Woodsmoke's Reign of Winter

Game Master Woodsmoke


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He ran. He didn’t know where he was going, but all he could do was put distance between him and them. His breath was heavy, his blood pounding so loudly in his ears his mind was all of a fuzz, his vision blurred. His feet crunched on the white crust below, but his feet were already numb. Each step he took shed more blood onto the ground below, pulling him another inch closer to death. He could feel his heart slowing, and prepared himself to meet his end. But then the white gave way to brown beneath his feet, and the trees began to thin. He was almost away, and he knew now that he would not give up. He thundered on with his heavy footfalls until the last trees shied away from him and he burst into open land, into fields dead and clutched in layers of frost. But the sky was blue and cloudless and ahead he could see grass grasping the land. He pushed on until the frost was behind him and crops graced the fields, on and on until he heard something, a methodic sound, recognizable as iron on wood. He moved closer to it, knowing that his time was near. He only had to find someone, tell someone. He came upon a shack, and as he moved around it, feeling his way, the last thing he saw before his eyes gave out was a man and his lumber axe, running towards him.
“Argentea…” he managed to say. And then darkness overcame him.

Chapter I: The Snows of Summer

Your travels throughout Taldor have brought you to Heldren, a small village of less than two hundred people situated in the south of the country, a few miles north of the expansive Border Wood. A small community of herders, farmers, and woodcutters, Heldren is outside the reach of Taldor’s politics and Qadiran intrigue. Quaint and unassuming, the village of Heldren seems to be a fine stop on your travels to purchase supplies, fill your bellies, and rest your bones. You find the residents of Heldren quite amiable and welcoming, unguarded in their answers to any questions and otherwise plain delighted to have visitors.

Cara:
Your vagrancy has led you to Heldren, and you find that you are welcomed into the village, almost as if you were a distant relative or someone who had visited before and has been gone a while. One man in plain linen garb of about thirty looks at you and says ”We don’t see many elves around Heldren. Are you a relative of Tessaraea? Good if you are, she could use some cheer!” You also hear some townspeople talking of an odd pair that has also arrived in the village recently - a goblin and a dwarf, traveling together. You notice that the people do not seem too worried or perturbed about there being a goblin in their midst, but much more curious as to why one would be traveling with a dwarf. Despite this, you still sense something in the air you can’t quite place…for all of their friendliness, people still seem a touch on edge.

Geedra and Asgrid:
Heldren has welcomed you much more warmly than have other towns in your travels. The residents here do not seem to bothered by a goblin in their midst, though you come to realize that you are soon the talk of the town. The gossip is mere curiosity, however, and as far as you can tell no one has a poor thing to say about either of you. A few townsfolk do ask where you are from and how you came to travel together, but they seem intent on avoiding any questions that might cause offense. Other villagers bring up some small talk, particularly about the weather…indeed, it seems as though many of the villagers are quite keen on the weather, asking how it is up north, if you’ve been that way.

After you have all spent some time in the village - a few hours, anyway, the talk of the weather becomes more and more prevalent, and the townspeople are quick in including you in the conversations most everything is having about it. You learn that Heldren has been suffering from a very unseasonable cold snap, and the further south you go, the worse it gets. Local hunters from the Border Wood, just a few miles south of town, came through and claimed that it was snowing in the forest, and by the look of the amount on the ground, it had been for some time. It hasn’t snowed in the village yet, but it does keep getting chillier, and while temperatures remain comfortable, they are certainly out of place of the height of summer. Many of the townsfolk that speak of it also reference a woman called Old Mother Theodora, who is the town’s wise woman, midwife, and to some, a soothsayer. She has been warning of grave times ahead.

Furthermore, a man an inch away from death came stumbling out of the wood just a day before onto Old Danby’s farm, muttering just a single word before falling unconscious. Dansby managed to get him into the village proper on his trusty mule. After he was brought back into consciousness, he told the town council that he was a mercenary in service of a Taldan noblewoman, escorting her north. Their caravan was attacked in the woods by bandits and strange creatures who carried his charge away and slew all but for him, who escaped the fight in order to find aid. Other than the strange weather, talk of this mercenary seems to be the most prevalent. It is clear that Heldren does not see many true warriors or adventurers, and the recent happenings have evoked in them a mix of excitement and concern.

