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Myth smiles grimly. ”One of my arrows was the killing blow to the linnorm...therefore it’s death curse fell on me...risks of the trade you know, comes with the territory...’twas worth it though...just don’t light a match around me...”
"Of course, the death curse... But don't worry much, Myth, Desna will save you!"
Grunjar is confident he can remove the curse.I successfully removed the sickness from Old Helga. Why would Desna fail me now?
Your wounds healed - all those that can be healed for now - you take some trophies and begin the trek back to Frostbreach.
You haven't been travelling for more than a few hours when you are confronted by three black-haired Ulfen. Two of them stand with axes at the ready, whilst the third, an archer with an enormous bow fashioned of horn, stands atop a rocky outcropping overlooking a frozen creek. The archer calls out to you.
"Halt! We know what you've been up to, strangers, and we don't appreciate it. Now show us what you found out in the Snow Elk Wilds, and if you try to deceive us I'll fill you full of arrows!"
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"You know, while I am sure that you want to prevent us from returning these items, do you want to further shame the name of your family? It is time to end this and the blight that had fallen over your town. There is no need to be the family that runs an empty town. You can always redeem yourselves serving the Army of Taldor and I am sure the noble marquis can put in a good word." Ryunnosuke said, trying to disarm the situation.
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Inga, haggard and tired from the recent battle, steps forward to address the bandits.
We have defeated the spirit of the linnorm and have also defeated King Alvard the Wolf, who had become an undead fiend due to his treacherous acts. We don't want any trouble. We want to show the people the truth of what happened.
Inga turns her head to look over her shoulder at her companions.
Ryu... Hold King Alvard's axe up so they can see it.
Rallas... Show them the teeth and scales of the linnorm.
"You think we should be ashamed? You're trying to disparage the Coalbraids! Don't think I don't know it!" says the archer. But the two axe-wielders exchange a glance, perhaps less certain.
"We saw the illusion that you put on for us in the clouds. Ice-magic!" the archer continues. "Admit it! You've looted the King's remains and taken his trophies!"
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"Think of it this way, even of you were to slay the lot of us, there is a good chance that one of you will be dead, with the remaining two seriously injured. Now, of the two, one is going to get the bright idea to kill the other and claim the glory, maybe even say they slain the linnorm. Of the trio, two of you have a good idea who would do such a callous act. Now you all have the opportunity to become an Ulfen Guard and earn glory the old fashioned way, serving in the military." Ryunnosuke said, smiling under his mask.
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"You think we should be ashamed? You're trying to disparage the Coalbraids! Don't think I don't know it!"
We're not trying to disparage anyone. We just want to show The Coalbraids and the Trollbloods what really happened.
"We saw the illusion that you put on for us in the clouds. Ice-magic!"
Inga chuckles.
I can assure you that was no illusion. That was a real battle between Kolvi and the linnorm in the spirit realm. There is no possibilty I could summon such powerful magic to create a realistic illusion of that size.Stand down and accompany us as friends to Frostbreach. We can finally put this feud to rest if you will just listen to the truth.
Also, there are children present. They've witnessed enough horrific things during this journey.
She nods in the direction of Junia, Jeeves, and Lucifer.
Please don't subject them to more violence.
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Myth shrugs. "Why would we lie? We're not locals here and it gains us not to get involved in your petty political feuds..."
Myth then lets out a heavy sigh. "But enough talk, I tire of this...if you won't listen to reason so be it. We have slain your precious undead headless king and killed the linnorm that tormented him in death...and we survive to tell the tale. I yet still bear the death curse of the linnorm I slew; so don't be surprised if I'm not scared by the likes of you. We killed much worse back there than you...it's your call..."
Myth brings up his bow as he finishes speaking, ready to fire if it comes to blows...
Tensions mount as weapons are drawn.
"You DARE accuse us of being fratricidal brigands?!" roars the archer as he raises his massive bow.
"Wait, Jan!" interjects one of the axe-women. "He said 'Ulfen Guard'. My cousin Per is in the Ulfen Guard, it's a good life."
"And that one's a real Countess" adds the second axe-woman. "Could probably get us places in the Guard. She's no ice-witch, they don't have those in Taldor."
"But - didn't you listen to them?! Now they're saying King Alvard was undead!"
