The door to the apothecary opens and not a tall elfen woman, but a human man almost runs into you. "Kirridell! It's good to see you, more prayers can only help the poor man inside. I'm on my way back to the temple but it does ease my mind a bit to know you're here." Elder Safander says.
"Thank you, Elder. Now that my apprentice is back and I see your other priest is here I am sure that Yuln Oerstag will have nothing to worry about." A tall, lovely elfen woman steps into the doorway behind Elder Safander. "And you've brought another friend I see."
She glances around, and motions for them to come in while standing to the side, "Please, come in so the cold will stay out."
Kirridell smiles at his friend, "It is good to see you Elder Safander, I pray that the patient has not worsened? Tell me, has he spoken at all?"
The local apothecary and the priest....seems like our survivor may not be fairing so well....
Smiling at the Elf, "Thank you for your ministrations, if there is anything that I could do to assist, I would be more than glad...for now, I would like to see your patient and offer a prayer"
Then catching himself...."Please forgive me....I am Kirridell Jinae, a priest of Iomodae and a recent arrival here in Heldren...I think we may have met briefly last week but you may not remember?"
"Oh yes, I do remember. We are both relatively recent, as I came here but a quarter of a century ago." At this mention Tess' face tightens and the smile turns down ever so slightly at the corners of her mouth. A moment later and she recovers herself, "The man is hardy and while he may not be able to fight for some time, he is awake and speaking. I think a prayer would be sufficient, he needs rest for the time being."
She points towards a door in the back of the workshop. "He's in Jorgo's cot right now, have no fear dear apprentice, you can sleep in the workshop until he is well enough to go back to his home."
Colberg nods his head with a grunt acknowledging Jorgo just before the door opens and Elder Safander pops out. Colberg looks up at the priest as he talks to Kirrdell, and is slightly surprised when Tess addresses him in Dwarvish. His face softens slightly as a smile creeps onto his face.
After she invites them in, Colberg bustles into her workshop and starts wandering around the workshop inspecting as much as he can while pleasantries are being exchanged.
Votun leads Sigrun to his isolated cottage near the armory with Munin comfortably perched on his shoulder. When they get a dozen paces down the road, he prompts her again, "Do you want to share with me how you arrived in Heldren if its not too personal of course?"
Whatever the answer, he continues in silence. Upon arriving at home, he quickly discovers and grabs the last of his foxleaf. Then, Votun takes them to Tess's apothecary.
Jorgo puts down his bag in the apothecary «Yeah, well, I slept in the woods for three days freezing my butt off when you needed those ridiculous Indigo mushrooms, the workshop almost seems a luxury now, boss. Sure you ain’t getting too soft on me?» the half-orc grins as he tosses his bedroll in a corner of the workshop.
«Oh, and I asked old Votun for some foxleaf. I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high, but you never know what that guy has hidden away under his pillow for a rainy day…»
He watches with a bit of suspicion the dwarf snooping around.
That little fella is getting into some trouble if he keeps acting like that…
Then he turns his attention back to Tessaraea «But then again, I see that foxleaf or not our mighty hero is almost up and running already – that should make our visitors quite happy. You’re good, boss!» he then turns to Colberg and Kirridell «So, fellas… shall we ask this poor sod if he remembers anything?»
As they walk towards the herbalists home, Sigrun is silent for quite a while.
"Honestly, I ended up here because I do not have a home anywhere else. I have been an outcast most of my life. In fact, finding acceptance amongst my people came at too great a cost."
For a moment, Sigrun's eyes reflect a pain that makes it clear that despite the cold stoicism, she is younger than one would first expect.
"So I traveled the wilds. I found myself moving south, and strangely enough it seemed like the tundra expanded south as well. The stories of hot weather I had heard would seem to be just mead hall stories after all."
Votun sagely nods in reply during the short trip to his cottage. After rummaging around his cold storage for a few minutes with baffling organization, his raven Munin finally tells Votun where the foxleaf is. Coincidentally, Votun had just remembered. "That's right. Here it is. Let's go."
After a dozen steps toward the apothecary, Votun says, "Well, you are welcome to stay with Munin and me until you find somewhere better. I know what it's like being homeless. I've only been here in Heldren four years. The cottage had been abandoned when their previous herbalist died seven years ago now. I received it in exchange for providing herbs to the villagers at cost. There's no luxury except being warm and dry."