Geedra and Asgrid arrived in Heldren about half a day ago, and Cara about six hours ago. There is not much to this village, but it does have a handful of shops and services open to the public, and inquiries about any sort of place and answered and the townsfolk are happy to direct you to your needs. There is a blacksmith, a barber, a general store, an apothecary, a tavern, a livery, a temple, a butcher, and a woodworker. Travelers are recommended to go to the Silver Stoat for a rest and a meal, and while the town has no inn, passersby are welcome to a place to sleep on the tavern floor by the fire if they so desire. Feel free to move about the town as you wish. Many of the villagers seem slightly eager to talk to you if you allow it - its obvious they don’t get many outsiders. Also, Knowledge Local checks or Diplomacy checks can award you further information about the goings on around town.

Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy DC 5:
There is some talk that the unseasonable cold and snow in the Border Wood might be magical in nature…and some fear that agents from Qadira have something to do with it.

Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy DC 10:
Above, plus Old Man Dansby claims something is stealing from his fields. His farm is closest to the Border Wood, and half of his fields have died off to an icy frost.

Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy DC 12:
Above, plus a farmer’s son took ill a few days ago. He fell through the ice that has encased Wishbone Creek inside the Border Wood. Rumor has it that the boy claims he spotted a white stag in the forest that talked to him and he tried to follow it.

Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy DC 15:
Above, plus a group of rangers in the Border Wood who are called the High Sentinels usually keep banditry quelled, though the villagers say that they are doing a poor job of it if a noblewoman’s escort of armed guards could be attacked and the Lady abducted.

Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy DC 18:
Above, plus a hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel the size of a horse in the wood on the High Ridge. No one believed him, so he went off to try and trap it.

Knowledge (Local) or Diplomacy DC 20:
The noblewoman, Lady Argentea Malassene, actually traveled past Heldren two weeks ago, traveling from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed. Rumor has it that the two didn’t get along and lady Argentea called off the engagement which caused quite the scandal, and was on her way home.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

Dot.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Cara's dark blue eyes took in the small village with curiosity. It was strange to see such a quaint village so untouched by human politics despite being so close to the border with an enemy state. The people were also unusually friendly, most humans would just stare at her if they weren't well acquainted with Elves, but keep their distance. In truth she preferred that, in her experience the humans you would have to worry about were the ones who wanted to be your friend. Yet, these people seemed amiable because it was the right thing to do, but it was clear they were having some underlying troubles that they probably needed help with. The young Elf woman just hadn't decided if she was going to stick around long enough to offer her aid, after all her journey south was about at it's end, and the desert held no allure to her. No, the north seem to be calling to her and the Summer months seemed the right time to explore it.

When she is met by a human of thirty asking her if she's related to someone named Tessaraea, she tilts her head and pretends to think about it, offering her best bashful smile, ”No sir, I cannot say that I am. I take it she is of Elven heritage? What seems to be troubling her? It would appear I've arrived in your town at a most interesting time.”


"No? I see. She's an elf, right by that. No one's quite sure what makes her so somber, I'm afraid. She's been here most of my life, twenty-five years or so, but as far as I know she's been like that all the while. Most think she lost someone some time ago, a love mayhaps, or so say the story-fanciers. Anyway, she owns the apothecary. Willowbark, it's called. I hear the mercenary that came in all injured yesterday is recovering there. Interesting, aye, aye. You've heard about the cold, then? Odd weather it is, odd indeed. Snow in the Border Wood, so it has been said. Now, I've seen no snow with my own eyes, but I don't see why the hunters would lie, and about something so strange at that. The air has been a bit of a chill, bit of a chill at that, I will say. Might be it'll pass, though some say otherwise. Theodora speaks ill of it. She's our wise-woman, you know. Old as stone, but I don't even she's heard of snow in a Taldan summer, ha! Say, if you aren't here to see Tessaraea, what brings you to Heldren? Not many elves find there way here, as I said. Just passing through, by my eye, I would say. And weapons, too! A bow..are you a hunter? Good game in the Border Wood. Well, I don't know much 'bout that now, with the snow, but I expect the deer might still be there. Maybe a bit spooked. Deer and dogs and them have a better sense to nature, alright. Say, you must be weary from your travels, and here I am talking to sundown. Hey now, I know, why don't you come on down to the Silver Stoat - it's the watering hole for the town, you know. Warm fire, warm stew, fine drinks, if you'd like. I'll buy you an ale as a welcome to Heldren. Three Devil Ale, it's called. The misses Garimos brews it up special. This way, if you want. Oh, Erastil's arrow strike me down, didn't even tell you my name. Alder, Alder it is. Did I ask yours? Nay, nay I think. Don't think you have to give it, just wondering, is all." Obviously the man is of rambling nature, quite excited to be speaking to someone from outside of the village. He stands a few inches taller than you, topped with a mop of dark brown hair. He shows dark eyes as well and a stippled shadow of a beard. Tanned skin, rough hands, and dusty work clothes paint him all a farmhand.


female Dwarf Oracle 2 / Summoner 2 AC14 (18 with ice armor, 20 in cold environs); HP 30; Percept +2, darkvision; Init +0

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Asgrid nursed a drink in the Silver Stoat, a strong local brew that reminded her somewhat of home. She'd taken a bench in a darkened corner, out of deference to her wandering companion, Geedra. She knew the goblin didn't much like bright sunlight, and what's more it allowed for some privacy for them both. Heldren may have been the nicest town they've come across in these parts, but the townsfolk didn't half stare whenever the dwarf and goblin were together.

