JZ's Reign of Winter (The Frozen Stars) (Inactive)

Game Master JamZilla

Sapphire smiles at Elleross

Thank you

She studies the book until Corum gets up to make his speech. When he sits down, she closes the book and moves over to him, putting her arm around his shoulders and squeezing for a moment, before going back to sit by Del, picking up the spell book once more.

I assume you are heading to Virnun, the centaur city, as opposed to the camp you visited earlier in this book.

Vurnirn is an imposing city of thick, roughly hewn blocks of granite standing on the Myfrus River. Though described as a centaur city, and there are perhaps some 5,000 of their kind in the city, there are half as many again dwarves, human and gnomes.

The streets are wider than you are accustomed to given the large stature of their citizens and you note even doors are massively wide and there are no steps anywhere, replaced by long wooden ramps.

The city has a bustling feel to it, feeling like an enormous trading post.

That's the description you originally had.

Oh but it feels good to be in civilisation again! Marislova exclaims as Elleros' magically transports her and the rest of the group to the city.

Vurnirn is a small city. That means that there is a 75% chance that any item worth 4,000gp is available for purchase. I will roll randomly for medium and major items for sale.

The city is able to pay up to 25,000gp for any single item you sell and up to 6th level spells are available to be cast.

I forgot to give you loot for Vesvolod in all the excitement!

Del drapes one arm over Sapphire's shoulder as she sits back down as he looks at the spellbook from the side. Occasionally, and seemingly at random intervals, he observes, "That diagram looks like a shank of ham." Then, later, he feigns understanding the title of one particular and shoots Sapphire a scandalous look with a wildly arched eyebrow, "Tentacles of Forced Intrusion? Sapphire! I had no idea!" Gasping dramatically, his head snaps over toward Elleross, "Elleross! I really had no idea!"

The half-orc then leans back, chuckling warmly as he crosses his hands behind his head, and enjoys the swelling laughter that sweeps over the group in the wake of Sapphire's and Elleross' expressions.

----

I had actually meant the camp we were at before, just so we could check to make sure Erdija made it back safely from the base of Artrosa. Maybe it's between here and the hut and we can pop in on our way?

Del grins at Marislova, "Yes, there's something about towns and cities that really quickens something in the soul, isn't there?" The half-orc then moves about the place with the group, doing his best to ensure trades and exchanges are, at worst, fair and, at best, horrendously in favor of the party.

Del drapes one arm over Sapphire's shoulder as she sits back down as he looks at the spellbook from the side. Occasionally, and seemingly at random intervals, he observes, "That diagram looks like a shank of ham." Then, later, he feigns understanding the title of one particular and shoots Sapphire a scandalous look with a wildly arched eyebrow, "Tentacles of Forced Intrusion? Sapphire! I had no idea!" Gasping dramatically, his head snaps over toward Elleross, "Elleross! I really had no idea!"

The half-orc then leans back, chuckling warmly as he crosses his hands behind his head, and enjoys the swelling laughter that sweeps over the group in the wake of Sapphire's and Elleross' expressions.

----

I had actually meant the camp we were at before, just so we could check to make sure Erdija made it back safely from the base of Artrosa. Maybe it's between here and the hut and we can pop in on our way?

Del grins at Marislova, "Yes, there's something about towns and cities that really quickens something in the soul, isn't there?" The half-orc then moves about the place with the group, doing his best to ensure trades and exchanges are, at worst, fair and, at best, horrendously in favor of the party.

Oh sorry. Yes it is actually on the way back

He smiles slightly at the old elfs words. "Thank you Elleross.. All this is just getting to me. I didnt expect to be here, I didnt really expect to be alive after everything happened to me. I really look up to you."

--

Listening to the large brutes words Grayston realises its meant to rest his worries meant to pick his hopes up but talk of more death, more killing sours it for him and as he finishes his words Grayston merely turns back to his journal. To realish death.. to seek out a kill, I'll never understand him.

