As Del and Greyston accompany Sapphire, the half orc matches her shouting with smooth and cooling words, ensuring that the trio never leave a merchant angry.
As the three companions depart the last of the vendors, Del bounces one plump leather pouch in his hand cheerfully and grins. "I think this was a most successful venture, my friends. And I have to say, there's plenty of room for the Drinnar Family to expand out this way if I could figure a way to secure a travel route by means other than gargantuan chicken-legged huts!" Throwing one arm over each of their respective shoulders, he laughs. "Iobaria. Can you even believe it? A land of centaurs and giants and cyclopean ruins, rife with possibility and adventure! It's a shame that rider hexed you all with that geas, we could really make a name for ourselves here if we had the time."
---
At the inn, Del smirks at Erdija's slight. "Now, now. There's more to bowmanship than just pulling a cord of catgut. The smooth curves of the crossbow pressed into your shoulder, held with a gentle but firm grip in your hands; the patient, careful moments of sighting down the cradle and reading the land, feeling the kiss of the wind against the nape of your neck and the back of your hand; the subtle, faint caress of one finger's confident squeeze that sends a metal capped shaft lancing two hundred yards to sink into the target; oh, there's little else like it, my friend. Sure, anyone can pick up a crossbow and shoot it, but not everyone can make one dance and sing." Del grins, flashes a wink, and leans back in his chair as he takes a slow draw from his pipe.
Greyston stands back watching as both Sapphire and Del depthly sell off their wears. "Brilliant work both of you." He smiles. "This is so far beyond what I ever imagined. My life was always set out for me, never much time for thought of centaurs and giants." Frowning he thinks back to the rider. "It happened so fast, but we really should think you Del your not driven by this curse but you want to help. It's truly noble of you." He pats the half-orc on the back.
--
Greyston moves in and slumps down at the table, even though Del and Sapphire did all the talking he was exhausted. He holds a hand up to Sapphire as she talks of Ale. "I'll take some water please."
Nasrin sits her stomach full of the delicious meat served by the tavern. She leans over and scratches Jagar's head, listening to her pack chatter. Her mind keeps coming to the thing Erdija had said, this place feels wrong. Not terrible like a haunted tomb or a Witch's lair. But just missing something vital. Still, she knows the town has something she needs.
The banter between Del and the young centaur is, however, entertaining...
Corum eats the food with gusto and drinks more ale. Not so much as to addle his brain or leave him with a sore head in the morning, but enough to slake his thirst. He may be a wild man of the north but he is also a professional warrior and knows that this is not the time for excessive revelry.
He tells Erdija of his homeland in the mountains far to the north. The vast wide spaces of thenfrozen tundra; the majestic peaks that rise like granite bastions, reaching ever higher toward the sky; the rivers and forests; the howling wind and ice storms that can strip a man,s flesh and the beasts of the north (both the game and the predators).
"Aye, in truth Erdija, it is a harsh place but beautiful. I have not been back for
May years but I might once all of this is over."
As Sapphire and the others join them after their successful forget into the towns markets he gratefully accepts the pouch of heavy gold and with difficulty he stowed it inside his pack.
you successfully offloaded all the gear then. he says hefting the bag well done, these funds will allow us to purchase some much needed equipment and supplies .once I have finished this wine, I am going to head out into the markets, there are a few things I wish to purchase, if anyone wants to Join me you would be most welcome. I don't feel comfortable walking around alone with all this gold on me he says as he sips at his mulled wine and finishes his pipe.
Corum nods. "I'll come."
The pair make their way into town and return an hour or so later with their purchases. Corum's spending was limited to a handful of potions but he returns content that he has everything he needs.
When they return to the inn he begins asking their guide about the next leg of their journey. "Tell me of the country between here and Atrosar. What can we expect tomorrow?"
Unless you particularly want to return to Kaag's camp, I suggest we follow the river northshe replies.
Flanked on either side by treacherous cliffs, also called the Deeprun, crashes through the crevasse floor, winding around a rocky, nearly barren wasteland filledwith small crags, snowdrifts, and jagged blocks of ice washed south from upstream.
