The frozen north awaits, and the call for adventurers to explore the icy wastes has come on desperate winds.
Dot
I am dotting this forum.
Dotting. Again.
|
Ques, a rather buff looking young man with simple work clothes on, is briskly working in the General Store, waiting for an opportunity to discuss potential lodging with Vivialla or any likely customer that comes in. He has a week to find somewhere before his parents boot him out of his old room and he is feeling the pressure. On the bright side, he has finally managed to gain control over his summoning powers and Grey has not appeared in a day or so and Ques feels confident he can summon it if he wishes to.
A pity nothing I can summon can clean a damn thing or stock shelves. Pretty useless ability if you ask me unless you want to terrorize neighbors. Maybe I could get a job as a healer? That healing spell thing I can do is pretty cool.
Arsiel arrives in town, looking again at the note in his pouch:
... Go to the Silver Stoat, ask for the owner, Kale. She may remember me, as we had a long discussion about hop varietals from different regions... See if she's willing to resell those Chelish hops she buys, and in bulk to ship further north...
Arsiel folds the note, putting it back in his pouch. Lifting his ranseur from the statue in town square where he leaned it moments before. Taking care to kick the road dust from his boots, and pick a stray burr from his gray leather lamellar. He is tall and well-built, his skin almost seeming to absorb light and dim as he passes under the shadow of the statue as he approaches the Stoat.
Garland goes about her days seeing to the duties put upon her by her mentor, Old Mother Theodora. Right now, that means taking care of 2 expectant mothers, Fundia Scipio and Amacla Cad. Fundia Scipio, a human with 3 children already, is due in about a month's time. She was actually Garland's first solo assignment from Theodora. Amacla is a first time halfling mother that is early on in her pregnancy. The Scipios occupy a larger home in the south end of town and the Cads work at a small farm on the northern outskirts of town. Due to the busy nature of her chosen profession, Garland travels through town between the two women several times a week.
After seeing to the rather picky and, honestly, overbearing Mrs. Cad, Garland returns to town and heads toward the Stout. To no one in particular, she says "Some days I just wish that the Coven had made me the cook or something. Geesh" She passes by the statue in the center of town; the one that she thinks must have had an interesting story to tell. Standing on the far side of the statue is a man that Garland does not recognize, but that really isn't that rare in Heldren, what with the lumber trade being what it is.
The sleepy village of Heldren 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 followed, 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.
His work at the general store had gone from dull to exciting rather quickly, but it wasn't at all a comfortable situation. Now, more often than not Vivialla looks at him with a measure of fear, and he catches her staring every now and again. Ques dusted behind the heavy old cold-weather outfits that Vivialla seemed to hang on to for some reason, even though they took up a whole shelf!
As if he'd summoned her like he did with Grey, Vivialla appears, looking over one of the shelves. Hey, did you hear about the guard who got attacked? I need you to grab some extra bandages and run 'em over there when you get a chance. Poor fella's a mess, from what I'm hearing.
As Arsiel and Garland near the Silver Stoat, they note that a fairly large crowd of what look like gawkers have gathered outside of the Willowbark Apothecary, seemingly trying to get a glimpse inside. A couple passes by, the young woman tugging on the young man's sleeve. ...they say he's a bodyguard, and some fell beasts attacked him! C'mon, hurry up!
Arsiel looks longingly at the Stoat and the mystery of another fine beverage in his sight, but Garland can only remember the ominous last words of Old Mother Theodora. Watch girl, for cold strikes fast and hard, and can freeze your heart in a breath...dark lies ahead for any caught in its clutches.
|
|
Ques can feel a cold of a different kind coming off his boss as he works. Every time he gets up the nerve to ask about renting one of her rooms, he catches her give him the fish eyed stare. He has a very bad feeling that he might need to start looking for a new job. It's hard enough being a fetchling in a world of humans without this crap. His mom always told him that fetchlings don't ever belong anywhere. Some god or goddess designed them to travel and be emissaries, though why she would say that yet live in this little town for so long, he never understood. And HE certainly had no impulse to leave. Or did he? Just thinking about possibly being forced to leave home has left him with mixed feelings he didn't understand.
