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The hull of the Grinning Pixie creaks and groans in the freezing waters of Kalsgard, at the mouth of the Rimeflow River. Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, the half-orc captain of the vessel, shivers as she strides in to her well-furnished cabin and out of the bitter winds. A Varki woman clad in leathers and a snow leopard fur coat is already seated inside the cabin. “Welcome to the Linnorm Kingdoms,” says Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry.
She takes a long drag from a hip flask before continuing. “The North is no place for a free captain, but here we are. Oh, Kalsgard is fine—they’ve got stiff drink here—but you’ve got to head inland, where it’s even colder.” She pulls her mammoth-fur coat tighter across her body as she continues.
“I hope you all weren’t planning to freeze to death and packed for the weather. You’ve all heard of Jormurdun? Well, that dwarven sky citadel contained an artifact called the Sky Key. King Gutheran broke it into five pieces and gave four of them to his heirs as they fled the invasion, keeping the fifth for himself. One of Gutheran’s heirs, Naldak, traveled into what is now southwestern Irrisen and established a small town called Naldak’s Point. That’s where the trail goes cold. Most likely, Baba Yaga wiped them out when she invaded. The piece of the Sky Key and the ruins of Naldak’s Point are probably buried under a millennium of ice and snow, just waiting for someone—you—to go dig them out. I’ve packed you ten blocks of blackfire clay to make the task more manageable,” the venture-captain says, handing over a backpack stuffed with black bricks. “Don’t forget to take these with you.”
“You’re heading east, up the Rimeflow and Thundering Rivers, past the Grungir Forest, and into Irrisen. Desna smiles—the site is about half a day’s hike north of Dalun, a small trade city on the Irrisen border. Take a small river boat packed with supplies and a letter of trade, make nice with the city officials, and see if you can get permission to travel inland. Head to the site and find our missing Sky Key piece. You’ll know you’re on the right track if you recover signs that the royal family settled there. Watch yourselves in Irrisen. Antagonizing the locals is like poking a sleeping ice bear in the eye, except it won’t kill you as quickly. The Society is not especially welcome in Irrisen, so try to keep what friends we have, and if you can, make new ones. With that it mind, I’ve hired a local to bring you safely to Dalun.” Venture-Captain Benarry gestures toward the Varki woman. “This is Haltani, and she will guide you into and out of Irrisen alive.”
The Varki woman springs to her feet gracefully and addresses the party. “It is always a pleasure to meet travelers from faraway lands. It is true that Irrisen is a harsher land than most. Keep your wits about you, and your journey should be profitable.”
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"HA!" Uoralveren laughs. "You think this is harsh? I'm from the Crown of the World, where we wouldn't see the sun for months and snow drifts hundred of feet deep.". The snow elf is bundled tightly in traditional Ilverani garb.
He bows to Haltani. "Pleasure to meet you.". Uoralveren does not introduce himself however. "It's nice to be up in the snow. Absalom was making me too soft, you know?"
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”Salutations. “ says the arcanist as he enters and sees a distant cousin elf.
”Absalom has its positives as well as negatives. The harsh temperatures of the lands described will undoubtedly induce memories of the softer comforts before we travel far within. “
He paused then speaks after some though
”However, the chance to trace the steps of Baba Yaga and a piece of the legendary Sky Key will make the trip most worthwhile. “
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- Venture-Captain Benarry takes a moment to answerany questions the PCs have before sending them upriver.
- If the PCs need to purchase any gear, the Grinning Pixie’s quartermaster can sell them nearly any mundane or alchemical gear in addition to magic items worth 2,500 gp or less.
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Evelyn had a beaming smile on the Grinning Pixie, helping the crew with practised ease, sharing their meals, taking her share of the sleepless nights, enjoying singing sea shanties in the storms. The half elf is really at home on a ship
She seems a little bit disappointed when time comes to go ashore, but she knows her mission is important.
