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The Ulfen have a saying: “No blade is as sharp, no demon as cruel as the winds that walk their way down the Icestair.”
At the border of Irrisen and the untamed wilds of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, the meaning of those words becomes clear as the barren, snow-covered plains stretch to the horizon.
Four days’ travel now lies between the eastern edge of Irrisen and the shattered remains of the Huscarl King’s keep. To the east, sinuous snow drifts give way to rocky foothills from which pines and scrub brushes claw for life. In the distance, the massive creatures that give this land its name shuffle along at a ponderous speed, still impossibly huge even from far away.
Skagni’s map marks a clear and straightforward path, but the snow makes for slow travel. The Shadow Lodge agents have a head start, but persistence through the harsh environment and adherence to the strict map may yet make it possible to catch them before they reach the Keep of the Huscarl King and gain access to the mighty weapon held within.
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Despite the daunting weather, the foppish priest is quite pleased to be in the company of Jazmine once more. Hearing Darius's query, Father Yefimovich replies, "Perhaps later, my boy. Vwe should not tarry long, vwe have a mission to accomplish after all."
As they trek, the priest offers to Jazmine, "Ah! I know just the thing to alleviate your boredom, my dear. Do you enjoy poetry? You know, I am vwell versed in the Ustalavic classics... ahem," he clears his throat, not waiting for her or anyone else to say no, "Ah, I know just the thing. Some Tyutchev, for your enjoyment..."
As he recites, his facial expressions and hand gestures are those of a stage performer, with a dramatic flair which more than hints at Grigori's apparent pomposity:
"Ne govori, kroyutsya, i skryt'
kak vy mechtayete, to, chto vy chuvstvuyete.
Gluboko v vashem dukhe pust'oni
srodni zvezd v kristallicheskikh nebo
chto postavlennyye pered noch'yu razmytym:
vostorg v nikh i govorit' ne slova..."
the way you dream, the things you feel.
Deep in your spirit let them rise
akin to stars in crystal skies
that set before the night is blurred:
delight in them and speak no word..."
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Good call on both. Thank you. The extra hp is in my skills though so that is good. If Aerondor will allow I will add the second trait tomorrow.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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While following the map, and sometimes trail of destruction (the odd burned out farmhouse is a clue you are close behind the shadow lodge), the team has a chance to exchange some of the things they know about the far north.
The denizens of the Realm of the Mammoth lords are Kellids, considered primitive by many in the Inner Sea, but respected for their hardiness. The route drawn for you on the map goes through the territory of the Kellid tribe known as the "snowmask clan". Unlike many of the other migratory Kellid tribes, this clan has never abandoned its territory.
Darius know a whole lot more about the history of the area.
An Ulfen warrior once carved out a small “kingdom” for himself in the western regions of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, earning loyalty from local Kellid tribes.
The Ulfen warrior Ranulf was known as the Huscarl King, as he had once served as one of the Emperor of Taldor’s personal guards. After he established his keep, it was attacked by a powerful white dragon who the Huscarl defeated in a battle so fierce that legends claim Ranulf ’s beard was frozen during the fight. Despite ruling for almost 30 years after the battle, Ranulf died with no heir.
Ranulf was known for his flaming greataxe, Jedrek’s Shard. Rumors persist that it was buried with him at his death when his Kellid followers caused an avalanche to cover the keep under a mountain of ice, rock, and snow, but the retreat of a glacier has now made the tomb accessible again for those brave enough to venture through Snowmask territory.
While most assume that Ranulf ’s decision to collapse the keep atop his grave was an egotistical plan to keep his fabled weapon out of the hands of others some sages whisper that Ranulf ’s reign was also a vigil. The great Ulfen’s keep was meant to protect not only his land, but all of the north from something that once dwelt deep beneath his castle; the avalanche that buried him and Jedrek’s Shard was also meant to stop others from exploring what lies beneath.
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Hanud unfortunately doesn't know anything more that the others have already shared.
The pathfinder team make their way across foothills and open swaths of tundra for the early part of the first day’s journey. The megafauna that give this land its name—giant sloths, massive elk, and woolly mammoths—do not approach but there are generally some in sight at any given time.
Just after noon, the trail leads through a patch of dense evergreens that end atop a low hill. On the ground below, the evidence of battle is immediately apparent.
