, summoned at the behest of Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen, invited to attend a cultural event in the northern Lands of the Linnorm Kings!
Character Introductions:
When introducing yourselves in your opening post, choose one or more Intro Questions below to answer (first spoiler). Then, at your option, please post your Proficiency and Modifier (plus any relevant Skill Feats) in the following skills that represent your Background Knowledge (second spoiler):
Q) How did you arrive just outside of Iceferry? Where are you coming from? Describe your long journey here!
Q) In the Downtime that occurred before this adventure, what did you do? How does it tie into joining this mission?
Q) Are you more a Warm Weather or Cold Weather person? Why? If you were anticipating the opposite, what preparations would you make?
Q) What is your definition of Good Sportsmanship? Is it something that people should be trusted to Self-Enforce or that should be Enforced by Officials?
Q) Where you come from, is there Enmity or Harmony between peoples of Different Culture upon the Same Land? Who / Which? Has this changed over time? How?
Nature
Gladiator Lore
Kalsgard Lore
Society
Survival
Tundra Lore
Ulfen Lore
If you haven't already, please proceed to Discussion to complete the Check In.
Finally, without further ado, let us begin our blue-tongued trek down the
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A dog sled pulls up and a young hitchhiker jumps off. "YOLO!" he shouts, as he fist-bumps the driver and rushes inside.
Ezaki has had a relatively short trip here from his native Edasseril. He's quite used to the cold - in fact, his profession, an ice cream maker/server, relies on people being willing to eat ice cream in sub-zero temperatures. His ice cream serving pole, with a flattened knob on one end for scooping and serving, has been awkwardly fitted with a blade on the other end to form a makeshift longspear.
It was the only way for Ezaki to leave the oppressive realm of Belimarius - sign up for a reality show, and have the producers feed him with silly suggestions for their amusement and entertainment.
There's no cheating in Edasseril, or at least, there's very little. Belimarius's iron-fisted guards execute cheaters on the spot, so people are strongly deterred from attempting anything that even resembles cheating.
Also, why cheat? YOLO!
Ezaki bursts into the Lodge, fist bumping everyone - save Brunwulf, whom he chest bumps.
The PCs arrive at the lodge in Iceferry where they are met by Venture Captain Bjersig Torrsen, his friendly dog Mahki, and the gnomish Pathfinder Lirall. Bjersig Torrsen greets the PCs, offering them a place by the fire as he removes his thick gloves. Lirall sits beside Bjersig as Mahki turns happily through the group before settling in front of the hearth, ears still perked and tail wagging across the rug. Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen sits upright in his chair, waiting until he is certain he has the attention of everyone in attendance. “Thank you all for coming.” he signs, his words interpreted as necessary through Lirall, the gnome sitting beside him. “I expect your travel to Iceferry was safe, if a bit cold. I am very excited to have you all here for the upcoming event. I expect that you will find it an excellent test of your capabilities, and not one many Pathfinders will be able to boast of.”
Bjersig draws a small bundle of scrolls and a journal from his bag and lays them on the table, allowing the contents to unfurl and spread across the tabletop. “This handful of documents is all the information the Society has collected on the Balgirdtrek up to this point. I doubt it’s something you’ve heard of unless you’re from the area. It is an overland race some 200 miles long, from Frostgarten in Icemark to Kalsgard, just over the river. It is performed each year, honoring the deeds of Balgird Bluetongue when he slew a tarn linnorm centuries ago, but this year’s race promises to be quite unique. As you may know, the Varki have been the source of quite the commotion among the Ulfen lately, largely in positive ways. Their ranger, Nankou, slew a linnorm some time ago and has been officially recognized as a linnorm king. A new linnorm king is always newsworthy, but a Varki linnorm king is unprecedented. In recognition of Nankou and his diplomatic efforts between the Ulfen and Varki peoples, the officials have decided that the Balgirdtrek will be held in reverse this year. The Varki have always bristled a bit at some of the ideas inherent in the Balgirdtrek. Ulfen have often discussed it as a race from the ‘savage wilderness’ back into the arms of civilization, not something that has promoted constructive relationships between the two. It’s good that the officials seem to have broadened their horizons.”