--

The next morning Grayston brew his strong tea and shares it with anyone who wish some, taking a cup over to Lucrezzia. "Here you go, try this." He hands over the warm cup of dark liquid. "I didn't say anything yesterday about you coming with us but you really helped us in there, I would like it if you would stick with us tell we get out from under Baba Yaga's curse at least. I'd also like to thank you."

--

whats the resale on that spear?"

whats the resale on that spear?"

9,150gp

Del grins at Marislova, "Yes, there's something about towns and cities that really quickens something in the soul, isn't there?" The half-orc then moves about the place with the group, doing his best to ensure trades and exchanges are, at worst, fair and, at best, horrendously in favor of the party.

You have no idea. she replies, taking in a deep breath. In truth that breath combined the scents of cooking food, damp streets and, inevitably, horse manure. But she laughs and says; It is't a bouquet of flowers but it's still better than Artrosa!.

Listen, I hate to impose, but could I trouble you just to put me up for the night? she asks gingerly. Tomorrow I'll set about finding work but tonight I just want to eat like a pig, drink like a fish and sleep like a log!

Elleross moves up alongside Marisolva and smiles
there is nothing quite like the scent of freedom.
The air you breathe will never quite smell the way it does today. It is a truly unique experience.
I will happily pay for your lodgings tonight and provide all that you can eat and drink.
Tomorrow we will set you up with a Sum of coin as well , to get you back on your feet and allow you time to find work.
We have all earned this brief respite

Corum laughs and says "Now lady. Eating like a pig and drinking like a fish are music to my ears. As for sleeping, well that depends how long we go on drinking for eh?!"

He smiles at Elleross and says "This could be an expensive bar bill Ellri! I'll wager this lass can hold her share of drink."

Turning back to her he reaches into his pack and takes out a pouch of coins and another, empty pouch. Corum counts out a good stack of gold coins and fills the empty pouch before handing it over. "Here. You earned this. Think of guiding us through that damned place as your first job back in the real world."

have her 250gp

He then takes a deep breath and says "So, I need to restock my gear and then we find the bar eh?" before venturing into town with the others.

Marislova looks abashed but she nonetheless takes the money.

Thank you Corum, I really appreciate it.

Del, you seem hardly phased by what's happened. Are you really ok? Marislova asks with some concern. If anyone knows what that place can do to someone, it's me.

They venture into the town and Corum trades some of his equipment for new armour. The others also purchase goods and supplies before they find a decent inn.

When they are seated comfortably with drinks in their hands Corum says "So what next? Back to the hut for us I reckon to use that scale. What about you Marislova? Where will you head?"

Sapphire nods at Corum's generosity.

The hut and then wherever it takes us, I'm not even sure what we should pick up from the markets here to help us out. It could be a desert, or miles underground!

She looks over to Marislova

Part of me is envious of you, able to start from a clean slate. Perhaps if we survive what is to come we can meet up with you in say a year's time and compare notes?!

The thing is, I feel like after all that time in Artrosa, I just want to see the wilderness. Honestly, I might see if there are some strong swords around here who might help me see some of this land. she shrugs. Who knows, we might get into an adventure or two as grand as yours!

Grayston spends the day walking around the shops on his own, restocking on all this essential alchemical items.

Meeting up with the others he hears the talking about what is planned next. "The hut is next, we use the scale on the cauldron and see where we end up this time." Moving next to Marisolva he smiles. "As the others have said we're more than welcome to come with us Marisolva, but our road does lead to more dangerous and Witches."

Elleross quickly replenishes his stores of rations for their journey ahead. They had no idea where the hut would take them next.
He also replaces his destroyed backpack and on the way back to the inn they had selected he chanced upon a tobacconist and he takes his time sampling the variety of leaf on offer.
Finally selecting a blend he is more than happy with he rejoins the others in the inn.
Ordering food and drink for the party at the bar he sits with the others and feels almost relaxed for the first time since the hut brought them to this place.

we will set off at first light tomorrow, Grey. We have no idea where we will end up so I suggest everyone is well supplied with rations. he says as he drinks deeply from the goblet of red wine he holds in his hand, savouring the warm rich wine.
we may not enjoy luxury like this for a while. Here Marisolva, add this coin to what Corum gave you it will help you on your way.

