"You mentioned that our goals coincide. How so? What are you seeking from us?"
In the short term my goals are to provide food to the hungry that reside in Whitethrone. There has been too much of a shortage lately with the focus on the military endeavors. I need to bring a load of fish into the city and you can help me bring it in. I have a cart outside that we can place your companion in and cover him with the fish. The goals beyond that I will let the priestess talk to you about once we meet up with her.
Taking a longer look at you all he starts to shake his head. We should be able to get in to the Howlings as the winter wolves who guard that area are lax when it comes to protecting their entrance. Even if they are suspicious you can generally bribe them as long as you do not give them reason to worry. If they see you armored and armed like you are though they will suspect something. I would strongly recommend that you place all weapons and armors that can't be hidden on your person under the fish as well. Daggers and small knives are common place and not thought of as weapons. A stout piece of wood used as a cane or walking stick should be acceptable as well. Beyond that you are on your own until we get you some papers. I have a set for myself but that won't help the rest of you.
wild empathy
Ringeirr goes over and grabs a fish from a crate. Moving to where Sheelah perked up at Beck's name he settles in close to her and gives her the fish. Talking gently to her and reassuring her lets you all know that he seems to have a way with animals. I think we can even get her in the city as well if we attach the cart to her and have her pull it. That way she can be by he master's side the entire time as well.
You all are welcome to stay the night and rest up so we can enter the city first thing in the morning.
"I balk at placing Beck under a pile of fish, but understand this is our only option" - the tiefling's voice rumbles - "You'll have to forgive me when we get you back on your feet my friend" - he stares hard at his fallen companion - "You're not done in this world yet"
The possibility of having Beck returned to life does a considerable amount for Helgash's mood, he gets out from his armor (putting it on again only when it is his turn to watch), and proceeds in making himself comfortable, addressing Ringeirr - "I am truly sorry for what has happened to your family. We will do our best to help you in whatever way I can - I doubt my hand will hesitate again when it is time to land a killing blow around here - it was a lesson priced too high"
Jetro will reluctantly wrap his bow and armor up for stashing and keep his dagger.
Venja gladly places her crossbow and bolts in the cart, glad to be rid of the weight... she leans more heavily on her staff as if she needs it to walk.
At this point, I doubt he'll mind the fish, and if he can be raised, then I doubt he'll mind when he wakes. Ringierr says. He'll smell but he'll be alive as well.
Come on folks, get some rest. We've got an early morning and it is not going to be easy to get into the city and avoid detection. So all of you are going to have to stay sharp/
Jetro nods and gets his shut-eye.
Duardlara offers her bracers of armor +1 to someone that is going to be traveling without their armor. She can cast mage armor and they don't stack, anyway.
After wrapping her bow and rapier and stowing them with the fish, she also lays down to get some sleep.
Venja lays down to get some sleep, cuddling Snow in her arms...
You remember that the rimepelt can let you change into a white haired blue eyed human akin to that of winter wolves in the Howlings. Alternatively you can assume the form of a winter wolf. May not be a bad idea for someone to wear it going into the Howlings in order to disguise a member of the party...
Jetro doesn't have a clue.
Sleepily, Duardlara offers, "That pelt - didn't we determine that it lets someone take the form of a white-haired, blue-eyed human? I wonder if that form would be beneficial in the neighborhood we seek."
Hurm..I dunno..Don't like the idea of garben myself in the pelt of one of those damned wolves. Anyone else can do it though if they want.
Wait, you folk have a Rime Pelt? Now that's sure something. Your friend here sticks out something fierce, but if he used the Pelt to take a human shape he'd fit in better'n the rest of you. There's enough Wolves in WHitethrone that he'd not likely be recognized as a human. Ringierr suggests.
The morning sun is bright and harsh as it reflects on the winter landscape and icy walls of the city of Whitethrone. Ringeirr, with the help of the rest, loads up Beck onto the cart and piles on the fish for transport. Taking your time you manage to ensure that he fish covers Beck completely while also hiding the weapons and armor. Ringeirr has on his dagger and a sling in his pocket. Venja is using her staff as a walking stick. Helgash stows his trusty weapon and dons the Rimepelt ready to use its ability once closer to the Howling District. Jetro oils his bow and stashes it among the fishes trusting that it will be ready when the time comes. Duardlara changes a few of her spells to account for the lack of protection by making sure a mage armor spell is at the ready.
Getting the nod from Ringeirr that all is ready the group sets off. Using the knowledge that Ringeirr has gained over the last 15 years you are able to get to the entrance to the Howlings without any mishaps. About 100ft away from the entrance and still out of sight he recommends to Helgash that now would be the right time to disguise himself. If all goes well we should be able to slip in quietly. If not don't react too quickly as we may still be able to bribe our way in.
Moving closer you see a hole in the wall of the city. It seems that this entrance is more a byproduct of a section of wall that partially collapsed and was cleared out then a true entrance. In the center of the opening a shack has been erected to function as somewhat of a guardhouse. Leaning against the building is a female with long white hair and blue eyes. Quite attractive and alluring she still carries a wicked looking greataxe on her shoulder.
As you approach she casually holds up a hand asking you to stop. Hold there. Who are you and what is your business here?
After she asks the question you see her peer at Helgash and her nose twitches a little.
You can tell that she has caught the scent of a fellow Winterwolf in the group. It seems that her eyes twinkle a bit as she looks at him as well.
Jetro is busy buying a bridge in Cheliax.
Venja is bidding on the same bridge.
Hope someone makes this check. . .
Ringer raises a hand and nods to Greta, Just bringing in a shipment Ma'am. Morning's catch. . . Ringer says. A wolf in human form. . . Hope she don't know about any of these folks, and the only fishy thing she's smelling is the fish.
