"Oh no no no, little one, what some bad manners you have!" Oriol picks Junan's polearm again, fishes the cage, and puts it back into the closet. Before he closes the door, he adds. "We might come back to free you, or we might not... if we do, you better change your attitude."
Oriol closes the door. He turns to Nutar. "Am I too bad of a person to want to let that bug looked inside there for good?"
"Nope." Nutar says, dragging a chair in front of the closet.
The sprite protests, loudly, as Oriol puts the cage back into the storeroom and closes the door. His high-pitched screams can just barely be heard through the door.
Junan bundles all the things he found in the pockets and pouches in the fancy cloak to take back to the others.
He sets the bundle down for the others to look through. "You guys see anything interesting? There's some armor and a crossbow still out there. The armor looked pretty nice too. There's this set of keys here too. I may not need to brake through that cellar door after all. Where'd that thing in the cage go?"
"The faerie decided it was not yet ready to face the open world... the closet is so cozy after all!" Oriol explains as he takes the keys. "How about we take a look on that trapdoor?"
"Trapdoor it is. Hopefully it's namesake is merely a suggestion." Despite his optimism, Nutar still checks.
It's been at least a couple days since you were thrown down into the cellar along with the prisoner of the bandit band who proudly call themselves 'Rohkar's Raiders'. The noblewoman seems to still maintain some of her arrogance and pride, despite the circumstances, and it took some time before she said anything positive for you, but for the most part, the time has been spent in silence.
That changed not an hour ago when the place seemed to erupt in chaos and noise. Muffled by the floorboards above you, it was hard to tell for sure, but you are certain that a battle was taking place. It wasn't that long ago that you'd forgotten the battle that robbed you of the allies that used to call this place home. And now, someone else seems to have come across this place and causing more bloodshed.
Couldn't have happened to nicer people.
"What is happening up there," complains Lady Malassene. "By Calistria's stinger, if they come down here again smelling of alcohol, they'll rue the day!"
Heading back downstairs, the groups gathers around the once-hidden trapdoor in the trophy room. Nutar checks it over carefully, finding nothing that seems harmful, before they find the key to unlock the padlock and open the door.
A 10-foot-high wooden ladder leads down to a dark underground cellar, filled with a half-dozen boxes and barrels that take up the majority of the room. A rough blanket lies spread on the floor in the southeast corner next to a plate of half-eaten food.
Two figures occupy this room, both squinting and covering their eyes in an attempt to adjust to the light. One is a dark-haired human man, dressed in once nice clothing, including a high ruffed collar. The other is a human woman who, despite the state of her dress, holds herself with a regal grace only born of nobility. Staring at you briefly, taking your measure, she says, "You are not one of the bandits. That would explain the commotion that we heard earlier. Have you been sent to rescue me, then? I am the Lady Argentea Malassene."
Oriol bows slightly as the lady introduces herself, offering a hand to get her on her feet. "We are indeed here to rescue you Milady, but I'm sorry to reveal that we have not been "sent" here. Miss Ionia, the Councilwoman from Heldren, made it very clear, numerous times when we asked for any help in this quest, that we were on our own and we were free to not come at all. She did not provide us even a blanket to warm us in this frigid forest!"
"I'm Oriol Argerich, by the way, and with me you'll find Nutar, Junan, and Uthred, the single man in Heldren that cared enough to join us." Oriol also offers his hand to help the man to his feet. "And who might be you, friend?"
"Indeed milady, these are indeed new faces, not that collection of thugs. Pleased to meet you, I am Casimir Froeland, surgeon for the Rangers whose lodge this was before the bandits came. If you're here to rescue Lady Malassene, can I be rescued as well please..."
Lady Argentea gives Oriol's hand a skeptical look before accepting it and taking to her feet, a bit unsteady at first, but quick to steady herself. She looks to Casimir and retorts, "Yes, I'm sure that they won't leave you behind, doctor, but I might if you don't stop your simpering." She pauses a moment to realize what she just said, then adds a bit more softly, "Apologies. It's be a trying time these last few days."
