The date is 4713 AR on Oathday, 17th Earstus at 12:00 pm - current moon cycle: new moon
The location is Heldren - The Silver Stout
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, wintery 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.
Diplomacy
Modredus -
Garrasay -
Yukiharu -
Knowledge (Local)
Steinolf Stone -
Gavinia Hornsten -
Lore Each Character Gathered:
As well as....
Locals say a hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. No one believed him so he went back to trap it and prove them wrong.
Coming into town to find some warmer clothes for this unseasonably cold summer, Morde heads strait to the general store. Swinging open the door Morde stops to clean off his shoes with his greataxe spike on the backside of the cutting edge. " Damn its cold ! -------(insert geral store owner name) my friend, how is business? " Morde also shakes off his cloak to be polite before entering.
Thinking to himself Snow and frost in the middle of summer? Dansby can’t be right. I will need to go and check that out and also see if I can track down what is carrying off his crops. Steinolf heads to the Silver Stout for some lunch. Walking by the town square, Steinolf will fish out a copper and toss it into the fountain in the square for good luck.
Walking into the Silver Stout Steinolf pulls up to the bar and waits for one of the tavern workers to pass by. “I’ll take a cold ale and whatever you have cooking for lunch.” While he is waiting he will look around at the patrons of this tavern. “I hate to talk about it, but crazy weather about. Seems like it is going to be harsh on the crops. Hopefully it clears up before there is no harvest this year.”
Kale serves you a warm bowl of hearty stew.
"What?!? really Viv you should really get out more." Morde motions to the windows. "So I guess that means that no one has made a run on your furs?" walking across the room Morde looks at the supplies on the shelves. Picking up a weeks worth of trail rations for backup. "You wouldn't happen to have Furs? Rabbit or Fox preferably. , coming up to the counter Morde gives Viv his second best smile.
" So I guess you don't know about the farmers Boy then? I heard there was a boy that fell into one of the rivers that were frozen over and had a fever dream about a talking Stag, really. how crazy is that."
Furs
The most basic of cold-weather gear, animal furs serve to keep their wearers warm. Wearing enough fur to cover the body provides a +2 bonus on Fortitude saves to resist cold weather. This does not stack with any bonuses gained from the Survival skill.
After a few minutes she comes back out and says, "These are all I have." She holds out 5 used winter outfits. "I couldn't find any furs. It's been a very long time since we've had snow. These were used many years back briefly during one winter. It was a bit more cold than usual. How could it be snowing during this month?"
A soft breeze brought a chill on the otherwise sunny mid summer day. In the edges of the woods could be seen a pair of foxes running about nipping at one another as they played. They weaved through the trees at the shallow end of the forest heading toward the town. A fox emerged from the woods with a human traveling to keep up; the other fox was nowhere to be found.
'Bbbrrr!! Cold cold cold! A line of fur does wonders against the cold nights, but not those kind of cold nights.' The fox was jumping about and running to and fro. 'You know what i've heard, about these cold nights, and that mid summers' snow?' No longer running about, the fox sat and stared at the man; almost leaning into each word he said. There was a noticeable pause as they leaned closer to each other. 'I heard it's cause of magic.' At that they both sprung to life into a hopping dance before they chased each other to the tavern for something hot enough to burn their tongues and thaw their chill.
The man took a seat at a table and the fox hopped onto the open chair on the other side with a delicate poise. 'Heard something about a kid chasing a Stag. He said it talked; but he's also ill, so maybe he just thought it talked. Either way, i say we go their and play later today. Food first.
Gavinia enters the Silver Stoat, bowing her head in a quick prayer as she crossed the threshhold. She approaches the bar and gets the tavernkeeper's attention.
"Good afternoon. Could I trouble you a mead and a bowl of stew?" She glances around the room before addressing the tavernkeeper again. "I don't suppose you have heard whether Mr. Kepp has returned to town? With that poor Lady taken and her guard badly injured, I worry that the woods may be more dangerous than he is used to - not to mention this peculiar weather that we've been having." She turns to include Steinoff in the conversation. "Snow in Earstus? The seasons seem to be abandoning their proper progression - I fear something unnatural is at work."
Even though he had already convinced the town folk that he meant them no harm, Garrasay was still conscious of the wary stars that he received whenever he visited. Though he had spent much of his time outside the town in the woods, he did come into town from time to time for supplies and food that consisted of more than enchanted berries. Though they were nutritious, they weren't very satisfying.
