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Jezzera's ears prick at the sound of the Strange Bird's dismayed squawks. Turning, he sees the tiny bottle it seems to be trying to wrench free with its beak. Reaching for it, he gently pulls it from Sarlene's pack and uncorks it, giving it a whiff.
Turning to Kalhar, he hurriedly speaks, I'm guessing the bird is trying to communicate that this would be helpful for her. Why don't you administer it?
Sarlene comes to, coughing blood, and a crazed smile spreads across her face. Damn, sirs! Never... She spits, and lifts herself to her feet. Never let me near a trap again. I will gladly sit to the side while Daegan or Axel 'tinkers' with the blasted thing. Sarlene lets off a string of curses in a variety of languages. She looks to Kalhar, Jezzera, and Axel. I thank you for your concern. And for bringing me back. We make a decent crew, eh? She continues smiling, spitting, and cursing. She reaches down, picks up Stephen and gives him a hug. Damn stupid bird. Despite the insult, she is visibly compassionate for the little feathery fellow. Sarlene sets down the bird, moves to Daegan, and places her hands on his wounds. Quiet, be still. Her mumbling resumes. Those who speak Hallit recognize the words.
What looks like snow-ridden fog entends from her hands in a cloud, covering the wounds, freezing them for an instant, and then melting to reveal regrown flesh.
Daegan gasps with surprise, then immediately sighs with relief as the magic closes the worst of his wounds. Ahh, that feels much better. My thanks, Sarlene. He examines a deep gouge on his arm that has closed completely. Extraordinary. My father spoke to me of magic that could heal even the most grievous would... truthfully, I thought he was exaggerating. You have quite the gift.
He kneels to retrieve his new longsword, which had fallen into the snow. It seems that their trap was not effective enough. Shall we see what they sought to keep us from? He gestures to the chest with his sword.
Aye, we shall. Sarlene struggles to retain her upbeat demeanor, but is obviously forcing a smile as she grips at her undoubtedly broken ribs.
Daegan opens the chest to find that it is empty. Only the falling snow passing by Daegan's head occupies the space.
"As dashing as your adventurous ways are - and believe me, I am inspired by all of your spirit - we would do better to err on the side of caution from here on out. Bravado will lead to our deaths; I fear for your safety after a blow like that in any serious combat."
He rearranges his vials idly, and shifts his pack around. "That medicine I administered to you stopped any internal bleeding or lethal trauma. I wouldn't worry about any persisting internal damage, although your own potion probably took care of the remnants of that. Are you feeling unnaturally dizzy? weak? nauseated? Side effects may occur." a quick look to the wizard. "...and you, Axel, are you well?"
Sarlene looks over Kalhar's shoulder at Axel.
Well, he is not well, but he seems as though he'll survive. How feel you, Axel?
Turning to Kalhar, It is not the potion that I worry about, sir, but the dent in my chest.
I've broken a few ribs, maybe? I'm not sure. All will be well in the morning, eh?
Her coy smile fades as another wave of pain seizes her chest, and Sarlene sits on the snowy ground. She looks up at Kalhar, with a tone as of yet unheard from her. With practiced elocution and a slow pace, she speaks in a tone more befitting an aging sorcerer than a sailor.
And Kalhar, you are right. I fear I may have read too many a story in my youth. I know better than to rush in, but when my heart begins to race, I lose my senses. I should be smarter than that.
Sarlene falters as she addresses Kalhar further, searching for the appropriate vocabulary, with a pained expression in her eyes.
If it pleases you, w-w-would you... advise... me to steady myself in our next encounter? I find y-your... solid... voice most ... ...reassuring.
Her smile returns, she looks away, and she begins playing with Stephen on the ground in a childish manner.
Axel has a stick now and is using it as a makeshift staff and is leaning on it heavily. He manages a smile through obvious pain. "I'll be alright. I've had worse" he laughs which just causes more pain. This internal conflict settles with a smile.
You have about 4 hours till sunset. Do you proceed or make other arrangements?
Should we make camp ? I could use the rest, eh?
"I'm not feeling so good myself. Perhaps we resume our journey in the morning?"
