The sleepy village of Heldren, Taldor, has rarely seen such excitement. Since spring hunters and farmers alike have looked to the nearby Border Wood and speak of the unseasonable and downright unnatural cold weather that now had it's grip on the land despite it being the height of summer. It started a few days ago, a cold snap that seemed to worsen rapidly. Heavy snow followed and those brave enough to go out there have come back talking of an uneasy presence in the woods as well as new, alien and dangerous predators. No one knows what these events mean, or what ever started them but Old Mother Theodora, the town's soothsayer, claims that dark times lie ahead.
In the night these dark tidings were heralded by the arrival of badly wounded warrior who claims to be the sole surviving guard of Lady Argentea Malassene. Through his fatigued delirium he told the village council that the Nobel woman and her escorts came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of Border Wood. He alone escaped the assault while the Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest.
Now, not long after dawn, the village has taken on a sombre air with villages casting fearful eyes toward the snowy forest. Fearing what could come forth from the woods, the elderly look to their youngers to go out and defend their village.
As Ungthar walks in to town early in the morning, he notices the increased activity among the townsfolk at this hour. He shivers slightly as he casually strolls in, headed towards the inn. He hoped they had a fire going to warm his bones, but asking for a lit fireplace at the break of dawn seemed like wishful thinking.
Damn this cold... I came here to avoid it. Too many bad memories come with it. I'd better just trade my goods and resupply rations before I take off. Maybe for good, this time? That damned Rell keeps harassing me, trying to get me to work for him... His niece looks far too spoiled with her dresses. The last thing I need is to watch over some pompous young woman who cares more for her vanity than her safety.
He nods at passing townsfolk politely, despite being lost in thought. His pained expression clearly gives away that he's distracted.
Besides, after last time, I don't think I can put myself through that again. Yes, it's better if I just leave Heldren completely and put the idea out of my head for good.
Drelsh packs his supplies as the sun rises, then with a final look around jumps down from his hammock makes his way towards the town. Time to find out what all the noise has been about Drelsh keeps his head down and his hood up, knowing the townsfolk aren't aware of him and intending to keep it that way.
From his earlier scouting he heads towards the inn he located, deciding it would probably draw less attention than finding shelter elsewhere. He enters, feeling the strange tingling as the cold releases his skin and the warmth embracing it. It's like taking a deep drink after losing a lover. It seems to be satisfying, but lonely...
Silently sighing, Drelsh lowers his hood, trying to ignore any incoming looks. He makes his way to the bar and waits for the bartenders attention, quietly ordering some water and a bit of food.
Eladora strode back into Heldren, normally she would have skirted the village and approached Mayor's house from the back. But today that felt a little too much like hiding, and though she could not quite place it something had been "off" in the woods, Brunt had been skittish and there seemed to be fewer birds than even the sudden cold would account for.
Though the cold had never much bothered her - she was sure others made far too much of it - she was dressed in a soft green coat with a warm fur lining. Her gold silk hair flew in the wind that she unsuccessfully attempted to keep at bay with her sturdy black umbrella and her brilliant blue eyes almost seeming to glow against her pale skin and the white of the snow.
Glancing down at the ludicrously inappropriate, though lovely, blue green dress that emerged from beneath her coat, she chanted, "Advey," sending a tiny cloud of translucent blue bubbles flowing from her fingertips to play over her dress leaving it pristine in their wake.
Why is it so cold though? Someone needs to point Gozreh at a calender. If this does not end soon thousands of animals are going to die, they've had no time to prepare..."
"What in the nine layers of hell is going on with the weather?" Grumbling to herself under her breath, which clouded annoyingly, Azana walked into town. Despite the heavy bear fur coat (a gift from the owner of the trap that had shattered her leg) and the warm gloves and even her scarf, nothing seemed to help much. Maybe she should have worn her kapenia instead...it could probably be classified as a special occasion to be warm right now.
But she respected her people's traditions too much to use the scarf for something as simple as being warm. It was odd, though. Warmth had been promised and then suddenly gone. The seasons were acting like a Sczarni - giving just a hint to make you think they'd keep there word, then poof! Gone, along with your purse and anything else suitably valuable that could be pried up fast enough.