Evelyn Kellbor on report, Captain! It was a pleasure being on the Pixie, Captain! I'm sure the quartermaster should have finished tailoring the warmer set of clothes I payed for a few days ago. I've heard of the frozen cold of Irisen, the power of the White Witches and the legends of Baba Yaga, but not much more than hearsay.
She sniggers when the Captain mention the trail going cold in Irisen
Of course it went cold here, by Besmara salty kisses!
I have a few questions, Captain! Does the Society has enemies here in Irisen, Captain? Could someone else be looking for the Sky Key pieces? How do we use the blackfire clay?
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Haltani answers to Evelyn "Not all of Irrisen is bad, but the land is dangerous. Ice trolls, snow goblins, or even winter wolves can accost unwary travelers. Dalun is safe, though; they accept outsiders and are eager for trade. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the city and have many contacts there.”
Captain Benarry continues "Yes, it is possible you may very well meet folks who are interested in Sky Key, though I don't think that's likely. Aspis consortium is probably only other group that might know something about it."
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"Fascinating!" A catfolk in shining armor walks down the gangplank and surveys the expedition. "A change for certain from my previous engagements, but there is honor and glory to be found in all places - and Sir Maximilien de Léone is sure to find them!"
"In this harsh land, the Jadwiga, descendents of the mighty Baba Yaga they say sometimes capture and enslave Ulfen people."
"Ah, but what of those that look outside their borders?" Maximilien answers grandly. "These stilyagi, these 'culture-crows' - while they may have outdated or inaccurate ideas of other cultures, they could be an ally in this cold land where monsters have more rights than people." He sniffs dismissively.
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If at least one PC is trained in Profession (sailor) then that PC is expected to sail your boat. If no one has skill then Haltani does it.
The wind carries the small sailing vessel upriver. On the banks, the occasional elk or deer dashes away at the sight of the ship. At night, the temperature drops dramatically while wolves howl in the distance. The trip up the Rimeflow and Thundering Rivers takes several weeks, but passes in relative safety. Most of the landscape is comprised of rocky grassland and rough hills. The Land of the Linnorm Kings is a rugged land with rugged people. Occasionally the PCs pass fishing villages where grim people give them evaluating gazes, scowl at them, or ignore them completely.
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Ecthelien turns to respond to Uoralveren and begins to speak, but halts. After a moment he continues.
This is not a question I have been asked. Of my original parents and homeland I know little, except for myself and younger brother being separated from our family during the war with Molthune.
We were taken in by a couple who claimed to be clergy of Sarenrae in the Town of Tamran in Nirmathas. They actually were imposters of Razmir and we eventually escaped, but it left a mark on us and we had to leave the country.
He finally seems to relax, as if a great weight has been lifted.
Working as guards and adventurers eventually led us to join the Society. My more athletic brother always favored the sword and bow of our kin, but the arcane arts have fueled my desires since.
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During the sail Haltani is very eager to discuss with you. "Where do you people come from? What do you do in your Society and what kind of things have you discovered? What faiths do you follow?" she asks among other things
Occasionally she takes a pale blue diamond necklace from under her furs and gaze longingly at it.
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Uoralveren stutters. He's always been a bit hesitant to talk about his upbringing in detail. "I'm from north of here. Cold. Snow. But that is the history of the Ilverani. We mainly worship Findeladlara, the Guiding Hand. Goddess of art, architecture, and twilight.". He shuts his mouth and doesn't want to continue his story - at least not at the moment.
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I hunt the waves as a follower of the Pirate Queen, Besmara, hailing from port to port, switching ships when needed. Had a few adventures for the Pathfinders, joined only recently. Got Confirmed, as the said, explored a lost tower full of stinking troglodites, searched sewers for a delusional (or maybe not) man thinking he was a Prince. Oh, and my first mission was to avert a cataclysm on a demi plane linked to a tapestry. So even if I wasn't onto the seas I love so much, it has been quite a trip!
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”I’ve been serving the Society in Taldor recently,” the tall catfolk explains over drinks. ”Though I did make a most wondrous journey to the Plane of Earth to impress potential allies. I do believe that went well.” He smiles proudly. ”As for my guiding star, that would be Iomedae. May we all strive to act as honorably and justly as her.”
