Merisiel will use her On Kirraak, on Gauthier and on Tenpenny
She will cast her last on Sven
Looking at the Maelstom Merisiel will cast a detect magic and try to analyse its inner working
Indeed there is a cave and inside Hassan finds a large locked chest
necklace worth 400 gp, a painting of Whitethrone worth 100 gp to an art collector, three sapphire rings worth 75 gp each, a decorative filigree longsword scabbard worth 125 gp, and a small scrimshaw sculpture of dancing sprites surrounding a piping satyr worth 50 gp, as well as 2457 gp, 3313 sp, and 1760 cp.
|
"Do you suppose such a beast traps his chest of loot?" Hassan asks the others as he gathers them around the chest. "We found this key, which I would suppose opens the chest, but if there are traps, we should all be careful."
He offers the key to Kirraak, who has some experience with such devices inviting him to try the chest.
Sven nods at Merisiel's words. He's disappointed that he fell so easily to such tiny creatures, but can't deny the joy of still being alive for a bit longer.
He follows Hassan into the cave, if for no other reason than to escape the blinding snow outside. "That's a rather large chest," he remarks. "And we're carrying quite a bit as it is, along with what has been stashed back at that lodge.
Merisiel will get closer to the large Maelstrom and attempts to study it.
Merisiel as you move closer to the maelstrom the wind tugs at your clothing and the snowfall limits your vision, you feel powerful magic at work and catch glimpses of A bank of quill - like icicles spear outward in a ring, seemingly grown from a heavy sheet of ice covering the ground . A second ring of giant icicle-shaped monoliths stands inside the outer ring, surrounding a swirling cylindrical vortex easily ten feet in diameter. Icy winds and driving snow b last from the vortex, creating the wintry weather in the clearing.
Kirraak inspects the chest and says that it is free of traps.
|
|
Hassan tries the iron key found on the dead troll. Assuming it opens the crate, he whistles low at the amount of loot and coins found inside.
"It looks like our dead friend was quite an art collector. Look at all these things...including some potions. We should take these back and sell them in Heldren. I do not see any item that will control the winter maelstrom however... "
He casts Detect Magic over the potions trying to determine their properties, but is unable to discern anything.
Sven nods at Hassan's recommendation. "I agree with returning to Heldren. We will need to see the lady back as well. Then we can get to the task of closing this portal."
Argentea agrees to return to Heldren.
Sven tries to lift the loaded chest for their return, eventually asking for help from Hassan in lugging it back to the lodge.
As the group return form their cave exploration
I am afraid I have some bad news. I have applied my skills and knowledge to the Maelsrom and have determine that what is powering it is on the other side, It acts also as a Portal.
For the first time, Kirraak answer Merisiel skald talking.
And then he says in common "Maybe we can finda another way to Helden, without needing to get back to the lodge."
|
|
"The lodge is a shelter and a half-way point." Hassan points out. "We also have gear stored there that we can bring back to Heldren if we stop there. I also don't know if there is another way across the river besides the bridge that is near there. We should make for the cabin."
Hassan helps Sven tote the large chest, looking for a means to slide it across the snowy ground as he does so.
He also asks Merisiel to take a look at the potions and the magical spear that he failed to identify.
With Kirraak's roll and with Gauthier's help it would only take about 4 hours to return to the Lodge.
The party arrives exhausted and barely moving at the lodge, it is not yet dark
Sven notices a set of giant weasel tracks on the way back to the lodge, and considers pointing it out. Though he eventually decides against it. If that journal was correct, there could be valuable information to be found through pursuing that vermin but at the moment they all need rest and warmth.
When they reach the lodge he is quick to unload the equipment (meaning, drop the chest in the middle of one of the rooms and call it a day), kick off his boots, and start a fire in the hearth. "I have some Mead for those that would like some. I say we've deserved it."
So now that we have made it back to the lodge, our only option really is to go trough the maelstrom and find on the other side what is maintaining it and close it.