A nice place. It was a shame then that there was something strange going on. Asgrid could feel it when she woke up, a chill in the air, the smell of snow on the air. She'd gone asking around and came away with some gossip about the nearby woods, some unseasonal weather, and a warrior claiming to be a kidnapped noble woman's guard. She becomes a bit nervous of the talk of the white-furred creatures, and left to meet up with Geedra before anyone noticed the way she kept looking over her shoulder as if something was going to sneak up on her.

Retiring to the local, Asgridfills Geedra in on all the news tthat she had picked up. "well, what do you think? Have you found out any news? Should we keep moving on? Or maybe there's something we can do for these people to put their hearts at ease, they seem like genuine folk here to me"


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

”A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Alder. My name is Cara, I'm merely passing through the area. I use the bow for defense and survival, mostly.” She winks at him conspiratorially, ”I'm afraid I will have to pass on the ale, wine is more to my liking. I don't suppose there's a local bath in the area? In any case, I believe I will stop by the tavern first, but I'll be sure check in on Tessaraea before I leave town.”

She flashes a smile and waves her fingers goodbye to the man as she makes her way to the Silver Stoat.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

Knowledge Local 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"Geedra hear lots. Humans here love talk. Tell Geedra all kinds stories. Strange cold scares them.". Geedra fills her dwarf companion in on what gossip she heard from the villagers.

The little goblin appreciated sitting in the almost dark, both for her eyes and for keeping the villager's curious stares away from her. She was nervous by nature, and all the strange humans talking to her kept her skittish. No one had tried to spear her though, which was nice.

"Humans seem okay. Not hit Geedra. Okay to stay awhile.".


Alder frowns ever so slightly but nods anyway, obviously dismayed. "Aye, wine, if that's your fancy...bath house? Nay, not a public one. Someone may let you use their tub and bucket though, I expect. Otherwise you could look in on Sophia who runs the livery - she'd let you clean up for a few coppers, I'm sure." As Cara walks away, he opens his mouth and mumbles a half-word but then stops, clearing his throat. "Ah, aye, yes, best to be off then, work to do. Fare well!"

Moving on, you find the town to more or less be a single intersection and the buildings around the small square. You pass in between an L-shaped building with open windows revealing the wares within - traveling gear, mostly. Rope and torches, oil, cloaks and boots, fishing supplies, and the like - and a very large building that is quite grand for a village so small. A well-kept sign denotes it as the Town Hall. A clock tower protrudes from the roof and overlooks the whole square, which sits just ahead of you. Aside from a few stalls that have been set up where farmers are selling produce, wool, or other goods, the only thing in the square is a statue of beautiful woman. The Silver Stoat is not difficult to spot - it sits across the square from the Town Hall. A large sign hangs above the door depicting a leaping weasel clutching a silver coin. A sign hanging below that reads "Home of the Three Devil Ale!" A fair amount of people appear to be entering the Silver Stoat, and fewer leaving. You also spot two buildings just across the street from the tavern - one unmarked but the other is clearly a place of worship.

Asgrid and Geedra do draw many stares from the villagers in the tavern. As it is mid-afternoon, you notice the place is just starting to fill up. Most of the people you see have obviously been working much of the day, the glisten of sweat on their heads and earth on their boots and hands. Many greet each other warmly with handshakes and claps to the shoulder or back. Talk is had, primarily about the weather, but some people mention that the mercenary is apparently getting better, though he's still not fit to travel. "I saw him myself," says one man. "He's Ulfen - that explains why he was able to live through all those wounds! A true warrior, him."

Patrons at the Silver Stoat are served by Menander Garimos and his wife Kale. Menander does the cooking and baking and Kale brews the ale and sees to the room at large. Locals have already insisted that you try the flank steak, swearing that the venison dish is Menander's best recipe.

There are a few people who stand out from the locals, you notice. A well-groomed, smiling dwarf with gold teeth laughs heartily as he chomps on a piece of pie, and a young human woman of perhaps seventeen years sits at a table with a retinue of young men who vie for her attention. A tall girl with a playful tousle of brown hair and bright blue eyes, she is certainly among the most comely in town.