The northern stretch of the crevasse hosts thick, almost glacial ice on either side of the river and hoarfrost coats much of surrounding area and huge snow drifts pile along the base of the cliff walls, some over 50 feet deep. I fear the way is not going to be easy for most of you but particularly the elder. I would invest in snow shoes at the very least if I were you.
High upon these cliffs nest thousands of bloodhawks, eagles, and other large raptors that swoop down to pluck salmon out of the Myrfrus. They shouldn't really bother us. The occasional you Roc will range that far though so we should keep our eyes peeled for that, see if your friend can make his contraption dance and sing when he has 500 pounds of dive-bombing Roc to worry about! She laughs good-naturedly and finishes her mug of ale.
Are you finished? We should secure lodgings for the night and make out early. It's not a short journey, about fifty miles so get tents and firewood as well. You need to be prepared out there.
thank you Corum, your company would be most welcome. he says as he finishes his pipe .
Once the warrior is ready to depart they make their way out into the city to take care of their business.
Elleross and the young warrior move from stall to stall as they seek the wares they require and after a couple of hours they have managed to obtain everything.
The last item he acquires is also the most valuable and he can see Corums look of incredulity as he hands over the huge sum of gold to the merchant and takes possession of a slender band, the headband is made up of very fine woven strands of gold and silver.
They cross-cross each other in an intricate design of amazing complexity.
Three exquisite small gemstones are set within the bands braids and they twinkle brightly as he slides the headband Into place.
The band encircles the back of his head and extends to his temples where the braids end with a gemstone situated on either side of his head.
The third gem rests at the back of the band and as he settles it into place he begins to feel the power as the band attuned itself to his mind.
don't worry Corum, I haven't gone mad and wasted my coin on a fancy trinket. This is a powerful item, it will increase my mental capacity and make my magic stronger he says as they head out of the store.
this is my weapon he says tapping his head I am making sure it is the best it can be. You would not want an axe that was not sharp. he says with a smile as they head back to the others .
Corum listens as the centaur describes the road. "Sounds like tough going but we'll manage. We have snowshoes and tents. I'll get some firewood too. But now we should rest."
Corum moves over to the bar and organises lodgings for the group before making his way up and getting some well earned sleep.
The following morning he is up early and out of the inn before anyone else is awake, or at least he thinks so but as he steps out of the inn he looks down to see Nasrin and Jagar sitting on the porch watching the sunrise.
"I know you don't like towns Nas. We'll be out of here soon. Sounds like we're going to follow a hard trail. Erdija looks at home in the wilderness but we'll have to look out for the townies out there."
He pauses then says "They are toughening up though. Del and the magic men handled that demon pretty well between them. What do you think we'll find at Atrosar? More damned witches or more damned riddles?"
Well I've already been to the market!
Sapphire flips back her cloak to reveal a sleek and form-fitting armored breastplate of burnished steel, tiny intricate runes formed patterns in the metal that wrapped around the armor like protective bands.
Should serve me better than my old mercenary leathers that have gotten me to this point. Now, I will get us some lodgings whilst you finish your shopping.
She finishes her ale and moves off to find an inn to accommodate the enlarged party.
Retiring to his room, Elleross lays down upon his straw mattress and closes his eyes.
Relaxing his mind he journeys inwards, whilst his body rests his work would continue.
As he strides toward his spell book he glances down at the glass floor, the water beneath suddenly churning as a trio of dolphins play beneath his feet, rolling and darting through the water with ease.
Moving toward the spellbook he examins the crystal spheres that hover above the bench, each one churning with the stored energy of his prepared spells, all but one that is .
This one was newly formed and unlike the others was tinged with a golden light, a result of the circlet he now wore.
Closing his eyes he wills himself to another location within his memory palace and opening them he finds himself atop the pearl spire and moving toward his deep armchair he greets the statue of Korag Kaag and begins to converse with him.
The circlet had increased his ability to learn and as he began to speak he found that his understanding of the chieftains language was now all but complete....
Once they have all eaten breakfast they set off, leaving town without a backward glance. They head into the frozen wilds toward their goal. The centaur leads, scouting ahead with bow held ready, Nasrin and Jagar sweep the flanks and the remainder walk along in single file with Corum at the head and Del at the rear occasionally checking behind them to make sure nothing hostile approaches from that direction.