"Heldren, you say?" as she turns back to Oriol and the others. "A town of little more than farmers, if I recall. Probably would have been slaughtered making the attempt. I'm surprised that anyone came from there at all, though it would explain the quick response. I wasn't expecting anyone for at least a week. You all have my thanks none the less, and I will make sure that you are well compensated for your actions." She pauses once more in her speech, a thought coming to her "How did you respond so quickly? Was there a survivor from my entourage?"
Perhaps boldly announcing your own importance to strangers is one of the reasons you were captured. Nutar holds his tongue, instead focusing on the other man briefly before it becomes apparent that he too is of the high society persuasion.
His eyebrows shoot up again when she chastises the doctor. Ah, no wonder nobody was overly keen to send a rescue party. Once again, he wisely holds his tongue.
"The bandits left a trail a mile wide. Probably would have been able to track them down even if it weren't through snow." His mind suddenly begins running through all of the complications involved in keeping two stuffy people happy in the wilderness, and how he can most quickly drop them off. "Where do you want us to drop you off?" He asks, eschew of any of the honorifics or politeness that the others were expressing.
"I'm sorry, mister Froeland, but we were not paid to rescue you." Oriol says, clearly joking, specially after he revealed that the town of Heldren were not in fact paying anything for them to be here. "You probably already know or suspect this, but we have found no one but the bandits... if the rangers were your friends, I fear they have been killed to the last man."
"Most of the real heroes and adventurers I've met before had humble origins and in fact many were simple farmers, Milady." Oriol jokes once again. "But they all had a spine. Training in arms is desirable, of course, but courage is essential."
"We have indeed met a wounded warrior, an ulfen called Yuln. He is resting in Heldren, recovering from his wounds."
He then turns to Nutar. "I believe we should escort them back to Heldren, Nutar."
Casimir is somber "Yes, the rangers are no more - I have seen most of their bodies - I alone was kept alive for my skills (as a surgeon), but there was nothing I could do for the bandits who had caught the Chillblane Shakes, not without supplies. So they threw me down here... If we are travelling, I will need to find my gear, I'm sure it's around."
He looks closely at his rescuers and continues "But in my professional judgement, I would not advise travelling yet. It looks like all of you are in need of my services. We will need to avoid the sickroom upstairs - it will still be full of ill-humours from the Chillblane Shakes - but I would suggest a night in my care will do much to aid you. I am sure milady will by patient for another night, now that she is free of this cellar..."
He climbs the ladder out of the cellar, and begins to look for his kit, pausing only to open the front door and call out to the woods "Grampus, come in, it's safe."
It takes her a moment to recognize the name, but gives a small smile, "Ah yes. I remember Yuln. A bit brash, but loyal. I am glad that he was able to make it out of that slaughter." Her expression quickly becomes grave.
Encouraged by Casimir, Lady Argentea follows him up the ladder into the greater part of the lodge. Her features seem to brighten almost immediately once she is able to leave the cellar and see the sunshine once again, despite grime streaking her features. "While I have no wish to stay here longer than necessary, a chance to clean up and rest properly would be welcome," she replies to the doctor's suggestion.
She turns back to Oriol, "You saw none of the fey that was with the bandits, then? They seemed to be in league with one another." She shivers, though whether from the current weather or the memory of the attack is unclear. "There are greater threats here than just some mere bandits, I'm afraid."
Searching through the rooms, Casimir eventually finds his things stuffed unceremoniously into a wardrobe, though nothing looks like it was taken or damaged. While he sorts through things, a familiar sound can be heard in the doorway. A small little skunk can be seen scuttling through the doorway, trying it's best to not be seen by the others.
"There was a few of the annoying creatures we saw on the way here. In fact, there's one in the closet over there in a cage apparently. Before we settle in, lets get the rest of these bodies outside. I don't think this place will be here much longer so just outside should be good enough. Let whatever animals are left have a feast. Don't forget to go through their pockets before you dump them."
