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The Reign of Winter Adventure Path assumes that your character starts in or around the small village of Heldren in southern Taldor. This area contains populations of humans, halflings, half-elves, elves, and gnomes. While half-orcs are rare, they are not unheard of in this region and they are not treated much differently from those of other races.
It is strongly encouraged that all players download the players guide for the Reign of Winter.
For those that do not have it. Reign of Winter Player's Guide
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The Silver Stoat: Heldren's only tavern, the Silver Stoat, stands right on the town square across from the town hall. A fixture of village life, the tavern fills up with patrons in the evening as they gather to share gossip, hear news, and reward themselves for a hard day's work.
Woohoo! It went through!
The sleepy village of Heldrn has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow foll owed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means , but the town's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead.
As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman's escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood.
He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
"We don't get many visitors here." Says Menander Garimos. He and his wife run the Silver Sloat.
Having arrived in Heldrn, the evening before, Master Garimos had been kind enough to let Seamus play his lute for his supper. Having pulled a chair over by the fireplace, placing his pack behind the sturdy wooden chair and having draped his minstrels cloak over it like a throw blanket, Seamus placed his hat on the floor beside him, hoping someone would get the hint for tips and started to play. He would smile and nod to people as they came in, taking requests and accepting offered drinks. When anyone would ask if he sang he would smile and say ”No I don’t want to embrace myself, but why don’t you sing along, maybe others will join in.” On one rousing folk tune called “chasin Mary round the Hay” he had almost the whole crowd singing along, of course it was late and most were deep in their cups. That night Seamus slept on the floor in front of the cooling embers, the weather was warm and not much need for a fire.
The next morning, bright and early he was up and moving so as to not be under foot. In appreciation for the spot in front of the fire he cleaned the ashes out of the fireplace, blowing on the embers and adding a log. Later he helped put the tables and chairs back in place, even grabbing a rag and wiping off the tables and the bar, nodding to Master Garimos in appreciation, As the people started to trickle in, he reclaimed his chair by the fireplace and began to play his lute, I will see if there are any others who may be traveling north, there is safety in numbers, that body guards story could be a problem, now one may be going anywhere. I wonder how far away did this happen, where and what direction is this border wood? I hope this Lady Argentea is Ok I wonder if they will send out a search party, smiling to himself I bet there would be reward, how hard could it be, bet in with a couple of woodsy types, they said it was snowing, easy to follow footsteps in he snow. Looking around the crowd to see if there was someone who looked like they may have more information.
Well, you are joined at the fire by two lovely ladies and a ummm, half-orc.
Placing his hat beside his chair. Seamus, continues playing his Lute, as the lunch crowd shuffles in. Occasionally he stops playing to ask a few questions or listen to a story about the recent events. When he has an opportunity he greets new comers with a wave or a nod, playing the crowd as best he can. When the two ladies and the half-orc sit nearby he nods and smiles "Names Seamus, you from around here? I'm just passing through, can I play a song for you?"
Two weeks ago, Lady Argentea Malassene traveled past Heldren on her way from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed . Rumor has it the two didn't get along and Lady Argentea caused a scandal by calling off the engagement and returning home.
Caan (the Half-Orc) leans over, placing some coppers in Seamus's hat with a toothy smile.
"You play well. I think I may be a fan! I am Caan, and it is a pleasure, Seamus. I am from Heldren, yes! Beautiful place, really. Well, except for this 'Lady Argentea' business; why, I've half a mind... Anyway. Do you happen to know 'Moonage Daydream'? That is a favorite of mine. Oh, and my name is Caan by the way, a pleasure to meet you."
a very polite fellow Seamus looks up from his lute when he hears the coppers hit his hat, smiling he nods "Moonage Daydream?" thinking for a minute as he tries a couple of other cords, finally he settles on a different key and begins to strum a tune "Is that the same song that the river halflings call Lily pad in the Moonlight?" playing a few bars he turns toward Cann "And you right this 'Lady Argentea' business is disturbing, I heard she had a tiff with her betrothed, nasty thing those arranged marriages. Since your from here have you heard if they are sending out a search party in this unusual weather?" Keeping rhythm by tapping his foot, he speaks to Caan reasonably quietly while he continues to play. I would help look for her. couldn't hurt to have a well placed friend in Oppara,
"That is the tune! Truly, Mr. Seamus, you are a wonder. Glad to know you. A search party? Let me think..."
The Half-Orc appears to lose himself in thought, humming along pleasantly to the music.