In response to Corum's question Nasrin chuffs and says, "Riddles. That's all witches really are."
Once out of the town, Nasrin becomes the wolf and spends her time running in snow, keeping her ears and nose alert for dangers to her pack.
"I couldn't take anymore shopping or haggling I'll stay here with Sapphire and help get us some rooms. Hopefully get myself a bath while i'm at it."
---
Greyston spend the night relaxing feeling safe in a city not expecting another invasion of demon monkey men. He prepares his infusions for the morning, finally able to try new things and get back to honing his skills.
The trek out of the city and through the Hoofwood is easier than what is to follow as the thick canopy of pine has screened the ground from the worst of the snow.
As the party clears the wood at the end of the first day however, the drifts of snow that have built up alongside the partly frozen river prove particularly bothersome for some of the group, even with snow shoes and appropriate gear.
As the sun sinks slowly over the mountainous horizon, Erdija raises her hand from the front in the universal sign to 'stop.'
Look. she points at a ridge above the river.
Atop the ridge, some thousand feet away, is a solitary rider atop his mount. Or possibly a centaur - at this distance you cannot tell. It makes no move toward you but simply stands and watches your passing.
Corum looks up at the mysterious figure Erdija points out atop the ridge. His eyes narrow suspiciously. "I don't like being watched."
Del waves cheerily at their distant watcher, his arm fully extended to exaggerate the gesture. He calls loudly across the intervening distance despite it being in the language more common to the Inner Sea and Taldor, "Hullo over there! So nice to see you too!"
The figure wheels and disappears behind the ridge. You look on for a few moments but it does not reappear.
Hmmmm.... strange. We should keep an eye out for that one, whoever it is. Could be one of the other tribes, a scout maybe. Erdija says.
Nasrin looks up at Old Wolf and nudges his hand. She motions with her head, towards the rider's watch point. Her eyes hold an unspoken question.
Corum nods "We will. It may be nothing but it may be a threat. We need to stay alert."
The group continue their march, ever alert.
Well Erdija, are there truces in place between the tribes or are we fair game?
asks Sapphire curiously.
She keeps alert, one hand on the hilt of her sword at all times.
Uneasy truces. This land is under Korak Kaag's rule. she answers. And over the years we have learnt that any dispute over territory should be settled by diplomacy in the city where all the tribes gather twice a year. But out here in the wild, sometimes the rule of law is secondary.
There hasn't been any trouble between centaurs for at least 5 winters though but perhaps we aren't the only ones that have seen the Hut. They may not know your intentions as we do though.
She flicks her hair out of her eyes and says;
But whatever the reason, we should just be careful as we head north.
Nasrin ducks her head at Erdija's suggestion. Then she goes to Jagar and after some growls and yips she lopes off alone into the woods, using shadows and the trees themselves to cover herself. She makes fast time to the left and right of the pack, always crossing back over in front of the trail. Behind her the snow and pine needles are always undisturbed, because now, the forest is hers and it is on her side. She howls once and Jagar responds, then she is silent as a sleeping oak.
"I've been wondering lately if any of Baba Yaga's riders could still be alive. We know for certain one is dead." He ponders. Then turns to their guide. "Erdija, are there any Centar that work for the witches?"
The group presses on for a further hour before setting up camp. With the appearance of the mysterious rider the group is even more wary and set regular, stringent watches throughout the bitterly cold night.
Erdija erects her own large tent and ensures that a fire burns throughout the night and thankfully, it passes without incident.
The next morning dawns with a drift of sleety snow that soaks into your furs. You spend the first hour after dawn packing up the camp and ensuring that the fire is stamped out and covered in snow.
Wrapping her cloak tighter around her and tying her hair back behhind a hood, the horse-bodied scout approaches Elleros;
Are you alright, elder? You can have my cloak if you need it. she offers. I'd offer it to the crossbowman but I'm afraid he'd just lay it across a puddle for me! she jokes.
Nasrin looks up at Old Wolf and nudges his hand. She motions with her head, towards the rider's watch point. Her eyes hold an unspoken question.
Elleross glances down at the wolf-Nasrin and then back toward the rider.
