Venja advises the others of what she's learned/figured out about closing the portal, but stranding us all here. If they are alright with it, which should be the case, since we are tasked by the black warrior to continue our quest here anyway, she will commence the process...
Assuming this is going to happen (will hold off however if there are objections to talk them out)
She stands in the circle and casts Summon MOnster I, one of her memorized spells for the day, which is of the conjuration school. (if it has to be cast 'against' the ley line as a target, she'll cast Web Bolt instead). DUring the process she will concentrate on reversing the the effect, as needed.
Variel listens to Venja's dissertation on the globe of Golarion and the ley lines that are connecting various points around the world. He remains silent as she talks about how to shut the portal down here and back home. All he can think is that his wife is back home yet he is compelled to let the course of action continue. It is with a heavy heart as I don't know when I will see my wife again. Yet there is nothing that I can do about it as we have undertaken the mission as laid out by the black rider. I am with you Venja and the rest of you as well. I am in this to the end.
Jetro, what are your thoughts on this. You are not compelled like we are. You have helped to free this area momentarily from the hold of the winter witches. Are you staying behind to guard this area and set it up as a bastion for good?
Venja looks to Variel with a compassionate gaze. "Anee is my best friend, Variel, and I know she will wait for you, however long this takes. She will take good care of the bairn and he or she will know all about you before you even meet the child. You are loved and cherished, and in time you will be reunited."
I'll stick with you folks. Gotta rip the bad up by the roots or else it will grow back.
"They move cold? Does that mean somewhere there is a cold spot getting warmer? I wish I understood natural philosophy better."
He looks sympatheticly at Variel, knowing he misses his wife
"Mate, yea know yea'll see her again. Yea can't not! An e'n if yea died, we'd find a way ta bring yea back home ta her alive an'well, or Anee'd 'ave my head! Beck says, with all sincerity and warmth "an pretty or not, I be rather attacked ta me head. . . An' yead be goin home actually alive, not some shambling elf skeleton" Beck reassures his friend.
Variel listens to Venja's dissertation on the globe of Golarion and the ley lines that are connecting various points around the world. He remains silent as she talks about how to shut the portal down here and back home. All he can think is that his wife is back home yet he is compelled to let the course of action continue. It is with a heavy heart as I don't know when I will see my wife again. Yet there is nothing that I can do about it as we have undertaken the mission as laid out by the black rider. I am with you Venja and the rest of you as well. I am in this to the end.
With the dogs in tow, Helgash returns to meet with his companions, listening quietly to Variel's words - "Whatever decision you make my friend, you will have my full support" - he places one large hand on the elf's shoulder with a warm smile - "We have fought side by side, and you have proven to be a steadfast companion - I admire you for it, and always will"
I'll stick with you folks. Gotta rip the bad up by the roots or else it will grow back.
"That is good to know" - the tiefling nods - "Your bow hits as hard, or harder than any sword, and I am happy to know this is your decision" - he nods at Jetro - "Thank you"
Beck stand there with Xanxan, totally spaced out.
Close listening brakes his revere and make a thorough examination of the curtained area.
Oye, Xan, the thread count's high, but yes don't have ta count em all." Beck teases, having zoned out himself. He gives Venus a moment to look for magic waiting if either note anything potentially dangerous, and then perks behind the curtain.
"mmm? I'm sorry, Beck. I seem to be a bit lost sometimes, not like in the old days..." The relatively young gnome says, and then peeks about behind the drapes
Venja casts detect magic once the curtain is drawn aside and scans the area for auras, pointing out anything magical to the others.
Behind the curtain is a door made of ice that is locked and resistant to being opened. Not the most skilled in such manners Beck just uses his club and breaks the door down getting a stern look from Xanxan for rushing his delicate skills.
Inside the room a large ice sculpture of Nahzena commands the center of this room. As soon as the door breaks down a voice from the statue sounds forth. The uninvited shall wither and die like the frost-covered bloom. You should never have ventured here and you'd do well to leave before my return.