I will add 250 gold to the 250 Corum has already given

Grayston sits with the others glancing over to Sapphire and then down at his flask as he drink from it deeply. "They didnt have everything I needed, but i'm a lot more well stocked now." Grayston takes out a small bag and passes it along with Elleross.

Lucrezzia moves through the markets of this centaur village, I have been here before, but it still looks new to my eyes. She can't find a new headband to replace hers, but she does search for two other items of interest. First, a cloak against the foul weather of adventuring, but neat, too. No hideous bloody rag like some of these northerners wear. She also searches for ioun stones. Always of interest, she looks for the clear spindle that can keep her sustained without food or water indefinitely.

JZ, please roll for a Cloak of Resistance +2 and a Clear Spindle Ioun Stone

After her shopping, she spends the evening in the inn with her fellows. Corum's rowdy bragging of the party's exploits is almost embarrassing. Still it is good to see that life goes on and even the struggles they made their way through are to a good cause. Speaking of which...

Lucrezzia turns to Marislova and asks, "As ya have been here before have you thought about lands further south? If ya care ta get involved there's a people in Sargava that's in need a' some help from any that'd apply. Milani herself'd smile on you for taking up that cause."

Sapphire adds her own pouch of gold to the others, smiling.

I'm still to overhaul Sapphire and have no idea what to buy her!
Let's move on though as her weapon takes care of itself and AC isn't really her thing, so most equipment needs are met already :)

Del winks at Marislova, "You think I got this many wrinkles without making a series of trading contacts in choice portions of the Inner Sea? My lady, you wound me!" He then waves her along with a chuckle, "Let's talk, you and I. We can discuss potential routes of travel, means of earning coin upon the road, and mayhap even a potential traveling companion or two. If Elleross' work with that book works, we might have another former prisoner free to count amongst our number." The older, but still strikingly charming half-orc then leads Marislova to a small eatery to privately discuss her future outside the walls of Artrosa.

The day passes uneventfully, and in truth it provides some long-overdue relief from the grind that was Artrosa.

You wake the next day, still feeling full from the feast you ordered and light-headed from the ale you consumed. But more than that, you feel that now familiar nagging feeling in your gut as the curse begins to make it's feelings known once again.

You pack up your gear and meet downstairs.

Marislova is already up and seems to have ordered breakfast.

Maybe I'll tag along, just for a little bit. she says.

After breakfast you gather your gear and make your way to the city gates. You are barely half an hour out of town when you suddenly hear a gruff voice behind you;

I been lookin' fer you lot. Time to DIE!!

Grayston awakes with a pounding head, drinking a cure all he dresses and walks down stairs without cleaning himself up. Sitting just intime to hear Marislova plans to stick with them."Welcome aboard Marislova.

---

Grayston turns quick, expecting just more crap from the hellish land. Drawing a bomb he tries to spot what is calling them out.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

Standing some distance back on the other is a smiling centaur, chewing on an apple.

All right? Wet yourself a little Greyston, or just trying to keep warm?

It is Erdija and she grins at her own joke

Del's face breaks into a wide grin as he throws his arms wide, "Erdija!" He slips over to the fetching centaur and offers a warm greeting. "What brings you out this way?"

She chews on her apple and says through a mouthful;

After I took you to Artrosa I headed back to the city to restock a few things and now heading back to Kaag's camp. Took my time to be honest, he's only going to have me ranging over the same stretch of forest anyway so whats the rush?

She looks the bowman up and down, nothing the wrinkles in his face and his greying hair and remarks;

Hmmm I figured everyone else would get old waiting for you to hit something with that crossbow of yours. But I guess you went the other way with that one.

What happened to you?

