While Vojtek is telling his story, Kappi pulls out the scrap of paper under his plate and looks at it.
While Vojtek is telling his story, Kappi pulls out the scrap of paper under his plate and looks at it.** spoiler omitted **
The young Varisian quickly hides the paper away in the sash at his waist. He leans forward and speaks in a quiet voice. We have been requested to meet one of the village council members. Ionnia Tempen, she lives next to the Temple of Erastil. She asks us to come quickly and quietly. Kappi looks around at everyone. I think we should go, Im ready.
Davosh gathers his things with alacrity. Liska jumps back up to his shoulders. thus does our fate unwind. We are destined for both great and terrible things.
Ali smiles fiercely, drains the rest of her ale, and stands. Can't wait until we actually get a reputation! Shall we?
Vojtek rises and walks directly out the door.
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Edward was happy to listen to the conversation. Taking it all in from the serious and brash Vojek, the mild mannered Kappi, very intelligent, but somewhat socially challenged Davosh, and the newest arrival the outgoing elf named Ali.
He was just about to speak in response to Ali's question, when Kappi mentioned that we were summoned. I think Vojek didn't hear the quiet part as he rushed out the door.
Engaging Ali with a smile of his own Yes I agree lets go make a reputation for ourselves, and while we walk I can introduce myself a bit more.
He stands and offers Ali his arm. In not so much of a flirting way, but gentlemanly. She almost gets offended, but looks into his eyes and then smiles gives a bit of an eye roll, and accepts his arm.
Miss D'ohr'hein, I'm Edward Wynn Fell. I hale from the north, in fact this is the most temperate climate that I've been in that I can remember. I traveled with my mentor, well more of a surrogate father, till he deemed me ready to explore the world, and gods on my own. He was a follower of Apsu, and I've learned to respect his will. So Wayfinder will help us on this journey, as will the healing and small mystical skills I've been blessed with.
Ali notices that even though she is strolling casually Edward's limp is causing him to exert more effort to keep up his speed. Eventually they join Vojek at the destination place.
I hale from the north...
Vojtek looks over his shoulder as he exits the establishment and scoffs.
...From the North indeed
As Vojtek moves toward the door, Kale Garimos steps out from behind the bar and gets in his way. Hey, ye lot! she says loudly. Who's payin' for those stews?!?
As the group begins to fumble for coin, Menander hurries from the kitchen and says lowly, Covered! It's covered, Kale... He reaches out and tries to guide her back from the door, but she doesn't take her eyes off Vojtek or move an inch. Menander lowers his voice to a near-whisper and says again, It's been covered, Kale. In full, an' then some. Let these folk go about their business.
Kale finally looks at Menander, staring at him for a long moment before finally relenting. Menander reaches for her hand, which she grudgingly gives him. He turns to the party and says quietly, Don't have a real inn 'round these parts, but the lot of ye are welcome to bed down by the hearth t'night. Already paid for, he says, as he squeezes his wife's hand. Doors close a' midnight.
Ali gives the innkeeper a polite bow of the head. Thank you, sir. Perhaps we'll come back!
As the group departs, she whispers to Edward, hand still lightly on his arm, Who would have paid for our meal and bed??
...Edward's limp is causing him to exert more effort...
War wound?
If not Kappi has been in the village for a couple days. Knowledge local
Before leaving the inn Kappi remembers to recover his throwing from the wall.
The sharp eyed Varisian also keeps on the lookout for anyone trailing them or a little too interested in the partys movements.
perception
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Edward smiles and gives an easy chuckle to answer Ali's question.
I suppose you can say that, if you would consider yourself at war with nature. I would love to have a ferocious story of myself battling against a dragon, or some legendary creature, but alas the story is just as lame as my leg. The short story is I fell down.
When it was obvious that Ali was waiting for the longer tale, I continued.
I was traveling with my mentor a few years back, when we got separated in a blizzard because of my arrogance. I lost my footing and slid down a cliff. During which I had a sharp limb rip through my thigh. Luckily that was my only injury besides some bruises to by body and ego. It was a few days before my mentor could find me, I survived as well as I could, the debridement was painful, but necessary. When we were reunited, my mentor tried to magically heal it, but it wasn't in Apsu's will to heal the arrogance of a young boy. So I've carried around this blessing/ curse since that time as a reminder.
And to answer your first question, I would have covered the expense. Speaking of which I need to find out who did and thank them.