On the far side of the room you can see 2 chests.
Venja you can tell that the voice is from a magic mouth spell
"The statues words are a simple first level spell, nothing to fear, my friends."
Venja casts detect magic to be aware of any magical traps on the chests.. and keeps the spell active as the chests are opened to look into the chests and determine what inside might be magical.
Helgash steps protectively into the room - "There may be additional threats friends, stand fast" - and waits for the feedback from Venja's cast spell, weapon at the ready.
Xan? Yes seein anythin dangerful? Likely subtlety with chests is a safer bet than a club like with the door.
still looking tho... Lol
"Give me the right material, and making veils will be no trouble. Actually, the drapes might do...should I get my sewing kit?"
While he chatters, Xanxan looks over each chest carefully. Then puts a piece of cloth over his face, and continues the job Beck wants him to do
Should he find a trap, he motions the others back, and goes to work trying to dismantle them.
Helgash I need a fort save from you as the magically disguised magic trap from the statue goes off trying to drain you of your vitality like it warned you about.
Helgash, sorry it is a will save not a fort save.
Xanxan it takes some time as the chests are locked but not trapped. Inside the 4 chests you find a large treasure trove of items that has enough wealth to set up anyone for a good long time.
three scrolls of comprehend languages, three scrolls of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of delay poison, two scrolls of dispel magic, a scroll of Irriseni mirror sight, a scroll of remove disease, three scrolls of remove sickness, a scroll of threefold aspect, and a scroll of youthful appearance.
There are a couple of decanters holding draughts of liquid that each contain numerous aliquots if separated out...
the equivalent of thee potions of cure li!Jht wounds, three potions of enlarge person, four oils of mask dweomer, and three potions of reduce person.
One of the chests contains 75 bars of silver, each one valued at 50gp each.
Another chest holds a small bag that Vejna detects as magical, a small iron coffer and a magical ice blue robe. Inside the bag is 1890 gp, 3365 sp, 4087 cp. Inside the coffer is a pair of magical tokens, a magical wand, and a ring of white gold set with a large green sapphire that radiates a strong conjuration effect.
Bag of holding type II
This is a robe of useful items that when worn has multiple patches that provide the wearer with certain items. It is currently a brand new robe and the extra patches from the description are a bag of 100gp, 3 flasks of alchemist fire, a ladder, and open pit, a potion of cure serious wounds, a rowboat, a pair of war dogs, and a window. The wearer knows which patches are which. It is a standard action to pull and use a patch. Thus the alchemist fire can be thrown in the same action that it took to remove the patch. To activate the pit or the window the patch must be placed on the service needed.
This is a feather token (bird)
This is a feather token (tree)
This is a ring of regeneration!!!
With her detect magic up, Venja examines each of the items:
success
success
fail
fail
fail
She explains the uses of the bag and the robe to the others, shrugs her shoulders in dismay over the other three items.
Variel looks at the group strangely and with a heavy heart. He walks over to where the items are that are unidentified and tries his luck at them but there is not much passion in it. Clearly a weighty decision lies on him.
spellcraft
spellcraft success on token 2
spellcraft
My friends, the second token is a feather token of a tree. Toss it on the ground a tree will materialize before you all. The other 2 items I do not know what they are. I wish I could do more for you but I am going to have to leave you here with an unfinished task. Ever since Anee left I have been torn by what to do. Follow my heart and go back with her or continue on with this compulsion as placed by the black rider.
The decision is made and it is with a heavy yet glad heart that I choose to rejoin my wife. With her has been the happiest times of my life and I want more of them. I hope you will all understand and if you ever make it back I will want the full story of your adventures. In the meantime good luck.
"We will miss you, Variel, but in truth Anee needs you more than we do. Be strong for her. I am glad you will be reunited with her... " Venja stands on her tippy toes and gives Variel a little kiss on the cheek, tears welling in her eyes, as she misses her friend and is losing her last connection to her. "We will do our best to return and tell you our tale, if we find a way to do so."