Just as he is about to ask if he can get off early so that he can find out what the commotion is all about, she tells him to deliver some bandages.
"uh, sure thing boss. On my way."
With far more alacrity than he ever normally shows, he grabs the bandages and dashes off. When he reaches the scene, he starts elbowing his way through the crowd calling out, with some self-importance, "Make way. On official business from Vivialla. Bandages for the guard."
Usually, Garland tends to avoid the general populace, preferring the company of the expectant and the children they bring into this world. But there are just some days, like today, that she needs a different kind of interaction, something less cerebral and more instinctual. On days like today, the Silver Stoat is literally the only place in town. However, the crown that gathers outside the apothecary, a shop that Garland frequents, gives her pause. Something about the general tone of the crowd and the slight chill in the air causes those words from Theodora to play down her spine. She needs to know more. While it is true that words are far from her her keenest weapon, she nonetheless starts asking around the area to find out what she can of this situation.
Ana arrives back in town from an ill advised trip into the woods. Ill advised not because she became lost, for she did not; nor because she encountered something interesting, she had not. Merely because all the interesting things seemed to be hsppening at home. Which was precisely why she had left - that never happened.
Now the square was awash with gawkers, the Stoat was all hub-bub and the Apothecary seemed to be the place to be. Weird.
Stealing down the alley and in through the back Ana makes like she not long been away, throwing a rag over her shoulder to look...worked. She hopes to see Xanthippe, but knows the lass will likely still be at her forge or running errands. Garland is here and Ana nods a companionable greeting. Other trvellers are...in, including a jon-human fellow in traveller's clothes. Ana sidles up to the bar and fixes the stranger with a considering look.
"Drink?" she asks.
Local lore
Ques tries to work his way in, but a crowd has gathered outside of the apothecary, effectively blocking the front door. They seem to be a bit too consumed with trying to look inside, and mostly ignore the young fetchling.
Wondering at the growing crowd at the Apothecary, Arsiel begins approaching the crowd.
I wonder if all that is linked together? I was sent on two specific tasks, but shouldering into that packed crowd doesn't seem like it will get much done other than add to the confusion. Step one then, talk shop, step two, see what is happening and report back.
Touching his holy symbol about his neck Arsiel reconsiders and heads into the Stoat. Wandering up to the bar, he secures his weapon across his back as to be less threatening in a new environment. Waiting for a moment he hears Ana approach and ask him a question.
Pardon me? I mean... sure thing! I'd love one. I walked all this way to taste this Three-Devil Ale after all. My name's Arsiel, and you are? Running a hand through his dark hair he glances out at the crowd around the apothecary's shop. "What's with all this? a frightened merc lost out there?"
"I'd offer to help, but I'm only so good with a bandage and stitching someone up after a knife fight." Arsiel admits sheepishly.
|
|
When Ques is ignored he is SEVERELY tempted to summon something scary and make the nobs move. But he realizes that this would be a Bad Thing and decides against it. With a heavy sigh he turns toward the near by Stoat.
Might as well bide my time in comfort.
Upon entering he sees Arsiel and does a double take. Not being the most witty of conversationalists and seeing that the man is already in a conversation he offers up a tentative verbal sally.
"Hey mister. 'sup?"
Arsiel sees a fellow fetchling standing there. Ques has on simple work clothes and is the equivalent of a 25 year old human male (though a bit younger on the mental maturity scale). Well muscled and handsome except for a couple of ingrown beard hairs pustules caused by over-zealous shaving and an unfortunately greasy meal a few days ago.
Another Kayal here?!? How? what? umm okay... Arsiel double-takes at the new arrival at the Stoat.