The spotted gnoll tried to be inconspicuous as he entered the tavern, but his size and bestial appearance would not allow for any sort of discretion. His worn armour, rings missing here and there in the rusty chain, jingled noisily as he made his way to one of the unoccupied tables.
As he sat down, the patch of vines covered in a variety of colourful flowers crept off his shoulder where it had been sitting and onto the table.
"Hrrr, hello Kale. Meat and mead for myself, and a pan of water." he said when the waitress arrived. He spoke slowly, and deliberately. He had to concentrate to speak clearly in the common tongue lest his gnollish "accent" obscure his words in growls.
"Rrr, thank you." he said as she returned with his order. He gently plucked a bright yellow flower from the vine and offered it to her "For you. With all the strange news, something to brighten your day."
The vine crept over to the pan of water and nestled into it. Garrasay gently pinched off a couple of dead flowers and a broken leaf. The vine rustled happily.
"I don't suppose you have heard whether Mr. Kepp has returned to town? With that poor Lady taken and her guard badly injured, I worry that the woods may be more dangerous than he is used to - not to mention this peculiar weather that we've been having." She turns to include Steinoff in the conversation. "Snow in Earstus? The seasons seem to be abandoning their proper progression - I fear something unnatural is at work."
“I believe you are right. I was talking to Dansby on the way back to town and he was saying that his crops are freezing and dying off, and what its dead is being carried off. I was thinking about heading that way after lunch to see what it is. Maybe there is a tie between that and this Lady that went missing.
Steinolf takes a spoonful of his stew. “If you’re interested you are more than welcome to join me... oh where are my manners” Holding out his hand Steinolf continues; “I am Steinolf Stone. I am a guide from Oppara. I stopped off here on my journey back. And you are?”
Sitting at the bar near you is a 6’4” pale skinned man. He has long red hair that that is kept back in a braid. He also has a full red beard that would make any dwarf proud. You see a round shield strapped to his back and on either side of his hip is an axe and a pick. His clothing and armor seem typical of a Taldorian, but his shield and weapons speak of the north.
@Steinolf:
She shakes your hand firmly. "Gavinia Hornsten, servant of Alseta. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am somewhat of a wanderer myself - mainly spreading the blessing of my goddess, although I've also done my share of guardwork."
Gavinia stands at a solid 4'4", with rough slate-grey skin flecked with amber crystals. She wears a well-polished breastplate over a simple brown tunic and has a number of daggers at her belt. A mask covers the back of her head, and this is mirrored in the carved stone holy symbol hangs from a leather cord around her neck - a woman facing left and a mask facing right.
"Thank you, I will join you - I was considering looking into this myself, and there's safety in numbers - especially where the danger is unknown. I would suggest we speak with the bodyguard - he may be able to tell us where exactly they were attacked. I don't know if there are dedicated healers in town, but I would guess he would be recuperating at the temple or perhaps the apothecary."
Gavinia's meal arrives.
"Shall we sit at a table to eat? I can see some space between the man with the fox and the gnoll florist."
Garrasay watched the pair take a table next to his. As they sat down he cleared his throat as he had seen other people do when they wanted to get someone's attention. The action sounded more like a growl.
"Hgrrrrrwl. Excuse my interruption, you are from Oparra? Grrrr, do you think the Lady's abduction has anything to do with her rejection of her betrothed rrrRR?"
"The sentinels which patrol the woods are strangely absent, it would make an ambush easier for someone seeking revenge for being publicly humiliated hrrrr."
He took a mouthful of his lunch while the vine in the pan of water reached out and delicately collected some of the crumbs and small morsels than had fallen on the table, drawing them into the pan of water with itself.
The location is Heldren - The Silver Stout
"Thank you so much Garrasy and your adorable vine. I can't remember, what was it's name?" Kale sniffs the flower. "Yes a lot of commotion lately, everyone's talking."
"Sure I'll take one, and some of the provisions. thank you Viv." with that Morde pays for the trail rations and one cold outfit. (6 days trial rations, cold outfit and coffee= 11gp) leaving the Store he stops by the Blacksmith to sharpen his weapons and gives him 5 sp (no idea how much) before going to the Stout to check out any other rumors before heading out of town.
Walking into the Restaurant Morde cleans off his boots, and takes off his cloak leaving it next to the door to air out. He sees that the bar is busy for this time of day. Must be the cold...... Time to get a warm drink. shaking away his memories of fine food and drink surrounded by friends laughing. that wasn't me..... that was the Other... Morde walks across the room.
