Drak agrees We sure we are confident we can use these portals well enough. Though I agree going back to famiar land would be comforting.
Rybal downs the content of the waterskin, feeling a kick as strong as a horse hitting him in the face. There is barely any taste but it doesn't matter at this point, the strength feels refreshing after a day of travel and hardship.
[dice=fortitude] 1d20+7
Despite the strength of the drink Rybal finishes his drink wiping his mouth. The Minotaur nods at him and smiles, clearly impressed by how Rybal can hold his own.
"Few of us can drink that much in one go, I hope your stomach doesn't hate you later" The Minotaur laughs heartily for Rybal.
Rybal pounds his chest and returns the minotaur's laugh.
That hit the spot!
You offered us your fire, and a place to stay--I call you friend. What do you need that you can't find here? Food, medicine, weapons? I would be honored to get some for you when we return to town.
His offer is earnest, and truly given.
The Minotaur think for a moment at Rybal's offer. Then says "Something to sharpen our blades with, it is rare for us to find something good enough to turn into a whetstone in this tundra. I think that would be best. My name is Akakios, those there are Drakon and Hesoid. We hope you rest well." When the group goes into the tend the Minotaurs return to keeping themselves warm around the fire.
The group stands on the portal and follows Elrohir's instruction of using the rune for their destination. After a quick flash the world around them disappears. Then a black emptiness overtakes their senses for a brief moment, they hear three notes played on a flute. One high two low, then they find themselves in the room in the halfling tunnels. Taking the route they know back to Betina's house they emerge back in Chamarel.
The town is as they left it, peaceful and still unawares as to what is actually going on beneath their very feet. The party is able to get supplies and get the weapon off of Ruber. What would the party like to do at this impasse? Gather the supplies, rest and head back off? Or is there anything specific they would like to do in town?
Huh, surprised that worked Drak muses aloud. Seeing himself in one piece, it appears that surprisingly Elrohir's instructions were truthful.
Rybal inspects the blade, testing it for balance and edge since he is ignorant of magic. When satisfied, he holds up his own [/ooc](masterwork)[/ooc] Bardiche and offers it to the smith.
This is good steel and has seen good use. How much will you give me for it? And since we're such good customers, you mind throwing in a few good whetstones while you're at it?
Drak, Variel pulls you aside and hands you "Inheritance", the magical rapier found in the manor.
Use it well friend. I had thought my skill as a fencer would be sufficient to use this but some of our threats faced have been too large for and too savage for such as I. I still have my old rapier around somewhere. It will suffice and I have a charm to improve weapons
With no interest in weapons or cold-weather clothes, Rikaku's first instinct is to dash off to see Korina. "Rikaku back to inn later!" He says to the others as he leaves them.
When he arrives at the catfolk's home, he knocks on the door and waits for her to answer. As soon as the door opens he begins to blabber rapidly about the circumstances, explaining the baby's birth and... basically how he has no idea what to do from here.
Ruber looks at the blade over appraising it as best he can. He says "It has seen some use yes, but like every blade the story that it has to tell is worth more than the blade itself. The work quality is still well kept. You have shown yourselves to be good friends to Chamarel, I have no problem returning you the full value you bought this blade at."
He produces a leatherskin pouch and fills it with the gold needed. Ruber also places a few whetstones. "I hope you will find this satisfactory, I hope the magical blade will serve you well in your travels." Ruber smiles. "Truth be told business has been good despite the tragedies due to the adventurer influx. Though it is refreshing to see groups like you that seem to care for more than just the rewards."
The old catfolk takes the initial onslaught of words and tells Rikaku to take it a bit slower. When Korina has been able to understand the situation she brings Rikaku inside.
Rikaku sees Agatha still recovering on a bed that seems to have a lot of icons around it. Rikaku can also see a spell sustaining some healing properties. She looks well tended.
The catfolk sits down and ask Rikaku "The caverns is no place to be taking a hatchling like that I must admit. I will ask you now though what do you intend to do after your journey has come to an end. I shall be able to take care of your young one until you return though what will you do afterwards? As you explain it this is your own child, are you going to raise his dragon to be as strong as yourself?" Korina asks in a sweet calm voice. Korina doesn't seem like she is expecting an answer but is wanting to get Rikaku thinking at the very least about his own future from this point.
