Ayame came to a stop by a magical stall. It was selling rings, staves, and rods. But it was one of the rods that caught Ayame's eye. A rod of lesser elemental metamagic, this one attuned to fire. Ayame remembered that Loren could cast only cold in their fights with the troll, and as such she gladly paid the three thousand gold for the rod. She even had it boxed up to make it easier to carry.
She then moved on to wands, getting the group a couple of Wands of Endure elements, and another of cure light wounds. She had them wrapped up and set into the opposite sleeve from the coin purse.
With those taken care of Ayame looked up to her helm Helgarval and asked "Am I forgetting something?"
Helgarval stirs from his contemplations at the question.
"Well, I do not know what is in your store of items but if there is food and you have outfits for the cold you should be ok. I am not well versed in this sort of thing as, I don't get cold.... or hungry."
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"Well that is nice to know that I won't have to worry about you when we make the trip." Ayame said with a small smile as she looked around at the shops and stalls. "There are a lot of choices... I believe only I don't have clothes for the cold... but there are some ideas that I have to get the group!"
With that the young bard skipped into one of the magical shops. "I want to get us all matching necklaces." She told Helgervel. "I'd get you on too... but you don't have a neck... so I think it would just slid off..." She sighed. She went through the pendants and settled upon four necklaces with small pieces of dragon scales on them. "Lets see, Loren gets the silver one, I think maybe Durian would like a bronze... or maybe the copper? Wait but he is a dwarf, maybe the gold." Ayame muttered to herself, she bit her lip thinking 'I've never had friends to buy for like this before... I'm not sure what they would like. Just that Loren's power comes from draconic blood... what if they hate them?'
Ayame shook her head to keep her thoughts from getting to her. "Loren gets silver, Durian gets gold, Tahata gets copper, Matitoh gets bronze and I shall take brass." She finally said, getting the shop keep and ordering what she wanted. They had them, but she asked for some alterations and she'd be back to pick them up once she finished the rest of her shopping. Though she still paid before leaving.
"I hope they'll like them..." Ayame sighed as she moved on to the next shop. There she got two belts, though she had to guess on the sizes. But she made sure the buckles didn't have a simple giant on them but depictions of enemies they had faced. She got Tahata one of the Winter Wolf, and Durian got a Werebear. While there she also got Loren and silver headband though she had the stones set to be sapphires and aquamarines instead of rubies and garnets. She thought the cooler colors would be better on him with his ice magic. She also decided to buy one for herself as well, though it was a bit of a struggle for her to buy herself something when shopping for everyone. Her silver headband was set with emeralds and jade.
Lastly she stopped and got herself a cold weather outfit, though she had gone to the jade distract to get it so that is matched the rest of her outfits.
Finally she stopped back to pick up the pendants and made her way back to the tavern with her prizes smiling all the way. Carrying the boxes and bags she made her way inside to catch back up with the guys.
"I got you all something!" Ayame declared in a playful voice as she set down all of the things on the table. "So! Lets start." She began to pass out the boxes.
Loren got three one was small and thin, another square yet thin, and the last was longer and thinker and far more weighty than the rest.
Durian was given two, a small thin one, and then one that longer and a bit more bulky.
Tahata's boxes mirrored Durian's in much the same way.
Then Ayame knelt next to Maitoh and opened his thin box. "I didn't forget you." She told him kindly as she show him a thick leather band that had a bronze dragon scale hanging off of it. It had an M carved into it and if allowed Ayame bestowed it upon Maitoh. "There, now don't you look nice!" She smiled before she stood.
It was easy to see that around her neck was a choker that had a brass dragon scale upon it with an A elegantly carved into it, and when she removed Helgarval from her head they could see the silver cirlect with emeralds and jade upon her head. "Please! Open them!" She requested as she clapped a couple of times from excitement.
The first gift was much like Maitoh's. It was a silver dragon scale with an L engraved into it hanging on a silver chain.
The second was a circlet of silver set with sapphires and aquamarines.
The last was a rod that seemed to be formed from a red crystal the pulsed softly with heat. A metamagic rod of Elemental fire.
The first gift was simple, a copper dragon scale with a T engraved into it on a simple leather band.
The second one was the real prize. A belt of masterful craft, set with topaz and shimmed blue and purple with only a hint of green, and a silver belt buckle that had a winter wolf crouched and ready to pounce in a scene of winter behind it.
The first gift mirrored that of the group. A golden dragon scale engraved with a D on a golden chain.
The second was much like Tahata's second gift yet it too had been personalized. A belt of master craftsmanship set with rubies and a golden belt buckle that show the roaring figure of a werebear in mid-strike among a forest.
Ayame's smile only seemed to grow larger as she watched them open the gifts. "I do hope you like them!" She said, waiting to see what the others would say.
Durian's eyes get big as Ayame brings out the packages.
