GM supervillan's Jarlsblood Witch Saga [Outpost IV] (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

"That's a brilliant idea, countess!"

While donning the armor:

"You are right, Rally - getting in and out of heavy plate is neither very quick nor easy. But I am not blessed with such dexterity as yours, so instead of trying to dodge attacks I have to rely on my armor.
You really don't wanna see me try to dodge, trust me...
But I'll definitely try your suggestion after we finish this mission!"

Afterwards: "Bless you, Jeevus, you were a great help! May I ask in advance for your assistance tomorrow morning?"

With two votes for Inga's plan, we shall start with that and you can all visit the residences for the morning's investigation.

Thinking a morning stroll through Frostbreach's residential districts a good place to start before splitting up and looking into parts farther afield, you follow the Countess's suggestion.

Frostbreach feels almost empty. Many houses stand empty, boarded up or derelict. The remaining residents gather in streets lined with simple wooden chalets - with the more important citizens occupying longhouses with their extended families.

The regular social skills are useful here - or other skills if you come up with suitably creative uses.

Jeeves spins his head around and looks at Inga ecstatically to see if it would be okay to assist Grunjar with his armor. She nods affirmatively with a smile.

In fact, Jeeves, go ahead and just relax here for the day. I can easily carry my gear. If you get bored, I'm sure the innkeeper wouldn't mind a bit of help around here and...

Just then, the inn's door swings open bringing with it a gust of cold air and blowing snow. An old and greying mutton-chopped merchant sailor steps in, quickly shuts the door behind him, and shakes the snow from his coat. With a meerschaum pipe tucked in the corner of his mouth, he removes his fisherman's cap and shakes off the snow, then places it back upon his head. He squints as he looks about the common room.
His eyes light up when he spots Inga.

"Milady! I brung the lass 'ere as quick as I could. Got yer message jus' after ye headed out. Got the young'un 'ere safe 'n' sound."
He says in a thick gruff accent.

A thin girl, about twelve years old with straight black hair cut in a bobbed style and wearing a thick black woolen cloak with mittens, peeks her head out from behind the old sailor.

Bless your soul, Captain!
Inga smiles with joy.
Friends,
Inga stands as she announces to her companions,
This is Captain Mullins. A wonderful merchant captain that has helped my caravan for several years.
Mister Mullins shakes hands all around.
I hope you had a safe journey here, Mullins.

"Aye."
He says with a wink and a puff from his pipe.

The nervous girl looks up and runs to the countess, throwing her arms around Inga in a big hug. Inga holds the girl tightly just as a mother hugs her child.
Oh, Junia, my dear. I missed you, too. Let me introduce you to my friends.
Inga lifts the girl into her lap as she sits back down and introduces each of you in turn.
And this is Junia. She's a very special student of mine. We discovered that she, too, has psychic powers like myself,
Inga gently brushes aside a lock of hair from Junia's eyes as she continues speaking,
so I am helping her learn how to use and control her special abilities.
How could I say 'no' to Ambrus Valsin and the other Venture Captains about taking care of this adorable kitten?
Inga smiles lovingly at the girl.

"Miss Blücher?"
Junia says softly as she looks up at Inga.
"I wanna see Klaus. Can Klaus come out to play?"

The beast within purrs warmly.
"Awwrrr. Tell her I say hello."

Ohhh. No, my dear. Not yet. He does say "hello", though. We have some work to do now.
Junia looks down with sadness.
Inga then stands while holding Junia's hand.
It appears Junia will be joining us on our little excursion to mingle with the townsfolk.

So, yeah. I have the "New Recruit" boon from #7-05: School of Spirits. Rather than just saying "Oh! I have the New Recruit boon - I'm gonna use it now.", I thought it would be more fun (for me, at least) to incorporate Junia into our story. I'm having a lot of fun being able to do more roleplaying in a PbP.

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With Junia in tow...
This town must have been quite beautiful before it turned into this.
Inga remarks as the group makes their way through the snowy barren streets.

As they meander, Inga spots three men on a corner gathered around a fire of what's left of a barrel. The men pass a bottle of liquor amongst each other as they chat and chuckle, occasionally rubbing their hands near the fire to shake off the chill.
I'm going to see what these chaps have to say.
She says as she makes her way slowly, but bravely, towards the men. With the hood of the red woolen cloak over her head, she hopes they just think she's just another traveler passing through town.