"Haven't heard anything about a search party. Why, are you starting one? I, Caan the Unfettered, will aid you in this endeavor!"
The Half-Orc leans closer, whispering conspiratorially:
"Some of the local farmers have been complaining of thieves. We should start with them. I'm Caan, by the way, and I look forward to working with you."
well I know it wasn't me, that's one thief we don't have to suspect Seamus misses a cord when Caan mentions thieves, but catching himself quickly he smiles and says "well can't let thieving go unanswered, who would we need to speak to about helping look into these items?"As he continues playing he intentionally speaks loud enough that the tall near-white haired warrioress and the pale blue elf sitting nearby can hear him. would be nice to get a few experienced warriors interested in helping with this, if I'm going to make a friend of this 'Lady Argentea' I need to live through the rescue to enjoy the benefits.
Paletress had been sitting at a corner of the tavern, back to the wall and hunkered over her drink either to protect it or to look as unobtrusive as possible. She thought it nice that she had found a seat so close to the fireplace so she could have at least a little natural light rather than be seated in the relative gloom.
The only downside was the singing. Oh, the guy wasn't bad, but the rousing folk songs were nothing like the elven songs her mother had sung during her youth. She had developed a taste for the lilting tunes that would often speak of forest and family, and the current selection was far more lively than she was comfortable with.
She kept a wary eye on the half-orc as he stepped up and requested a song before speaking about a series of thefts on nearby farms. Curious that he would think of the musician as a first choice when preparing for some wetwork. The musician's reply, voiced somewhat louder than necessary and accompanied by a look towards her and a blue-skin at another table, presented the notion that he had gauged their capabilities somewhat.
More than he first seemed. Hmm.
"Heh..." The short laugh sounded as if it had just slipped out despite her efforts to keep it contained. "I --heh heh-- came out here to find something that could use my --heh heh heh-- talents. I can --heh-- help find whoever is doing the stealing. I know my way around a --heh heh heeeh-- forest, and how to deal with its dangers... heh."
This last laugh was not so restrained, though its tone was more... dangerous.
Heldren doesn't get many visitors, so there is no true inn in the village, but travelers are welcome to a spot on the floor of the Stoat next to the fireplace for a night, as long as they're up early and on their way. Those who linger risk a rude awakening from Menander's wet mop in their faces.
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Sitting down by the fire with a glass of wine in a fluted glass, moving gracefully with elegance and charm, She introduces herself:
I am Lady Autumn Storm of the Frost fell Elves, I have come south with my Master to Study and had some time away from my studies, then this strange weather started, makes me think of home, the land of the Arctic Elves, beyond that of Irrisen in the deep tundra, a land called Avalonia. We don't come beyond our borders and most of my people consider you people to be impure, but I have a curiosity about the other races since my parents died trying to quench my fear of them. I was apprenticed to my master by my Uncle, we travel all over to study. At the moment, he is engrossed in a experiment that may take a couple years and doesn't really need me, so I am left to study on my own, gets a little boring now and then, good music, stories and wine keep me happy.
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This little fellow on my shoulder is Hegwig, my owl, watch him, he is a little sneak, but I love him
Hegwig jumps off Autumns shoulder and over to the Bar keep to get her another glass of wine, he sees a jar peanuts on the bar. When he returns, he climbs up on the rogues shoulder and starts squawking along with the rogues singing and looks for something shiny.
A tall man of fair complexion walks in, shaking out his cloak and revealing the glint of chain underneath. His is fairly common in appearance for a human, except for the obvious break in his nose. Stubble covers his face from an apparently long trip, and his hand rests on a rapier at his side.
He goes to the bar, glancing around with a discerning eye. He takes his own wineskin from his belt and takes a swig of it, sighing at the comfort. After finding out about the arrangements, he pays the man and takes up a spot on the floor near the fire.
He watches the others as he settles in, not sure which to be wary of yet, "Hello, neighbors."
Interesting, talents bet they involve that huge sword, familiar with the forest and danger and apparently an easy sense of humor, I’ve worked with worse. Seamus nods to the sword mistress, When we are looking in the woods those will be extremely valuable commodities, If I may be so bold, from that blade your carrying it appears you not afraid to knock a few heads together, My names Seamus and my newly acquired friend here is Caan, now we need to find who to speak to about a rescue party.”
