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Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen leans over a large desk and studies several aged pages, and the dog Mahki eagerly weaves among the visitors to give each a sniff. “I trust your travels were pleasant,” begins Bjersig as he looks up to weigh the new faces, punctuating certain words or phrases with hand signs. “I am Bjersig Torrsen, head of this lodge. You know Lirall, and Mahki is already introducing himself.”
He moves a parchment toward the front of his desk. “An early Pathfinder agent named Eylysia chronicled an unnamed colleague’s investigation of a feud between two families. Centuries ago, it began with accusations of witchcraft and a gruesome execution, and the two have clashed ever since. However, the families chased off Eylysia’s colleague, and it appears someone hid these records so that a later generation might investigate the incident when the wounds were less fresh. Other agents discovered the records recently and sent them to me, and I have cross-referenced them with local histories here at the lodge. I believe I have a lead.”
With that, he strides over to a large map hanging on the wall, points to a pin stuck into a settlement labeled “Frostbreach,” and continues. “Eylysia’s friend was investigating legends of Kolvi: the so-called Jarlsblood Witch, a warrior executed for using ice magic to kill a king. Legends say she was untouched by winter and was ferociously strong, so she set out to slay a linnorm and become a linnorm king. The reigning linnorm king followed her with his boon companions, and a terrible blizzard struck. Days later, Kolvi returned with the king’s frozen head. The town branded her a traitor, a witch, and an Irriseni sympathizer, sentencing her to death and using her maimed corpse to create a terrible effigy. The tales say that her body disappeared only a few days afterward, which the local folk took as further sign of her supernatural malice. Frostbreach is only a shadow of the town it once was a few centuries ago. Even Kolvi’s relatives have taken on a new surname— Trolltooth—and without Eylysia’s records, I might not have known which family’s reputation Gloriana wanted investigated and restored. I ask that you take the Path of Aganhei and travel to Frostbreach. Explore the town and surrounding area, and interview the people. Confirm what truths you can, debunk the rest, and follow whatever promising leads you find. I recognize that proving the Trolltooth family innocent would be best for the Society, but I leave it up to you to find the real truth, not the most convenient.”
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In order to satisfy Lady Morilla's request you travelled to Iceferry, a small town just across the river from Kalsgard, the largest city in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. The trip to Iceferry was smooth. As the you are disembarking, a gnome Pathfinder answering to the name of Lirall energetically hailed your group. Bundled in furs and scarves, she held her waving arm at the elbow with her other hand as if trying to push her flailing hand higher in the air to get your attention. She introduced herself, stated that the venture-captain was expecting you, and offered to take you through the snow-dusted streets to the local lodge.
Just inside the double doors of the large home, Lirall headed to a panel of pulleys near the entrance, each colorcoded cord labeled with a tag. She sorted through them for a moment before pulling the one labeled “Map Room,” causing several small flags in that room to flap and signal the venture-captain that he had guests. His dog, a husky you later learned was named Mahki, cheerfully howled a response, and Bjersig Torrsen called out with a throaty voice, “Please come in, friends. Mahki and I have been expecting you.” Lirall followed as you entered.
Bjersig seems like a confident half-orc man wearing a dark tunic and breeches. He has been deaf his whole life but was raised orally, so he is a capable speaker and an excellent lip-reader and he can understand the your spoken questions so long as you speak clearly and in his sight. Even so, he makes clear he's most comfortable using a modified version of the simple Pathfinder hand signals to supplement his words. Lirall and many of Bjersig’s neighbors are also versed in some of this sign language, and the gnome is on hand to help if needed.
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"We're gunna need contacts with the Trolltooths and the Coalbraids", a hulking half-orc adds after Bjersig explains the task. "Got any leads on where we should start?"
Truk is obviously a half-orc but wears his orcish blood well. His tusks are small, dulled, and only slightly poke out from under his bottom lip and his ears are only mildly pointed. His skin is a greyish-olive that contrasts well with the cropped dark hair along the top of his head. He wears a short well-kept beard on his chin. What elements of his orcish parentage that are absent from his facial features are plainly visible in his tall form and broad powerful physique.
