Ragnarr hefts his axe a little higher, preparing for the coup de grace...
Hrafn has said his piece and walked off. When his own wounds are stable, he starts exploring the remains of the logging camp. He looks for any remaining threats; any wounded allies to help; any wounded goblins to kill.
All of you hear shouts from the far side of the camp. A quick glance over reveals Bjalfi and his men charging into the forest. Panicked goblin cries echo through the night as the men of the lumber camp extract their revenge. A few shapes can be seen fleeing through the thickets away from the camp and deeper into the forest. In quick order the remaining goblins are put to route or slain.
Olaf can be seen striding in the direction of the lumber stacks. His sword still ready he warily bellows out from across the field, "What ho?"
Olaf can be seen striding in the direction of the lumber stacks. His sword still ready he warily bellows out from across the field, "What ho?"
"Live... or die?" grunts Ragnarr at Olaf, not taking his eyes off the wounded Svein.
Olaf can be seen striding in the direction of the lumber stacks. His sword still ready he warily bellows out from across the field, "What ho?""Live... or die?" grunts Ragnarr at Olaf, not taking his eyes off the wounded Svein.
Olaf strides towards your band. "Bastard!" he spits. "So he did have a hand in this. We lost good men because of him." His sword hand trembles but the old man relents. "I'd just as soon see him dead. Bjalfi may wish to speak to him if he has anything to say for himself. Though he's as like to be blood-eagled for his treachery."
Svein's face pales as Olaf finishes. "I've nothing to say that I haven't already said to this lot. Render your judgement it matters not to me anymore."
"Let him die cleanly, Ragnarr. Let's be done with this."
Vlad looks weary and wounded, and is not thinking at his best.
Ragnarr hefts his axe high again and roars, wild-eyed, as he brings it down across Svein's neck with all his might...
Ragnarr hefts his axe high again and roars, wild-eyed, as he brings it down across Svein's neck with all his might...
Hrafn turns as he hears the impact of the axe, and smiles grimly as the black-hearted traitor's evil deeds are paid in blood.
Svein regards you and as Ragnarr's axe comes down a thin smile creases his lips. His lifeless husk falls to the ground.
Olaf nods."We owe you many thanks. If it wasn't for your timely aid this traitor would have succeeded and doubtless many more lives would be lost. I am sure Halfdeane himself will remember your deeds today."
"Come, I'll secure you men some bunks in the watchtower. After the events you've gone through today you are no doubt weary. We can take of the clean up. Bjalfi will probably want to see you in the morning." The old ranger eyes the traitor's corpse. "Tis the end for him but I fear many more black days await for us."
Svein regards you and as Ragnarr's axe comes down a thin smile creases his lips. His lifeless husk falls to the ground.
Olaf nods."We owe you many thanks. If it wasn't for your timely aid this traitor would have succeeded and doubtless many more lives would be lost. I am sure Halfdeane himself will remember your deeds today.""Come, I'll secure you men some bunks in the watchtower. After the events you've gone through today you are no doubt weary. We can take of the clean up. Bjalfi will probably want to see you in the morning." The old ranger eyes the traitor's corpse. "Tis the end for him but I fear many more black days await for us."
"Hrf. A rest sounds about right. Could do with a chance to lick our wounds before morning, eh Vlad?"
"Hrf. A rest sounds about right. Could do with a chance to lick our wounds before morning, eh Vlad?"Svein regards you and as Ragnarr's axe comes down a thin smile creases his lips. His lifeless husk falls to the ground.
Olaf nods."We owe you many thanks. If it wasn't for your timely aid this traitor would have succeeded and doubtless many more lives would be lost. I am sure Halfdeane himself will remember your deeds today.""Come, I'll secure you men some bunks in the watchtower. After the events you've gone through today you are no doubt weary. We can take of the clean up. Bjalfi will probably want to see you in the morning." The old ranger eyes the traitor's corpse. "Tis the end for him but I fear many more black days await for us."
