who knows Greyston, witches can command many kinds of magic. Though they focus on mostly elemental forms. They could have left these here to attack anyone drawing near that position on the map. I can see no other reason for them to be here. Elleross replies
we need to be careful, we have no idea what we are facing out here. he says as he leans heavily on his staff
if everyone is ok we should press on, how far are we from the place? I don't relish the idea of approaching it in the night
Sapphire nods at Greyston's words
Forum, I am barely injured I you want to avail yourself of the potion Greyston kindly provided me with.
She offers the flask to the barbarian, who looks in a worse state than she by far.
We should move on whilst we have the light
"Elleross, the night hides us as well."
Nasrin turns back towards the direction of their march, waiting for everyone else to be ready.
Bloodied but not broken by the ambush, the party presses on.
The closer they get to their destination, the worse the weather becomes. Where once it rustled the snow-laded leaves, the wind now howls through the boughs. Where previously the snow drifted slowly to ground, it now drives into your faces, stinging like tiny daggers.
The map taken from the High Sentinel Lodge is becoming increasingly difficult to follow as landmarks are becoming little more than high piles of snow though for the time being you are confident that you are heading in the right direction.
Before long you come across a wide ridge dotted here and there with large grey rocks that poke out above the snow like eyes on storks. Many, you notice, are stained with a reddish brown and wher they have been sheltered form fresh snowfall, many animal and human tracks criss-cross the ridge.
You come across the body of a human man, dressed in torn cold weather clothing. His equipment is scattered around him and his body has been torn apart, a gaping wound in his chest cavity leaves his organs exposed to the elements and obvious signs of animal feeding are present.
The tracks are those of a giant weasel, a fearsome hunter and not at all native to these parts. It’s ferocity and tenacity in battle with it’s prey are infamous as is it’s ability to inflict devastating, blood-letting bites.
I appreciate that Nasrin but I cannot see in the dark and unless I am mistaken nor can any of you I might add. Darknesss coupled with the heavy snow fall will make it virtually impossible to see anything. I do not want to approach that place at night. It's a bad idea. he says as they trudge along
lets find out what we are dealing with first then we can decide what to do
these tracks are troubling, I would say they are those of a giant weasel, a fearsome hunter and not at all native to these parts. It’s ferocity and tenacity in battle with it’s prey are infamous as is it’s ability to inflict devastating, blood-letting bites. At least that is what Felson wrote in his Animal Almanac.
The pictures in that tome were quite detailed I'm pleased they Match up so well to the real thing. he says as he stoops to peer at some of the bigger tracks
Perception
They push on thrpug the worsening weather. if this gets worse we'll have to stop. he thinks. When Elleross mentions the darkness he stops and roots in his pack. He produces a small tube and passes it to the old elf. "Sunrod. Just in case."
thanks Corum, but that's not what I meant.
I can create a magical light source with no problem but that will only pin point us in the darkness.
Using light sources is dangerous we may as well paint a bulls eye on ourselves. If we approach during the day we will be on equal footing with whoever may be there. Keep the sunrod handy you may need it if we do go in at night he says as he huffs and puffs struggling through the deep snow.
The warrior nods. "You could be right. We are all keen to confront whatever waits for us at the msrked site but this weather is getting bad. The last thing we need is to get caught out here in a blizzard at night. Perhaps it is best to make camp now and catch our prey in the morning? I'm with Elleross. I think he speaks wisely. Nasrin, Thorn looms hurt. A night of rest may do him good. What do you think?"
"You're right about these tracks Elleros, another creature that has no right being here. I see no reason why they would have brought them all the way south, i think our idea of a portal or some sort of teleportation is happening here. Those i've only read of very powerful magic users possessing such power." He pauses for a moment. "If they were able to change the weather to such a degree they would have to be powerful, we have to be smart about this they won't be as easy as the bandits."
Moving forward again Greyston stops as he spots something in the snow expecting another trap he shouts out to the others as he sees what it truly is. "I've found dead body. Clear signs of animal feeding." After checking over the man Greyston starts to pick up his gear. "We could use his things to keep us alive, and this seems like a journal maybe it could give us some clue about what happened?"
-
"Elleros is right we can't attack at night the light we would need to see will make us a beacon to their attacks. We should rest, heal and move at early morning."