Stepping in from the cold, Kirridell happily feels the warmth of the apothecary lift the frost from his hands…
I will need much warmer clothes if this ‘Winter’ has truly settled here
Nodding in acknowledgement of Tess’ welcome, he makes his way though the workshop towards the rear of the building. The smells of various herbs and spices hang heavily in the air…some are pleasant, some less so…
I guess you grow immune to this awful stench if you work with it long enough…and I suppose it is all for the greater good…
Pushing open the door and stepping though, Kirridell smiles pleasantly and openly at the man propped into a seated position in the cot towards the rear of the room.
The gods have been kind to this one…he has seen and survived a fierce fight and, if I am not mistaken, is also recovering from a severe case of frostbite…
“Good Evening Sir, my name is Kirridell Jinae…I have, for the last few weeks been working here in Heldren with Elder Safander. I would like to examine your wounds if you would allow?”
Why do Orcs gotta be so fat, can hardly see around this one. And Elves makin things so small don't help nothin either. Colberg grumbles under his breath unintelligibly as they head to the room.
"I would like to examine your wounds if you would allow?”
Colberg interjects rudely: "Course he would allow, tha poor sap is injured. Make yer hands all glowly and get it done already. Now make some space so I can get in to tha room as well." Colberg shakes his head as he moves into the room, So afraid of steppin on toes ain't gonna get nothin done fast.
Sensing that, despite the efforts of the Elder and the Elf, the survivor was not yet fully safe from the severity of his wounds....Kirridell reaches for his Holy Symbol, a crude representation of a sword held aloft, and utters a prayer to Iomodae
"Let those who would fight for justice know your grace and your healing touch...."
A burst of warm energy emanates from Kirridell's symbol filling the room, banishing any chill of winter that may have crept into the room and renewing everyone's vigour
As they walk toward the apothecary Sigrun is again silent, quite at a loss for words.
"Where I come from, an offer of a roof is a great honor. I would gladly accept to being your guest Votun Raveneye."
As they walk she continues to study her surroundings, noting the people shivering, the buildings not designed for intense winters.
"You say the cold weather here is different from normal?"
Tess replies to Jorgo with a smile, "Why, Jorgo, are you fondly reminiscing of your punishment for mixing that acid and base?"
As Kirridell goes into the room with the wounded man he is greeted by the sight of an Ulfen man wrapped in bandages. His nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite. It is obvious that the man needs time now, more than anything, to make a full recovery. He nods at Kirridell and smirks at the dwarf's interruption, but smiles gratefully at the warmth and healing the cleric provides.
As they walk she continues to study her surroundings, noting the people shivering, the buildings not designed for intense winters.
"You say the cold weather here is different from normal?"
"Oh, yes. We never get frost in summer, let alone snow. We didn't complete a growing season yet to restock the winter stores. Terrible times are ahead."
They trudge in silence the rest of the way. "Here we are," he says pushing the front door open like a familiar local. "Tess, I've got your foxleaf. And meet Sigrun here from up North. And no, she didn't bring the snow before you ask. How's your patient doing?" He closes the door behind Sigrun and moves around the cottage like a frequent visitor.
Munin squawks and flies to his usual perch.
Tess nods at Votun, used to his mannerisms around the cottage. "It would seem that this is fate. There are others asking about the same man. Thank you for the foxleaf, and you can ask him yourself as to his well-being."
The elfen lady turns towards Sigrun and a slight look of surprise crosses her face, "You truly are of the north, as only the northern women are blessed with such height. Well met, Sigrun, I am Tessaraea Willowbark."
The warmth of Kirridells’ healing swiftly subsides as the door of the Apothecary swings open for a second time, bringing with it a biting cold. Turning to see who else was visiting at a late hour of the day, Kirridell struggles to raise a welcoming smile for Votun and his companion.
Concentrate on the task at hand…this poor mans’ health and the fate of Lady Argentea…
Kirridell takes a seat at the end of the cot facing the injured man,
”Sir, your wounds will heal with time…rest is what is needed now above all things. There are however other matters I would talk with you about…if you feel able?”
Taking the Man’s silence as tacit agreement that he is willing to talk further,
”Could you tell us what your remember of your attackers? I have heard that you do not believe that the Lady Argentea perished in the attack. No rescue party has been despatched as of yet and I fear for her life…”, smiling at the Dwarf, who still appears ‘distracted’, ”My friend here has a map, perhaps you could show us where you were attacked and, maybe, the direction the attackers came from?”
