Reign of Winter by GM Niles (Inactive)

Game Master nilesr

What language are you substituting for Skald? I used Russian, Zima Kosnulya means Winter Touched. I'll use the same language and translator as you Sven that way it'll look the same when we both type it. Also, for the purposes of this campaign, Taldan and Common are synonymous

Yuln laughs at Sven's comments and it seems to pain him a little.

He responds in Taldan

The Winter Touched are fey who serve the jadwiga . How they traveled here, I do not know. It was them, I swear it on my father's bones. At first, we thought they were bandits. But then, the icy cold came, and we could not stand. My people speak of the Winter Touched but, how could they be this far south?

Ionnia Teppen looks shocked at Kiraak.

Uh, I'm not THAT old! Did that damned barkeep Menander call me that! But don't mind that hun, I've got something in mind for him. Any friend of Lyza is a friend of mine. We could sure use the help, this cold has begun to kill crops and is just....unnatural.

Yuln continues to Hassan

My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing, but...I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors of the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against. I even slew one before they dragged the Lady away.

Good thinking. I've been using Norwegian through Google Translate, since when I think Vikings I think Norway and Iceland. But Baba Yago is more slavic, so I'd be fine with Russian too.

Gauthier listens attentively, not wishing to interrupt, as the conversation goes exactly where he wants it to.

He absentmindedly reaches with his hand to play in Winter's fur, but realizes the wolf is not with him. His heart sinks, as he is reminded of his lost beloved.

"Of course you did!" Sven boasts, "You are Ulfen!"

"Where was this?" The northerner continues, "I know little of the Winter Touched beyond fairy tales, nor what they are doing this far south, but I know I have come for the same reason. And thanks to you, there is already one less, no?"

Lets do Norwegian
Yuln lapses back into Skald as he begins speaking, you can tell that the conversation is sapping his strength.
Heksene av Irrisen, dolke de fey i hjertet med is for å gjøre dem så ... bare kaldt jern og brannen vil drepe dem.

He stops himself and begins in Taldan.

They...took the Lady into the Wood. I would have followed...but.. He gestures helplessly at his condition.

I can tell you exactly where we were ambushed, it was near the spot called "Bright Fork" along the Zimaran road.

Yuln begins to fall unconscious and his last words are again in Skald.

Pass deg for kaldt, vil det tappe din styrke og drepe deg sakte. Ta mitt sverd bror .... Drep hekser 'kjæledyr.

Gauthier, unable to follow the conversation, asks: "What did he say? What did he say?!"

He turns: "Teppen, what happened to him? He looks... frozen. Will he make it?"

Kn Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Merisiel putting her hand to her face as thinks out loud Irisen. I wonder how they could reach so far.

she look up and address no one in particular It appears that the fey in your dark forest have been "changed" and since they are deeply connected to nature and rather powerful .... Well this just may be the results of that. Can any of you cast an endure elements spell?

"Sove nå, bror." Sven quietly commands the Ulfen, then reaches for the man's sword as if all present understood what was spoken.

He holds the weapon carefully, as if he distrusts the blade. "We need to find a goat, or at least goat's milk, before I may wield this.". He suddenly notes the confused looks... "The Winter Touched, they bring the cold, and it will get much worse. If this 'snow' chills you, then you must certainly steel yourself further. We will also need cold steel, and fire if we hope to slay them.". He lifts the blade in his hand slightly when he mentions "cold steel".

"He encountered them near 'Bright Fork' along the Zimaran road. Was he still speaking Skald then as well?"

He looks down again on the unconscious warrior, and draws the man's arms back up on his chest in a more comfortable position. "So if we can get fire, then all that remains is cleansing this blade, for which I will need a goat."

K:Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"I Know where that place is. If the trail is not covered by snow. I can track then."

Sven smiles broadly at the poetic nature of following a raven to their destination. That would be perfect!" then turning to Teppen. "Is there a farm near here with goats?"

