Fryja gave their guest a small nod. "Be careful out there." She said, behind hospitable at the very least.
Taya gives the bard a nod and watches her go.
XP 150 each
Nadya watches from the opening of the tent as the bard leaves the encampment. She waits a minute more before visibly relaxing and letting the flap close before turning to you all. Her voice breaks slightly as she speaks.
"I think we are ok. That creature.. she is pledged to Queen Elvanna. Her story from birth is tragic I am told but it is no excuse.." she deflates more almost hysterical "My daughter dead and now this... I am walking on an edge it seems."
Quickly she starts to pack and you can hear the sounds of tents coming down outside, yours will be the last to come down.
"I am sure she is heading to the pale tower let us hope that she did not suspect, I don't think she did. Do you think? No, no she cant have right?"
She takes a deep breath looking at you. Though you answer may change her demeanor, lead to questions or answers no matter what the group will pack and move on towards Waldsby. The journey will take most of the day in the difficult snow and she asks if you wish to try and pile on a sled or act as scouts or anything else.
"I'm sure it will be alright, and if trouble arises we will do our best to settle it." Taya tells the woman, trying to sound convincing even though she doesn't fully understand the situation.
"Can you tell us more about this Pale Tower? Does the fey bard live there?" she asks.
"Freyr and I lived in it for a bit." Frjya said. "Our great-niece rules it. However she left for Whitethrone, Irrisen's capitol. That is how my brother and I was able to get away." Frjya explained. "Her apprentice was left in charge. Antyhing past that however, I do not know."
Freyr sighs as the bard departs. "Like most of the winter fey. Fortunately, I don't recall many at the tower, but most of our family can call upon more with relative ease, so that could have changed in the few days we were gone. It depends on how desperate her apprentice is to get us to come home before Nezhena comes back and finds out we wandered off while he was supposed to be keeping an eye on things."
Kleora had no intention of engaging the Forlaryn any further than she had and felt relief herself when the woman left. She listened to what the others said and nodded along. When they mentioned other winter fey could be called in Kleora smiled in amusement, "That isn't entirely a bad thing after all. Remember, while they may not care for me my own allegiance to the Green Mother has helped bargain with them in the past. At the very least they should have a modicum of respect for that as she is the one they are most likely connected with. It's not a guarantee of course but it could be of help in dealing with them."
"So the bard works for the same person that made a child into that terrible doll?" Taya asks in a low voice.
The twins do know a good deal of the tower. The tower’s entire structure is made of solid ice, as strong as hewn stone, magically drawn from the ground and carved into an imposing fortress by Nazhena Vasilliovna’s mother, a powerful winter witch. The slippery ice walls would be difficult to climb. An underground aquifer and hot spring supplies fresh water to the tower.
Each floor of the Pale Tower is actually a hollowed out section inside the massive icicle that forms the tower. No stairs grant access between these floors, lest they fracture the ice beyond its ability to support the tower’s own weight. Instead, Nazhena’s mother created teleporters using ice crystal teleport to move creatures from one location to another specific location elsewhere in the tower. A teleporter can transport one person at a time.
On a normal day the twins would know that there would have been around thirty five guards. If this is currently the case it is hard to tell.
As the twins let the others know Nadya is clearly facinated. Finally she speaks.
"You are really against your family? Maybe I can have my revenge though you then. We are almost to the town and I will insure that you have what help I can get for you."
As the day moves on everyone starts to tire but you know you are less then an hour away at this point. As you are discussing the last leg of the journey a large flock of ravens flys overhead. It passes and then comes back to fly over again. On a third pass it angles down at your group clearly with ill intent.
The twins know that these birds are most likely from the tower itself.
Some of the caravan members grab spears to help but you doubt they will do much more then get themselves hurt.
Bold may act
Round 1
Freyr,
Swarm
Frjya, Tayanalla, Kleor
Day 4 - 2:30pm
-5 Degrees
20” Snow -[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: Difficult Terrain / 20% miss |Freyr HP: 25/25 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 14/14 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 10/10 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 12/12 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:________________________________
Raven Swarm: HP/ X/X - AC: X/X/X
Page 32
"Careful," Freyr informs his allies. "These birds are trained, not just wild. And they're not particularly friendly. Watch your eyes and face." He readies himself for the flock to swoop down and attack.
"All my people will have justice." Frjya promised "When I remove my mother from her throne, I will give Irrisen the Queen it deserves. The Queen it has been denied for fourteen hundred years." She said.
When the birds came, Frjya stopped and had a worried look on her face. "They're from the tower... Brother. He knows we're back."
Freyr readies himself and waits for the swarm to move, which it does.
Swirling and twisting in the air the ravens fly towards the group but cannot quite close the gap before the rest of the companions can act.