While Kirridel interrogates the wounded bodyguard, Jorgo stares for a second at Votun when he enters the workshop in the company of the stunning northerner. His expression then gets back to the usual sarcastic grin.
«Say, old man» he whispers to Votun «I used to think you talked to us townsfolk like we’re annoying pains in the neck just because you were old and gruff…» he puts his considerably large hand on the herbalist’s shoulder and pats him amicably «But I guess you were just saving all your charm in case a warrior princess from up north came into town, am I right?» he tries not to laugh too loudly.
"It's good to see you too Jorgo. Now shut it, so I can hear what the man's got to say." Votun replies with a smile and gets closer to hear the patient's answers.
With most of his focus on various things around the house Colberg barely hears Kirridell mention his map, "Huh, what, why o course I gots a map. Tis a bit messy though." Colberg hastily grabs the map out his his pack and hands it to Kirridell.
Yuln looks at Kirridell and says, "We thought it was just bandits at first—outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were not match for us...until the cold fey of the north came. The appeared among us and the battle was quickly turned. Us Ulfen speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to see them this far south."
He coughs and clears his throat, "Aye, I kin mark well enough where we were attacked." He takes the map and a bit of charcoal and circles a place about 6 miles north of the Border Wood, still outside the town of Heldren.
"The Lady were dragged away, somewhere into the forest back through the ice and snow. I followed far as I could, but them winter-touched were too many and too hard ter fend off in the snow alone."
"Well, if we're to go rescue the Lady, everyone will need cold iron weapons and ammunition to deal with the fey, as well as snowshoes in case the snow gets worse. Tess and Jorgo might have some cold iron weapon blanche here for the ammunition. If Isker doesn't have the weapons, maybe you can get some at the armory." Votun says matter of factly considering the morningstar 'Feyswatter' that swings from his waist is cold iron.
"Hopefully, the General Store will have the snowshoes. I need to go there anyway to buy some camping gear in case we need to stay in the Woods a couple days. After we equip, we should start at Old Man Dansby's farm and enter the Woods from there. Any bad guys would be watching the roads, but maybe we can find one of their supply trails assuming the poachers and the kidnappers are the same. If not, the poachers must be dealt with anyway. Any other ideas?" Votun surveys the cottage.
These creatures have accepted a sliver of ice in their hearts and have pledged service eternal to the White Witches of Irrisen.
Yuln clears his throat again, "Yer bein' right 'bout the cold iron old man. Fire that burns is also good in a pinch." He looks at people in the room, and says "You can borrow my cold iron longsword if yer rescuin' the Lady. I can't use it fer a while." He nods to a package beside his bed.
Knowledge local
Colberg immediately jumps to grab the long sword once the mercenary offers it to the group, "Aye, thanks. She'll be put ta some good use, and I'll see both the ladies back to ya safely." He grins as he put the longsword onto his belt.
He turns to look at Tess and Jorgo, "As fer the fire, you two got any o that alchemists explosive fire stuff. That should take care of anything the wit-uh, ummm, take. care. o. them. like- the man said. Fire'll do in a pinch." He looks away nervously, hoping he didn't offend Tess like Jorgo warned.
You know that Tessaraea is personally consumed with making alchemists fire in her spare time, almost to the point of obsession. Anytime you asked her about it, her face clouded over and she got a faraway look, and would only say "Because of what happened to him."
Tessaraea looks at the dwarf for a moment and her face starts to cloud over.
Jorgo covers his eyes with his very large hand when Colberg starts talking about fire.
Oh for Gorum’s iron boots…
«Aye, aye… we got lots of flasks of the hot stuff… I’ll grab some later!» says trying to defuse the tension. He elbows Colberg and puts the index finger over his lips.
Then, almost as an afterthought he asks the Elder, Votun and the other Heldren's residents «Reckon we got a cold iron axe, or at least a spearhead in the armory? Never quite learned how to use them things.» adds pointing at Yuln’s sword.
"Oh, ummm." Colberg looks down at the ground sheepishly, "I'll-ah, go and-ah, get-ah plan ready. Who is all-ah, going?" He shuffles his foot around on the ground a bit, slightly agitated now. The he looks up attitude shifted, he looks much more ready for business, eyes and lips thin, "I'll be in the Stoat if ya need me."