Well you certainly have my thanks. From what I have heard you've given your all and then some. Jetro does that manly arm clasp thing the warrior dudes do.
After wandering back to Waldsby and eventually the portal Variel ducks inside of it as Venja starts to analyze and close the portal. On the home side Variel is surprised to see a relative of his standing there inspecting it. Motioning to her to come quickly Variel explains, I am surprised to see you here but it gladdens my heart nonetheless. If you hurry through you will find a set of tracks leading to a town of Waldsby. From there head onward till you see a large tower made entirely of ice. There are some people there that I would suggest you join up with. I ask this of you as a family member and one who can carry on with a task that I am no longer capable of doing. If you accept then let us share a blood oath that I have found mine and Anee's replacement on this mission. The others will fill you in as there is not time to explain. This portal will not remain open long as Venja, one of the people I mentioned will be closing it soon. Take this mirror as Venja will be able to watch you from afar as long as you have it. good luck and know that Anee and I will always be thinking of you.
Variel returns the arm clasp with Jetro and says his good byes to everyone else. He gives a big hug to Venja and tells her, We will keep a mirror on the mantle anytime you want to peek in on us and say high. Who knows, perhaps Anee can learn that spell and we can keep tabs on you as well.
In generally manly fashion, Beck keeps a stiff upper lip as Variel announces his fare-well. One of the first close friends he made, the Whitestorm put up with Beck's antics and shennanigans, invited him into their home and lives and he would miss them. But a father must be with his child and wife, so Beck resolves to be strong. "Take care Variel. And give Anee and the cub my best." He then gives a single sob and wraps his arms around Variel a great bear hub, picking him up and giving him a little shake. "Imma miss ya mate." he adds.
then beck perks up and adds, rambling "An take some o' this junk home with yea! Babes ken be expensive. An if'n yea an Anee go an 'ave yerselves a whole litter, yea may need yerself some money an stuff. Babies 'r so helpless fer so long, but yea'll be a great dad no matter what yea have one er 20 younglings. Though 20 is a lot, an' i don't recommend that..."rambling on until he realized he's rambling.
He finally sets the Elf down and un-musses his friend's shirt a little Ahem, Can't wait ta see yea in the mirror and all..."
Beck pops his heat into the door of the dead Sylph's room where Meirul had been staying, "High-ya! Lookit this, we dinnt die! 's exciting idn't it? Leastways ta me it sure is." Beck says jovially, although it's apparent that he's a little preoccupied that his friend has left and that he's feeling all homesick. He checks on the minstral adding "Yeah got all yer stuff? Don't wanna go accidentally robbin' yeah er nut'in."
"We gots a bit more stuff ta muss up here afore we head on our way, but I ken at least escort yea for a ways out," he offers, with a eyebrow waggle, inviting her to 'get out of there' as they say in the parlance of the times, sort of half trying to be smooth mostly in good fun.
Beck is trying to leave on good terms with the traveling bard and be as accommodating as he can, considering she's a fellow traveler in these lands, and is totally genuine in his own weird way.
The wand is a wand of color spray with 31 charges remaining.
Beck you get the impression that Mierul will hold nothing against you should you meet again but perhaps herself. Returning her gear keeps any animosity from being generated.
"Give your wife a hello for me, Variel. She's always been one of my nicest customers," Xanxan smiles.
The tiefling can feel the assault on his mind, but stands resolute.
The decision is made and it is with a heavy yet glad heart that I choose to rejoin my wife. With her has been the happiest times of my life and I want more of them. I hope you will all understand and if you ever make it back I will want the full story of your adventures. In the meantime good luck.