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"Not more than a week's travel. It's a nice litte town and as you are from the North yourself, Uoralveren, likely you'll enjoy your stay there."
A bend in the river and several large rocks cause white-water rapids across most of the water’s breadth; only a narrow channel with a swift current flows without obstruction near the southern bank. Tall trees grow on either shore, casting shadows with their large overhanging branches.
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With her keen sight, Evelyn spots the net, waiting to trap their boat, and she maneuvers the helm with expertise, holding on some ropes to moves the sails at the same time.
Wanna play dirty, landlubbers? Eat my foam! Besmara smiles on me this time! Come aboard if you dare, I swear I'll take your loot and give the Queen of the Seas her share of blood and gold!
She laughs defiantly, fully in her element
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The net is wide enough to cover entire stream. Two local Ulfen warriors come to the shore and the other shouts "Halt, foreigners! What is your business here? Once we have searched your ship, you must come with us to Whiterook and speak with Halvor, our leader."
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"We are headed to the small trading outpost of Dalun. We are headed there to explore an old historic site nearby. Some believe it may be buried under snow and ice, but we are determined to find it.". Uoralveren pulls out papers. "We have papers of travels if you want to see. How far is this Whiterook from here?"
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The guards lead the PCs into their small but well defended village. The village of Whiterook sits against a tall cliff wall. A line of close-growing birch trees and tangle of vines shield the village, acting as a natural palisade. One of the larger birches bears a carved bird, which lends the village its name. In the center of the village, a massive fire pit sits stocked with timbers and dry brush as if ready for a massive bonfire. While going about their daily chores, villagers give you wary looks.
Several humanoid bodies hang naked in the trees outside the palisade. Hanging next to them is the skinned corpse of what appears to be a bear-sized wolf. Haltani stares at the bodies in disgust muttering “Savage butchers… monsters all.”
The guards lead you to the center of the village, near the unlit fire pit, while one of Whiterook’s citizens fetches the village’s battle leader, Halvor. He is a tall man with massive muscles, long blond hair, and a thick beard, whose face bears numerous battle scars. "Greetings, what business brings you this far east, strangers?" he asks
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"Greetings. You must be Halvor. Pleasure to meet you.". Uoralvern bows before the large muscled man.
"Our destination is to the town of Dalun. There, we head half a day's north to a site we believe has historical relevance.". He continues, looking at Halvor for any reaction.
"We have travel papers and letters of trade. Do you want to see them? Is there anything we can help you with?"
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“I know of Dalun and their claims of peace. I believed those claims myself, up until the last moon. They sent envoys to talk of trade, but as we were about to let them in, we were attacked by winter wolves, ice trolls, and a dozen Jadwiga soldiers.” He spits on the ground before continuing. “We slew enough of them to scare them off, but lost many good warriors. I just wished we had captured that Jadwiga witch while she was here, but she vanished into the night.” Halvor speaks with concerned tone
“Going into Irrisen expecting anything but death is folly. Ice and pain await you there; even if you live, you will have lost much by going there.” he continues
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"We know that the envoy was led by Uliyara, daughter of Baroness Nadya, the ruler of Dalun. It seems she used magic to make her escape once the fighting started."
Halvor brings scraps of uniforms and other equipment to Ecthelien. "This is what they left behind."
Evelyn thinks Haltani is stressed by the situation for some reason.
“My warriors demand retribution. We will go with you to Dalun, acting as your caravan guards. Once outside the city’s walls, we’ll attack. After that, you can continue on your way without the threat of Dalun at your backs.” Halvor confidently declares
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"It is indeed," Sir Maximilien confirms. "Not the town of Dalun at all. Good sir, do you mean to tell us you did not recognize the uniforms of your neighbors from your other neighbors? Do you pay such little attention to details before declaring war? Or did you simply not wish to examine them closely to preserve a convenient narrative?" His feline face is hard as he looks up at the chieftain.