“What’s more, there are two new teams joining the race this year. First, Nankou has hand-picked a group of Varki to compete. This is the first time Varki have competed in the race and from what I’ve heard, the Ulfen participants are excited to see what they bring to the competition. If you haven’t guessed by now, you all are the second new team. I’ve managed to secure your entry with the approval of the race officials. You can thank me later.” Bjersig smiles broadly. He stands and places a sealed envelope and a small purse on the table. “There you’ll find your entry letter accompanied by my letter of introduction for you. The purse contains a few coins to help you purchase some gear. Once the race is over, you’ll also be compensated by the Society for your efforts. Expect a hefty bonus if you actually manage to win! There is a sleigh carrying the other teams to the starting area. It will stop here in Iceferry to pick you up in an hour, don’t be late. To be allowed to compete is a great honor, so please remember that you represent the best qualities of the Pathfinder Society at all times. Take notes, learn whatever you can from the other teams. The Balgirdtrek is supposed to be a friendly competition after all. If you have any questions, make them quick, otherwise good luck to you all. I don’t expect you to win, but I hope you’ll at least make a good show of it.”
...
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The beautiful elven woman enters into the lodge, a white fur cloak over her. Dressed in yellow and black, in the form of a wasp's patterns, she thinks about her travels to this cold place. She preferred the warmness of a fire to the cold of the outdoors but still Calistria's faithful needed support and Atae would do her best to spread the tenents of the Savored Sting in word in deed in this cold place. After all, wasn't revenge a dish best served cold?
As she enters into the Lodge she notices Ezaki and quietly moves up to stand next to him.
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After a long two week journey to Iceferry, Brünwulf was very excited to be participating in the Balgirdtrek. The trip from Absalom would have probably been a bit shorter by taking a ship around the coast of Varisia and up to the frozen Lands of the Linnorm Kings but travelling by sea was not Brunwulf's style, nor would it have been easy on his stomach. He's a man of the land; Hiking through thick woods, hitching a ride with a passing trade caravan on a lonely road, or riding in the back of a farmer's wagon through pastoral farmland and rolling hills.
The horse drawn sleigh slides to a halt in front of the lodge. Brünwulf grabs his pack and hops out.
The sleigh driver bids his farewell and offers him luck as Brünwulf gives a wave of thanks. Taking a deep breath of the chill wintery air, he nods in approval as he looks up at the rustic lodge.
Swinging the wooden door open and taking a step in, a familiar face rushes up and chest-bumps him in greeting.
Haha!
He bellows in surprise with a big grin across his face.
Ezaki? By the gods, boy!
He gives his old pal a hardy pat on the shoulder.
Good to see a familiar face will be joining me on this excursion.
He then turns and notices another familiar face.
Haha! Zelphari? I would've brought gifts if I knew this was going to be a reunion!
He grabs Zelphari's hand and shakes it firmly in greeting.
I've been wondering how you've all been doing ever since our last adventure. I spent a few weeks afterwards helping to get that lodge set up in Sauerton. Wonderful little town.
Well, it's great to see you're both doing well.
He says with a wink.
He then turns to the elven woman. Noticing her exotic choice of clothing, he cocks an eyebrow in bemusement as he looks the woman up and down.
He then sticks out his hand in greeting and gives the elf a friendly smile and a cordial nod.
Name's Brünwulf. It's good to meet you.
He introduces himself to the Venture Captain with a firm handshake and a warm smile.
Brünwulf finds himself a seat and gives Mahki a scrub behind the ears. He then turns his attention to Captain Bjersig and the mission briefing.
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Mahki's ears raise to take in all the sound Ezaki makes running around the room touching everyone with his four knuckles. He had known many pups like that, but in his age, had joints that ached and dissuaded him from doing so himself.
He snarls a bit as Atae walks up to his master, but then relaxes just as suddenly as she stops in her tracks. He decides to keep one ear on her at all times, never trusting the smell of an elf.