Drak thanks Variel as indeed a magical weapon would indeed come in handy.
Inheritance is a good name. I will still consider it yours and I will be but the wielder for a time..
Drak practices with this new weapon, the weight different than the twin pair of blades that he is used to but is able to adopt the rapier into his fighting style. And while ideally Drak would one day want to go back to his more specialized blades it's undeniable of the power that the rapier has.
Ruber looks at the blade over appraising it as best he can. He says "It has seen some use yes, but like every blade the story that it has to tell is worth more than the blade itself. The work quality is still well kept. You have shown yourselves to be good friends to Chamarel, I have no problem returning you the full value you bought this blade at."
Rybal claps the man good-naturedly on the back as a sign of a deal well-struck. He promptly approaches Malthu and gives him 30 gp, in repayment for the armored kilt.
The soldier then has a few drinks at the tavern to pass the time while waiting for a "large container" of the strongest drink they have available.
Rikaku remains in silence for a period after Korina's question, staring at the little baby with an inexplicable expression on his reptilian face. In the end, he looks up to the catfolk and nods.
"Rikaku family not nice. So Rikaku treat baby well. Not like Rikaku family. Then Rikaku never be alone no more too..." He drifts off, looking somewhat sad, but shakes his head. "Rikaku make sure Man In White no hurt no more, then come back."
The little kobold laughs for a moment. "Need name... Him? Her??"
Drak thanks Variel as indeed a magical weapon would indeed come in handy.
Inheritance is a good name. I will still consider it yours and I will be but the wielder for a time..
Drak practices with this new weapon, the weight different than the twin pair of blades that he is used to but is able to adopt the rapier into his fighting style. And while ideally Drak would one day want to go back to his more specialized blades it's undeniable of the power that the rapier has.
No no my friend, it is yours. Use it well - I have magics of my own to come into play and my old rapier will serve me well enough once those magics are bought into play.
Variel will also buy a Cold Weather Outfit.
Variel also tries learning Ray of Enfeeblement from the Scroll again and teaching it to his familiar...
Spellcraft
... and fails again.
Malthu checks up on Chara. She finds her training hard with Ingrid, when he arrives Ingrid is barking things like "Stance up! Your arm needs to be stronger you can't hit anyone holding your blade like that."
When Malthu enters Ingrid greets him, Chara in the background all but collapses from exhaustion though there is a determined look in her eye. She gets up again and starts to practice again while Malthu exchanges pleasantries. As Malthu watches for a brief moment he sees a sigil appear between Chara's eyes, but it is gone as quickly as it came.
Rybal checks up on Agatha, Korina comes to answer the door and lets him in. He can see that Agatha is being kept in good care in a bed with constant care from the old catfolk. Rybal thinks about what Korina told him before and remembers that what he needs is an Iridescent vine found near the magma pits in the Fayances caverns. Likely there is a place that is not a jungle or frozen wastelands where the plant grows. Korina returns to a conversation she is having with Rikaku.
Korina smiles at Rikaku's answer and looks over the baby kobold. "It's a young girl Rikaku, what would you like to call her?"
Rikaku waves at Rybal when he arrives at Korina's home, but he quickly descends into a very thoughtful and quiet state. He muses for some time about the name for the baby, but eventually speaks up with confidence.
"Rikana," he says proudly. "Rik from Rikaku, mean white, Ana mean special."
Drak will go with Variel and get his own cold weather outfit.
Ingrid nods to Malthu. "I have seen it before, it is not like my tattooes. It produces magic of some kind though I am unsure what. My magic used through swords though hers is not. It is budding so I haven't brought it up with her yet. Only time will tell what it is."
Korina smiles at Rikaku "That is a wonderful name, I will take care of Rikana until your adventure is over."
Rikaku spends as much time with Korina and Rikana as he can, but when the sun really starts to dip beneath the horizon he will somewhat begrudgingly leave back to the inn to meet with the rest.
