Paldo maneuvered himself uncomfortably close to the Mantis raising his hands towards it and saying an incantation, an array of colours shot out from Paldo's hands towards the Mantis.
Color Spray (Will DC 14)
Area cone-shaped burst
Duration instantaneous; see text
Saving Throw Will negates; Spell Resistance yes
DESCRIPTION
A vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from your hand, causing creatures to become stunned, perhaps also blinded, and possibly knocking them unconscious. Each creature within the cone is affected according to its HD.
2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.)
3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.
Sightless creatures are not affected by color spray.
Sigrun and Eladorn's elk both score hits on the mantis, which is now surrounded.
Paldo slips in and sprays the creature with a blast of color, stunning it! the creature seems quite disoriented. it drops Horn, and seems unable to do anything to fight back, at least temporarily.
the group is able to quickly finish it off at this point, ganging up on the beast and slaying it before it regains its wits.
end of combat
the group you rescued move back together and the one that appears to be in charge checks on each of their companions. the leader is a human woman, maybe late 30s. on second glance it is apparent that she is the only one with any quality equipment. she has two battle axes and a bow, while her companions look like they are likely simple farmers with hunting bows and no armor. one man is dead at the feet of the mantis, but the others have only minor injuries
As Horn falls in the snow, Linge hurries to his side; thankfully, he quickly gets back up and starts licking his wounds, which are not deep enough to be life-threatening. Relieved, she then turns to the group:
"Are you okay? Does anyone need healing?" the druidess asks, repeating the question in Skald if they seem confused.
Garran checks the fallen man, then stands, shaking his head sadly. ”Dead. We were too late.” He says in Taldan. Then he turns toward the apparent leader of the group waiting to see what she says. Mostly to see if she speaks Skald, or Taldan.
the woman who is clearly the leader fo the group eyes you carefully.
she looks like she is about to respond when Linge asks her question, but then when the question is repeated in Skald she answers in that language
we will be ok. well... most of us will. This creature seems, well, out of place here. I have never seen one quite like this. though you yourself do not look like you belong here, though you speak Skald. where did you come from? not to sound ungrateful, as you did save our lives.
the two other men start to lift the body of their fallen comrade and carry him towards a small group of dogsleds not far from where the fight happened.
”From the south.” Garran says, speaking in Skald . ”My name is Garran. We are strangers here; far from home. We would like to find some friends here. Folks who can help us learn the lay of the land. And local customs too...”
"I am from Irrisen, like you, but me and my companions come most recently from Taldor. It's a strange situation for sure, but we likely came by the same path this one did." He motions at the mantis. "It seems we're not the only ones to use the portal in this direction," he says, mostly to his companions, though all of his words are in Skald.
"A portal you say? from Taldor? that is quite a distance... and you do not look like you are well equipped for being out here by yourselves... and there is a storm coming tonight. please, camp with us tonight, and in the morning you can either go your own way ro come with me to Waldsby where we can help you find supplies you'll need for your journey.
now that you have a few moments to look around you can see that you are in a sparse wood on a hill. from here you can see the distant lines of smoke rising from chimneys of a small town. in the opposite direction you can make out a tall white tower sticking out against the mostly flat landscape
it does indeed look like a storm is building. you will not be able to make it to either destination before the storm hits, and you know it would be foolish to be caught in this kind of winter storm. it will be much colder than what you dealt with in the snow in the Border Wood
Garran takes note of the gathering masses of heavy, dark clouds. ”We probably should take shelter. That does look to be a bad storm.
Eladorn turns to his new companions. "She's right; there's a storm coming, and there's no way we'd make it to town--or that tower--in time to avoid it. In this case, a larger camp is likely a safer camp. Let's hunker down and move on to Waldsby in the morning."
Linge grimaces at she looks up at the sky. "I agree. Let's move on before it gets dangerous to be outside."