@Garrasay- Looking around the room he sees Garrasy, whom he has met a seen of times in the woods because both of them make the woods home, but not really had any conversation. Heading past his table he gives a nod, as he heads to the bar top to order some food/drink.
@Gavinia “You’re right, we should see the body guard. If he could give us any information on the attackers or what direction they came from, it woud give us an edge in tracking them down.” Motioning towards the tables to sit, Steinolf grabs his ale and leads the way.
Once seated, he hears Garrasays question; “I am originally from Oparra, but try not to get pulled into the politics of it all. I did not realize she was betrothed, or was going to be... There where whispers that the Qadira were involved with the possible weather change, maybe they had a hand in taking the Lady. A Taldorian noble would fetch a pretty penny...”
Finished the last of his ale, he holds up his mug for the waitress to see, then makes a motion that would imply another round for the table. “Everyone ok with another round? Its on me.”
"Thank you, I'll have a tea. The lack of the Sentinels is indeed another cause for concern. It would be worth asking around town to see if anyone knows where they patrol. I'd guess the town hall would receive reports from them. I know Erastil also watches over woodsmen, so the temple may know something about them."
A wandering attention finally focused on the table in front of him to see some food had snuck up on them. Looking to his fox companion in joy, Yuki saw an empty chair. He cranked his head all around looking for his furry compatriot.
Quietly the fox leapt onto Garrasay’s table. Hunched down and carefully she eyed the vine in the pan. Surprisingly the animal was noticeably bigger than an average cat, and krept toward the vine unthreateningly; with more of a sense of wonder and curiosity in its demeanor.
Yuki grabbed his fox and hoisted her up high, causing her to yelp in surprise. ’Sorry about that. You know what they say about no knife sharper to skin a cat than curiosity.’
Quickly moving to catch anything the fox might have knocked over. “Woah! Looks like we’ve got critters all over the place. That’s a funny saying. I’ve never needed to skin a cat, but if I did I would think that i would use my hunting knife. It’s never let me down.”
Pointing to the chair; “Why don’t you join us? The name is Steinolf, the lady is Gavinia, and our furry friend here is... well, you know I never caught your name...”
Garrasay waves Mordred over to the table. He wanted to see if Mordred knew anything about the missing sentinels or strange weather.
As the fox jumps onto the table, the flowers on the startled vine snap shut and it scrambles out of the pan and up Garrasay's arm, water dripping as it flees. It creeps back and forth across his shoulders with agitation.
"Grrrwl I'm Garrasy, this is Petals" he motions to the vine which rustles indignantly.
"Unless Mordred knows more, I was planing on investigating the Lady's disappearance. Until we know what happened to the sentinels, someone needs to keep these bandits in check. Rrr.
"Thank you Kale," Morde says after grabbing a small mug of warm mead. heading over to Garrasay, Morde politely bows to the Oread at the table. "Mylady" before Taking a seat facing the door, Morde listens to what the others say. "I'm sorry Garrasay, I don't think I heard the conversation." Shrugging Morde doesn't seem to add anything.
after they fill him in.
"I think it would be unusual to attack a Noble, especially if she had her normal guardsmen it would take someone that either didn't care about the fallout from such a feat or that there would be a alternate reason. It probably would be a good idea to question the bodyguard before trying to search for the noble. I'll be more than happy to offer my assistance. "
@Yuki-
Morde reaches over to pet the fox.
Mordred or "Morde" as others like to call him stands at a even six feet tall, with braod shoulders and long blonde hair. Naturally dominating the room with his presence, he has rugged the good looks and deep Tan skin from spending most of his time in the woods. Where Morde does look human, his emrald green eyes are such a striking bright green that most people assume he is somthing more. On his back is a greatxe and he wears scale mail that is in the shape of leaves. Dressing in greens and browns; and with his Chivalric code you can see easily why people have nicknamed him the "Green Knight"
@Mordred: "We would be glad to have you join us. I was just mentioning speaking to the bodyguard myself. We need to track him down though, I'm not sure where he is."
Looking around the table, she smiles. "Well, it looks like we've got a fine group come together. Alseta bless this beginning.
...
Once the meals are finished:
Gavinia sets her spoon down in the empty bowl and finished the last dregs of tea. "Well gentlemen, I'd like to make a few inquiries around town before setting off. I'll be visiting the temple first, if anyone wishes to join me. Shall we agree to meet under the statue in the square in, say, an hour?"
When the rendezvous is decided, she leaves the tavern and makes her way across the square towards the temple.
