The sleepy village of Heldren on the Taldor-Qadira border is usually a quiet place. Village life trundles on in its comfortable groove as it has for centuries, with only the occasional bandit raid or monster attack to disturb its rural peace.
However, a disturbing new occurrence has Heldren abuzz. In the heat of Taldorian summertime, a section of the Border Wood is mysteriously snow-cloaked. Whispers of fell magic and rumors of icy monsters can be heard buzzing amongst the patrons of Heldren's sole inn, the Silver Stoat. The whispers are turning to angry mutters, now that word of a large-scale bandit attack has reached the townsfolk.
The consensus is clear: Someone must go to investigate. But who?
Several folk have gathered in Heldren's lone inn, the Silver Stoat. The heat of a Taldorian summer afternoon is slowly fading as the sun sinks.
The common room is thronged, something not often seen in this sleepy burg on a busy workday. Strangers from afar drawn to the strange doings are debating in small knots around the sturdy oaken trestles, downing the local ale in gallons.
A pretty young woman with strawberry-blonde hair bustles amongst the tables, trying to keep up with the orders. There is little space, so strangers share tables
A short, stout man leading a medium sized moose walks up to the Silver Stoat. He leads the moose to a post near the entrance and tenderly rubs its nuzzle. Speaking in a language very few understand, he says "No binarn, Chtonthoth, O ponn orio no drelo ter a sennarn." to the animal.
He gives one more pat, then he turns and enters the inn. As his eyes adjust to darkness inside, he tries with futility to find a secluded area. Sighing, he moves slowly to the bar.
Jeydavu is 4'8" tall and weighs over 200 pounds. He is bald and his skin has a gray, earthen tone. His cloths are made of brown leather. A glint of color flashes from his bright emerald eyes.
He waits for the barkeep to approach. When he does, he says in common, "I'll take a pint of ale." Continuing, he observes, "There seems to be many more folks around than last summer when I came for supplies. In my experience, more people mean more trouble. I hear there was large bandit raid recently."
The face of Gaelin Northvein has become well-known around Heldren since the young man came to reside near the village two summers ago. Incredibly tall with smooth hair the color of straw and a remarkably broad build, it is obvious his ancestry is not Taldane. He might cut an imposing figure, but his easy smile for every familiar face in the village makes him a welcome guest at the Silver Stoat.
While the common room is abuzz with chatter about the strange frost gripping the nearby country, Gaelin laughs easily at the jokes of the stable hand.
Gaelin:
The stable hands chuckles.
"Then the Galtane says to the Chelaxian, 'I didn't even know he was charmed!'"
He waits for the barkeep to approach. When he does, he says in common, "I'll take a pint of ale." Continuing, he observes, "There seems to be many more folks around than last summer when I came for supplies. In my experience, more people mean more trouble. I hear there was large bandit raid recently."
The barkeep nods
"Strange doings about this summer. Lots of these folks are fixing to head out to find what might be causing the weird weather. And you are right. There was a big raid. People are nervous."
Jeydavu replies, "I have heard about this unnatural cold. I didn't want to bring it up less some people construe that I may have something to do with it. Nay, living so close to that abomination of nature, Irrisen, I have some knowledge of strange weather. Something strange is happening and it best be nipped in the bud sooner than later before Baba Yaga herself seizes these lands in her icy clutches. When you hear about the group venturing out let them know I am available to assist."
Jeydavu sees a table open up. He picks up his ale, and navigates the crowd to take a seat.
Gaelin laughs boisterously at the raunchy joke. It is the easy, deep laugh of a man at ease, even in this tavern bustling with faces both familiar and strange.
He calls out to Penelopy the barmaid as she passes near, "Penelopy, did you hear that one? About the Galtane and the Chelaxian? Well, I don't tell it very well..."
Jeydavu replies, "I have heard about this unnatural cold. I didn't want to bring it up less some people construe that I may have something to do with it. Nay, living so close to that abomination of nature, Irrisen, I have some knowledge of strange weather. Something strange is happening and it best be nipped in the bud sooner than later before Baba Yaga herself seizes these lands in her icy clutches. When you hear about the group venturing out let them know I am available to assist."