Knowing and once living the life of a simple farm girl, she puts on her charade...
Good day, fine gentlemen.
She bobs a curtsy.
Would you be so kind to share a nip of the liquor to keep a lady warm?
Inga reaches out for the bottle.
Dumbfounded, one of the gents hands her the bottle. She takes a swig and is barely able to keep the strong moonshine down.

Mmmgh. Ugh. Good st-stuff. Oh, by the way, have you heard anything about this "Jarlsblood Witch”? It sounds like such an interesting tale.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Sun Orchid Sleuth: +2 CHA check to convince other to reveal sensitive info.

Wow. That Nat 20 was very unexpected.

Lorian started to talk with the locals to get an idea as to their hardships. Once he had some knowledge, he proceeded to perform for the town tales of suffering and how a community can come together to fix them. Not one of his better performances as he tried to get a handle on their native tongue.

Perform-Oratory: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

1/9 uses of Bit of Luck today.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16 (will roleplay it later)

Following the group as they moved along, he decides to put his head together with Lorian to decipher and native tongues they might overhear.

Linguistics Aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

As Inga starts walking over to the three man, Grunjar gives her a little pat on the back.

"My dear Lady Luck, please bless her tongue!", he whispers.

Sorry, I'm drawing a blank in this situation for roleplaying Diplomacy Aid Another... :-(
But maybe keeping one's mouth shut and not interrupting the conversation can count as being diplomatic as well? ;-)

Nice to meet you, Junia. Glad to see some of the younger folk taking an interest in being an agent, or at the very least exploring the world. I think you have made a wise choice in a teacher...Rallas says, nodding his head in acknowledgement to the newcomer. He watches Inga ply the locals for information.

Junia looks up shyly at Rallas. As the group watches Inga converse with the three men, Rallas suddenly feels a small hand grasp his hand. He looks down to see Junia nonchalantly holding his hand.
She looks back up at him with a warm smile.
"Can we be friends?"

Sure...but if we run into any trouble, get behind me, Okay? I'll keep you safe. So...you have...abilities like Inga, right? Must be quite a responsibility...

"Yep."
Junia shakes her head.
"Inga is really good with her magic and bringing out her special friend. I hope to be good as her. My special friend only comes out when he wants to."
Junia looks down sadly.
"Some people told me my special fiend was imaginary."

She looks back up at Rallas.
"Inga's special friend helps her much more than mine. Klaus was scary when I first saw him, but he's a really nice wolfie man."

Those that don't believe in your friend are either skeptical as they haven't seen him, or they just don't believe in what they don't understand. Or just jealous...they might not have any friends at all... Rallas says with a wink.

Earlier at the inn...

"Hello Junia, nice to meet you! I am Grunjar, humble cleric of Desna." Grunjar bows his head.

Later at the residences...

Junia looks down sadly.
"Some people told me my special fiend was imaginary."

"Don't worry, Junia. Many special friends cannot be seen usually - my dear Lady Luck for example... Just ignore the non-believers. What matters is your connection with your friend. You know he is there and that's enough."

Grunjar smiles encouragely.

"What's his name? Or is it a secret?"

Grunjar winks.

Junia squeezes Rallas' hand as she looks up at him.
"You understand."
...
"Thank you for being my friend."
Junia pulls her cloak tighter around herself as the cold, snowy air blows all around. She presses against Rallas' leg not just for warmth, but also for friendship as she hides behind him to watch Inga speak with the locals.
Junia peers back up at Rallas.
"Thank you for wanting to keep me safe."

She shyly looks up at Grunjar.
"His name is Grishan. He died in an earthquake. But he is safe with me now."

The Countess and her friends find a group of ne'er-do-wells drinking homemade vodka at 10 in the morning. Despite obvious differences, the drunks happily share their hooch. Mention of the Jarlsblood Witch causes them to curse and make warding signs.

"Ye don't want to be bringing that 'un's attention on ye, missy" says one of the drunks. "Our ancestors killed Jarlsblood Witch an' turned the body into a bloody effigy to warn Irrisen’s witches from troubling the town anymore. They put up th' effigy 'bout an hour east of Frostbreach - but it’s said the body disappeared almost as soon as it was put up."