He's clad in a suit of perfectly-fitted heavy plate armor and armed with a bardiche that hasn't seen much use.
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In sharp contrast to Truk, a dwarf stands nearby and he fills every inch of the proud dwarven look. He carries a worn, but powerful looking warhammer in his hand and a sharp axe on his back. You spot the sigil of Torag on the dwarf's armor through his regal beard. Torean is surely a dwarf's dwarf.
"If this is a Witch's lineage, I'll be ready." The dwarf nearly spits the word 'witch' out. "People talk of getting terrible visions in the area of Frostbreach. Most attribute it to the feud. That, combined with the ice storms and blizzards in the area can make it dangerous. But any Witch who tries that on me will be getting a rude surprise." Torean laughs and swings his hammer in a powerful stroke.
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Zaroslav is a noble from Ustalav, always very well dressed, his very pale complexion, his perfect white teeth and his two small incisives clearly marked him as cursed by the land. But despite his curse he seems like a very sympathetic man speaking with everybody.
He makes people call him "Zaza" but strangely seems always hungry.
"Count Zaza" was disguised like a Pirate's theater on the boat seeming to own it, but the once they reached Iceferry, he changed in a cartoon's vision of a ulfen with pink fur, fake greataxe and all.
It's so great to be here! Do you know when we will eat?
Enora, a small female halfling in fine robes looks at all of you with interest.
She walks through the room and says "Oh yes, I am here!! Hello, my name is Enora. I assume we are all professionals here!! Might be a good chance to get to know each other. I am from Rahadoum originally and am quite interested in magical phenomena - I hope to have your support in uncovering the secrets of this wonderful world. And I am quite optimistic that we will be successful!" she says cheerfully.
She turns to the Venture-Captain.
"Of course we will be fair with the Trolltooth family and hope that they really are innocent."
* * *
"Well, Torean is very knowledgable." Enora says to you all.
"The only thing I would add is that legends and stories tell of mystical creatures that curse anyone who ventures too deep into the brutal tundra, which has caused hunters and farmers to travel beyond sight of the town’s walls only rarely."
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Coalbraid Longhouse
Gorum’s Anvil (temple of Gorum)
Linnorm’s Tale Inn (local Inn)
Residences
Stonefire’s Supplies (local shop)
The Troll’s Hide (tannery)
Trolltooth Longhouse
Basically you choose where you want to investigate and then we'll see what can be learnt there. While interviewing a resident of Frostbreach, you should decide whether you want to learn general information about the area (DC 18), detailed information about the area (DC 23), or rare information about history and legends (DC 28). You may also interact with the residents and as usual, good roleplaying helps making things easier
”Yes! A fine drink is what we need after these long days traveling!!“
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Linnorm's Tale Inn Perform(oratory) or Profession(barkeep)
The Linnorm's Tale Inn is located near the town's center and close to the west gates. It's obvious the inn serves as Frostbreach's main social hub. While not fancy by anyone's standards the place is not devoid of its own simple charms. The Innkeeper, a bear man named Ifan welcomes you with some waryness. The man does not seem hostile but he doesn't seem friendly either. Something catches your attention about the barkeep though: you notice he keeps a stubby linnorm tooth on a thin cord around his neck.
"Hello strangers and welcome to the Linnorm's Tale Inn. As long as you behave yourselves and pay for your drinks we'll get along splendidly... if you mean truble though we'll show you how we Ulfens deal with troublemakers..." he says as you seat yourselves.
Beside Ifan this early in the afternoon the inn only hosts 5 other ulfens. Maybe it could be a good idea to start asking around for information about the witch?
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With a smile Count Zaza says to the bartender I'm not really a stranger you know! I have some ancestor from here you know! I'm certainly blood related to some of your neighbor I'm sure. That's why I've continued to wear my ancestor's cloth!