Jeydavu sees a table open up. He picks up his ale, and navigates the crowd to take a seat.
The bartender pales beneath his bronzed skin
"Sarenrae forfend!"
he sketches the Dawnflower sigil absently with his right hand
"I-I'll certainly keep you in mind see should I hear of such a group "
A table near the hearth opens and he snags it. A red-haired woman wipes at the table quickly, flashing him a neutral glance as she hustles on to her next table. The Ulfen transplant Gaelin is about, chatting with the inn's stable hand. He calls to the barmaid as she passes
Gaelin laughs boisterously at the raunchy joke. It is the easy, deep laugh of a man at ease, even in this tavern bustling with faces both familiar and strange.
He calls out to Penelopy the barmaid as she passes near, "Penelopy, did you hear that one? About the Galtane and the Chelaxian? Well, I don't tell it very well..."
Penelopy rolls her eyes
"I found it funny ... maybe the first half-dozen times I heard it."
The barmaid leans into Gaelin's hearing
"Hey, your people came from up north? You got a line on what's going on in The Border Wood?"
As Jeydavu drinks his ale, he listens for more information on the recent happenings around town. After spending more time with his moose than other people, he finds his approach is brusque.
He leans over to the next table, "What's going on around here? Things are much stranger here than last year?"
Jeydavu begins talking with a group of traders, exchanging gossip
"There's snow and cold for sure, I saw it myself coming into Heldren by the Border Wood, " One trader says, shivering. "If it was summer in Taldor, you'd never know it. There are drifts as high as a man under some trees, and it doesn't look like it's going to melt any time soon."
"there's a farmer I did business with that says something from the wood stole his crops" Another trader adds. " He was at a loss what it could be"
"Then there's the bandit attack." A third chimes in. "Only one guard survived, and the village elders have him under wraps. "
"No such luck," the brawny warrior replies to Penelopy. His jovial face turns hard and serious. "I don't have an inside story on much of anything. I've heard the talk though. It sounds like there's foul goings-on."
"Folks out in the country won't survive if winter takes their crop..."
Penelopy nods
"True enough. But the elders are in a dither as to what to do"
Jeydavu observes the brief conversation between Penelopy and Gaelin. Noting their conversation, and seeing some resemblance to other Ulfen humans he has met in the past, Jeydavu decides to introduce himself.
He gets up from his table and moves over to Gaelin. Not as tall as Gaelin, but broader in shoulder, he eyes the man for a moment. Then, speaking in a deep, slow tone, He tries to introduce himself first in Skald and then in common.
"My name is Jeydavu. I hail from Hellirinn. You bear the resemblance of some Ulfen men I have met in my travels. Do you come from that region?"
A tall, bronze-skinned Shoanti woman sits alone at a corner table sipping a glass of Taldan fire-brandy, a massive recurved composite bow by her side. Her clothing is of coarse white linen and bleached leather, and as she lowers her hood to run a hand along her shaven head, a series of tattoos depicting the phases of the moon may be seen, glowing a faint blue in the tavern's dim light.
Tama, Moon's Daughter of the Lyrune-Quah came to Taldor months ago, pursuing a Chelish devil-binder, and days after her pursuit came to an end, she began to hear rumors of a strange, otherworldly frost spreading from the heart of the Border Wood. As the patrons mill around her, she listens for any talk of the unnatural winter.
Tama hears the Ulfen-looking man and the squat dwarvish-looking fellow conversing about the strange weather at the next table, while the red-headed waitress looks on
Gaelin inclines his head in greeting to Jeydavu. "Perhaps," he says enigmatically. "You can read as much from my features and color as I can tell, in truth. I have not been to the north, at least not at an age where I could be expected to recall." While his features and stature are Ulfen, his manners and speech are unmistakably Taldane.