Since people were heading towards the square Azana decided to join them. Mostly she was just stretching the muscles of her leg, growing comfortable with the slight tightness the scar tissue crated, which would likely be with her the rest of her days. Maybe there would be news about what was going on. She'd heard something about a noblewoman getting ambushed in the woods, and the weird creatures that seemed to be lurking these days. It was definitively odd...and that was worrying. Maybe it was time to move on before the problems got worse.
But the town had been good to Azana, as good as anywhere had been. And she was fond of the place. This was the longest she had ever stayed in one place, and she had grown attached even as she longed to move on. Maybe there was something she could do to help instead? She'd have to see.
Noticing the lack of people in the inn Drelsh inquires about it, and when somebody mentions the gathering Drelsh frowns Are things that serious? I suppose I should see what's going on he drops a few coppers and makes his way out, bringing up his hood again.
As he approaches the crowd he slows down, then finds a porch where he can lean and listen to the events. As he looks around at the people he pales They're all wearing heavy clothing, it must be colder than I thought. Being less affected by the weather, he still only has his normal cloak on over his armor. It looks like a pitiful amount of clothing on such a cold day. Swearing under his breath, he makes a note to buy some 'warmer' clothing
Ragnor kneels in prayer within the church of Erastil, his normal work routine put aside as the unnatural weather and current troubles weighs on his mind, certain this is in part why he was directed to Heldren. Those near can hear the heartfelt prayers to his god.
Thank you, Erastil for directing my actions and placing me where I may fulfill my oath to protect those unable to defend themselves. Provide me your strength for the trials ahead so I may be successful in the tasks that I will be called on to perform. Grant those endangered your guidance and protection so they may survive the evil that is carried on this unnatural winter wind. In honor and truth may I serve to my final breath.
His prayer finished Ragnor recovers the heavy furs and gear left at the door to be put back on before heading out in the blustery winter weather. Eyes set and movements driven with the decision made. I can't do this on my own. My task is clear I need to gather others of strength to end this threat to the village and hopefully save the woman that was taken.
As Drelsh waits for events to start happening, he takes a deep breath and looks skyward at the descensding snow and the visible cloud of air his breathing makes. I still wonder if the cold follows me or I follow it. His daydreaming is broken by the loud banging of metal and he shifts his attention to see a man calling for volunteers Ah, here we go, let's see how the villagers intend to handle this problem he gets closer to hear the talk and see the people, then see's the man isn't one of the village Hmm, not often a stranger walks in offering free help. Or at least organization for the help needed. He lowers his hood to better feel the cold on his face, then pulls out a waterskin and stoops down to scoop up some snow. He holds the skin casually for a moment when all of a sudden is starts steaming, and he takes a long drink from it. Perhaps I could join in, lets see if he can gather any others
As the crowd continues to gather Councilor Ionnia Teppen was taking up position front of the crowds trying to calm them down and talk to them individually, a task she was woefully failing.
The moment the paladin hammers his axe against his shield the crowd falls silent granting the poor Councilor a moment to breath. As soon as the paladin calls for volunteers the Councilor looks relieved, the church of Erastil is the only religion that could be called active in Heldren and it is clear that she harbored some hope that it would be they who stepped up.
"We don't have much to offer in way of a reward..." The Councilor says once the paladin has finished his call for volunteers, "But you live here, you know how hard it will be in the winter if this cold summer is left to destroy our lively hoods." She parts the crowds and pulls Ragnor to the front, "This man is willing to do what's right, I beg than every able man and woman does their part." The crowd is awkwardly silent, the majority of the crowd cast their eyes to the ground, nobody knows what lies in wait in Border Wood and no one is too keen to find out.
Eladora steps strides forward, hitching up her dress to avoid the mud showing pale ankles unmarred by goose bumps and clutching her sturdy umbrella like a weapon,
"I shall help, it is not only humans who will suffer if this cold continues. I have my magic, it may not meet everyone's standards, but I am sure it will be enough to put paid to a few bandits and whatever strange aide they have enlisted. Now let us have some more volunteers it would hardly be proper for me to go traipsing off into the woods with this large woodsey gentleman now would it?"