You retire from the field and as you head to the watchtower you see the loggers and men at arms cleaning the field of the dead or putting out the flames by the barracks. The forest has fallen silent as the fleeing goblins have either escaped or been dispatched. The quarters in the watchtower are crude but after your day's travel and battle you easily fall into a deep sleep.
The sun rises over the camp and a few tendrils of smouldering smoke still rise from the ashen wreckage of the barracks. Order has been restored and the camp fires already waft with the smell of a hot breakfeast of bacon and biscuits. Olaf arrives at the watchtower and invites your company to break their fast with him and Bjalfi.As your plates are filled and the men come around to thank you Bjalfi arrives and nods at you. You can see the man has had little sleep and dried blood smears his jerkin. He sits and offers you some hot mead.
"Many thanks lads. We owe you much. Getting that last shipment of timber to Halfdeane will make the difference of several ships. If you hadn't caught up to Svein things would look pretty bleak." He pulls out from a sack several pouches. The giant tosses them to you. "I know its not much but I'm sure that Lord Halfdeane will reward you generously when he hears of your deeds." "Now is there anything we can do for you lads? I'm still not sure what brought up our way in the first place."
*
"Ragnarr, why don't you take those arm-rings? They would show off your mighty muscles better than mine, I'm afraid." Vlad smiles wryly, having participated in a man's death for the first time.
"If no-one objects, I'll take the sword back to Halfdeane, give it into his arms. The shirt, anyone?"
The dividing of spoils done with, Vlad turns to the others, a decision made somewhere in his spirit, and a disturbed expression on his stern young face.
"That was brave work, all. Ragnarr, you fought like a warrior of legend, taking many wounds- a bold deed. Hrafn, your perception saved me from being completely outclassed by that traitor. Dorvarr, your wisdom and strength supported us all. However, all of you- you do not have to be part of this fight. Svein mentioned evil spirits and the like... if you want, you can go. This doesn't have to be your fight. But I would appreciate your help and friendship, and I am sure that Halfdeane can reward those who aid his side."
"So I ask you... will you join me in going to Halfdeane, giving him this story, and doing what we can to stop these creatures?"
"Ragnarr, why don't you take those arm-rings? They would show off your mighty muscles better than mine, I'm afraid." Vlad smiles wryly, having participated in a man's death for the first time.
"If no-one objects, I'll take the sword back to Halfdeane, give it into his arms. The shirt, anyone?"
The dividing of spoils done with, Vlad turns to the others, a decision made somewhere in his spirit, and a disturbed expression on his stern young face."That was brave work, all. Ragnarr, you fought like a warrior of legend, taking many wounds- a bold deed. Hrafn, your perception saved me from being completely outclassed by that traitor. Dorvarr, your wisdom and strength supported us all. However, all of you- you do not have to be part of this fight. Svein mentioned evil spirits and the like... if you want, you can go. This doesn't have to be your fight. But I would appreciate your help and friendship, and I am sure that Halfdeane can reward those who aid his side."
"So I ask you... will you join me in going to Halfdeane, giving him this story, and doing what we can to stop these creatures?"
Ragnarr takes the arm-rings from Vlad and awkwardly attempts to put them on (would they even fit?). After fiddling around with them for a few minutes, he pulls out the amulet of Mjolnir that Ragnhild Hrafnsdottir gave him while they were back at the hall in Raudurfoss, twirls it gently between his large fingers, and stares at it wistfully. "Thor has finally given me my purpose," murmurs the man-beast in his gravelly voice. "I shall go with you, kind Vlad... though I wish you would stop trying to make friends of goblins and traitors."
"Every man deserves a chance... but perhaps, after losing my father's axe, I won't be so stupid as to trust a goblin again, hey?" Vlad chuckles with a slight pained expression.
"If you need any supplies we'll be more than happy to provide. Blankets, rations, tools. But where pray tell were you heading?" asks Bjalfi.
"Aye lad, I'll see this through. Can't have evil spirits and the like running rampant... As I said before, it's always worth keeping an eye on the young'uns in an adventure like this."
