A letter from Lady Gloriana Morilla has set you on your way to Iceferry, in the frozen Land of the Linnorm Kings.
When you arrive at the docks on the northern bank of the Rimeflow river you are expected. You are met by a gnome Pathfinder who energetically hails you. Bundled in furs and scarves, she holds her waving arm at the elbow with her other hand as if trying to push her flailing hand higher in the air to get your attention. "Hi! I'm Lirall! Pleased to meet you! Come with me, come come!" She introduces herself, states that the venture-captain is expecting you, and offers to take you through the snow-dusted streets to the local lodge.
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An attractive Varisian woman with long, wavy dark hair and wearing a red riding cloak gathers with the others on the dock. She pulls the cowl of the cloak back revealing her green piercing eyes. She has a no nonsense, serious expression and is bedecked in fashionable jewelry and attire. Several tiny gems magically orbit slowly around the crown of her head. She has a finely-crafted slim morningstar tucked in her belt at her hip. A light crossbow, carved on the stock with images of noble hunters and their hounds, hangs from a strap on the other side of her belt.
A young man follows behind her, pulling a small multi-colored wagon painted in Varisian gypsy style loaded with gear, weapons, and various adventuring supplies.
Not a bad journey so far, Countess.
He says quietly.
She gives a slight nod to the boy, then turns towards those assembled with her chin slightly upward.
Greetings. I am Countess Inga Morgenstern.
She says softly in a thick Varisian accent. She delicately offers her hand, with palm facing down, in greeting.
I received this missive not long ago. We are to restore an Ulfen's dishonored past?
She says softly and continues,
With my connections, this shouldn't be too difficult.
I am, however, very interested to investigate this ancient murder mystery. Surely, the kind spirits will watch over us.
She grins slightly.
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I've been called far worse in my time...Rally's fine... the elf says with a laugh. He then nods his head in acknowledgement of the Countess. Nice to meet you, my lady...forgive my lack of bowing...my ribs are still a bit tender from my last mission...golems don't have soft hands. And yes, Myth...something strong would be nice...[/b]
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Well, it is a pleasure to meet you all.
She says with a warm smile, feeling more comfortable.
Why, yes, Grunjar. My surname does translate to "morningstar". It comes from my Ustalavian side of my family.
Since I'm sure we'll become good friends, please, call me Inga.
Inga's expression suddenly goes blank as if lost in deep thought. A low, gutteral voice growls within her subconscious.
"Oh, Inga, my love. Don't be so naïve. Remember the last few times you trusted people? Grandmaster Torch? Tancred Desimire? And those Taldan nobles that tried to have you... Us killed?
Don't trust them... yet. And if any of them dare to lay a finger on you I will tear them limb from limb."
"Quiet, Klaus. I'm sure everything will be fine."
Inga snaps out of it and smiles at her companions.
I think we'll be an excellent team together.
Lirall leads you to a large house. Just inside the double doors of the home Lirall heads to a panel of pulleys near the entrance, each colour-coded cord labeled with a tag. She sorts through them for a moment before pulling the one labeled “Map Room.”
A dog howls nearby, and a man calls out with a throaty voice, “Please come in, friends. Mahki and I have been expecting you.”
Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen is a muscular well-groomed half orc dressed in a dark tunic and breeches. He leans over a large desk and studies several aged pages, and the dog Mahki eagerly weaves amongst you to give each of you a sniff. “I trust your travels were pleasant,” begins Bjersig as he looks up to appraise new faces, punctuating certain words or phrases with hand signs. “I am Bjersig Torrsen, head of this lodge. You know Lirall, and Mahki is already introducing himself.”
Torssen moves a parchment toward the front of his desk. “An early Pathfinder agent named Eylysia chronicled an unnamed colleague’s investigation of a feud between two families. Centuries ago, it began with accusations of witchcraft and a gruesome execution, and the two have clashed ever since. However, the families chased off Eylysia’s colleague, and it appears someone hid these records so that a later generation might investigate the incident when the wounds were less fresh. Other agents discovered the records recently and sent them to me, and I have cross referenced them with local histories here at the lodge. I believe I have a lead.”
