Exactly 1,400 years ago, a powerful witch from another world named Baba Yaga arrived on Golarion with her Dancing Hut, a formidable artifact that can travel between worlds and even between the planes. In a quick, brutal conf lict known as the Winter War, the self- proclaimed Queen of Witches conquered the eastern Linnorm Kingdoms of Raemerrund and the Djurstor Confederacy and founded a new nation locked in eternal winter—the land of Irrisen.
After installing her daughter Jadwiga on the throne as Irrisen’s first queen, Baba Yaga departed in her Dancing Hut, but she returned to Irrisen exactly 100 years later to replace Jadwiga with a new daughter, Morgannan, taking the former queen and the first generation of her descendants with her when she left again. Baba Yaga has continued this tradition every 100 years for the last 14 centuries, resulting in a succession of 14 queens of Irrisen. Most people assume Baba Yaga takes her daughters to explore strange new worlds, times, and dimensions, sharing with them the secrets of the multiverse. But the truth, hidden even from Baba Yaga’s daughters, is far darker
Please 'dot and delete.'
The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town’s soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead.
As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman’s escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
Heldren is barely large enough to marshal a decent militia to protect the town. At poorly attended meeting in the town square, Councilor Teppen has asked if any competent residents or visitors would be willing to investigate what is going on and rescue Lady Argentea. Her voice is heavy, clearly she is expecting little help in this matter but feels it has to be asked.
"Eveyone has heard the story by now. Snow where there should be none and bandits in the road. We simply do not have the type of guards that can be effective in this, and we do not have enough. Perhaps some of you are up for a little adventure? This needs to be investigated."
As she speaks she makes eye contact with each of you seeing most of you as armed strangers. Maybe these are potential adventures. This could get them out of town and on a mission of sorts. Nothing worse then a bunch of adventures drinking to much and causing problems.
"If anyone is intrested find me or go to the Willowbark Apothecary and speak with the wounded guard."
What do are you doing now?
A female elf wearing a drab cloak over studded leather armor steps forward at the mayor's request. She has a rapier hanging from a left hip.
"I would be more than willing. I was just passing through, but I can make time to help deal with the problem." Tayanalla tells the mayor.
"Let's see what this guard has to say about the bandits."
So, that's exactly where Aramant investigation had to take him. He knew his mother and her group of pathfinders had to be investigating something near here, and the weird cold people had been describing always sounded to him more than simple hoax or folklore, but much more like a grim clue for their fate.
Now here, in passage by Heldren, this wounded mercenary might be the perfect lead to follow. Not willing to waste the opportunity, Aramant approaches the mayor, as well, siding with Tayanalla.
I'll accompany you. - he finally says, right to the point, in a fairly shy tone.
The shifter is taller than the average and bulky, looking to have Ulfen roots. Despite the long beard and hair with grayish tones, he doesn't look old - but his eyes blink with unexpected wisdom beyond his age.
Kleora had been trying to enjoy her stay in Haldren but was finding it to be more than a bit of a challenge. She was here for a reason, she knew that, and the Green Mother wouldn't have sent her here without good cause. It wouldn't be so bad here if it weren't so cold, far colder than it had any right to be. It also caused her some problems when it came to her devotions and entertainments but she had managed thus far, if only barely. All of this had led to Kleora being a bit grumpy by the time the news had arrived and she nearly refused to even consider it. Only the fact that she was here at her goddess' guidance kept her from unleasing her temper on someone at times.
Once Councilor Teppen made her announcement and called for traveler's Kleora mad e asnap decision. This was likely part of why she was here even if it didn't make sense yet. She made her way over to where the elf and human stood with her normal sensual sway and said, "I suppose I can help as well." She smiled slightly in amusement and continued, "Rescuing a noblewoman can be rewarding after all."
Freyr is silent as the town councilor calls them all together. Locals troubles were likely not their concern, but something in his gut told him that this was going to be trouble for them as well. After their rather abrupt departure from their homeland, unseasonable weather could only mean that danger had come with them as well. Perhaps this was a bit more their problem than he wished it to be. And he knew that Fryja would be far more interested in helping with that. "Sister," he mentally projects. "If the bandits are involved with the snow at all..." He mentally sighs. "If you wish to help, I am by your side, as always."