His other ear, however, was definitely up for itching! As Brünwulf comes up to scratch, Mahki can't help but start kicking one hind leg to the sky with a repeated motion. Sometimes a human finger was gentle yet flexible enough to get that spot he can't typically hit the same way with his own leg.
He looks to the door and smells the air as if expecting one more person to arrive!
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"WOW YOU LOOK LIKE A BEE!" Ezaki blurts out when he sees Atae.
He quickly realizes that it was inappropriate and stammers out an introduction. "Uh ... sorry ... I'm Ezaki."
---
Ezaki listens to Brunwulf's stories about the new lodge in Sauerton. "Aw, man, I wish I could have been there. I-"
-had to report to my overlords!
-had a 4-week bowel movement!
-got married and divorced!
"Shut UP!" Ezaki hisses, apparently to himself.
"I, uh, had to visit family back home for a bit."
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Zelphari steps off the ship, drawing his furs tightly around him. He found the sea journey from Golarion enjoyable, as usual, spending much of the time on deck, welcoming the sea spray. He recalls nostalgically his childhood living by the sea, so while he missed his mercenary days, the long sweaty walks and marches was one part he did not enjoy in particular. Life has moved on though, something his stopover in his home country of Varisia reminded him, but one thing the Church of Irori has taught him is to focus on the now. That said, he can't say his enjoys the cold though as he attempts to pull his furs even tighter around him.
The middle-aged human man of average height steps into the lodge, his skin a tanned deep olive colour. In fact, from certain angles, it almost seems to shimmer with a bronze-like tint. Under the thick fur, he is quite well-built, but he looks rather ... weathered. He bears faint scars, as if he's seen some repeated fighting in his younger days. Despite that, he carries a gentle smile, although a closer look reveals a faint haunted look in his eyes. As he removes his fur robes, you find Zelphari wearing a well-worn splint mail. Over his back hangs an assortment of weapons: a guisarme, a long bo staff, while dagger hangs from his belt. The only other thing of note is a pendant carved into the shape of Irori's open palm hanging round his neck.
Before he manages to get a good look around though, he is waylaid by Brunwulf. He breaks out into a brilliant warm smile as he grasps the ranger's hand firmly in return. He quickly recognises Ezaki and despite the rather ... strange experience in their last encounter, he pats his on his shoulder affably.
"Indeed! A shared experience like that is hard to forget, even if one wants to. The journey has been long, but meeting old friends at the end of the journey, especially unexpected ones, is always a joy!"
He notices a fourth member, notes her rather unusual garb, and gives her a welcoming nod. "Greetings, Lady Atae. My name is Zelphari, of Irori."
After a pleasing breakfast - a hot blackish fluid that burns the stomach acids and stimulates the brain which the goblins proudly declare is called "Coughing!" as well as a brown cheese and a simple round of unsweetened ham, served on crisp breads - the party heads outside to be prompt for the sled, three of which pull up right in time, two completely full, and the third with sufficient room for exactly four more people.
Seemingly organized into teams, you find yourselves situated next to a group of three ulfen and a halfling. One of them speaks "Sassa Ringbreaker" introducing herself and and scooting over to make room for you "That's Rikkun" pointing to a male ulfen who nods "and Thosse" the halfling nods as well "and of course this is the great Faergim Axebinder" the ulfen woman indicated here swipes her hand as if to smite the title given to her.
"We are the Wyrding Wayfinders!" she says, smiling proudly.
...
Sassa looks surprised at the question "You weren't told? This is an annual race!" she looks back at the sled behind her "They are newcomers too!" she is pointing to the group of three humans and a half-orc several feet behind you who are crammed in with another all human team .
"You look cold" remarking at Ezaki's lack of Winter Clothing.
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The burly woodsman gives an upward nod of his chin in greeting. He puffs out his chest in confidence and firmly shakes the hands of the opposing team.
Good to meetcha.
Wyrding Wayfinders, huh?
He says in a mocking tone.
Well, we're the, uh...