Meanwhile Lorian and Lucifer study the dialect of the locals, and Lorian swaps stories. "Suffering, sir? I'll tell you of suffering! Four kids and a no-good drunk of a husband in a dead-end town, that's suffering! It's all that old witch's fault. The ice-blooded Ulfen murdered King Alvard the Wolf, but the ancestors put her to death shortly afterward. She’s the reason the town doesn’t have much business anymore, her evil spirit scares off visitors!"

That's all you learn from the Residences this morning.

You share some lunch, and prepare to go your separate ways to learn more...

I think you've already indicated where you're going next, but I'll give you a chance to discuss what you've heard here first. Myth I know you haven't posted, but I don't think it would change the results. I have given two pieces of info because the group effectively split here.

If you don't indicate whether you are looking for easy, medium, or hard to find info then I will assume medium (unless it's Lorian using Diplomacy, then I'll assume hard).

At lunch Grunjar asks:

"Countess, did you get any useful information from those men? Also, Lorianus, these were very well told and lively stories, I must say. Never heard anyone telling a story in a more eloquent way. You really are blessed with that skill, my friend."

I did get some useful information. About an hour east of town is where the effigy of the witch is located. When we're finished investigating the town, that might be a good place to visit.

"Thank you Grunjar." Lorian said "I picked it up from my military service with the Army of Exploration. I might have done a better job as learning Skald on the fly does not help with the presentation" he added with a frown as he tends to be his own worse critic.

"It sounds like there might be an evil spirit lurking in the area as they mention that it has cased the town to decline. Might be something to explore when you head to the temple."

"They made her an effigy? How barbaric! I wouldn't be surprised if that spirit you heard of was actually hers. If someone murdered me and turned me into an effigy I might have done the same...
I'll ask the high priestess if she knows anything about that. Maybe there are also some records of these events in the church's archive."

Be mindful when you're asking about it, Grunjar...it seems to be a rather touchy subject...

An evil spirit, you say?
Inga says as both her and Junia snap their attention at Lorian.
Inga and Junia both look at each other anxiously, then back at Lorian.

Inga addresses the group in a somber tone.
Dealing with the souls of the departed that have not made it to their final destination is somewhat of our specialty. Especially the restless souls of evil spirits. We try to calm the spirit or purge the soul so that they can finally be at rest and do not cause harm to others.

Well, it appears that we have the right woman, er..excuse me...women on the case then. I shall defer to your expertise in dealing with the spirit world. My experience with them is limited at best. I do think that if we can determine what kind of spirit and their abilities would be a good start though... Rallas says, smiling at Inga and Junia.

Inga holds Junia's hand as the group meanders along the snowy paths between timbered homes.
[b]Rallas, Junia, and I will pay a visit to the Coalbraid long house while the rest of you visit the locations you planned on.

Come to think of it, I would like to visit the supply shop before we head out of town to investigate the outskirts. That effigy may have strong connections to the spirit realm. I would like to be more prepared and possibly purchase more supplies or, at least, just browse their wares.

"I'll be careful, Rally."

After finishing his lunch Grunjar gets up.

"If you excuse me now, I have a disease scheduled to cure. Luci, you coming?"

He starts walking in the direction of Gorum's Anvil.
Just before approaching the guards, he casts comprehend languages.

No more making fun of me in a language I do not understand. It's my turn to have some fun now...

At the gate Grunjar states:

"Good afternoon. I am Grunjar, humble cleric of Desna. I'm here on invitation of high priestess Valosi to try and help your patients."

Lucifer follows Grunjar and then when at the gate with guards, he gives a wink and smile. "We're back again."

Gorum's Anvil

The guards see Grunjar and his shadow approach. "Ah, yes. Valosi told us to expect you" says one of them.

"To eller flere mælkedrikkere sagde hun" says the other with a smirk.

They smile and open the gate for you. By all means reply :)

Inside the temple is noisier than it was the previous evening - mainly the result of numerous fights going on inside the shallow pits that you saw. Young Ulfen fight each other with all manner of weapons - though it seems that the weapons are blunted. High Priestess Valosi is watching one of these fights - she breaks off to join you.

"Welcome, Grunjar of Desna. If you wish to see old Helga, she is downstairs. I will accompany you. And your quiet shadow."
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The Coalbraid Longhouse

Rallas, the Countess and her retinue pay the Coalbraids a visit. The Coalbraids maintain several longhouses, but the largest of them is home to the family patriarch and it is there that the pathfinders are directed.