The sword that Yuln gave you is a Cold Iron Longsword.

The Councillor looks at Sven with an odd expression.

A goat...I don...nevermind. I'm sure someone has a goat.

Ionnia Teppen turns to Gauthier and says

M'lord, you mean to attempt a rescue? This man suffers from several injuries to his body from spearpoint, a terrible bite and he is frostbitten. The apothecary says he should make it with rest.

Merisel approches the wounded guard and lightly touches him on the forhead. As she does healing energy course trough his body

healing hands: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

he should sleep better and he will indeed survive this. she says as the pul back

Gauthier nods, thinking on the information provided. Frost and fey... I should prepare.

He doesn't respond when Merisiel asks about eldritch might in so blunt a manner. Such power should be respected and not belittled so. The spirits are listening. Always. All around. Behind his back he moves his fingers quickly to ward off the most malignant of them.

To Teppen he smiles: "I see... Do you have any idea what may have caused such peculiar injuries? This doesn't sound... usual."

"Very good!" Sven replies. He then looks to the others, who likely are far more accustomed to warmer weather. "I have furs that one of you can wrap up in. We should also try to get some warmer clothes for you all while I find the goat. And unless some of you can command fire, then we will need our torches."

Sven is done here, wanting to let the man rest. But won't role play heading out until the rest of you are resolved.

Ionnia replies to Gauthier M'lord, only Yuln could answer that. He said something of "Winter Touched" but I don't put much stock in Northerners fairy tales. Probably bandits. His frostbite comes from exposure to this unnatural cold weather I'd bet.

Gauthier shrugs: "Very well, we'll go with Winter Touched for now. Sven seems to know what he means by it..." he says as he looks at Sven expectantly.

"As for fire and ice, I would be better prepared if we were to set out tomorrow at dawn. I have little in the way of clothing. If we are to experience extreme cold. I could sell a thing or two perhaps..."

I don't mind the wait but the longer we take the higher chance the hostage has to be executed. she says raising her shoulders

Hassan, being a stranger here, has no knowledge of the place mentioned. The mention of winter-touched and the man's injuries from severe cold make it clear the weather pocket he has been sent to investigate is part of this situation.

"Have any of you heard of these "Winter-Touched" the man spoke of? I do not know these creatures. But if they are behind the strange weather and the kidnapping of the Lady of Taldor, then our missions just merged into one."

"The Dawnflower has granted me with the power to channel Her cleansing fire against Her enemies, so I may be of some help against creatures of ice and snow, but I am not dressed or prepared for the freezing weather. Is there a place in this town to buy warm clothes as protection against these elements? Should we also acquire foodstuffs and water as the journey may be long to find the answers we seek."

Not sure if Cold Weather outfits are available this far south, but if so, let's get them.

Someone can use the Survival skill to fashion furs/clothing into makeshift Cold Weather Gear.

Ionnia Teppen pipes up at the mention of clothing suitable for colder climes.

You know, 5 winters ago was especially inhospitable. I bet Vivialla Steranus over at the General Store has something that might be useful.

We are going to say that it is early afternoon.

Gauthier shrugs: "Very well, we'll go with Winter Touched for now. Sven seems to know what he means by it..." he says as he looks at Sven expectantly.

"Oh, of course." Sven suddenly pipes in. "I forget that you don't know the stories. And that is all I know of them--stories from my childhood.". His voice rises slightly in pitch as though telling a story, "You see there are many fantastic creatures in the north, especially amongst the fey. Most are beautiful to behold, but some are quite wicked. The Winter Touched are like many other sprites, but they often work with the winter witches. You don't mess with winter witches, as they are often the villains in many childhood tales--tales of mischievous children who wander too far from home, or disobey their clans and family. The Winter Touched are faeries that often are mentioned as doing the bidding of these witches. I know little of them besides that they are extremely cold, both in body and manner. But Yuln says that the winter witches create them by piercing their hearts with ice... And can only be killed then by fire and cold steel. Apparently there is some truth to the stories."