Trying to come up with a name on the spot, he glances at Ezaki and Zephari as memories from their last adventure suddenly flash through his mind.
Uhh... We're... The Infernal Hellfyres!
He shrugs with palms upward and an embarrassed grin. He desperately turns to his teammates.
Got any ideas for a name? Help me out here!
"Well, I'd say you're in the wrong element!" Sassa Ringbreaker pulls out a journal and begins writing in it. Then she starts singing the words she just scribbled!
"♪♪♪Ooooh...
On the sled to the Fourteen-Hundred-n-eighth Bal-gird-trek
We Wyrding Wayfinders had-done-met
A motley crew of sap-ling-squires
Known as the In-fer-nal Hell-fyres...♪♪♪"
She looks towards Faergim Axebinder as if seeking approval, whom themselves seems to be ignoring the commotion (is she meditating with her eyes open!?), and receiving none, instead turns towards Zelphari - as if to include him into the conversation by force! - and says "I wonder how this song will end!?" in such a way that you are unsure if she meant the phrase rhetorically or not.
---a beat---
"We'll be there soon!" the halfling belts enthusiastically, looking down the slope now at the gathered crowds of perhaps people concentrated near what looks like a large red ribbon that marks the beginning of the race. A sign reads:
1408th Annual Balgirdtrek! Welcome Outsiders!!!
...
"What a beautiful day for a race!" Sassa Ringbreaker looks towards her companion Rikkun "You were saying it snowed last night?" back at the party without giving him the chance to answer yes or no "Means the trial'll be soft and the visibility high - you lot should have no problem navigating if this weather holds!"
As the sled slides down the hill, the downtown area - with the Red Ribbon signifying the starting point of the race - seems to have it's shoppes open, with people milling about, and several people in special red-colored jackets whistling and holding their hands up to guide each sled to the starting line. The drivers for the sleds announce each team, and almost as an afterthought, your driver leans back like "Oh s+~& - what was it again? - I thought I heard you say..." but going from memory without giving you a chance to respond:
There is an awkward lull. Each other team who had their names announced led immediate and uproarious cheers afterwards. The crowd seem to look around at eachother - a few shrugs here - followed by some mild clapping - but eventually the great spirit of this event slowly restores.
The driver turns back around "Sorry I f$&!ed that up for you: You got three hours before the race starts" and with that, takes leave, and as the other teams begin (1) interacting with their fans, (2) making last-minute stops at one of the shoppes, (3) talking to the race officials in the red jackets, (4) securing their equipment to their dog-driven race-sleds, or (5) getting last minute drinks at the one of the various pubs, the party decides what to do with themselves before they are to report to the Red Ribbon to start the race!
...
You believe that while the weather is clear today, it looks like it'll snow overnight and possibly remain such for the duration of the race.
You believe that while the weather is clear today, it looks like it'll snow overnight and possibly alternate back-and-forth for the duration of the race.
Furthermore, you recall the winner of the 1408th Balgirdtrek to be the Two Houses team. And furthermore, that this stirred up some controversy due to their relatively casual attitude towards the event compared to some of the other teams.
You recall the winner of the 1408th Balgirdtrek to be the Two Houses team. And furthermore, that this stirred up some controversy due to their relatively casual attitude towards the event compared to some of the other teams.
...
...
Shopping List
-winter clothes
-tent
-hatchet
-rations
-healer's kit
-100 feet of hemp rope
-repair kit
Supplies List
-three minor healing potions
-climbing kit
-vouchers for lodging in Frostgarten
-flint and steel
-a signal whistle
...
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"There's a saying in Edasseril ... 'red sky at night, snow for the forseeable future; blue sky at night, snow for the forseeable future.'
It's going to snow most of the time, so we should get supplies."
Ezaki gets himself some winter clothing and forgets to get anyone else's gear. Or the rest of his.
"My bad."
Round One
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
Round Two
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ ?? @ ??
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
Round Three
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ ?? @ ??