"I will wait, and see what is to be when we have run our errand, set by Unn. Three things we need to undo the pestilence in Halfdeane's lands. Perhaps my path will be clearer then..."
To Bjalfi, "We are seeking the witch, Uzimila. Directions we need, more than rations. Directions and sleep."
"I will wait, and see what is to be when we have run our errand, set by Unn. Three things we need to undo the pestilence in Halfdeane's lands. Perhaps my path will be clearer then..."
To Bjalfi, "We are seeking the witch, Uzimila. Directions we need, more than rations. Directions and sleep."
Bjalfi seems confused by the mention of Uzimila but you see Olaf nod, "I've heard of the plague in town. My grandson is suffering from the affliction. I do not know how much time he has left. If Unn has sent you out here I can help. When I was younger I walked the far reaches of the Darkmoon and have seen many things... They say Uzimila is no more. She has not been sighted for many winters. But if you seek her at the centre of the forest is a lake Helgamere. Uzimila's abode was on the north end of the lake. Even is she has passed on I would still be wary approaching. She was full of malice and deceit. Is there anything else you would wish to know of the land?"
While he spoke the old ranger has crudely scratched out a map on the back of some bark showing the the camp, the Darkmoon forest, Helgamere and the peak of Droskarfell.
"I will wait, and see what is to be when we have run our errand, set by Unn. Three things we need to undo the pestilence in Halfdeane's lands. Perhaps my path will be clearer then..."
To Bjalfi, "We are seeking the witch, Uzimila. Directions we need, more than rations. Directions and sleep."
Hrafn's response prompts Ragnarr to reconsider his previous reply to Vlad. "I go first with Hrafn to find this Uzimila... Then, maybe I will go with you to see Haldeane, Vlad..."
"I agree, we must keep our word to see Ulizmila first. When this plague is dealt with, we will return to Halfdeane. I thank you all for your continued courage."
Olaf hands over the bark map. "I hope this can assist you. Bjalfi I think we can spare a few horses if these men should need for steeds."
3 horses (on loan)
5 days rations
80' rope and grappling hook
Climbing kit
torches
tent
winter bedroll
Bjalfi stands "Please finish your meal I must attend to the camp. Our great thanks again. And you," he points to Vladimir "keep that head on your shoulders. You may have gotten better with the iron when last I saw you but you still got a few more things to learn." The giant man laughs and waving takes his leave. "Olaf will lead you to the trail that will take you to Helgamere when you are ready."
"Hmmm... I've never ridden a horse before," grumbles Ragnarr with evident trepidation as he noisily slurps down the last of his breakfast. "We'll be better off walking... right?"
"Thankyou for your wisdom, old man. Perhaps soon I'll come back and bring you a better head to put on yours." Vlad smiles in friendly jest with his old companion, nursing his wounds and letting the adrenalin-ache fade by the campfire.
"I really wish I hadn't given that axe to the goblin though..." he mumbles under his breath.
"Do you need another weapon, lad? I'm sure we can scrounge something up from these fine folk. Then we'll have a look see if we can't find that goblin for you."
"Thankyou Dorvarr, but no, I still have my trusty longsword, and I will carry Svein's blade as well."
"And I left my favourite walking stick by the road, back where the wolves attacked," mutters Ragnarr...
"Do you need another weapon, lad? I'm sure we can scrounge something up from these fine folk. Then we'll have a look see if we can't find that goblin for you."
As you finish your breakfeast Olaf stands up. "I can take you to the trailhead to Helgamere. Shall we?"
"Yes, let us go now to Helgamere, the weather is good for walking... and the time passes too quickly as it is, for Unn and the villagers... But why so slow this morning, my friends? These goblins have not put fear in your hearts, have they? But if it is the witch you fear..." Ragnarr himself becomes visibly unnerved as he starts to think on the implications of an encounter with a witch, whether alive, dead... or not quite dead...
Ragnarr himself becomes visibly unnerved as he starts to think on the implications of an encounter with a witch, whether alive, dead... or not quite dead...
Hrafn makes a sign of warding against ill-luck. "You are right, we should go. We are well rested now, and delay will not serve us well. Come Ragnarr, back to the trail."