Straightening to his full height and inclining his head toward the newcomer.
|
|
Looking pleased with himself, Ques responds in the same language.
Unlike most Kayal, Ques' hair is a deep, light absorbing black and even his skin has black light absorbing streaks through it. Or perhaps it is just dyed like many do. Also unlike most, he is almost normal in physique, filled out for a member of his race.
Ana's reply is cut short by Ques' arrival. She supplies a quick "Ques"" and suppresses a smile as the fetchlings converse in Aklo.
The ganzi produces two well-headed Three-Devils and plonques them on the bar.
"On me. The name's Ana."
The Silver Stoat is busy as usual; being the lone tavern in town gives one the benefit of always having business. Menander was working in the kitchen, the grill hot and smoking as he made his venison flank to order...just don't ever ask him to cook anything but medium...you're sooner to get a plate of jerky.
His wife Kale serves up their Three Devil Ale with a smile as their young adopted daughter Ana breezes about the room like a mug-laden dancer. Talk in the tavern is of the mercenary and his injuries, of course, and many speculate with their own grand tales of this far-off soldier.
...say he's Ulfen...
...some say he's got frostbite! Frostbite? Here?
Garland stops outside of the apothecary, the large crown in front of her trying to get a glimpse of the mercenary.
Arsiel visibly relaxes at Ques' words in Aklo, turning to Ana. 'Quite a welcome, and thanks for the pint lass. I'm actually here for this ale and to talk to the owners, but she looks busy at the moment![b]" Sipping the ale Arsiel smiles, enjoying the hop flavors, "[b]Fair, but next round I'll happily pick up.
"Thank you both for the warm welcome here, never know what to expect in these smaller border towns. Sometimes people are less accepting of outsiders and appearances can make all the difference sadly. I've learned to forgive their ignorance, but the pain still can sting of not being accepted."
Hearing the conversation bubble around them Arsiel cocks his head to the side, "Did you hear that? They are saying the guard is Ulfen, I speak Skald, I wonder if that could help to get the story straight out of him. Should we take these pints and see if the three of us can lend a hand? I speak his tongue and you two obviously are known people here." Arsiel waves his pint in the general direction of the Apothecary.
|
|
"Yea, being different can be a pain. Lately its been a lot worse on account of, well, on account of some strange things happening around me."
Ques quickly changes the subject, realizing he has an opportunity here to finally get some answers about the shadow world.
"Have you ever been to the shadow plane? I've not. My parents have but they never talk about it. Whenever I ask about visiting my dad says don't be an idiot and my mom gets all nervous looking. Is it really that bad?"
Getting nowhere with the crowd, Garland returns to her previous plan, visiting the Stoat. She walks clear of the crowd and enters the always busy tavern. She sees Ana and, knowing she had been out of town, heads over to great her, "Ana! Welcome back to town! I hope that you found what you were looking for. What do you know of this crowd. I was out at the Cads and came back to this."
She sees Ques talking with the unknown individual she saw at the statue earlier and gives Ques a nod, "Hey, Ana. Who is that sitting with Ques?"
Consider Ques' question deeply, Arsiel sighs, "I was born in the Shadow plane, in servitude to the Umbral Dragon Krasthek. Almost 15 years ago I was rescued by a knight and his companions and brought here. The Shadow Plane is a terrible place, and many of our people are held in slavery there to the Umbral Lords. Would that I could release them to live as they choose, but that task may be beyond me..."
Arsiel considers the bottom of his pint for a moment before drinking deeply, looking around the room and seeing someone new talking to Ana, "Ques, who is that?" Indicating the newcomer with a friendly nod of his head.
|
|
"Her, oh, she's with the Old Mother, our herbalist and healer and some say witch, but mostly midwife. Her names Garland. She's OK and speaks Aklo too and she's a lot of fun to scare. Sneak up on her and say BOO and just watch the fireworks. You would think she's being chased by ghosts or something... Why? You got some kind of disease that needs curing? Lots of the men around here say they go to her for certain diseases but they never say what kind. They all seem healthy enough."
