"Map?!"
Davosh foolishly gets excited about the map, missing out on the cage. "What's on the map? Maps ARE treasure you know."
"Map?!"
Davosh foolishly gets excited about the map, missing out on the cage. "What's on the map? Maps ARE treasure you know."
You should check it out. You can probably read it by that strange, errie light of undetermined source! Ali winks at Edvard.
Davosh thinks what Lady Argentea has described is an ice mephit, cruel and aloof denizens of the Plane of Air.
Edward gets an evil reading in the direction of the cage.
Inside the cage is a diminutive creature that looks similar to the ones your party encountered in the forest with the bows. It appears to be glumly sitting in its cage, staring off into space.
-ooc- sure burn the 'evil' treasure and make nice with the fey hehe
The sprite perks up almost at once, then turns to Edward with an excited look. Oh! Please let me out of here! The evil bandit Rohkar has locked me up and I so would like to be free again!
Forgot the rest of what's in the closet here. Kappi also finds a small lockbox and a lumpy satchel hanging on the wall.
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Your freedom might be secured, but I have a few questions first. Who are you? Why did Rohkar lock you up? What do you know of a Teb Knotten, or the unusual cold that is covering the area when it shouldn't be. I've some Fey Blood in me, and your kind of Fey aren't natural to this area at all. So how did you get here?
Davosh Kappi, Ali Vojtek any questions for the Fey?
While the others are dealing with the fey, Kappi quickly checks the lumpy satchel. Then making sure his comrades are far enough away he carefully checks the chest for traps.
Perception (traps)
Disable Device
-ooc- sure burn the 'evil' treasure and make nice with the fey hehe
....Still just looking at the map. This talking thing isn't my bag. Though if you need a vivisection, I'm in for that too.
The sprite identifies himself as Vrixx, and says that Rohkar locked him up out of spite to his superiors.
It is abundantly clear the fey is not telling the whole story. However, when Edward does not immediately release him, he begins to threaten the party first with icy imprisonment, then death via exposure, then shoving icicles into each party member's nostrils. Gradually more gruesome and unpleasant tortures and savagery are promised unless he is released at once.
The map shows the High Ridge on the other side of the Stream from the Lodge in the Border Wood and has a number of routes marked on it. A different hand has the same routes traced over, but also has a number of spots marked with an X on it, typically just over a rise or where a bend in the trail is shown. The High Ridge is vaguely crescent-shaped on the map with both points directing south. Roughly between these two points a larger blue X is indicated.
Within the satchel is a thin tube, two additional doses of greenblood oil, three potion bottles, and ten flasks of alchemist's fire.
Kappi easily opens the lockbox; inside is a belt pouch with 25 pp, 150 gp, and 180 sp. He also finds a small pouch containing a bluish crystaline stone. It appears valuable.
Thin tube? Is this a scroll tube? Or a map case? Either way the young lad brings this to Davosh thinking he is the holder of such knowledge. Making sure Edward is also occupied with the Fey Kappi also slips Davosh the vials of greenblood on the sly.
Slieght of Hand
The Varisian lad lays out the rest of the treasure for the party to see. Kappi can already imagine himself hurling alchemists fire at icy snow monsters...
While waiting for the others Kappi also takes a look a the blueish crystaline stone. The boy grew up in a Varisian Caravan, its hard not to learn something about appraising loot.
While looking at the stone he holds it up to Davosh, [b] Hey, is this thing magical? Looks like it could be worth some money. [/ooc]
Appraisal
Do I recognize the location of the X on the map? Is it over a specific settlement or landmark?
Now Davosh begins to pay attention to the proper focus in the room. He accepts the brush pass made by Kappi.
The Warlock casts Detect Magic. If the crystal is magical, I'll attempt to identify.
Then again with whatever is in the case.
And finally the three potion bottles (assuming Kappi shares). , , .
Once that business is done I'll turn to the mephit.
"Superior? Who is REALLY in charge of this arctic assault?"
Upon Davosh's question the mephit turns to the warlock with malice in its eyes! Get this buffoon to release me, or you too shall see vengeance served upon you! You will have water drip onto your forehead and freeze upon contact for a thousand years!
"Vojtek, let's boil some water and lower our friend into it. Your threats are idle. We'll leave you in there until you give us the information we want."