His eyes are still keen but he can see nothing but a silhouette, and he shrugs as he ribs some warmth into his numb hands.they are watching for a reason, maybe to gauge our strength. Maybe just curiosity. I suspect the former is true he says as he glances down at the sleek wolf beside him
I wonder what it must feel like? It must be exhilarating . To become the wolf, I wonder if her consciousness is altered as a result of her form. Does she become more wild? More wolf like? It will be fascinating to find out he muses
we should assume they are hostile until we know otherwise. Corum is right, Stay sharp Nas he says as the wild girl lopes off into the wilderness.
I wonder if I were to adopt a wolf form would my leg be healed? To run free without pain, that would be a good feeling he thinks as he rubs at his swollen aching knee.
@ next day
Rising slowly Elleross winces at the pain from his aching swollen knee and he curses his aging body, there was little he could do about it at present but it was hard not to be frustrated. Especially as Corum and the others seemed so at ease in these freezing lands.
With difficulty he forces some warmth Into his limbs and he sets his mind to preparing for the day ahead.
Giving up some of his offensive spells he chooses protection against the damnable cold.
Shivering slightly as he finishes up he looks up at the young centaur as she offers him her cloak and he cannot keep the edge from his voice as he replies in her own tongue, taking the opportunity to try out his Iobarian even as he scolds her.
a hundred cloaks would be just as useless. he says testily as he struggles to his feet us elders are not as frail as you youngsters think we are. I can take care of myself,. he says as he waves away the offered cloak.
He can see the hurt in the young centaurs eyes, the look on her face almost like he had slapped her and he draws in a deep breath and blows out the anger and frustration with himself and he takes her hand in his
forgive me Erdija, I am over two hundred years old and I should know better. There is no excuse for rudeness, especially since you offer only kindness To a grumpy old man.
he says sincerely my leg pains me some this morning and it has put me in a foul mood. I have the means to keep the cold at bay, I will use those means today, I will be fine. Thank you he says offering a smile
you should give the cloak to Dell, it will likely prick his male pride that you have offered it to him. I admit, childish as it is, seeing the cocky bowman in a flap will brighten my day considerably. It would be quite amusing he says grinning a little then you can out shoot him with your bow and really crush him. Though I fear he would never recover should that happen he says and can't help but laugh a little,his black mod lifting as he pictures Dell cradling ruby in defeat.
Del walks past Elleross and Erdija just as Elleross chuckles at his own jab and the half-orc only flashes a broad grin. "Ha haa! Crush me? Elleross, you wound me! I assure you both, I'm man enough to admit defeat when it finds me fairly. Especially so if it's at your lovely hands, Erdija." He laughs again and continues on his way, seemingly cleaning a hollow reed or tube of some sort with a rag as he goes. From over his shoulder, he jovially adds, "And you can ask Sapphire too, Erdija, I'm not above being carried over puddles myself if you'd ever care to make that offer!" His merry laugh fills the camp as he heads back to his equipment and wraps whatever he was polishing in a thick cloth before stowing it and preparing his gear for the day's travel.
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They push on through the wilderness, wondering who the mysterious figure was and discussing the centaur tribes of the region.
Corum maintains his watchfulness despite Jagar and Nasrin scouting ahead. There is always a chance something slips through their screen and he is going to be ready if it does.
They walk for hours. At one point he spots a brace of large hares some distance away and motions for the party to halt. He points them out to Del and Erdija and watches with admiration as the pair draw, load and loose almost in tandem. Their aim is true and in an instant the hares are down and arrow and bolt protruding from their necks. "Well done! Something for the pot later." He rushes to retrieve the game and they continue on their way.
Well Ellri, I think it could be both, certainly I would in their position. We came out of Baba Yaga's hut after all, we could be here to do anything...
Sapphire laughs as Del's comment reminds her of the clearing outside the hut.
Yes and how are your boots Del? Still nice and clean!?
she laughs again as she sees the mud and ravel-stained leather boots he currently sports.
She breathes the fresh and clear mountain air with enjoyment, just cold enough to remind her of where she was born, though her brow furrows as she realises she couldn't possibly remember that...
"Why yes! All thanks to you, dear Sapphire." Del glances down at his shoes and extends one for display when his grin shifts to a troubled frown. Shaking his head, he shrugs and offers a wink, "Well, at least they don't stink of giant's blood and aren't soggy. There's little worse than plodding along in sopping, sodden boots!"