Frjya smiled softly to her twin brother and with his blessing stepped up and said "We will gladly help as well." Though her voice was soft it seemed to carry over the air with ease.
"I believe we'll be of help." Frjya told them with a graceful nod.
"Well.... If I am being honest I did not expect much so this is far more then that. You all look... interesting? I guess you even look the sort so that is good." she sighs and looks at the group at those that did and did not step forward "Well this is where we are isn't it. I don't know much but you might get some information from asking about. Rumors and what not."
She looks at those who are wandering away and mutters. "Bloody useless I guess."
5+ Everyone says the weather is unseasonably cold for midsummer—it even snowed in the Border Wood! Most suspect magic is involved, and some fear Qadiran agents played a role in it.
10+ Old Man Dansby claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off.
12+ A farmer’s son took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest—and heard it talking—then tried to follow it.
15+ A group of rangers in the Border Wood called the High Sentinels usually keep bandit activity curbed. They’re doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea. 18+ Locals say a hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. No one believed him so he went back to trap it and prove them wrong.
20+ Two weeks ago, Lady Argentea Malassene traveled past Heldren on her way from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed. Rumor has it the two didn’t get along and Lady Argentea caused a scandal by calling off the engagement and returning home.
What are you doing now?
"Someone needs to question the surviving guard. I'll see what other information I can dig up."
Having heard countless times in the past that the best place for a pretty girl to find info is a bar, Taya heads to the common room of the inn, buys a drink, and sees what's at the top of the rumour mill.
Aramant is too shy to do the "gathering information" thing on his own, so he accompanies Tayanalla and tries to provide some aid on the task, drinking and approaching other people to bring them closer to her.
"I shall go speak with the guard." Frjya offered. "Shall we meet back by the statue?" She asked, though there is a feeling that it was more of a statement.
Frjya does make her way to the Willowbark Apothecary either way. Stepping in and taking just a moment to look around Frjya asks the first person she see "I was sent to speak to the guard of the Lady who was taken."
"Easy there big guy. Try not to growl at any of the locals." Taya teases Aramant.
Maja Tasker listens to the councilor's address intently and steps forward when the others volunteer. She does her best to maintain a veneer of professionalism, although her heart races with the possibilities of the bizarre weather. Could this be connected to the Winter Witches of her childhood?
I need to know more.
"I'll accompany you," she announces to Fryja and Freyr as they make their way towards the Willowbark Apothecary. "My name is Maja, by the way. You two have the look of siblings. I should know, I have five of them." She offers them a small hand for a shake.
The halfling exudes a warm and affable attitude, enhanced by her dark eyes and wide, full-lipped smile. The brightness of her copper skin is dulled somewhat by the dull gray silk and and black leather of her lamellar cuirass and in one hand, she palms a walking cane topped with a brass bloodhound, its surface worn from use. Black woolen leggings are wrapped in gaiters of turquoise-dyed leather with white stitching, covering Maja's legs down to the tops of the large feet typical for her kind.
"We are siblings." Fryja said with a nod of agreement. "Twins in fact.... and we have many siblings as well though, not all of us look so like siblings."
Kleora decided that going towards the tavern to help gather information would be of the most use and so she made to follow after Tayanalla. She was wearing her normal clothing, a fancy corset with a bustle, all in greens and red, that looked not unlike her body was clothed in a carnivorous plant.
Kleora strutted into the tavern, a place she had become well known, and began to make her rounds. She began to flirt and tease, wheedle and coax, as she tried to find out more information about these bandits.
Feryr moves to follow his sister toward the apothecary. "Freyr," the tall blonde says. He's already dressed for travel, or perhaps for battle, with a blue tunic over a suit of mail that clinks very slightly when he moves. His expression is cool, almost emotionless, and his sharp blue eyes go over the halfling once as she comes to join them. "My sword might be as tall as she is," he thinks. "And this is Fryja."