As the Elven Lady speaks and her bird begins to flit about, Seamus pays careful attention. An artic elf would be a gods send in this inclement weather, I wonder if she would go with us realizing her owl is enjoying the music, Seamus continues playing as he adds ”Lady Autumn, good music, stories and wine seem to be a fine way to entertain one’s self, when not studding, of course. As you probably heard I am Seamus and this is Caan, who is a local, we are talking about going into the wood to assist the Lady Argentea Malassene your skills with the forest and winter weather would be invaluable too us. We may be able to help you learn about the peculiarities of Taldor and its people and we would at least keep your feathered friend here in seeds and nuts.”
Hearing the owl's voice combined with the music seems to set something off in Paletress, who cringes back in her seat and covers her ears. A fit of curiously panicked laughing escapes from her as she begins to withdraw more and more with each passing second.
"Heh heh heh too much noise haa haa too many things haaaa haaa please no..."
Caan stops singing, perking up as his keen Orcish senses detect...
Something?
that's the excuse I needed to take a break, Seamus smile and nods to the tall sword mistress, making eye contact with her and then gently nodding toward the stranger, hoping she would also assesse the new comer "You my be right, Mam, to much of a good thing and all As he stops playing the lute for a moment he reaches for his pint of small ale and taking a sip lifts it to the new stranger that has sat by the fire near them. Lifting his pint and nodding to the man he repeats "hello Neighbor, odd weather, right?" seeing the chainmail and rapier under the mans cloak, Seamus presses a little more. "Are you from the area friend, I myself was just passing through, we have heard about this terrible situation with the Lady Argentea Malassene and are going to speak to the authorities about looking into a search party." Taking another sip of ale, watching for the mans reaction "Would you be interested in taking a little time out of you schedule and joining us?"
Something appears to be wrong with or upsetting Paletress.
The lull in the music is matched by a drop in the strange fit of laughter from Paletress, and she sighs audibly in relief. "Sorry. Loud noises send me to a bad place. Just too much at once. I can handle it in a fight, but..." her voice trails off and goes blank for a moment.
Shaking herself momentarily, she rivets her attention on the newcomer while trying to remain as small as possible. Her next comment, though she is looking elsewhere still seems directed towards the musician.
(looking at newcomer, trying to gain some idea as to whether he is a fellow nature type)
"Paletress is my name. Came out here to find something to do and heh heh get away from the big city. Crowds... do not agree with me. If you resume playing and that thing on your shoulder stays mum, I would appreciate it if you could play 'Cerulead'... makes me think of... heh heh heh... happier times."
Caan smiles toothily at the stranger (Sparhawk) then at Paletress as he pats the Seamus on the back.
"...'Cerulead'? Why, I haven't heard of a song Seamus here doesn't know!"
The Half-Orc nudges Hegwig gently off of Seamus's shoulder, motioning back towards Lady Storm before smiling at her too.
Sarathress keeps her eyes locked on the newcomer, but continues to speak as if to the musician and the half orc.
"It's an elven song about children walking by a creek to see a waterfall. Heh heh... might seem boring, but mother sang it all the time. She meant it as an... analogy? Heh heh good things come if you're patient and willing to work at it. If Seamus knows it, this will be the first I heard it played on an instrument. Heh."
She drops her gaze to her drink, then turns a sidelong glance to the elf and her owl. Not exactly a welcoming gaze, but not precisely hostile either.
"Mother was more gracious about heh heh what her family did to her than I would have been. Still, she did her best by me. Kept a bad thing from getting... heh heh... worse."
Seamus, taking his eyes off of the armored stranger. looking from the the sword mistress then to Caan, rolling his eyes a little, he's a friendlier fellow than I would have expected, I can play one song he knows and he thinks I'm a musical prodigy. Seamus looks from Caan to the blue woman with the friendly bird, he begins to strum his lute again, thinking for a moment I know maybe three song that I think are elven, which one should I pick, maybe it was lullaby, I'll play the easiest then. Finally Seamus speaks up, making eye contact with the sword mistress, then looking to his lute "I was told this songs name was loosely translated "The Singing Brook at the setting of the full moon" I don't know if its "Cerulead" but I hope you like it." he begins to strum a happy bubbling little tune. Again returning his gaze to the armored human to see what he says.
"Close, heh heh. You speak of 'Seleniarum', that one's about not letting the unknown frighten you. Quieter than Cerulead, so it is a good second. Heh, also good for new beginnings."
She leaned back to listen to the song, mouthing the original lyrics to herself.
During a lull in the song, she smiled knowingly. "The music and the lyrics are nothing alike, heh. They go well together though. That's a... harmony, right?"