"It was not the plan go to Helden First? It seemed to me we have would deliver Lady and Tenpenny and then go back to study the place." Kirraak then turn to Tenpenny and says "You have been true to your word, and I'll be true to mine. No accusations shall be made against you."
Tenpenny responds to Kirraak I thank you, but beggin your pardon, I won't be headin to Heldren, I'll take my things and be on my way once we make the Road.
The party rests the night and restores 2HP each and 12 Nonlethal.
|
|
The weasel tracks are bit ominous, but Hassan urges the group back to Heldren first, then we can buy mounts and return quickly to the portal and investigate. "We must bring the lady to safety, in any event. And we can sell our gear and get items more appropriate for winter, like potions to help endure the cold."
At first light he rouses the others to make their way quickly back down to the village.
There aren't any potion to be bough in Heldren i think. I just would like to point out that following things. it is going to take us at least 2 days to make it to town and two more days to come back here. During that time. "They" can bring reinforcements from the other side of that portal. Maybe enough that it would be secure from our attack. The only thing i see is that we have to cross it now in order to prevent possible reinforcements from preventing us to be able to reach the "Control" on the other side. she says calmly
"It’s likely that Sven will agree with the ‘woman in blue’ even when our best options says otherwise. I agree that what you suggest may happen, but it may just as not. In any case, unless you plan to leave the lady here, and make this ‘recue’ party be just as unrescue as possible, I agree with Hassan into going to Helden."
Tenpenny chimes in I'd be willing to take the Lady as far as the Main road, but no further. I don't wanna end up at the end of a rope. Argentea speaks up and says I assure you, no harm will come to you Tacey.
Gauthier also speaks up and says he can escort the Lady to Heldren if the party wishes to continue through the Portal.
Consider this Kirraak if you were the opposition and the blue faery that just got back to you told you that all the security on this side of the portal was killed what would you do? Anyway she shrugs her shoulder Heldren or the portal is up to you. I really don't care one way or the other besides the "I told you so". she says with a smile
As suspected, Sven agrees with Merisiel.
"As much as I would like to unload this stuff, we have a bigger task. And Merisiel is right that it would be foolish to not expect much greater reinforcements to come through that portal. We have a window now, and we should take it. I believe glory comes to those that push forward."
”We have already beaten what they had to throw at us once, I say we can do it again.” but he pauses for some seconds ”But you are right, there’s no reason to give then the opportunity to make things harder for us.” then he turn to the lady ”It appears we’ll not be able to fully escort you to Helden ma’am, but Gauthier and Tenpenny are good companions.”
The party decides to leave the Lodge heading for the Winter Portal again.
Gauthier, Tenpenny and Argentea make their exit taking with them whatever items of value were not taken by the party.
The party sets off for the Winter Portal and a few hours later arrives in the clearing where not much has changed, the bodies of Teb Knotten and his Fey allies still lay in the clearing and the igloos are there. Nothing stirs...
The party approaches the Winter Portal and once close enough to feel the icy wind suddenly a gaunt horseman with curling ram's horns and wearing coal-black armor lurches through the portal astride a black warhorse, surrounded by tendrils of cold, dark mist. The rider slumps in the saddle, a shard of blue ice jutting from his back. As rider and mount come to a halt in the snow, the horse suddenly dissipates into black smoke, and the horseman falls to the ground with a groan. This man lays before you, bleeding
He speaks one word Baba Yaga
|
|
It is readily apparent to Hassan that the man's wounds from the jagged icicle are mortal, but some magic is keeping him from shuffling off the mortal coil. He hangs on to life, but only just barely.
"What is Baba Yaga?" asks Hassan, stumbling over the unknown word as he takes a knee in the snow next to the stricken old man. "Who are you, sir, and from where do you come?"
