the group makes their decision and starts preparing to head back to town.
Rohkar looks around with some panic in his eyes at each of you.
Please, don't bring me back to the town! I cooperated, I told you everything I know! I was cooerced into helping these invaders, but the council likely won't see it that way. they will kill me, you know they will! please just let me go and I promise you will never see me again
the fey has given up trying to sweet-talk you and has moved on to threats and yelling and cussing at anyone who comes by his cage. his ramblings include many creative ways that he or another fey might torture and kill you if you don't let him free or if his allies find that you killed him.
despite all of that, you are able to quickly gather what you need to head back to Heldren.
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Glim stops before Rohkar, his expression grave.
"I understand your fear. But while I don't always put the law before what is right, I do believe that in moments like these it is best to turn to the law, and allow it to pass judgement on you through the process of a fair trial. Letting you go free or killing you ourselves is not our decision to make; we must turn to the institutions upon which civilization is built, and have faith that they will serve the greater good."
He puffs on his pipe. "These words may provide you with no solace. If that is the case, then no doubt it is because you are aware of the crimes you committed, and can anticipate being punished for them. Which means your own conscience is telling you what is right and what is wrong. I promise you this, however: I shall make a full and honest report of everything that took place here, including how you were helpful and informative once captured. That may, to some degree, mitigate your punishment."
Another puff. Another cloud of cottony smoke.
"Think on this, boy: one's actions should be dictated by the categorical imperative to do only that which you would wish all others to do in the same situation. Should all good people set free prisoners only because the prisoner wishes it? No. You must undergo a fair trial, just as any other prisoner, captured after a battle and such activities as you undertook, would have to face."
Glim taps the ashes out of his pipe on his heel, then stows away his pipe. "And if that doesn't console you, then consider this: were we the type to take justice into our own hands, I'd vote to have you killed behind the house, your body left to freeze and feed the beasts of the wood. But, believing in the rule of law - mostly - I am instead compelled to escort you back, safe and sound. Hmm?"
A meaningful glance at the necromancer, and then Glim shoulders his pack and turns to the front door.
Garran looks the collection of short bows over, then picks the one that seems of best quality. He gathers up one of the quivers as well, and adds arrows from the others to fill it full.
He also searches the lodge, looking for some more appropriate clothing for Lady Alice.
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Though Linge finds herself nodding at Glim's eloquently put arguments, she can't help but feel a twinge of guilt, avoiding to look at the man's distressed face. He was still young, young enough that there might still be a chance for him to actually start anew. Young enough that the perspective of already drawing near the end of his life, and having brought this on himself might make him wake up at night in a cold sweat.
If he really would be executed, she wondered, would he have a mother to weep for him? Would his grave end up among the nameless and the naked, with a mere worn-out stone or piece of wood as a signal that someone, somewhere, sometime, had lived, then died?
Feeling compelled, despite herself, not to ignore Rohkar's pain, she clears her throat. Words never came easily.
"As long as there are feys in the area, you won't be safe anywhere. They may come after you, if the cold or the fauna don't kill you first. The town and people you've once turned your back onto and harmed are now the only ones who can provide you warmth." She makes a fleeting eye contact with Rohkar. "If you want the council to give you a chance, then maybe it's time to give up the dead and start caring about the living. They're the only ones who'd consider having your back, and if they do grant you your life, then it may be better to start thinking right now about what you want to do with it."
Embarrassed at herself for such a long speech, she quickly scurries away to strap Horn's armor onto his back.
Paldo being not very observant and more importantly lazy, seeing Garran searching the cabin he complimented "It's a good thing we have your keen eyes Garran! If there is anything here you can find it." Paldo lowered his reading glasses and continued to read through his newly acquired spells.
Looking at the grovelling Rohkar Paldo added "You are going to have to accept your fate. You can plead your case, and we will put in a good word for you. But ultimately your decisions were yours to make and you will be forced to live with the consequences."
Sigrun spends her time shooting angry looks at the fey and helping everyone pack up for the trip back, letting the rest deal with their new human companions - she's had enough of Rokhar, and Garran seems to be well-enough acquainted with the Lady to take care of her. Once they get underway, she takes it upon herself to watch the fey's cage to make sure nothing funny happens.