"Gaelin is my name, called Northvein for reasons you have already observed. And judging by your knowledge of the Northern tongue, can I assume you have spent some time there yourself?"
Jeydavu answers, "Gaelin, your features do betray your heritage, but from your tongue I see you are more familiar with the warmer climates. Yes, I come from the Land of the Linnorm Kings. Hellirinn is a small village on the Rimeflow River on the eastern side of the country. I spend most of my time there, except when I venture south for supplies. I have been coming to this village for many years now as it generally has the supplies I need without all of the bustle and ne'er do wells you find in the larger cities. You seem to know many here, what do you make of these unseasonably cold temperatures and rise in banditry?"
"It does not bode well," Gaelin remarks. "My swordmistress, Gildene, suspects that some great evil is afoot. She has seen many things, and fought many evils herself, although her adventuring days are now behind her."
"If you come from up north, have you seen this sort of thing before? Have you heard any rumors?"
Jeydavu nods his head gravely. "I have not seen the beginning of such happenings, but I well know the aftermath. I have heard the tales of Baba Yaga bringing an unnatural winter upon an unsuspecting country side and ripping a land away from its previous owners. I have seen the aftermath of a country ruled by such an evil. The poor survivors forced to subsist on what meager food they can scrounge from the frozen tundra. If this is the start, we must nip it now before it spreads, less we have another Irrisen."
Penelopy leans in as she wanders by with a tray of drinks
"If you are thinking about taking a look, count me in"
she lowers her voice
"I can maybe get us in to talk to the caravan survivor"
Tama continues to listen as she collects her drink and bow, moving closer to Gaelin and Jeydavu.
"I couldn't help but overhear. I have also heard of the unnatural cold that has come to these lands. Please, tell me all you know of this."
When Penelopy suggests she may be able to provide access to the caravan survivor, Gaelin's eyes seem to take on a new life and his overall bearing becomes more energetic. It is as if some subconscious part of him has been waiting for the right opening. "Someone needs to investigate," he says. "We cannot wait for heroes to come from elsewhere. Heroes are merely ordinary - if skilled - men and women who rise to the occasion when the need is greatest. I say that those of us who are able should look into this thing ourselves and find out what threat is emerging in this forest. If what Jeydavu says is true, this peril cannot be allowed to go unchecked."
To Tama, he says, "You seem well-traveled - and capable, if you know how to use that bow. What brings you to Heldren?"
Penelopy nods approvingly
"good to hear somebody's got some gumption around here. If you want, we can go over whenever. I'm itching for a change of scenery"
Jeydavu swiftly finishes his ale and rises. "We can talk more as we walk." Lowering his voice as Penelopy did, he continues, "Let's hear what this survivor has to say."
Jeydavu leads the way out of the tavern and goes to his moose. "Denno fas. Po cindo othrar fidan gau drau." Once the others arrive and begin to head out, Jeydavu and Chtonthoth follow closely behind.
Penelopy leads them out into the summer heat. They walk through the busy town square and head for the town hall.
Penelopy walks in with a confident stride, green skirts rustling along the dusty floorboards. A plump middle-aged woman in a well-tailored dress stands up as the group walks in
"Hello Penelopy! What brings you here this early?"
"My friends and I would like a few answers to our questions, Ionnia. We have heard that there is dark magic afoot. We have heard there might be a witness. I and my friends are interested in any information you can bring us. "
The woman Ionnia nods
"Fair enough. I can tell you there is strange magic afoot, some sort of cold has fallen in the woods. There was a bandit attack. One lone survivor, named Yuln, is recovering at the Willowbark Apothecary. "
Jeydavu steps forward and addresses Ionnia. "Ionnia, I am Jeydavu, I am a visitor from the north. There are rumors in town that the village elders are hiding this man. Why would they do that? Do you suspect there is some connection between this man, Yuln, and this cold?"
Ionnia frowns
"Master Jeydavu, we are not 'hiding' this man. He suffered injuries from fighting and we are letting him convalesce at the apothecary. He is not under suspicion for any wrongdoing."