In the thick snow he hadn't even noticed the body and he can't help thinking
we won't end up like this! Forgotten in the snow. We will find out what is going on around here
this could be something Greyston, I wish my eyes were as young and sharp as yours. keep the journal safe. We will dry it out when we can and see what it contains. I wonder who he was? he says as he kneels beside the body, Looking at the terrible wounds.
will it be safe to camp around here Corum? Can you find us somewhere we will be secure. I don't like the thought of those weasels prowling around . he says standing up with obvious effort.
Though unhappy with giving the witches even one more night, Nasrin relents. "Safe enough. Lets get a camp, hidden too."
We must rest regularly, not all of us have magical protection from the elements as yet. I too yearn to proceed but caution serves us better in our endeavor, as long as the cold does not become so bad as to freeze us in our beds!
notes Sapphire.
This weasel though, we should be extra careful if it is hunting around here
"You don't need to worry Elleross you have others that can be your eye's, You spotted the tracks before me, i wish i had your knowledges on the world. I'll keep the journal safe tell we can dry it off." He raps the journal and tucks it into his bag.
Greyston stares at Sapphire the thought of freezing in his sleep never crossing his mind. "What a lovely way to look at it Sapphire.. I hope to not freeze in my sleep, maybe it was good i bought these extra blankets."
Thinking about the state of the man they found. "That weasel... let's hope its had its fill and moves on from here."
well I have a few years on you Greyston so I have an unfair advantage. he says as the snow falls heavily around them , the whole landscape taking on a dream like quality that he couldn't explain. The heavy snow muffled sound and made everything seem so serene.
Most of my knowledge comes from books I have read over the years.
I have them stored up here he says tapping his head I use a mnemonic memory system that I have developed over the last century or more. I can access almost everything I have ever learned I just need to find where I have stored it in my mind he explains my memory palace has been a place of solace for me many times, I can always retreat there no matter what is going on around me his gaze takes on a far away look for a second before snapping back to the young elf.
It is gratifying when the facts fit reality. But first hand knowledge cannot be beaten.
I am sure we can learn a lot from each other he smiles I know a little about alchemy Greyston maybe you can show me some of your formulae sometime I would be interested to learn the processes behind what you can do
As Corum fashions a shelter, Nasrin runs enough rope to encircle the camp, crisscrossing at various heights and tying in several pitons and spikes as 'chimes' if the ropes are disturbed. Well, it won't stop any people but it should at least give us some warning if any dangerous animals approach.
Once she is done, and everyone settle down, she gives her last energy to Thorn, curing his hurts. Over night, she is quiet. Spending a night in spitting distance of who knows how many Witches has her on edge.
The party decides to set up camp for the evening, realising that whatever awaits them at the marked point on the map, it is probably better to have as clear sight as possible of it. Though with the snow almost relentless, what visibility will be like is another matter.
As Corum and Sapphire pitch the tent, Nasrin has the idea of using the pitons Elleros bought back in town as a makeshift alarm, a length of rope in a rough circle around the camp with the pitons strung in groups should suffice.
As the hours drag on you begin to settle in for the night and set up a standard watch, each of you careful to keep the fire burning throughout to chase away the worse of the cold.
Corum takes the first watch, sitting slightly away from camp on a fallen tree, bardiche sitting against his shoulder and furs wrapped around him.
The others have barely bedded down, Elleros snoring lightly before an anonymous elbow in the ribs makes him turn over, when Corum hears the light jingling of steel from the rear of the camp.
Additional +1 for improved init for a total of 10
Average 15
A silent hunter stalks the night around the camp, it's padded feet on the soft snow completely undetectable. If it weren't for the makeshift alarm it would be in amongst the party before anyone were aware.
As it is, it's beady black eyes fix on the hunched figure of the man on the log and it bares it's teeth as it scents the opportunity for flesh! The man looks around as it approaches but it is already closing the distance before he can bring it's spiteful weapon up to defend himself.
Hit
Fail
The weasel is easily as long as Thorn and with sharp little teeth that seize upon Corum's shoulder. It tries to wrap it's lithe body around him but he wrenches instinctively back and the weasel finds he is stronger than it's last kill.
