"tell me Sarlene, how did you and this fine upstanding gentleman of a bird come to Heldren. the tiniest speck on the face of Golarion and you managed to find your way here. to be honest, if you told me it was his idea I'd be inclined to believe you" maybe it was the ale but Axel had never been so relaxed with a stranger. maybe the weather isn't the only thing changing he mused to himself
Another chill breeze gusts into the Silver Stoat, followed by an almost impossibly tall figure dressed head to toe in dark-stained leathers and a light gray cloak. The figure lowers its hood to survey the room, revealing a pale-skinned Half-Orc with a livid scar across his face. He is carrying a large bundle of furs across his back and seems well equipped for the outdoors, including a small arsenal of weapons. He unshoulders his parcel and breathes deeply.
Excuse me, but I could smell the stew as soon as I entered the village. It has been too long since my last home-cooked meal. He takes a seat, setting his furs down and nodding greeting. I could do for a strong ale, as well.
"Enjoy the bowl of stew and side of bread while I have Menander put on a venison steak. Quite a crowd tonight, and even before the regulars have made an entrance.
As if called by name, Tessaraea and Argus slip in along with a couple other locals. It's slowly becoming quite crowded and noisy with discussion.
I'll tell ja the tale, but you'll hardly believe it, eh. Sarlene leans back, pulls a whalebone pipe out of her backpack carved with depictions of whaling crews wrestling whales across an open sea. She lights it, and draws from it. A foreign tobacco, deep and chocolaty, lets off an acrid smoke as she draws from it. I'm a whaler. Not sure if ja know what I mean by that. Big sea creatures, full of fat and good oil for lamps, potions, machines, cooking... you name it. Big, terrifying bastards. Stick 'em with harpoons, like this. Sarlene rattles her harpoon beside her at the table, and imitates a throwing motion. Reel 'em in, like a little fish, eh. One of those bastards took ou half the crew, so we find our way through the Inner Sea to take on more men. Pirates make that impossible. Captain, near death and worried sick from pirate attacks, crashes us on the shore south of her, near the mouth of the Jalrune. I swam to shore, and here I am now, a shipless sailor. Sarlene lets loose a string of curses in rapid succession, out of which Axel can make out "...pirates..." and "...white bastard...," but Sarlene looks like she is done with the topic, a blank stare in her dead eyes. Even Stephen looks dour as Sarlene tells her tale.
Sarlene takes notice of Kale's newest arrivals, but especially the half-orc. That's a big, scary bastard. Bet he'd be a right-good whaler, eh? Sarlene motions over her shoulder to Axel, pointing his eyes in the direction of the half-orc (Deadeye).
You have my gratitude. The halfblood is surprisingly softspoken for his near seven feet and bulk. He settles in and begins eating the bread, slowly, in large chunks. Chewing thoughtfully, he regards the patrons flowing into the bar and listens to the growing buzz of conversation.
Aye, brother! Sarlene calls out across the crowded bar to the half-orc, with an unusual lack of grace or deference to someone twice her size. Share an ale over here, brother! We're swapping tales, eh? You look like you're full of 'em! Sarlene pulls out the chair next to her, seeing no sense in having the half-orc sit alone with two empty chairs at their table. Sarlene leans in to Axel, and whispers, "In a bar, there is always the potential for a bar fight, and having the big fellow on your side is a good call, eh?"
A whaler, eh? Mayhaps. I have some skill as a hunter, and some knowledge of hunting big game... He shakes his head and takes a sip of ale. Can't imagine myself on a rocking ship in the middle of an icy sea, though, truth be told, stranger.
Don't see why not. The Half-Orc joins the others, mindful to keep his furs close. Name's Daegan Underwood, most... well, most just call me Deadeye. He motions to his face.
we're alike in that way, you and I. My eyes have always been this way. Her eyes are dead and white, without an iris.
Axel nods sagely at Sarlenes suggestion to befriend the large man. "i hopeit doesn't come to fighting. I'll defend myself when necessary or when were on the trail but i take no pleasure in it." he gestures to a small knife on his hip "besides i'm not exactly equipped for a brawl now." Axel turns to the half-orc "pleasure to make your acquaintance Daegan. My name is Axel. What brings you around these parts? it seems all manner of interesting folk have gathered in this town for reasons as broad as the imagination. I'm curious to hear yours." Axel scribbles in his ever present notebook. A casual glance shows rough sketches of various things with unintelligible notes in the margins. The drawing dominating this page is a rough sketch of a whale that seems to have been copied from Sarlenes pipe.