"Let them answer to the town Elders then Jan. Let's not spill blood in front of foreign children."
The archer lowers his bow and sighs. "Come with us, outsiders. The town Council will hear your tale and judge its merit."
The three Coalbraids lead the way.
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Later, in the Snow Elk Wilds, you encounter Olissarra the huldra. "You've made some new friends, I see" she says. The superstitious Coalbraids go for their weapons, but seeing you greet the huldra peacefully they stay their hands. "That's better" says Olissarra. "Shall we go on to Frostbreach then?"
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A day later your strange group arrives at the town.
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Grunjar will prepare Lesser Restoration once and Remove Curse three times.
Then he casts Remove Curse on Myth:
Afterwards, Grunjar will cast Lesser Restoration on Rallas.
"Very ugly" Olissarra agrees...
You pass an uneventful, if nervous, night under the stars. The huldra vanishes into the woods, but she reappears the next morning.
When you reach the town it is already abuzz. Everyone is talking about the battle in the clouds, and the rain of blood and ash.
"Come to Gorum's Anvil" your Coalbraid escort demands. "There you will explain your actions."
The Coalbraids and the Trolltooths are out in force, and the townsfolk are gathering at the temple.
"What a perfectly hideous place" Olissarra remarks. "How can you stand to live like this?"
A short while later you stand in a great hall within the temple of Gorum. The Trolltooth clan is arrayed on one side of the hall, the Coalbraids opposite. The High Priestess Valosi stands in between.
"Strangers" Valosi addresses you. "You came to our town investigating the Jarlsblood Witch saga. We all witnessed the display in the sky, and felt the rain of blood and ash. Now you must explain yourselves!"
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When the group arrived at Gorum's Anvil, a figure arrived on horseback from where the Trolltooths were standing.
"Hello everyone, sorry I am late, a diplomatic emergency came up. My bodyguard informs me that you all had quite an adventure, including death." Lorian said, looking towards the wayang. "I got an update as to the activities when you returned to bring him back to life." Lorian said before addressing the assembled families.
"Gather around to hear what has caused this whole mess. This gloom occurred when King Alvard broke his oath to Moss-on-South-Trees when he was hunting a linnorm. For those of you that have not see him, Moss-on-South-Trees is a great big white elk, an ijiraq. Speaking with Olisarra" he said, indicating her, "they were informed that Alvard had pleaded with the creatures of the wild to help him hunt a linnorm that had appeared in the area. Moss-on-South-Trees heard his cries, and she helped broker a deal between the two to grant Alvard permission to wander the ijiraq’s lands, help in finding the dragon, and fortune in his fight against it. Alvard in turn promised future concessions that he never honored. When the warrior Kolvi set out into the forest, she showed proper respect, yet the king taunted his past benefactors by daring to enter Moss-on-South-Trees' territory once more. The ijiraq called down a terrible blizzard, and here Kolvi repelled the king and his companions, beheading the king with her sword." Lorian said
"Olisarra also informed the group that the King and Kolvi's bodies, along with the effigy had been taken to some catacombs a good distance from here. The Kings body was removed by Olisarra as she did not want his corruption tainting the earth, which is why it was not located until now. That was understandable given that the headless king was tainted by undeath."
"While they were there, they first ran across two undead creatures they fought. Next they came across two skeletons. Before they died, they left a message on the wall. One message was “Alvard knew the woods well. It’s where he hunted his linnorm, he said. We laid our ambush, but fey attacked. They shouted he betrayed them. Could see in his face he knew and was afraid. A screaming elk, ice for eyes. Kolvi. She was best with an axe, took away the king’s head. Can’t find our way back. Armour belongs in the family....dying...” with the second one saying “This horn was from a linnorm Alvard killed. He was a good warrior but fearful—always talked of the linnorm coming back. Jumped every time I blew the horn. Did he fear Kolvi being a king? Or did he fear the linnorm being back? He never was right after the hunt.” he said, asking for the armor and horn that had been found.
"The group then ran into The Headless King Alvard. Fighting him, that is where Lucifer Belthrue was killed with this axe." he said, producing the Kings axe. "They then took the wayang's body to be returned to life before returning to finish putting the spirits to rest." Lorian said, offering the others to provide their input.