Watching the wild girl string the rope around the camp Elleross is impressed.
Moving forward he pulls on the rope lightly and the iron pitons clank together nicely.
I like this Nasrin, very clever. he says with a smile and making up his own bedroll he feels a bit more secure thanks to the alarm.
....
Bone tired from the days long trek Elleross doesn't stir from his rest even though there is a killer amongst them tearing one of his friends to bloody ribbons.
"Weasel!" Nasrin stands up and recovers her shield and sword. She steps outside the tent to face this snow-bound predator.
Danger! shouts Sapphire as her unconscious mind spikes adrenaline through her at the sound of the makeshift alarm.
In a completely automatic motion she has rolled to her feet and drawn her weapon into a defensive stance before she's even fully awake. She scans the area and sees Corum battling the lithe winter animal and starts try calculating strategy.
Elleross awakes with a start as Nasrin and Sapphire shout their warnings.
Cold and stiff from sleep he struggles out of his bedroll and makes his way outside. his knee protests at the sudden movement as he steps out into the bleak night.
Corum! we have to help him he says his words steaming in the sub zero conditions and he is thankful his magical protection is still in effect.
As he stands watch outside the tent Corum occasionally stamps his feet to help hhis circulation. He leans on his bardiche and squintsni to the darkness around the camp. He is careful not to look at or across the fire dor to do so would ruin his night vision.
After a couple of hours he decides to circle the tent partly to check every side of thwir camp bit also for something to do. As he returns to the front of the tent he notices their intruder. The fiant vermin has returned and he disturbs it as it tries to enter the tent. As quick as the warrior is he is not as quick as the weasle. It leaps on him ans tears at his shoulder. Agony racea through his arm as he spins aside dislodging the animal.
A howl of rage erupts from his throat as he brings his poleaxe to bare. He slams it into the beast, attempting to cut it in two with one massive blow.
Rage attack
Damage
Displaying remarkable speed for a creature it's size, it darts to one side and then back again, causing the broad axe head to sink into nothing but snow.
Greyston shoots up as he hears the shouting a little dazed, he reaches for his Satchel and stands ready to move out. "Attack?"
The weasel turns in a quick circle on the spot, assessing the threat approaching from behind. But the scent of blood is in its nostrils and it fixated on the big man before it. In the light of the fire it's white fire looks golden and sleek and it moves with a deadly speed.
Hit
Moving out of the tent Greyston quickly realises what's happening and grabs a bomb from his bag, hesitating for a moment he lines up the weasel and lobs his bomb.
Sapphire decides her spell selection is of limited use against the creature, and elects to simply run at it full pelt, sword leading the way and trailing motes of magical light as it moves.
Her blade chops down and slices deeply in to the beast, creating a savage cut. She rips the blade free and moves back in to a ready stance.
Nasrin closes the distance bewtween herself and the weasel, shocked to see it again tear into Corum. That one hurt even him! With a shriek she launches herself into the attack.
Thorn shakes off his sleep and follows the girl out into the snow. He begins running around to get behind the weasel. This rabbit is huge!!!! Yumm!
The beast tears into the barbarian again. In a spray of blood he is driven to one knee by the ferocity of the assault. Hr barely clings to consciousness as waves of pain and nausea engulf him but his rage burns still and with a final effort he regains his feet and stepping back to make room he aims two mighty blows at the thing's back. He puts everything he has into the blow.
Attack
Damage
Attack
Damage
The weasel comes under a sudden brutal assault of blade and bomb. Sapphire and Nasrin slice deeply into its singed flesh whilst Corum staggers backward and slams his bardiche into its head.
Struggling through the thick snow as fast as he can he arrives just as Corum puts an end to the large Vermin.
The bright snow is drenched in blood and Elleross guesses from the pain etched on the warriors face that a lot of it is his.
Corum! Gods above you are a mess the old elf exclaims as he drops to his knees beside the warrior .
hang on my friend, I will do what I can to help he begins to cast a spell, the incantation seems long and complex as he manipulates the spells he has already learned for that day, binding them together he alters their fundamental nature creating an altogether different effect.
Pulling his hands apart a golden glow expands outwards surrounding the warrior and seeping into his body repairing some of the damage.