Following his own advice, Junan begins looting the bandits he hadn't searched already and dragging them out.
Nutar agrees. Time to loot and be done with the place. His gangly form quickly scrambles up the ladder and he helps with relieving the dead of their burdens.
"A fire might be a better idea than letting the animals feast - I know that black priest of Norgorber was a necromancer, so the devil know what'll happen with the bodies of his followers. Not to mention letting the animals get a taste of man is not a good idea. If we are only staying the one night, we can use most of the lodge's firewood to do the job. Meanwhile though," Casimir turns to Oriol and continues "You're clearly in need of some immediate help", and casts Cure Light Wounds.
It takes some time to go through all the bodies and deposit them in one place, but after a couple hours, the work is done. Casimir's suggestions seems prudent and a large pyre is lit outside.
[spoiler=Loot!]
- 9 padded armor
- 9 bucklers
- 10 short swords
- 9 shortbows
- 175 arrows
- 4 potions
- tanglefoot bag
- leather armor
- dagger
- masterwork hand crossbow
- 12 bolts
- climber's kit
- crowbar
- grappling hook
- key
- masterwork thieves' tools
- silk rope (50 ft.)
- 100gp, 45 sp
Surprisingly, Lady Argentea helps some with gathering the wood. She remains silent through the work, and it is obvious that she is not used to such labors, but she doesn't complain.
Finally while the fires burn, she says, "You mentioned seeing some of the fey on your ways here. But I tell you that there are much more dangerous creatures deeper into the forest, at the center of this unseasonable weather. This is why they were so easily able to overcome our guard. There was a small flying creature that seemed almost like an icy demon. And my captors have made mention of the name of their leader, one Teb Knotten, though I do not know what manner of creature he is."
Nutar builds and lights the fire with a flick of his hand. He watches the flames rise and goes to the potions. He uncaps them and takes an inhale of each, as well as a miniscule sip.
Casimir will join in the searching of the lodge, taking advantage of what he knows from serving with the rangers...
He will test the two potions that Nutar failed to identify (and Grampus will sniff at the potions as well )
,
2 ranks +3 trained +1 wis
,
2 ranks +3 trained +2 aid another
and use his detect magic cantrip on the bandit's gear.
When the pyre burns down (and Lady Argentea isn't watching), both he and Grampus will piss on the ashes, "And that's for the Rangers you rotten bastards!"
Finally, in the evening, he will commit long term care (up to 6 patients - Nutar, Oriol, Junan, ?Uthred?, 2hp/hd overnight), and use his remaining 2 spells for the day on CLW, which means tomorrow morning we should be at full HP.
2 rank +1 wis
vs dc 15
2 ranks +3 trained +2 aid another
Casimir is able to identify one of the other potions as a potion of invisibility. The Earthy-smelling one is still a mystery.
Taking a more thorough search through the lodge reveals two locked chests (which are easily unlocked with the keys that they found), and a few other loose items:
- Healer's Kit (5 uses)
- Potion
- Gold ingot engraved with Taldan royal seal
- A spyglass
- A silver lady's ring
- 3 shards of tiger's eye gemstones
- A fine pair of leather riding boots of elven make
- A silver dagger
- Scroll of Endure Elements
- 2 scrolls of magic weapon
- Scroll of Unseen Servant
- 3 scrolls of lesser animate dead (2 HD)
- 2 more vials of an unknown oil (non-magical)
- Blue quartz 'ice diamond'
- 3 vials of magical oil
- 10 alchemist's fire
- 25 pp
- 150 gp
- 205 sp
With the detect magic spell, he is able to see a magical aura on the fur cloak that Junan used to haul the first bundle of loot with, as well as 3 vials of oil that were found in the storage closet.