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
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Zelphari raises an eyebrow at Atae’s comment, but pretends he fails to recognise the flirtatious undertones, and simply replies, ”The Master does advocate to hone our minds and bodies, although I have to admit that was not the reason I fell in with him.” A faint haunted looks comes over him and he doesn’t speak further.
——
At Brunwulf’s suggested team name, Zelphari similarly raises an eyebrow (a skill that he seems quite masterful in), but merely grins and nods. ”I have to admit that is quite appropriate. Hope the lady do not mind though,” he quips, nodding at Atae.
——
Cursing himself under his breath for not equipping himself adequately for this expedition, Zelphari wishes Ezaki luck, hoping that he can acquire sufficient supplies for this trip. Instead, Zelphari heads over the the officials tent.
”Better get a sense of the rules for this race. Even if we’re not expected to win, I sure hope we don’t get eliminated right away!”
It was admittedly quite challenging at first, trying to get over the language barrier. The officials’ Common was patchy, and he knows nothing about Ulfen. At some point though, he discovered that one of them also knows a smattering of Varisian, so with a combination of Common and Varisian, and a lot of hand waving and gestures, he manages to make some sense of the competition rules.
Zelphari speaks with one of the Officials in the Red Jackets.
The official proceeds to field any additional questions that the sorcerer may have. But not before leaning in to share a history lesson with the outsider:
"My personal favorite is the - I'm a tracker myself, and while I competed in my youth, my own Tarn all either retired or died" shrugging his shoulders here "The trial of the is meant to recreate the events surrounding the loss of Balgird’s beloved pack horse. When the steed was lost in a terrible blizzard, Balgird tracked a herd of caribou across the tundra, and watched their behavior from a distance, looking for one that he might be able to tame. The legendary Ulfen spent more than a week trying to get close to the herd, and narrowly escaped death by hundreds of stampeding hooves before he finally managed to sling his saddle bags over the animal’s back and lead his new companion out of the herd and into the taiga!"
After hearing the story, the official shares some specific strategies for overcoming this (later) challenge with you...
Pup Tent!
...
Round One
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item
Zelphari @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 18 @ +1 vs Caribou Whisperer
Round Two
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ ?? @ ??
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
Round Three
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ ?? @ ??
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
...
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Hey. Before we split up to do our shopping and mingling, looking at the clouds in the distance, it looks like that while the weather is clear today, it looks like it'll snow overnight and possibly alternate back-and-forth for the duration of the race.
He says as he squints up at the sky.
Looking back at the group, he scratches at his scruffy short beard as he continues...
A while ago, I heard the winner of the 1408th Balgirdtrek to be the Two Houses team. Supposedly, this stirred up some controversy due to their relatively casual attitude towards the event compared to some of the other teams.
Like Bjersig said, we should get to know our competition a bit better. I have a feeling one or more of these teams may not be honest sportsmen.
He comments with a serious expression.
Well, I'm going to go gather some supplies then organize all of our gear on the sled. If I have time, I wouldn't mind having a chat with the race officials. I'll be packing the sled before the race. See ya then.
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Brünwulf meanders through the town square as he looks for supplies to purchase. Being a newcomer to the race, he gives polite nods to the few friendly townsfolk but tries not to make too much eye contact. He ignores the few mutters of insults. Even though he doesn't speak Ulfen, he can tell one just by the tone.
Admiring the local arctic outfits, Brünwulf decides to pick one up of his own as well as other supplies.
He finds a small shop with all sorts of adventuring gear available as well as arctic jackets and pants. Having difficulty haggling with the shopkeeper without knowing the local language, he does most of his communication through pantomiming and jingling his coin pouch.
The winter outfit turns out to be much more than he expected, but he his happy to be able to show it off to the Pathfinders back in Absalom. Especially the hat.
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Ezaki will chat up the referees for a while.
"Sweet gig! Do you guys ever get to participate in the race, or are you working the whole time? Any tips for newbies?"
Fist bumps all around.
---
After that, he's going to try to find some ice cream and show the vendor how to twirl it on a stick.
Where's Golarion Instagram when you need it?
