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“I cannot let you take such risks and keep my honor. I know the witches treachery. Just last month they sent envoys to talk of trade, but as we were about to let them in, we were attacked by winter wolves, ice trolls, and a dozen Jadwiga soldiers.” He spits on the ground before continuing. “We slew enough of them to scare them off, but lost many good warriors. I just wished we had captured that Jadwiga witch while she was here, but she vanished into the night.”
“My warriors demand retribution. We will go with you, acting as your caravan guards. Once the time is right, we’ll attack. After that, you can continue on your way without the threat of the witches at your backs.”
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Declan looks around. His hands remain away from his weapons as he continues on as if this situation is no big thing. "I see what the problem is. You think we are weak. The thing is, battle master, we are strong. We will treat you with respect, we will help you with your vendetta, but only as allies, not as pawns. We can be powerful allies, if the respect we give is returned in kind."
If they do attack, Declan will cast Vanish and move to get behind the battle master.
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"Fellow, we are not helping your enemies, but we have our own mission. We can't enter in war with enemies we don't know. We are here not to fight, but because your men asked us. We don't want to fight with you. We could help, but our priority is other than a war. How many men will you send with us? They must understand, we will fight just in case it is necessary to accomplish our mission."
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Halvor seems unswayed by Declan's argument, but is eventually convinced by the tiny halfling. "We will accompany you, and see the truth of Dalun. If they indeed desire peace, perhaps we can trade with them." He offers you two potions of resist energy (cold). "Please accept these gifts, and stay with us as honored guests. In the morning, we will all travel to Dalun and speak with their leader."
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Baphos takes one potion and says "Thanks, sir. We better rest to get ready for our trip. I will keep this potion just in case we need it in our journey. Other fellow, take the other. Thanks again.
Baphos sleeps as soon as possible, using his winter blanket, and early in the morning gets ready to continue the travel.
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The journey to Dalun is uneventful and short. Stone cliffs mark the border of Irrisen on the northern bank. Chill winds send flurries of snow over the edge, landing in the river and on the grassy bank of the southern shore where maple trees fight the icy doom of Irrisen’s endless winter. A long, narrow cart path winds its way up the side of the cliff from the docks to Dalun’s iron gates.
As you approach the gate and Halvor sees its weak defenses, his face turns red and knuckles go white around the haft of his weapon, ”To approach in peace, after all the witches have done . . .” He looks at his men, whose rage is even less controlled, then looks at the Pathfinders.
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Slamu catches Flink's meaning and steps in front of the angered barbarian. He cracks the knuckles on his huge fists and flexes his bulging guns a little.
"Listen Halvor, you agreed to give peace a chance before you start hacking everything to pieces. If you're gunna go back on your word you're just asking for a sidewalk slam."
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Halvor clearly understands the threat in Slamu's words and gestures, and quickly agrees to stand by his earlier decision. After a few minutes of questioning, the guards let you into the city.
The grey stone buildings of Dalun stand huddled together, as if the stonework was attempting to withstand the cold. Snowy cobblestone streets lead to a tall white spire in the center of town, its sharp point piercing the blue sky; an icy sheen covers the surface, glistening in the muted sunlight.
Colorfully dressed merchants stand out against the blue, grey and white clothing worn by the citizens of Irrisen, who trot through the white cobblestone streets with immediacy. The occasional ice troll lumbers along, giving non-Jadwiga humans a disdainful snarl.
As you enter the town, Haltani speaks up, ”There are several prominent merchants who might be able to help you, but I would speak to the jeweler Alexei Kartov first. Dalun also has ore, furs and witch-tree seeds in abundance.”
“I have business of my own, but after you conclude your affairs, I suggest asking Baroness Nadya for permission to travel farther north into her lands. And please give her my good wishes.”
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Theophilus looks around the store more like he's casing the place than shopping, but he's quick to get down to brass tacks once he starts dealing. It's a whirlwind of offers both personal and professional, proposed buyouts (that he has no way to back), and a thinly veiled discussion of the difficulties involved in avoiding Jadwiga tariffs.
I dunno if this is really what Captain Benarry had in mind, but I'm not gonna waste the opportunity
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Theophilus gets the feeling that Alexei doesn't quite trust him, but the jeweler eventually warms up to Baphos, "I don't specifically deal in enchanted gems, but many of my fine jewels have become the medium for a wizard's spells." He holds up a ruby-studded cloak clasp to Declan, "Would this be functional enough for you, good sir?"
After a short conversation filled with haggling, you eventually leave with what feels like a fair number of ice diamonds. Finding Baroness Nadya turns out to be rather easy. She is outside her palace, seated in an ice garden. Every plant, tree, bird, bench, and fountain is intricately sculpted out of ice. By magic or alchemy, the ice even displays the full range of vibrant colors one normally expects in a garden.
A group of guards stand watch, and demand that you lay down your weapons. "How dare you enter the Baroness' presence uninvited!"
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"Thanks, Jeweler. I don't need fine jewels right now. I think it is best to continue our journey." Baphos smiles again at the jeweler and leaves the store.
Baphos smiles and raises his hands to show that he is not holding weapons in his hands. "Easy, easy, fellows. We are not here to fight. I have no weapons in my hands. We just need to talk to the Baroness Nadya."
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Declan admires the cloak but begs off purchasing the garment.
Declan looks surprised at the guard's proclamation. Then he removes his weapon belt. "Of course. I've been traveling and it has come to sit so lightly upon my hip I did not even realize it was there." He hands over his weapons or lays them nearby as instructed. "Now if it pleases her, we would like to speak with the beautiful baroness."
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"What I want changed the moment I gazed upon your beauty." Declan smiles his most winning smile. **Nervously clears throat** "But that is not why I'm here or why we've interrupted your ruminations. My name is Declan. My companions and I are members of the Pathfinder Society. We're here to ask for your permission to travel further inland to a ruin once called Naldak's Point to investigate historical rumors. Can we have your blessing?"
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The Baroness turns away from Baphos and back to her garden, "My guards may be willing to offer guidance if you are unfamiliar with the dangers of Irrisen."
Haltani meets up with you just outside of Dalun, ”I didn’t find any information about the place you seek, but was able to narrow things down a little. It is most likely north-by-northeast of Dalun, and at least three hours away.”