Drelsh smiles Well isn't she the charming once, I'm sure she'll have the entire crowd just eager to run into the woods in a few minutes He finishes his drink and puts his skin away Even makes out a Paladin to be a 'woodsey gentleman' he looks at her, then stops That's an aasimar! Well well, things ARE getting exciting Drelsh hesitates for another moment, then makes his way through the crowd. As he does so he takes his hood down, revealing his burned face and vivid eyes. As he approaches the two, it's pretty obvious he has nothing but a tunic and a cloak on, something that you would wear in mild weather such as fall, although there's not a sign of shivering or blue skin on him. "I would like to help as well. You may not know me, but my skills would prove valuable on this journey"
As Unghtar heads further into town and sees the gathered crowd, he walks over to investigate what's going on. After hearing the call to arms, he looks down for a moment.
He's right... This town isn't going to survive with this strange cold afflicting it. Ungthar lets out a sigh as he steps forward.
"I will help. I can navigate these woods better than most, and you'll need someone that can track to hunt down these bandits."
Ungthar turns to face Eladora.
"Your intentions are brave, but are you sure you should be doing this? The woods are very dangerous now, and no place for a young noblewoman."
Azana listened to the Councillor for a moment, and considered; would three people be enough? Probably not. Besides, it would be a good way to both see how well she had healed and o repay the community for the help they'd given her.
"I'll go too. You know, to make sure the guys are civil to the lady." She grinned over at the other woman. Not just humans, huh? I wonder what you might be... Another Aasimar, maybe? Or a half elf? Tieflings and Half-Orcs tended to wear there blood on there skin. Truth be told, so did most Aasimar - Azana's silver hair and eyes in her own case - but those two were definitely difficult to not notice, as a general rule.
Azana shrugged. "I can fight, and I have a few other useful abilities. A little talking, a bit of magic...and hey, you never know what you might find."
Drelsh arcs a curious eyebrow An Oread, and another Aasimar on top of that He smiles again Or perhaps another lady to be civil too He looks around, waiting to see if anybody else volunteers. When nobody does, he closes his hand around the snowball, and when he opens it only steam rises. "I'm Drelsh. I suppose we should get started. How about we talk about this at an inn, out of this cold" standing there in bare arms it seems he could care less about the cold.
Drelsh takes a chair so his back is to the wall and he can see the rest of the room. He gives the others a moment to sit, and takes a drink from his cup "So, if we intend to be working together I suppose we should know each other a little. I don't often see paladins around this area, and I am very curious as to why two lovely Aasimars have an interest in this. Also, I heard you could track?" he asks, facing the Oread, seeming interested. He takes another sip, then after a moment you realize nobody has come over yet to fill the cups
Ragnor appears surprised that Eladora has stepped forward but only for a moment. He recovers and attempts to hide his surprise by putting his axe away before offering his hand to Eladora and coaxes her towards the center of the gathering with himself and the Councilor.
Any that have the will to fight to protect others are welcome Lady Eladora, Erastil watches over men as well as the natural beasts of the forest someone who wishes to champion the animals serves a worthy cause.
Seeing Drelsh moving forward to volunteer Ragnor greets him as he steps through the crowd offering a warriors handshake grasping the forearm and a healthy slap to his opposite shoulder.
Another sword arm will certainly help. Thank you for offering your support to the community.
Moving to Ungthar Ragnor also offers his hand in a warriors grip.
I am glad to hear you are a skilled tracker. I am sure it will be needed if we are to be successful.
Stepping aside he allows Ungthar and Eladora to work out there differences as he greets Azana.
I am certain such a wide variety of skills can only help our mission. Thank you for offering your blade and knowledge for the protection of Heldren.
Thank you everyone that stepped forward. I understand that many of you have a wish to help but have other responsibilities. Stick close to your families and look after each other. With luck and Erastil’s blessing we will soon return with the culprits brought to justice and Lady Argentea safe.