Hmm. He regards the half-elf thoughtfully, perhaps with understanding. You're from Irrisen, aren't you? I'm from there "myself.
Eventually, Kalhar also made himself known at the tavern. Pulling down the scarf a smidge, he scanned the interior of the tavern for the one that had promised him free drinks, and his face became a facade of warmness once he had identified the woman. Strolling over to the small group, he nodded politely. "Ah, it is good to see you here, bird-wrangler. I had thought it perhaps folly to believe your tale of compensatory festivities, but here you sit as true as the ground is everywhere." A quick nod to the man he had already met. "Axel." and to the third, he extended a hand. "And to you, I do not think we have met. I am Kalhar Draven, apprentice at the Willowbark Apothecary in town. Are you a companion of Sarlene, here?"
KALE! MORE ALE FOR MY FRIENDS AND I, EH?! Welcome, shopkeeper! Compensation, indeed.
He turns to Axel and motions to his bow and stack of pelts.
I'm a trapper by way of life. I'm meeting someone in town who's got good silver for my catch, if you will. Lemming, geese, hare, you name it.
Sarlene, turns to the half-orc. Irrisen? No, of course not. To the east, in Kalsgard, land of the free Ulfen. Glad to meet a fellow Northerner.
Kalhar settled into a seat, but said nothing, instead listening as the travelers continued their discourse.
The halforc shakes the apprentice's hand. Not as such, no, though we do both seem to be travelers from the north. Call me Daegan. She does seem to be making friends quickly enough, however.... must be the puffin.
"a trapper you say? i'd be interested to see the mechanisms you use. You see I've traveled a lot and I tried my hand at catching game but I'm afraid I was not very good at it" he rolls up a sleeve and shows a scar on his bicep "took an arrow from my own trip wire. gods were my parents upset. perhaps, if you have the free time tomorrow, you could show me how to do it properly so i can avoid further injury. Axel visibly brightens at the opportunity to learn yet another new skill.
He let his belongings slide to the ground beside the table, a large pack tied to an uneventful steel shield. "It certainly has a mind of its own. Very much seems to be a part of the charm, but we are here nonetheless."
He nods to Kalhar and returns his gaze to Axel, chuckling softly. Perhapsl., I have only ever had the pleasure of being taught, but I suppose I could show you my equipment and teach you a couple of tricks. Dawn too early for you?
"its never too early to learn" Axel is positively beaming. "i will return the favor any way i can" he turns to the half-elf "how about you Sarlene? you're in the animal trapping business. I know you specialize is aquatic creatures but land creatures can't be too different. care to join us? his face is poorly masked eagerness.
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Jezzera nodded. If you have any bear's fur or horned thistle, I would buy it from you, Jezzera said, shifting uncomfortably. But there is something else I would like to speak with you about - what that woman said, about the weather changing.
Jezzera's voice became quiet and still, losing all its growl. My Clan lives far in the north. If the climate there becomes much colder I fear for their safety, he uttered grimly. If there is anything to be done, I want to do it. I will do it.
Padding softly into the Silver Stoat, Jezzera raised his chin, his nostrils flaring subtly. Beer. Mead. Sweat. Tavern smells, he thought, his stomach turning. But where is that alchemist?...
Jezzera rolls Perception: scent
Ah... Mahogany. Alchemical Fire. Not likely to find that anywhere else.
Jezzera moved through the crowd quickly and silently and found himself in front of a table full of faces, some familiar, some not so. He remembered the Alchemist, the strange Wizard, and the woman with the bird, but the presence of the green gentleman who towered above him even sitting down gave Jezzera goosebumps at first sight.
I... Apologize for interrupting, he barked nervously. But, I... wanted to see you all again, the Druid announced. Jezzera was a serious man but not one known for his communication skills. He found animals much easier to talk to.
Kale brings another round, she looks incredibly busy. "Oh my, so busy tonight, at least it's keeping my husband on his toes! It's sleeping on his feet we have to worry about."
The night is busy and full of conversation.
Interested players can make a Gather Information check using Knowledge (local) as rumors and happenings bounce off the walls.
A group of rangers in the Border Wood called the High Sentinels usually keep bandit activity curbed. They’re doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea.
Locals say a hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. No one believed him so he went back to trap it and prove them Wrong.