With that, he strides over to a large map hanging on the wall, points to a pin stuck into a settlement labeled “Frostbreach,” and continues. “Eylysia’s friend was investigating legends of Kolvi: the so-called Jarlsblood Witch, a warrior executed for using ice magic to kill a king. Legends say she was untouched by winter and was ferociously strong, so she set out to slay a linnorm and become a linnorm king. The reigning linnorm king followed her with his boon companions, and a terrible blizzard struck. Days later, Kolvi returned with the king’s frozen head. The town branded her a traitor, a witch, and an Irriseni sympathizer, sentencing her to death and using her maimed corpse to create a terrible effigy. The tales say that her body disappeared only a few days afterward, which the local folk took as further sign of her supernatural malice. Frostbreach is only a shadow of the town it once was a few centuries ago. Even Kolvi’s relatives have taken on a new surname—Trolltooth—and without Eylysia’s records, I might not have known which family’s reputation Gloriana wanted investigated and restored. I ask that you take the Path of Aganhei and travel to Frostbreach. Explore the town and surrounding area, and interview the people. Confirm what truths you can, debunk the rest, and follow whatever promising leads you find. I recognise that proving the Trolltooth family innocent would be best for the Society, but I leave it up to you to find the real truth, not the most convenient.”
Frostbreach was once a bustling trade town just east of the Path of Aganhei, used for restocking any travelers with supplies they would need before delving farther north. However, many avoid the town now because of the wintry misfortunes that seem to befall travelers as they pass through.
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Ice storms and blizzards are commonplace near Frostbreach for more than half the year.
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Before asking any questions, Inga reveals to the group what she knows.
Ohh, what a friendly dog.
Mahki sticks his nose where it doesn't belong.
No, no, doggy. Go over there.
Embarrassed, Inga chuckles nervously as the dog gets a bit too friendly.
"Get that dog away from me, Inga. Kill it! Or I will."
Hush, Klaus. I, nor you, will do no such thing.
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Once the vessel docked, a half-elf of Taldan ancestry waited for his horse to be taken off the ship. "There, there, it was not that bad. I need to act more that befits my station and not walk all over the place Shadow." Lorian said to the horse as he pulled out an apple left over from the trip and gave it to the creature. The horse quickly nipped at the apple, not caring if he got a finger or two in the process.
Joining the group he made his way to the lodge,he was please to see another Taldan noble that had came to Iceferry at the request of Lady Gloriana Morilla
"Greetings Countess Inga Morgenstern, I am Marquis Lorian Therian, Ambassador of Taldor. Please to meet you Rallas, Grunjar, Mythryndyr." he added. "I agree Myth, something with some kick would be a good idea but I will settle for a good fire"
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A dark skinned halfling or wayang to those in the know, spots the group as they enter and quickly slips up behind them to join the group.
He is wearing a blacked tanned lamellar armor made of leather and has a short sword sheathed on his waist with a crossbow held by a baldric on his back.
He smiles at the others in the group, "I seem to have arrived earlier the the rest of you. Name is Lucifer Belthrue, explorer and dungeon delver. I've been cooped up in the Emerald Spire for the last year, so doing something else should be refreshing."
With some time to listen and gather some info, Lucifer tells the rest of the group what he knows about Frostbreach.
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Grunjar is very impressed by the knowledge his comrades. Unfortunately, he cannot contribute anything.
Wow, they know this neighborhood quite well. Maybe I'm travelling too much to remember everything as detailed as they do...
Yes, my dear Queen of the North Star, of course I was joking. There is no such thing as too much travelling...
Grunjar seems to be deep in thought and nearly misses the question of Myth.
“Frostbreach is a very self-sufficient town, so we do not see many of their traders here in Iceferry. However, I was able to learn about one of the living descendants of the Trolltooth family who might be able to help you when you arrive. Her name is Eigma, and she runs the local leatherworking shop there.” Torssen answers Myth.
"Make sure you're equipped for the cold. I have transportation waiting, it shouldn't take you more than a day to reach Frostreach by horse."
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At an opportune time, Inga raises her hand to get Bjersig's attention. When called on, she faces him and speaks clearly so he can easily read her lips.
Greetings, Mister Bjersig. What is this "Path of Aganhei" that you mentioned? Is it a main road or just a simple path or trail? Are there rest stops and towns along the way?
