I am Lanfried, a local dwarf of the land and follower of teh green faith. This is Grawlic, my companion
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Newmark is focusing on Hassan's shivering and chattering teeth. He is about to speak up to the whole group when, the elk begins to speak. Amazed and awed...Newmark is at a loss of what to say to the animal except, Greetings I am Newmark. The snows come early in the season for such a southern woods. I've been sent by my order to investigate. Whom am I speaking with? Newmark absently begins shuffling off his cold weather coat and hands it to Hassan...He whispers under his breathe, Here, take it...I've no need right now. I spent seven years in Irrisen when I was younger. I've built up a tolerance for these colder climates... Newmark pushes the heavy coat towards Hassan...never taking his eyes off the elk.
Greetings Newmark...Will the others introduce themselves also? Or are you their leader?
Chuckling, Newmark answers... No, no I'm not their leader. We all just met a day or two ago. I can only speak for myself. The rest are capable of speaking for themselves.
I am Lanfried, a local dwarf of the land and follower of teh green faith. This is Grawlic, my companion
The elk snorts in Grawlic's direction but makes no move to attack, Well met Lanfried and Grawlic. You claim you know these woods, then you must have heard of Awi Usdi...I'm the spirit guardian of this forest. It is my life mission to protect and serve it. Pray why have you come today? As your other Dwarf companion mentioned the snows come early this year..but it is all part of the balance. I'm not concerned. But, I would like to know why more foreigners have entered these woods. So pray tell me why are you here?
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Krestimbunt yelped in surprise upon meeting the stag, looking up to the large, talking stag. "W-Well hi there-Krestimbunt Gruth. Gnome. N-Nice to meet you. S-sorry for my quiet, I just weasnt expecting a t-talking stag. We're just here to see w-what's going on with the sudden snow, as well as s-save someone whos g-gone missing"
Arrac eyes the stag carefully. Not everyday you meet a talking Stag. Arrac, I'm here to gain personal glory, and earn my future spot in my tribe... And, I suppose what the little one said as well.
Not everyday you meet a talking Stag. Arrac, I'm here to gain personal glory, and earn my future spot in my tribe... And, I suppose what the little one said as well.
Not everyday you meet....um I'm sorry...I don't know where you are from? Are you a warrior? replies the elk in an awkward manor to the Big Barbarian.
We're just here to see w-what's going on with the sudden snow, as well as s-save someone whos g-gone missing"
Who's gone missing and why are you looking for them? Why is a gnome traveling with a group of adventurers? What do you do for them? The elk says, as it munches on some tree leaves.
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Hassan continues to shiver but gratefully accepts the cold weather cloak from Newmark, wrapping it around himself. When he gather himself to speak next, the southerner says proudly, "I am not from these lands, but from where I hail, animals who speak human tongues are hunted and killed as portents of witchery. Tell us, beast, are you friend or foe? Shall we trade words with you, or put you to the sword, as my training tells me I must?"
Hassan is watching the creature carefully, as he does not trust any magical beast..
"I am not from these lands, but from where I hail, animals who speak human tongues are hunted and killed as portents of witchery. Tell us, beast, are you friend or foe? Shall we trade words with you, or put you to the sword, as my training tells me I must?"
Save your threats southerner, I've a right to ask who treads in these woods. As far as baring steal goes...you may find my antlers stronger than your steel...I've surprises of my own. The elk then ignores Hassan turning its attention back to the others.
The elk paws at the ground..trying to stir up some foliage in through the thick snow. When it lifts it's head and addresses the party again, You're kinda of silent for humans. Big man you're from the north I sense, the warriors that carry axes...Have you come to cut down our forest? Were you a warrior in your lands..speak that I may know... The elk turns it's head towards Krestimbunt, You little fey brother, you've greeted me true but you haven't stated who you are, what you do, and why you're here...Have you come to hone your magics in this forest?
Finally the elk addresses the two remaining Dwarves, The Dwarf with the crossbow, are you some type of Wizard? Rare for a Dwarf...who sent you to investigate the weather? The elk then addresses Lanfried, You with the big cat, you've wandered these woods before? It's strange we haven't met. What is your purpose here? what do you intend? Which aspect of nature do you honor or what god? The elk stands tall and still waiting for answers from all of you.