The townsfolk have seemingly noticed your preference for a solitary corner, so most are amiable enough to leave you alone, but you still catch a glance or a smile or a nod.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

Geedra takes a deep breath and hops to her feet. "Geedra hungry. Asgrid hungry? Steak yummy. Better than berries in the cold. Geedra get steak for dwarf and Geedra."

The goblin walks up to the bar with her hood pulled over her head, and orders food in her halting broken common. "Steak for both, please. Geedra have gold."


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

Cara waltzes into the tavern and takes a long look at the patrons, a cautious expression creasing her features. Her long pointed ears, white-less blue eyes, and natural beauty clearly reveal her elvish nature. She moves gracefully to the bar, her supple movements revealing years of some training beyond her race's natural dexterity. She most likely has some martial training, by the weapons she carries and the studded leather armor that she wears.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

She tries to find a spot at the bar that's not adjacent to any other patron. "Pardon me?" She calls out to whoever is tending the bar, "I have heard you have some very fine ale in town, but I was wondering if you had any wine available?"

As she waits for her order, her attention turns to the dwarf and goblin in the corner and she gazes at them with interest for a couple of moments before realizing she was probably being rude.

If any of the young men in the corner pay her any attention, she flicks her long blonde hair over a shoulder, but ignores them.


A few of the patrons watch as the goblin moves across the tavern to the bar. There are particularly high stools along the counter, perhaps hinting that there are some townspeople of smaller stature. Behind the bar is a robust human woman close to fifty. She has a motherly look, with dark hair starting to go grey pulled away from her green-blue eyes. She seems quite capable of tending to the needs of the room by herself, filling mugs and running food, though every so often you see a younger human bringing dishes in and out of a door behind the bar. She looks at the goblin as she orders, offering a smile. "Four silver apiece gets you a fine seared flank steak and a mash of carrots and turnips, and heel of black bread."

When the elven woman enters and moves to the bar, she draws as many eyes of the goblin, if not more. Taking a private spot at the counter, she calls out to the barkeep as well. The woman takes a step away from Geedra, waiting for the confirmation of the order, but keeps close to show she is still serving the goblin. "We've wine as well, but I daresay my Three Devil is better, but to each their own poison! All of my wine is from Oppara, but I've got a few vintages. Two silver for a glass of the standard stock, but I've better spirits for more coin. I have a particularly nice bottle of Grandbridge Special Reserve - I hear that's what the emperor drinks! That's only for sale by the bottle, though. Ten gold if you'd like it." Looking back to Geedra, she says "shall I fetch some meals for you, then?"

Indeed, a few of the young men cast their gazes upon Cara. Two in particular who seemingly have been turned down by the young woman at the table. They mutter to one another before one pushes the other in the elf's direction. He opens his mouth and stumbles over a hello, but the brush-off is obvious and he reddens and turns away, going back to his friend.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Yes. Steaks for both. Geedra's rare. Three Devils for Geedra, too.". Geedra plunks down a gold coin at the bar and smiles a toothy grin, as she smells the steaks grilling.

She nods at the elven lady who had just ventured up to the bar near her, before turning back to take her spot in the darkish corner near Asgrid.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

Cara appears amused when the Emperor's wine is mentioned, "I'll just take a glass of the standard stock, thank you." As she pays for it, her attention wanders to the goblin, nodding back when Geeda makes her way back to her table.

Once the goblin is out of earshot, Cara slips another silver piece on the counter as a tip, and lowers the volume of her voice, "Hmm, so what can you tell me about those two?" She asks the serving woman, nudging her head towards the darken corner.


Kale nods to both Geedra and Cara and catches a runner before he disappears through the door behind her. "Two flank platters," she says quickly as she grabs a bottle of wine from the shelf. The boy goes through the door and Kale sets a glass on the counter in front of Cara, unstops the wine and pours a generous glass. It is a rich red and the aroma wafts over to you, slightly sweet. Kale takes her payment and puts it in her apron pocket, replaces the bottle, and shrugs at your question. "Not much. They came to Heldren shy of a day ago, just after Old Man Dansby brought that ulfen mercenary in. They make an odd pair, I'll admit. They've talked some with the locals but otherwise haven't made much of a stir. Just passing through, I reckon." She gives you a nod and heads off to take care of more patrons. The wine is fine enough, though you recall you've had better. You catch notes of honey and cedar, and it is only slightly watered.