The thick cluster of pine trees ends abruptly at the top of a low hill. At the bottom, the snow is littered with the aftermath of battle. Broken shields and spears jut from the snow like fractured bones, and blood colors the ground around a sprawl of bodies, many still seemingly locked in combat.
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Ozak advances on the wolverine and sticks it with his blade. It snarls and enters a berserk rage!
Ozak falls to the snow, his own blood mixing with the snow!
Hanud advances and smashes the creature which turns and looks to attack him next!
Status: Bold may post
Zimti
Jazmine
Grigori
Darius
Hanud
Ozak - 20 damage. Dying.
Wolverine - 13 damage
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Before the furry little critter's arrival, the priest remarks to Ozak's obvious conclusion with sarcasm, "Yes. A big fight, comrade Ozak. You have a keen eye."
He begins to recite prayers for the dead to grant them final rest, when the wolverine trounces upon the poor ninja. Grigori moves in to handle the beastie, before he has to include his comrade into his prayers.
"Ha HA!" Grigori shouts as he slashes his bejeweled shasqua, drawing blood.
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The little wayang steps up on the safe side of Darius, if there is such a thing, and draws his trusty ol' stick and throws it at the offending wolverine.
Demonstrating that practice alone does not make perfect, and in fact may lead to ingrained poor habits, the errant stick follows the ways of the uncoordinated wayang's prior efforts, and vanishes into the woods beyond.
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In normal circumstances, Dariu's clumsy blow would have been easy for the wolverine to avoid. But its blood is up, and its ready for another chomp. It cares nothing for defence.
Which is its last mistake, as Darius removes the creatures head from its body. More Blood. Everywhere.
Some is still leaking from Ozak too, maybe he's not dead just yet. Probably won't be long if nobody looks after him though.
Combat over
Status: Bold may post
Zimti
Jazmine
Grigori
Darius 1 round rage used.
Hanud
Ozak - 20 damage. Dying
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Darius skins the wolverine and takes the bloode skin with him."Perhaps a scarf or a comfy hat.." he mutters to himself.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Looking through the bodies, there are about a dozen, roughly half seem to be Kelid with complex white patterns painted on their faces from below the nose down to their thoat. They were armed with axes and wooden shield.s
The other half of the bodies are more "civilised". There are no weapons with them, but they are wearing heavy winter coats and padded armour.
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Zimti gives up searching for the lost stick, and grins at Jazmine at her healing efforts. "Hope I won't need your quick thinking too often." He takes a moment to look about and make sure nothing else has come at the commotion, before turning his attention to the dead.
"Hmm..." Zimti ponders to himself as the little man studies the bodies.
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Hanud looks over the bodies, hoping against hope that there is at least one survivor... although he is certainly not optimistic about the bloody carnage. He stops, muttering a short prayer to Torag each time he passes a body.
"I think we be better off missin' the fun here, Darius. This doesn't look right."
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Darius knows the fallen warriors are from the Snowmask Clan. They are a fearsom group of barbarians known for protecting this region of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords from all outsiders.
While Darius is showing off his knowledge, Zimti spots some boot tracks leading away from the battle. They are followed by the more crudely-shod prints of another set of humanoids. Both sets of tracks are heading the same direction as yourselves.
After he is brought around, Ozak quickly sizes up the goods left. The "civilised" folk still have a number of purses hidden amongst their clothes, which he easily removes. It's coins - but they are always helpful.
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The priest very seriously and effectively carries out the somber ceremony for the departed which he had begun earlier, before being rudely interrupted by Darius' future scarf or hat. Afterwards, he takes a bit of time medically examining the bodies. His intense focus, careful and respectful handling, and concern for detail is actually quite strikingly impressive.
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Yeap, it is freezing cold. I'll be after some fortitude saves from those of you who don't have endure elements up. DC15 fort saves please everyone (apart from those with endure elements. I'm happy to assume you would have it memorised if you want to change spells around a little to accommodate everyone). How is everyone protecting themselves from the cold?
The Khelid warrior is still unconscious. Gregori can almost see his soul pulling back from that final gate to the boneyard.
Status
Darius 1 round rage used.
Zimti 1 extract used.