When the group has done what they need to in town and they return to the portal. Teleporting themselves back into the tent they hear a howling wind outside. It appears to have gotten colder though thankfully they are prepared this time with winter clothes. The group also hears part of a shouting match outside. They only hear Akakios's side of the shouts.
"You are not taking this land, it is ours!" he shouts
"Your magic has no sway here witch, no matter how much snow you conjure!"
There is a large bellowing warcry "Your threats will not move us, leave here if you value your life" The winds begin to die down outside.
Variel draws steel and hurries over.
Rikaku quickly covers himself in a protective shimmering field of white energy before dashing out after the others, dragon-tipped wand in hand.
Variel also casts his mage armour on the way over.
Rybal sets down the bag of whetstones and the cask of whiskey and straps on his shield, drawing his newly-acquired weapon as he hurries to catch up to the others.
The group readies themselves and leaves the tent, the find themselves face to face with a wintery witch stood a good 30-40 feet away from the minotaurs who are near their tents. The witch herself is a minotaur, clad in white and blue robes with ice dripping from her large hands. The tips of her fur you can see on her head are also covered in frost. Her horns are no longer there but are instead replaced by two made of clear ice.
Surrounding her is several hounds and troglodytes who are sniffing the air smelling their new visitors. There are also several white kobolds, not unlike Rikaku. However they have a glazed look in their eye and don't seem to be all there.
The witch now shouts back. "Pray reconsider my offer, you might be proud bulls though you won't be able to keep me from my prize for much longer. I can wait here all day, waiting for you to freeze. Then maybe I can wear you as pelts once the frost has gotten to your organs. This all can go away if you give me what I seek."
The minotaurs are clutching at their axes, they are hesitating about something as knowing the nature of these creatures they should have attacked by now. Something is stopping them.
Indeed - we will flense the flesh from your bones... unless you leave RIGHT now and NEVER come back.
Aid Another Intimidate
Rybal smiles a wicked smile at his companions' threats.
I see my charms are rubbing off on you, he says, impressed by their grit in the face of a strong force. He shoulders past the others to stand side to side with Akakios, blade leveled at the witch.
Without turning his gaze from her, Rybal says quietly to the minotaur beside him: Friend, I brought you some strong whiskey, and the whetstones you asked for. Don't be afraid to get a few notches on your blade--we'll set them right, and not lack for drink after putting this rabble down.
He watches the witch's reactions, as if to say "Your move"
Drak looks amused at the situation, not caring too much for the minotaurs one way or another but always looking to further and test his skills. Though the situation is assuredly dangerous. Since there does not seem to be a place to get cover he will draw his blades and be ready to fight.
Rikaku stares at the white kobolds with his eyes narrowed; that glazed look... it reminded him of the goblins back at the tower. He tries calling out to them in draconic, but suspects it will be in vain.
He tries to look for any signs of those familiar control-boxes on the backs of the kobolds, but finds it difficult considering the distance and their camouflage with the snow.
Rikaku sees no reactions from the kobolds that are there, there is something off about them but it isn't a control box. The kobolds seem to be mindless, and their motor functions seem very lax. They don't have a normal gait and instead seem to amble.
The intimidation of the group seems to work, the witch starts to back away. "Hmmm, you seem to have gotten some strong friends over there. No matter, I shall view this from afar. I hope my little playthings can make you enjoy your last moments of life." With that the witch begins to walk away from the field of battle. The rest of the minions that were left behind are drawing their weapons and advancing with intent to fight.
Even though they find themselves surrounded, the party is more than ready to take on the mob that surrounds them.
Drak moves quickly, choosing to pull out his bow rather than foolishly engage such a large mob right away. He fires an arrow at a kobold on the far flank.
There will be time for my blades later Drak thinks, his new rapier Inheritance almost itching to get a real workout.
"Kobolds there not kobolds! No brain like zombies!" Rikaku informs the group before skirting around one of their big minotaur buddies, his wand in hand. He directs the pair of dragon-headed missiles at the nearest snow hound.
Starts casting Summon Monster 3 and takes a 5 ft step to the right.
Knowledge: Arcana +10
Knowledge: Dungeoneering +6
Knowledge: Nature +8
Knowledge: Planes +8
Knowledge: Religion +6