After a few moments the boy comes back through with a tray of two plates and sets it on the counter before disappearing again. Kale grabs the tray and plants a tankard on it and brings it swiftly to Asgrid and Geedra's table. She sets the two plates down as well as a crock of butter, a jar of honey, and a tankard of Three Devil ale for the goblin. "Enjoy!" he says, and is gone again. The food is steaming on their wooden plates, the meat giving off a delectable aroma of spices, juice accrued on and beneath it. The carrots and turnips are a chunky mash, a pat of butter melting on top. The bread is crusty and warm, dark as pitch. There are spoons on both plates, but you notice that most other patrons are eating the flank steaks by hand.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

Geedra sniffs the robust aroma of the roasted meat and vegetables. Her goblin nature came out as she ate, forgoing any niceties and utensils, tearing into the meat with both hands as if she hadn't eaten in weeks. She scooped up a chunk of butter and smeared the steak with it as she grunted and scarfed down the meal. It was clear that she had worried about being full before, as she ate the meal as rapidly as possible, not turning loose of her piece of meat until it was finished.

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Steak good." After finishing her meal and chugging her beverage, she nudges the dwarf. "Elf looks new in town too. Boys seem like her."


female Dwarf Oracle 2 / Summoner 2 AC14 (18 with ice armor, 20 in cold environs); HP 30; Percept +2, darkvision; Init +0

Asgrid is grateful to Geedra for the food and drink, though she tries not to watch as the goblin masticates her food. Having said that, the townsfolk around here seem to have similar manners. Asgrid could live with that, she was never one to stand on manners.

Asgrid passes over some coins to pay for the meal. "Thanks for that. Speaking of which, we're going to have to look for work soon, even if we are moving on. I'm running out of coins to rub together. Maybe all this talk about stuff going on in the forest might make some work for us."

Looking around the room, she looks up as Geedra points out the elven girl entering the taproom. "Yeah, haven't seen her around town; she must be new here like us. Maybe she might have more news about what's happening around here? We could invite here over. Wouldn't that be something! A goblin, an elf, and a dwarf sit in a bar. Sounds like some kind of human joke." She also sizes up the dwarf with the gold teeth. "See him over there? Think he might be from the north? Wonder if he might have news of home."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"We can talk. Not want other goblins find Geedra. Gold be nice...need work. You want bring elf over?"

Even though Geedra and the dwarf had become close over last couple of months, the goblin still hadn't let her in on Geedra's big secret...that she had taken her tribe's jade when she left quickly. Geedra didn't want to have to spend that, if possible. It had a strange sentimental value, even though she never wanted to return to her tribe.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

"Thank you." Cara says to Kale as she takes a few sips of the average wine and smiles.

After waiting a few moments to make sure nothing unusual was going to occur, Cara hops off her barstool and strolls over to the goblin and dwarf.

"Pardon me for interrupting, but I figured we could get the whole town talking if the three of sat together." She quips with an easy smile, "My name is Cara and I was wondering if either of you had a better idea of what's going on in this town than I do. It's all quite strange, I'm not sure what to make of all of it." While she talks, her eyes to adjust to the dimly lit corner and she takes the opportunity to get a closer look at both of them. "Forgive me for perhaps being too forthright, but it's fairly obvious you're not locals. Well, neither am I so we have that in common."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Me Geedra. This Asgrid. We new here, too. Humans talk a lot here.". Geedra fills the elf in on all the rumors she has heard from the townspeople. Go ahead and read all the ones listed in the DM's post.. She looks around at the others in the establishment before she begins speaking again.

"We need work. Been walking long time. Humans not so bad here. Maybe we work here," the goblin speaks in the best Taldan she can manage.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

As Geedra explains things, Cara helps herself to a seat and listens closely. When the goblin finishes, she nods, "I heard much of the same rumors. You know, if you need money, rescuing a Taldan noblewoman might be lucrative, that is, if the rumors all add up. I heard the mercenary is recovering over at the apothecary. Apparently it's operated by another Elf, if the talkative human in the street can be believed. There's a wise-woman in town too, she might know something."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Good point. Noblewomens has lots gold. Bet she be happy for rescue," Greedra grins greedily at the thought of more gold in her pocket and more steak in her belly.


Eyes do indeed follow Cara as she goes over to join the goblin and dwarf. People seem to immediately begin theorizing with one another about this or that, but most just come off as plain delighted to have so many outsiders in one place and that they are present to witness it. After a few minutes, they seem to run low on ideas and their initial curiosity wears thin, and someone off on the other side of the bar starts a song that some join in, and the room reverts to its dull roar of conversation, laughter, and singing, leaving the three of you to yourselves.