Del staggers back a step, gasping melodramatically and clutching his chest as if he'd been shot. "You wound me, Erdija! Your words strike with so much more force than those twigs you fire from that toy bow of yours. Perhaps you should rely on those from now on?" He then sweeps both hands back through his long, white hair and shrugs. "As for what happened, well it's a long tale. The short of it is that I was terribly heroic and also that where witches are involved there's always a price to be paid. The aches and stiffness I could have easily dealt with, but turning my hair this snowy? I'm sure I look quite distinguished now, but it's by far the sharpest blow." He then wags his finger and turns to Greyston, an idea occurring, "Say, Greyston, I just had an idea. You wouldn't be able to whip something up for me would you? Like a balm or oil to get these glorious locks back to their proper shade?"

She shrugs.

Eh... I kind of like it. Makes you look wise, like Elleros. But then you open your mouth and spoil the illusion but a girl can't have everything.

Hi. she says to Marislova and Lucrezzia. You fall in with these goons too?

Letting out a sigh he places the bomb back into his satchel. "We've been through a lot since we last saw you Erdija."

Smiling slightly he rubs the back of his head. "I'm sure I can put something together to get your dark hair back Del. Maybe I could use mineral yellow ochre mixed with pitch from the piñon tree." He musses, his spirits lifted for a moment as he attempts to get his mind off current events. "I use it for my ink but it should work. Anything to help, I did a little looking around and there are spells to help you with some of the negative effects of your current situation."

"Well met, Erdija is it? I be called Lucrezzia, lately of some lands far to the south. Mayhap you'd heard of the place that is Sargava? But to your question, aye. I was afoul a hag's lure and these fine folk cut the line and I decided to swim their wake a bit." Her smile is as charming as can be, hoping to make good with the other friends of the party.

They leave town on the morning and Corum's spirits soar as they move further from civilisation. He is truely at home in the wilderness and after even one night in a city he feels couped up and restless.

They cross a clearing when suddenly a voice challenges them. Corum spins around and is about to hurl the spear at their foe when he sees the young centaur guide. The others welcome her with warmth and laugh at the joke but Corum scowls and says "Silly girl. Your jokes may get you killed one day."

He turns around and continues marching toward the hut again, ever watchful for movement in the trees around them.

I see he's as cheery as ever. Erdija says to Del and Greyston.

She looks around the group then and sees that Nasrin is no longer among their number, realising why the warrior is more cantankerous than usual.

Ah... that'll be why. Nasrin didn't make it? Shame, she had a connection to the spirits of the wild that will be missed in the world. I hope her spirit animal guides her home. she adds with more reverie than you ave seen her muster to date.

Where are you headed, back to the Hut? I'll come with you if you like, as far as Kaag's camp anyway.

The more the merrier Erdija, you can help us keep Del occupied, he has a tendency to mope if he's not in the presence of a pretty girl

she winks at the centaur and moves off after Corum.

"We've all been a bit hit by the lose, but I suppose its what we do... It's our quests, this thing thrust upon us. Never asked but demanded of us." He starts to sound bitter himself as his stomach turns. Taking out his finely polish flask he takes a large swig, then pushes off from the rest as Sapphire speaks up.

Del spreads his hands to his side and offers a half shrug mixed with a unabashed frown as if to say 'guilty as charged' at Sapphire's comment. "The more the merrier, as Sapphire said. You're more than welcome to join us, Erdija. Most welcome indeed." He then gestures to Marislova over and segues as they follow after Corum, "Perhaps you can shed some light for Marislova whilst we walk? She's been inside Artrosa for quite some time. Maybe you'd be willing to share your experience and knowledge of the surrounding environs with her? Unless I miss my guess, and I so rarely do, Desna has an exciting new road ahead of her."

Erdija talks as the group trudges along, explaining about the tribal structure of the centaurs, the Hoofwood, Virdun and half a dozen other topics in between.

After a few hours the group enters the Hoofwood and then, after a cold but quiet night, they reach the clearing that they landed in what seems like a lifetime ago.

