And gameplay is now open. It will start in a few hours with my first post, but please feel free to dot the thread.
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The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead.
As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman's escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
The party, consisting of Ordrik Stonhelm (Dwarf Warpriest of Torag), Marcian (Human Bloodrager), Annalisa Finnrsdottir (Human Barbarian), Fizzlewhisk Ettinfell (Gnome Ranger), Grimskell Son of Ogmundr (Sylph Skald), and Aðvinr (Human Shaman) have all gathered in the town of Heldren's only tavern, The Silver Stoat. Menander and Kale Garimos, the owners of the Stoat, have put two tables together for the parties use.
The young gnome glances about the tavern, knowing that the woods can be dangerous without added threat.
Annalisa greets the familiar faces with smiles and by raising her mug as she waits for everyone to arrive.
The door opens to let Grimkell the Keeper of Lore in: a tall Ulfen all dressed in furs despite the heat of the summer. The most striking feature of this person his is androgyny, it is hard to tell whether the ulfen is a woman or a man. Lack of facial hair, smooth features, blond almost white hair and eyes of and eldricht deep blue definitely give the person an air of unnatural feminine beauty to the person. However, his gait says otherwise, there is no femininity at all there. Those knowing him are aware that even suggesting that Grimkell is a woman is tantamount to challenging him to a duel.
Once the door closes, the ulfen heads for the table where Annalisa and Fizzlewhisk are sitting. His exppression is grim as he aproaches the others and sits accross the ulfen woman.
"Barmaid! Beer!" he cracks a large smile to the gnome and the woman "We have to celebrate! The disapperance of this noblewoman calls for action and I believe I found a few people in town who could help her rescue! This is so perfect, warrior, hunters, plenty of people that are hardly found in small forgottent towns such as this one! Destiny truly smiles on us. It is a sign. A sign that we must take arms, become heroes so that people may sing about our deeds! What do you say, want to join me might warrior and skillfull gnome?"
At Grimkell's call, Kale Garimos arrives with a tankard and a wane smile. "Here you go, sonny. And id I hear right? You're thinking about going to check out the Border Wood?
Barkeep, an Ale, Calls Ordrik, I need something to make me feel as if I am in Highhelm.
The 4'2" red haired dwarf, looks over at the rest of the group, Names Ordrik, from the mountains, and you are?
Annalisa tosses her head back and laughs, "Grimkell, only you would see the kidnapping of a noblewoman as a thing to be celebrated. I can't say that I have much better to do, though, than to go off to try to become a hero."
"Welcome, Ordrik from the mountains. I'm Annalisa, the furry thing sniffing you is Hundur," Annalisa says indicating the dog beneath the table.
Ordrik looks over and a little down at the dog, Hi Hundur and then extends a hand for the dog to sniff.
After the sniffing, Ordrick ruffles his fur.
Well met Annalisa, so what have you heard of this missing noble, as I have heard very little.
"Not a lot. Just that a couple of weeks ago she traveled past Heldren going to Zimar to meet the man she was suppose to marry. People say that she called the whole thing off, though, and was heading back home."
Grimkell grins at the Kale.
"Thanks! I am, so is Annalisa apparently! I hope to convince more people, tales usually involve a hero and his companions... I wonder who the hero of this tale will be... I did invite two more people in town, but they don't seem to be here yet. Ahhh, this is so exciting!"
The skald then turns toward Ordrik and Annalisa.
"Well met, Ordrik! I am Grimkell, son of Ogmundr and Keeper of the Lore.
The ulfen pauses to see what Annalisa has heard about Lady Argentea before adding his own opinion:
"But, truly, what is there to know? A noblwoman needs to be rescued, the promise of rewards and deeds is undeniable. A stout, well armed and armored dwarf as yourself would surely be interested in helping, no? We already have this fine warrior with us!" he points with his chin at Annalisa "She is ready to raise from her lowly position as bouncer and become a true warrior! Cheers!"
Upon finishing his short speech, Grimkell drinks his tankard of beer.
Kale nods and then retreats back to the kitchen to bring back an ale for the dwarf. "Might not be Dwarven made, but it's a good drink we think."
Looking over the group, her eyes go wide. "There be more than this for your little adventure to the woods. Well, I hope you lot got plenty of furs. They say the place be frozen over."
Ordrik, looks a little shocked at the frozen comment. Furs, I guess I will have to see about that at the store, but I doubt it. As for helping, I could see myself doing so.
Sitting quietly at the end of the table nursing his ale, the massive dark haired man dressed in hide armor with a shaggy fur cloak looks up. "If recent events are any indication, you may have more high adventure than you'd like." he says, his voice a low rumble.