Garran searches the lodge and finds a good amount of food and other basic supplies. the lodge does not have much in the way of cold weather gear, as no one was expecting this kind of cold. the bandits had cobbled together makeshift warm clothing from blankets and extra layers of clothing. Rohkar has a proper cold weather outfit on, but it seems to be the only one in the lodge.
the group makes their way back to town. it is much easier leaving than coming in as you are not trying to track anyone and you know where the problem spots are. it takes most fo the afternoon but you arrive back in town safely. along the way you do spot tracks of several wolves
as oyu are walking back, at least two or three times you spot a large white stag in the trees. it seems to be following you at a safe distance.
as you approach Heldren, several people meet you at the outskirts of town, wanting to hear news of what happened out there and if you have any answers to why the weather is acting so weird.
what do you do now?
Glim, walking at the rear of the group and puffing on his pipe, stops for no reason he can quite discern. Then, frowning, he turns to look behind them, and catches sight of a magnificent white stag flitting away between the trees.
"Hmmph," he grunts, and resumes walking.
Five minutes later he looks back and sees the stag once more. Taking the pipe from between his liver-colored lips, he holds up a hand to the others, beckoning for them to attend him.
"Hoi there, lads and lasses. We're being tracked by some manner of marvel. Feast your eyes on that antlered beauty."
Linge looks where Glim is pointing out, and catches a breath-taking sight of the white stag.
"I've never seen his like before," she marvels.
Sigrun is too focused on watching their prisoner to notice anything.
"Well we should probably report our findings to the council and let them know our plans to investigate further. Perhaps they can help Lady Thurdanhelm and decide the fate of our two prisoners. I am sure all these people here want to know what's going on but we will let the council decide what to tell them."
”A fine animal indeed.” Garran comments. ”Surely not a coincidence that it should appear here and now...”
it appears to be a normal stag, though particularly large. stags are common enough in the border wood, but you have not heard of a white one like this. it blends in so well with the snow it is almost like it was made for it.
once in town you approach the town hall with the prisoners. Council Woman Teppen meets you.
"I am so glad to see that you made it back! and from the looks of things, it was an eventful few days. please, come in and tell us what you have learned. we want to hear from all of you, especially you
she bows slightly to the Lady who is managing to look regal despite her dirty and well worn outfit.
you are ushered inside and see that the town council has been brought together to hear from you.
breaking into this somewhat somber moment is a renewed commotion by the little sprite in a birdcage, yelling all sorts of threats and promises and insults.
Not being a great orator, Linge is more than happy to let her companions relate their adventures. She frowns as the fey becomes more agitated and troublesome:
"If it's being too much of a bother, I can guard it outside of the town hall," she suggests. "While we decide on what to do with it."
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Although Paldo was not the best at convincing a crowd, he had however told enough lies to spin a good but embellished tale...
”Well, first we discovered the Lady’s destroyed carriage. There were no survivor’s to be seen and this foul necromancer...” He said pointing to Rohkar ”...decided to lay a treacherous trap for us with a hoard of zombies created from the fallen. There were almost too many to count, but we managed to slay them all with barely a scratch. We followed the tracks of the kidnappers leading into the woods where suddenly we were befallen by attacks from the smallest of creatures not unlike this ugly little thing in the bird cage. Again we dispatched them quite easily with nary a problem. They fled into the woods in terror. Finally we reached a cabin in the woods where they had taken Lady Thurdanhelm. It was heavily guarded, a group of bandits led by this necromancer. Once we bested the pitiful group their leader surrendered to us before we could slay him. One of them managed to flee, a half-orc woman as I recall. They had locked poor Lady Thudanhelm in a tight space in the basement, the poor girl. Now out of fear for his life, this dark Mage you see before you did cooperate with us. He spoke of a troll named Teb Knotten that led forces of the fey. They threatened Rohkar and his men pressuring them to help or lose their lives. They captured the lady and were keeping her at the cottage till the troll returned.”. Paldo paused to take a drink. ”And then there is this... thing” he said pointing to the sprite trapped in the cage. ”Here an interesting subject, unable to tell a lie but the truth can be just as dangerous. It’s best not to trust them. Now he was going on about Jadwiga from Irrisen. Apparently they have been teleporting down here to invade these southern lands and claim them for their witch leaders.”.
Paldo paused to let everyone absorb that. ”We did promise Rohkar that would ask for mercy on his behalf. He was very willing to share information and it’s not his fault he was born without a spine. It’s p to you how you want to treat this prisoner.”