Kalhar kneeled down Sarlene, a brief smile flashing across his face, before returning to a strict businesslike flatness. "You definitely should take it easy." he looked up at the rest of the party at this point, eyes efficiently taking in their conditions. "Do you all have the means to survive for the evening? My elixer will protect me from the bitter cold, but I understand that the same may not be true for you all."
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I have just enough medicine to keep myself warm in the night. I could attempt to start a fire but my survival skills are not exactly... Group oriented, Jezzera cautiously murmured. He rifled through his bag for spare juju, though he knew he would find none.
The best I can do for you all is provide a small charm against frostbite.
Aye, I have never been bothered much by the cold... if the others are fit to weather the night, we should begin looking for a safe location to set up camp. I can make a shelter for everyone, perhaps even start a small fire... He nods at Jezzera's words. Together, I think we can manage.
aye , jezzera, I know a thing about that encantation, too. I'd be glad to help anyone as well, but we all look rather well suited.
Sarlene walks off, and then looks over her shoulder. I'll be looking for dry wood. I can start a fire with a snap. Daegan, if you'll help me, I'm sure the others can set about finding a suitable campground nearby.
"I'd be more than happy to help start a fire. Like I said, I've got some experience in wilderness affairs"
He looked down the path they had been headed down, squinting and thinking for a moment, before speaking again "We can't afford to make a mistake like this tomorrow. This is not a slight against us, I only hope our foes are less formidable than they seem"
Very well, we appear to be decided on the matter. He looks to Sarlene, seriousness apparent in his gaze and his tone. Let us begin immediately. Dry wood will not be easy to come by in this snow, and it will take time to prepare a shelter and get a fire going.
Deadeye looks about ready to stow his sword, then hesitates, thinking better of it. Instead, he draws a small axe in his off hand, retrieving it from somewhere beneath his cloak. This should due for cutting down any dead wood we find. He offers it to Sarlene, handle extended. Let us waste no more time... stay alert. Everyone.
It takes a couple hours but you manage to craft out some lean-to shelters out of branches. Daegan and Kalhar are able to shake off the snow and get a decent sized fire going. The constant popping of leaves gives voice to the shallow orange flame.
Sarlene burrows a small hole, packing the snow around the edges. She offers to take the first watch, and asks Daegan and Axel to rest their injuries while she, Kalhar, and Jezzera take turns with the watch.
After her shift ends, she curls into a ball within her snowy pit, wrapped in her furs and thick coverings, pulls her scarf over her face, and Stephen curls up under the crook of her arm.
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Jezzera rouses to take the second watch. Used to life on the trail, his senses are well-trained by years of exposure to the wilderness.
As he watches he grinds hard, frosted earth and grass from beneath the snow into fine powder, chanting prayers to the bestial spirits of the woods. He stuffs the medicine in his bag and watches solemnly.
At the end of his shift he returns to the shelter and falls into a deep sleep.
Despite his injuries, Daegan insists on taking the third watch. He is used to rising early, and his night vision is sharp. During the wee hours of the morning, he rises to relieve Jezzera, taking his place on a fallen log and contemplating the embers.
I find it likely that Kalhar takes 4th watch while Axel takes the last. (Assuming everyone wants 8hrs)
The night passes without incident, a healthy amount of snow has piled on your shelters, gear, and possibly persons.
The temperature remains cold, the conspicuous snowfall unchanged in its pursuit of the ground.
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Rousing from dreams of tundra and wilderness, Jezzera shakes the snow and sleep from his eyes at the bitter light of morning in winter.
It seems the snow is no less relentless today, he growls. Bothersome slush.
He stands, attempting to get his footing in what is nearly knee-deep snow to him. And to think I elected not to bring my snowshoes....
Sarlene stirs in her snowy hidey-hole for a moment, mumbling, and then suddenly. She shows no sign of injury, and her usual smile is back to its standard magnitude.
Alright, mateys, back to our business of exploration, zombie-killing, and brutal injuries, I assume? she says, with a chipper demeanor. She pulls some salted fish and bread from her pack, which she and Stephen share, then settles down by the smoldering fire, pulls a small book from her bag, and sets about reading. Occasionally she interrupts her reading to whisper a few words Stephen.