"Bah, they had their reasons, what do we care of a tab? I want to look this notegiver in the eye is what I want."
Vojtek looked back over his shoulder impatiently. When he heared the commotion regarding payment he seems legitimately surprised. He say Kappi hand the serving wench an entire gold piece, which should have been more than sufficient for the bill. He bristles a bit, having not eaten or drank anything at the establishment, and seeing the challenging glare the proprietor was giving him was perplexing.
He looked to Kappi for some confirmation, and saw the young man was equally confused. In sharing that glance, Vojtek bonded a bit with the fellow. They were certainly not yet friends, but perhaps a little blood on the ice at their feet could bring them closer.
Vojtek had never really had any spear-brothers from his clan. By the time he was old enough to go on any raids, the White had stolen the chance from him. He had grown quite close to Martos, Magnus, Gadliel and even the footman after a fashion... but those memories were best left beneath the snow where they lay.
He looked away from Kappi and made to confront the man, physically if need be but only as a last resort. As he started forward, the situation diffused when the woman Menander spoke to her husband.
What a strage place he found himself in. He wished he could speak to Martos, he thought perhaps this place might be one of the crowded and busy things the ranger used to speak of called a "sit-tee." At the thought of Martos, Vojtek stopped and wondered. In a few short minutes, Martos had stirred beneath the settled snow twice. Perhaps the past was thawing a bit.
Vojtek looked at Davosh thoughtfully as the strange man spoke of his interest in the author of the note. Perhaps if Davosh could hear and interpret the lonely wail of the wind, he might be able to... Bah. Martos and the others will not be on any wind Davosh can hear. Vojtek muttered to himself as he turned away.
The party is at Teppens house, waiting...
The young Varisian looks over at his new comrades as they walking. Edward and Ali seem to be chatting arm in arm. Davosh is certainly a strange one, he couldnt think of anything to say him.
This brings him to Vojtek. Kappi strides bring up along the short wiry guy. So, Vojtek. That sword of yours is huge. Do you prefer slashing and stabbing weapons over bludgeoning weapons? The gypsy lad gives himself an inner smile, thinking talking about weapons should be a great way to get the warrior talking.
Davosh breaks into a wry grin and holds up, rather a bit too closely, a morningstar. why choose? Smash and stab!
Kappi hops back half a step at the Wanderer's brandished weapon. Holding a hand up he quickly exclaims Whoa Ojos Locos, easy with that.
Vojtek turns about while he walks, shifting the gigantic greatsword aside, so that Kappi can see the hilt of his great flail protruding from his belt.
I learned to use this sword under the watchful eye of a close friend. But it is not my only weapon, just my favorite.
Vojtek indicates the white fur cloak he wears draped over his shoulder. This great white bear fell in part because of the edge of this weapon. Vojtek is clearly quite proud of the cloak and the blade.
And you are right Davosh, the ancestors tell you true! Smash and stab, slash and burn. Bite, claw, kick and crush. These each have their place in a fight. I cannot say what will happen in a fight, any more than you can know what the wind will say when you listen to it. Vojtek closes his eyes briefly and pictures a pitched fight with what might pass for bliss. Just let teh hatred and rage wash over you and when the haze clears, usually the enemy is dead. Vojtek shrugs, as if to say, 'who knows?'
Kappi, you have good skill throwing. I saw what you did in that place. Can you show more of your skill?
Kappi smiles, I can throw a knife but I prefer my other weapons if I have the option. He unslings his brace of short spears. As Vojtek gets a closer look he can see that only one is a actual fighting spear. The others are all a slimmer lighter weight looking spear. I like the short spear but for throwing these lighter weight javlins fly much better. And for real short range these are my favorite. Kappi quickly pulls a small ax from his waist. He offers it out to Vojtek to heft. They are well balanced for throwing but can still be used in hand to hand fighting.
Vojtek takes the small throwing axe with great reverence. My grandfather taught me that for a man, a weapon is sacred. They are the most useful tools that keep us fed, warm, and alive.
He looks around for something to throw the axe at. As he turns slowly he gets an odd feeling of being closed in. He has been in caverns before, so the experience is not wholly unfamiliar. But having been raised on the open tundra with very few buildings or trees to obstruct his view for miles about, the close-in buildings and massive crowds are unnerving to him.
Giving up on a target for the axe, he turns to Kappi and gestures broadly to the dozen or so people milling about in the street, What are all these people DOING here? Where do they all come from?