”That’s a good idea, Linge. Better it not hear our councils.” Garran turns to Councilwoman Teppen. ”Is there someone reliable to watch this one?” Garran indicates the sprite. ”It’s dangerous. The wizard too. Garran’ s face takes on a thoughtful look. [b]”Actually, I think it would be best if Rohkar attends our meeting.”
Rohkar sits quietly while you explain the situation. he looks like he wants to interject a few times, but thinks better of it and sits quietly, doing his best to look contrite.
the council members listen to the entire story without interruption. when Paldo has finished there is silence in the room for several moments.
Finally Teppen speaks up
"that is truly an amazing story. if it weren't for the snow on our very doorstep I don't think i would believe it. I do not know what should be done about it. it is clear that these fey and their troll leader pose a severe threat to this region, but we do not have any sort of military force in Heldren that could go after them.
I know you have done much for us already, but perhaps you all would be willing to investigate this further? as you say it is hard to trust the reliability of a necromancer and a fey creature. if there is an invasion happening we will need to rouse aid from the border, but I do not know how much they will be willing to spare without more reliable proof that we are in danger.
as for Rohkar... your crimes are great, even if possible coercion is taken into account. we will need to deliberate about what should be done with you. for now you will be held, until a date can be set for a trial. I promise you will be given a chance to defend yourself and call for whatever witnesses you wish. but you will need to account for the things you have done
at this, Rohkar looks completely spent, as he knows it is unlikely that he will receive any sort of pardon.
Glim puffs on his pipe during the proceedings, allowing the others to do the talking. When Teppen speaks his piece, the svifneblin doesn't seem surprised.
"Aye, well, once you've begun napping a rock, best see it through to its final form. I've no ken of worthy an invasion is in the offing, but it'd best to investigate, regardless."
Another puff and he nods to his erstwhile companions. "I'd be honored to set forth once more with this crew. Doughty companions, and resourceful. When they are ready to go, so shall I be."
”Yes it seems the job is ours to finish.” Garran stands. ”I can think of a way for Master Rohkar to make amends. This village has little in the way of defense. Master Rohkar’s particular skill set might well serve to protect the town.”
Garran looks at the wizard. ”What do you say Rohkar? Would you stand to protect this village?”
Garran watches the necromancer closely, trying to get a feel for whether he lies, or not.
Since Garran calls for someone else to guard the fey outside, Linge follows her companion inside the town hall, but stays quiet during the conversation. When the trial is mentioned, she looks especially uncomfortable, but soon brightens up as Garran mentions that Rohkar might be spared.
"We all have witnessed Rohkar's crimes," she adds. "And while I do believe that he needs to take full responsibility for his actions, maybe he can serve this town. Against the feys, Heldren will need all the help it can get."
“I can’t speak for my companions but I am willing to investigate this situation further. We should leave as soon as possible though.”
For now we will hold him here. nothing will be done to him yet, until we have more information. perhaps in seeking more answers about the fey you will learn more about this man's part in it all. he will be taken care of here. I agree with Paldo, if you are willing to continue an investigation into the meddling of the fey, you should leave as soon as you are able.
”A night’s rest might be good. We can leave first thing in the morning.” Garran states.
Linge nods sleepily. It suddenly strikes her that she hasn't seen her home in days. She can barely recall what her bed feels like.
"If anyone needs a place to stay, I have a spare room..." The fleeting image of her mother crosses her mind like a cloud in a clear sky, and suddenly her throat feels tight. "Lots of stuff in there, but I can always make some space."
Sigrun hasn't said anything throughout the meeting. Harsh as it may sound, she doesn't have much of a stake in Heldren and its wellbeing. The fey and the Jadwiga are of much greater concern to her, and it's clear the town doesn't have any answers on that front. Heading back into the winter seems to be the only possible course, and it seems like everyone agrees. "Tomorrow morning it is, then. I do need a place, Linge. I'd appreciate if you could let me stay."
"Of course! If you don't mind Horn's snoring..."
The bear cub huffs.
the group find lodgings for the night and get some much needed rest. in the morning, they set off once again, ready to find answers to the winter weather that is only getting stronger.
now that the bandits have been dealt with and the path is known, it is much easier to travel back to the High Sentinel Lodge.
what do you do from here?
After a decent non-ration meal Paldo is happy to get into a nice comfy bed. The others have to wake Paldo as he is very reluctant to get out of bed. The chill in the air seems to hit him that much harder. "Alright... I'm awake. Guess it's back to it." Paldo casts his daily Endure Elements to protect himself from the harsh cold that awaits him on the trip back.
Well let's look at this map.