Helgash hugs Variel with a tight grip - "Take care of your family my friend - that will be the most important mission of your life" - he then holds him at arm's length with a huge, fanged smile - "We'll take care of things on this end, you can be sure of that"
Once Venja has the new spell in her repertoire, she peers through the mirror, but doesn't find Variel or Anee. Instead, a fine-featured elven woman peers back. Her skin is pale, almost tinted blue, and her hair is white though she doesn't look old enough for that to be a result of age. Her pale blue eyes appear a bit doubtful, but she holds a piece of parchment with her other hand, clearly visible. In common, the scrap says, "Variel said you could see through this looking glass, to take it with me to the tower. I will fulfill his oath. I hope you are still there."
Eventually, on the fourth day, Venja peeks through the mirror again. This time, instead of the petite elf, she sees the tower. From the perspective shown, the mirror must be just inside or on the walls near the gate.
"It seems Variel has sent us aid in the form of a comely elven woman... she is almost here... pale skinned with white hair and pale blue eyes... She knows of Variel's oath and says she has come to fulfill it. I hope she speaks the truth, but perhaps Helgash, you can assure us of her intent when she arrives."
"If we are done here, perhaps we should go down to the base level and meet her, as she does not have the keys or know the proper words for the teleporters."
"She's lovely, really, definitely a winter...which seems to fit the theme lately. Odd, we lose one elf, and gain another... but we don't know if this one is even more competent than our friend. IF she is, then would this be a case of 'elf improvement'?" the gnome smirks, trying to keep it light
A fire burns on the wall left of the gate when you peek out. Sitting a short distance from it is a small figure, watching the entrance to the tower. She holds a mirror and uses it to flash a light at whoever peers out. Otherwise, she waits.
"It seems she's arrived... shall we go out to meet her?" Venja makes sure her hair and clothes are presentable to a newcomer before heading toward the gate.
"Certainly, let's go," He nods to Venja
I'll keep you covered.
After coming down the series of teleporters, which takes up a little bit of time due to the momentary freezing effect coming in to each level, she heads toward the gate and peeks through, to assure herself the person there is the same person she saw through the mirror and that she is still alone.
"Hello there. I saw you coming and got your message. I am Venja. Please don't be offended, but who are you and how did you come to find us here?" she asks as much out of curiosity as any other reason.
"It seems Variel has sent us aid in the form of a comely elven woman... she is almost here... pale skinned with white hair and pale blue eyes... She knows of Variel's oath and says she has come to fulfill it. I hope she speaks the truth, but perhaps Helgash, you can assure us of her intent when she arrives."
"If we are done here, perhaps we should go down to the base level and meet her, as she does not have the keys or know the proper words for the teleporters."
"Variel was an honored companion - if the aid has been indeed sent by him, I am sure it will be one most valued" - the tiefling nods at Venja - "Nonetheless I will stand vigilant, and make sure it is so"
"It seems she's arrived... shall we go out to meet her?" Venja makes sure her hair and clothes are presentable to a newcomer before heading toward the gate.
Helgash follows the others, the divine power tingling behind his senses, allowing him sight beyond sight as they meet with Duardlara - his fiery eyes observing and probing her intently, without subterfuge.
The petite elf looks at the white-haired witch with some concern until she introduces herself, at which she visibly relaxes. She repeats the woman's name, "Venja," slowly, savoring it.
She stands, a shy smile playing on her lips as she extends a tiny hand. "Do you know how difficult it was to travel here alone to find a stranger hoping she would still be here?" She holds up the mirror, [b]"I don't know how the magic in this works. I am really glad it did. I kept asking Desna to guide your eyes..."
"Oh! My manners!" She curtsies with a wink, "Duardlara Frostborn, apprentice mage, journeywoman footpad, world traveler - sort of, and unclaimed kin to the Whitestorm elves. Most of them. A little bird told me that Aneira was in distress and I made haste to find her. I owe her and that golden heart of hers much and would do anything for her."