Vojtek hands the weapon back to his new friend carefully and thanks him with a small inclination of his head. After Kappi has taken the weapon, Vojtek thinks silently May I live to see the day to bury such a weapon in the scaly hide of the White!
Vojtek takes the small throwing axe with great reverence. My grandfather taught me that for a man, a weapon is sacred. They are the most useful tools that keep us fed, warm, and alive.
Kappi nods sage like at Vojtek's words. Your grandfather sounds very wise.
Giving up on a target for the axe, he turns to Kappi and gestures broadly to the dozen or so people milling about in the street, What are all these people DOING here? Where do they all come from?
The gypsy lad chuckles a little as he straightens his head scarf. He enjoys feeling like an adult talking with the north man. He gives a warm smile, You must get used to it. There are places where people are gathered together like blades of grass on the tundra in the summer time.
I'm not sure if I could ever get used to this sort of a mob...
Vojtek turns to Davosh and stares at him carefully. What of you? I've heard the weather here is not usually this cold, what is going on?
Vojtek feels quite warm. He has begun to sweat a bit under his warm furs, and the buildings and trees around really break up the wind. The wind can't reach into this warren of humanity.
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the buildings and trees around really break up the wind. The wind can't reach into this warren of humanity.
the buildings and trees around really break up the wind. The wind can't reach into this warren of humanity.
The Warlock's brown eye squints as he addresses Vojtek, bringing his icy blue eye uncomfortably close - as with the morningstar. "Far to the North in Irresen are witches who hear the embrace of the cold like music. The snow speaks to them as the Ancients do to me. With a word they can encase a man in ice. With a glance they can turn his courage into timid frost. Spells they can weave. Spells that can turn your insides out or lay open your innermost secrets. Bringing the frozen lands to distant Taldor is well within their ken. It is said that even the White gives the most powerful a wide berth." The warlock eases back, both eyes opening to normal.
"I'd say it's a safe bet that this is weather of a most peculiar sort. Definitely."
These powers are incredible. I don't believe it.
Vojtek's bluntness is reinforced by his defiant stance and crossed arms. I have SEEN the White, and I know what it can do. If these witches are so powerful, why didn't they raid my village?
In his mind, Vojtek's logic seems unassailable. What part of the world do you come from Davosh?
For the first time it looks like someone has hit on a subject Davosh is uncomfortable with. "I do not know Vojtek. I remember little of my past. I know that it is the lands of the North. I know that by the melange of my skin that I am of mixed blood. I know that it was not a white, but men who slaughtered my village. I was a boy. I have wandered since then. But those first few years are hazy in my own memory, like the fog that comes during the spring."
Have you vowed vengeance upon these men? Vojtek feels the beginnings of a kinship with this strange man as well.
The barbarian had never had trouble befriending others. From his earliest memories he had good friendships with the other boys of his clan on the tundra by the edge of the ice. After, he had soon found friendship with Martos and Magnus, although he had never been close with Gadliel or the footman.
Now it seems in the span of an afternoon he had found two, possibly more friends.
He looked intently at Davosh awaiting an answer, unsure of which eye to focus on.
"Were I to be able to identify them, I would bring my wrath down upon them. But alas, I know not who their master was. I was a boy without training or purpose then. It is not so now. A man who wrongs me now will suffer the Evil Eye."
It's obvious that when calm and relaxed, Davosh leads with both eyes, but when lost in the arcane, or driven to use his power, the icy blue becomes dominant.
Listening to both Vojtek's and Davosh's stories Kappi was really struck by it. To imagine growing up without any family at all. The Varisian lad had sisters, a brother, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins. He also had his caravan Family of other Varisians he had traveled with for years and years.
Several times Kappi opened his mouth to say something but couldnt think of the proper words to say. He ended up just nodding at both of their stories.
Trying to keep his mind off of the sadness of lack of family and looks around to see what their is to see around the temple of Erastil and the council members house.
Perception
Davosh seems frustrated by the mystery surrounding the deaths of his clan. Voytek can feel the anger and the anguish flowing out of the man.
He thinks to himself, Perhaps this man has been placed here by the White, to somehow forge me into a better weapon... to better face the White someday. I feel like I should offer my help, but will he accept it?
The barbarian comes to a decision quickly. The man is obviously not strong or rugged enough to best several men in battle. The men who destroyed his clan might be curious or confused about the crazy eye housed in Davosh's head, but secretly Vojtek doubts it would stop them in a fight.