Ques is a little disappointed that, yet again, someone is telling him to avoid the shadow plane.
"Tell me more about your old home. You know some places have slaves here on our plane too. Aren't there places on the shadow plane that are nice? It can't be all bad, can it? Aren't there any NICE Umbral Lords?"
Maybe I could become a nice Umbral Lord. I do got powers now! Wouldn't that be sweet!
As introductions are made and the local citizens, each with goals and secrets of their own, make the newcomer feel at home, Kale, the wife of Menander and half owner of the Silver Stoat, makes her way from behind the bar. She smiles at the table, then frowns and swats at Ques. Boy! Get your muddy boots off of my table...you must feel like you own the place.
Justice done, she turns and smiles at Ana. Glad to see you're welcoming the newcomers, dear. She holds a calloused hand out towards Arsiel, seemingly not put off at all due to his unusual heritage. Kale Garimos; welcome to Heldren, and to the Silver Stoat.
Seemingly unable to continue that line of conversation due to her excitement, she leans in close to whisper. Have you heard about the rider who appeared in town last night? I've heard that his story is truly something to hear. Do you plan on heading over to the apothecary to see him?
Garland can't help be hearing the conversation between Ques and Kale. Truth be told, she was trying to hear it.
Looks like I may have found a way to get through that crowd.
"Ques? Did you say you have bandages for the rider? Perhaps I can help deliver those for you? I am not just a midwife afterall, I can be of help, I think." Turning to Kale she adds, "Do you know of anyway to get through that crowd Mrs. Garimos? Nothing happens in Heldren without you in the middle. Or, at least that's what they say."
Lastly, Garland turns to the other fetchling at the table and says, in a language he would be familiar with.
Is that what they say now?. She feigns shock, then quickly turns it to a smile. I bet I've got something. Say, Ana dear, why doncha' head out there with your friends here and tell tha' crowd that we've only a half dozen pints left afore we need to roll up a new keg. If I know Heldren, that should clear out at least half of 'em
Garland, dear, I know you'd be able to help the poor rider better than anyone save the Old Mother. You and Ques can help while you find out a bit about this fella' for nebby ol' me. Bet your new friend there would like to know too, so he can best figure out his travel.
Ana watches with annoyance as her mother reminstrates with Ques. She blows a loose lock out of her face with an extremely audible sigh.
"Fine! C'mon guys. Let's find some things out..."
Without a backward glance, Ana stomps off across the square toward the apothecary, and unceremoniously elbows her way into the crowd.
"Oi! Move it you pack of ghouls! Make some room, important medical equipment en route....And, if you're quick, you can get the last half dozen or so brews at the Stoat 'fore we have to tap a new keg!!!"
[+2 Cha, +2 circumstance]
"Yeah, like they said. Out of the way, important people coming through," she pushes through the crowd with an air of the importance she feels.
”greetings, my name is Arsiel, I’m visiting to learn more about the brewing here in this region of Taldor. It is a pleasure to meet all of you.
Shrugging, Arsiel follows the crowd to the Apothecary. Grinning at the three friends’ banter with the crowd he ducks inside, trying to assess the situation.
Ana's voice cracks like thunder as she pushes through the crowd. At her mention of prized provisions running out, many turn quickly enough to suffer some trauma from the movement. Immediately, people begin to pull away from one spectacle and rush towards the Silver Stoat. Hopefully Kale knows what she was starting...
You proceed into the Apothecary and see the wounded bodyguard lying on the long couch in the entry chamber. Heldren's priest, one elder Safander, is tending to the burly man, an Ulfen by the rumors. The man is wrapped in bandages and his nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from what looks to be frostbite. The man is awake, and in obvious pain.