Town Square: The most notable feature of Heldren's town square is the large statue of a beautiful woman right in the center of the town. Usually just called "the Lady," the statue has been here for as long as anyone can remember, and no one knows who it actually represents. Some believe the Lady was the founder of Heldren or some ancient, forgotten Taldan noblewoman or even a mysterious fey forest goddess. Others have more sinister theories-an evil witch turned to stone for her wickedness or a magical statue through which the satrap of Qadira can spy on Taldor. On any given day, a few entrepreneurs selling goods or produce can be found on the square, and a market is held on the last Fire day of every month. Elder Natharen Safander also hosts the annual Harvest Feast in the town square, during which the people of Heldren erect a giant bonfire in the square and bedeck the Lady in garlands of flowers.
Today, no one can be found at the statue.
“I second Gavinia, it will be great to have you with us Sir.... My name is Steinolf, the lady is Gavinia, this is Garrasay.”
“Gavinia, if you don’t mind I’ll join you. Never know who or what we will come across while we are trying to puzzle this together.” Looking around “Where is our waitress? I’ll join you in a second, I need to pay for my food and our drinks.” Steinolf stands up and walks towards the bar to pay off his tab. [/ooc]How much is owed?[/ooc]
After paying Mr or Mrs Garimos, Steinolf heads outside to catch up with Gavinia.
So are we
#1 looking into finding the lady?
#2 going after the hunter that is looking for a large weasel ?
#3 crops?
“ I’ll catch up in a second ... “ he says to the others as they leave
Looking at the two leave Morde turns to the gnoll , What you think about these city-dwellers should we trust them?”
"Mmrrr. Dryden is just trying to prove that he saw what he saw, I don't think we need to get involved in that. The missing crops are a concern, but they might just be linked to increased bandit activity since the sentinels have gone silent. As long as it is just crops going missing, that doesn't seem like a priority at the moment. The lady, however, is in danger now. We should focus on her plight."
Garrasay finishes off his lunch and drink.
"Grawww. A mercenary claiming to be her bodyguard was brought into town yesterday, we should talk with him. As for the others"
Garrasay's bushy eyebrows come together as he sits silent for a moment, deep in thought. Petals creeps up to sit on his head. Finally Garrasay shrugs. "I don't know, there is only one way to find out I guess."
Petals rustles disapprovingly.
As Garrasay heads to the door he asks "rrrr. Kale, do you know where they are keeping that wounded man they brought in yesterday?". He then heads out to question the survivor.
Kale looks over to Garrasy, "Tessaraea Willowbark at the Apothecary would probably be the best woman to take care of him, I would bet this pie you can find him there." She holds up a fresh baked apple pie.
Leaving some coin for tab and tip the curious pair decided to ask the tavern owners. ’Scuse me, but I heard there was a boy that fell into a river and got ill. I’m looking to find out more on what happened so I can exercise proper caution in my travels. I’ll admit I know little about the area, and for the time of season things seem more strange; so I wish to lower any risks that I may be able to; your food by the way was particularly delicious in this unique summer season.’
Gavinia's slow pace easily allows Steinolf to catch up with her. Glancing back, she sees Garrasay heading in the opposite direction towards the apothecary. "I wonder if there are any other gnolls in town." she remarks to Steinolf. "I must confess that most tales I've heard portray them as wild and dangerous, but Garrasay is clearly known and liked in this community."
They reach the temple and seek out the head priest.
"Good Afternoon, Elder <name>. I am Gavinia, servant of Alseta, and this is Steinolf, hunter and guide. We were planning to head into the Border Woods to investigate the kidnapped lady and the other strange events and were wondering if we could ask you some questions about the area?
Did you help heal the injured bodyguard who arrived yesterday? Where is he now?
Are the Sentinels who patrol the forest for bandits part of your church? Have you heard any news of what's happened to them or where they were last patrolling?
Have you heard anything from Dryden Krepp or know where he was heading?
@Steinolf anything else to ask?
The location is Heldren - The Silver Stout
Kale responds, "I'm sorry I can't be much help. I know he's safe with his mom. We sent them some stew yesterday to help. I'm sure he'll be ok. I would say avoid those woods, something strange is happening here."
The location is Heldren - Temple of Erastil
Elder Natharen Safander greets everyone who arrives and listens intently to Gavinia. ”Oh that makes me feel so much better that someone is going to investigate. What questions might I be able to answer?” He smiles and waves for you to follow then finds a nice spot to sit down.