He shows his lovely pink fur and fake axe.
Of course we will behave and pay for our drinks, and be reassured we are not troublemakers, on the contrary!
May be you can tell us what is going on here? People seems less happy than our precedent stop and I've always enjoy good stories near a fireplace you know...
Oh! and can we eat? I'm hungry, very hungry...
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So you want to hear a story eh? Since you claim to be... part Ulfen I suppose telling you about the witch could help you rediscover your supposed roots, so listen... The Jarlsblood Witch was an ice-blooded Ulfen who murdered King Alvard the Wolf, but the people of Frostbreach put her to death shortly afterward. Some believe she’s the reason the town doesn’t have much business anymore, for the witch’s spirit scares off visitors.
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Gorum’s Anvil - Knowledge (religion)
Residences - No special checks
Stonefire’s Supplies - Knowledge(arcana) or Profession(merchant)
The Troll’s Hide - Appraise or Profession(tanner or leatherworker)
Trolltooth Longhouse - Knowledge(history) or Knowledge(local)
”Hello, I hope that you are well! I am an expert in the arcane arts and would very much like to discuss a few theories with you! I am looking for information on the Jarlsblood Witch ... an ice-blooded Ulfen who murdered King Alvard the Wolf. Are you possibly able to tell me if my knowledge is correct? And maybe I can surprise you with some knowledge that you did not have!“ Enora says smiling.
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Still with his pink fur, Count Zaza go to the Coalbraid Longhouse.
Hello everyone, I'm Count Zaroslav and I had ancestors in the vicinity a long time ago. I'm here to make some research about them as they seems to be implicated in some sort of feud. May be you've heard of the Jarlsblood Witch? Can you tell me more about the event? It could be of great help in my search.
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Torean enters the temple of Gorum and takes a deep breath. Gorum was a reckless and destructive, rather than Torag's own desire to protect and strategize. Torag's brother, Angradd, was more aggressive, but even he wasn't destructive for the sake of destruction. Still, it was hard to argue with Gorum's power in battle. Torean had known several Gorumites and there were few who would want to face them in battle.
The dwarf asks for a senior priest. Once he finds one, he introduces himself. "I am Torean of the Five Mountains. I represent the Church of Torag and we honor Gorum's strength and skill in battle. He is an unstoppable force." He bows to the priest.
"I am seeking information about the Jarlsblood Witch. My order specializes in protecting people from nasty magics, especially those that affect the mind. I would like to learn more about this Witch that is rumored to haunt the land. I want to know more about her family and the events that happened hundreds of years ago. Does the Church have any records that could help?"
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Hoping to help out the mission, Truk visits Frostreach's apartments to learn what he can from the locals.
"Hey there! You look like you've lived in Frostreach for a while. My friends and I are in town tryin' to learn more about the Jarlsblood Witch. I'm told it's quite the tale. Do you have some time to sit down and share what you've heard?"
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The pathfinders' efforts prove unfruitful but for Torean and Truk's.
It's led by Valosi, a female dwarven priestess of the god of war who has managed affairs of the faith in town for 15 years. Apparently she spends much of her time training warriors to send east to aid Freyr Darkwine’s Blackravens in patrolling the dangerous border with Irrisen. Fortunately for Torean, she welcomes her fellow dwarf with warmth and accepts answering his questions:"You already know what supposedly ahppened all those years ago I suppose. When the people of Frostreach turned against Kolvi, that's the witch's true name by the way, they slew her but did not stop there. They turned the Jarlsblood Witch’s body into a bloody effigy to warn Irrisen’s witches from troubling the town anymore. The effigy stood about an hour east of Frostbreach—or it did, as it’s said the body disappeared almost as soon as it was put up".