Drelsh puts a lopsided grin on "Well I do tend to swing some steel occasionally, but you'll find that's one of my backup plans"
"So it seems you have in interest in helping someone other than 'humans'"
Eladora smiles at Ragnor uncertainly, taking his hand and giving it a brief shake his massive fingers enveloping her delicate digits alarmingly. She turns towards the crowds chin raised in defiance staring down anyone who meets her gaze.
Eladora shrugs at Drelsh's questions, peering around at the Inn's rustic interior,
"I am stuck here and I've no particular desire to be kidnapped or murdered by bandits made brazen by their successes. If they wanted to kidnap I would likely be the logical choice - it would be the wrong choice, but probably the logical one. And yes, for the most part I find animals better company than humans, they are not cold hearted liars who say a thing one day and forget it the next, they are honest, and this cold will make them suffer first."
Following the others to the inn Ragnor emanates nervousness born of impatience. I don't mind getting out of the cold for a short while but we should be off with some haste. The longer we wait the harder it will be to catch the bandits. They have at least a day on us possibly more.
Ragnor stops and looks to the sky studying the clouds movement and the intensity of the wind for a moment before continuing with everyone and enters the inn and continues to speak. My main concern is with this unusual weather that it will snow and make tracking impossible. I only ask that we be quick. Setting down for the morning meal should be ok since it may be awhile before we have another good meal, but then we should gather any remaining supplies and depart. We can plan and get to know each other on the road.
Drelsh smiles "I think I have that covered" Drelsh takes out a small polished set of bones, then closes his eyes and begins chanting quietly. Slowly the bones start steaming, then form a picture...
Thinking over Eladora's words to Drelsh, Ungthar pauses for a moment in thought.
Hm. She's certainly more of a firecracker than I originally thought. I guess appearances can certainly be deceiving.
Ungthar steps forward to Lady Eladora.
"If you wish to confront these bandits, then I shall accompany all of you. Yes, Sir Drelsh, I am partially familiar with the woods around this village and I've learned to understand the signs that the land gives you.
"And you, my lady, if you still require my services, I would be honored to take you as my ward. I promise you, you shall not fall into harm as long as I am able to stop it."
As the image of the impending weather forms in mist Drelsh arcs an eybrow at Ungthar "Well Sir Ungthar, I think between our tracking skills this might be easier than we thought" There's a hint of amusement in his voice as he says sir. When his spell starts getting the attention of people other than those at his table Drelsh flips his hand and the mist dissolves away "I like Ragnor's idea, let's eat then be off"
"Food is never a bad thing," Azana agreed. "Might as well get something hot inside our gullets before heading out into the cold. Maybe something a little spicy? I like spicy food."
What an odd little group they'd assembled. Still, with five of them they might have a semi-decent chance of dealing with whatever is in the woods. "Before I forget, I am Azana. No lady or anything. Yes, as some suggested, I am an Aasimar - which means when I say, 'My mother can kick your rear' I'm not joking in the least, although I'm not too bad at it myself. I'm a bard - I dance for the most part." She did a quick twirl on one foot. "But I have a little magic too."
Gesturing to barkeep, she acquired a mug of spiced wine and passed a silver across in payment. Taking a sip, she looked over at Eladora. "You know, I agree with you about the animals suffering - they aren't going to have much fun. But cats. They lie all the time. 'Oh, I ove you human food bringer - wait, you have no more food? Then goodbye!' Dogs are honest though."
Once it is certain there are no more volunteers, the Councillor directs the would-be do-gooders toward the inn, asking them to wait until the unconscious Ulfen awakens.
Once the party have sat in the inn for the better part of three hours a young boy, known as Berth, explodes through the door, particularly falling over his own feet. "The Councillor requests that you come quickly, the guard has roused and she believes he may be of some use." Before waiting for your reply Berth flies back out the door toward the house of the Soothsayer.
The door of the house has been left ajar and the sound of voices drifting through the midday air. Pushing the door open reveals a small group of people huddled around a makeshift bed with a large, beaten Ulfen sitting up talking to those around him.
Ionnia turns to you as you enter, a smile on her face. "This man here is named Yuln Oerstalg, the only survivor of the attack.