Give yourself a +2 circumstance bonus for being in this close and friendly Tavern. Those of you with more than 10 will get the info given in the opening conversation in the apothecary.
Axel looks left and is startled to see the other half-elf from the shop directly next to him. "oh! hello there. care to join us for a drink?" his smile is genuine if a little lopsided. "we were all just sharing stories. how we got here. past experiences and potential plans for the future. my friend Daegan here is going to show me how to properly set a trap tomorrow morning. would you like to learn as well?"
He stopped writing at the mention of the weather, and stared at his notebook for a second. "A cold spell has sprung up on us here, yes. Do you mean to say it's getting colder elsewhere, too?" after a moment, he began writing again. "That's a shame. It seems like many northernfolk have made a trip down here to little old Heldren just in time to see it get just as dark and cold as your lands way up there, but what can we honest folk do about the weather any more than we can do about the rest of our fortunes?"
He kept writing for a moment in silence, and then spoke up again. "If you're eager to get something done about it, my mentor has asked me to look into the Border Wood to measure some of the effects of the cold, and to determine precisely some manner of business-related affairs. I could use an extra hand, especially someone more attuned to nature than I. But I can't pay you any more than perhaps the components you seek."
His ears were open to more than just the conversation at hand, and he let the musings of nearby tables drift into them
However, nothing that hadn't been bouncing around the back room of his own shop found its way to them.
"speaking of trapping, i've heard tale of a giant white weasel around here. perhaps you could show us a hands on approach? i've always felt doing things is the best way to learn"
A giant white weasel, eh? Such a beast would be quite a catch. He eyes the exuberant wizard and a half smile creeps across his face. Perhaps we start with something a little smaller, see how well you do?
" oh alright. you are the expert. just promise me we will at least try to find this weasel. that is, if i meet your expectations. I'm rather curious about it. i've never seen a weasel any bigger than a house cat. this giant one could be the size of a dog or perhaps even a whale! oh the excitement is almost too much" Axel seems to vibrate with anticipation.
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This will be more than payment enough, Jezzera muttered, his eyes cast down. Please understand that I am a man of the wilderness. My life and the lives of those I love are tied to this land. If you are in business to study this... he waved his hand, shaking his head. This... phenomenon. I will be at your side.
Jezzera blinked at man's offer. Why yes, he stammered. I must find myself something to drink, then.
Gather information
I have heard of this weasel as well. I spoke to some... friends on the way here who told me they could smell it- he paused, his eyes sweeping the table. er, see it... on the horizon. Much larger than your average ermine. Wolves are scared of it. You know it's bad when the wolves are scared.
Haha, you have my word. Trust me, I am quite intreuged by the creature.
Knowledge (nature):
Admittedly, I know very little of the beasts and would enjoy the chance to study one. They might be quite tough, so an extra set of eyes could prove quite useful.
"Have you not heard the recent news? It would explain why you are so eager to rush off into the woods." He took a sip of his ale, speaking of it nonchalantly. "Some noblefolk, a Lady, was taken by bandits and spooky wintery creatures, they say - just as the ill weather set in."
He looked up from his bookkeeping, and met the man's eyes. "Very well then. Meet me here at the shop at daybreak. You would do well to come armed - there have been ample rumors of bandits in these woods and the local soothesayer warns ominously of dark times, as she often does. My name is Kalhar Draven, by the way - may I ask yours?"
He seems curious about the newcomer, and motions to the druid. If what you say is true, that wolves fear the creature, then I will need help. Would you consider joining us?
"perhaps the two are connected? the wintry north is no stranger to albino creatures. helps them blend into the snow and ice." he looks around " but you probably already knew that"
It's certainly a possibility. I get the sense that all is not right... these monsters, the attacks... the cold that seems to be creeping in... Daegan trails off, a distant look in his good eye.
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I am Jezzera the Wolf, he gruffly rumbled, extending a hand to shake his new acquaintance's. With a grin only one with elven blood could affect, he murmured,We have a saying in my Clan for introductions that I don't believe many outsiders have heard - 'you will not be sad to have met me.'
Jezzera's eyes shifted again. I would indeed like to accompany you, the half-elf said, and with a glance to Kalhar, he continued - But I have a... rendez-vous at dawn that I must not shirk. Jezzera looked down at his drink. Your green friend is right. All of these things together, it can be no coincidence.
He politely shook the man's hand with a firm grip. "Your benevolence notwithstanding - and I do enjoy a man that works well with others - it hardly seems likely that you'll be able to tell whether or not meeting you will make me sad.