Taya introduces herself to Kleora and Aramant and guides the conversations with the locals.
She summarizes what she's learned from the conversations:
"It's weirdly cold for midsummer and it has snowed in the woods here."
"It seems like other trouble has come with the cold. Crops have been stolen from fields. There's also talk about talking white deer and a giant white furred weasel. I'm guessing that's not normal."
"It's not normal for there to be bandit troubles here. There are rangers in the woods that normally keep the riff-raff away."
"This kidnapped lady has been through recently on her way to get engaged to another noble. It sounds like she broke the engagement and stormed off home. There's likely a lot of drama in the situation."
Taya considers what she knows about weather and geography in Taldor.
She also tries to remember what she knows about magical beasts like a talking deer.
Kleora managed to tear herself away from her most recent flirting partner, a young man and his wife, and went to find out what Tayanalla had found. The mention of talking white deer and a giant furred weasel caught her attention and she thought through what she knew of nature and what such things could be.
Tayanalla first heads to the Silver Stoat (7) it is early but there are, as always, a few about the place. Aramant quickly fall in beside her deciding it best not to try and gather much information on his own. A few steps later Kelora catches up and joins the group. Something about Kleora puts off the few that are there, not something that normally happens to her. Some discrete questions and conversation by Tayanalla get her a good deal of rumors as to what is going on.
Tayanalla recalls that this area should be a temperate climate and warm this time of year with snow in the winter. [ooc] Think upper United States [/b]
Kleora can find little about the white stag without seeing it but does remember stories of talking white stags helping lost woodsmen. A giant white weasel sounds like a creature more akin to colder climats. Larger then a horse they live alone or in pairs hunting deer and other game that would also be hunted by humans for food. They are showen in folk tales as being exceptionally clever.
Frjya, Freyr and Maja seak out the caravan guard while discussing siblings. Frhya reveals that her and Freyr are in fact twins while Maja speaks of five siblings.
_____________________________
It is easy to find the Willowbark Apothecary, where the wounded bodyguard is recovering. Wrapped in bandages, the Ulfen mercenary’s nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded. Despite his obvious pain, however, he waves you closer to speak.
“Would that I could go with you. My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away.”
He pauses and looks at the group clearly hoping there will be some understanding for his fleeing.
“We thought they were just bandits at first—outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.”
He looks at his damaged fingers and shakes his head.
“What more would you like to know, I feel myself rambling. I will answer what I can of course. I will tell you this, if you go it will be cold so be prepared.”
What are you doing?
After learning what we can at the inn, Taya leads the others back to find the halfling and the twins.
She shares what we learned from the locals.
When she in turn here's from them about the bandits and the cold fey she asks the twins and Aramant: "What can you northerners tell us about these winter fey?"
Aramant scratches his beard for moments, while thinking on Taya's question.
Hmm... There's quite some time I left the North, yet it seems to call for me in every opportunity. - he starts, then going quickly to the point - I probably needed a better description of those fey, but maybe...
Kleora couldn't recall anything about the stags beyond stories but the weasel she knew of. When they found the twins Kleora said, "I'm not sure about this stag creature, maybe it is some kind of fey, maybe it's something else. The other creatures are likely giant weasels, maybe a dire variety of some kind. They could be a serious problem as they're the size of horses and clever hunters as well."
When the mention of Winter Fey came up Kleora thought through her own knowledge of the fey and tried to recall what she had learned. They weren't something she was as familiar with but she knew a great deal about the fey realm.
Maja grimaces at the sight of the wounded Ulfen, ravaged by frostbite. She takes a mental note to buy warm clothes before they left.
Something the man said pulls her from her thoughts. "Winter-touched?" she asks. "You're referring to the fey you encountered? I'm not familiar with the term."
The group, now together at the apothecary speaks more with the wounded guard who answers about the winter-touched fey.
"“Fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man’s forearm. But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.”
Aramant's own experience and knowledge backs up this assertions he also knows that cold iron and burning flame can wound the creatures.
The guard continues.