As you gather together for the evening you find an isolated place just out of town to share your findings and decide your next move. As you do the temperature suddenly drops and an eeire fog surrounds you and then you experience a vision of sorts. You see a poweerfully built woman entering the town of Frostreach, holding a man's severed head in her right hand. She strides towards the center of the town where she adresses the villagers explaining she slew their king Alvard the Wolf because he tried to stop her from completing her own Linnorm's hunt. As the people grumble an new presence makes itself known. Another ulfen warrior, limping and bloodied enters town, shouting for Kolvi's blood. His name is Varmood Coalbraid and he was one of Alvard's boon companions. The fires of his hatred burn hot and makes serious accusations against Kolvi. She, he claims, used ice magic to slay the king! She's no honorable Ulfen warrior but a pawn of the vile frost witches!
Kolvi denies the accusations, but the people turn against her. They brand her a traitor and fall on her executing the warrior woman on the spot.
As the scene plays out before your eyes you think you can taste the mob's outrage and Kolvi's despair as well.
Suddenly dozens of ghostly Ulfen onlookers crowd around you, shouting
accusations such as “You killed our king,” “You’ve betrayed Frostbreach,” “Always knew you had ice magic in you,” or simply chanting “Witch.”
Meanwhile a heavily armored Ulfen man approaches with a hunting knife in hand, pushing you to your knees as if to execute you. Desperation and despair wash over all of you...
After an interminable moment the vision fades away. Despite the unpleasant experience have gained better knowledge about the events that transpired here in the past. And you might know where to start the next phase of your investigation...
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Torean's training kicks in as he watches the grisly scene. He shakes off the magic effects like a duck sheds water. He turns to look at the others. "Some powerful magic there. Is everyone ok?"
"I learned that they put up the Witch's body as an effigy an hour outside of town. Legend is that her body disappeared, but maybe we can find more clues at the site."
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It takes some time but the Comte momentary madness abates and you can get back to the Inn where you spend the night in a fitful sleep.
Thanks to Torean's efforts and the scary visitation you endured, you know about the witch's effigy and its location. A place you know you'll need to visit.
Next morning you are up early and quickly set the next phase of your expedition in motion.
Generations of logging and subsistence farming have cleared most of the trees within several miles of Frostbreach, but beyond to the east lies an expanse of sparse boreal forest and low hills known locally as the Snow Elk Wilds. It is there that the townsfolk erected Kolvi’s grisly effigy, and it’s also there that she’s believed to have fought and slain King Alvard. You follow the trappers’ footpaths into the wilderness.
The journey is far from uneventful though. On the trail you find several disturbing antler and bone effigies along the
trail, more than once you feel the landscape subtly distorting with no apparent reason and a pack of wolves keeps howling menacingly, feign charging at you, retreat, and disappear entirely behind the trees. Needless to say, these occurrences manage to keep you on a constant edge as you wonder if this could be the work of some malignant fey or demons.
A couple of hours after noon you finally reach the site of your next exploration. A rocky clearing opens between the snow-laden trees, the oldest of which bear weathered slash marks and gashes as if they were scars from a terrible battle long ago. A frozen footpath winds in a circle around a rock outcropping, with a single, snowy tree residing on top. Atop the center outcropping, an elk with a pristine white coat and sharpened, red-tinged antlers grazes on moss.
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As the party travels, Truk catches sight of something odd. He doesn't react immediately but when there's a moment he leans in to alert his companions. "There's a funny lookin' elk following us. It's got a white hide and red-tipped horns."
"That's it!" he barks when the beast reveals itself. "Are they supposed to look like that?"
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As Truk recognizes and points at the elk the strange animal gives him an intense stare. Suddenly the air freezes and a whirlwind of snow surrounds you. For a moment you can't see anything but furious snowflakes dancing around you and clouding your vision. Then a warrior woman wearing Ulfen arms and armor appears. Her face is pale and her eyes the coldest blue you ever saw. As she stares at you she speaks:"MORTALS! I am the all powerful Jarlsblood Witch! I demand to know why you dare disturbing my resting place!" she screams in an imperious voice...
Enora is very frightened but prepares for battle.