She finishes whatever she was doing, brushes off the snow, and turns to her comrades. Is anyone else still feeling sour today? Or particularly cold? I may have a remedy.
Daegan rises at dawn and stretches, grimacing at a pain in his side. I'll make due... that log did a.number on me, but I would be in a much worse state right now if not for your aid, Sarlene.
He cracks his neck and breathes a sigh of relief. The crack reverberates in the still morning air. Ahh, much better. Shall I rustle up some breakfast, or do we want to depart immediately?
"I have a soft spot in my heart for eating." he replied, eyes shuffling open from his huddled spot against a tree. Standing, his bones could be heard audibly cracking, and he took his time stretching and rousing.
While everyone was out on their various tasks or waking, he produced a small notebook and a tray, and began working diligently on mixing several vials worth of strange compounds.
Axel can be seen sitting at the edge of the campsite, his nose in a book. The small lenses on the tip of his nose make him seem decades older than he really is. As everyone stirs, he moves to the fire and adds a few dry sticks t give it new life. His clothing is now devoid of any dirt or blood from the day before but still has several holes. He looks to Sarlene "You wouldn't happen to have another curative spell would you? I feel better than yesterday but not much." He lifts up his shirt to should a large bruise that is turning all kinds of colors a human is not supposed to be.
Without looking up, Kalhar commented idly on Axel's question."Ah, the wonders of magic. I've found that with careful preparation and years of practice I've been able to formulate curative elixers for my body, but before I perfected it they tended to make me violently ill instead. Otherwise, I would offer you one of mine." he held a vial of blue liquid up, shook it lightly, and then returned to his task.
"It's alright. If we do not have the spells among us to heal me, I can let time work its magic. I will just have to be extremely careful until then. No more up close investigations for me today" Axel gives a rueful smile but seems accepting of the decision.
Sarlene moves to Axel. Yes, sir Axel, I have something that may be of service, though I have to tell everyone, I may not be able to summon the will to do this again without a good night's sleep. Sarlene moves to Axel, the same frosty cloud extends from her hands over Axel's bruises, and his skin begins to freeze as unnaturally as the icy "statue" seen the day before. Again, Sarlene mumbles an encantation as ice covers the wounds. The sound of ribs rearranging is unsettling, but after a moment, the ice melts away, and Axel seems relieved.
It's early yet, but there is enough light that you shouldn't risk turning your ankle on a root. (One that isn't buried in snow anyway)
The only people with rations are again Daegan and Axel (with 5 a piece). The rest of your group are probably starving. Do the two of you share?
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Axel winces for second then relief washes over his face. "Thank you I feel much better." He moves to his pack and pulls out some rations. He takes a quick scan and notices several of his companions don't seem to be carrying any. He sets his breakfast aside and withdraws a couple loaves of bread. Wordlessly, he gives a whole loaf to Sarlene with a small smile then breaks off a small piece of his own and tosses it to the bird. He turns to the two without food. "Kalhar. Jezzera. Would you like some breakfast?"
Kalhar now takes point as they depart, keeping a keen eye out on his surroundings but not saying much. His pace is measured and steady (as much as it can be in thick snow).
A white haze of snow through the trees ahead of you, the trail of packed snow is slightly harder to follow. Luckily it appears to have been a game trail long before the snowfall and remains somewhat obvious.
You continue into the forest for another mile, taking roughly another hour. (Kalhar's Endure Elements is still active)
The snow becomes increasingly deep in this part of the forest, where a windswept gully carves a path through a tree-covered ridge. A soft cascade of snow falls from an overhead branch, hissing softly as it strikes the ground.
Perception
Axel
Deadeye
Jezzera
Kalhar
Sarlene
As your walking along, a long white lizard creature beast thing leaps from the snowbank at Jezzera.
Taking him by the throat to the ground. A red-spray paints the ground and gives the long white wizard a menacing appearance. The tail coils around Jezzera's body.
Axel
Daegan
Jezzera
Kalhar
Sarlene
Creature
Round 1
Sarlene graciously accepts the bread, stores it in her pack, gathers Stephen and her harpoon, and makes for the trail with Kalhar.