While they are mostly villains in many childhood tales, They also rule the land of Irisen in their own name. I have little need to protect myself from winter but the advice is sound and good for all those involved to get proper furs and clothes. she adds

"Then let us go to Vivialla's. I will help if some of you need warmer clothes. Winter is nothing to toy with."

"I agree we should not wait, but I would be better prepared if we did..." shrugs Gauthier as he follows Sven.

"Teppen, my thanks for your collaboration. Let's hope we can find that lady!"

I have but little silver left! The estate has ruined me. How am I to buy winter clothes..? Will I have to beg like a serf?

"I would need your help Sven. My kind was not made to cold temperatures." says the strix.

"Witches?" the word stuns the Qadirian man. This was the word his clan used to describe heretics of other faiths, before they were burned in the cleansing fire. "It sounds as if these witches are real, and are perhaps behind this phenomenon. Maybe the elders really did know what they were doing sending me here."

He speaks to the others as they go over the the General Store to look for cold gear.

"In my land, witches are burned with the cleansing fires of Sarenrae. This ritual is what I was trained for. If witches, even winter witches, are behind this strangeness, then I am just the one for this job. I will gladly go to battle against those evil creatures and their twisted arcane magicks." His fervor is just a little too fine-tuned, making him sound a bit like the fanatic that he is.

Not every winter witches are evil Hassan, and Not every Arcane magic is twisted. she replies instantly

"That is not my experience, lady." the Qadiran Inquisitor says severely. "However, I am just the executioner, not the judge. We will let The Dawnflower guide us; Her judgement awaits those who practice the Dark Arts, so it has ever been."

And what is it that you call dark arts? she ask plainly

You guys were looking for Cold Weather Gear?

yes we are we are just talking on the way there

Yes, I believe we would like to head to Vivialla's

As they continue to migrate to the General Store, Hassan holds the door open for the rest of the crew.

"Gentle Lady, the Dark Arts are not to be spoken of plainly, but if you must know, they involve the twisted use of arcane magics in the service of evil devils or demons. Witchcraft in its many forms is a corruption of arcane magic and must be wiped out where it is found. The Will of Sarenrae insists upon it, and I follow Her Will explicitly."

At this point, Hassan does not know that the Samsaran lady is a witch so this should make an interesting dynamic. He is an ignorant religious zealot, like most, and only knows the ways of his dogma, tolerance not being a virtue he understands. See my note in the Discussion tab if it gets too uncomfortable.

Kirrak only observe Hassan. With his singular way of thinking. Not much can be done with it, but he is paying close attention to what the others says, and really hopping a Cold Weather Gear is confortable enough to fit his wings.

Best not to show too much of my powers... I wouldn't want to end up on a pyre for some misunderstanding... thinks Gauthier as he witnesses the back and forth between Merisiel and Hassan.

Once they reach the store, he looks in and blushes. What am I doing here? I have nothing but a few silver... At best I'll look like a fool!

I don't know what you categorize inside the many form of witchcraft and the twisted use of arcane magics. Ha but i see we are arriving to our destination. I wonder what kind of quality of furs they have there.

once inside if there are characters that look like they are reluctant to get a cold outfit for themselves because of lack of cash.

I will buy it for you you can pay me back later.

The shopkeeper an elderly matron named Vivialla Steranus practices a brisk trade because Heldren is a stopping point on the road to Zimora, as such she has pretty much any mundane equipment in the CRB. This includes 5 Cold Weather Outfits she is willing to part with for 5GP each.

I do allow haggling using the diplomacy skill, but you gotta RP it out.