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Newmark is a bit surprised by the question but answers honestly, I'm a member of the Stone of the Seers of Magnimar. Although, I've studied with White Witches at the Irriseni Bloodstone Conservatory. Neither of those schools sent me here however, it was The Acadamae of Korvoso that, first discovered unusual weather patterns and accurately predicted that, an unusual event may occur here in southern Taldor. It was members of the The Acadamae, that requested me to investigate this occurrence, as they knew that I had studied in Irrisen where winter runs eternal. Therefore, headmaster Toff Ornelos requested my aid, from the leader of my order in Magninmar. Now that I'm here I can confirm that the weather is unseasonable cold. And I have yet to find a reason. My question to you noble creature is, what do you know of the weather? What is your exact role in this forest? You've hinted that you're a protector protector of what? You ask a lot fair enough...I have told you, now please tell me why you want to know our business? Are we free to travel and explore these woods?
Arrac stands proudly, puffing out his chest.
I am, I am the next in line for chieftain of my tribe. First however, I must prove myself, and so I set out on my quest. As for why I am here in these woods we seek a woman, seemingly one of importance in the lands nearby, not for your trees. I believe this may lead to the glory I need to take up the mantle of my forefathers.
At newmarks mention of being allowed to travel the woods Arrac snorts. I need not permission to walk where I want.
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Hassan hisses between his teeth as the elk speaks rudely to him. "I like this not, my friends. Careful what you reveal to this enchanted creature, for we in the South know that true names hold power, especially for those with evil intent. Unless this creature intends to bar our passage, I say we move on into the forest and find the reason behind this unseasonable cold. Standing here chatting with a sorcerous beast is not helping us, and can only hurt."
After his stumble earlier Lanfried watches and keeps silent.
Hassan hisses between his teeth as the elk speaks rudely to him. "I like this not, my friends. Careful what you reveal to this enchanted creature, for we in the South know that true names hold power, especially for those with evil intent. Unless this creature intends to bar our passage, I say we move on into the forest and find the reason behind this unseasonable cold. Standing here chatting with a sorcerous beast is not helping us, and can only hurt."
You are arrogant southerner...You tread where you do not belong.. The magnificent animal turns away from the party and begins to move away as it does it says one last thing as it departs, wander where you will for now. Perhaps, your pride will lead you to your prize...or your doom. The fro..forest shall endure however.
As the stag walks away most of the party is left in bewilderment and awe by the magnificent and apparently magical talking stag. However, Hassan's natural skepticism keeps him alert. As the regal creature turns to depart, Hassan realizes something about their lengthy conversation with the creature. it never moved it's mouth properly when speaking to us! In fact it ate tree branches while talking to us without so much as crunch from the leaves! This beast has had someone else talking through it or for it the whole time!
Lanfried indicates the path ahead. Shall we continue?
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As the bogus talking stag wanders off, Hassan expains the hoax to the others. "I am not familiar in the ways of wild magic, but that was no talking stag. Some other creature unknown to us was speaking but pretending to be that beast. Who now knows our names and quest is unclear. Shall we attack it?"
Hassan draws an arrow from his quiver, ready to shoot at the false creature, showing his feelings on the matter.
Arrac grunts. If you want. Its pelt would likely make a great coat against the cold! However, if what you say is true stranger, Then is the creature to blame, and not the one controlling it? Do as you will, though I doubt we could catch it if it decides to flee. Arrac holds the hilt of his blade, but doesn't actively move to chase the beast.
While Hassan and Arrac debate what to do about the elk it simply walks deeper into the forest disappearing from view. The apparently magical elk has left you all a bit breathless and in awe. In all the angst and excitement all of you failed to notice Krestimbunt's absence.
An easy to follow trail of small footprints heads back in the direction your group has traveled from. Apparently Krestimbunt has decided to abandon this adventure without forewarning the rest of you. You look to each with worry and concern, strange tidings and events have been revealed. You cannot but, help think that a nights rest might clear things up a bit, for all of you. The snow falls lightly, and the woods are eerily silent...the only sound is the lite chattering of Hassan's teeth.