I will help you fight these men. If we have to hunt them down, I will help find them. I have limited skill tracking, it might be of some use.
Vojtek's throat feels strange. He seldom found himself speaking so much, so this excessive use of his voice was a bit of a strain. The effort of lining so many words up, like wrangling a paddock full of yaks and leading them out of the gate to the tundra, was wearing him out.
He wondered briefly about yaks. He hadn't seen any since he came to Taldane.
As Vojtek comes to terms with his overly loquacious afternoon and promise of assistance, Davosh again breaks posture with a laugh, a cackle of such strange energy that it frightens a small boy as he walks by, "HAHA! And when you decide to slay the beast I shall join you and wither his mind before you pierce the vault of his heart with vengeance! HAHAHAHAAAA!!!! YES!" With strange elation the warlock spins once and glares at a small child for no apparent reason, sending yet another skittering back to his mother.
Through it all Liska adds only a single playful bark.
Getting bored the young lad sees a likely target. A small tree stump that was never completely removed. His hand pulled a tomahawk from his belt. Half a moment's hesitation as he estimated the distance, then he threw smoothly releasing.
Tomahawk
Kappi smiled. The soft "thunk" sound of a weapon sticking the target had to be the most satisfying sound in the multiverse.
Kappi, mind if I give it a try?
Vojtek takes the tomahawk with the same reverence he did before and mimics Kappi's stance. He winds up carefully and takes a few moments to try to align his body perfectly to the tree stump. With a sharp exhalation of air, Vojtek steps into the throw and releases the tomahawk.
The blade goes wide and just barely avoids dinging into a small protruding rock. Vojtek is embarrassed and asks for some time to regain his composure.
Could you teach me?
Vojtek, anyone can have a bad day.
Ali takes out her sling, and takes a shot at the same stump.
The stone follows the tomahawk to fly wide. See?
Kappi enjoys being the "experienced one" in this situation. Not bad, but dont try and put any spin on your throw. The ax is weighted to tumble end over end. Just let it smoothly slip out of your hand. The Varisian slowly goes over the technique. Then gives a throw.
Yup, just like that.
Vojtek strides over to the stump and works the tomahawk that Kappi had thrown out of the stump. The young man's strength and accuracy are impressive. Vojtek takes the tomahawk in hand and begins simulating the trajectory the weapon took by rotating it in his hands as though it were flying. He seems to be working out the physics of the tomahawk's flight in his head.
Vojtek is doing no such thing however. Physics are completely beyond him. He is simply enjoying the weight and heft of the weapon. Vojtek walks over to retrieve the tomahawk he threw and reaches down to pick up Ali's lost sling bullet.
Vojtek straightens and look at the group he has just met. Kappi is busy giving Ali a quick lesson in throwing tomahawks. He appears to be a bit uncomfortable talking to the elf, Vojtek is unsure if this is due to her age, gender or something else.
Edwin is standing to the side with Davosh, the two of them observing the lesson while Liska scampers underfoot. Davosh seems to be gesturing to something in the air before him. It looks to Vojtek like he is describing some sort of an arcane symbol, like what Vojtek saw elders scratch into the ice each winter. The man's blue eye is wide and wildly swinging about, leading Vojtek to understand that he is indeed talking about some sort of magic.
With a sigh, Vojtek starts moving back to the group. He hands Ali the sling stone and then deftly flips the two tomahawks over in his hands. He extends the two hilts to to Kappi and smiles. His awful protruding tooth making the smile something feral and unpleasant, despite his good intentions.
The young lad hefts his short spear. Though Im pretty good at throwing, I could use some practice with up and close fighting when we have time.
Vojtek walks past the Temple of Erastil and up to the house indicated. He knocks three times softly.
Ionnia Teppen? We have come.
Vojtek tries to maintain a low profile, he speaks in a muted but urgent tone of voice.
Kappi flanks Vojtek a few steps back on his left side.
It is dark as the party steps out onto the Heldren town square. No residents can be seen about at the moment.
As the party wraps up their version of the Laff-a-Lympics outside the Silver Stoat and approaches the house just north of the temple of Erastil, the door opens and a female steps out, her voice a low hiss. I see I should have been more emphatic about 'all discretion.' Or perhaps you should understand that discretion does not include competitions just off the town square.
Ionnia Teppen is a human woman of probably forty summers. She remains a striking woman even at her age, though she was clearly a beauty in her day. She is willowy but has a surprising presence to her.