Inga turns towards her companions.
With reports of winter storms, we may need more than just an endure elements spell. If there are no ample places for lodging along the way, I would suggest we possibly find a way to create our own magical lodgings. The mention of ”wintery misfortunes" has me a bit worried. Besides blizzards, avalanches come to mind. Not to mention ice elementals or snow golems also come to mind.
Torssen takes note of the Countess. "The Path of Aganhei? Oh, there are towns and rest stops" the Venture Captain chuckles.
"The Path is actually two overlapping trade routes, one connecting the Successor States of Lung Wa with the Realm of the Mammoth Lords and the Sellen Passage, the other carrying travellers from Minkai to the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. This latter road begins in Hongal in Tian Xia, crossing the Wall of Heaven through the Altan Zuud, climbs the High Ice at Ovorikheer Pass, descends back to the Outer Rim at Koumssa Gap, and enjoys relative safety as it passes through Hasanaliat and Urjuk before climbing the Rimethirst Mountains. From there it branches, crossing the Stormspear Hills and ending at Kalsgard in the west and running through miles of tundra toward Icestair in the east.
If you meet any samurai, you've probably gone too far." Torssen laughs again, good-naturedly. "Frostbreach is not more than one day along the Path by horse. Lirall has arranged steeds for you, they are waiting out front."
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Inga tilts her head as she listens to Bjersig's lengthy description of the trail.
My gracious. It sounds like that road travels the entire circumference of the world. Thank the gods, or at least Desna,
Inga winks at Grunjar,
that we only need to travel one day.
After hearing the mention of borrowing horses, She chimes in, sounding a bit disappointed.
Horses, you say?
She says with a frown.
Is there any possibility of procuring a... more comfortable way? Perhaps a horse-drawn covered sleigh to take us there? I will gladly pay the fee.
"This Bjersig chap sure knows a lot, Inga.
I'm starting to like him. Forget what I said about his dog. Just keep it away.”
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"Thanking Desna is never a bad idea, Countess. Especially if you are about to travel!"
After hearing that they all should ride horses, Grunjar's face falls.
But the proposition from the countess to rent a sleigh cheers him up again almost immediately.
"I'll gladly pay a part of the fee if it means I don't have to ride... Sadly, horses do not really agree with me."
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"Well, a sleigh should be possible Countess. But the people here favour practicality over luxury. I doubt that you'll find anything akin to a Taldan carriage or Varisian caravan. Lirall, see if you can help would you?" Torssen suggests.
Lirall nods enthusiastically. "I know just the man."
She leads you back out front where seven horses with tack await. She tells you all of their names, and gives you a sack of carrots "Don't give them all at once!" she warns. "I'll go find you a sled. Back in two shakes of a linnorm's tails!"
Sure enough, not ten minutes later, Lirall returns driving a horse-drawn covered sleigh. "I got you a discount! Eight gold pieces per day's hire. I can get you a driver as well for a round ten. Reckon you'll need mebbe two days each way, plus some time for exploring."
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Grunjar is happy that he is not forced to ride a horse.
"Thank you, Lirall, may Lady luck always guide your way! Do we have to pay in advance? If yes, how much? We do not know how many days we might need for exploring once we get to Frostbreach..."
He then turns to Inga.
"Countess, I'm strongly in favor of a driver. Or do you know how to operate such a vehicle?"
"I paid the first day's hire. You can settle up when you get back. I'm sure you'll be careful enough not to break the sled or kill the horses, right?" Lirall smiles cheerfully and waves you off.
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It takes almost two days to get to Frostbreach. The Path of Agenhai may be what passes for a major road, but it is frozen solid for much of the way. Still, the horses are a sturdy local breed and don't complain.
Frostbreach itself very quickly gives you the impression that it is a ghost-town. It is inhabited - but by barely a third of the number of souls it must once have held. Most are Ulfen, with a sizeable minority of dwarves and the occasional gnome adding a dash of colour. No more than 350 people now inhabit the settlement. A decaying palisade wall—with several watchtowers and a pair of gates—encircles the town, and many of the homes are longhouses built to accommodate extended families of 10 to 25 people. Of the wooden causeways that crisscross the frozen ground, those that extend to the unoccupied parts of town are crumbling from neglect.