Folding all the paperwork away and placing it under the counter, he settled his hands together atop it and leaned, his ever-present proper smile resettling on his face. "Let's hope you're right. Is there anything else that I can do for you today?"
"My friend Jezzera here speaks of a scientific mission we were to undertake in the morning, in these woods you seem to be so eager to hunt in. As my task does not in particular take me to any one site within them, we could travel together for protection, especially if there are bandits and winterbeasts on the prowl. As long as you did not mind stopping for me to take my measurements."
Sarlene, sloppy and a bit drunk from just three ales, turns to her new friends. DaegaN! FriEnd. Yes. A jouRNEy to SnoWy nethErs. Jezzera, ya say? WelCome. KALE! AN ALE FOR THE MAN! PuFFin anD mY WOmanly Wiles, no doubt... All At thE TablE... Weasel... Weasel?? Well, if it's a HuNT wE NEed'n, a HunT we can do. AnD There WiLL certainlY be TiMe enOugh to measure and Such. Sarlene's speech is slurred, but not wildly out of control, and surprisingly erudite, though masked by ale and a thick accent.
Kale brings the newest man over an ale. "My dear, you are almost an entire village worth of business. I dare say that you ought to find sleep here tonight on the rug. Just be sure to be up before Menander starts mopping, he has a habit of not paying attention."
Kalhar - when you come by the Apothecary in the morning, Tessaraea is attending a man in the guest bedroom. Meticulously measuring out remedies. "He should have been brought to me yesterday. The village council should have known better."
His nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded.
Kalhar's brow furrows, and his disposition takes on a small frown. "They are oft to err on the side of incompetence. What's his story?" Donning his smock, he immediately set to assisting her, taking over small tasks and fetching things for her. "In any event I cannot stay long; me and some of the northerners in town are headed to the Border Wood to take stock of the situation and it would seem more prudent than ever if this is related to what I think it is."
"Well than this should interest you, and what I surmise is the collection of individuals who were in here yesterday. He came from the Border Wood, this is the assumed lone survivor of an attack on the Lady Argentea. I'd think you eager to submit him to a line of questioning in the hopes of knowing what variables to account for." Her measurements of the remedy come across in an exacting yet effortless manner. With all her grace as an elf she coaxes him to drink it. "I'll need to change most of these bandages soon, I should start soaking the replacements"
"Well, if we are to set off as a group, then perhaps you could all meet at the Apothecary shortly after dawn. I will have my gear likely gathered an hour after the sun rises, and be ready to depart by then."
Kalhar pat Sarlene on the back. "As much as I would love to stay and enjoy what pleasantries your current state could afford, especially with a lady as lovely as yourself, I do have to work in the morning and I will have to wish you a pleasant evening." He finished his ale, and stood up, slinging his pack and shield over his back. [/b]"Do make sure that you are well and able to sally forth in the morning, my lady. One ale too many a grumpy puffinlord will produce."[/b]
Kalhar nods, and moves over to the bed. "It likely that they will be by soon. Do not be alarmed if they knock on the door, my lady. I know you can startle easily sometimes." Sitting on some available space next to the survivor, he looked down at him. Smiling at the man, he waves his hand in front of his face to catch his attention. "Are you awake, good sir? My name is Kalhar Draven, assistant to Tessaraea Willowbark. I need to know what happened to you. Can you answer some questions?"
"My name is Yuln Oerstag"He shifts uneasily on the bed trying to get his neck in more of a talking position.
"What would you like to know?"
"This happened in the Border Wood, yes? What were you doing there?"
He moved his hand to his pack, and produced a small notebook and a charcoal pencil, writing down notes as he spoke.
"And if you could describe the scene of the incident to me, that would be delightful."
"Our caravan was an escort for a young noble woman to one of the canals from the city of Zimar so she could return to Oppara.
We thought they were just bandits at first—outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.
My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away"
His frow furrowed further. "Fey? From the north? I'm afraid I'm not very well versed in these matters. But if magic is behind the cold wintery spell of late..."
Looking up towards Tess, he spoke to her now. "What does that mean? What could they want from the Noblewoman?"
“I don’t know. But if one of the White Witches took her, no good shall come of it. The winter-touched do nothing without the leave of those who placed the ice in their hearts. If they’re here, it’s because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow."
“They took her into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don’t know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here.”