Brünwulf makes it back from the shoppes with only one of the items on the list - the vendors seemed to be extorting him "outsider" fees which he was unwilling to pay, instead finding a reasonable deal on...
...Meanwhile, Ezaki bores with shopping, and spends some time showing off his ice cream spinning skills and is questioned afterwards by one of the race officials in the red jackets who inclines to sharing with him a story...
"Hearkening back to a time..." the elder official begins "...in the wilderness, Balgird Bluetongue, while searching for a Linnorm in the frozen reaches of the Saga Lands, survived by living off the land itself. In particular, Balgird was known to have scaled a great tree and retrieved the egg of a massive bird. He did this so swiftly and carefully that the tree did not bend, and the bird did not notice its egg go missing..." leaving you the space to be impressed "...you can replicate this trick at the first trial by..." she gives you a strategy for Bending Egg Tree trial, explaining it is the first you have to complete when you reach the first checkpoint...
...At some point, an ulfen woman - Jori - of the Bluetongue Brawlers comes over and, upon looking at the party's incomplete supplies, jeers "Hey official - Say we'd go an' join our two teams together - the "The Infernal Hellfyres" and the "Bluetongue Brawlers"... with us carrying their frostbitten asses on our backs!" many in the crowd laugh at Jori's jeer heartily, pointing their fingers, some yelling out "They don't even have any food!" or "nor repair kit" and "nor rope" etc etc etc, causing quite the spectacle!
...
Round One
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ Shopping (Survival) @ 19 @ 1 item (pick one! - see below)
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item (Winter Outfits)
Zelphari @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 18 @ +1 vs Caribou Whisperer
Round Two
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ Talking to a Rival Team (which)? @ ??
Ezaki @ Entertain Crowd (Performance) @ 19 @ Bonus Hero Point
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
Round Three
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 21 @ +1 vs Bending Egg Tree
Zelphari @ ?? @ ??
☑ winter clothes
□ tent
□ hatchet
□ rations
□ healer's kit
□ 100 feet of hemp rope
□ repair kit
...
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Satisfied that he understands the rules, Zelphari takes a look around to see what the rest of the team is doing. That's when he noticed that the supplies from the trip are still dumped in a pile beside the sled. He heaves a deep sigh. Packing for long trips was never a favourite activity, but it has to be done. His reluctance shows though, as he practically makes a mess of things. Finally, he gives up, throwing everything into another pile, this time on the sled, cover it up with a tarpaulin sheet, then random tying it down. Hope this holds...
Exhausted by the effort, he wanders to the pub to get a nice cup of mulled wine, and perhaps to to pick up some gossip. Unfortunately, he soon realises that everyone is speaking Ulfen and he undertands not a word. Heaving yet another deep sigh, he sits quietly in one corner, nursing the wine.
A little out of his element, Zelphari thinks to himself "how hard could it be to pack a sled" and does his best to arrange what equipment they have gathered so far into stable units in which everything is held together with evenly distributed weight but some objects "will we need these? oh well" are rendered so as to be more readily accessible. Meanwhile, it dawns on him that some in the crowd are watching, some shaking their heads, others laughing, as he struggles with the task but eventually gets everything somewhat squared away...
Heading to the closest pub now, he fails to gain traction with the locals, who mostly ignore him, but does manage to overhear people telling their favorite stories from previous Balgirdtreks, and to boot, the spirits are quite good, even lending a warmth...
...
Round One
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ Shopping (Survival) @ 19 @ 1 item (pick one! - see below)
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item (Winter Outfits)
Zelphari @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 18 @ +1 vs Caribou Whisperer
Round Two
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ Talking to a Rival Team (which)? @ ??
Ezaki @ Entertain Crowd (Performance) @ 19 @ Bonus Hero Point
Zelphari @ Packing Supplies (Athletics) @ 9
Round Three
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 21 @ +1 vs Bending Egg Tree
Zelphari @ Hobnobbing at Pub (Diplomacy) @ 14
☑ winter clothes
□ tent
□ hatchet
□ rations
□ healer's kit
□ 100 feet of hemp rope
□ repair kit
...
