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"YOU INSOLENT FOOLS! YOU WANT THE WOLF? YOU SHALL FEEL MY FANGS. I WILL SUCK THE MARROW FROM YOU BONES YOU WRETCH!" he shouted.
Alec stepped back as his fists clenched. His head snapped back and his muscles tensed as he unleashed a howl and activated the magic of the pelt to begin his transformation to a winter wolf.
As Ashling takes the Burning splash she gets understandably angey and activates the sword belt, turning it into a Scimitar, and after taking a step forward activate the cold aura Do that again and forfeit your lives
the lead goblin hesitates at Letitia's threat, starting to realize she isn't just a weirdly dressed foreigner.
Samuel jumps up and manages to scramble up onto the roof, grabbing the bomber!
then Alec steals the spotlight, and the goblins see a winter wolf. they start yelping and screaming at each other in goblin
Oh @#^$! Run! get out, !@#$, @*#&#&, !&!&!*@ aahhhh!
those still holding weapons drop them, and there is a mad scamper to get out of sight as quickly as possible.
the lead goblin thrashes around in Samuel's grip trying to shake loose to escape, but is unable to get away. the others don't even look back to see if their "leader" made it out alive
"What are they yelling?" not coping well with the goblin screams Samuel tries to pin down the goblin leader.
"A rope! Quickly!" the Taldan uses his larger height to push down the goblin, holding the legs with his and stopping the arms by holding them tight together "Stop! Why are you attacking us?"
If things continue more or less in the same situation, next round Samuel attempts to tie up in the rope the goblin if he succeeded to pin it down previously "Now! Stay quite and do not bother us more!"
Letitia's ice-blue eyes glitter with covetous interest as Alec activates the rimepelt and changes into a large winter wolf. Her mouth twists in a satisfied smile as the goblins flee in terror.
She looks up to the roof at Samuel with his captive. "I don't speak their gutter tongue. But the goblin told us why he attacked us. He wanted to rob us of our valuables. It's only fair that he turns over everything of value he possesses. And then beg us for his life."
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Samuel comes very close to losing his grip on the goblin, but is able to hold on, pinning the creature to the rooftop. the creature is making quite a racket, and at least one winter wolf pauses to see what is going on. when they see the goblin, and/or notice Alec they move on like nothing is happening.
Samuel is trying to communicate in Taldane (Common) as he believes everyone knows that language, but when he sees no reaction with the goblin, he changes to Skald and repeats "<Drop all your belongings and we will pardon your life. This time. Come again to us and you will not be spared another time.>"
"We should be moving " Alec growled. "We don't want to...be late"
The goblin spoke in some kind of language we understood.
Noticing the deference given to Alec-as-wolf, Letitia nods to him. "Agreed. Let's wrap this up."
the little goblin nods vigorously at Samuel, but is having trouble moving. he opens his hands, letting an unfinsihed bomb roll out of one of his hands to the rooftop. you search him for valuables and find a potion of cure light wounds, 2 liquid ice, a small set of leather armor and a morningstar, a formula book, and 5 gp.
in skald he all but screams at you
OK, take what you want! i didn't want any trouble, i didn't know you were a wolf! You looked like foreigners! please, no kill me!
In Skald "<Ok, that is better now... Notice who rules here before you attack in the future>" Samuel looks to the rest of the party, and if they do agree, he releases the goblin and let's it run.
Then he collects what was left behind "Well... let's try to focus on going forward. We do not want to lose more time in here. So, where next Ringeirr?"
To avoid losing much time here, let's say Samuel follows Ringeirr for where his allies might be.
Callix says (in Skald), "I think it's all ours now, little goblin. A fair price to pay for your life."
Ringheir is looking impatient
"let the creature go and let's be on our way. no need to make a scene... he is looking around very nervously, watching for something.
He leads the way further along the path (to area G3) "We're almost to the house where we will be dropping off this food.
Lazlo hoots, warning you of someone on the other side of the buildings that seems to maybe be a concern
up ahead about 50 feet, through an alley formed by a covered roof between two buildings you spot a humanoid creature. it is strangely barefoot in the snow with gray skin. it wears a hooded cowl, and you catch a glint of steel at its side. and a reflection of light from under the shadow of the cowl
"Alec, I suggest you stay in wolf form. We will be trusted more and accosted less in this district if you do so."