"Were that we were prepared and maybe a bit stronger. Terrible." his ruined nose and fingers crack a little as he moves and give off a not pleasant smell "What more can I tell you? I.. I am not my self so it is hard to focus."
He pauses for a moment before continuing.
“They took her into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don’t know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here.”
[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Condition: NONE |Freyr HP: 13/13 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Aramant HP: 12/12 - AC: 19/16/14 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 8/8 - AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 7/7 - AC: 12/10/12 Status:
Fryga HP: 7/7 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Maja HP: 9/9 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
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That might be what happened to my mother and her party..., thought Aramant. For moments the Ulfen processed the information and shared his knowledge, and then finally replied the guard.
Please, point us to the direction she was taken. - he asked, looking at where the forest would take, and imagining if a map would be needed.
Frjya seems to shift a bit nervously as she pulls her thin cloak tighter around her. "I see..." She said before she gave her brother a look.
"Don't worry... I will be careful."
"I... suggest purchasing clothes for colder weather..." Frjya said to the others as she swiftly turns and head for the door. "I shall... await you all outside. I do not believe I can be of help right here."
"If they're taking prisoners rather than simply killing, it can't possibly be good," Freyr thinks. The Winter Fey ranging further afield was a sign that things were beginning to progress back in Irrisen. "I'm familiar with the legends," he says as the guard reveals the old stories. "Their hearts are supposed as cold as their touch." He winces at the sound of the guard's movements. Frost bite was never a kind ailment. "I have some skill in tracking through snow and ice. We have a fair chance at finding them."
Looking sadly at her normal garments Fleora said, "yes, I suppose a change of clothing is in order." She considered the challenges ahead and said, "Once we are on the way it might be best to discuss our particular skills, that way we can better prepare for how to deal with them." She headed to the door and asked, "Who's coming with me to get some new clothes?"
"That sounds like a prudent idea." Taya agrees.
She will accompany the others to find some heavier garments to protect against the cold.
The general store is the best place to purchase needed supplies.
Heldren’s general store carries everything a villager needs, as well as most gear you may requires. Heldren sits on the road to Zimar, so plenty of trade passes through the village. The store’s proprietor, Vivialla Steranus (female human), takes advantage of this brisk trade to stock her shelves. Her shelves are stocked, cold weather gear is no problem, but she only has the most basic of weapons, daggers and what not, and no armor.
Vicialla herself is an older woman, large of frame with a dour expression permanently plastered on her face. If you have been to her shop you know her to be overbearing and self-important. All that considered her greeting of What? when you enter is not the worst start you could have.
What now?
Maja steps forward and addresses Vivialla. "Greetings, shopkeep. We've volunteered to pursue Lady Malassene's kidnappers and possibly seek out the source of the winter."
She glances around the store. "We need some equipment meant for the cold. I know it's out of season, but anything you have would be very helpful."
Kleora was already aggravated at the shokeeper's attitude, she hadn't much cared for the woman in her short time here and decided that it was best to let Maja do the talking lest she cause the surly biddy to raise the price like the last time she opened her mouth in here.
The older women sits on a stool behind her table with a bit of an 'umph.'
"Oh you fancy yourself heroes... sure ya do. Best I can see is those pretty faces of yours getting less pretty. Suits me. I have some stuff... over there. Prices are marked" she looks at Kleora "I am sure it will be good enough for you princess."
After a moment of staring she sighs. "That it? I am busy you know."
Frjya can't help but cover her mouth to keep from smiling and snickering. She of course didn't need the new gear, her magic saved her from that. But that didn't mean she wasn't entertained by watching th others make their purchases.
Taya will buy some heavier clothes to resist this winter chill.
"Any of you northerners know how to make shows for walking on top of the snow?"
Maja looks around the store, noticing that only she and her companions are shopping. She smiles and remarks wryly, "Yes, I'm sure you are."
Maja doesn't let Vivialla's combative disposition get to her. She pulls her coin purse out from under her lamellar cuirass. "I hope my being a princess doesn't keep you from taking my coin. I'll take the winter gear you have there, I assume it's for a child, as well as that thick blanket."