Oriol is able to find some horses and tack in the stable, and uses them to help pack all the equipment that they acquired, as well as provide the Lady Malassene with a much demanded means of transport.
It takes most of the day to get back out of the forest, and about an hour or so to get back to the town of Heldren and a warm meal. It's evening, at this point.
Casimir will use Spellcraft and detect magic to try to identify assorted bits of magical loot...
2 ranks +3 trained +1 int
2 ranks +3 trained +1 wis
2 ranks +3 trained +2 aid another
It takes some time to go through all the bodies and deposit them in one place, but after a couple hours, the work is done. Casimir's suggestions seems prudent and a large pyre is lit outside.
Surprisingly, Lady Argentea helps some with gathering the wood. She remains silent through the work, and it is obvious that she is not used to such labors, but she doesn't complain.
Finally while the fires burn, she says, "You mentioned seeing some of the fey on your ways here. But I tell you that there are much more dangerous creatures deeper into the forest, at the center of this unseasonable weather. This is why they were so easily able to overcome our guard. There was a small flying creature that seemed almost like an icy demon. And my captors have made mention of the name of their leader, one Teb Knotten, though I do not know what manner of creature he is."
"We have met fey in the forest, yes. They poked us with their tiny arrows and tried to trick us into thinking there was a talking elk around. Quiet ingenious they are. We also have a captive one upstairs, that was already jailed by the bandits." Oriol explains. "It was not that helpful so far, but I intend to properly interrogate it when we have the time."
---
Oriol thanks Casimir for all the healing he had provided.
---
As they leave for Heldren, Oriol is unwilling to leave the caged fey behind, since its companions might hears its screams and come to rescue it. Along the way, he tries to talk to it and gain some information. "So little friend, I hope you are more willing to be pleasant and talk now. We want information and we can free you afterwards, if your answers are satisfying... otherwise we can kill you. Your kin have done us harm and while killing you doesn't bring me joy, I'll do it with little remorse."
The blue-skinned sprite is equal parts pitiful and abhorrent. When Oriol asks his questions, it often responds with vulgar diatribe, and comments about how his fate is already sealed should he speak. But when it's obvious that he's not going to be let go, he whines and cries about being let free.
Junan watches Oriol with great interest. When the creature calms down a bit he asks, "How has your fate been sealed? What does that even mean for you?".
Oriol nods in agreement with Junan's question. "I'd also be interested in knowing about this lie."
"If you were useful enough I'm sure I can convince them to let you go out and cause some more mischief." Nutar adds helpfully.
"Who lies?!" the little fey creature practically shrieks. "You lie! If I don't speak, you kill me. If I do, I am also dead. This is fact!"
"So, are you under a curse or spell that will make you drop dead as soon as you tell what we want to know?" Oriol asks. "If that is the case, you are not lying... if not the fate of you dying if you tell what we want to know is still open, while the alternative is pretty closed. Facts are things of the present, while the future possess only possibilities."
"I'd trade certain death for possible death any day." Oriol lies. "We want to get to those responsible for this out of season winter... if these are the same ones that will punish you, then we have a common goal, as the better you tell us about them, the better the chances are you are going escape them."
"Little fey, as the priests say, 'Life is Pain', the question is what are you willing to subject yourself to? Consider the possibility for example, of us building a fire, and spending a couple of hours slowly lowering that birdcage into it. You will cooperate eventually..."
2 ranks +3 trained +2 cha
"The only common goal I share is to see you on the end of an ice spear," the sprite responds venomously.
"Well, normally creatures of the wild I would advocate for the freedom of, even against the wishes of the rest of you, but given the nature of this fey it is an exception. And since it won't help us, I see no reason to keep it alive." Nutar was not bluffing.
Once they reach Heldren, Oriol points towards the town hall and addresses Lady Malassene. "Here we are Milady. Would you like to speak with Miss Ionia? I believe she might be at the Town Hall."