Oh not it is him ! she screams in anguish as she rushes down toward the men trying to alleviate some of his pain with her Healing Hands power
She turns to the group
is the legendary Black Rider, a servant and herald of Baba Yaga's return. She founded and ruled of Irissen many ages ago and every once in a while she return to appoint a new queen to rule in her name.
Kirraak will keep an eye in the portal, letting Merisiel do the talking, since she obviously knows lot more of the Baba Yaga than him!
The old man replies to Hassan's questions Once, I was called Illarion Matveius. Now I am known as Black Midnight. I am Baba Yaga's Black Rider, harbinger of the Witch Queen's return. Thank you for your efforts, they have eased my suffering, but nothing can forestall what waits for me. This is my last sojourn. He continues adding Baba Yaga is the true Queen of Irrisen, her return was eminent but her daughter Elvanna grows ambitious she wants to take Baba Yaga's place, and claim all of Golarion as her personal kingdom. Irrisen is a land of endless winter, created by Baba Yaga's magic. Elvanna seeks to cover the entire world in ice and snow, using portals like this one.
Well i am sure that if this goes against The witch Queen' plans she will depose of Elvanna upon her eminent return
|
|
Hissing a curse between his teeth at the mention of witches, Hassan listens to the rest, amazed. "So the Mother of Witches is being betrayed by her daughter who seeks to spread their icy grip over all of Golarion, including this Border Woods? And they have slain you, sir. What are we to do about stopping both this Elvanna and her evil mother?"
The Black Rider continues You must find Baba Yaga. Only Baba Yaga can defeat Elvanna. Only the Queen of Witches can undo what her daughter has done.
Oh no it is him ! she screams in anguish as she rushes down toward the men trying to alleviate some of his pain with her Healing Hands power
She turns to the group
is the legendary Black Rider, a servant and herald of Baba Yaga's return. She founded and ruled of Irissen many ages ago and every once in a while she return to appoint a new queen to rule in her name.
... to appoint a new queen to rule in her name.
The words echo in Sven's mind, though he says nothing. Fate is an interesting thing, which drives all men down a destined path of glory. But who is to say that this path is a noble one. Sven knows he has been sent to follow and presumably aid the woman in blue. He shudders as he thinks of the possible path this may be taking. Is Merisiel to be the new queen? Has he been sent to aid her, to become the next black rider?
He has little taste for these options, but shudders to think of battling what has been fated.
How am I to Find her ? What has sister Elvanna done ? How will pave the way when you die Black Rider ? Who will protect me ? she ask her voice saken
The Black Rider squints at Merisiel Do I know you? You must use Baba Yaga's Dancing Hut to follow her. The hut is a powerful artifact that can
cross great distances, even travel between worlds . If you can control the hut, it can take you to Baba Yaga. She can defeat Elvanna and stop the encroaching Winter.
You don't but i know of you. How am I to find the Dancing hut?
The Rider responds Elvanna stole the hut and put it on display in Irrisen's capital, Whitethrone, as a symbol of her power. You must go through the portal to Irrisen and find the Dancing Hut.
Understood, how will we be able to get inside it and activate the hut?
Sven wraps his own furs tight about him, staring into the portal as if he could see whatever lies beyond. It's a strange feeling, as he knows if he's going to Irrisen then he will be in the northlands again, which feels like home. But has a feeling that this will likely feel nothing like home at all.
The Rider responds to Meri's question The hut has many keys, objects attuned to the hut-that can take it almost anywhere. I managed to secure two of these keys, but Elvanna stole their power to prevent anyone from using the hut to find her mother. Once they are reactivated, placing the keys in the hut's cauldron will retrace Baba Yaga's path. Elvanna intends to slay everyone loyal to her mother. She hunted down those of us who would herald Baba Yaga's return and slew my associates. I am the last of the Three Riders and a threat to Elvanna's plans. He produces the two keys to the Dancing Hut-a lock of white hair from a frost giant's beard and a plague doctor's mask. These two items appear perfectly normal and mundane in every way