"Right, let's go then." Sigrun wraps her furs around herself more tightly. Even though it's not quite as cold here yet as it had been on the other side, the sight of the approaching storm - and her memories of the winters of her childhood - send chills up her spine.
Nadya and her companions work to unload the dog sleds. they quickly erect some sturdy canvas tents and get a fire going. food is brought out, mostly dried meats and some stale bread.
Nadya sits down with your group and hands you each some food.
Now that we have some time, tell me about yourselves. it sounds like you have been on quite a journey. things are changing, and not in a good way. you have not come here at a good time.
"Before we reveal too much about ourselves, we might want to spend just a moment to discuss loyalties." Eladorn says, still standing and not yet making himself comfortable. With his hand resting casually--but pointedly--on this hilt of his sword, he continues. "Before we even settle down, I'll just say it plainly. You should know that I at least stand opposed to Queen Elvanna and her jadwiga minions. Is that going to be any kind of a problem?"
”I’m here from Taldor.” Garran explains. ”Came here through some sort of portal that was bringing winter to the South. Some sort of invasion, we learned. So I’m here to stop the invasion at it’s source. Whoever it may be.”
Nadya's eyes pop wide open as Eladorn speaks, and she frantically looks around her.
What are you doing?! you say you're from the north but you go saying things like that in the open air? the Jadwiga have eyes and ears everywhere. you can't just go around announcing that you are in opposition to the Throne!
in a much lower tone she says I am no friend of the witches. but for now I must play nice. they... have something of mine. if you are going to be so bold as to spit in their faces I will not be able to aid you. I have my own problems to consider
before she can say much more, you see a figure approaching on the road. a woman is walking along the road, carrying a few bags and with a harp strung across her back. her skin is blue, and she has horns on her head and hooved feet. she appears to be heading towards your group
Sigrun nods in thanks to Nadya as they settle down, staying silent through the exchange and trying to keep watch on their surroundings as she eats. As the spots the newcomer, she alerts the group while signalling down the road, "Someone's coming." Looking to Nadya, assuming she's seen, Sigrun asks, "One of yours?"
Linge almost chokes on her piece of bread, not so much because of its dryness than because of Eladorn's upfront declaration of loyalty. Having little more to add, she watches Nadya's face closely as she answers, hoping to detect any foul play.
However, her attention quickly shifts to the odd-looking stranger walking in their direction, as she tries to recall whether she has read or heard anything about blue-skinned, horned and hooved humanoids.. And if they might be dangerous.
Eladorn accepts Nadya's chastising with nothing more than a nod and a small glance, taking a seat by the fire as the stranger approaches.
Garran rises to face the newcomer on his feet. He waits to see if the strange blue woman is one of Nadya's people.
Nadya looks to the rest of you and shakes her head, saying quietly No, I do not know this person. best be careful
you know that this creature is a Forlarren. it is an offspring resulting from the mating of a nymph and a fiend. they are often mistrusted because of their fiendish origins, and are known for unpredictable behavior.
the stranger approaches the campsite and calls out in Skald
Hello there! I appologize for the intrusion, but I find myself unprepared for the storm that is coming. may I share your fire tonight? I am a travelling bard. I can exchange some entertainment for the evening for warmth, if it pleases you
Nadya looks to the group but then nods, and indicates a place for the woman to sit. the blue-skinned woman smiles and sits down, laying down her pack and pulling out her harp. she rests a hand on it while speaking with you
quite an interesting group you have here! what are all of you doing out here in such terrible weather?
Nadya replies
we are heading to Waldsby. I live there, and am joined here by some of my cousins from further South. we were trying to reach home before the storm but ran into a creature that delayed us.
Eladorn backs up Nadya's words with a wordless nod towards the carcass of the mantis as it gets rapidly covered with the falling snow.
Linge tenses up a little, but in the presence of the stranger, she is tongue-tied. Without a word, she shuffles to the side to let the woman sit, stroking Horn's fur to make sure he remains calm. She doesn't make a move to grab her spear though, or seem outwardly hostile, resuming her eating as the blue-skinned stranger starts to chat with Nadya:
"And what are you doing outside yourself?" she asks in Skald in a conversational tone.