After a few moments, the brunette girl approaches your table, waving her hand dismissively at a comment from one of her apparent suitors. "Hello there. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, but I was wondering if I might join your table? I could use some female company for once." She rolls her eyes and gestures back to the table of young men who are waiting for her to return. "That gets tiresome, and you three look far more interesting to me! Armed and armored, I bet you have some lively stories. I don't know much about traveling or battle, though I can throw a punch. My father was an adventurer when he was younger, though now he's just a smithy. I'm his apprentice. Xanthippe is my name."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Sansthipp?" Geedra clearly struggled with the pronunciation of the strange name. "Me Geedra. Dis Cara and dis Asgrid. We new to town. Nice meet you. You make stuff?"


"Oh, yes. My father is much better at it, but I'm a natural with a hammer, he says. He used to be in Taldor's army, on the border with Qadira. He picked up armorsmithing there, but we don't do much of that. No one around here needs armor, you know. We just have enough gear for the militia and all. We usually make, well, just regular things. Horseshoes and tools and such." Xanthippe helps herself to an open seat at the table as she talks. "What do you do? When you're not traveling, I mean."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

Geedra thinks for a moment. She hadn't really thought about what she did before. "Hmmm. Me cook food and clean pots...then Poog yell and hit Geedra with pot. Then Geedra leave and find Asgrid. Walk a lot since then. Leave Poog and bad goblins. Geedra have some tricks though," the goblin whispers, leaving the others, except Asgrid to wonder what she is referencing.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

"Hiya Xanthippe, nice to make your acquaintance." Cara greets the human girl with a friendly smile, "I'm primarily an explorer, but I don't really do it for anyone's benefit but my own. Although, I have to admit this place has really piqued my curiosity with all the strangeness going on. Is it usually this interesting?"


Xanthippe listens to Geedra and shakes her head. "Well that's not nice, being hit with pots! It's good you left then." To Cara she says "an explorer, you say. That sounds fun. I went to Oppara once with father, but that's as far as I've been. No, not interesting at all, usually. We have good festivals on Archer's Day. A lot of hunters from far around come for that. Once when I was just a girl Old Man Dansby entered the marksman contest, which is a funny notion if you know him. He shot the face of the clock on the clocktower and...oh, I guess this sounds silly. That's as far as interesting goes around here, though. Archer's Day is only two weeks off, ff you are still around then you should stay for it! But you mentioned strange, sorry, I don't get to tell stories much...the cold, though. It's odd, sure. I haven't been into the Border Wood but I did see the frost all over Dansby's fields, so I guess it's true that there's snow there. I did see that mercenary though, the ulfen man. He looked bad, and not just from cuts. His nose and fingers were black and dead, gave me shivers it did. Father talked with him since he trains the militia, but I don't think we'll be sending any farmers into the Wood where ulfen mercenaries got wiped out."


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

Cara taps a finger against her lips as she contemplates Xanthippe's story, "I think we should go see this poor human and find out what he knows, you gals in?" Her question was directed to Geeda and Astrid, but it was clear that Xanthippe was included as well.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Why not? Maybe reward for helping. Geedra be great hero," she smiles widely, again brandishing her mouth full of sharp teeth as she does so.


Xanthippe shrugs. "Why not. I'm done for the day, since father's been talking with the council. I bet the man has an interesting story to tell."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

Geedra takes another pull from her frothy beverage. "Good. Cold. Geedra likes.". She nods as the others talk, "Yes, visit human be good. Reward be good, too."


Skills:
Acrobatics +8, Climb +8, Intimidate +3, Linguistics +1, Perception +7, Spellcraft +5, Survival +7, Swim +8
Vital:
HP 35/35, AC 15 T 11 FF 14, Per +7 Init +1, F +5 R +2 W +2, CMB +7, CMD 19, Speed 45

The door to the Stoat opens again and a giant of a Kellid man steps through, pausing to breath in deeply as he enters. His head tilts and it looks like he may be trying to draw the food in through his nostrils. A wide smile splits his face and a little too loudly he calls out, "Mmmm, I was told I could find Kale here. Kale and steak. Sounds like the perfect meal." He laughs at his own attempt at a joke then surveys the room and laughs again even louder than the first time. "Ha! An elf, a goblin and a dwarf sit down at a bar. That's even better than steak and kale. A round for the table Kale! This is a story I have to hear." Without waiting for an invitation, the giant strides over and pulls up a chair, a horrible screeching sound cutting through any attempts at conversation. He extends the giant mitt of a hand, "Kronek. And I'm serious about that story. And the ale." With that, he flops into the chair, you can hear it moan with protest as the smile splits his lips again, revealing a truly ruinous mouth that can only belong to one that has seen far more fights than dental care.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