Grabbing your gear and weapons your band follows the old ranger away from the camp. The sky has cleared and the sun's rays bask the land in a welcoming warmth.
After a short time you arrive at the trailhead. The tall dense trees of the Darkmoon vale stand before you. The light of the sun is greatly diminished by the luxuriant canopy of evergreens and the thick, twisting branches of the Waleska trees. Cries of the ravens echo from the forest. Towering over the vale, the brooding shadow of the peak of Droskarfell hangs over the wood.
Olaf gestures ahead. "Follow younder trail and it'll take you to the shores of Helgamere. The witches' lair is said to be on the north shore near the marsh. The trail is like to be overgrown in many spots so take a care not to lose the path. Beyond Helgamere it'll be a rough go of it as there aren't any trails I'm aware of... I thank you again for last night and bid you luck in your journey. May Tyr give you strength and the Wyrds show you good fortune in all the empty places you must walk."
Olaf gazes down the trail and then turns to stride away back to the remains of the camp.
The path lies before you.
"Thankyou for your aid. From here, we should be alright."
Vlad surveys the countryside for a moment, then heads down the trail.
As the party make their way along the trail towards the lake, Ragnarr twirls the Mjolnir amulet he was given by Ragnhild Hrafnsdottir. After a while, at a moment when he Hrafn are a good distance away from their comrades, the man-beast learns in towards the druid.
As you delve further into the forest the path becomes increasingly overgrown. To your annoyance thick patches of brambles hinder your progress. Despite these difficulties the path remains discernable as it winds deeper into the woods.
As midday approaches your path finds you near a babbling brook. Not far from the edge of the brook lies a fox with large ears and bright orange fur. The creature seems still to be alive though lies bleeding, its hindquarters caught fully in the jaws of a crude iron trap.
As the party make their way along the trail towards the lake, Ragnarr twirls the Mjolnir amulet he was given by Ragnhild Hrafnsdottir. After a while, at a moment when he Hrafn are a good distance away from their comrades, the man-beast learns in towards the druid.
A loud noise -- a snort? a choke? a laugh? -- startles the silence and sends a flock of crows spiralling and cawing up from the trees in alarm.
In slightly strangled tones; "No, not my dottir. Why do you ask?"
Ragnarr suddenly springs ahead of Hrafn with a scowl on his grimy face, trying to inconspicuously create some distance between himself and the druid, but in vain. He crashes noisily through the brambles, cursing as they scratch his hands and legs.
The stout man looks about in confusion as Ragnarr seems to start at something. Keeping an eye open, he advances to the fox.
"Can someone calm the poor thing enough that we can free it? I hate to see people use such tricks on any creature. Thor demands honourable combats and hunting."
The stout man looks about in confusion as Ragnarr seems to start at something. Keeping an eye open, he advances to the fox.
"Can someone calm the poor thing enough that we can free it? I hate to see people use such tricks on any creature. Thor demands honourable combats and hunting."
"Shouldn't we just put it out of its misery and skin it? It'll die even if we free it, and that pelt would fetch a good price in town." Interestingly, the tone of Ragnarr's voice suggests that even he is not wholeheartedly believing in his own suggestion.
Ragnarr then asks, in afterthought and with great sincerity, "has Thor really ever said anything about the proper way to hunt? I have never heard such a tale, but would like to hear it someday, Dorvarr..."
Vlad pauses quietly, allowing Hrafn time to calm the animal while drawing his dagger in case a death-blow is needed for the unfortunate creature.
Hrafn looks down at the trapped creature, his face twisted in distaste, and all sign of humour at Ragnarr's plight fled.
He nods to Vlad and Ragnarr, "It will not survive this; not as anything more than a pet." He kneels next to the injured fox, carefully out of reach of its teeth. His senses extend towards it, looking for anything unusual, any reason not to kill the small creature and then break the trap.
"Break the trap-maker, if I meet him," Hrafn mutters.
Hrafn looks down at the trapped creature, his face twisted in distaste, and all sign of humour at Ragnarr's plight fled.