She whisks you inside after her chiding, and offers you seats inside the simple but comfortable main room of the first floor. I do appreciate your coming, despite my words outside. I have watched this one— here she looks pointedly at Kappi— since his arrival in town, and the rest of you since you did the same. Please do not take offense or be alarmed; I consider myself a fair judge of a person's character and your actions while in Heldren indicate I can believe each of you to be earnest and trustworthy.
You have no doubt heard the stories from the townsfolk about winter weather and an abduction nearby. No doubt you've heard some fantastic versions of these stories. Let me tell you what I know to be true.
There is indeed a pocket of unearthly winter weather has recently appeared in the Border Wood. We do not know why, but it surely bodes ill. I wish to investigate this pocket so that I may provide my people with the truth, rather than speculation and conjecture. And then there is the matter of Lady Argentea. Ionnia sighs heavily.
It may be wholly unrelated, but again, let me tell you what I know to be true. Lady Argentea Malassene's caravan from Zimar to Oppara was skirting the Border Wood and came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures. An Ulfen mercenary named Yuln Oerstag was part of the guard escorting her. Lady Argentea was carried off, and Yuln was the only one to escape, arriving here in Heldren just yesterday. He is badly wounded, but recognized some of the horrific, icy creatures that emerged from the forest and attacked the noblewoman's party. The tales he shared with the council are...concerning.
I will be frank here. Heldren is barely large enough to marshal a decent militia to protect the town. At the same time, the perceived slight of a noblewoman's disappearance is reason enough to bring the might of Oppara down on our heads without a moment's hesitation, maybe just to make an example of us, though her abduction is not our doing.
I know you do not know me and have no reason to help us, but I believe you to be persons of honor and worth. I would ask you to investigate these events, to rescue Lady Argentea if possible and to determine the source of this supernatural winter. Will you aid us?
Yes.
Vojtek gives the response immediately and without consulting with the group. Belatedly he realizes the implication of what he just said for the others and looks around at them.
I do not speak for my companions, but I would welcome them in this. If they decline I will test myself against these 'strange wintry creatures.' I have had dealings with creatures of the frozen north before.
Vojtek steps back and looks around the room, hoping to spot something that might give him a clue about this lady's motivation. In truth Vojtek doesn't fully trust her, as how could he trust a person he just met? He thinks her story sounds reasonable and he always welcomes the chance to set off on adventure and welcomes the hardship that inevitably accompanies it.
I must say I am very curious about this wintry invasion. If we can rescue someone, so be it. I know the town doesn't have much, but can ye spare any supplies? How far is it? We need just the essentials, blankets, food, alembics, bat guano, water, 3 quart container of newt eyes, etc.
It is Vojtek's turn to gaze upon Davosh with crazy eyes for a change. All this talk of strange items makes the barbarian feel confused and a little out of his depth.
He ends up nodding along with the Warlock just the same, assuming his requests to be sensible, since the man listed them so matter-of-factly.
Kappi looks a little sheepish after being chided outside the door for his ax throwing. He didnt think anybody was watching but is nonetheless a little displeased with himself. He does after all pride himself for his stealth and sneaking abilities.
He doesnt say anything but finds himself nodding along with Voytek's instant response. He is also confused by Davosh's odd requests yet it doesnt sound too different from some of the strange items the Wise women among his own people used.
I see I should have been more emphatic about 'all discretion.' Or perhaps you should understand that discretion does not include competitions just off the town square.
Perhaps we were "hiding in plain sight." I mean, who would hold such a competition in the town square?? Surely no one wishing to escape notice, right? :-)
Ali buckles down into seriousness with the request, and Vojtek's quick response. I don't like seeing innocents held against their will, either. I'm in.
The Magus' response to Davosh's list isn't as strong as the others--she just gives a minor smirk. having grown up around spellcasters of all flavors, this list of items is only new in some of the specifics, but not the strangeness overall.
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Edward listens to everyone speak. As each give their consent his smile grows. This shall be a fine time.
With his infectious grin plastered to hi face and joy dancing in his eyes, he stands and says with the purity of true conviction Then it's settled! We shall undertake this journey to uncover the mystery of the weather, and rescue the damsel in distress.
I do have a question though. You said he recognized the ice creatures that abducted the Lady. What did he say they were? It won't change my answer for going after her, as I'm sure it won't change the decisions of my companions. What it might change is what supplies we take.
Kappi stares expectently at the council woman, trying to be oatient waiting for some sort of an answer to his comrades questions.