Sagging backward he breathes heavily as if he has just run a great distance, his forehead bathed in sweat from the exertion and he feels suddenly drained.
that is all I can do I'm sorry, maybe Nasrin can heal you some. Either that or we use one of the potions he says gasping for air.
The warrior feels his wounds begin to close and smiles up at the others. "Thanks Elleross. And to you all for helping with that thing. Damned vermin had a bite like a bear!"
He sits down and leans back for a moment, suddenly very tired. "I think I need some rest. Someone else will have to take watch."
He moves into the tent and removes his furs."Gonna have to mend these." He takes some twine feom his back and begins to tie the garments together where they are torn. The result is not pretty as his rudimentary repair leaves a swries of ugly bumps and ridges in the garments, but the result is functional.
He examines the tearsnin the flesh of his shoukder and rubs some snow knto them to clean them. He grunts with the pain and then takes the potion Sapphire gave him out of his pack and asks. "Anyone else got any maguc to heal some of this damage or shall I drink this?"
"Drink. I used my last on Thorn." Nasrin does help him get the wounds clean and then dry. As she works she begins a lullaby, Sleep, baby, sleep; Our cottage vale is deep; The little lamb is on the green With snowy fleece so soft and clean; Sleep, baby, sleep..." She seems utterly oblivious to the words coming from her. Finally done tending Corum's injuries, she offers, "Anyone else need help?"
The old Mage smiles
I should be thanking you, I was fast asleep. That thing could have easily killed me before I even knew it was there he says looking at the sly predator
now I see why it has such a fearsome reputation
Weary but unharmed he returns to his bedroll and tries to rest as best he can before the chill morning is upon them.
Nasrins soft words bring a smile to his face and looking up from his blankets he says
I am unharmed thanks to all of you. What were you singing Nas? I'm not familiar with that rhyme. he asks the wild girl it is quite soothing
After the events of the night, the rest of the watches are mercifully quiet and despite the cold being huddled together in the tent makes for a cosy rest.
Greyston leaves the journal near the fire on his watch and by morning, as the embers burn down, the pages are crisp and turn easily. Much of the ink has run but there are quite a few sections left undamaged.
The journal is that of the hunter who appears to hail from Heldren and become somewhat obsessed with the giant weasel. It describes his efforts in tracking the creature and how he laid bear traps at the head of the Somir Valley (a region you would have to pass through on your way to your final destination).
There are also sections that are barely legible but you feel would make little sense even if they were undamaged. They describe the hunter's discovery of a wooden hut deep in the forest and how the stones around it whispered strange messages to him. Within he found nothing but a small child's doll with eerie glass eyes. This discovery seemed to disturb the hunter severely and he fled back into the snowdrift rather than take refuge in the hut.
"I have nothing left tonight I'm sorry Corum. But good work to all of you, this beast is fierces I thought it had moved it but it seems it was tracking us, good idea with the pitons Nasrin. Greyston then moves to the guard spot. "Is everyone ok? Saphhire? I'll take the next watch the rest of you should sleep."
Before everyone heads back to sleep Greyston stops Elleross. "You can channel the Divine? That is truely a gift, it seems we can both learn from each other."
@ greyston
Elleross smiles thinly and shakes his head.
unfortunately not Greyston, I am not granted any powers through faith or any other divine means. My mind and my years of study are the source of my arcane arts and I have long worked on a hypothesis that fundamentally all magic is the same, or at least shares in some way the same building blocks. Until recently I have had no opportunity to test my theories. he says cryptically since meeting you all I have observed Nasrin and sapphire healing themselves and others by different magical means and then I finally made a breakthrough.
I have devised a way to break down the spells I am able to cast and reconstruct them as something altogether different.
The casting of these "hybrid" spells I suppose you could call them is unfortunately inefficient and they require much of my power to accomplish but the end result is the same.
That is how I was able to heal Corum, I am sure there are a few limitations to this discovery but I believe given the right resources I could duplicate almost any spell I wanted to. Be it divine or not. he says and suddenly grins
I have worked on this for a long time my friend and I must admit i am eager to test its limits he says animatedly I do not know how this may relate to the way you blend science and magic but maybe the more I observe your abilities other insights may reveal themselves
The warrior thanks Nasrin for helping tend his wounds. He drinks the potion as Greyston and Elleross discuss magic. Feeling much better he rolls up in his blanket and goes to sleep.