He nods to Vlad and Ragnarr, "It will not survive this; not as anything more than a pet." He kneels next to the injured fox, carefully out of reach of its teeth. His senses extend towards it, looking for anything unusual, any reason not to kill the small creature and then break the trap.
"Break the trap-maker, if I meet him," Hrafn mutters.
Coming forward, you kneel down to inspect the fox. The animal has lost much blood from the cut. However you see that nothing seems broken and if bandaged and freed the fox has a very good chance of survival.
From the corner of your eye you catch the glint of reflected steel coming from the upper branches of a stout tree on the opposite side of the brook.
Surpise Init:
Archer 10
Hrafn 7
A whistle sounds from the forest. It is replied immediately by a raucous keening sound as three hawk-like birds swoop down from the trees behind you. Their plumage is a crimson hue and you can see their talons are unusually long and possess a wicked looking curve. Two of the birds converge upon Dorvarr near the rear whilst one brave bird lashes out at Ragnarr's face.
One of the birds scratches Dorvarr's face drawing blood. An arrow flies through the air just going over Hrafn's head and buries itself into a nearby tree. Your action Hrafn.
Round 1 Init:
Ragnarr 20
Dorvarr 13
Archer+Birds 10
Hrafn 7
Vladimir 7
"An archer in yonder tree commands these birds!" roars Ragnarr.
"An archer in yonder tree commands these birds!" roars Ragnarr.
Ragnarr lashes out quickly his axe slamming into the bird. Its carcass drops lifeless to the ground. Its two mates cry out angrily.
With a shrill whistle, Hrafn sends dark-winged Byr flashing towards the threat in the trees. The large raven caws shrilly as it attacks the archer's eyes.
For himself Hrafn bends to tend to the fox; confident in the proven prowess of his companions.
"Yell if you need me!"
With a shrill whistle, Hrafn sends dark-winged Byr flashing towards the threat in the trees. The large raven caws shrilly as it attacks the archer's eyes.
For himself Hrafn bends to tend to the fox; confident in the proven prowess of his companions.
"Yell if you need me!"
Byr swoops through the air closing in on the shadowy archer. Its difficult to discern amongst the foliage but you believe the large raven missed its mark.
Dorvarr tightens his grip on his warhammer, lashing out at the one of the birds going for his eyes.
The two remaining birds claw frantically at Dorvarr.
Yet the dwarf nimbly evades their vicious talons.
Meanwhile another arrow wizzes through the air this time directed at Ragnarr.
The arrow shot falls far short of the mark barely striking the far side of the brook.
Byr caws out and in a beat of wings tries to claw the archer yet again.
but the bird fails to strike the creature.
Vlad quickly draws a javelin from over his shoulder and hurls it at the archer in the tree, having been directed by Ragnarr.
Attack roll...6
But his javelin misses entirely, striking a branch and going wild.
The two remaining birds screech ferociously and you see the archer emerge for a moment. The archer is no man. A brutish face with a snout-like mouth appears. Two black eyes stare back with a grisly hunger.
He readies to draw more arrows from his quiver.
Top of The Round
Ragnarr 20
Dorvarr 13
Archer+Birds 10
Hrafn 7
Vladimir 7
The two remaining birds screech ferociously and you see the archer emerge for a moment. The archer is no man. A brutish face with a snout-like mouth appears. Two black eyes stare back with a grisly hunger.
He readies to draw more arrows from his quiver.
Hrafn remains bent over the injured fox, trusting his stout companions to complete the task at hand. His faithful Byr shrieks and strikes at the archer's eyes, a distraction and a threat both.
Dorvarr, obviously grumpy at the renewed assault of nature, swings his hammer with renewed vigor.
Having pulverized the hawk that assailed him, Ragnarr lets out a wild howl and races for the tree in which the archer is perched. Eyes wide and face frozen in a mad, toothy grin, the man-beast's powerful legs enable him to take a springing leap at his enemy. The extra momentum ensures that his great axe bites deeply into the archer's frame.