When Lazlo hoots and she gets a sense of his emotion, she clears her throat. "Something's on the other side of the building," She whispers.
"That's strange. Is that a reflection? Alec, I think you're our best camouflage here. Go in front, the rest of us should stay back some."
"The coast is maybe not that clear" Samuel musses trying to make the rest take attention of the shadowy figure in the alley 50 feet ahead. He points out the figure while trying to avoid being obvious "Why a human would walk barefoot in the snow?"
The large wolf's head bobbed up and down as Alec nodded.
He had just spotted the man when Samuel pointed him out. "Something's not right."
The large wolf slowly continued down the path towards the bare-foot human. Odors bombarded Alec's canine nose as he proceeded, but he tried to separate the human's scent from the others. It was such a strange sensation, but one that might prove useful.
Ringheir curses violently behind you. when he hears the discussion about the humanoid he takes a furtive look and then motions you all back. the creature is slowly moving towards you but not in a manner that makes it look like it has noticed you.
"That is a spy fo the queen's! they are abominations, called Mirror Men. they are some sort of construct, formed from the body of a human. the soul is still contained in the body, but is used to power whatever it has become. their faces are nothing but a blank mirror, used by their witch master to spy and report on anything they see. you don't have papers yet, best to stay out of sight of this thing. if it questions us and you don't have satisfactory answers, more agents of the queen will be on us instantly.
Letitia considers if the construct can be affected by mind-effecting spells and powers like the soul-bound dolls could. She also wonders if there's any way to stop them from recording or transmitting what they see.
She looks to Ringheir. "Avoidance is the best bet. If it needs to see anyone, let it be Alec since he has the best disguise of all of us. Can we take a detour around it?"
Ashling puts her stuff away and follows mostly silently, I agree, we should avoid contact if possible.
"A mirror man? I thought those tales were the product of my mother's insane imagination. She said the witches would craft obedient spies out of criminals. They would see through their mirrored surface like if they were there..." having another look at the unsettling view, the normally bold Samuel agrees this time the best way to proceed is to avoid the mirror man altogether "Let's detour around it and behave as we just got a bit confused on our route"
you know these creatures well. they were not used commonly before you left, but they were definitely in use. normally used as spies, they are built to interact with the Irrisini mirror sight spell, allowing their master to see through the mirror mounted on their face. they are intelligent and mostly autonomous, not requiring direct control. instead, they alert their master with a sending like ability if they notice something of interest.
because fo their autonomy, they are indeed susceptible to mind-affecting spells unlike most constructs
much like the soul-bound dolls, they are controlled by the soul of a human. the soul is bound into the mirror itself, and as long as the mirror is intact they can be transferred to a new body where they retain their memories and knowledge.
I agree. best put away any weapons and help me with this cart. if it has no reason to suspect us it will likely not even stop us. otherwise this will be the first test of our little charade! walk slowly and keep your heads down.
The mirror man continues to walk towards your group, but for now seems to be walking in a route that will take him past you, rather than approaching you directly
Callix shakes her head, I'm not sure if this is better or worse than the dolls... at least these don't seem to be made from children, but it's all very dark magic...
She wraps her cloak around her, seemingly against the chill, though taking the opportunity to cover her features, and nods, "Agreed. Let's just keep going - it's likely a sentry and not here for us specifically."
Letitia whispers to her companions. "I've heard of them. The soul that gives them their autonomy is also their weakness. If it spots us, shatter its mirror."
She stays with the cart, a few steps behind Alec.
Samuel agrees and walks by trying to avoid the mirror man as much as possible. At the point they get the closest to the mirror man he comments casually in Skald "I find Irrisen's vodka to be far superior to Andoran foamy wine, don't you find?"
The Taldan taps soothingly on Alec's back fur as they walk forward toward Ringheir's friends.
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Shut up and keep moving. I have more important things to do once we're done here" the large winter wolf snarled in response.
"But if you must know, a nice human steak soaked in vodka does sound rather tasty right about now..."
Letitia's eyes widen at Alec's statement, but she recovers quickly with a tittering laugh. "Yes, those southmen did seem soft, didn't they? Probably the equivalent of suckling pig!" She laughs again, wondering if Alec was truly a good actor or if there was something in the rimepelt that influenced its wearer.