”I did give the bodyguard the blessing of Erastil, but I believe he’s in Tessaraea’s care at the Apothecary.”
”The Sentinels don’t really come here often. They tend to stay at their lodge deep in the center of the woods. Most of the time they will visit bigger cities for their supplies. On occasion they will bring a hunt to town to share for a feast.”
”Last I remember, he was going on about a Giant Weasel in the woods. I advised him strongly to not pursue it, but it seems the town's folks taunts got to him and he headed out anyways. I haven’t seen him since. I do hope he is OK, especially with all this snow suddenly.” Natharen sighs, ”Dark times lie ahead. May Erastil bless us.”
After hearing where the bodyguard might be he gets up and accompanies Garrasay to the Apothecary, grabbing his cloak off the rack he quickly catches up to the gnoll. blowing in his hands to keep the chill away he asks "You see anything else strange in the woods? I think there has to be something more to this. Snows in the middle of summer just doesn't happen." Morde looks around to make sure no one is following him.
Getting to the apothecary shop, Morde lets the large gnoll take the lead unless he appears to need help.
As they walk to the apothecary, Petals settles down and the vine's flowers open up once again.
Once at Tessaraea's, Garrasay knocks before entering. "GrrR. How is your patient doing Tessaraea?" He asks. "If he is strong enough, would you be able to ask him if he would be willing to answer a few questions? You can tell him that Mordred and I are interested in helping recover the Lady from her kidnappers. Rrrrr."
The location is Heldren - Willowbark Apothecary
A well-tended garden sits in front of this equally neat house, the home of Tessaraea Willowbark (female elf), Heldren's resident apothecary. Tessaraea is a relatively new transplant to Heldren, having arrived in the village only 25 years ago after a failed adventuring career up north in the River Kingdoms.
Tessaraea opens the door and recognizes both of you. ”Garrasay, you heard about him? Well, he’s badly frostbitten. He said some strange things and passed out. We haven't really had time to question him since he’s been healing. It’s a pleasure to see you again Mordred and Garrasy. Come on in and I’ll see if he’s able to answer questions.” She allows you inside and walks you towards the back room then asks you, ”Please wait here.” She disappears past a curtain.
After a minute or two she comes back out and says, ”I think he’s ready to talk, his name is Yuln. Come on back.” She gestures for you to follow.
You see a young Ulfen man that seems to be badly frostbitten. Yuln Oerstag He looks over at you all as you enter.
@Gavinia: “He is one that does break the norm. I was startled the first time I saw him walking about this town... but then no one else was acting any different. Thanks for waiting up. To the temple?”
“Elder Safander, Erastil blessings on you. You mentioned that you prayed over the bodyguard. Did you by chance see his wounds? Maybe something that could help us figure out what it was that might have attacked them? The group that Gavinia and I are with find it odd that an armored noble transport would be so aggressively attacked.”
“The sentinels have a lodge deep in the woods? That might be a great place to head. If the sentinels are there, maybe that have seen activity of where the Lady might have been taken.”
The location is Heldren - Willowbark Apothecary
"Yes, I did see his face. He's an Ulfen man who was badly frostbitten. His nose is more purple than a grape. I have heard about this ailment but I have never witnessed it before until yesterday. The whole thing is mysterious to me." Elder Safander makes a gesture as if a small prayer to Erastil.
before Morde goes into the room he gives Tess his very best smile, having always favored her as a potential Mate with her respect for the wilds and being a elf she wont age as fast before his eyes. "Do you remember those strange things he said? Before we go in there. "
’Well a talking critter would be rather strange,’ he said as he exchanged glances with his fox, ’but that’s little more strange than common wives tales. Although with the sudden visit of an inopportune sleet of snow I could see the reason for unease. Would I be able to bother you for a mug of some of your better quality liquor? Seems the cold still has a grip on my fingers.’
As Kale goes to grab the drink, Yuki looks around for anyone dressed for close travel or for living and pulls a seat next to them. ’First summer snow, then talking wildlife; what’s next? Bandits casting magic?
Gavinia nods grimly. "I pray that the Sentinels are still there. But even if they are, it must be that they have had to concentrate their force on some other threat deeper in the wood. They will need aid in one way or another."
She pauses in thought. "Elder Safander, do you know if the lodge will be easy to find, or did the Sentinels keep it well hidden?" Shaking her head, she continues "A guide to the woods would be useful, but I suspect that the Sentinels would be the best people to ask.