She moves to match Kalhar's stride, using the harpoon as a walking-staff of sorts.
Knowledge Checks
Arcana
Axel
Kalhar
Sarlene
This is an arctic version of the Tatzlwyrm. (It didn't pay its Z tax)
It is immune to paralysis and sleep.
This is an arctic version of the Tatzlwyrm. (It didn't pay its Z tax)
It is immune to paralysis and sleep.
It has a poison attack it uses on grappled opponents.
Pounce
Rake
His eyes widened, and he grabbed for one of his vials, effortlessly snagging it despite his gauntleted fist and popping the cork off, discarding it in the snow. He drained the liquid in a single gulp, and tossed the glass aside, stepping towards the beast with a previously unseen anger in his eyes.
It was not his flesh that changed, but something beneath. His muscles tensed dramatically, and his arms and legs bulged, the tension beneath them creating an almost monstrous appearance to him. Like metal cords, they drew tight, and resisted blows to them with inhuman endurance. Likewise, his gait grew longer and it was quite clear that he had gained a measure of strength.
This lizard beast is about 8ft long and weighs about 500 lbs.
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Fortunately the cold wind and freezing snow assisted his blood's natural coagulants, quickly forming hard clots over the more grievous wounds. The tail of the beast was still wrapped around his body, however. Should he wake from his unconsciousness he will still have to deal with the constricting pressure of the mighty Lizard.
Deep in his slumber, Jezzera saw himself surrounded by the shadows of his lupine brothers. Is this death? He heard himself thinking. Have I been slain by the unseen so quickly?
(+2 if flanking, bedroll bonus included.)
Without subtley, he brings the well balanced sword slashing down, a furious blow aimed at the creature's neck.
Darkness fell quickly over Jezzera's eyes as he felt teeth and scales dig into his skin. Blood rushed to the surface and spurted in every direction as his body fell limp to the ground.
Fortunately the cold wind and freezing snow assisted his blood's natural coagulants, quickly forming hard clots over the more grievous wounds. The tail of the beast was still wrapped around his body, however. Should he wake from his unconsciousness he will still have to deal with the constricting pressure of the mighty Lizard.
Deep in his slumber, Jezzera saw himself surrounded by the shadows of his lupine brothers. Is this death? He heard himself thinking. Have I been slain by the unseen so quickly?
The large lizards dragon-like face nearly smiles as it starts moving back towards the trees (and piled snowfall) dragging Jezzera with it.
Axel yelps in surprise, backpedaling. Keeping his distance he summons the familiar sphere of magical energy. It hits the beast square in the eye, forming lines of red between the yellow eye and white face.
No! Daegan shouts in anger and surprise, raising his longbow and approaching the beast with fire in his eyes. He lets loose the drawn string, striking the beast with a thud.
I used your attack and damage rolls.
Sarlene takes her harpoon in hand, lifts it above her head witha heave with her right hand while sorting the rope with her left, and runs forward and lets it fly, losing the rope as she does so. The harpoon sails wide landing in the snow sending a measure of rope sailing past it.
With her hands freed, she holds her ground, flipping her wrist back to trigger the spring mechanism on the dagger up her sleeve. Keep the beast away from Jezzera! I can stop the bleeding if we can make room!
Kalhar’s eyes widened, and he grabbed for one of his vials, effortlessly snagging it despite his gauntleted fist and popping the cork off, discarding it in the snow. He drained the liquid in a single gulp, and tossed the glass aside, stepping towards the beast with a previously unseen anger in his eyes.
It was not his flesh that changed, but something beneath. His muscles tensed dramatically, and his arms and legs bulged, the tension beneath them creating an almost monstrous appearance to him. Like metal cords, they drew tight, and resisted blows to them with inhuman endurance. Likewise, his gait grew longer and it was quite clear that he had gained a measure of strength.
He advances on the monster, keeping it in his sights. With a practiced and familiar motion, he draws and nocks another arrow, pausing for only the merest second before letting it fly.
It smacks into the creature's flank, and Daegan barks in fury and triumph.