Ashling listens and watches the group quietly, Human isn't very tasty, like an Oily lean pork, but looking more like beef. Vodka also doesn't contribute well in cooking, something like a bourbon or whiskey would be better She says suddenly without much emotions or care as if stating fact.
luckily, the group is well disguised and seemingly belongs here. the mirror man gives you plenty fo space in the lane and continues on its way, barely giving you a glance. it turns around the corner you just came from.
as soon as it is out of sight, Ringheir lets out a sigh of relief.
"Those things give me the creeps. they were barely spoken of just a year ago, and i don't know anyone who had seen one in person. now Elvhanna has them all over the city supplementing her personal guard. a very visible symbol of her conrtol over the city and the way her eyes are everywhere. watch out for those things as you move through the city. once you're out of the Howlings it is more likely they will stop you for "random" checks.
shortly, Ringheir stops at another small home and knocks on the door. someone opens it part way, then lets the man in. he motions for you to stay and wait for him. a few moments later he returns, and wheels the cart under the eaves next to the house. he and another human man unload the fish from the cart into an icebox.
"all right, that is one task down. on to see about some papers for you
Letitia gives Ashling a side glance at her morbid statement. Most of her companions were seemingly getting into their roles a little too well.
After the mirror man moves by, she lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She listens to Ringheir about the possibility of encountering more of them. Looks like I'll have to prepare some charm person spells then, she thinks to herself.
After the fish is unloaded, she nods in agreement; ready to move on. "Agreed. We should keep moving. Alec, how do you feel?"
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Callix locks a neutral expression on her face at Ashling's comment, I really hope that she's just making things up... But given how much evil surrounds us - and the fact that we're actively supporting one evil faction succeed -- I don't know. She sighs, Cayden, you couldn't have just had me go defend a brewery against giants or go save a village or something simple and clean?
"Uh...fine, I guess."
Alec turned and looked towards the cart. "If the cart remains here, what about our weapons?"
Letitia again appears awed about the large, white-furred wolf in their company. "Good. Let us know if you become uncomfortable. And remember, you should be able to switch from human to wolf while here in the Howlings without ending the magic."
Alec's question about their weapons was a good one, and one Letitia had almost forgotten. She was of mixed feelings about Samuel's weapon. Potent, but also noisy and distinctive. No doubt word of it would have reached Nazhena's ears, if not Queen Elvhanna. "Subterfuge has worked thus far, but it would not be wise to not have our weapons. Ringheir, are you taking the cart with us while we get our papers?"
"An unsettling presence in fact" Samuel covers up his neck, not yet used to the snow falling and the freezing cold "Do you never see the Sun in this land?"
Agreeing with Ringheir, Samuel helps unload the fish and resume the walk to see the weapon papers resolved. The ever suspicious High Sentinel gives an eye around and examines the people taking the fish trying to determine if everything is normal.
"Without the fish in the cart it will be harder to keep things concealed. we can bring it with us and hope that we are not stopped, or we can hide the cart here and return for your weapons once you have papers. or you can carry your weapons as discreetly as possible now that we are through the gate, but we must be very careful to avoid patrols if we do that
whatever choice you make to do with your weapons, Ringheir will start leading the way, doubling back to about where you were ambushed by goblins, then turning North.
up ahead you can see two large men in a shouting match. the white color of their hair and the large build of their bodies makes you fairly certain they are Winter Wolves in human form. the looks a bit beat up and unsteady, with numerous cuts and bruises on them
"I've an idea. Since Alec can shift back and forth thanks the the power of the Howlings, and the equipment he wears or carries merges into his form, then why don't we have him carry our weapons while he is in wolf form? It cannot be discovered so long as he remains in wolf form, and he will be above suspicion so long as he is a winter wolf."
Letitia whispers under her breath as she tries to look uninteresting, "This appears to be none of our business. Let us simply move past."
"I get what you mean but I am not leaving my musket here without me. I do not mind about the swords" when Letitia proposes her solution Samuel nods and gives the musket to his friend Alec "Aye, I cannot think in someone better to trust my musket"
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Samuel stretches his eyes trying to understand better what is going on but nods in agreement with Letitia "Yes, we better avoid showing us to people around. It is one vs one. A fair fight. Let's move on Ringheir"
"That works for me. I feel much comfortable with my tools at my side."