Ionnia sighs
"Truly the rumors are getting bad. This town needs to send out a force to bring back some solid answers."
"I could not agree more, madam," Gaelin says with purpose. "How did the survivor come to return to Heldren? Was he discovered in the wilderness, or did he come back under his own power?"
"And have there been any other attacks or disappearances near the wood?"
Ionnia turns to Gaelin and smiles
"Master Gaelin, a pleasure to see you here. Yuln rode in from the Border Woods, wounded. His mercenary company was in the employ of a noble lady named Argentea Malessene when they were attacked by strange cold beings. I have not heard of any large-scale attacks like this previously, but there have been whispers of farm folk disappearing."
Ionnia gestures
"Perhaps you would like to talk to Yuln yourselves? I can bring you to him."
To Tama, he says, "You seem well-traveled - and capable, if you know how to use that bow. What brings you to Heldren?"
"I was tracking a man for many days. I found him. I was to return home, but I am sworn to seek out the evil in this world and destroy it. I am bound to follow this path to its end before I can return to my homeland."
Ionnia gestures
"Perhaps you would like to talk to Yuln yourselves? I can bring you to him."
Tama nods, saying nothing. She remains at the rear of the small group, listening intently.
"Yes, we can continue to talk as we walk. Let's see Yuln and learn first hand what happened to him." Jeydavu follows Ionnia to the Apothecary.
With a nod, Gaelin accompanies the others to visit the wounded man.
Ionnia leads them out into the summer sunshine over to the apothecary. The apothecary sits along the edge of town, with a long stone wall and gate separating it from the dirt lane. Inside the gate is a huge herb garden heavy with late-summer growth. A tall woman is bent over harvesting some lavender. Ionnia hails her and she straightens, revealing a set of high-pointed ears and solid blue eyes.
"Tessarea, we are here to talk to Yuln, is he awake?"
The tall elf woman nods, brushing her hands on her skirt.
"Aye, councillor. I have him resting in the infirmary. Feel free to see him"
Ionnia leads them into the building, a tidy stone-and timber house typical of Heldren's architecture. The rafters of the main room are clustered with drying herb bundles and garlic ropes. Racks of glass jars hold various liquids and solids. A few are behind a iron-grilled cabinet marked 'Danger-no flame'
Ionnia opens a door at the rear of the main room and leads them over into a room that is well-lit and lined with small potted plants. A small side table holds a cluster of surgeons' tools, and a large bottle of poppy milk. A bed along the back wall holds a middle-aged man who appears to be Ulfen. The man is swathed in bandages, and his weathered face is covered in splotchy blue-black patches. His fingers seem to also have a blackend hue. He looks up as Ionnia enters and sits up, wincing
"Councillor Ionnia, greetings"
"Yuln, I hope you are feeling better. These folk here are curious about the attack. They might be going out to investigate. Can you answer their questions?"
The large man grunts, pushing several graying braids of hair from his face
"Aye, as best I can"
Jeydavu approaches Yuln's bed. "You are in a lot of pain so we will try to make this brief. You look to be Ulfen. It's no wonder you were hardy enough to survive. Can you tell us what happened to you and your comrades?"
Gaelin's swordmistress thought it important that he learn the Skald tongue, as his journeys may someday lead him back to his people. He puts that learning to use. In the tongue of the Ulfen, he says, "You are safe now and we are here to help."
In Common he adds, "We need to hear your account of what happened in the road."
Yuln replies to Gaelin courteously in the Skald's Tounge
"May you find favor in your ancestors' eyes"
He turns to Jeydavu
"I am indeed Ulfen, Ser, and I have served as caravan guard and escort for many years in this area, far from my troubled homeland. But now I feel like the horrors of the north have followed me"
He sighs, wincing
"My captain had contracted with Lady Argentea to guard her train until Oppara. When we got to the Border Wood, we found it under a strange spell of winter. We were beset by bandits. Those seemed ordinary enough, and we scattered them. Then the cold fey appeared. I have never heard of them this far south, but i never thought to see drifts of snow in a Taldane summer either! Our troop was no match for these lackeys of Irrisen. I managed to flee, escaping with my life. No one followed me. "
The wounded Ulfen touches the well-used pommel of his long sword
"I pray I have not brought shame on my ancestors, but the winter fey are not a foe mortals face easily"
Jeydavu gently rests a hand on Yuln's shoulder to reassure him. "You're ancestors are proud of your actions in this event. You have survived to tell your tale so that we may take up the yoke better prepared and drive these vicious fey from these woods."
