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The small familiar neighborhood had an easy day, now sporting a pair of tiny bat like wings that somehow propels him through the air with little effort and dexterous paws the Red Panda has been helping around the party, fetching things, scouting and reaching places that normally just birds and other flying creatures are allowed to reach.
A fruit in a tree? Sure, he can grab it, help with the charts? Of course he can draw, he's a pretty good artist!
While neither of his actions were extremely helpful or critical he does his best to keep the party's moral high, needlessly to say that his master is very happy of having him helping around.
"I'm beat..! I wonder if Everly is going to feed us soon..?" Wonder the red Panda as he flies near the campfire.
"Good and Good" is the response to Ria's work finding the best place to ford the stream. The praise seems strangely proportional.
Overall, the PCs are finished in two and a half days - you can tell it's earlier than Everly expected, judging by the amount of re-packing she has to do. She hands Dorgan a backpack "For Skinny Bridge Engineers" is the response she offers to his implied question. She uncharacteristically pets Mofu - perhaps turning more than one eye from the group.
One final upsettingly-delicious Everly-cooked meal and the party is off! days pass and with each passing day, the temperature drops substantially as the company treks across the tree line of the mountain forest and into the snow line, climbing in elevation each day.
Traveling ever-upward, you eventually come upon a wide valley that's a clear pass over the mountain range. Too with each passing day, the presence of the wind makes itself increasingly known to any exposed flesh.
A trained Survivalist, this next stretch poses significant risk of Avalanche!
A trained Survivalist, this next stretch poses significant risk of Avalanche!
A trained Survivalist, this next stretch poses significant risk of Avalanche!
...
Dorgan - creative use of spell to cross Mighty River!
Awale - for endeavoring to appease (or amuse?) Everly!
...
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Not being one to follow or even care about fashion Penny dresses pragmatically but also holds some pride in her appearance, so far she has been using the Winter clothes that they were provided at the beginning of their journey, in fact she rarely takes these because she, as usual is expecting the worst from the weather, who is to say that the old Cults can't cast control weather?
"...I tell you, many disasters are actually small pieces of bigger plan to prepare Golarion for... Ugh..! I can't, or I don't dare to imagine..! The Eye of Abendengo? I've no doubts, the cultists can control the weather!" drones Penny as she travels at her own pace trying to identify any oddities.
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Ulfgar has been silent throughout, but with the final meal at the construction site, he grunts his satisfaction and gives Everly a nod of approval before setting aside his empty bowl.
As they travel the next day, his clothing is simple - a thick hide jacket with the fur still on and turned inside and matching pants, and two extra pair of socks in his sturdy boots with the laces loosened to accommodate the extra bulk. His gloves are relatively thin and he keeps the hand not holding a javelin in his pocket for extra warmth, regularly switching hands.
His eyes narrow as he looks up at the mountains, all but disappearing in the creases and folds of skin.
He whistles softly to get everyone's attention. Then he points his javelin at the snow above and makes a sweeping motion with the weapon down across the valley below before pointing to his eyes, then his feet with the forefinger of his free hand.
He takes the lead when they have to cross the snow, carefully studying the path they need to take to avoid any loose snow or undercutting what is packed in.
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Ria pulled her heavy, fur-lined cloak tighter around her body. Between her cloak, chain mail shirt, and the extra-thick gambeson and leggings, she felt like she was twice as bulky as usual, it made it a bit hard to make some movements. The wind kept whistling in occasionally, chilling the linked steel rings that protected her from chest to knees. As long as she kept moving, though, she was managing to keep warm.
As Ria scouted the path ahead, she kept an eye on the layers of snow. There had been a few days of sunshine after the snowstorm last week. The relative warmth had been welcome, but it had been melting the surface of the snowpack slightly, which then froze again at night. Then they'd had a near-blizzard for a few days, dropping a layer of fresh snow. Perfect avalanche conditions. And now, with the smooth, steep slopes they'd started crossing, that danger was getting worse.
Ria backtracked a bit to where the rest of the party was, in time to see Ulfgar pointing out the same dangers she'd seen.
"Be careful as we pass this next area, everyone. The snowpack below us, or further up above us, could easily start sliding down the mountain, taking us with it. We're going to have to stick to the rocky edges of the ridge ahead. Its going to be a bit of climbing, but it will keep us out of the loose snow."