Later that morning the group starts to head inland from the frozen river. Thankfully the drifts thin and though snow still covers the ground it doesn't do so to the extent where every step is a struggle.
As you round a thin copse of trees you see a figure in the plain ahead, some eighty feet or so away.
If this is the same creature as you saw the previous day, it is no centaur. Jagged, twisting antlers of dark blue ice crown the helm of this ice-armored humanoid figure. It sits astride a massive, woolly elk and lowers a glaive made of pure ice at you before spurring his mount to charge!
The tip of the icey glaive flashes a pale blue and suddenly the entire area is engulfed in a storm of driving snow and ice.
Del begins driving forward, unsure how near to any edge of the sudden sleet he might be. He takes one step before nearly bumping into Jagar, "Hello there, Jagar! I don't suppose you'd mind giving a very cold half-orc a ride by any chance?" Shrugging at the wolf's snarl, the bowman sidles around and nearly bumps into Corum this time. "Oh! Corum! Lovely weather this time of year, wouldn't you say?" Shaking his head and pulling the hood of his cloak low, the affable scoundrel presses onward, unknowingly striding through the bulk of the miniature storm.
He shouts aimlessly into the storm, "Does anyone know what that thing is?! I have some cold iron if anyone thinks that might help if this sleet ever lets up!"
HP: 42/42
AC: 19 (15 T / 14 FF)
CMD: 20
F/R/W: +7/+10/+6
Grit remaining: 2/2
Healing Amulet charges remaining: 3/3
Hero Points remaining: 3
Regular bolts remaining: 57/80
Cold Iron bolts: 40/40
tangle bolts: 3
tracer bolts: 5
Ongoing Effects
Vigilant Loading
Gunslinger Initiative
The rider before them bears an aura of menace around him that is unmistakeable. Elleross knows this rider means to kill them all.
Before he can act the rider unleashes his maelstrom of ice and wind and suddenly the whole area is plunged into an intense storm, he can see nothing but white as the snow and ice surges all about him.
hang on! I will try and bring this storm to an end! he calls out to the others as he shields his eyes and face from the stinging ice shards.
perturbare,magia,depellerent, potestus! shouting out the arcane words into the storm he focuses his own powers, attempting to use his spell to counter and disrupt the terrible ice storm.
[ooc]That dispel magic is successful, the storm is now gone. Please remember the entire area is still difficult terrain due to snow regardless of the spell[ooc]
Sapphire draws her blade and casts blur
The sleet storm is gone as quickly as it appeared due to Elleross' counter spell. Corum takes full advantage and quickly moves to a more strategic position. For one born to ice and snow the slippery floor is no impediment and he quickly moves to the left flank ready to charge the strange rider.
Grayston smiles as Eelross counters the riders magic, nothing stopping them seeing the monstrous creature. "Another of the witches pawns, Fire will burn them away." He rushes forward next to Nasrin as he takes out a bomb shaking it up ready to throw at the icy rider.
Nasrin lunges forward and howls bringing a brilliant flash of light down on the wicked looking rider.
Jagars scrambles to the side, beginning to envelope the dark rider.
The rider grimaces as the light suddenly bursts around it but shakes it's head and clears it's vision.
Hit
and
It spurs it's horrid mount into action and it covers the distance between it and the raging barbarian in mere moments.
As it strides past him it slashes out with it's icy glaive, cutting a deep, cold wound.
As the rider blasts by, Del looses a low whistle and shakes his head. He calls out chidingly, "Didn't your mother ever tell you how dangerous running or galloping with giant, magical glaives can be?" before loosing a bolt from Ruby. The bolt sails true and strikes the rider's wrist and, though it doesn't break skin, it does jar his grip enough that the glaive falls from his hands and vanishes beneath the snow.
HP: 42/42
AC: 19 (15 T / 14 FF)
CMD: 20
F/R/W: +7/+10/+6
Grit remaining: 1/2
Healing Amulet charges remaining: 3/3
Hero Points remaining: 3
Regular bolts remaining: 57/80
Cold Iron bolts: 40/40
tangle bolts: 3
tracer bolts: 5
Ongoing Effects
Vigilant Loading
Gunslinger Initiative