Continuing Jeydavu asks, "You believe these fey are the same as those from Irrisen. Can you describe them a little more? I have some experience with the creatures of Irrisen and it may help me to identify them."
Yuln nods
"I do. We were raised on stories of the winter-touched: Sprites and other fey who had sworn allegiance to the Winter Queen. They are small, no larger than a grown-man's arm, but they are fast and hard to wound. Legend says that they have taken a sliver of ice into their souls for protection. Only cold iron and fire are proof against them. Their very touch is freezing."
He pats his longsword's pommel again
"If it hadn't been for the cold iron in my blade I would likely have fallen to them like the others. I know I killed one breaking from the ambush."
Jeydavu:
Jeydavu listens intently to Yuln's description. He adds to Yuln's account, "Aye, I know these fey of which you speak. You are correct that cold iron and fire are the best weapons against them. I see from your discolored skin the damage their icy grip can have on a man. We must also some of the more advanced winter fey can command winter magic."
He turns to Ionnia. "We must go soon to rid these woods of these icy fey and get to the bottom of this cold weather. Alas, I am a man of simple means and I do not own any cold iron weapons. Can the council or this Lady Argentea loan us such weapons to help us?"
Yuln speaks up
"You can have my blade. It is the least I can do for those who would avenge my dishonor."
Ionnia frowns
"I will see what the local smith can find for cold iron forged gear,but I fear time is of the essence. These fey will attack again"
Yuln nods
"aye, and they took Lady Argentea captive. There might be a chance to rescue her should you move swiftly"
Shock briefly crosses Jeydavu's stony demeanor. "They have a captive? Ionnia were you aware of this? Have you sent anybody out to track the fey? We must be going as soon as possible if we have any hope of finding her alive. Yuln, before we go, is there anything else you can remember that may help us? At least maybe a direction they were heading?"
"I agree. We cannot wait. If there are any weapons of cold iron in the armory, we should make use of them, but we cannot wait on a smith."
Ionnia nodded
"I knew Lady Argentea had been taken, but this all occurred within the last few hours. We had no one at that point to mount a rescue. I was working on the matter when Penelopy brought you to me. "
She straightens up and gestures
"Let us visit the smith. He does double duty as our armorer. We will see if he has any cold iron available. Tessarea might have some incendiaries you can purchase as well"
Yuln hands his long sword out horizontally in both hands.
"Take her. She is Frost Cleaver. I have had her from my sire, and he his, down through seven generations. She is not ensorcelled, but she is dwarvish work, cold iron and a fell blade"
Jeydavu takes the sword carefully into his hands and bows to Yuln. "You do us great honor, Yuln. We will use Frost Cleaver to exact your revenge."
Then in Skald, Jeydavu says, "Fear not brave Ulfen Warrior. You have done your job well and you have not shamed your ancestoers. We will return Frost Cleaver to you once these forest have been rid of these fey."
Jeydavu turns to to Gaelin and Tama. "Yuln has done us great honor in offering his sword. I am not trained in its use. Which of you wishes to avenge Yuln by using his sword against the fey and then returning it to him when the task is complete?"
Jeydavu turns to to Gaelin and Tama. "Yuln has done us great honor in offering his sword. I am not trained in its use. Which of you wishes to avenge Yuln by using his sword against the fey and then returning it to him when the task is complete?"
"Gaelin should have the blade, not me. I am... not experienced in the use of swords. However, I would be able to make use of some arrowheads of the same material."