Sky finishes his inspection of the chamber in time to see the others disappear into the podium. "Where did they go" he simply asks?
Sky finishes his inspection of the chamber in time to see the others disappear into the podium. "Where did they go" he simply asks?
Solvistania looks up at her fellow Erunsil, and shakes her head, "I do not know where they are at, I believe they are unharmed, however. I hope they are." The last is barely audible.
"'Cause we'll be joining them soon, " Ilona mutters wryly.
She looks back over her shoulder at Sky, "Hey, I'm Ilona by the way, didn't really have the pleasure of introductions with all the digging and climbing and trying to kill each other. "
She punctuates her last statement with a dazzling smile.
A strange expression clouds Eyvindr's face as he looks over his shoulder to find the first five have vanished, including Ragnar. "Where has my brother gone?! I should have gone with him -- I am sworn to protect the Death-Speaker!"
The grizzled bear-man starts to quake, his eyes widen, and he bites down hard. He shakes his head, as if trying to get something out of his mind. "By the Vigdir... I'm so... I'm so..." He tightens his grip on his bastard sword as his eyes flit at random from Ilona, to Chops, to Sky, to Solvistania... Then he shakes his head again and looks away, into the dark tunnel beyond the entrance...
"When do we go? How long?" he asks without looking at the others...
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"Well, looks like it's just us now,"Ilona says looking back over her shoulder.
"Any idea how long we're supposed to wait before doing that again?"
Solvistania examines the podium circle for clues on the reset time of the effect.
Ilona half turns at the big warrior's rantings, her hand tightening almost imperceptibly on her sword hilt, an eyebrow arching curiously.
"Don't worry big guy, you'll be with your little brother in no time, just take it easy."
Solvistania whispers excitedly, "Everyone onto the podium! It is still active!"
"'Cause we'll be joining them soon, " Ilona mutters wryly.
She looks back over her shoulder at Sky, "Hey, I'm Ilona by the way, didn't really have the pleasure of introductions with all the digging and climbing and trying to kill each other. "
She punctuates her last statement with a dazzling smile.
"I am Sky'tor Tu'Kaleth" the young elf intones raising his eyes to meet hers. "May your path be firm and absent of thorns, and the wind find your rest carefree" Sky begins the traditional Erunsil greeting, then stumbles over his words, as her dazzling smile has the desired effect.
"I..I...guess we should consider who goes next". "I will be glad to be in the last group, and guard our retreat with my arrows...but let's get this thing done". "I like not these enclosed spaces".
Ilona half turns at the big warrior's rantings, her hand tightening almost imperceptibly on her sword hilt, an eyebrow arching curiously.
"Don't worry big guy, you'll be with your little brother in no time, just take it easy."
Eyvindr growls an indecipherable response to Ilona in Norther, darts an unsettling glance her way, and, at Sky's urging, abruptly runs back and leaps on the podium. He makes no attempt to engage in civilities--quite the contrary, his already gruff demeanour seems to be degenerating rapidly. He mumbles something in the Trader's Tongue about his distrust for these strange magics...
"...But if it should take us to the Shadow's lair, so much the better... I'll be all too happy to drive my sword into his black heart and allow my blade to drink deeply from that infinite well of hate..."
Still trembling, he returns his unsettling, almost maniacal gaze back to the others, raising his eyebrows as if to say, wordlessly, "Well? Are you coming?"
He then turns his gaze to the ravens on the ceiling above while uttering a prayer to the Vigdir in Norther...
Watching the seeming degradation of Eyndindr's sanity, Ilona glances sidelong at Sky'tor.
"I'm pretty well equipped to deal with them breaking through for a little while, I can be pretty convincing. But somebody who can fight should go with that one in case.... he gets worse. Besides, no need to spend longer down here than necessary, don't worry I got it."
She gives Sky'tor a confident wink.
"Get as many as you can on there, I'll go with the last trip." she says, all the more dramatic for her lack of of bravado.
Solvistania looks at Ilona as if she has taken leave of her senses, "Correct me if I am wrong, but I see four of us remaining, therefore we will all be able to go on the platform now.". She then climbs onto the podium, next to Eyvindr. "Hurry, I do not know how long it will stay activated."
"Hmm..must've miscounted. OK."
With a shrug Ilona jogs over to the platformand jumps up.
"Let's do this"
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You find yourselves in a circle of standing stones underneath the overcast sky. It is very cold and when you look around, you realize that you are high in the mountains. The mist is very thick and you can not see far beyond the circle. In the middle of it there is a large uneven stone laying on the ground, covered by faded runes. You realize that you are standing in a circle around that stone and it is not difficult to conclude that the stone was in some way connected to the stepping stone underneath the crumbled tower.
Pete sniffs the air for any scents of orc, Fell, or other Shadow creatures.
Solvistania tried desperately to remeber every detail of the strange journey she took, but already the details were fading from her mind. The only thing she could remember fully was the beautiful music. It brought peace to her mind, and gave her strength. she knew she could rely on that memory to sustain her during the long tough road ahead.
She shivers involunarily from the biting cold and pulls her winter cloak tightly around her slender form, trying to conserve warmth.