Currently there are 20 alchemists fire in stock, 5 of which are your own personal creations when Tess made you learn the method to make them and you would be free to take them. The other 15 would have to be bought legitimately...although it is possible that she could sell some at close to cost with the right discussion.
Kirridell, the Elder has some minor divine magical items for sale back at the Temple, but most importantly, you recall seeing a scroll of aid and a wand of magic weapon (with some charges gone) for sale.
The Armory has some basic weapons, but for the soldiers of the militia.
Isker's Smithy has many more kinds of weapons for sale, including 10 +1 cold iron sling bullets and a suit of masterwork banded mail armor. He and his daughter Xanthippe can forge new armor or weapons on request...and money. His daughter is considered the local beauty and a wedding dowry could also be generous...
The General Store carries most everything a villager or adventurer needs. Including 5 cold weather outfits. She has very few weapons or armors and only 2 magic items, an arrow magnet and a ring of force shield.
Willowbark's has a variety of herbs (mainly from Votun) and special substances for sale. They also have a potion of resist energy(cold).
The livery stable has various horses (none combat trained), 2 carts, a wagon, and a carriage for hire. The cart was a gift from a noble and is both luxurious and ostentatious.
The Temple of Erastil has some minor divine items for sale.
Old Mother Theodora has a scroll of sleep and a wand of scorching ray (with some charges used) that she may sell...
"Well met Tessaraea Willowbark, I am called Sigrun Jagrsdottir. It is true, I am of the North."
Sigrun listens to the exchanges, taking in the converation fluttering around her. When talk of weapons and preparation arises, she speaks up.
I would benefit from a weapon of cold iron as well, an axe would be best, but I will manage if not. If this woman is alive, she is in nead of rescue, and I would like tou aid your purpose."
Jorgo scratches his head «Aye, I don't feel lucky enough to get two cold iron axes from the smithy. A couple of spearheads would be nice though...» He starts collecting a few flasks of alchemist's fire «Here, I'll grab some of the hot stuff - that always comes in handy.»
He then inches towards Kirridell «Say, father - the boss surely has more of these» he whispers, pointing at the alchemist's fire «If you could convince her with one of your little inspired speeches you churchfolk are so good at...» the half orc smiles at the cleric, while giving him one of the flasks «She's been sort of obsessed with the stuff lately - don't know she must have run out at a bad time and someone important ended up paying for it - tell her it's for a good cause, and all those reasons that sound godly and respectful, you know!» he then proceeds giving a flask to each one of his new companions.
Kirridell has not been resident in Heldren for too long but is, at least, familiar with some of the items in the Elders' temple.
"Elder Safander may be able to offer some items to aid our journey into the Woods, I will visit him shortly and inform him of our intentions to make the journey".
Smiling at Jorgo, "If you believe my words may carry more weight in convincing your boss to give us more of this Alchemical Fire then, of course, I will gladly converse with her".
With a final prayer and a kind word, Kirridell leaves the survivor in his cot, reassured in the knowledge that he will, eventually, make a full recovery; and seeks out Tessaraea Willowbark within the cottage. When he finally finds her, he waits quietly for her to finish her work and then greets her again, "May I thank you for your kind and effective ministrations to your patient. It is clear to me that his wounds were indeed grievous yet, through your attentions, he will soon be up and walking again". Once Kirridell is happy that he has Tessaraea's full attention, he continues "We are very grateful for the assistance that you have offered us. I pray that we will be able to discover what is occurring in the Border Woods and, Iomodae willing, put a stop to it before it truly threatens Heldren. I will also take personal responsibility for rescuing the Lady Argentea and for bringing her captors to justice".
Maybe appealing to her fondness for Jorgo would elicit more assistance
"This is a dangerous time...and I do not know what we may find when we venture into the Woods. I will pray for our safe passage and I truly hope that Jorgo returns to you safely. I fear though that we are truly not well prepared to deal with the Fey..."
Kirridell lets his words hang in the air...and hopes that Tessaraea understands what he is asking for....
"Well if Tess doesn't have any cold iron weapon blanche for ammunition, Isker's Smithy has ten magical cold iron sling bullets. Isker and his daughter Xanthippe can forge new armor or weapons on request...and money." Votun offers.