Clw
The following morning he makes a simple breakfast out of his trail rations and listens as they read the journal.
"Bear traps. We will have to be careful whwn we get to the Vale. Those things can break your leg."
He packs up the tent and looking up at the leaden sky he says. "We should push on. More snow today"
@ Elleross
"I was singing?" Nasrin frowns in confusion, "How did it go?" When Elleross sing back the chorus Nasrin looks down. "Something my mother sang to my little brothers. It's been a trees age since I thought of it."
@Elleross
"Its still such a feat, but i agree with you spending time with spell casters has given me ideas it's pushed me in my alchemical studies. While i could brew extracts quickly to heal myself they were highly poisonous to others i became accustomed to the poison over many years." Pausing for a moment he looks lost in a memory, but quickly continues.
"But the need to help my friends pushed me to brew a new formula a safer one and the way Nasrin deals with the extreme elements i was able to copy that. I have a small use of magic, my mother was a sorceress but i never possessed the gift only able to cast a handful of spells to help me in my life. This is the first time i've heard of arcane and divine mixing truly an amazing discovery." He nods at the old elf.
Sapphire finishes reading the hunter's journal
What a curious turn of events for the poor man, I hope our defeat of his quarry brings some small measure of peace to his spirit, wherever it is
she puts down the book and stretches sore muscles, listening with interest to the two learned men discussing magic.
I must admit I am somewhat intimidated by both of your advanced grasps on the subject of spellcraft. My own experience is largely theoretical, from picking up a spellbook and just trying my hand. This last week is the first time I've cast spells in practice, and rather than discovering more, all I've learned so far is that some spells just don't feel right
she shudders, recalling the bad taste in her mouth when she had used her magics to heal the others in what felt like the wrong way.
It were as well we found this cloak as I couldn't grasp Nasrin's trick that deals with the cold, though you both appear to have done so fine! Still, I mustn't grumble! I console myself with successfully having written some new spells in to my book, summoning mist, causing my sword to inflict chilling wounds and even turning invisible for a few moments are now effects I can achieve!
she smiles, trying to join in but without her heart in it. She is eager to learn more but knows her forte is not in the academic study of magic, her fingers flex as she thinks of her sword.
Listening to sapphire he senses she feels like she doesn't measure up compared to greyston's alchemy or his own arcane spell casting and he wonders why that is?
I have seen her skills with a blade and she handles the weapon as if born to it. Coupled with that she seems to be able to channel her arcane powers through her sword a feat I couldn't replicate. There are spells to enchant a blade temporarily but what she can do is another level entirely. he thinks to himself
sapphire don't sell your abilities short. Whilst it is true I can now cast a similar spell to Nasrin and duplicate many others I admit that until very recently I also had never put my arcane knowledge into practice.
The spells I cast are the result of decades of study, I have the basis for many spells stored in my library but I lack the ability to cast them.....yet he says with a smile I have seen you weave a spell into your blade and your skill with that weapon rivals Corum. I could never hope to fight as you do, it doesn't matter that you cannot cast the spells that myself or Nas can. Because what you are able to do with your sword is impressive my girl. You are a deadly adversary and as you develope your abilities further .... Well who knows.
he says trying to bolster her confidence.
myself and Greyston have talked a bit about what we can do and the possibility of learning from each other. you say you use a spell book as well? If you want to borrow my own spell book you are welcome to at any time . There may be spells in there you can replicate, there are only a few at present but soon enough there will be more. he says to her as he prepares to bed down again. I was distrustful of you when first we met Sapphire but that was an old judges bad habit. I am glad we found you because without you I don't like to think where we may be now. Probably frozen solid like that poor soul Greyston found
@Nasrin
memory is a wonderful thing , sometimes things we thought long forgotten will spring to mind of their own accord he says to the wild girl
I don't mean to pry Nasrin, but if you want to talk of your fam....your first pack. We will listen I would be interested to know more about you. It is good to talk of those we lost, I am guilty of not taking my own advice I 'must admit. he says softly to the girl as he crawls into his bedroll and thinks of his own long suppressed memories.