"I hope I can be helpful, if you have any questions, I will try to answer them. His words are laboured and breathless, his nose blackened with frostbite, and his fingers seemed to fared no better. It is clear that Yuln will not be going anywhere quickly.
Drelsh spends a long moment looking at the frostbite on the mans hands and fingers. "The cold is a cruel lady, but she is often tamed by fire" Drelsh closes his fist and brings it up to his mouth, blowing in it and whispering in a voice that sounds like crackling flames. He opens his hand and reveals it glowing red hot, then wraps the mans fingers in his own
"I guess we should start with what happened, what can you remember?"
"Any details like, 'Who they were', 'what they were using to fight' and 'why did they attack you' should also be given serious consideration." Azana smiled and sat down near the wounded man. "But don't worry too much. We can get more information as we go. Just keep those things in your mind, if you can remember them. They'll be helpful when we head out."
Ragnor puts a silver down for his meal before picking up his pack and after throwing his furs back on following the boy to the wounded guard.
Ragnor Takes particular notice of Drelsh's aid to the frostbitten guard nodding his head as if in agreement with the statement. Yes What can you tell us of the fight? Did the bandits appear to be waiting in ambush or did they act more boldly? Also what can you tell us of the strange creatures that are rumored to have attacked you?
Eladora frowns up at Ungthar,
"You are the one Uncle Dominicus sent? He said you would be around, I'm not averse to the idea of a protector, but I don't need a keeper, and I don't need protecting from anything save direct harm. If that works for you then I would be pleased to be your ward. Hmmm, and if you are going to be looking out for me I should return the courtesy. Here, take this,"
she reaches into the inside pocket of her coat and presses something into Ungthatr's hand. It is a six inch long nail twisted into a horseshoe shape with the point filed blunt,
"It's called a Hex Nail, it provides a little protection against spells and curses, you just need to keep it on you."
Smiling Eladora shakes her head,
"I think you are hearing them wrong, its, "I love you - because you have food. You no longer have food you are dead to me." Cruel, perhaps, but honest."
She buys a waterskin, and some rations just in case and then returns to hear about Yuln. The others ask all the questions she can think of so she just listens.
Clearing his throat, Yuln closes his eyes for a moment as if summoning up some long forgotten memory.
"At first we thought they were just bandits, they hide in the bushes like wolves, striking out at us from the shadows... They were no match for us, my brethren and I fought them, pushed them back but... but... but that's when the cold Fey appeared amongst us and the battle turned to their favour. We call them Winter-Touched, their stories are common in my native land but I would never expect to see them this far south." He looked away from the group, his eyes downcast, "When the battled turned my courage faltered, I took refuge by the roadside. When they took the Lady, I followed for as long as a could but it was cold and my strength failed me. Eventually I had to turn back, when I got here my body gave in."
With the story of his cowardice told he looks back up. "The Winter-Touched are Fey, sworn to the White Witches of Irrisen, they fought my people in the Winter Wars... They say they have a small sliver of ice pierced through their hearts and that their touch brings the harshest, coldest bite of winter."
Ragnor takes a position on the other side of the man and places his arm on his shoulder in a show of support. We all have moments of weakness Yuln it takes strength and bravery to admit our failures. It prepares us to face similar trials in the future. For now take some solace that the information you have brought may yet save the Lady you serve.
Eladora frowns trying to recall anything about such fey creatures, but drawing a complete blank.
"What did these "Winter-Touched" do to turn the tide so? Were they casting spells, or fighting with weapons, or something else entirely? What do they look like exactly, and have you actually seen them use this cold touch of their's?"
"Cold?" Azana sighed. "Well, I suppose it's to be expected. At least my blood means I don't feel the cold as badly as most." Still, she fully intended to keep her bear skins on. Maybe they'd help against the frosty critters. Maybe. Somehow, Azana doubted it.
"If we get you a map, can you show us roughly where they were when the ambush happened, and the direction the lady was being dragged? It'll be easier to start our hunt from the start of the trail, rather than hunting for it to start with."
Perhaps this is cold's way of following me
Drelsh looks up after a moment "Where exactly did this happen? Azana is right, it would be a good place to start"