As he speaks his hand reaches down to pet the creature at his side. The subject of many a gawking stare, the pygmy mammoth lying next to his boot was a strange sight this far south.
"Strange weather, sights of creatures from the lands of deep winter, this lady's attack by bandits would be the most "normal" occurrence of the last few days."
Fizzlewhisk tries in vain to flag down Kale, before finally standing up on his stool and waving his arms frantically. He plops back down on his barstool, pushing locks of blue hair out of his face. "Cold'll have the bears all in a tizzy. Gon' have to set traps again..." the gnome mumbles and counts things off on his fingers before realizing again that he is surrounded by others. "Oh allo Grimkell! Got any fox furs this season? I want to make a hat for when Da returns an' ... Allo Annallísa! Greetings Ordrik, I am Fizzlewhisk Ettinfell. And who might you be, stranger?" the gnome turns to address the cloaked behemoth.
Annalisa takes a swallow from her mug to hid her smile at Fizzlewhisk's desperate attempt to get Kale's attention. "Greetings, Fizzlewhisk. Well met."
"Aye, I've heard of strange sightings of talking stags and giant weasels." She pauses for another swallow before continuing. "The High Sentinels should have been able to keep bandits in check enough for a well armed caravan like Lady Argentea to pass unharassed."
"Unless these High Sentinels have problems of their own with the creatures of winter." Aðvinr says.
Returning with drinks for all, Kale nods and looks at the group. "Don't know if heroes is the right word, but it'll do for now!" Looking over to Fizzlewhisk, Kale smiles. "And what, good sir, would you like?"
"Drinks are good an' all, but all this talk has my belly rumblin'. Have anything hot to eat?"
Food, that sounds like a good idea, could you also bring me a plate of what is hot.
About to answer to Fizzlewhisk's question, Grimkell notice the pygmy mammoth. The ulfen stares for a moment before approaching and trying to pat the animal. As he does so, he lifts his head to look at Advinr.
"I do not think that I could have more adventure than I would like. However, if you fear for us, simply join us! I am sure there will be plenty of adventure for you too!"
"I plan to." Aðvinr replies with an unerring certainty.
Marcian instinctively ducks his head as he enters the tavern, his tall frame packed with lean hard muscle, barely clearing the door.
I'm here, I'm late, I'm sorry! Ma need some help in the barn, then the house, and well...I'm here...now.
So, are we going after the lady?
Oh, hi Annalísa! Are you going as well?
Did I pay my tab yet?
Annalisa grunts in response to Aðvinr, "Perhaps it's best we check in on them as well."
When Marcian lumbers in, "Greetings, Marcian. Aye, I'm going. I don't keep track of the tabs though, just throw the louts out on their ass when they don't pay up. You'll have to ask Menander or Kale if you don't remember."
As the towering form stands in the doorway, Fizzlewhisk's hand instinctively goes to the hooked hammer at his belt. Quickly he realizes his error. "Ev'ry time. Allo Marcian!" Fizzlewhisk waves jovially.
Before Kale Garimos could return with some food and drink, the door to the Stoat opens. There, standing as proud as any noble, is counciler Ionnia Teppen. Smiling at the lot of you, she steps in. "Argus Goldtooth said he thought he saw the lot of you coming in here. And for what occasion?" Seeing the group armed, she frowns but nods.
"It was only a matter of time before someone else tried to head out to the Border Wood. And a well-armed body as yourselves should fair well, I hope." Looking at each one of you and smiling, she goes over and puts a few coins on the table. "I'll cover your tabs for now, but if you all wish to go to the Border Wood, I just ask you follow me to Willowbark Apothecary. The man who came tumbling into town, Yuln, he might be able to tell you what to expect at the very least."
Fizzlewhisk looks down forlornly at his stomach before looking back up at the councilor and smiles. "Lead on, ma'am."
"Indeed, hearing his account will be useful." Aðvinr says standing, as Ratatoskr also gets to his feet.
That sounds like I good idea.
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"Ma'am." Nods, stands and gathers her things. After a moment of convincing Hundur to remove his snout from the rear end of Aðvinr's pygmy mammoth, she is ready to go.
Grimkell, about to cheer to Advinr's interest in the quest and Marcian's arrival (the one he had met in town and invited to join in on the quest), is stopped by Ioannia's entrance. After putting down his tankard, he approaches her, and, after bowing, addresses her:
"Counciler Teppen, it will be an honour to help you with the troubles which have beset this town. Your worries will soon be gone, for these warriors were already discussing about investigating lady Argentea's disappearance, showing that their will is well placed."
The skald goes to the door and waits for everyone to leave before falling in line with them.