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Dorgen was already heavily wrapped in clothes, but now it's gotten even colder, he starts to resemble a furry sphere, borrowing all the blankets the others aren't using at the moment. He grumbles loudly constantly, "Stupid Pathfinders, why do they send a desert Dwarf into an arctic region. I finally understand why Dwarves typically live in mountains, it's too darn cold on them. Hey, can anyone kill a bear for me? I'd like to wear it as a onesie, I hear they're pretty comfortable."
As Ulfgar climbs the snow-packed hill, Dorgen looks up sheepishly. "Er, can anyone give me a hand? I can jump across sizeable gaps, but going up is a different story altogether." He holds up his mittened hands and opens and closes his hands several times. "Can't really get a good grip with these stubby things, I'm afraid."
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"All right, thanks Ria. Glad someone is able to help the less physically able out here. Everyone else, get out of the way, don't want you tumbling on my head when I slip and cause an avalanche. Ria, you properly secured up there?"
After waiting for an answer, Dorgen tries to hold onto the rope with all his furs. It kinda looks like a snowball trying to roll uphill.
After two attempts of little progress, the third time is indeed the charm. If by "the charm," you mean "goes horribly wrong."
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Awalè's usual loose sandy brown flowing robes remain as the temperature lowers however he has replaced his usual simple sandals with intricately woven wool boots that go up to his calf. This wool is from a ram native to the mountain ranges of the Mwangi Express. Underneath his robe he has the same woven wool knit into sleeves on his arms. He also covers himself in blanket made from the same wool. It is draped over his soldier acting as a cape for keeping him warm. All of this wool has been dyed a dark cream color with black spots.
As Awalè makes it to the top he goes to help Ria. "More rope couldn't hurt he says as he remembers he has some and pulls it out of his bag. He sends down one end holding the other in an attempt to help them climb up too.
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Ria advises using her climbing kit - to which Awalè and Ulfgar agree is best - to tie off the party before struggling up the sheer mountain face slicked dangerously with layers of snow and topped with loose scree...
..., but the rope Ria secured to the team holds firm, and she easily regains it, girded securely. Ulfgar leads the pack, but when Dorgen starts slipping down the slick incline - - his companion just in time without disturbing the rope-train - and with that, the party is more-or-less quickly to the top without further incident.
Once across the wide valley and mountain pass, the path descends into the trees once more. Covered in snow, the trees jut out of the snow defiantly, tall and proud, reminding the party not only of the difficulties of the terrain and weather, but also the celebration of overcoming it.
Up ahead, something lurks...
What is the commotion? You don't see anything yet...
There is someone or something hiding from sight amongst the snowy trees, but you can't get a clear visual - maybe more than one creature?
A canine creature - hiding in the snowy trees!
A dog - wearing a small barrel around it's neck - hiding in the snowy trees!
...
Ulfgar - for saving Dorgen from falling!
Awalè @ (10)+7+1 = 18
Dorgen @ (13)+0+1 = 14
Penny @ (15)-1+1 = 15
Ria @ (14)+6+1 = 21
Ulfgar @ (18)+6+1 = 25
...
While the canine is exhibiting territorial posture, it doesn't appear to be of overly-aggressive inclination.
Perhaps it is just wary of your group?
You believe that if you (and your party) could exhibit non-threatening body language yourselves, it might even come out from hiding and approach!
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Ulfgar studies the creature, his visage grim. Then, it brightens and he grunts.
He looks around at the group with him. He points to the animal in the distance again then to the group then himself, then his weapons.
Very deliberately, he lays his weapons down then sits down calmly and watches the animal, showing all signs of being unconcerned by its presence and uninterested in getting any closer to it.
When Ulfgar lays down his weapons, a dog approaches - large and incredibly fluffy, wearing a small barrel around it's neck - coming out from hiding amid the snowy trees, but only a few feet, before stopping. It looks first towards Mofu, then at Bala. It doesn't keep it's eyes off the hunting cat while it remains still, sniffing the air to catch the party's scent...
...
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Taking Ulfgar's meaning Awalè slowly puts his weapons away trying not to move to suddenly.
Noticing that the dog is steadily looking at Bala he walks away from the group and dog, motioning Bala to follow. "I will let you all handle the dog. It does not seem to trust Bala much," he says in a low monotone voice as he walks away.
At what he feels is a safe distance he keeps an eye on the dog in case it suddenly thinks their lowered guard is a opportunity to attack.