The interior walls of Magorn and Nessa Coalbraid's home bear numerous feats of metalwork, celebrating the family’s proud traditions of blacksmithing, charcoal making, and fletching.

"Guessed you'd be paying a visit" says Magorn, a middle aged but sturdy Ulfen with coal-black hair tied behind his head. "Not many come out to Frostbreach, not even those travelling the Path of Aganhei. Most have more sense. What brings you here?" Both Magorn and Nessa scrutinise you. Several younger adult family members linger nearby.
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The Troll's Hide

Myth makes his way to the tannery, his mind turning to thoughts of vigorous young leather-clad Ulfen women. But his hopes are dashed when he meets the proprietress, Eigma Trolltooth, for though she is an Ulfen woman and upright, she is decidedly the wrong side of sixty years old. She does wear a black leather apron though.

The building is well maintained, and Eigma is kept busy with her work. The place smells strongly of tannin, as may be expected. Eigma soon notices Myth's presence. "Oh! A customer! Hello. No, a traveller, even rarer. Or perhaps a traveller and a customer both. Where do you wander, sir? Are you in need of a saddle? A belt? I even make boots. What news of the road? It's been so long since I travelled."

Appraise skill can certainly be used here to converse with Eigma.
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The Trolltooth Longhouse

Following the directions given by Frigga, Lorian arrives at the Trolltooth Longhouse. It stands amidst a group of buildings in which the extended Trolltooth family dwell.

Greul Trolltooth, a gruff and stern Ulfen of middle years, greets you on the doorstep. "Hail, traveller. What business have you with the Trolltooths?"

"See you all back at the inn later on tonight." Lorian said as the others departed. Finishing off the last of the salty gammon and washing it down with ale, Lorian made a few gestures over his clothes and they started to brighten up so he looked more presentable before heading out to see Frigga's Uncle.

New post as I was posting.

"Greetings Greul Trolltooth, I am Marquis Lorian Therian from Taldor. I have been sent to see what can be done to clear your name in a matter concerning an incident that started a few centuries ago. While this would seem that I am opening old wounds, it seems that the whole incident might have not been properly investigated and your household has suffered for it." he said as an introduction.

"If there some place we can sit down and talk, any old tales might help us restore your original family name as as far as I know, it has not been Trolltooth all these years, is that not correct?

Trolltooth Longhouse

Greul Trolltooth raises a bushy blond eyebrow at Lorian's introduction. "A Taldan noble?" He pauses a moment, pursing his lips. "Come inside, sir."

Ushering Lorian into his hall, Greul closes the door behind him. The hall is decorated with many fine leather goods and the hides of deer, bears and other beasts carpet the floors and line the walls. The patriarch is attended by several other members of the family who bring food and drink, before Greul sends them off.

"Aye, Trolltooth wasn't always the family name. But we haven't spoken the old name for centuries. Not that the change did us too much good, we're still tainted as far as the Coalbraids and half the town think. What's your interest, sir? Seems to me that a feud in a forgotten little wilderness town would be no interest to gentry from Taldor."

Knowledge (History) or Knowledge (Local) can be used to exchange stories with Greul, as alternative skills to Diplomacy.

Lorian looked over the hall, remarking in appreciation of the fine leather goods and furs that were on display as they made their way to be seated.

"While that might seem to be the case, the Ulfen Guard, as you are well aware of is made up of people from your nation and is world renown for protecting our Sovereign, Grand Prince Stavian the Third, therefore something that could help increase their loyalty to the nation of Taldor is of interest to me." Lorian said.

"That gives me something to start with looking into this as the matter seems to have dragged both of your houses along with the town folk into the depths of despair. If it could be proven to everyone here that something else had occurred, rather than centuries of half-truths or down right lies that had been passed on, would you agree that it would be incentive to return to your old honorable name?" he asked.

"This could help inspire others of your fair nation to join the Guards and when members retire, they might decide to come to this town in order to help rebuild. As a matter of fact, this could serve as a training and recruiting location for the Ulfen Guard." he said, thinking a bit that once he was a member of the Senate, he could add this town as one of his trade caravan destinations.

Take 10 for 42 Diplomacy

Myth smiles at the elderly woman and bows. ”Good morning, m’Lady. Mythryndyr, at your service...but as that can be a mouthful, you may call me Myth. I am indeed a traveler, a Pathfinder in fact, and would like to talk with you,” he says as he looks over her wares...

Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

”…but I can see you’re also good at your craft...so perhaps I can be a customer as well. First things, first though. What can you tell me about this Jarlsblood Witch? And the misfortunes that appear to be happening here?”

Good day, Sir Coalbraid and Madame.
Inga nods respectfully with an air of confidence.
She steps aside to introduce her cohorts.
This is Rallas Linnderil, a fellow scholar of mine studying history in Absalom. And this is Junia, my Protégé.
Inga gently brushes the hair from Junia's eyes and smiles motherly at the child.

I do hope we are not disturbing you at this time. We are just trying to learn more about the area and would just like to converse with you, if you don't mind.

We have heard tales of this "Jarlsblood Witch" and would like to hear your side of the story.
Inga mentions a couple tid-bits of what they know so far and compliments the Coalbraids on their fine metalwork while being ever so charming.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Will add in Sun Orchid Sleuth, if applicable. (+2 CHA check to convince other to reveal sensitive info.)
Going for a "moderate" skill check.

Rallas gets out a few scraps of paper and his inkpen to begin scribbling down notes.

I'm not the fastest writer...if I'm going for legibility that is... he says getting out his wayfinder to help him.

bluff, studied target with guidance to aid Inga's diplo roll: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 10

"Ingaaa."
Klaus purrs in an accusatory tone.
"Aren't you forgetting something?”

"Not now, Klaus. I'm busy."

"Inga. You forgot to introduce yourself."

Inga blushes with embarrassment.
Oh, my goodness! Please forgive my manners...
I am Inga Blücher, Countess of Taldor and Proprietor of the Lupine-Varisia Trade Caravan.
She nods respectfully, deeper than before.

Trolltooth Longhouse

"So you're a recruiter for the Ulfen Guard, eh? Makes sense, I suppose. I know some leave Frostbreach for the Guard, and I can't blame them for that. Valosi sends the fighters she trains to the Irriseni border though." Greul sighs.

"You know what is was that condemned Kolvi?" he asks in hushed tones. "And the cause of this feud? One of Alvard the Wolf's companions made it back to Frostbreach, badly wounded. He was a Coalbraid, and he swore that he saw Kolvi kill the king and his fellows with ice magic. Yet none had ever seen Kolvi cast a spell before. And even when she stood accused of witchcraft and treason, she never used any magic to try to escape. Ah, Kolvi was no witch."

"I'd be glad if you could convince the town of that, Sir Lorian. Whole family would. But the old wounds are deep."
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The Troll's Hide Tannery

Eigma Trolltooth's face creases into a frown. "Poor Kolvi" she says softly. "I wish I had the strength to travel the wilderness and find out what really happened to her. I wish I'd done that when I was still young.

Have you heard about what they did to her? Made the poor girl into an unholy effigy? The effigy didn’t stand just anywhere; it’s where Kolvi slew the linnorm king and his companions, and it’s considered cursed ground by most. When the folk of Frostbreach brought Kolvi's body to stake out there, they found the king’s boon companions but never found any sign of their sovereign." Eigma shakes her head at the thought.

"That's enough of that now though. The past is the past. You look like you could use a new pair of boots, friend Myth! Soft deerhide with a reinforced sole and mink fur lining, would suit you very well."
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The Coalbraid Longhouse

Charming thought the Countess is, Magorn Coalbraid becomes angry at the mention of the Jarlsblood Witch. His wife spits on the ground. "Kolvi was a witch!" Magorn almost shouts. "The Trolltooths disgrace us all by staying within Frostbreach's walls!" Nessa adds.

"It was my honoured ancestor, Varmood Coalbraid, who brought the truth back to Frostbreach! Though his skin was torn and shredded by the lashing ice shards that the witch threw at him, he survived and did his solemn duty. He knew firsthand what the evil woman was capable of. She had to be executed, to prevent further harm to the innocent people of Frostbreach. No witch can be allowed to rule here. The Trolltooths claim slander, but Varmood was a good man and true, loyal to his King!"

Sun Orchid Sleuth definitely applies here Inga.

Just the Temple scene to finish this segment :)

Lorian pondered a bit with the information that Greul has said. "If an injury is not healed properly, it will continue to fester. It sounds like this incident has to reopen the injury to treat it and so it shall. Not a guarantee since this happened centuries ago but if you say that Kolvi never used magic and she did here, that does not make sense whatsoever. Pray tell, what was the families original name? he asked.