Leading the group out of the Stoat and past the barbershop, Ms Teppen opens the door to it. Stepping in, Tessaraea Willowbark, a tall and shapely elf woman and the towns leading herbalist and alchemist, leans over an injured and beaten Ulfen man. Stepping in behind the party, Ionnia Teppen steps over to the man. "Yuln, these folks seek to enter the forest. They want to stop what ever it is that is working the foul magics there and may yet save Lady Argentea."
With a pained groan, the man leans up, looking at the party.
"Would that I could go with you. My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one before they dragged Lady Argentea away..." He coughs loudly, slumping back down. He is in obvious pain, and his body looks wracked with problems: A blackened nose, purple fingers, and wounds littering his body.
"Yuln, I know that you are in pain and would like nothing more than a stiff drink and a night's sleep but please, what more can you tell us about those that attacked your caravan? What more can you tell us about the dangers you faced on the roads?"
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Aðvinr studies the man silently, taking in the full extent of his wounds.
As the Ulfen was speaking, no compassion showed on Grimkell's face, perphaps only disappointment.
En kriger som deg ... hvorfor ikke kjempe til døden og tjene din plass i Valhalla? La oss håpe gudene ikke overse din vilje til å søke hjelp. Svar til vår venn her, det kan forløse deg litt. says the LoreKeeper in skald. His tone is not accusative, nor filled with anger, it is simply a statement with a point of disappointment.
I am glad you had the wisdom to fall back, otherwise, we may have lost the chance to save the Lady.
It is great and honorable to fall in battle, but I think my soul would be unhappy if another were to suffer because of my death.
What can you tell us of the dangers you saw?
Annalisa looks to the side at both Grimkell and Marcian but says nothing else while waiting for Yuln to respond.
Ordrik, quietly looks over the injuries the man suffered, while just listening in on the answers that were given.
But has never seen anything like this at all.
Fizzlewhisk rubs his ear as he talks, the rumbling words of the Ulfens always make them tickle. "What sort of thing did you kill?"
The gnome also glances over the damaged warrior.
@ Aðvinr: Yhe wounds certainly don't fit the climate well, being frostbite.
Looking at Grimkell, the man nods, but has a look of defiance in his eyes. "Jeg kjempet , og godt . Men du fikk ikke se ting. Ting mødre fortelle barn for å gjøre dem vet aldri til nær grensen lander!"
Looking to Marcian and Annalisa, he starts his explanation. "We thought they were just bandits at first - outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They? They were no match for us. But then I saw something that put the chill in my bones: cold fey of the north. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but here, in the south, I never expected to see them." He coughs, and Tessaraea brings forth a small tankard of herb-infused water. Sipping some down, he nods at the elf. "I thank you, lass. And dangers? Cold like the north, wind that cuts the skin and wears at your very soul. Voices, lilting, beautiful and cruel. But I did not see much beyond that. Injured as I was, and knowing my duty, I crawled back here to report and get help."
@ Aðvinr: Yhe wounds certainly don't fit the climate well, being frostbite.
Looking at Grimkell, the man nods, but has a look of defiance in his eyes. "Jeg kjempet , og godt . Men du fikk ikke se ting. Ting mødre fortelle barn for å gjøre dem vet aldri til nær grensen lander!"
** spoiler omitted **
Looking to Marcian and Annalisa, he starts his explanation. "We thought they were just bandits at first - outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They? They were no match for us. But then I saw something that put the chill in my bones: cold fey of the north. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but here, in the south, I never expected to see them." He coughs, and Tessaraea brings forth a small tankard of herb-infused water. Sipping some down, he nods at the elf. "I thank you, lass. And dangers? [b]Cold like the north, wind that cuts the skin and wears at your very soul.[/b] Voices, lilting, beautiful and cruel.[/b] But I did not see much beyond that. Injured as I was, and knowing my duty, I crawled back here to report and get help."[/b]
That sounds like my last date...Brrrr, chilly that one!
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"His injuries....frostbite, a normal danger in mu homeland and the lands of the North, but that kind of cold should not happen this far south."
The massive shaman looks to those in the room. "Brace yourselves....Winter is coming."
"You said the Lady was taken? What would the fey want with Lady Argentea?"
As Grimkell listens to Yuln's answers, he remembers the stories about feys he memorized, trying to find their vulnerabilities or anything that might help him to battle them.
So, I need winter stuff. And I get to attack ice cream fairies.
Mother would be amused.
Did you fell any of the ice fairies before your retreat?
I do not know a much about them, do you have any advice?
"I ne'er have liked the cold. Yuln, sir, anything you can tell us besides biting wind would help. We'll do our best to see the Lady safely returned."