Also standing in the room is Ionnia Teppen, a regal older woman that you know to be the leader of the Heldren town council. Her eyes narrow as she sees you enter and she moves closer to speak with you. As you can see, we have a situation here. Do any of you know of this man's tale?
Garland eyes the man with interest. In her practice, she rarely deals with males, unless they are of the infant variety. She eyes the patient with a critical eye, trying to gauge his health.
"The only information I know is what I have gained from the rumors going on outside. What is his deal?"
Shrugging, Arsiel rests his glaive inside the door of the Apothecary and carefully kneels at the bedside, taking a stab at speaking with the guard,
The councilwoman grimaces, and shakes her head. I'll let you hear it from him...an odd story, and maybe you can glean more from it than I.
She looks at Ques and nods. Indeed, but I trust we're doing what we can about it. She raises an eyebrow as she watches Garland survey elder Safander's work.
For the most part, the Elder is doing a fine job, his ministrations accelerating the Ulfen's healing tenfold. Still, frostbite is a tough thing to fix.
The Ulfen coughs and sits up quickly as Arsiel speaks his language.
After the man speaks to Arsiel, he clears his throat and continues in the common tongue, his speech thick with his Ulfen accent and the slur of his wounded face.
I was escorting my Lady Argentea, on our way from Zimar to Oppara. As we skirted the Border Wood, however, our carriage came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures. Lady Argentea was carried off, and I alone survived. He swallows hard, as if such an admission was a sign of his cowardice. Such cold you've never felt...my ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away.
|
|
"Wow. Bandits in our woods? Are you going to rescue her? Are the rest of her guards really dead? Maybe they will demand a ransom, being bandits and all."
Ques's thoughts dart from one thing to the next, imagining fierce cold breathing wolves and trolls and other nasties rumored to live up north. Maybe even...
"Did they have a dragon with them?"
Anadorita listens to the Ulfen's words, her eyes creasing as she struggles to parse his accented words. Trying not to be caught by the councilwoman's stern gaze, Ana clears her throat, though not from a need for clarity - more a nervous attempt to get words in while "adults" confer. She nods to the bodyguard.
"I'm Ana. My folks run the tavern - we'll get you some ale shortly. What is your name? Can you explain where exactly this happened? Or if not, could you guide us there? I understand you are sorely hurt, but we could create a...travois - a frame to take you there."
Ana finishes quietly, suddenly realising she has no clear understanding of who she is volunteering or for what, but these three did accompany her here, and the newcomer Arsiel for one does have a fancy hafted spear-thingy.
Garland has known Ionnia for several years now, but has never seen her deal with a situation like this. Of course, there is crime here in Heldren, like anywhere else in Golarion. But this is the first time, that she knows of, that the village has encountered anything of this magnitude. She regards the councilwoman carefully before concentrating on the injured man in front of her.
The Ulfen's words bring Garland back to time not long ago that she has tried to forget. Her time with her coven is not a time she chooses to relive too often. However, there is something in this story that feels...familiar.
"I don't mean to add to your burden, Good Knight, but I was hoping you could clarify some things for me. Can you describe some of the beasts that you encountered? And, it is quite clear that magick was in play here, but were you able to determine a source of such magicks? Oh, and you may call me Garland, if you wish."
The wounded Ulfen winces as he switches position, then tries to address all of the questions.
We thought they were just bandits at first - outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.
They took the Lady into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don't know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here.[b]
[b]The beasts I say, Garland, were winter-touched. Having grown up in the land of the Linnorm Kings, I have heard the tales of the white witches and their creatures. These are fey creatures who have sworn themselves to these witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man's forearm. But don't be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.
He sighs and shakes his head. I'm sorry Ana; if I could travel with you I would. I fear I'd only slow down someone strong enough to make the trip. The site of the attack was about 6 miles to the south, but it lies in the grip of icy cold.
The councilwoman watches you, appraising, as you question the guard in a rather professional manner.