”You’re quite the interesting bard.” Garran comments, in Skald. ”You headed to Waldsby too? There’s not much call for poetics in the wilderness.”
Garran remains standing as he apprises the blue skinned woman.
I am more used to the cold than most. one advantage of my lineage is that I can handle fairly intense elements. this storm coming tonight will be most uncomfortable, even for those of us more hardy than the average.
I will likely make a stop in Waldsby, but it is such a small town, not much going on there. Just long enough to buy some food and supplies and be on my way.
I am heading wherever interesting things happen. and things sound to be very interesting right now. Apparently there is a reward out for a very dangeroud rider in black armor! not something you see every day. and when the witches provide such a big reward... it will make quite a story if i can find this rider.
she seems to be intentionally giving vague answers and is much more interested in learning about you than answering questions about herself.
Garran grunts, and nods; taking a seat beside the fire. ”It does look to be a bitter night.”
Sigrun stays silent as the blue one speaks, keeping her discomfort inside as she mentions the black rider. It seems like the bard would be out of the way soon enough, but hopefully they wouldn't have to fight eventually...
So she's hoping for the witches' reward... That didn't sound like good news.
"I hope you'll find him then," she simply replies, also deciding to stick to vague answers.
the woman continues speaking, covering over any awkward lapses in conversation. she asks more questions, but when she gets the idea that your answers are going to stay vague she sticks to general topics, talking about the weather, the stories she's heard of the dangerous black rider, and playing some peaceful songs on her harp.
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”You play beautifully.” Garran comments. ”The bounty hunter who brings down the Dark Rider will no doubt be pleased to be glorified in your song.” Garran gives the tiefling woman a long look. ”Or do you seek the reward for yourself?” Garran smiles. ”You’ll need another bard, if so. It’s best not to sing one’s own praises. So I’m told...”
Paldo stayed as close to the fire as he could without singeing the small hairs covering his small hands.
Staying quiet most of the time Paldo finally looked at the strange Bard and commented with a smirk "With all this snow, I'm surprised it's so hard to find a Black rider? I'm sure it won't take long for someone to see him and you can write your epic ballad."
"Isn't the Black Rider just some old fey tale, though?" He nods at the bard in supplication, "no offense to present company, of course...." he suppresses a snarl. "I think I remember my grams saying something about that when I was little more than a babe, and she was bats there at the end."
Linge has a lingering suspicion of whom the bard might have described, but she doesn't say a word, only doing her best to avoid meeting Eladorn or Paldo's gaze as she is genuinely unable to tell whether they share her suspicions or not. She keeps quiet, though she is curious about the woman's answer.
the woman laughs at Eladorn's comment, a smile on her face
You humans. always claiming anything that you haven't seen in your own lifetime must be a myth! the riders appear every hundred years, and have since the founding of this nation. your grandmother was probably alive the last time the riders appeared.
she looks over at Paldo
yes, black can be easy to spot in the winter, but someone who doesn't want to be found can always find a way to blend in or hide. and just seeing the creature isn't what the reward is for. one would have to catch him. which is of course much harder.
she nods to Garran
You are right, I do not seek to take down the rider myself. I am not capable of such a feat. but to witness his downfall would be quite a thing! she pauses You all seem to know a good bit about the rider. are you perhaps in the hunt for the bounty? it would explain such a mixed group of people clearly far from home...
”This is the first we’ve heard about the bounty, actually.” Garran shrugs. ”I’m not a bounty hunter by trade, though the extra coin would be welcome.
Eladorn remains silent, afraid to say more and give the bard a chance to figure out that he's lying. He stares into the fire and tries to lose himself in his own thoughts.