"so this is what you call a 'shopping trip' eh, young one? he laughs loudly but picks up his packages carefully. buying things just for fun... what are they teaching kids these days...
but despite his mumbling and joking, his eyes light up when he sees what Ayame got him. he hangs the necklace around his neck and ties the belt around his waist.
"Ayame... this is great. thank you there is just a hint of a tear in his eye but he moves past it quickly, gathering his things to get ready to move out.
Tahata is surprised to be presented with gifts when Ayame returns from her shopping trip. He gratefully accepts the two boxes with a smile and carefully opens them while Maitoh gives Ayame a friendly nuzzle.
"These are very fine," he says as he looks over the necklace, clipping it around his neck before admiring the buckle of the belt. "This looks uncannily like Maitoh," he says, showing it to the others before buckling it around his waist.
"Thank you," Tahata says, reaching out to grip Ayame's forearm in a traditional gesture of thanks. "I hope you enjoyed your shopping."
"Nice work!" Loren says as he examines the items in the packages.
Ayame giggled and grinned as they opened and enjoyed their gifts. "They're magical too, I wanted to make sure we could go with the best we could get!" She explained.
"I save a good amount for buying food and things we'll need to travel. Hopefully when Ulf is feeling better we can go and see what he suggests. Oh! I also got us some wands to help. Mainly with the extreme cold and mending our wounds." She explained. "I only want the best for my friends!
"Is there anything else we need to arrange now?" Tahata asks as he settles his new equipment onto his body. "Should we check that the caravan is prepared for the cold?"
"Yes, I think that is a good idea. I also need to return Whisper and we should make sure they're alright." Ayame said. "Though, before we do that I want to go check on Ulf."
And like that Ayame sprung back up to check on their resting guide.
Durian will go with Ayame to check on Ulf and talk to him about plans for moving forward on their journey
"I'll join you. Ulf will know more about travelling north than anyone else we're likely to meet, the more guidance he can give us the more likely we are to overcome whatever faces up there," Tahata says solemnly. He joins Durian and Ayame, motioning for Maitoh to follow along. The wolf rises from the floor, stretching out briefly before following along silently at Tahata's heel.
"While you guys do that, I'm going to buy myself a spear." Loren says.
"Just in case I have to stab enemies over Durian's shoulder in the future."
Ulf is of course willing to guide you and the caravan is in good shape. They have, over the time, prepared enough provision that they should be able to make the journey without sapping the resources of the party. Ulf will be adding a few wagons to the journey which are his personal items when making this journey. You can be ready to set out in a day or so as final preparations are being made.
"Oh! Here Loren, take this to help." Ayame said as she handed over 350 of the remaining gold coins. Smiling she said "In case you want to get a really nice one."
When with Ulf she kept asking questions and making sure that the caravan had what it needed for the journey. Though she did pause for a moment through all of that to talk with Tahata. "So... When we're traveling can you teach me?" She asked. "The language I mean. What we spoke of before?"
"Of course. I doubt it will take you long to pick up the basics," Tahata replies. "I can teach you to write it too, but there are some concepts that might not make much sense to those not of the quahs," he adds.
As you finish preparation Ulf gathers the caravan together for a conversation. He has become far less gruff, almost welcoming to the caravan at this point.
"So, were going over the world. There are some things you need to understand before we begin. First and foremost please let it sink in that this is not a race against time or against snow or anything else. Trying to do this too quickly will do nothing more then jeopardies everyone's lives."
He looks at each of the party members for a moment before contuninng.
"I know you lot can fight, all well and good, but if its not a fight you do as I say. Even in a fight, if I tell you to do something know that if you don't there is danger you do not know of. We are all experts at different things, my thing is keeping you alive as we cross the crown of the world, is that understood?"
Ameiko nods. "We will do as you say. This trip is too important to risk it would seem. Plus we know we have enemies. The longer it takes the less likely that they will think we survived the attempts by the Thorborg Silverskorr imposter and the Five Storms. "
He continues speaking going over some mundane items before wrapping up.
"We will travel north from Kalsgard through the Thanelands of the Linorm Kingdoms before following the Stormspear Hills to reach taiga and tundra beyond the Stromspear Mountains. At that point some paths join together to cross the Rimethirst Mouintains. Past that we will be coming to the Crown of the World proper. This first part will take around a month. Are we ready to move out in the morning?"
[ooc] There are a couple of maps up.
"Eager to see the far north."
Durian nods seriously at the lecture about playing it safe and listening to orders. he agrees with all of this, but it is hard to hide his excitement about going to see the Crown of the World!
"That's a surprising statement from you sister." Ayame said with a slight roll of her eyes.
"I do believe everything is in order yes. Tell me, how long does it normally take to get over the Crown of the World?" She asked.
Tahata fully understands the gravity of the situation - many unprepared travellers failed to make it through the arid lands of his people in northern Varisia, so the need for caution and preparation isn't new to him. The cold, however, is a new challenge to overcome, and Tahata knows that Ulf is the expert when it comes to the terrain and weather they will encounter in the far north, so is happy to follow where he leads.