In his downtime that restful night Paldo attempts to learn a couple more of the spells from Rohkar's spellbook.
DC = 16 (15+1)
Paldo can't quite understand the first spell in Rohkar's spellbook but manages to scribe the second one.
"Are we far away from the portal?" Linge asks, looking over Paldo's shoulder.
Garran gathers around the map as well, looking for points of interest.
Looking over the map, the party can see a spot marked as a portal of some kind. it looks to be almost as far from your current location as the journey back to Heldren.
to continue on the path towards the portal you will need to cross the ravine behind the lodge. there is a small wooden plank bridge over a 30 foot drop.
”I suppose there is a cliff here.” Garran traces a direct route between “B” and “C” on the map. ”We probably wouldn’t want to brave that, in this weather.” He shrugs. ”So... I guess we get to see what that ex marks.”
Since there is no way around the ravine, Linge inspects the wooden plank bridge worriedly, wondering if it would be solid enough to support their weight.
"Does anyone have ropes? We should tie one around the waist of whoever goes first, in case the bridge breaks."
the bridge looks sturdy enough, but will rock as people walk on it. the wood looks sound, though, and doesn't seem like it would break under normal use. it does look like moving quickly over the bridge would increase the odds that you would fall off.
while inspecting the bridge, Linge thinks she sees some movement in the trees on the far side...
"I can see things moving in the trees. I hope they're not those awful feys…" She turns to Garran and Sigrun. "Maybe one of you should cross first, in case of ambush. I'd rather go second with Horn. I'm afraid he'd try to sprint across the bridge if something flies out of the wood to attack us."
”Iomedae shield me. Guard me against my foes.” Garran calls on his goddess for protection then starts carefully across the bridge.
Paldo watches as Garran bravely tries to cross the bridge. "Be careful my friend! May your Gods guide you!"
Paldo closed his eyes and uttered a prayer.
as Garran steps out on the bridge, the thing sways a bit but seems stable. however, somethign comes flying out of the trees on the other side. it is roughly humanoid in shape, but about the size of a thin halfling. her skin is completely blue, and she has long bat-like wings.
this is no fey. it is an ice mephit, a cold outsider. it is immune to cold damage and resistant to non-magical physical damage, but weak against fire. it has a few innate spell like abilities as well as a breath weapon
the creature flies out over the ravine and points towards Garran.
his sword becomes very cold for a moment, but the magic wears off before it can really take hold.
The whole party may act
Paldo uttered a shocked gasp as the creature surprised them all. "Ice Mephit! Watch out for it's breath weapon. Also we will need magical weapons to do much to this thing."
Paldo pointed his finger at the creature attempting to affect it's vision.
Garran continues across the bridge.
Sigrun recognizes the enemy instantly from the old tales...but also recognizes that she doesn't have much to combat it once again. Thinking quickly, she calls on a reserve of magical power stored in her shield, and blasts a small ball of force at their foe.
the creature veers sharply as light hits its face, clearly distracted.
Sigrun follows up with a blast fo magical force that injures the creature slightly.
Garran continue along the bridge, but can tell that crossing the icy and swaying bridge might be hard to do quickly!
Garran, Linge, Mephit, Paldo, Sigrun
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Garran HP: 10/10 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Linge: HP: 9/9 - AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Horn: HP: 17/17 - AC: 17/15/13 Status: dying
Paldo HP: 7/7 - AC: 14/14/11 Status:
Sigrun HP: 17/17 - AC: 17/11/16 Status: stableNPCS:
Mephit HP -5 | AC: ??? | dazzled
Linge picks up some pebbles from the ground, and chants an incantation.
Garran moves cautiously forward on the bouncy bridge.
the creature flies close to the group, releasing an icy blast from her mouth, washing over everyone but Garran.
Sigrun takes the brunt of the spray, and feels the ice slow her reactions
The whole party is up! Hal, this would be a good time for you to make an appearance i think!
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Garran HP: 10/10 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Linge: HP: 6/9 - AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Horn: HP: 14/17 - AC: 17/15/13 Status:
Paldo HP: 4/7 - AC: 14/14/11 Status:
Sigrun HP: 11/17 - AC: 17/11/16 Status: sickenedNPCS:
Mephit HP -5 | AC: ??? | dazzled
Linge throws the first stone at the mephit with her sling.
Unable to attack the flying monster, Horn nonetheless tries to scare it away, bearing his teeth, growling and huffing at the mephit.