Greta gives you a nod as you speak Ringeirr, I have seen you before but these others I haven't. I am going to have to check you all over and yiur cart before your allowed to enter. I could care less what happens in the rest of Whitethrone but this is home here and can't have anyone bringing trouble in. You know how it is.
Looking at the rest besides 'Winterwolf Helgash' she again asks, And who are you exactly? Why are you coming through this gate?
Ringierr shoots a subtle look at Helgash. Maybe he can get us out of this without a fuss. . .
Duardlara likewise is unable to read the wolf-in-human-clothing. She notes that Helgash appears to be 'in' already and hopes his silver tongue can get the rest of the party through the wall.
Helgash is well aware they are in hostile territory, but cannot help stare at the strong, beautiful woman in front of them, perhaps the fact that he is wearing a disguise makes him think he is allowed some more leeway, as opposed to the usual looks his demonic visage draws.
He takes a few steps forward - "I know words are worth only as much as those who speak them, so I will speak what I can - it is not our intention to cause any problem. Our path has brought us North, and misfortune has brought us to this cart full of fish" - he stares at what he knows lies beneath, then back at the woman intently - "We accompany Ringeirr and his wares, since there is really no other path we can thread at the moment - feel free to search me and my companions, but will you let us pass?"
Greta sniffs at you with a trace of a ?purr? in her throat. Looking at the guardhouse she lowers her voice as you approach. That makes some sense. Although I would not call it unfortunate circumstances that brought you here. I would call it a fortunate coincidence that we met. She walks up closer to you ignoring the rest of the group as she waves you all on by preoccupied as she is with Helgash. Placing her hand on your arm, So, uh, tell me, are you new to this area? I would be happy to show you around later. Say in about 5 hours after I am done here? we can walk around or if you are interested in more 'vigorous pursuits' we could perhaps spar later.
When she puts her hand on your arm you can feel the strength behind her grip is quite strong. The 'vigorous pursuits' would likely end up with her winning and possible pinning you to the ground.
Duardlara nods to the woman as she waves the group on and heads into the gap in the wall.
Oh you poor bastard you. Jetro makes a sound that sounds like 'yiff' under his breath.
Venja bites her lip and does her best to hide a smile as she slips by giving the woman a little nod and a wink as well, to wish her good luck.
Ringierr makes a clicking noise and guides Sheelah along the way, hoping to slip through without incident.
For those entering the city as you pass the walls you take in the walls construction. The walls of Whitethrone tower 30 feet high, and have the appearance ofgiant, sharpened femurs fused together, though closer inspection reveals only smooth stonework the color of bleached bone. Massive skulls ofthe same bone-white stone top the walls, staring with blank gazes outward from the city in all directions.
Helgash is still preoccupied though to otice or get inside the walls right now.
They sure have a thing for skulls. For some reason the phrase 'In the dark future...' keeps running through my mind.
Helgash was hoping that his words would have a positive effect, but not that the woman would be so direct in dealing with him.
He tenses momentarily as she approaches, but relaxes when he hears the spoken words, finding himself replying in the same discrete tones - "I am indeed a newly arrival, and would be glad if someone... If you would take the time to teach me more about this place we find ourselves in" - he nods - "I will meet you here at the appointed time"
He cannot avoid a laugh when the woman refers to sparring - "Why not?" - he gazes back at her - "We'll see" - then moves after the others, stopping momentarily to look back and add - "A fortunate coincidence you say? I think I agree" - rejoining his companions and through the gate.
Greta beams warmly at your agreement and lets you pass on into the city but not before she gives you a slap on the rear that is accompanied by more than a little grab. An almost growl sound escapes her lips as she wets them with her tongue. I will be waiting here for you. Don't make me wait or I might not be so easy on you next time.
The streets of the Howling District wind back and forth crookedly, and are lined with wooden houses covered in intricate and detailed woodwork. Unlike in the Fishcamps, even the poorest homes are in good repair, pleasantly decorated, and painted in a clean white or light pastel color. The rooftops are steeply pitched to allow heavy snow to slide off. Covered alleyways run between some closely adjacent buildings, sheltering ground floor entrances from the elements. In other places, open-air bridges or crosswalks join buildings together at their upper levels. Snowdrifts lie heaped between houses, but the streets are shoveled and brushed clean. there is little sign of domestic animals but handcarts are parked outside several residences.
After rounding the first corner Ringeirr breathes easier and mentions that the house they are looking for is up and around to the northeast about 2-3 blocks away.
You spot the presence of a of snow goblins poking his head out from on top of a building of an alley up ahead. Snow goblins are native to Irrisen and the icy north. Their skin is more of a pale blue color, but they are otherwise indistinguishable from normal goblins.
Didn't get my gear trading saved over into finger's actual sheet. Updating right now.
Welcome my friends, to Whitethrone. We'd best keep moving. . .
"no dear...look over there."
SHeelah sniffs, and growls. SHe is agitated and snarles, glaring at the rooftops.
"I think we have made it through the hardest part - for a moment I didn't think we would get past the gate" - Helgash comments - "Let us push for the last couple of blocks, I am eager to reach our destination"
Think our leopard has caught the scent of something bad.
Indeed with sheealh scenting something is a miss you just manage to catch the last glimpse of a creature on the roof top before it ducked down again in hiding.
Ringierr glances up and then whispers, Keep moving, like you didn't see nothing eyes fixed ahead. What have you got on you to fight with if things go sideways. Either we try to outrun whatever's following us, or set an ambush.
to think of either a secluded place we can try to draw whatever's behind us out, or a way to get to the rooftop and get a bead on the creature?
"Perhaps it is better if we just remain watchful and hurry on to our goal... Fighting in the streets is likely to attract attention we don't want." Venja speaks softly so as not to be overheard outside the small group.
I have a dagger right now.