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"Uff...! That was insane I was already picturing myself falling back there... Thanks guys, you certainly know your way when it comes to climb mountains!" Says a grateful and still dazed Witch, she isn't used to so much physically demanding activity, much less one that also requires coordination too!
The Dog didn't go unnoticed, at first she gets her hands up and ready to zap any hostile creature but upon seeing her teammates interact with it she relaxes a little.
"What a fluffy dog! I wonder what it is doing up there... What a relief for a moment I thought it was a wolf or similarly canine monster." commented Penny as she slowly approach it.
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Ulfgar taps his throat then points at the dog, drawing attention to the barrel it is wearing. Clearly not something a wild animal would put on itself.
Still moving slowly and with no jerky movements, he rises to his feet and slowly approaches the animal. He holds a hand out toward it to let it catch his scent.
The dog keeps it's gaze fixed upon Bala, but advances at equal pace to the large feline's commanded retreat, measure by measure, until finally coming to sniff Ulfgar's outstretched hand. It ponders him for a moment, then circles around him - pausing briefly to turn it's head 90 degrees sideways witnessing the talking panda - and returns to the tree it was hiding behind, but instead of hiding, turns it's head back now to look at Ulfgar, waiting...
...eventually - perhaps after a brief discussion - the party decides to tag along. The dog leads them half a mile or so, criss-crossing this way and that into the snowy forest, eventually coming upon a small cottage. It walks up to the door, and sits, then looks back at Ulfgar again, and waits...
...
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Ulfgar retrieves his weapons before following. Now that he's got the dog's trust, he hopes the action doesn't break it. But, befriending a tame dog is one thing, walking through an alpine forest in a world that has remorhazes, white dragons and yetis without any weapons is an entirely different one.
When they arrive at the cottage, he rolls his eyes at Awale's question and gives a sharp shake of his head before knocking on the door. He laces his fingers together and holds his hands in front of him at stomach level. It's about as far away from his weapons as he can get his hands without looking silly.
"I can see that Wilbert has met you..." having opened the door, the orcish man looks now to his trusty companion, and lifts his head, to which Wilbert offers his paw, a response that seems to satisfy him "...and you him. Do come in, and shut the door" he glances at everyone in the party once, locking eyes, lingering just a mite longer with Penny, and turns to re-enter what is presumably his own cottage.
Wilbert looks to Ulfgar now, smiling and panting, but doesn't move.
"More movement these days than there used to be" the man muses to himself from inside, reaching into the backpack.
Inside the cottage looks... not warm, but at least less colder than outside... a small table with small wooden chairs, an unlit fireplace, a larger and smaller pile of assorted furs on the floor, a buck hanging dead and upside down from the ceiling by hook and rope, a cauldron. Upon the table, several wooden cups. A large backpack leaning against the corner. Modest, but neat.
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Dorgen remembers he's read about potentially hostile Orcs in the region. But, on the other hand, that fireplace does look inviting...
Not trusting the situation, Dorgen remains outside. "Er, hello. Hope we're not interrupting anything. We were just passing by, and your dog spotted us and brought us here. What are you doing out here, all alone?"
He glances at Ulfgar, who seems to take the lead here. "People, what do we do? A guy all alone in the mountains, in conditions like these, is either a nutter, or incredibly powerful. Maybe both. I don't want him to chop us up and feed us to his dog."
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Ria smiled at the dog as it appeared, but let Ulfgar approach alone so it wouldn't get startled.
Once at the lonely hut in the mountains, Ria surveys the small cottage and doesn't see anything beyond a mountain hermit's home. Ria isn't sharing Dorgen's reluctance.
"The man has offered us hospitality, Dorgen, it would be rude to refuse it." Ria whispers. "Besides, think of what he might be able to tell us about the area, and the best path to take from here."
Ria steps into the hut, her shield still on her back where she keeps it while they're traveling. She transfers her spear to her left hand, leaning on it like a walking staff. She extends her empty weapon hand to the orcish man in greeting.
"Hello, I'm Ria."
"You have questions" Ria is unsure if the old man is asking, telling, or guessing - perhaps all three? - as she steps into his cottage...
...While Dorgan hesitates, and the rest of the party [redacted], a gust blows some snow a foot or so into the cottage...
...inside, he grabs some things from his backpack - tea? looks like so - and setting it on the table, kneels down at the fire place and starts re-lighting some half-burned logs "I told you to shut the door" unsure here if he is reminding, or scolding, or both?...
...