She turns to her companions and asks, "Where are we?"
Sky decides to scout around a bit, and steps outside the circle. If nothing happens he will scout the perimeter for any signs of where they are or danger. He will also see if he can get a glimpse of the stars to help determine location.
"I'll scout things out a bit". "We should find somewhere safe to rest and recover". "If the Shadowspawn find a way in, we should be as ready as we can to either face them, or find a place to hid from them".
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Sky decides to scout around a bit, and steps outside the circle. If nothing happens he will scout the perimeter for any signs of where they are or danger. He will also see if he can get a glimpse of the stars to help determine location.
"I'll scout things out a bit". "We should find somewhere safe to rest and recover". "If the Shadowspawn find a way in, we should be as ready as we can to either face them, or find a place to hid from them".
Ragnar look to Solvistania strangely for a moment, as if remembering something he had forgotten. He shakes his head as if clearing his thoughts unslings his pack and pulls a well made fur blanket from it. "Is there any reason to believe that the shadow's forces could not follow us here using the stone circle?" he says doubling over the blanket so it does not drag on the ground and handing it to her.
"I'll take a look around, too. Muni says, flapping off Ragnar's shoulder for a bird's eye view of the area.
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Ragnar look to Solvistania strangely for a moment, as if remembering something he had forgotten. He shakes his head as if clearing his thoughts unslings his pack and pulls a well made fur blanket from it. "Is there any reason to believe that the shadow's forces could not follow us here using the stone circle?" he says doubling over the blanket so it does not drag on the ground and handing it to her.
"I'll take a look around, too. Muni says, flapping off Ragnar's shoulder for a bird's eye view of the area.
The bird flaps into the fog and pretty much immediately comes back, landing again on Ragnar's shoulder. "Well, I did my job. It's like the inside of your head out there."
Ragnar pointedly ignores the bird.
DM
Sky comes back after a minute. "There are some large wolf-like tracks out there". "I would guess Worg tracks".
"Is there any reason to believe that the shadow's forces could not follow us here using the stone circle?"
"I don't suppose it would hurt to build a fire right in the center of that circle so if they can, they receive a warm welcome," Chops suggests.
When Sky'tor comes back, he asks,"What'd you see?"
"Is there any reason to believe that the shadow's forces could not follow us here using the stone circle?""I don't suppose it would hurt to build a fire right in the center of that circle so if they can, they receive a warm welcome," Chops suggests.
When Sky'tor comes back, he asks,"What'd you see?"
"I did not venture far". "The mist is very thick, and I did not wish to become separated in it". "There are large tracks, which I assume to be worg surrounding the circle of stones, but not entering it".
"With our tired condition we must make a choice". "Either we stay here and rest safe from what is outside, but at the mercy of the Shadow spawn should they make their way through, or venture out as a group, and try to find a safe haven".
"Can anyone tell if the gateway can be shut off from this side".
Perception: Looking for anything to disable travel via the gate. (1d20+10=20)
Ilona chuckles.
"I like the way you think Chops. What do you guys think are the odds that this place is sacred, and won't allow them to travel here? It feels...good here, maybe a safe place to recharge."
Looking to the members who came with the first group she thinks for a moment. "When we got here did anything flash or do something to tip of anyone that something arrived?"
She nods to Sky'tor, "So it seems like there's something in here that keeps stuff out."
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Ilona chuckles.
"I like the way you think Chops. What do you guys think are the odds that this place is sacred, and won't allow them to travel here? It feels...good here, maybe a safe place to recharge."
Looking to the members who came with the first group she thinks for a moment. "When we got here did anything flash or do something to tip of anyone that something arrived?"
She nods to Sky'tor, "So it seems like there's something in here that keeps stuff out."
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"Is there any reason to believe that the shadow's forces could not follow us here using the stone circle?""I don't suppose it would hurt to build a fire right in the center of that circle so if they can, they receive a warm welcome," Chops suggests.
When Sky'tor comes back, he asks,"What'd you see?"
"I did not venture far". "The mist is very thick, and I did not wish to become separated in it". "There are large tracks, which I assume to be worg surrounding the circle of stones, but not entering it".
"With our tired condition we must make a choice". "Either we stay here and rest safe from what is outside, but at the mercy of the Shadow spawn should they make their way through, or venture out as a group, and try to find a safe haven".
"Can anyone tell if the gateway can be shut off from this side".
Perception: Looking for anything to disable travel via the gate. (1d20+10=20)
"I'll start gathering some firewood if no one objects to sticking around here for a bit. If they are coming through, well, so they do. If they don't, all the better. Nodding to Ilona, "Here is as good a place as any to set up a base camp until we figure out where the hell we are and get some rest on top of it. I am in no shape for fight right now."
Thinks for a second,"Yeah, lets start a fire around that stone right there." he says pointing.
"I'll help you. It's awfully cold around here. We really have to rest before setting out in the wild."
Gilian looks at the vegetation around try to determine if they still are at the same season, and if it can tell her where they are. While looking at the trees and bushes, she will gather a little wood and check for edible roots or berries.