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Brünwulf didn't know what he was thinking earlier. He ended up getting a tent in case they were out on the open tundra. Building a lean-to or igloo was easy for Brünwulf, but if out on an open plain, a tent would keep them sheltered from the blowing wind and snow.
Brünwulf puts on his new arctic outfit and finds that he doesn't receive as many glaring eyes or muttering behind his back as before.
He decides to head back to the sled and pack it up.
He finds the sled a complete mess. Looking around with a scowl, he wonders if one of the other teams tried to sabotage it. Scoffing at the sight, he gets to work organizing everything.
He straps down gear with twine and leather straps, distributing the weight evenly among the entire length. There's nothing worse than discovering you're stuck on a snow covered crevasse only to find out too much of the weight on the sled is centered on the end directly above it, then taking a perilous drop into the shaft. He gets the job done in an expert fashion. He pushes the sled around and shakes it, making sure it's sturdy and balanced.
He also finds some items for the journey on the sled. He'll have to wait until the others return to decide who gets what.
Brünwulf can tell by the seriousness of his onlookers and how the crowd goes quiet how important it must be to pack everything up together. Someone behind him says "Not bad for a foreigner" and another "Well that's better" and though it takes him some time, he gets the teams sleds in excellent working order.
Meanwhile, Atae gets busy!
With the ease of great confidence, she walks right up to the Two Houses team and touches Olaf who immediately says "Don't I know you from somewhere?" and with that Atae finds herself the center of attention as the Two Houses team warm right up to her, talking to her about how they had casually won the race last year, and seeing her rather out of her element, spend the entire time essentially giving her a crash-course in how to make reasonable daily progress...
...Parting with them pleasantly, Atae them goes shopping to pick up items from the shopping list, and walks away with a decent deal on...
...
Round One
Atae @ Interacting with Two Houses @ 13 < 17 @ may Overland Travel using PFS Lore
Brünwulf @ Shopping (Survival) @ 19 @ 1 item (Tent)
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item (Winter Outfits)
Zelphari @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 18 @ +1 vs Caribou Whisperer
Round Two
Atae @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 22 @ 2 items (pick two! - see below)
Brünwulf @ Packing Supplies (Survival) @ 25 @ Team +1 to Overland travel in Snow or Storm
Ezaki @ Entertain Crowd (Performance) @ 19 @ Bonus Hero Point
Zelphari @ Packing Supplies (Athletics) @ 9 @ Failure
Round Three
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf @ ?? @ ??
Ezaki @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 21 @ +1 vs Bending Egg Tree
Zelphari @ Hobnobbing at Pub (Diplomacy) @ 14 @ Failure
☑ winter clothes
☑ tent
□ hatchet
□ rations
□ healer's kit
□ 100 feet of hemp rope
□ repair kit
...
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Brünwulf remembers being ridiculed by the other teams for not having enough supplies. Although he has rope and rations of his own, it would be a good idea to have more for the team and the long journey ahead.
Instead of visiting the temporary shops and kiosks set up in the center of town which are full of tourists, he decides to try the old general store on the edge of town.
Speaking slowly and clearly, he explains as best as he can that he is a newcomer to the race and needs basic supplies. Looking through the wares, he picks out the best looking items and haggles for the best price he can get.
He manages to get a finely crafted hatchet and a repair kit.
Not all vendors are willing to "miss" an opportunity to charge a little extra at an annual cultural event - but Brünwulf manages to find a few that do - the owner of the general store was eager to hear news of the outside world!
Returning to his group with nearly the remainder of what they had on their shopping list, the party waits for Atae to return from her final round!
...
Round One
Atae @ Interacting with Two Houses @ 13 < 17 @ may Overland Travel using PFS Lore
Brünwulf @ Shopping (Survival) @ 19 @ 1 item (Tent)
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item (Winter Outfits)
Zelphari @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 18 @ +1 vs Caribou Whisperer
Round Two
Atae @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 22 @ 2 items (pick two! - see below)
Brünwulf @ Packing Supplies (Survival) @ 25 @ Team +1 to Overland travel in Snow or Storm
Ezaki @ Entertain Crowd (Performance) @ 19 @ Bonus Hero Point
Zelphari @ Packing Supplies (Athletics) @ 9 @ Failure
Round Three
Atae @ ?? @ ??