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The cold has gotten the better of Hassan's bravado, and while he might wish to continue forward, he is on the verge of exhaustion from the exposure. "It may be wise to return to the village and find shelter from this cold. It saps my strength in unexpected ways. Plus, with the gnome's disappearance, we are a man down. I think we can use all the hands we can get."
Arrac Grunts. If you folk want to go back, I'll make sure the lot of ya get there in one piece.. He pauses a moment. And hopefully not as ice sculptures! Bwahaha! He gives a hearty slap on the back to Hassan. Well come stranger, though I do hope the little one wasn't taken in by foul magic. Though, if our tribes story keeper speaks true, gnomes are quite... unpredictable. With that, Arrac makes sure to mark a trail on the way back, once that wouldn't be covered by snow or ice so that finding their way back to this spot would be a simple matter.
Lanfried trudges back to town in thoughtful silence, Grawlic walks at the side of his dwarf companion.
Your group reluctantly turns back to Heldern to report what you found and recoup from the days events. The mystery of where Krestimbunt went, is not fully solved. When you reach town, you find that no one has reported seeing him. When you finally settle into a table near the Hearth at the Silver Stoat, you notice one or two new strangers in town.
A girl walks through the village looking for anyone who knows more about the rumors. Snow in the Border Wood! That's too good to be true. It was one of the many drawbacks of living on a farm outside a backwater village. Nothing ever happens, and even when something happens, you're the last to know.
So the girl planed to run off and see (this miracle) for herself. But it is a two to three hour walk to get there. So she searches for any strangers that might have come past the woods. When she arrives in Heldren, she soon finds the villagers are no help. They still think of me as a girl! Don't take me seriously! They are afraid! They talk of monsters, you'd think I was a kid they was trying to scare with fairy tales!
She sees the two of brave men, and two Dwarves. They are dressed in thick clothes (except for the southerner) and traces of snow at their boots.The girl hustles to their table all manners forgotten in her excitement. Just as the men make themselves comfortable, The girl approaches them at their table. Without a proper greeting she springs them with questions. "Have you been to the Borderwood? Is there really snow? I mean really?" She shows with her hands a foot apart how high she considers really snow. "Are you going there again? Can I come along?" She doesn't care that a no to the first question would make all the others obsolete. That is what wishful thinking does to you.
After her outburst, the girl just stands there in the awkward situation she created, waiting for someone to answer her.
As Wassilissa stands there and she realizes what she has done, an embarrassed smile sneaks on her face. Please don't be angry, please don't be angry, ... she thinks.
Arrac finishes downing a pint of mead before looking over the girl.
Aye we have, even spoke to a white stag larger than a horse hahah! At the last question, arrac things for a moment. He finally pulls out a chair next to him.
While the norm is that the women are not hunters or warriors in my clan, there are a few that would give any man a run for his money in a fight! Hmm. Sit, share a drink! Tell us what your skills. Will you be able to hold your own in the knee high snow? I must say, the wintry bite is refreshing for me, but not for all!
If she sits he hands her a drink.
Wassilissa blushes a little. Looking down at herself she realizes what she must look like for this steeled fighter. "I'm no farmer-girl!" she replies. But that is the inner fear speaking that this life she hates would make her into one. Of course she is wearing the same clothes, that every farmer around here is wearing. Only the vest made of fox hide makes her stand out. "I'm a hunter, with my bow!" she adds hastily to not sound stupid. Feeling like an eight year old again is great if you think about jumping into three foot of snow head first. It's not so great a feeling when you are questioned by a seasoned man.
Finally she takes the offered seat. She racks her brain about what skills she has, but draws a blank. She got no special education, learned no trade, only farming and she is not even good at that. And telling that she can pick a lock she doesn't dare. What would he think of her? And the people in town, if they knew. Desperation shows on her face as the painful thought crosses her mind: I'm not good at anything!
She quickly changes the topic inside her head. "I don't care about cold. I love it. I'm from Irrisen. That's in the North where it's always cold."
As the last sentence is out her eyes widen. Oh, no. I'm explaining to him what he for sure already knows.
Arrac gives her a friendly and hearty slap on her back. Well at the very least, you are a good shot with that bow then? I assume that fox hide to be one of your kills? You can call me Arrac of the Wulfing clan, Tell me, Hunter of Irrisen, what is your name? And Why do you want to follow with us into danger?