Survival
Knowledge Nature
"If it's this cold already and the sun's still up, some of us will need to be prepared for what it'lll be like later. I've got a bedroll but no winter gear. And sleeping in the freezing cold can be a little dangerous don't you think?"
The dense fog seems to weigh on Zafina's mood, quickly dispelling the brief jubilant feeling brought on by the transportation.
When Chops starts gathering firewood, she begins to quietly help, keeping a wary eye towards the fog outside the circle of stones.
Perception
"If it's this cold already and the sun's still up, some of us will need to be prepared for what it'lll be like later. I've got a bedroll but no winter gear. And sleeping in the freezing cold can be a little dangerous don't you think?"
"I just see two solutions. Either you snuggle up with someone with a big blanket or nice furs" replies Gilian with a wink. Or we find a bear for you to kill.
Ilona's slow grin carries a hint of salaciousness. "Bears are so overdone."
Ilona's slow grin carries a hint of salaciousness. "Bears are so overdone."
Ragnar drops another blanket unceremoniously on Ilona's head as he passes by on his way towards his brother. "Are you alright, Eyvindr? he says, digging a few more blankets out of his brother's pack, handing the smallest one to Gillian.
Ilona breaks out into full heartfelt laughter, the sound uplifting, warming to the heart and strangely filled with a sense of hope.
"I'll help you. It's awfully cold around here. We really have to rest before setting out in the wild."
"It's a bit nippy here, but my primary interest with this fire is to fry some Shadow asses if or when they pop through that portal. When we get the fire going, we should set up some spikes around the circumference facing in. Hopefully they impale themselves if any survivors try to get out quickly." He tosses another pile of sticks over the ground where they all just appeared.
Ilona's slow grin carries a hint of salaciousness. "Bears are so overdone."Ragnar drops another blanket unceremoniously on Ilona's head as he passes by on his way towards his brother. "Are you alright, Eyvindr? he says, digging a few more blankets out of his brother's pack, handing the smallest one to Gillian.
Eyvindr seems confused as he looks around at the towering mountains, trying to get a hold of his bearings. For a moment, his stare is distant, his eyes vacant, yet his body no longer trembles as it did during his last few moments in the underground chamber. As his brother questions him and rummages through his pack, he is able to focus once again.
"Hmmm?... I was... Yes... of course... I am fine, brother."
After a moment of hesitation following Sky's remark concerning worg tracks, he lowers his sword and sheathes it. His bear hides seem to make him oblivious to the cold.
"Where are we?"
Ilona breaks out into full heartfelt laughter, the sound uplifting, warming to the heart and strangely filled with a sense of hope.
"What's so funny, woman?" asks Eyvindr tersely. "You should be more quiet -- that laugh could carry on the wind to others with dark intent, alerting them of our presence..."
Solvistania pays little attention to the bantering around her companions, instead just trying to stay warm. It seems even the heavy cloak she is wearing, does little to block out the piercing cold.
Her ears perk up when they mention the Shadow forces possible coming through the gate.
"Let me examine the gate before we do anything else.", she murmers ina drowsy voice.
"Hmmm?... I was... Yes... of course... I am fine, brother.
What's so funny, woman?" asks Eyvindr tersely. "You should be more quiet -- that laugh could carry on the wind to others with dark intent, alerting them of our presence..."
"Peace, Brother. It is good to hear laughter once again." Ragnar pulls his brother's bed roll out of his pack and strips the heavy blanket out of it. "I don't even know why you carry this thing anymore." he says while rolling the rest of the pad back up. "I cannot remember the last time you used it."
He hands the last blanket to Zafina as she comes back with a load of firewood. "Sky'tor, Solvistania. Our clan once traded with the elves for wondrous stones which would heat and cool with words. They were invaluable for starting fires from frozen wood. Have you such a thing?"
It seems even the heavy cloak she is wearing, does little to block out the piercing cold.
"Hmmm?... I was... Yes... of course... I am fine, brother."
Ragnar pulls his brother's bed roll out of his pack and strips the heavy blanket out of it. "I don't even know why you carry this thing anymore." he says while rolling the rest of the pad back up. "I cannot remember the last time you used it."
"In case it gets cold, of course," mumbles Eyvindr. "It just hasn't been that cold lately... and a good bedroll isn't easy to come by, these days."
He hands the last blanket to Zafina as she comes back with a load of firewood. "Sky'tor, Solvistania. Our clan once traded with the elves for wondrous stones which would heat and cool with words. They were invaluable for starting fires from frozen wood. Have you such a thing?"
It seems even the heavy cloak she is wearing, does little to block out the piercing cold.
Solvistania eagerly grabs the blanket, and buries herself deeply in it with only her red eyes peeking from the folds of cloth, and gives the Dorn a heartfelt , if kind of weak, smile.
"You speak of Hearthstones, and yes they would prove quite handy, but I was not deemed...valuable enough to waste such a treasure on., the last words coming out with bitterness.
"Let me examine the gate before we do anything else.", she murmers ina drowsy voice.
"Should we stop preparing an ambush?
"I know of the stones you speak of". "My family possessed some to use when visitors not of the Erunsil visited, or when blizzards came". "I do not mind the cold, so I have never tried to find these stones".