Bold may act
Round 1/2
Freyr,
Swarm
Frjya, Tayanalla, Kleor
Day 4 - 2:30pm
-5 Degrees
20” Snow -[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: Difficult Terrain / 20% miss |Freyr HP: 25/25 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 14/14 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 10/10 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 12/12 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:________________________________
Raven Swarm: HP/ X/X - AC: X/X/X
Page 32
Taya casts Shield and readies her rapier.
Frjya readied her staff, but as they hadn't had a chance to rest she wasn't sure how useful she would be.
Kleora was unsure what she could do to help with this fight. None of her spells were going to be of much use and she didn't have any weapons that would do area damage at her disposal. Deciding that discreation was the better part of valor Kleora cast a spell and then moved away from the oncoming birds.
Freyr doesn't draw his blade, rather he prepares to make a strike with his heavy, gauntleted fist.
Tayanalla casts a spell as doe Kleora. As the swarm moves in, engulfing Freyr and Tayanalla, Freyr attacks but cannot hit any of the tiny flying creatures.
Freyr and Tayanalla please make a reflex save.
Bold may act
Round 2/3
Freyr,
Swarm
Frjya, Tayanalla, Kleor
Day 4 - 2:30pm
-5 Degrees
20” Snow -[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: Difficult Terrain / 20% miss |Freyr HP: 24/25 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 11/14 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 10/10 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 12/12 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:________________________________
Raven Swarm: HP/ X/X - AC: 14/14/12
Page 32
Taya steps away from the swarm and tosses a flask of alchemist's fire at it.
(touch attack)
There wasn't very much that Kleora could do against this swarm but she decided she should try to do something. She pulled free her crossbow and let loose teh bolt in it at the swarm.
Freyr attempts to beat the birds back again.
Frjya swung at the birds, at the very least to try to defend her brother and friends.
All of the parties attacks manage to connect and each does damage. Many birds fall from the attack but those inside the swarm have the same problem as before as the birds claw and bite at their eyes and face.
_DC12 Reflex of BLIND 1d4 days
DC12 Reflex of BLIND 1d4 days
Bold may act
Round 3/4
Freyr,
Swarm
Frjya, Tayanalla, Kleor
Day 4 - 2:30pm
-5 Degrees
20” Snow -[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: Difficult Terrain / 20% miss |Freyr HP: 18/25 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 5/14 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 10/10 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 12/12 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:________________________________
Raven Swarm: HP/ 17/30 - AC: 14/14/12
Page 32
Frjya was glad to see her skills in such a fight like this didn't have to be only with magic. Stepping up she swung her quarterstaff back around.
However her swing widely missed.
x 150% = 9
Dances through the flock and skewers a single raven on her rapier!
x 50% = 3
Freyr throws one arm up to keep the talons from raking at his face as he violently swats at the feathered pests swarming around them. "Blasted creatures," he grumbles as he feels his heavy, armored fist connect with at least one of the many avians.
Kleora reloaded her crossbow and let loose another bolt into the swarm of creatures attacking her companions.
This time it looked like her shot flew true but sadly only killed one or two of the flying creatures at best.
Frjya misses with her attack but Tayanalla's alchemical fire continues to damage and she skewers three birds with her rapier, your eating good tongiht. Freyr throws a solid punch that also takes out a few birds but it is Kleora who saves the day. The already thinned birds find that they are missing two more of their number and that is enough to get them to disperse.
Combat Over
+200xp Each
The bad news is that the remain birds all flew off in the same direction and the presence of the group may not be unknowen for long. Nadya quickly starts her troop getting ready to move and speaks.
"Quick. Lets get you to Waldsby and get you either hidden or one your way quickly. I would guess we have two days. I hope."
Nadya finally leads you to her home village of Waldsby, on the northeastern fringes of the Hoarwood Forest.
Bold may act
Round 2/3
Freyr,
Swarm
Frjya, Tayanalla, Kleor
Day 4 - 2:30pm
-5 Degrees
20” Snow -[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: Difficult Terrain / 20% miss |Freyr HP: 24/25 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 11/14 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 10/10 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 12/12 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:________________________________
Raven Swarm: HP/ 17/30 - AC: 14/14/12
Page 32
"Do the witches here have birds that act as spies?"
"Yes." Frjya answered with a nod. "Birds, small animals, mirrors." She listened them off. "It depends upon how powerful the witch is."
"Hopefully the next attempt to spy on us doesn't fight back," Freyr grouses as he checks his clothing for tears and his armor for gouges. "But if it's going to be another two days on the road, perhaps you can tell us more of the village," Freyr adds, looking in Nadya's direction. "I'm afraid I never had much chance to visit when we were hear last."
"Yes, let's get moving and while we're on the way you can tell us more about your home."
"Agreed. Lets get moving." Frjya said as she picked up Snowtear into her arm. "I would like to learn more of Waldsby. I did get out of the tower much..." Frjya stated, as while she was an Elvannan they didn't want her out of their sight.