He downs another pint before slamming it back onto the table with a grin.
Wassilissia takes a sip from the drinc Arrac put before her. "I'm Wassilissa. The vest is made from four foxes and I hunted them all myself." she tells a little proud.
The second part is a lot harder to answer. Because she doesn't want to follow into danger. She just wants something that is closer to home than this... Taldor. So the rumors are true? The alarm is clearly showing on her face. But she is not good at lying, so she gives the truth a shot. "I want to get back to the cold snowy land that was my home. And these rumors of snow in the woods is the closest I got to that since we moved here many years ago."
"What dangers did you find there?" she asks, wondering what it might be.
Aye, the woods are very much like my forefathers home. I scarcely remember them before we journeyed down here. He takes another swig and smiles.
Nothing too troublesome, some fell faeries, half frozen Undead, a wyrmling, and some type of beings of frost. So, if you join us, be aware of the dangers, though, there are to be rewards as well... though, the glory and tales were enough to entice me Hahah! He looks to Nuemark, and then the others.
What are your opinions on the matter?
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Newmark shrugs his shoulders as he eyes the girl as if appraising a horse. He turns to Arrac and answers, Hmmph...rewards or no rewards..I go where me order sends me. Anything else....extra, is interesting....but, not my mission. Finding out why it's snowing here and not a dozen miles North of here is me main concern....might try to stop it......if it be within' me abilities...but first we gots to find the cause.... Newmark, eyes the girl more carefully... Now where'd you be saying' your kin be from again?
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Hassan, still shivering from the unseasonable cold, frowns at the girl and Arrac's conversation. "The Wood is filled with unspeakable danger, little one. It is not the place for a young girl, especially with this winter upon the place. None of us have the ability to look after a youngster, while we are fighting for our lives." He moves closer to the fire trying to warm himself, then turns back to the others. "Still, we did lose the gnome and are a man down. I don't see anyone else from this backwater village volunteering. Someone handy with a bow could be useful, if she has the nerve to stand up and fight. Shooting a mortal enemy is different than hunting foxes."
"Irrisen - some unnamed hamlet at the Rimeflow River." Wassilissa answers, nervously holding on to the mug.
She listens to that stranger that seems not to be from Taldor too, but as he only belittles her she doesn't reply. What should she say anyway. What does she know about killing a mortal enemy.
Lanfried is impressed with the fox pelt vest.
The lass says she can handle herself. Lets see before we turn her away.
Arrac laughs, Speak for yourself There hazzan, I'll be able to keep an eye on her hahah! After all, no one starts out as a trained soldier! If she is a good shot, all she needs is the right motivation! The large Ulfen rests a heavy hand on the girls head as he roughly rubs it.
Besides, You've got me looking out for ya, you'll be fine hahahah! I suppose that settles it, I say we give her a chance. After all, if worse comes to worse I can carry her back here if shes injured.
"That's great." Wassilissa tells with a forced smile. Oh, my. I'll die of embarrassment if that happens. The "wannabe hunter" farm girl carried back to the village hanging over the shoulder of Arrac. It looks like someone is in over her head.
She takes a gulp out of her mug, in hopes that will make her more comfortable again.
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"Irrisen - some unnamed hamlet at the Rimeflow River."
Newmark tries to hide the surprise of the girl's honest remark. Most people and things from Irrisen were treated with fear in these parts. This girl was a long way from home and seems she barely understood the significance of that. Could this girl have something to do with the wild weather? I wouldn't put it past those witches to plant one of their spies within our midst if they were responsible for this phenomenon...Lady of eternal Winter *bah!*
Spent some time in Irrisen myself.. Newmark says coolly while spitting on the planks beneath his feat...He takes a long drag of his ale and wipes the foam from his lips with his sleeve.. Ever herd of the Bloodstone Conservatory? Newmark raises an eyebrow suspicious but not hostile towards the girl.
"No, what is it?" Wassilissa replies. "To be honest, I don't know much about Irrisen, but what is obvious from living in that small village. I've heard many scary fairy tales, that tell what horrible creatures and mighty witches dwell in every corner of the land. And that you won't live long when you don't avoid them all. But don't all countries have their own tales to scare the children and make them be at home before dark?"