"Oh hey big fellow." Cara says with surprise as Kronek makes himself at home. "We were just about to investigate what happened to a Taldan noblewoman. You know anything about that? Anyway, not much to tell otherwise, we will just becoming acquainted. What's your story?" The elf seems a little on edge at the forthright manner of the man, but appears to be willing to hear him out.


female Dwarf Oracle 2 / Summoner 2 AC14 (18 with ice armor, 20 in cold environs); HP 30; Percept +2, darkvision; Init +0

Asgrid sits up a bit straighter in surprise as Cara arrives at the table. She's startled once again when Xanthippe joins in, and even more so when Kronek enters, craning her neck to look up at the big, strapping Kellid. All the while, she could feel the cold winds of fate swirl around this group. surely we've all been brought together for a reason, but why? Asgrid wished she could perform a divination! but nothing was coming to her. For now, she was happy to get to know her new table companions. "I'd say, we're all birds of a feather, just travellers here in Heldren swapping stories of our travels" . She smiles welcoming lye at the newcomers.

Welcome Kronek! Will do better post later, on my way to work.


Skills:
Acrobatics +8, Climb +8, Intimidate +3, Linguistics +1, Perception +7, Spellcraft +5, Survival +7, Swim +8
Vital:
HP 35/35, AC 15 T 11 FF 14, Per +7 Init +1, F +5 R +2 W +2, CMB +7, CMD 19, Speed 45

The Kellid man laughs again, "Look at that! Not two sentences into the story and the elf and the dwarf disagree already. One says investigators. One says travelers. I guess the old stories are true." He raises a huge fist in the air. "Kale, let's get those three devils over here! This tale might take all night." Lowering his hand and voice, he looks around at the assemblage. "Haven't heard anything about a noblewoman, but I'm a traveler too. Raptorscale. Born and bred." He slams his fist on the table laughing again. "I never thought of that before. Why in the Nine Hells do these southerners say 'born and bred'? It's bred, then born. Funny tongue. Sun must make them soft in the head as well as heart. Been making my way south for the last year. Putting a safe distance between myself and those damn winter witches. I hear south of here there are lands full of sand." A wild-eyed wonder has seized hold of him. "Imagine that. Lands full of sand. Like the north is covered in snow. But they say the sand is always there. Strange. That's been the best part of traveling for me. Always something new and strange to see. Like an elf, a dwarf, and a goblin. We seriously have to come up with a better story about that." Finishing with another laugh he takes on a more serious tone. "But what's up with this damnable weather? I was told it gets warmer the further south you go, but now it's getting colder. Makes no sense. Some joke of the gods? Cold then warm then cold again?"


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Greetings big human. Me Geedra. Other humans here worry about cold, too. Strange. Geedra come from cold...shouldn't be that cold here. Strange," she repeats as she grabs the flagon of alcohol being placed in front of her. She quickly gulped it down, and wiped her mouth with the back of her hands.

"Where you from, big human," she asked, thinking she recognized the dialect of his speech.


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

"The weather is another mystery I am curious about, but I doubt the rumors of Qadira being behind it our true. A desert country is unlikely to rely on cold as a means of assault." Cara then regards Kronek again with some interest. "I'm curious about your origins as well. Why are you running from winter witches?"


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Yeah. What big human got against winter witch?"


When Kronek enters the Silver Stoat, a rush of silence falls over the patron for a moment in response to his booming voice. Mutterings and exclamatory whispers follow, one man saying "he's even bigger than the ulfen!" While the villagers seem somewhat unsurprised that he goes and joins the other travelers who have all become topics of interest, they talk about it all the same. Xanthippe herself seems both awed and frightened by the mighty kellid and noticeably scoots her seat a bit away from him when he sits down.

Kale is quick enough in getting things back in order, and has 5 tankards of three devil ale on the table in seconds. "Five devils works out to 4 silver, friend. Another 4 for a flank platter - good venison steak, turnips and carrots, bread and honey."

As the talk turns to witches, Xanthippe pipes up, seemingly keen on staying the in the conversation. "They say that the statue in the town square is a witch turned to stone!"


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"What turn witch to stone? These humans hate witches too?"


"Evil witches, anyway," Xanthippe muses. "It's just some that say it's a witch, though. Others think its magical and the Qadirans spy on us through it. I think that's all silly, though. People just make up tales about it because it's been around longer than anyone can really remember and nobody knows who it is. We just call her 'The Lady.' I don't think about it too much - who can say why someone sculpted a woman from hundreds of years ago? Maybe she was just pretty."