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Unsure about the old man Awalé initially decides to stay out, but his curiosity about the old man seems to override his concerns. He tells Bala to wait outside wrapping him in his cold weather blanket. "I know it is cold, but the dog seems like it's being territorial. If you fought the dog, then we'd have to fight the man. We should give them a chance before slaying them in their own home."
Awalè puts away his swords as he walks into the cottage after Ria."I am Awalè," he says as slightly bows in thanks for the hospitality. He positions himself away from the orc and dog as he takes in the contents of the cottage. He finds himself particularly interested in the pile of furs.
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Fearing the worst of the situations the Nidalese woman takes a peek inside the house tentatively, it sure looks warmer than staying outside.
She also notices how the man retrieve what looks like tea from a backpack, but who is to say that it isn't poison or another equally foul substance!
Of course it must also be noted that Penny is slightly harder to read than the others because she doesn't use weapons at all but may be just as dangerous with her cantrips,that and the crazed look on her eyes filled with Paranoia.
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The red panda also takes a look inside, it certainly looks comfy, he seriously want to go but he can't leave her master behind and the Witch is mora than a little reluctant to enter.
"Dear Master, even if this kindly man is a Cultist we should enter because... He may hold more secret knowledge about the cults' machinations! That's it, you must uncover those. says the Familiar trying to convince her Master to enter.
However due to her small size or by the fact that Penny is obstruying the way the poor Mofu can't make out any details!
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Dorgen takes a look at the warm fire and the pile of furs, and at Awalè and Ria already inside, then says "Well, if my face is eaten off, I'm blaming you guys," and follows them inside.
Inside, he flops down by the fire and lets out a big sigh of relief. "Ohh, finally, I can feel my toes thawing out again. Pardon me, where are my manners? My name's Dorgen, and we've been on a trek through these mountains. I mean, that should be obvious, since we're here now and.." He shuts up, collects his thoughts, and starts again.
"Thank you for inviting us in, it is much appreciated. Can we repay you in any way? I'm afraid we don't have much, but we can provide several services, and I'm sure we can chop some wood for you as thanks or something."
"The cat can come" the old man talks into the fireplace which echoes backwards, as he continues to light the logs...
You believe the skins to be a collection of taxidermy trophies, and that the party is in danger here - perhaps next!
It's Tea!
Once the fire gets going, he rises and turns around "Bark" that must be his name "Do sit" not the warmest invitation. To Dorgen "I stand to sell my own talent with primal magic - you all do not look in need of that though" pivoting to a question now "What is your mission in these parts?" and he waits at the table, standing, leaving the seats for his guests.
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Ulfgar heads into the cabin without (much) hesitation. He keeps dagger thoroughly sheathed and axe and javelins on his back and his hands clear.
Once snow blows inside, the dwarf closes the door, unless anyone else rushes in.
Then, he heads to the fireplace to light a fire. It's a little strange that there isn't one already burning in such cold weather, but perhaps he's marshalling resources.
You unsure the last time the fireplace has been lit...
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Dorgen begins carefully, "There's, er, an open call to find a new route through these mountains to allow for easier trade. I'm sure we can find a different route if you'd rather be left alone. But on the other side, if you do want more company, and maybe some sort of compensation, this could be a win-win situation for both camps. You get more visitors, and travellers have a nice rest stop. That is, assuming you're open to this kind of agreement."
A hint of doubt creeps back into his voice. "I mean, I guess you're all alone by choice? Having a new trade route by your doorstep would mean a lot of strangers coming by constantly. Doesn't that interfere with your... business? Whatever that might be?"
After hearing that Awalè companion is allowed in, Dorgen pats the ground next to him. "Come on, Bala, come sit next to me and not bother that dog. Give me that precious body heat."
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As Awalè looks at what he thought were furs he slowly becomes unsettled. He looks outside to get Bala's attention and gives him a nod that Bala knows to mean get ready. Looking once again at the furs he is unsure of their actual origin, but he is positive that there is something wrong with them. Whether it's because of how they were harvested are what they were harvested from he is sure there is danger in this cottage. Awalè tries to quietly and without notice move over to Penny.
"Penny, we must be careful. There is something not quite right about this man and this cottage. Do cultist often skin strange things," he whispers as he tries to subtly pull out his sword.
Ignoring the man's question Awalé suddenly asks, "What do you hunt in these woods that you have so many furs? Animals around here seem sparse."
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After being literally pushed inside by her familiar Penny gets inside the cottage, perhaps she was outside for too long as her hair and clothes are covered in snow and small icy shards, she enters awkwardly, more than usual.