Callix watches, then shrugs, I thought wolves were pack animals - seems winter wolves are much more individualistic and less harmonious.... Hopefully that doesn't lead to someone challenging Alec.
you can tell both of these winter wolves are severely hung over and fighting about somethign that happened durign a long night of drinking. they are angry and likely to lash out at anyone nearby
one of the two wolves spots the party. in skald he calls out: "yeah? what'rr you lookin at anyways? just mind your own business before i make you inta my business...
Ashling keeps walking not bothering to even look at the scene like the others, It does not involve us and will not benefit to interfere. Remember what's at stake and what we are here for. she makes a motion the the black cloak around her,, speaking in a quiet whisper to the party
Letitia eyes the pair coldly. In Skald, she says to the one who spoke, "Watch out for your friend, not us. He looks about to pass out."
Samuel whispers to the others "Pssst...! Those ones are totally drunk. They are probably discussing about something they do not longer remember and they are likely to discharge their anger at any passer by... We better do not talk or look at them or we will attract their attention."
When Letitia makes her hex the High Sentinel holds his breath hopping that works and keeps the other one busy so they can move on. Just in case he hands for the sling, but holds it concealed in his hand.
One of the winter wolves suddenly drops, snoring loudly on the ground, even more clearly drunk now that he is sleeping in a very uncomfortable position.
the wolf who spoke stops and looks at the one he was just arguing with, and then at the group that is approaching him, including two Jadwiga and a winter wolf. even his sloshed mind can tell this isn't going to be a good fight to pick and he mumbles some sort of apology and slinks away, leaving his companion (or rival, no way to really tell) on the snowy ground
"That was a bold move. Have I ever told you how much I love your style Letitia?" Samuel relaxes and smiles, quickly walking away towards the direction the group was moving before finding the drunk men "Are we far Ringheir? This neighborhood seems full of dangers"
Letitia allows herself a tight smile as the man-shaped wolf succumbs to her hex and the other slinks off. Her smile grows at Samuel's compliment while her ice-blue eyes glitter.
Callix releases the breath she didn't know she was holding, It's a good thing that worked. An angry drunken wolf that knows someone tried to enchant it would have made things far, far worse... I'd call her out for being reckless, but I can't help but think we're going to have to take even bigger risks to get through all this.
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Ringheir's eyes narrow, looking at Samuel and Letitia. If we meet again after all of this is over, I'd love to hear your story. your real story. I appologize, this district is certainly dangerous, but trust me, this is nothing compared to what we would face going through the main gates of the city. things will only get harder from here, but you're the people who wanted to sneak into Whitethrone...
you're pretty sure after that last encounter that Ringheir has put the pieces together that Letitia is actually a Jadwiga pretending to be a southerner pretending to be a jadwiga pretending to be a southerner. but he is not calling her out on it directly, so you hope for now that he is going to keep it to himself. apparently the goodwill you got by saving him and the recommendation of his niece is enough for him to keep working with you even with this information.
the group continues on for a few moments before someone else comes running into view. an Ulfen man comes running around the corner, looking over his shoulder and sprinting very fast. he almost runs into your group, and pulls up panting heavily.
Please help... my master.... is in.... a rage...
Samuel smiles at the appreciation of Ringheir's words "Be reassured that our enemies are common here. And I fight for the witches to leave Taldor be. I do accept a good ale after we are done so I can tell you more personal reasons why I am here. But we are in the same side"
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When the man comes and kneels in front Samuel makes a gesture for him to stand up "Who is your master? Why is him in a rage?"
Ashling sighs audibly, Risky and irrelevant, but at least it worked...why are we stopping again... we need to keep moving. there are bigger things at stake than individual issues. We need to find this cabin and Baba yaga.
Do not get to involved, we need to keep out of trouble
Letitia meets Ringheir's eyes and doesn't flinch. After giving the slightest of nods, she says, "And I look forward to telling it. But as you said, later."
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When the man runs up to them, Letitia narrows her eyes at him. "Then you'd best keep running before he catches you, yes?"