Vojtek nods mutely and sets to work rekindling the dying fire in the hearth. He hoists the fire blackened pot above the growing flames and begins pouring water into it from a chipped earthenware pitcher he finds on a shelf.
Kappi shares all the treasure with the party (except for what he slipped to Davosh)
Despite the intimidation of Davosh and Vojtek, Vrixx is unswayed; he is apparently more afraid of Teb Knotten and someone he only refers to as "her" to fear you guys. Do your worst, foolish mortals! You will pay for your insolence to Teb Knotten and to her!
Davosh, does he think we were just trying to frighten him? Vojtek's stomach grumbles audibly as he seasons the hot water with salt and drops in a beef bone to add flavor.
We are going to cook him all the way through right? He looks stringy and I don't want to be gnawing on him for hours.
Vojtek makes like he is about to grab the Fey and drag it bodily into the boiling cauldron of broth.
someone mentioned splitting treasure now. We've got a lot of items, not so much cash. But, here is a list of the items from the jewelry box from Page 5, and my secret appraise checks for same (since technically we're not supposed to see the results of our appraise checks). DMTS, at your leisure, can we get values on these?
From Page 5:
Jewelry box
tiger eye earrings
pair of pearl-inlaid bracelets
gold necklace
gold necklace
silver necklace
sapphire pendant
ring (large, lettered)
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Edward watched Davosh and Vojtek their words and their actions. Not being sure of their exact intentions. Edward thinks we moved to threats of torture to fast for an imprisoned creature. Not wanting to step on to many toes shortly after the poison incident Edward searched his mind for a plan....
By the power vested into us by the Heldren council of elders I sentence you to death by boiling. This sentence can be altered by your full cooperation of information. Tell us who, what, and where Teb Knotten and this Lady are. What do you know of their plans, and how did you get to this realm. Speak Vrixx your boiled hide depends on it
...good point about the jewelry.
"Whatever jewels are hers we return, whatever is not will fund our armament for taking out this Teb Knotten. Boil the creature. It's very body is infused with evil. The world will be a better place without it."
...good point about the jewelry.
"Whatever jewels are hers we return, whatever is not will fund our armament for taking out this Teb Knotten. Boil the creature. It's very body is infused with evil. The world will be a better place without it."
Kappi was hoping nobody would mention the high lady's jewelry. Though he certainly wouldnt want to steal from the damsel in distress. He hopes that maybe she will give them a reward.
Lobster style. Head first. The deed is done.
Lobster style. Head first. The deed is done.
Dunking lobster style!!! Op...op. op op....
Done and done. Let us sleep.
Watches set, rotate shift as follows:
Vojtek
Ali
Davosh
Kappi
Ali
1 hour each, until all have sufficient rest.
Kappi takes his rest and spends his watch contentedly thinking about what they had accomplished. He had day dreamed for years about rescueing a damsel and being a hero...
As the adventurers warm themselves by the fire and sleep begins to steal over them, outside in the bitter cold one man broods silently between his frozen breaths. Some day his chance will come.
So we wake up the next morning and take the Lady back to the town...
The gem from Rohkar's storeroom is a blue quartz, sometimes called an ice diamond, worth somewhere between 75 and 150 gp.
Edward and Ali stay up through much of their shifts chatting amiably with Lady Argentea. She is fascinated by the adventures you describe, and tremendously impressed by Ali's ability to not only be involved in, but actually contribute to, such brutish combat.
Like many all Taldan nobles, Lady Argentea is haughty and proud, though this comes across more as naivety than true arrogance; she blames the low birth of her retinue for her capture, for instance, making it clear that those of noble blood would never have been bested by such ruffians. Her disdain for the unkempt appearance of the Northman is apparent, though she often catches herself after she has said something disparaging and asks forgiveness for her words.
She gratefully accepts the offer to return her safely to Heldren.
She is fascinated by the adventures you describe, and tremendously impressed by Ali's ability to not only be involved in, but actually contribute to, such brutish combat.
Ali smirks. I find that being underestimated is a significant advantage!
Lets roll.
Ready.
During some off-time...So, you boys think that Teb Knotten and the "her" that blue beastie was talking about may be responsible for the extra-cold arctic blast locally? so far, that's where my money lies.
At dawn, you begin your return trip to Heldren, which is largely uneventful. Lady Argentea dallies a while at the scene of her ambush just outside the Border Wood; she laments the loss of so many lives, in particular her ladies-in-waiting, with what appears to be genuine anguish. After a few moments, she composes herself, says a few proper words, and is ready to continue.