Brünwulf Shopping (Survival) @ 18 @ 2 items (Hatchet and Repair Kit)
Ezaki @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 21 @ +1 vs Bending Egg Tree
Zelphari @ Hobnobbing at Pub (Diplomacy) @ 14 @ Failure
☑ winter clothes
☑ tent
☑ hatchet
□ rations
□ healer's kit
□ 100 feet of hemp rope
☑ repair kit
...
In another culture perhaps, the Worship that Atae offers her new friends would be seen as a threat to the Two Marriages that make up the Two Houses team - last year's reigning champions! - but not today, and not here. Perhaps it was equal parts the elf's relative exoticism, brazen confidence, and unique approach to Prayer that ended up being the reason that not only Atae, but also the happy couples Oluf & Unn and Lief & Stean, ended up being nearly late to the race's official beginning! I guess we'll never truly know what went on behind the medicine tent that didn't happen to have any patients or attendants at the time...
In either case, Atae returns with rations, and with the party scrambling to assemble (discovering that they actually need more rope than they have in just their adventurer's packs but will have to simply make due!),
...
Round One
Atae @ Interacting with Two Houses @ 13 < 17 @ may Overland Travel using PFS Lore
Brünwulf @ Shopping (Survival) @ 19 @ 1 item (Tent)
Ezaki @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 8 @ 1 item (Winter Outfits)
Zelphari @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 18 @ +1 vs Caribou Whisperer
Round Two
Atae @ Shopping (Diplomacy) @ 22 @ 2 items (Healer's Kit and Rations)
Brünwulf @ Packing Supplies (Survival) @ 25 @ Team +1 to Overland travel in Snow or Storm
Ezaki @ Entertain Crowd (Performance) @ 19 @ Bonus Hero Point
Zelphari @ Packing Supplies (Athletics) @ 9 @ Failure
Round Three
Atae @ Interacting with Two Houses (Performance) @ 23+ @ Bonus Hero Point + Favor
Brünwulf Shopping (Survival) @ 18 @ 2 items (Hatchet and Repair Kit)
Ezaki @ Chat Officials (Diplomacy) @ 21 @ +1 vs Bending Egg Tree
Zelphari @ Hobnobbing at Pub (Diplomacy) @ 14 @ Failure
☑ winter clothes
☑ tent
☑ hatchet
☑ rations
☑ healer's kit
□ 100 feet of hemp rope
☑ repair kit
...
With seemingly infinite energy, and always smiling, Ezaki leads the pack, liberating the sled whenever it get's stuck, and keeping a good eye out for good smooth paths!
Atae @ ?? (??)
Brünwulf @ ?? (??)
Ezaki @ Athletics +6 (if multiple critical failures)
Zelphari @ ?? (??)
|
|
Brünwulf shouts at the sound of the whistle.
He pushes the sled from the side helping to get it and the dogs going.
Quick! Who's gonna be the musher!?!
He yells to his companions as the dogs bark excitedly in their eagerness and get running.
I don't mind being in charge of pecker protectors, belly wraps, and booties for the dogs, but I'm going to be scouting ahead and around this thing as we go!
Someone better get on that foot board or this sled is as good as gone!
He quickly reaches for his bow on his back to make sure it can be easily drawn. Realizing all is good, he jogs alongside the sled as they start the race.
Brünwulf keeps his eyes peeled for easy terrain, seizing the clear weather to make as much progress before tomorrow's incoming snowfall, while Zelphari does his best to keep the dogs in line which ends up being really exhausting work!
Atae @ ?? (??)
Brünwulf @ Survival +6 (no)
Ezaki @ Athletics +6 (if multiple critical failures)
Zelphari @ Athletics +7 (if critical failure)