The Hut sits in the middle of the snowbound clearing, cheerfully puffing smoke from it's chimney as though it were the retreat of some kindly old woodsman. That is, if it weren't foe the massive chicken-beak protruding from it's front and the score of dead Frost Giants littered around the place, half buried in snow.

Nice place you have here... says Marislova, somewhat nervously.

Elleross limps slightly as he begins to cross the clearing.
it is as dangerous as it is wonderous. he says as he approaches the hut Lucrezzia, the hut is warded against intruders. We have Baba Yagas curse and are protected somewhat but you and Dell are not.
Be careful once we get inside, you may trigger some of the wards. he says as they draw near.

"Ah, yes. We did have something of an entrance when we arrived. Don't worry though, we won't be staying long at least." He then makes to approach the hut and knock, but his steps falter about half way and turns around. "Perhaps it might be better for one of you touched by the Old Crone to do the knocking? The Hut might not appreciate me approaching, now that I think about it."

"Wait. Why not you, Del?"

"I don't bear the same burden as these other fine folk, Lucrezzia. Our roads didn't entwine until after one of the old crone's riders had split his power amongst them. And, given what the Hut was able to do to these giants when we arrived, I'd rather err on the side of prudence." He winks, not approaching any nearer lest his fears spring to life.

Elleross moves up beside the now aging bowman and reaches for the door
We can't stand on the doorstep all day. he says as he reaches for the handle and pushes the doorway open.

"Let's get in, we can talk about this inside. But we might have some trouble getting back in though.. Remember the defender Radabore?" He says moving path the others to stand behind Elleross.

As they walk back to the hut Corum speeds up so he is ahead of the group by a hundred yards or so. On the trek his thoughts turned morose. Now they aren't being assailed by foes he feels the absence of his friend Nasrin. As used to death and the loss of comrades as a mercenary is, this is different. Nasrin was his friend. They understood and respected each other and had a bond forged during their travels together. He misses her.

In his bleak mood he finds the prattling of the centaur annoying so he forges ahead, scouting the way and secretly hoping some foe or beast try to attack them, giving him the chance to vent his sorrow and rage.

Unfortunately the trek is peaceful and they reach the hut.
Upon seeing the alien thing he instinctively bristles and
Makes the sign of the protective horn.

After waiting for the others to catch up he follows Elleross inside and they make their way to the cauldron room.

This spacious room resembles the interior of a homely cottage. Stairs to the right of the entrance climb to a balcony stop which rests a wooden table. A wooden walkway continues around the room to a small landing and another set of stairs to the left that meet at the entrance.

Crates, barrels, boxes nd other mundane items litter the room.

A weary looking warrior, dressed in chainmail and with a heavy axe hanging in his hand.

He sighs heavily as he sees Elleros in the doorway and pulls himself up to a standing position, axe raised aggressively.

Oh hello. Ratibor says. You did come back after all. But I can't let you in. he says glumly. If you come in I'l have to try to stop you, I've got no choice.

His eyes look sunken and tired and resigned to his fate.

"What are the rules of your service?"

The warrior sighs deeply.

For 200 hundred years I have been the guardian of the Hut, bound by Baba Yaga's curse to ensure than none shall pass the threshold.

He gestures open-handedly with his axe and shield.

I have nothing against you, nor these others, in fact they were all rather more polite to me than the ones who normally try to enter the Hut. But I could not stop myself attacking should you cross that doorway, even if I wanted to.

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if you killed me and then I just woke up again tomorrow bound to the same fate.

Well we'd rather avoid having to kill you at all Radabore...

Sapphire reassures the warrior.

Elleross, have you discerned anything we can use to bypass the huts gaurdians? Radabore, have you ever been allowed to let anyone past you,
say if they were bearing the keys to the hut or the Rider's favors?

Well we'd rather avoid having to kill you at all Radabore...

Well I'd rather not be killed. Ratibor agrees. I may have been here two hundred years but I'd still like to get out of here some time. Somehow....

And no, only Baba Yaga herself may pass. The RIders wouldn't enter through the outer door in this configuration.