Davosh cannot deny the feeling that the party is watched during their departure from the Lodge and again upon exiting the Border Wood, though each time he looked about he could see no evidence of anything.
Upon your arrival at Councilwoman Teppen's residence just at sunset, it is clear that she is relieved to see you after a week's time, and is overjoyed at the presence of Lady Argentea, who gracefully accepts Councilwoman Teppen's offer of a place to stay until such time as the Malassene family can come to get her, which takes a day or two. The noblewoman also appears interested in seeing Yuln when she learns he is still alive and is, in fact, largely responsible for the rescue operation in the first place. She declares that Yuln will be returning to Oppara with her to be placed as a member of her honor guard — Edward recognizes that this could even mean a title for the swordsman! In gratitude to you for rescuing Lady Argentea, Yuln insists that the party keep his cold iron longsword as a gift.
Lady Argentea gives each party member a quick kiss on their right cheek, a formal acknowledgement of gratitude and debt in the Taldan court, and actually embraces Ali in a steady, if somewhat starched, hug. Additionally, she presents your group with a reward of 500 gp when the escort entourage arrives!
During the trip: "Icannot deny the feeling that were being watched both during our departure from the Lodge and again upon exiting the Border Wood."
During the reunion in Heldren to everyone: "Let it be known that we will not rest here. There is something more sinister going on. Our band will hasten this winter and bring forth a spring awakening. We greatly appreciate the reward, and pledge to use it towards the Cause."
To the group: "My friends, I meant what I said back there. Let us get to the bottom of this. I don't like the feeling of being watched, and this unnatural winter begs for dismissal. What say you? Shall we hasten towards destiny?" After whatever replies, "I suggest that we spend the reward on a curative wand. We have seen that injury and blood pave the road before us. While Edward's faith is strong, and I know a few minors spells, we bled rather freely. The reward will not cover all of it, but I bet if we throw in some of the trinkets, or perhaps the winterstone, we could purchase one."
Lady, I am not a man for flowery speech, and I don't pretend to be cultured.
Vojtek looks the lady directly in the eye, as though measuring her worth. With his own internal reservations about her character and upbringing, he nonetheless offers his assistance.
He hopes of gaining further access to her circles, her wealth and any adventure that might come from her admittedly exciting life and penchant for kidnapping.
If you have need, call on me and I will fight for you, as long as you ask me to fight on the side of right.
Vojtek nods curtly, then turns to the practical matters of returning to town, leaving the rest of the non-excitement to his friends.
During some off-time...So, you boys think that Teb Knotten and the "her" that blue beastie was talking about may be responsible for the extra-cold arctic blast locally? so far, that's where my money lies.
Young Kappi nods sagely at Ali's remarks. Maybe the "her" is one of the fabled White Witches.
During the trip: "Icannot deny the feeling that were being watched both during our departure from the Lodge and again upon exiting the Border Wood."
The lad tries not to keep looking over his shoulder at Davosh's announcement.
Ali returns the embrace, perhaps more warmly than what is given.
I suggest that we spend the reward on a curative wand...The reward will not cover all of it, but I bet if we throw in some of the trinkets, or perhaps the winterstone, we could purchase one
Don't forget the gear we recovered, Davosh! That's worth a pretty sum.
Oh--and over the intervening days, how about the contents of that spellbook??
To the group: "My friends, I meant what I said back there. Let us get to the bottom of this. I don't like the feeling of being watched, and this unnatural winter begs for dismissal. What say you? Shall we hasten towards destiny?" After whatever replies, "I suggest that we spend the reward on a curative wand. We have seen that injury and blood pave the road before us. While Edward's faith is strong, and I know a few minors spells, we bled rather freely. The reward will not cover all of it, but I bet if we throw in some of the trinkets, or perhaps the winterstone, we could purchase one."
The young rogue is more then happy that Davosh and the others are interested in investigating this further. Adventuring beats real work any day. And though Kappi certainly has the skills to make a living from thievery, he knows he wouldnt feel right about it. (Even though it does have a certain thrill).
He suggests they pool all the clues they found. The maps, the missing page ripped out, and most of the things that Kappi pretty much ignored at the time. The young lad knows he is not much of an intellectual, but better with things in the "here and now". Though if applys himself and with help from the others maybe he can help solve this strange Winter.