Turning to the others, he continues. "I'd prefer to sell what we have found before we speak to the councilwoman, as the gold in my pouch will make seeing that lovely and smart lady more bearable." It was pretty clear at Oriol had a very different opinion about Ionia than his clearly fake words revealed.
Lady Malasssene looks towards the clock tower that is the town hall, then back at Oriol. "That sounds like a grand idea. I shall await your arrival there, then."
Since arriving in town, Uthred seems to have been lost in thought, but he turns to the others, "While this has been a grand adventure, and I am glad that I accompanied you, I long to see my home. I think that I'll take my leave here. You all can have my share of the 'reward', whatever it is. And good luck to you." He shakes hands and pats backs before he turns and walks away, axe swung over his shoulder singing a baudy tune.
Chief among the allies of Baba Yaga and the White Witches of Irrisen are the winter-touched, a special breed of fey immune to the harsh weather and low temperatures of the frozen north. Willingly pledging themselves to a wholly evil life, these creatures undergo a complex ritual called the Winter Rite, in which they accept a sliver of ice into their hearts that infuses their bodies with the same supernatural winter perpetuated by the White Witches of Irrisen. The resulting transformation gives the fey’s skin a sickly bluish cast marked with spidery white veins like hoarfrost on glass. These evil fey can channel the power of winter into their attacks, slowing their victims with numbing cold. The winter-touched universally delight in spreading the influence of the White Witches, carrying out the wills of the witches who performed their Winter Rites. The winter-touched display a chilling loyalty that borders on fanaticism—a devotion all but guaranteed given the White Witches’ ability to fatally pierce the hearts of those who fail them with the same slivers of ice the fey so willingly accepted.
After bidding farewell to Uthred and spending some time selling equipment to the Heldren General Store, the heroes make their way towards the Town Hall.
Rather grand for a village of this size, Heldren's town hall boasts a clock tower overlooking the town square. On the wall outside the front door hangs a notice board, where flyers are posted with local news, job openings, and goods for sale, including an advertisement for the annual Longnight dance.
Inside, the hall is a large, open area that is nearly empty. At the far end there is a long table set up - probably for the use of the town council - and a few chairs. One of the chairs is currently occupied by the Lady Argentea Malassene, wrapped in a large wool blanket, cradling a hot drink between her hands. Standing over her is the tall, lanky Councilor Ionnia Teepon. The two women are talking quietly amongst themselves as the group enters the room.
"Here, then, are my gallant rescuers," announces Lady Malassene, a small amount of wry humor in her voice, but her face displaying the gratitude she feels for being free of capture.
Councilwoman Ionnia gives the group respectful bow, "I must admit, that I didn't know what the chances of a successful rescue was, but I'm grateful that you were able to defy the odd, regardless of what they were. I know that I was not very forthright regarding a reward for your work. I will have to see...." She is cut off by Lady Malassene with a wave of her hand.
"No. I thank you for the thought," the Lady interjects, "but this is a debt for my house to pay. And I will do so gladly. Once my people come to retrieve me, I will be presenting you with a purse of five hundred gold pieces for your heroics, and not a copper less." The councilwoman's face visibly blanches at the sum, but doesn't protest. Instead she adds, "Please, if you would share your tale of the journey. Any information we can gather on the threat is welcome."
Nutar hangs back listlessly, eyes lazily scanning the flyers and other things of interest on the notice board. Hmm, a surprising amount going on in this town.
Nutar looms in the back over the others, listening to the two women while he glances about the room. At the monetary reward and the request his attention focuses. Well Oriol looks like your gamble paid off after all. "An unnatural winter is the best way to put it. The bandits, more soldiers of fortune than anything. I would stock up on ways to fight the cold weather, and arm yourselves with fire."
Oriol smiles both when Lady Malassene welcomes them and when she announces their reward. "I'm glad we were able to help." The sum was indeed vast and he even refrains himself from pointing out that the "odds of success" were hampered by the bullheaded councilwoman in not providing them with the necessary tools for the job.