With night drawing in, you quickly find an open inn: The Linnorn's Tale.
Other places of interest that you note include the longhouses of the Coalbraid and Trolltooth families, "Gorum's Anvil" - a temple that also serves as hospital and town hall, and two significant businesses: Stonefire's Supplies and the Troll's Hide Tannery.
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Inga smiles with glee when she sees Lirall coming down the road and pulling up with the sleigh.
Oh how wonderful. It's so... quaint.
"Don't be a snob, my dear. Remember, you were just a farm girl when I met you."
Inga smiles warmly at Lirall.
It's perfect! I am so very grateful, Lirall. It's very uncomfortable to focus during a mission with saddle sore.
"Countess, I'm strongly in favor of a driver. Or do you know how to operate such a vehicle?"
Oh, gracious, no. I haven't driven one since I was a little girl.
She turns to Jeeves, her porter.
How would you like to be our driver, Jeeves?
His face lights up with joy, but his smile quickly turns into a frown as he looks down and lightly kicks a stone, disappointed.
"I can't, Countess. The Society said I can't get involved in any way. I'm just supposed to "be in the background" and not do anything except carry your stuff. I guess I'm just a dumb ol' NPC."
Well, then. We'll just need to hire a driver.
Inga says, displeased. She then puts an arm around the boy's shoulder as she continues.
You can just ride with us in the back and keep warm between us. Fetch what you can from the wagon and let Captain Torssen know we're leaving it here, please.
Upon the boy's return, he hustles towards the sleigh with a bunch of gear, including an impressive scythe, and hops into the sleigh.
Let's not keep them waiting in Frostbreach.
She says to her companions as she climbs into the sleigh with a hand from Jeeves.
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When the group arrived and got a place to stay, Lorian started by checking into the Trolltooth's history.
"Excuse me, I am Lorian Therian. I understand there a grave disservice to your former name and I would like to see what can be done to restore the name of Kolvi to the ranks it once had." he said.
"Now that I have your attention, the more information that you can provide it will help untie the knots of history and help to unwind the snarl that has choked the life out of your fair town. As much loathing as you have for the Coalbraids, living hand to mouth is no way for anyone to survive. More so those that help produce the outstanding Ulfen Guards! "
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Myth shakes his head, ”No need, I should be able to manage driving the sleigh...”
”Whoa, there, Nellie!” Myth exclaims as he guides the sleigh towards the inn. If he sees a stable boy, he’ll toss him a silver. ”Can you take this team to the stables?”
Myth climbs down, yawns, stretches, and rubs his sore behind. ”Whew! Don’t know about y’all but I could go for a pint right now...or two...”
He enters the inn, inquires about rooms, orders a pint along with whatever’s available food-wise...he keeps his ears open for any rumors or scuttlebutt from the locals...
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After an uneventful two day journey over drifts of snow and patches of ice covering the seldom traveled road, Lorian rides upon his mighty steed alongside the rustic sleigh. As the sleigh approaches Frostbreach, Myth pulls back on the reigns of the horses to slow it to a steady pace.
Under the frosty light of dusk, Inga stares at the small timbered buildings as the sled slowly makes its way towards the inn. Passing shuttered houses and solemn townsfolk heading to their homes, the images of a once bustling town now gives her an uneasy feeling.
The group sends the sleigh and horses to the stable. Inga briskly makes her way through the snow covered path into the tavern for a hot meal and warm cider.
Lorian and Myth brazenly enter the tavern and begin making inquiries on rooms and the local history.
I'll get us a table near the hearth.
Inga says quietly as she makes her way to a table near the warm fire.
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Well, the journey here was uneventful...thankfully... Rallas says as he looks around at the town. Defenses could use a bit of work...but looks serviceable...we should get rooms first...never want to leave that too late... the elf says as he heads in with Myth and Lorian and grabs three mugs of something warm.
How goes your day, innkeep? Lady Inge, something warm for yourself and Jeeves. Have to stay warm and full in this weather... he adds sagely.
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Grunjar follows Inga into The Linnorn's Tale and to the table near the hearth.
"A warm meal would sure be great, don't you think, countess? And maybe today Desna smiles upon me and they have dwarven ale to wash it down. Of course, I would not expect it - but a dwarf can hope..."