Rallas writes furiously, trying to make sure he gets all the details right.

Gorum's Anthill :-P

Just after entering, Grunjar turns back to the guards and gives them a stern look.

"Well, I'm pretty sure that the high priestess did not say 'milk-drinkers', did she? At least not if she wants me to cure patients who even she could not help so far...", he remarks sharply in common.

With that being said, he turns around again and walks further inside.

Inside the temple:

"Greetings, Valosi. Yes, I will try my best to help Helga. We can start right away if it pleases you."

Gorum's Anvil

"He speaks Skald?"

"But he replied in Taldane."

"Probably for the benefit of his shadow."

"What shadow? You're imagining things Bjørn."

The guards mutter to each other as Grunjar passes.

Valosi nods and leads Grunjar (and his shadow) downstairs. Old Helga is coughing weakly on her sickbed. She stirs.

"Тир? Это ты мой мальчик?"

Grunjar you can attempt your Remove Disease spell vs DC17. If you pass, you can then add a +4 circumstance bonus on a Knowledge (religion) roll to gain clues about the Jarlsblood Witch. If you fail, you can still add a +2 circumstance bonus for going to the trouble of attempting a cure. Lucifer you can also attempt Aid Another with Knowledge (religion) if trained, or Diplomacy.

Gorum's Anvil

"Расслабься, Хельга. Десна тебя спасет."

Grunjar casts his spell: "Իմ սիրելի Մորնինգսթարի աստվածուհի, խնդրում եմ բուժել այս խեղճ կնոջը իր հիվանդությունից."

Remove Disease CL check + Purifier: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 3 = 24 Looks good!

"Хельга, как ты себя чувствуешь сейчас?"

"High priestess, I think my work here is done. Unfortunately, I cannot do much to help Magnus. Unless you have some scrolls of restoration lying around..."

"Anyhow: Yesterday we were talking about historic church records of the town. Would you be so kind and allow us access to them?"

Knowledge: Religion t: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 4 = 31
Wow! :-D I did not expect to get such good rolls! I guess the luck domain is not only for show... ;-)

Gorum's Anvil

Helga coughs as Grunjar works his spell. Then, as the healing magic works, she seems to see the dwarven pathfinder for the first time. She sits up in bed. "Who're you?" She sees Valosi. "This some apprentice of yours?" Then the old dwarf swings her legs over the end of the bed and stands up, right as rain. "I hear swords swinging upstairs! Them young 'uns need a good thrashin' afore they're sent off to a real battle. Where's my armour and sword gone to?"

"This young dwarf healed your sickness where I could not, Helga. Desna is a lucky goddess indeed" Valosi explains. The older dwarf looks Grunjar up and down, appraising him.

"Очень худой. Слабые плечи. Но доброе сердце. Моя благодарность. Я еще могу умереть смертью воина" says Helga to Grunjar as she takes her leave.

After Helga has left, Valosi addresses Grunjar. "We don't keep much in the way of written records. Gorum loves a flair for iron, not words. But I've served him here a hundred years and more. Tell me what you want to know."

Grunjar turns the conversation to the subject of the Jarlsblood Witch. Valosi nods solemnly. "It would be a terrible waste if that old tale tore this town apart" she says. "So much superstition! Did you know that some insist that the Witch can also grant boons to desperate petitioners or answer questions put by those who know how to call her? The accepted ritual involves lighting a candle, using it to burn three of the petitioner’s hairs, covering a piece of ice carved like a dragon’s tooth with salt, then holding it above the flame while reciting Kolvi’s name five times. But it's also said that the few who have ever tried it became erratic within a week and disappeared into the woods." A thought occurs to Valosi and she frowns and looks towards Magnus. "Maybe... maybe that's what happened to Magnus?"
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Trolltooth Longhouse

"We don't speak the old name, Sir Lorian" says Greul. "Truth be told, I couldn't tell you rightly anyway. It hasn't been spoken for hundreds of years, and ours is an oral culture. We're the Trolltooth clan now, and a different name would make no odds."
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Your various groups head back towards the inn to discuss what you have learned.

As they travel across the town, Inga and Rallas notice the outlines of angry figures beginning to form around them...