Ameiko nods at Ayame's words. "Would not say I have been feeling myself since Brinewall. A bit calmer since that illness has passed."
The first two days pass without incident and you fall into a routine. On the third day, shortly after dawn you notice a giant eagle is flying over the group. It paces you, circling out and back for the entire day. Every now and then it swoops low, clearly not hostile just accompanying you.
The weather is cold and this offers a distraction from the continuous travel. That night the eagle does fly off only to return the next day.
Through the next days travel you come on a less wholesome site then the still present eagle. About mid day you find some frozen corpses of what looks to be two undead wights. Encased in ice they are of not issue but you would think if thawed it could be a problem.
Further still that day there is movement ahead and the eagle swoops low to investigate and maybe from its pose attack. At the last minute, some ways off you see the eagle quickly bank and let out a shrill call.
Coming over the snow dune are three large creatures that appear to be undead Bison. Attracted to the caravan they will be on you in less then a minute!
Ulf grabs his sword and shield. "Those of you that don't fight stay with the wagons." He looks to the group. "Those things could destroy the whole caravan they cannot be allowed near the wagons, particularly if charging."
"It took becoming ill to figure out." Ayame said with a shake of her head. "Could have used that before... Like when you left me with our abusive brother... Or like when you ran off again and left me with our abusive father. But that was always what you where good at huh sister?" Ayame asked as she crossed her arms and held tightly to her arms. "Leaving behind those who need you most..."
----
When Ulf called for those who could fight Ayame drew her new blade Suishen. "Let's hope I'm better this time..." She muttered.
Tahata and Maitoh quickly become accustomed to the mundanity of travel, but are slower to get used to the increasing cold. Tahata observes the eagle that seems to follow them for a few days, unclear what the bird is doing or why it may be tracking the caravan.
At Ulf's call to arms Tahata grabs his spear and hops off the caravan, his feet crunching into the frosty ground. Maitoh follows him, his breath puffing out in steamy clouds. The two follow Ulf towards where they will meet the onrushing creatures, keeping away from the caravan to maintain the safety of the non-combatants. "What are they?" Tahata asks Ulf before preparing himself and Maitoh with some of his magic.
Tahata:
HP 54/54
AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 (+5 armour, +2 Dex, +1 natural armour, +1 Shared Strength, +2 barkskin)
Speed: 30ft
Fort +8 (+5 vs cold weather), Ref +8, Will +6
Conditions: barkskin, lead blades, bull's strength, Shared Strength
Melee attack (+1 spear): +8 (+4 BAB, +4 Str, +1 enhancement, -2 Power Attack, +1 bull's strength)
Melee Damage (+1 spear): 2d6+13 (+6 Str, +1 enhancement, +6 Power Attack)
Maitoh:
HP 39/39
AC 25, touch 13, flat-footed 22 (+2 armour, +3 Dex, +7 natural armour, +1 Shared Strength, +2 barkskin)
Speed: 50ft
Fort +7 (+5 vs cold weather), Ref +8, Will +5 (+4 vs enchantment/illusion)
Conditions: barkskin, bull's strength, Shared Strength
Melee attack (bite): +7 (+4 BAB, +2 Str, +1 Weapon Focus, -2 Power Attack, +2 bull's strength)
Melee Damage (bite): d6+11 (+3 Str, +6 Power Attack, +2 bull's strength)
Loren casts Mage Armor on himself and moves behind Tahata with his new Longspear.
Oh those looks nasty! get ready everyone!
Durian hops down from the caravan and moves as far forward as possible, hoping to intercept the undead creatures before they hit the caravan.
Earlier to Ayame. "And yet you do not leave me behind and I appreciate that. It does seem this journey is all about our family does it now, maybe this is what we need to become full people after everything with the family."
___________________________
These are Frostfallen Bison. They are hard to hurt (DC10/Bludgoning), clumsy and can detect life in the area which will attract them.
Tahata only knows enough to know that these were bison though something has happened to them. Loren casts mage armor as the others get ready.
The bison move in as Ulf calls out. "There undead that were created by the cold somehow. Lot of types and they are hard to hurt. Brace yourselves."
The bison do not rush as they close in on the group, clearly they know you are here.
Bold may act
[u] Round 1 [/u]
Durian, Tahata, Loren, Ayame
Red, Blue, Yellow
Stat Tracker
Global Condition: None |
Ayame HP: 42/42 - AC: 20/14/17 Status:
Durian HP: 59/59 - AC: 21 (+4 vs Giants)/14/19 Status:
Tahata HP: 54/54 - AC: 17/12/15 Status:
Loren HP: 42/42 - AC: 18/11/18 Status:__________________________________________
Red HP: 18/18 AC: 16/12/15
Blue HP: 18/18 AC: 16/12/15