After a hearty meal and a pint, Grunjar would like check out the local temple/hospital.
"Anyone wanna join me when I pay Gorum's Anthill a visit? I think it's a strange name for a temple, by the way... If they have need of it, I could offer some healing; tomorrow I can extend this offer also to removal of blindness, deafness, curses, diseases and paralysis. Maybe we can get some information in exchange?"
You settle at the Inn, just as it starts to get busy with evening trade. But you get the impression that it could be a lot livelier, if the town were not so scarcely populated. The food is decent, if nothing spectacular. Grunjar is delighted to find dwarven ale on tap, locally brewed. Desna smiles! Board is 5 silvers, a hot bath a mere 6 coppers; the goat stew is 3 silvers, dwarven ale ("Bugman's Best") 4 coppers a mug, linnorm mead 5 coppers a mug.
Myth pays attention to the local gossip, but hears nothing noteworthy. Perhaps because the clientele's attention is drawn to Lorian. When the noble bard mentions the name Kolvi the room fairly divides - half the Ulfen present pay rapt attention, whilst the other half keep their distance, scowl, or make warding signs against evil.
"Careful, friend Lorian" says a young Ulfen woman as she takes a seat beside him. "The Coalbraids will have you marked as a Trolltooth sympathiser - or worse" she glares over her shoulder at those glaring back at Lorian. "Frigga Trolltooth. Glad to meet you. Those fool Coalbraids fear that Kolvi is still alive and that she actively torments Frostbreach. Even some members of my own family dread the prospect of finding Kolvi alive somewhere. If they did, they would slay her and perhaps settle the feud with the Coalbraids once and for all, having at least acted to purge our bad reputation. That assumes, of course, she’s still alive. The hauntings are real enough, so maybe she is out there somewhere."
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Grunjar, does your Venture Captain not give you petty cash for food and lodging when you are out on missions?
Inga inquires when she notices the dwarf counting his own coins from his pocket to pay for drinks.
Here, let me take care of our meals and lodging while we're here.
She pulls out a small coin purse stamped with the symbol of the Sovereign Court faction and sets it on the table.
It's only about ten pieces of gold, but it should get us by.
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A visit to the temple? At this hour of the evening?
Inga politely covers her mouth to stifle a little yawn. However, she knows there is a mission to be done.
I believe I still have a bit of strength after such a long journey...
"Be carefulll, myyy love."
The beast within growls.
"Some deities do not take kindly with wayward souls or lost spirits."
Inga takes the last sip of her warm drink and sets the cup down. She then claps her hands together with a bit of enthusiasm.
It's settled then. Let's be on our way to the temple.
Inga holds out her arms for Grunjar, Myth, Drallas, and Lucifer to grasp. They then skip merrily out of the inn...
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"Pleased to meet you Frigga Trolltooth" Lorian said. "Thank you for the tip. I hope that it might be possible to limit any bloodshed to none at all. It sounds like this feud has been going on for far too long. I fear that I misunderstood the name that I had mentioned earlier. I was thinking it was your former surname and not a particular person. Maybe you can help provide us with what you know behind the history?"
At the Inn...
"Oh Lorian" sighs Frigga, "don't be so dull. I can think of much more interesting things to talk about than family. And much more interesting things to do than talk! Ifan!" she calls over to the barkeep "two horns of mead over here! No! Bring us the Horn of Afanc!"
Ifanc brings over a 4-foot long horn full of mead, and Frigga drapes her arm around Lorian as his companions exit.
At the Temple...
Gorum's Anvil is an imposing structure, dominating the buildings nearby. Akin to a stone citadel adorned with iron spikes, its gates are closed and two heavily-armoured Ulfen stand guard outside. "What's your business, strangers?" asks one of them.
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At the Inn...
"Thank you, Inga - that's very generous!" Grunjar says with an even bigger smile on his face.
After the countess has finished her drink and is ready to leave, Grunjar holds on to her offered arm, not really sure what to do now.
The social conventions of the noble circles have always been a mystery to him...
At the Temple...
"Good evening. My name is Grunjar, humble cleric of Desna. I arrived at Frostbreach today and wanted to pay my respects to your temple. May I speak with the priest in charge?"