"I'm heading to the General Store to get some camping gear. Anyone's welcome to come along. Where are we meeting to head toward Dansby's?"
Tessaraea nods and smiles at the holy man, "Thank you, but truly it was the Elder and his divine ministrations that did most of the healing."
She chews at her lower lip for a moment then says, "Jorgo is very strong. Adventuring though, is dangerous." She gains a sad and faraway look, "Promise me you'll pray for safe return with Jorgo. He reminds so very much of my brother..." She trails off and the distance on her face grows.
After a few moments she comes back to the conversation at hand, "He's very welcome to take the five Alchemist's Fire he's made. I could sell you all here some more, at cost, if it would help to ensure safety."
“I will pray for Jorgo, for his safety in the Woods and for his eventual return to you”
Smiling at Tessarea’s offer, “I know little about the value of such items, tell me the price you would have us pay and I will converse with my…”, Kirridell struggles for the right word, “friends?”
Once he has heard Tessarea’s proposed price, Kirridell leaves the Apothecary trailing after the elderly herbalist, shouting after him, “The Dwarf went back to the tavern, I propose we meet there in due course”. If the elderly man heard or responded, Kirridell did not hear...maybe his voice was lost in the cold winds that were buffeting around the village.
Pulling the collars of his jacket up to his chin and shivering, Kirridell heads off in search of Elder Safander.
Time to see how much of a friend the Elder truly is…
*Scribble, scratch, draw, grumble*
Hmmm, So the caravan was ambushed here, from this side. Where are they likely to be hiding out?
There are any number of hiding places in the Border Woods. The High Sentinel Lodge is a good place to start. The guardians there would likely be searching for the bandits as well.
Votun heads to the General Store. He introduces whoever follows him to the owner and tells the owner their intentions, in order to ensure friendly prices.
He effectively purchases a Witch's Kit and a pair of snowshoes. "Wow this is heavy," he remarks settling the backpack with the snow shoes attached on his shoulders. "Maybe you should carry this thing," and he hands his cold iron morningstar Feyswatter to Sigrun.
Votun heads to the General Store. He introduces whoever follows him to the owner and tells the owner their intentions, in order to ensure friendly prices.
He effectively purchases a Witch's Kit and a pair of snowshoes. "Wow this is heavy," he remarks settling the backpack with the snowshoes attached on his shoulders. "Maybe you should carry this thing," and he hands his cold iron morningstar Feyswatter to Sigrun.
Sigrun accompanies Votun to the store, taking in the differences in trade and the nature of the store. As the old man gathers his purchases, she takes the offered weapon, feeling it's heft.
"If this will harm the Winter fey, I would be glad to use it. Where I am from these are wise ones who make use of herbs and work with runes and spells. Are you like them?"
Jorgo follows Votun and Sigrun to the Store.
«Mmm… these things don’t look much like a weapon to me!» he exclaims, weighting the sling bullets in his large hand «If I need to throw something at winter beast - I’d rather throw them some of my wildfire than these peas!» he scratches his head a bit disappointed of the item choice.
«Say, won’t you happen to have a club studded with cold iron? Or maybe a spearhead made of the stuff? I’d really appreciated it!» he asks with his best imitation of a diplomatic smile.
Then, talking to Votun and Sigrun «You come from the north, and you are so old that you probably saw most of Avistan in your days» he starts «I have my furs and coats for the cold, but do you think these things here are really necessary?» he asks them while holding a snowshoe.
Replying to Sigrun, Votun shrugs and says, "I don't know how wise, but I know some herbs and spellcraft."
To Jorgo, he replies, "You will miss snowshoes if the snow gets deeper than two feet. Skis are better but difficult to fight with."
To both, "Do you want me to buy you two a pair? In exchange, maybe one of you could carry mine. They're a bit heavy for me."
"I would be greatful, the deep snows take a toll on the body. I would carry them until you needed." The towering redhead seems genuinely surprised by Votun's generosity.
"I would be grateful, the deep snows take a toll on the body. I would carry them until you needed." The towering redhead seems genuinely surprised by Votun's generosity.
"Sold." Votun holds two fingers to the owner for another pair of snowshoes
In response to Jorgo, the shopkeep says, "Whatcha see is what I gots. Check with the blacksmith and his daughter. They might have something, but I can guarantee that they can make if'n they don't have it."