Paldo smiled at the Bards last question "Other than the ramblings of my friends old nan, we know nothing more about this rider in black armor than the stories you have been regaling us with; a compliment to your story telling. A bounty sounds nice, but getting to Waldsby alive would be better." Paldo trailed off staring at the corpse of the creature they fought just hours ago.
"So how much time do you think you have to find the Rider until he disappears again?" Linge breaks her silence.
the woman shrugs
"suite yourself. just know if you do run across such a creature, there are those who would pay very well to have him delivered to them.
as for time, I don't know. usually the heralds travel around for a few weeks or a month before Baba Yaga appears. then when she presents the new queen of Irrisen they stand with her, vanishing when she travels wherever it is that she goes.
the conversation continues for a little while as people eat, but it quickly gets very very cold as the storm starts to roll in. the tents that Nadya has protect you well from the elements, though it is a tight squeeze as people need to double or triple up in the small shelters.
as you get up in the morning you see that fresh snow has obscured much of the land, including almost completely burying the big mantis from the day before.
you notcie as you help tear down camp that the forlarren woman is nowhere to be seen
Before he says a word in the morning, Eladorn sits quietly in meditation as he prepares a small bundle of seeds. After an hour, he places the bundle at the base of a tree which he marks with Erastil's sigil. "May whomever needs you, find you, that you may grow strong and feed the world."
He then inspects the campsite for signs of the forlarren's passage.
As usual, Linge wakes up early, tiptoeing outside the tent as to not disturb her bedfellows. She takes some time to meditate and prepare her spells.
The news that the forlarren has left the camp during the night doesn't surprise her as much as it could have, and she joins Eladorn as he inspects her tracks. "I hope she was just eager to continue her quest," she sighs. 'Though I have a nagging suspicion she might have been a spy."
Eladorn does find tracks left by the woman, indicating that she left after spending th night in camp and travelled on the fresh snow. it looks like she was headed away from Waldsby.
Nadya and her companions tear down camp and the group gets on the road.
by midday you see a small town come into view. there are several people going about their routines, and smoke rising from a dozen chimneys.
welcome to Waldsby Nadya tells the group you can spend some time here resupplying. I can help you find what you need, of course. and you are welcome to stay in my home unless you find other accomodations. I will warn you, the people in this town can be a bit suspicious of outsiders, so do what you can to avoid making a scene, yes?
Still feeling unnerved about this strange land and already feeling vulnerable after the encounter with the bard, Paldo wondered what lay in store for them in Waldsby. After hearing the advice of Nadya Paldo responded "Yes, a low profile would probably be best. Is there anywhere you suggest that we stay?"
"Can you show us your home, first? That way we can find you if we don't find other accommodations."
"You are too kind to open your doors to us, we are after complete strangers. It is a very generous offer and one I think we can only take if it does not inconvenience or endanger you." Paldo hesitated before adding "Especially in a town of people on edge."
"What would you say would attract unwanted attention on us?" Linge questions.
Garran stands looking around at the town while he waits for Nadya to answer his companion’s questions. He is looking to see what they have for a temple, as well as what defenses there seems to be.
"Thank you, Nadya. We'll keep our heads down." Sigrun joins Garran in surveying the town while the others talk.
Nadya leads you to a small house on the outskirts of town
this is my home. I live here with my children. she opens the door and is greeted by a young boy, maybe 6 years old. she gives him a hug and turns to you.
this is my son Lars. Lars, these are some new friends. they might be staying with us for a little while.
Nadya goes about unloading her dogsled into her house, and her little boy helps her. she shows you to a small side room. you can use this room, or the common living area.
feel free to look around town, but try to avoid talking too much about where you are from. there are several small shops in town that should have anything you are looking for. the tavern in town is the White Weasel, you can find information and food there.
”Well, I’m going to go shopping. Need some proper winter clothes. Hopefully that won’t raise too many eyebrows.” Garran turns to Nadya. ”As you probably noticed by my shield, I’m a servant of Iomedae. Will that cause a big stir in town, do you think? I suppose I could leave it here. And hide her symbol under my shirt...