Aramant accompanied the others, despite the fact he already was mostly prepared for the cold of his northern lands. He smiled and tried to be helpful as he could, but the large man was shy and for times just lost himself looking at the store.
Snowshoes, you mean? - he replied Tayanalla, before continuing - I don't. I threw mine away a long time ago when they became unusable, and never got the gold or the reason to buy another pair. They can be certainly useful... Same going for snow goggles. If you can afford, I mean.
Maja chuckles at Tayanalla's question as she straps the rolled winter blanket on to her pack. "I'm afraid we've no cobblers here. Depending on the depth of the snow, it could be tough going."
She chuckles at the halflings comments mumbling as she checks things off in a ledger.
"Awful small for a princess ain't she. Clearly I meant the one in the corset." she clears her throat "Yeah we got some snow shoes, you think were a bunch of hill trolls? Don't know what is what? Over there probably goggles too."
"I still have most of my cold weather gear," Freyr says with a shrug. "And not nearly enough gold to replace anything I'm not carrying. I'll make do with what I have." A pair of snowshoes wouldn't go amiss and perhaps a warmer tent, but this was hardly the first time that he'd had to handle icy weather without perfect preparations.
Kleora bristled a bit as the old biddy that ran the shop called her a princess. It was a blatany lie, at the least she shouldn't be so obvious about her attempts. She decided that the insulting falsehood was not worth responding to and so she decided to ignore it. Instead she picked up a cold weather outfit and blanket and took them to the counter where she pulled out the requisite mony for them and put it on the counter. With that she turned and strutted her way out the door.
Maja blushes when she realizes that Vivialla wasn't speaking to her. She hefts her pack and hastily follows Kleora out the door.
"Aramant, do you think you can find the place where the coach was ambushed from the description we've been given?" Taya asks.
"I wouldn't want to get lost in the woods before we even get started on this rescue."
I can certainly try. His directions weren’t precise, but maybe they were enough - plus, such altercation is bound to have left tracks.
Kleora was ready to go when she exited the shop and waited for the others to be. When they all came out of the store Kleora looked to them in curiosity and said, "I think it might be time to talk of what we bring to this venture." She glanced towards the inn and said, "Come, we should get changed before we head out and it is a good time to talk."
"Well, I have arcane power." Frjya said with a small shrug as she moved her cloak enough to people to see the arctic white fox at her feet. "While my brother is more... martial in nature." She added, however that was rather vague. "What of yourself?" Frjya asked softly.
Despite Aramant being a little off the trail to the wagons is easy to find. You know it took place about six miles away and can be made in a couple of hours of walking. About half a mile out you feel a cool breeze coming form the direction of the attack and begin to see signs of unnatural winter weather up ahead. The weather pattern runs parallel to the road which is heading south though between a half mile and a mile away.
It is mid day when you approach the sight of the attack. Near the forest, the temperature grows noticeably colder. The road ahead is littered with debris and the corpses of slain humans and horses. A carriage stands in the roadway, its team of horses missing or cut free, while another overturned carriage lies sprawled and broken next to the tree line. To the south, more bodies have fallen around what appears to be a statue of ice (A3). A snowy trail leads deeper into the forest.
This close to the winter pocket, the temperature has dropped considerably, hovering just above freezing, and a light dusting of snow covers the ground. Lady Argentea’s entourage included two carriages. Bodies lie, pierced with tiny needles and shards of ice, the handiwork. All of the bodies, with the exception of one (A3) laying near what looks like a path into the are stripped of arms and armor.
The first carriage the group comes to (A1) has clearly been looted by attackers and two unlucky handmaidens lie dead inside. There are some expensive looking outfits inside if you want to take or sell the cloths of these dead women.
What are you doing?
[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Condition: NONE |Freyr HP: 13/13 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Aramant HP: 12/12 - AC: 19/16/14 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 8/8 - AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 7/7 - AC: 12/10/12 Status:
Fryga HP: 7/7 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Maja HP: 9/9 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
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Taya looks for danger and approaches the statue of ice.
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Maja approaches the second carriage, watching for any signs of danger.