The the village council, led by Ionnia Teppen approaches you as a group. The councilors confirm the rumors that a pocket of unearthly winter weather has recently appeared in the Border Wood, and informs you that a rider from Zimar arrived in town the previous day bearing ominous tidings. The rider, an Ulfen mercenary named Yuln Oerstag, was part of the guard escorting Lady Argentea Malassene from Zimar to Oppara. As the caravan skirted the Border Wood, however, the noblewoman's carriage came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures. Lady Argentea was carried off, and Yuln was the only one to escape. He is badly wounded, but he has been able to describe the horrific creatures that attacked the noblewoman's party. A native of the far north, Yuln recognized some of the icy creatures that emerged from the forest, and the tales he shared with the council have everyone rightly concerned.
Sparhawk nods to Seamus, noticing his penchant for talking. "Aye, I'll probably take you up on the offer. My coin is running low, so it is time to stop and see to that problem."
He glances back at Paletress, but since she says nothing, he also says nothing. He is interrupted by the appearance of the council.
A grim look comes to his face at the mention of the creatures, Well, now I know why I stopped where I did...
He speaks up, "I am Sir Sparhawk, and just happened by this place. I believe this gentleman... sorry, what was your name?... was mentioning just this same problem. I will gladly lend my sword to your cause. I assume that there will be some recompense, as well?" Sparhawk asks, smiling benignly.
as Seamus finishes playing the song that Paletress identified as 'Seleniarum' they are approached by Ionnia Teppen nad the village council. After hearing there proposal Seamus couldn't help but thing this Is falling into your laps, a reference from Lady Argentea and all my problems are over Nodding as he listens to Teppen, attempting to look thoughtful instead of excited. Seamus finally addresses the council. "I can only speak for myself of course, but I would be remiss not to help in the rescue of a lady In distress. Unfortunately I'm only wearing my minstrels cloak and carrying my gentleman's rapier, is there someplace that I may be able to purchase a heavier coat to deal with the cold weather? And possibly a crossbow to assist in killing these horrific creatures that Yuin described?"
"Try Vivialla Steranus at her General Store for the coats and maybe a crossbow. If not, we might have one at the armory we can spare."
Nodding, Sparhawk agrees, "I too could use a good fur cloak and some appropriate attire, if it is getting cold as they say. Lead the way, neighbor, once this good man confirms that there is a stipend as I am positive there will be."
Paletress finishes off the remainder of her drink, warily looking at the crowd forming up around them. Thankfully there is little relative noise, so she does not cringe back.
"I will also... heh heh... need some armaments, in addition to a heavier coat." She looks at the others around her appraisingly. "I might also suggest we invest in some long poles and rope if anyone has not already done so. Heh, can never have too much rope."
She turns to the councilmembers. "Would you have a map of this Border Wood available? I might... heh heh... know my way around a forest, but anybody who goes into unknown lands in the depths of winter, which I suggest we treat this as, without first learning the lay of the land... heh heh heh... is a fool and a corpse."
"That is the problem miss, it is not winter it is the middle of summer. We have not seen snow here since the winter of three years past. I am sure we can find you a map of the area though. Perhaps if you speak with Yuln he can answer more of your questions as to what happened and where."
The councilwoman seems pensive and out of sorts. Heldren is barely large enough to marshal a decent militia to protect the town. They need some with more experience in such matters, local heroes like you.
As Seamus listens to the council woman he tries to carefully sort out if her intentions are as straight forward as they seem.
as the council woman finishes answering questions, Seamus begins to gather his cloak, lute and pack, readying himself to leave. He then turns to his new found friends and asks, "Shall we head to the general store and see if they may have a few coats left on the racks from last winter? A little more rope or torches couldn't hurt either." Turning and talking to no one in particular he continues "We may need to see about a mule, its always easier to toss everything an a mule instead of our backs right?"
"Indeed, ma'am. A... heh heh... disturbance like this in the summer makes me think it is a localized and... heh... unnatural event. If it only affects a small area, it will probably get worse the closer to the source we get. We could... heh heh heh... be walking into a blizzard in the height of summer."
She gathered up her equipment and stood up, lost in thought for a moment. The timing of this event was disturbingly strategic. Falling right in the middle of the growing season, were the disturbance to spread, a lot of towns such as Heldren would find themselves facing not only an early winter but lost crops and no stores for the cold days to come.
"And blankets. Do not... heh heh... forget blankets, for any beast of burden and for ourselves. Were our mule to die of exposure, I suspect we would all... heh heh heh... feel like asses before our own demise."