The location is Heldren - Willowbark Apothecary
"He said something about winter-touched but I have no idea what that means," Tessaraea holds back the curtain for you. "Come, he's ready to talk."
The location is Heldren - Temple of Erastil
"There are some locals in town that might know how to get there, I'd see if any of them are willing to start an expedition with you and lead you there. You might be able to find a map in the general store, but it probably doesn't show you what it looks like with snow all over but might help with the general direction." He smiles, "I never actually have been in the woods here."
Going through the curtain Morde looks at the patient. "Yuln? I'm Mordred I live in the border woods, along with my companion Garrasay. I hear that you ran into trouble escorting a noble? " Morde silently waits to hear his story. Knowing that some people embellish their experiences Morde listens to every word carefully.
The location is Heldren - Willowbark Apothecary
Yuln responds shifting in the bed clearly in pain, "We thought they were just bandits at first-outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.”
Just as Petals displayed a wide variety of flowers, it also bore a selection of berries. Garrasay carefully plucked one that resembled a strawberry from the vine and offered it the man.
"Rrrrr. Cold fey? You said your people told stories of them. Would these stories help us prepare now to face them should we encounter them during our search for the Lady? Is there anything more specific you could tell us about either the fey or the raiders."
Garrasy plucks one more berry from the vine, this one similar to a blueberry and offers it before continuing his questions. "Where were you ambushed and which way did the raiders go? We will need some place to begin our search. grrOWl."
He turns not Mordred "If there are both bandits and fey creatures, we might be better with more help, maybe one or both of the others we met at the inn are familiar with fey creatures. The seemed interested in helping regardless and another set of eyes and swords would not be unwelcome. rrrr."
As the conversation in the temple comes to an end, Gavinia rises to leave.
"Many thanks, Elder, this has been most helpful. These do seem like dark times but I hope we can provide some illumination."
Bowing respectfully, "May Erastil watch over you and your flock and may Alseta keep your walls and gates secure."
---
Outside, she turns to Steinolf. "I saw Garrasay and Mordred heading to the apothecary after we left the tavern -they are probably hearing his story now. I think I will head to the general store first to see if I can procure a map of the woods."
---
Entering the store, Gavinia bows her head in another momentary prayer before addressing the storekeep. "Good afternoon. I and my group are journeying into the Border Wood to investigate the kidnapped lady and the other recent strange events. Would you have a map of the area?"
“I hope everyone is having luck with finding out clues... Gavinia, Elder Safander mentioned an Ulfen man. I would like to speak to him at some point. But his nose was frost bitten... If he was part of the Lady’s guard I believe we should also see what kind of traveling gear the store might have. We may need to be able to keep warm.”
Arriving at the general store, Steinolf chimes in after Gavinia; “Yes we would also need some traveling equipment that can withstand some cold.”
The location is Heldren - Willowbark Apothecary
The man seems wery of the berries you are offering, but decides to take them in thanks. "Yes, fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man's forearm. But don't be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.” Yuln responds to Garrasy, then adds, "You can harm them with cold iron and burning flame. Both burn them, and both are weapons they fear."
Responding to Garrasay's second question, "We were attacked where the forest meets the road and there is a fork the leads of into the woods. The took the Lady into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don't know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here.”
The location is Heldren - General Store
Vivialla greets her new customers and responds to your inquiries, "Yes, we do have a map of the area. I can sell it to you for 50 GP. And yes, I just so happen to have 4 used winter outfits I can sell for 5 GP each. Mordred wasn't joking about the cold, I'm afraid I won't be able to help the whole town. But it sounds like you're going out there, aren't you? If that's true, I'll sell this map for 25 gp instead. I have to make money but I also want this resolved."
Gavinia thumbs through her money pouch, frowning. "I am afraid even an outfit is more than I can afford now - I had meant to do some work in town over the next few days, but emergencies rarely occur at convenient times." She gives a wry grin, and turns to Steinolf. "We should perhaps meet up with the group and pool our resources."
Steinolf pulls his coin pouch from under his cloak and thumbs through his coins. He pulls out 45 gold and places them on the counter. “We will take the four winter outfits, and even though I am familiar with the area we will need the map to make it easier. Gavinia, you take one, I will take one. And we will have to see who else needs one in the group.”
Getting everything situated with his gear he begins to look over the map.
After a brief moment of looking over the map he turns back to Vivialla; “Has anyone else from our group been by? I didn’t know who all else purchased a winter outfit... I guess I should have asked before buying these four... They could come in handy.”