Skills:
Acrobatics +8, Climb +8, Intimidate +3, Linguistics +1, Perception +7, Spellcraft +5, Survival +7, Swim +8
Vital:
HP 35/35, AC 15 T 11 FF 14, Per +7 Init +1, F +5 R +2 W +2, CMB +7, CMD 19, Speed 45

"Aye. Thank you Kale." Kronek reaches for his purse and draws out a gold coin with one hard while he raises the tankard to his lips with the other. "Damn. That is good ale Kale." This time the laughter comes so fast and hard he nearly sprays it all over the table. "Ale. Kale. I kill myself! That steak sounds delicious Kale."

Once he gives Kale the payment, he turns back to the table and pushes a tankard to each. "I wouldn't exactly say running from the witches elf. My land is the home of the Mammoth Lords. My brothers and I went hunting one day. We came home. Everyone in the camp was gone. Except the bloodspeaker. Witches."

A distant look comes over Kronek and he seems lost in memory for a moment as the talk to turns the witch statue. His face seems to twist and he runs his fingers through a thick mane of hair. "What. Witches here too? But stone at least, right?"


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

Sense Kronek's Motives: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Cara gives the Kellid fellow an empathetic look and nods, "Well, Kronek, after you eat would you like to come with us to see a mercenary that might know something about missing noblewoman and the unnatural weather? There might be some coin involved, if that would interest you. Xanthippe has graciously offered to escort us there."

"Maybe we can stop and see this creepy statue on the way." She adds with a laugh.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Yes. Let's look statue." As Kronek comments about witches, the goblin looks sideways at the dwarf.

Better not tell big human much!

After finishing her second flagon of drink, the goblin swayed just a touch as she stood up. "Let's go. Need gold. And look statue!"


Mere seconds pass before Kale returns to the table with another platter of food. She seems to have even brought a larger steak befitting the large man and it spews steam and aroma into the air. With it of course are the turnip-carrot mash and crusty heel of black bread. She sets the plate in front of Kronek and gathers the rest of them from those finished eating, but leaves the crocks of butter and honey. Spinning on her heals, she is off again.

You notice the tavern is rather full now as more and more people have finished work for the day. Some people who enter are carrying sacks or boxes full of produce - turnips and carrots, but also potatoes, pears, and leeks. Some of the villagers simply hand the contents over to Kale or one of her runners, while others get coin in return.


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Kale am big mucketymuck in this human town," Geedra nods, duly impressed at the buzz in activity.


Skills:
Acrobatics +8, Climb +8, Intimidate +3, Linguistics +1, Perception +7, Spellcraft +5, Survival +7, Swim +8
Vital:
HP 35/35, AC 15 T 11 FF 14, Per +7 Init +1, F +5 R +2 W +2, CMB +7, CMD 19, Speed 45

Kronek gives an earnest thanks to Kale when she brings the steak and tears into it, devouring the meal in what seems like moments. Smacking his lips and letting our a loud belch, he pushes back from the table. "Mmmmm. The Stoat's reputation is well-earned." He cracks his knuckles as the discussion turns to leaving. "Not sure about the gold. Don't really need it right now. But, if I can learn something of the road ahead, that might be useful. And maybe the three of you will do something that gives me a good story to tell. I have to say I'm disappointed so far."


F Elf Ranger 5 - HP 17/39 - AC 19/T: 15/FF: 14 - Perception +14, Low-light Vision - Fort: +6, Ref: +10, Will: +4 (+2 to enchantments, Immune magic sleep, +1 Cold) - CMB: +6, CMD: 21 - Speed: 30 - Init. +7 (-2 to Init and Perception when not Cold)

Once everyone finishes eating and enjoying their drinks, Cara stands and stretches, "Suit yourself, Kronek. I'm in no position yet to promise any sort of interesting adventure." She grins and looks to the door, "As for me, all this talk has thoroughly piqued my interest so I'm shall start looking into things."


Female Goblin | Winter Witch 8 | AC (19)16/14/12 | HP 50/50 | Cold Resistance 5 | F+5, R+9, W+7 | Perc.+2 | Init.+4 | Darkvision

"Lets go. Sounds like, lots to see here. Maybe big human find story. Maybe Geedra find gold."


Skills:
Acrobatics +8, Climb +8, Intimidate +3, Linguistics +1, Perception +7, Spellcraft +5, Survival +7, Swim +8
Vital:
HP 35/35, AC 15 T 11 FF 14, Per +7 Init +1, F +5 R +2 W +2, CMB +7, CMD 19, Speed 45

Kronek stands. The chair screeches back across the floor, but this time it sounds almost like relief. Grinning broadly with his head nearly scraping the ceiling he adds "All right. That sounds like a good start."

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