Of course..! That what they do to immortalize the sacrifices to their foul deities! Listen... I come from Nidal and the things these lunatics worships are far worse than the midnight Lord.. Brrr..!" There was no doubt, Penny was really scared and ready to fight or flight but she's close to froze solid from her exposure to the elements, perhaps she can play along just enough to warm herself and coordinate the party before is too late.
Also, surprisingly the mysterious substance was in fact, tea no an exotic toxin, the Witch can't believe it but upon seeing the taxidermy she connect the dots, this particular cultists prefer to use a knife or equally shard blade to skin his victims.
Guys..! I don't like this..! Not at all!" Adds Penny trying to get the party attention.
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Seeing that her master is about to do something reckless the flying Red Panda takes the matter on his own Paws, dangerous or not if something happens to him he'll be back tomorrow anyways, it wouldn't be the first time that he gets killed by "cultists".
"Good sir! I'm Mofu, I fear my master has got the wrong impression about you, she's always like that, allow this gracious and noble Red Panda to apologize I'm her name and if it isn't too much to ask... Have you saw the yellow sign..?" says the little animal as he tries to solve the situation or at least getting proofs that the man in question isn't a cultists, that being said despite his best intentions Mofu is still a flying and fluffy red animal with the voice of a child it's hard to take him seriously.
Apparently his words holds great significance as Penny immediately jumps in surprise and literally hides behind Awalé expecting the worst.
As Penny's Conspiracy spreads - despite Ria's attempts to diffuse it! - the old man potentially escalates it's viability by talking to his dog in full audience of the party "You see old chap - this is why it's you and me" then, as if to illustrate his point, he addresses Mofu now with perhaps a dignity and respect the panda has yet to become accustomed to receiving "What is the yellow sign? I know not of what you speak"
As if to rebuff the accusations lurking behind the question meant to confirm them, he ignores Awalè, but does seem to appreciate Ria's efforts by responding thoughtfully "I can point out a few good stretches, yes".
He nods as Ulfgar begins turning the logs, enacting a slightly better flame pattern to lick across the surface of the wood, and nods, and tends to his teapot now, hanging it from a hook near the fire to begin warming the water. Perhaps he was thinking on Dorgen's question, because he sits back down to answer "Yes, I heard about the Bounty. Explains the increased traffic we've had here of late. I can point you towards a shortcut through the mountains - hopefully avoiding the tribes" dodging the query about his profession, he still seems irritated with at least half of those in his presence, but makes no moves to banish anyone from his residence at the moment.
As the cottage slowly heats while Ulfgar tends the fire, the water over it comes to a boil, and he offers tea to everyone except Awalè and Penny (!) - and furthermore makes no effort to explain his omission (!!) - but does relax a bit as the tea steeps "You can stay for breakfast, but then you must go" he states plainly and simply.
...
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When the hermit serves the tea, Ulfgar's eyebrows do some small acrobatics, first rising in surprise then falling as he squints his eyes in suspicion.
He does not drink the tea, even a sip.
Instead, he rises, gives a polite nod of thanks and moves toward the door, gesturing for the rest of the party to follow him.
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"I'm still not at ease... This man scares me... But maybe, just maybe... He isn't a Cultist." Comments Penny as she tries to enjoy the warmer temperature.
"I dunno..." For one Penny was still wary but in other hands they're way better here than wandering through the frozen wilderness but then again they must eventually leave anyways.
"Hey guys do you think that I for once overreacted?" Asks the Witch as if it would be the first time she makes an scene out of paranoia.
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Ria, wondered if her companions are a bit prejudiced against orcs, and that's why they're all so suspicious of Bark. She knows there are plenty of vicious orcs in the world, she's fought a few. But they usually attacked first, asked questions later. They didn't invite you in for tea. There was a number of orc Lastpeople she had fought beside in the war against the undead. Not that it helped much, in the end, but they proved orcs weren't all savages like many people thought they were.
Ria accepts a cup of tea and drinks it, glad for the warmth. "Thank you for your offer, Bark, but I don't think we'll be imposing on you for breakfast. Food is scarce enough up here, we don't want to use up your and Wilbert's stores. I think we'll be heading out, soon. The information about the shortcut would be much appreciated. We don't want to bother the tribes, or have the caravan trail we're trying to blaze run through their territory." Ria pulls out the map the party has been tracking their path on, so that Bark can point out the path.