Coming back to the question at hand she adds "I remember Algidheart. That is the town downriver from my home. We came through it when we left Irrisen." With that last sentence her face tells that this is no happy memory.
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Newmark's features soften a little..Well if this child is a plant she's a damn convincing one...might be useful to have a native Irrisani on the expedition...at least she'd be used to the cold..like me'self.. Newmark nods his head a bit and answers the girl a little less gruffly...Well if the others don't mind ye tag along...who am I to object?! Gotta be better than the flaky Gnome that was accompanying us earlier...Wonder where he ran off to? Newmark lets out a belch betraying his indifference to the subject..Mrs Garimos, if ye wouldn't mind another round for me and me' friends...give the lass another pint as well seems she's set on joining us! Newmark dumps some of the coins collected from the sprites on the table counting and pushes them to Wassilissa, Consider it an advance for services rendered..use it to fill in any equipment gaps ye may have...make sure ye' dress warm enough! Irrissen or not..it be cold in that forest!
"Thank you." Wassilissa replies wide eyed. That is more money than she ever owned in her life. Looking around what the men have on them and with them she asks "What would I need besides my bow, a knife, something to make fire and some food?"
The weather being what it is I would suggest something to keep warm.
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"What would I need besides my bow, a knife, something to make fire and some food?"
Newmark overhears the girl while investigating the contents of the bottom of his stein..in a muffled and a bit inebriated voice Newmark slurs..Fey...! when he slams the stein back on the table he gets a nasty look from Kale Garimos. Noticing the bewildered look on the girl's face he says it again. ..Fey! I said! We already fought some Fey sprites and the southerner... Newmark says, while slapping Hassan a bit too roughly on the shoulder......the southerner thinks it was fey trickery about, when we encountered the 'talking stag'. Newmark's eyes bulge out a little and he tries to stand immediately collapsing back in his chair. He looks up blurry eyed at the red-headed girl and says, Don't be an addle brain nit and act like ye' don't understand me meaning...Fey ain't like natural creatures...spawn from the first world and such..most weapons aren't so effective against um' but ancient weapons and ancient metals are! Cold iron is old metal...and me' thinks the smithy here in town has some...I intend to order some cold iron bolts for me old 'twanger' ..you should do the same for that big ol' bow strung across your back! Newmark accidentally knocks his empty stein on the floor as he turns back to the table..
Proprietor! Mistress Kale! slurs the drunk Dwarf...I'm afraid there be a wounded solider on yer floor...we be needing to care for him proper and fill him up with your finest fluids *gufaw!*
Lanfried will venture over to Isker’s Smithy. Good day smith. I am interested in acquiring a weapon made of cold iron. A sickle or scimitar perhaps. Also, some of those cold iron sling bullets, if you have them to spare.
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When Newmark spouts off about cold-iron, Hassan holds up the blade given to him by the wounded Ulfen guardsman. "I have a cold-iron blade, but this longsword is not a weapon I am familiar with. If anyone else can use it well, I am happy to part with it."
Otherwise, he takes his share of the coin and heads over to acquire one of the cold-weather outfits. He then goes to the chapel and gives his oblations to Sarenrae, asking for help and thanking her for the guidance she has given so far.
Also, make sure you have good armor, and warm clothes! The frost already took ahold of a couple of them before we returned!
Arrac stands up to his full height of 6'8" before giving a rough slap to nuemarks back.
Perhaps that soldier is one best left alone now eh? Hahahah! Well Hunter of Irrisen, do you have need of additional gear? He asks as he downs another pint.
Lanfried will venture over to Isker’s Smithy. Good day smith. I am interested in acquiring a weapon made of cold iron. A sickle or scimitar perhaps. Also, some of those cold iron sling bullets, if you have them to spare.
The Smithy says, Ye brought me enough cold Iron for a scimitar and perhaps I’ll have some spare for your sling bullets since you’re supplying the material I’ll just charge you labor.It will take me 2 days to finish The scimitar, I just got an order to refit some armor from some farmer girl ha! Thought she was kidding at first! But what do I care...her gold is as good as any!