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Inga bows respectfully to Olissara when she appears.
I am glad you have decided to take the time to accompany us to Frostbreach. Your testimony as a witness to something that happened such a long time ago will be of paramount importance for us to convince the townsfolk of King Alvard's...
She dare not say "treachery" in front of the Coalbraid warriors.
...decisions.
During a rest stop on the way back to Frostbreach, Klaus tells Inga that he must leave. After all the farewells, Inga and Klaus head into the trees, out of earshot of the others. Inga gives Klaus a kiss on his furry cheek and performs a quick ritual which sends Klaus back into her psyche. Sorrowful that she had to confine Klaus' spirit, she heads back to the campfire and addresses her companions.
Klaus hopes he will see you all again soon. He gives you much thanks for being such wonderful comrades.
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Lorian! What a pleasant surprise! You have returned. It seems your bodyguard, Ryu, has filled you in with the past events. Good. We've been through such an interesting journey.
Inga points at her soot-blackened face, somewhat embarrassed.
We fought many an undead creature and even a linnorm. Look at what happened to my eyebrows.
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After Lorian tells his story, Inga steps forward.
What my friend here says is true. As for the carvings left by the two warriors in the cavern, I had my apprentice take rubbings.
She calls Junia to her side and asks for the rubbings on parchment. She unfurls them and holds them out for the elders to take as evidence.
I also present to you, our prime witness...
Olissara, will you please tell them what you witnessed so many years ago.
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After Olissara speaks, Inga describes the meeting with the spirits of Kolvi and the Linnorm in the furthest chamber of the caves. Thinking the elders and the townsfolk of Frostbreach like theatrics when stories are told, Inga tells the story of their battle with the linnorm outside of the caves while Kolvi battled the linnorm in spirit form above them. She emphasizes her words with waving arms, mock battle moves, and exaggerated facial expressions.
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Myth interposes for just a bit...
"Lorian and Inga speak the truth. I can verify the part we played. We defeated your former King turned cursed and headless undead, twice; he killed our friend here the first time, but his spirit wouldn't rest till we dealt with the linnorm. After healing our friend we killed him the final time and we can take you to his body if you wish to see it...
"Kolvi's spirit also fought the linnorm...she gave us what aid she could, and we were able to put that bastard worm down...I bore the linnorm's death curse till my friend Grunjar graciously removed that burden...
"As for what happened that day long ago, the lady Olisarra hear can testify; she aided us in our quest as well and has been very honest and forthright with us throughout..."
"We are Pathfinders...we do not lie; you can believe us...or not..."
Myth bows to Olisarra and steps back...
The clans gather round, Valossi and several independent elders between them. Lorian begins his tale.
There are grumblings from both sides as Lorian relates the involvement of the ijiraq. Gasps, and mutterings of "Witch" as he describes Kolvi beheading King Alvard.
"Lies!" cry the Coalbraids as Lorian claims the King Alvard was undead. Valossi and her Gorumite priests manage to prevent any scuffles breaking out.
The boisterousness subsides as Lorian tells the tales of the two fallen Coalbraid warriors, and Junia shows the rubbings of their engravings. A reverent hush descends on the crowd. "The armour of Ulric the Bold!" "And the horn of Piet Coalbraid, King Alvard's herald!"
"Return these relics to us. As the fallen wished for." Magorn Coalbraid breaks the silence, though his tone is soft. Many of the Trolltooths nod in agreement.
There are more gasps as the king's axe is brought forth. When Lucifer's death is recounted there is a smattering of somber applause. A large Gorumite priest claps Lucifer on the back and smiles at him.
As Myth tells of the linnorm's curse, and battles with undead, the crowd responds with a mixture of cheers and incredulous jeering - depending on which side of the aisle they stand.
Then, at Inga's invitation, the huldra Olisarra speaks. "These people speak true. If you give your word to an ijiraq, keep it. It was Moss-on-South-Trees who was Alvard's undoing. It was he who brought the storm and the snows, as was his will and his right. It was his land - OUR land - that Alvard trespassed on. Kolvi was a better warrior than Alvard, and behaved with honour. You should remember her so."
The Trolltooths smile, though not without sadness. The Coalbraids are downcast. Some seem to want to fight still.