Surprise Round

Rallas
Inga
Haunt

You have encountered a Haunt. Fortunately you have detected it before it fully manifests, and may act before it in the surprise round.

The bold may act!

Glad the old dwarf woman is healed and we can get some valuable information.

"Kolvi huh? Maybe he answered their 'prayer' and cursed them. Wouldn't be the first time something like that happened. In fact, this whole Jarlsblood Witch problem could be some opportunistic demon or devil fooling around for some souls."

As Rallas, Inga, and Junia make their way across town, they chat about their visit with the Coalbraids. Suddenly, a deathly chill rushes up Inga's spine. She realizes it's not just the cold air. It's something sinister.

Klaus snarls softly, alerting Inga.
"Inga? Do you sense it?"
Klaus takes a slow deep breath, as if picking up a scent.
"The taint of undeath is near."

Inga comes to a quick halt and squeezes Junia's hand lightly. Junia stops and looks up at Inga, puzzled. Inga quickly grasps Rallas' shoulder to keep him from getting too close to the haunting effect.
Stop. Don't move, you two.
Junia gasps softly, startled by the ghostly images.
The group watches the forms as they coalesce in the wind driven snow.
Religion to Identify Haunt: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 = 31
Inga slowly reaches into her haversack to retrieve her wand of cure light wounds.

Quietly, Inga tells Rallas,
Remain calm. Keep your wits about you.

Free action to identify haunt. Move action to retrieve wand from handy haversack.

Got it... Rallas says as he moves in front of Junia. He unsheathes his blade and readies it in case of any attack.full defence

Gorum's Anvil

"Что ж, приятно видеть, что ты снова на ногах. Пусть Госпожа Удача всегда направляет твой клинок", Grunjar answers as Helga takes her leave.

After Helga has left:

"I agree, high priestess, thet would be a terrible waste. Thank you, that piece of information might be incredible helpful. Now, we have to go. If you don't mind I'll be back if I have more questions."

Grunjar excuses himself and Lucifer and starts heading back towards the inn.

Trolltooth Longhouse

Lorian frowned a bit and then started to smile. "I guess if we run into Kolvi I will need to ask her what the family name is, I am sure she has not changed it." he said as he made his way out.

The Troll's Hide Tannery

Myth smiles as the old lady finishes speaking, bowing deeply to her. ”Thank you for the information, m’Lady. While these boots I wear are...special...and I need to wear them while on duty, I could use a pair like you mention, something with a local flair, both for warmth and social events...”

As figures solidify around Inga, Rallas, and the Countess' retinue, angry voices can be heard.

"Traitor, you murdered the King!"

"You've betrayed Frostbreach!"

"Always knew you had ice magic in you."

"Witch!"

Inga realises that you are experiencing Kolvi's 'trial' - and you are in her place. A large armoured Ulfen approaches, wielding a wicked hunting knife. He pushes you to your knees and a wave of despair and desperation washes over you...

Inga and Rallas attempt Two DC18 Will saves; both are against mind-affecting fear effects, the first is also an enchantment and compulsion, and the second is also a curse.

"Hahahaha."
Klaus laughs in a low, mocking tone.
"An impressive manifestation. I know you do not fear it, Inga. You have always been a strong-willed girl."

You do not frighten me, ghost!
Inga shouts defiantly at the haunt over the howling wind as she's pressed to the ground.
She grabs Junia and holds her tight against her, wrapping an arm around her to cover the child's face.
Do not look, dear. I've got you. Do not be afraid.
She looks over to see Rallas being violently prostrated next to her. She notices his eyes wide in fear.
Rallas! Do not be frightened! It isn't real!

Will Save: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
(Base +6, Wis +5, Horseshoe +2, Shared Consciousness +4)

Will Save vs. curse: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
(Base +6, Wis +5, Horseshoe +2, Shared Consciousness +4)

Rallas slows his breath and attempts to steel himself against the haunt's effects.

will, +2 vs enchantment: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 22
will, curse: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

This is very odd...is this what actually happened? Or a manifestation of something else?

at the inn:

Grunjar enters, takes off his helmet and looks around.

"Ah, Lorriany and Myr. Have you seen the countess, Rally or the girl? I thought they would also be back before me."

Grunjar scratches his head, then he shrugs. "Well, it's probably nothing - they'll be here any minute now..."

He sits down and orders. "Barmaid, one mug of Bugman's Best and something warm to eat, please."