"In the end, it was actually good for us to not have any help from Heldren, Miss Ionia, otherwise we would be compelled to share such generous reward." Oriol can't hold himself in the end... he was not really a polite and nice guy. He had long decided he would rather regret something said than something unsaid.
"We'll certainly share what we know, Councilwoman, since we own Uthred for his help and Heldren is his home." Oriol wants to make it clear that if not for Uhtred, he'd probably say that the councilwoman was welcomed to freeze her ass and discover everything for herself. He opens his hand and starts to could his fingers as he enumerates the dangers. "The winter is obviously unnatural, though we do not know what is causing it. You have bandits, beasts from the north, like a snow tatzlwyrm that almost eat me, and that..." Oriol points to the cage Junan is holding, where the probably angry fey curses them all.
"Winter-Fey from Irrisen, according to Nutar, the land of Baba Yaga and her Winter Witches, a place as far from here as the concept of logic."
Having not been involved in any of expedition (bar being rescued from the cellar), Casimir is sitting quietly while the others report.
Irrisen is a land dominated by the cold. It sits at the northernmost limits of Avistan and borders the Crown of the World where its glacial sheets form Irrisen's northern border. Its northern location is not the only reason for its cold climate. Ever since being conquered by Baba Yaga, Irrisen has been locked in an eternal winter. This harsh climate gives Irrisen a palpable sense of dread. The second biggest geographical feature of Irrisen is Glacier Lake, which takes up a large area within Irrisen's interior. Two of Irrisen's three largest settlements are built either on its shore or on one of the rivers connected to it. Irrisen's capital, Whitethrone, sits on the lake's northeastern shore.
The rulers of the land are thought to be the daughters of Baba Yaga, an ancient creature of powerful magic. It is also known that fey roam the lands, often terrorizing the people, often at the word of their wintery masters.
The councilwoman accepts the barbs without complaint, though she reels back some at the sight of the blue-skinned sprite. At this point, it doesn't seem to make much sound, and you can tell that it's light has been getting dimmer.
Lady Malassene speaks up, "And it seems that those are only the creatures you have faced, so far. As we talked about previously, it seems as if there are other creatures more dangerous at the heart of this winter infestation. I will admit to you that the sum of your reward is not merely due to the value placed on my life. So far, you have been the only ones proven to have the skill to face these creatures. I would urge you to continue your fight, and put an end to whatever is causing this unnatural weather. Can I count on you for this task?"
"The others will need to give their owns words, since mine is worthless for you... I believe that there is no distinction between lies and truths." He shrugs.
"One thing I'm certain though. We've entered those woods expecting to fight only bandits. We now know we face more dangerous threats and I will not go there again unprepared." Oriol says. "We'll wait for your people to bring us your reward... not because I do not trust you, Milady, to fulfill your promise, but simply because we'll need the funds to prepare ourselves."
He then turns to the councilwoman. "Unless, of course, the council judges this matter to be so urgent that they'd give us a 500gp credit to arm ourselves. This way, when the reward arrives, she could use it to repay the town."
Nutar scratches at a bare and fraying point on his hide shirt, staring at the far wall. "Big threats out there. Don't know how well we'll do with how we're equipped. Especially with Uthred gone."
Junan watches the back and forth between Oriol, the council woman, and the noble. "I'm fine with waiting... If we can arm ourselves better, I'm more than happy to go after these fey trouble makers. It's the first good fight I've had in a while. They tend to be more trouble when they are flying though. They're too quick to try to climb a tree to get to them too." He grins at the memory from only a day ago.
Councilwoman fidgets a little, then looks to Lady Malassene, who nods in approval. "Alright, I will arrange with Vivalla at the General Store to have a purse ready for you in the morning. I'm sure that you'll be wanting to rest for the evening before heading out again. I'll also be sure to have Menander arrange some space for you at the Stoat. It's no proper inn, but it's at least got a fireplace to keep you warm at night."