"We will need something to protect ourselfs from the wind and to make fire, if we are to spend the night in the forrest." says Kirraak to the others, the we will turn to the shopkeeper. "Ma'am, we are mounting a expedition to the cold forest, to investigate this strange weather, the bandits and those strange rumors we have been hearing about creatures in the woods. But unfortunatly for some of us, when we first came here, we were not expecting to venture into the cold, and we do not have all the gear to survive the price. If we succeed, Heldren will be safe of those threats. Can you help us? Maybe selling your gear for a little less."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Anyone can aid? :D

"Hello Vivialla, remember me? I'm Gauthier. I own the estate north of here. Surely you remember my late wife Sandrine, who fell from the cold one night? There is a resurgence of a similar cold. People have been attacked by strange creatures, using cold as weapons. They captured a lady and injured many. We wish to go after them, but we don't have the simple means to survive the elements. Could you help us? Give us a discount?" He looks at her with soft pleading eyes.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

"I have flint and steel." says Hassan in his accented voice. "We can make fire with that, but we may need torches and a tent or two to protect us from the wind." He reaches for his coin purse counting out the denarii for the cold outfit and watching to see if she lowers the price for other items.

Hassan has 15 gp which should get him a cold weather outfit, and contribution toward a tent. Large tent holds 4 people (or birds) and costs 30 gp per PRD. Not sure if we can come up with enough, or if the diplomacy will work to secure items at a discount or on credit.

not sure if you guys are waiting on me, but I'll move things along

Mistress Steranus, recognizing Gauthier and realizing the need for someone to do something about the weather thinks on the request.

Tell ya what M'lord, I'll do the whole lot of coats plus a survival kit for 35 gold Taldans and I'll sell ya a couple tents on credit, you pay me when you get back

Merisiel will buy herself a cold outfit and she already has a tent

Kirraak will also buy the kit, using all of this money do do so. (5gp)

Gauthier waits expectantly, hoping someone will offer to pay a fair part, as he has but a little silver. He blushes as he waits, confused and shameful.

"Your generous nature will be its own reward, milady." says Hassan, dropping his 15 coins on the counter. "This covers my share and nearly all the share of the widower there. My purse is now empty but I am sure the Goddess will provide, as we do Her Will."

My 15 and Kirraak's 5 makes 20. Does Merisiel have enough to cover the difference? Is your tent big enough for 4?

Merisiel will put the last 15 gp on the counter

There that should do it. she says with a smile

All the coins deposited Mistress Steranus gathers up and then begins selecting packages from her overstocked shelves.

She deposits 5 Cold Weather Outfits, A Survival Kit and 2 Large Tents.

Good luck yeah? Hope the summer comes back soon. Travelers been light these last weeks, business been bad.

Ok, we are off! I'm guessing the party will head to the area indicated by Yuln? Also, no word from our Northerner

Luck indeed. she replies with a smile taking her outfit and readying herself

indeed we are heading to that area

Ok, gonna fast forward a little. If you want to back up and RP more we can do it in spoilers under "Earlier"

Kiraak and Gauthier easily lead you to the spot where the caravan was ambushed. A light blanket of snow covers the ground but does not hamper your movement, the temperature has dropped at least 15 degrees from when you left and is now beginning to feel uncomfortable. not to the point of making fort saves yet

Near the forest, the temperature grows noticeably colder. The road ahead is littered with debris and the corpses of slain Humans and horses. A carriage stands in the roadway 2 its team of horses missing or cut free while another overturned carriage 1 lies sprawled and broken next to the tree line To the south, more bodies have fallen around what appears to be a statue of ice 3. A snowy trail leads deeper into the forest. 4

The map is now up and in my profile. The numbers correspond to the map. Your actions?

Mersisiel will go and have a look at the statue of ice.

That map is amazing! Where did you find it? Or if you made it, kudos! Not sure if we are able to edit, or if you want view only, but right now I cannot move my token. Without a grid, it will be hard to describe the square I'm heading to.

"Caution lady, we do not know if ambushers are still hidden in these trees. Let us proceed to together to search this site."

Hassan draws his bow, readying an arrow if an enemy appears. He matches Merisiel's steps over towards the icy statue, keeping an eye on any movement in the tree lines.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13