Garland turns to Ionnia and the rest of the group, "I have some familiarity with winter witches. They are not to be trifled with. If their magicks are that close to Heldren, something needs to be done. I think we need to send a party out to find this site and see what the town will up against. If what this man is saying is true, whoever you find to make this trip, madam councilwoman, should be familiar with the cold and with magic."
Considering the guards' words Arsiel taps his long fingers against his chin.
"have no fear friend, your deeds are worthy of song, and when you mend there shall be many opportunities still for you."
Sighing heavily, he looks around at the friends who bright him into the Apothecary shop. "I assume there are no real local soldiers able to take up this task and assist the woman in question?? Should some of us go investigate the area, if we leave at first light we should be able to reach that area by noon and see if it is even possible to effect a rescue of his charge? It might be possible if they are too overconfident in their victory that we could sneak in and out without being seen."
Arsiel looks around the room, gauging the interest of the assembly in trying to be of service. "And if it is snowing there maybe we should pick up some clothing more appropriate to that weather, as I don't think the summer tunic I'm wearing will be of much use in snow and cold.[/b]"
|
|
Ques has a look of mixed excitement and self doubt. In the end, though, the excitement and a chance at adventure wins out.
"Say, is this like a job offer? My boss is always looking at me cross eyed like since little Grey became a nuisance. Heck, half the town is, as you know councilwoman. I don't think I'll have that job for long and I know I won't be staying with my parents for long - they made that quite clear. I'm no soldier or anything but my dad did train me to use a few simple weapons and armor. Heck, he might lend me his old gear."
Trying to be practical, he then asks, "So, if this is a job offer, what's the pay like?"
The Ulfen shakes his head quickly, then winces again. Lad, ye'll need more than that. Why, with the cold comes snow...drifts high as a man, I tell ye! I never seen the like this far south...evil cold it is, and ye'll need some big strides to move through all of that snow.
Councilwoman Teppen shakes her head. I fear not. Heldren is barely large enough to marshal a decent militia to protect the town. Will you four undertake this? I know the danger is great, but each of you that live here I've heard have some special abilities. She turns to Arsiel. And you, stranger; should you help our town, Heldren will definitely be in your debt.
She looks to Ques with a wry smile. I understand, Ques...it's not free to live by yourself. How about ten gold pieces for you to investigate this, and fifty gold pieces each for return of Lady Argentea.
|
|
Not listening to the warnings about ridiculously high snow drifts, Ques dismisses the older and wiser soldier's advice. When Councilwoman Teppen mentions a small fortune as payment, Ques gulps. "Uh, yea. That would be great! Now we just gotta bring that Lady back. I'll be set for LIFE! Say, we should, like, practice teamwork or something, right? My dad is always telling me about how a real soldier spends most of his life drilling and drilling is what makes a soldier great. I'm sure he would train us. Oh... but we don't have time for that, do we. Still, we should do some sparring or something so we know what everyone can do, right teammates?"
Ques also has absolutely no idea how much it costs for room, board, and other expenses. And the fact that this whole thing is lethally dangerous only adds spice in his mind. Ah, youth.
Garland shudders at the young fetchling's demeanor. A journey like what is being asked of them was not something she had planned on, and if she had planned it, she would have picked someone more... experienced. She just doesn't remember being this excitable when she was a bit younger.
In response to Councilwoman Teppen's request, Garland responds, "If you feel that we are best suited to this task, I will not question you. Old Mother Theodora, however, is a different story. I'm not sure how she will handle this news."
Ana nods to the councilwoman.
"Consider me in. I am more than sure my folks will be more than happy to spare me. Winter clothes sound like a solid plan - councillor, can you outfit us for the journey? You can take it out of my prospective reward if you like."
Ana smiles to Ques, somewhat buoyed by his boundless enthusiasm.
"Easy there, Ques. I'm sure there will be a liitle time on the route to employ some tactics... I'm happy to get Grey dodging a few blasts..."