With the last of the birds dealt with Kleora felt a wash of relief. That could have been much worse than it turned out to be and she didn't want to have to do that again. She resolved to herself to make sure she came up with a way of causing harm to swarms of creatures so she wasn't that helpless against them again.
As they began to move along again and spoke of the village Kleora nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, learning about the village would be a very good idea."
"I am sorry, I phrased the wrong. We will be to the town in a matter of hours. We have, hopefully, two days before any result of the birds seeing you is known. I can only assume that they were searching the area to report back."
The going is of course difficulet and you arrive in town later then expected. It is well past mid day and by the time you get inside it is near supper time. When you arrive there is some commotion due to Nadya's return and the villagers assume you are traders come to town. Traders arriving is always a big deal. Nadya announces to the group that you are simply travelers and there is some disappoitment and even a little hostility.
She does her best to lead you past the throng, taking them to her home—a stout, unassuming cabin on the edge of town. As you move you each begin to realize that Waldsby seems to resemble the village of Heldern in Taldor down to many of the buildings being in the same relative place and looking similar. Even more unusual it seems that some of the residents bear a resemblance to those in the town you left.
She introduces you to her remaining children, twin boys named Orm and Mjoli, as well as an old woman named Kashka who look after boys during Nadya’s frequent travels.
Kashka quickly gets to work preparing a hot meal for you and Nadya gives you beding for the night but then eavs to deliver her food shipment o a fortified storehouse on the other side of the village.
Taya keeps the hood of her cloak pulled up over her head as they pass through the village in order to try to keep a low profile.
"Geetings Kashka, it is good to meet you. Your village is lovely, if a little cold for my taste."
Kashka smiles at Tayanalla and replies that the cold is just part of life. Always there like the very air they breath. It is clear that the local inhabitants are simply use to the harsh life and do not think over on it any more.
Dinner is about ready is Nadya returns and tells the party that there is some concern that the strangers in town could create problem for them all. She says that she does not think it is of over concern as no one knows why you are there or where you came from but still it is a thought had by some. She asks what your plan are now that you are here but does not push.
"We need to rest the night and then we will move on. Our presence here will probably cause problems for you if we stay for long." Taya tells Nadya.
"We've made promises to find justice for your lost daughter, and we intend to keep those promises."
Frjya tried to remain a little more distant to the people as she wasn't sure how they would take her being here. However when they met Nadya's other children she was warm to them. Smiling and greeting them, even letting them play with Snowtear who seemed to enjoy them.
Frjya thanks Kashka humbly for the food she is cooking and addresses Nadya's question. "We do have to get to the tower... And the longer we remain the more likely those bird returned with news... They'll know we're here." She said with a small sigh. "A night of sleep then possibly heading out tomorrow. That is the best idea I believe as well."
"I agree. Let's try to slip out of here tomorrow."
"Assuming that we can just walk back into the tower without anyone asking questions," Freyr deadpans. "They're not likely to take our 'change of heart' very well. I suggest we pick up extra supplies in town before we head out. There's a good chance we're going to have to take on the entire garrison."
Arriving at the village was...strange, it was almost like returning to a snow covered Heldren. It was eerie just how similar it was. As they were introduced to the people Kleora greeted the twins and their minder Kashka. As Kashka prepared them all a meal Kleora sat with the children for a time. She knew that they might be frightened of what she could do so rather than some magic tricks she told them a story she liked as a child called The Brave Little Pixie in hopes they would enjoy it much as she had as a girl.
After their meal and getting their bedding Kleora sat with the others as their plans were discussed. "Yes, slipping out tomorrow would be for the best," she said, "much as I would rather stay where it is warm, but I think it might be best not to discuss things much more than that," she looked to their host, "after all the less you know the safer you are, and the less we say the harder it is to overhear by...other means."
As these discussion are taking place you occasionally hear a scurrying on a shelf behind you or up in the raftes. Nothing seen but the sound of small movement. A rat? Who knows but something.
As the talk of slipping out tomorrow takes place Kleora would swear she heard a small voice say "Good." but it could have just been a trick of the mind and a bit of paranoia.
When you discuss leaving in the morning Naday nods. "I understand and it makes sense though you being her offers some security as well as danger I guess. Regardless." she clears her throat "The Goltaeva run the only tavern in town. They have invited you for a free round of drinks or two if you are intrested. I think they and some others are interested in the strangers in town. They are decent folks I think, never had any problem with them. Your call really."
A moment after she heard the voice Kleora rose and stretched while turning slightly. She was trying to surreptitiously look around for the source of the voice.
[Perception]1d20+5[/dice]
Once she done that she focused her mind and opened it to the thoughts around her as she continued to stretch and scan the room for the source of the voice.