The crowd appreciates Inga's theatrics and even some of the Coalbraids nod in apparent approval.
Rallas asks - is it enough? Vallosi looks from one clan to the other. "Will you end this feud now? Magorn? Greul?"
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A reverent hush descends on the crowd. "The armour of Ulric the Bold!" "And the horn of Piet Coalbraid, King Alvard's herald!"
"Return these relics to us. As the fallen wished for." Magorn Coalbraid breaks the silence, though his tone is soft. Many of the Trolltooths nod in agreement.
Myth bows to Magorn Coalbraid. ”Aye, m’Lord...they be not ours to keep...these relics belong to those that descended from their bearers...”
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Inga concurs with her companions. She addresses the elders and clans.
We are not thieves or tomb raiders.
"Just murder-hobos."
"You hush now, Klaus."
Inga removes the cloak of protection.
I only borrowed this to help me in our battle against the mighty linnorm. Just as how the axe helped us defeat the linnorm.
She then signals Jeeves forward with the wagon loaded with the armor and places the cloak on top. She motions for him to pull the wagon in front of the elders.
These relics were created by your people. By their hands and hard labor. They belong to your people. We are only here to discover the truth to put an end to the feuding between the families so that Frostbreach can once again be a prosperous and peaceful community.
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Lorian held up his hand to quiet the crowd "Yes, they belong to the descendants of the Coalbrand family, Magorn Coalbrand. However, by accepting them you acknowledge that a travesty of justice occurred and Kolvi was not the Jarlsblood Witch as believed. For if you accept them, you also accept the words your forebearers had written before they died and the words of Olisarra, who was there when this happened. While Kolvi did kill King Alvard, it was to protect the land and people, by individual combat, not ice magic." he said as he handed them towards Magorn.
"As you saw in the sky, that was Kolvi slaying the linnorm. While it was her spirit, she had not been able to rest so that she could protect everyone of you from its fury. They had been locked in battle since the incident as it was trapped between this world and the spirit realm, just like she was. That was the second to final chapter of this tale. Now to write the final chapter and close the book." he said before motioning to Greul Trolltooth.
"I hope that this feud can be put to rest and that everyone here may prosper. There is one thing left. While I am not a noble of your country, I am still a noble and can dispense high justice as needed. With that, it also gives me the responsibility to recognize when an error has been made and correct it. Kneel Greul Trolltooth and family." Lorian commanded.
"I have been informed that before Kolvi departed to her final rest, Minara Ryuunosuke, a member of my household had asked her what her name was. While it has not been spoken by your family since she was killed, Kolvi stated to him that her family name was "Windrider". Do you wish to remain a Trolltooth or do you wish to return to your former name Windrider?" Lorian asked, clasping Greul's hands.
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"I accept the evidence. Kolvi was a warrior, and no witch." Magorn Coalbraid answers. But several of his family members spit on the ground, turn their backs and leave. "I thank you for returning our relics. And I gift them to you, on behalf of the clan. For you have honoured the memory of our ancestors."
"None but a Linnorm King may command me, stranger, noble or no" Greul Trolltooth objects, his eyes narrowed.
"Spoken like a true Ulfen" Magorn Coalbraid laughs. He holds out his hand towards Greul. Greul takes it, and the two embrace.
"I have never heard the name 'Windrider'. I am a Trolltooth, and shall remain so. But if any of my clan wish to take Kolvi's name I shall not object." Greul finishes.
"Our thanks to you, Pathfinders" says Vallosi. "You will always find a welcome in the halls of Frostbreach."
An impromptu feast begins, as the two clans start to mend their relationship. You are guests of honour. The Bugman's Best flows freely, and Myth at last finds some female company. Even Rallas' ugly nose doesn't get in the way of his carousing.
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Back at Iceferry, Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen is pleased to learn of your success and congratulates you on a job well done. He provides you with a glowing recommendation to take back to Lady Gloriana Morilla. He also ensures that she receives a shorter report through magical means so that she can act on the Ulfen Guard informant’s intelligence as soon as possible. The response she sends is troubling, though: various factions and organisations in Taldor are mobilising for something big, and the Society may discover what that is in the coming days. Lady Morilla does advise, though, that she will need some of the Society’s finest on hand to manage whatever chaos results.