She shrugs, "I walked in the door, basically as you see me here, sans mirror, and she started crying that she was pregnant, she had been to some frozen land thanks to a black rider's blood oath and the baby was coming so she had to return to warmer climes and she left that idiot man-elf of hers," she grins and winks again, "in the ice and how was she going to carry their child by herself... About that time, the idiot man-elf walks through the door, yells 'Duardlara! You are the answer to a prayer!', to which I naturally replied, 'Of course I am, which prayer was that,' but he left his normal sense of humor in his other clothes, I guess, and he digs through his pack, pulls out this mirror, shoves it in my hands and pushes me out the door. 'Follow my tracks back before Venja closes the portal! She can see you through the mirror! Go to the tower of ice!'" She takes a deep breath.
"You know, I was running down the road, already a mile away, when I realized that he didn't tell me who or what Venja was. Your kind eyes are a pleasant surprise and I'd be a Riddleport liar if I said I wasn't really glad to see there's a woman in charge doing whatever it is we are doing."
Smiling and out of breath, she adds, "Did I mention I haven't had anyone to talk to for days? So, what are we doing? Care to share a campfire? Or is it actually warm inside that inverted icicle?"
"You have certainly gathered a varied team to your cause, Miss Venja."
Venja smiles warmly back at the newcomer elf, especially when she gets a little nod and smile from Helgash.
"My team? Me? In charge?" She laughs a musical little giggle, and guides Duardlara inside. "It is not much warmer inside, sadly. This land is a frigid place, perhaps you know or can learn a spell that will help you stave off some of the cold here?"
As she leads the elf maiden inside, she removes her shawl and places it over Duardlara's shoulders. "I am warm enough, you should wear this for now, it will help a little."
A large arctic hare hops about at Venja's feet and peers out from under her skirts at the new member of their little band curiously, but shyly. "This is Snow... he is one of us, too. Really Variel was as much a leader as we had, and perhaps Helgash will take that role now. I am more of healer than a leader. I do my best to keep the others on their feet and fighting, while hindering the enemy as well."
"It sounds like Variel didn't tell you much... I'm just glad you made it to the portal before I closed it... We should fill you in on our quest. In short, there seems to be some sort of trouble among the winter witches of this land, and Baba Yaga, the mother of all witches, sent her protector/knight to find and task others, namely us, to deal with the situation. The current queen of the witches is trying to spread ice and cold all over the land, not just here in her frozen domain. It is our task to free Baba Yaga's hut, find her and free her of whatever holds her and hopefully she will be able to stop the queen's evil plans. I'm not sure if I explained it well, but that is it in a nutshell."
She looks to the others and hopes perhaps Xan with his silver tongue or Helgash can set aright anything she got wrong.
After coming down the series of teleporters, which takes up a little bit of time due to the momentary freezing effect coming in to each level, she heads toward the gate and peeks through, to assure herself the person there is the same person she saw through the mirror and that she is still alone.
"Hello there. I saw you coming and got your message. I am Venja. Please don't be offended, but who are you and how did you come to find us here?" she asks as much out of curiosity as any other reason.
Duardlara shrugs. "Well, I wasn't going to invite myself in, but I really didn't want to stay out here. You can keep your shawl - the cold doesn't bother me much, either. A gift from my father, I guess - along with the Frostborn name - about all I ever got from him, to tell the truth."
With a word, the campfire extinguishes leaving a bright red marble that seems to glow slightly. The newcomer picks it up and drops it in her belt pouch. "Impulse buy, but I'm glad I got it."
She gathers up her things and is soon ready to march, listening to the winter witch's summary of what's going on. "Well, things were not quite as abrupt as I said - Variel shared a little and," she holds up her left palm revealing a fresh scar, "we mingled blood in hopes that the oath would transfer. He seemed to think it had and I've had this odd tug toward the tower since I stepped through the portal, so maybe it really did. If it helps Aneira and Variel, I'm in, so I'm in. They have helped me through some tough times and gotten me back onto the right roads. As long as they are new roads, I'm happy, and I've never been here before - unless it looks a lot different without the icy decor everywhere you look."