"Billy, did you see a pixie in the Great Hall?" Dram scratches his cheek. "I haven't even had the sherry."
"A pixie?" says the sprite indignantly, "I'm not a pixie! Pixies are huge. They're as big as gnomes! Oh."
A little sheepish at having given himself away, Pine does a little bow as though this was exactly how he'd planned to introduce himself. Mostly humanoid, the tiny figure has a few traits reminiscent of insects--notably the antennae and the wings that carry him to the floor, though the latter dissipate into light as he touches down.
He carries a few weapons, particularly a fancy rapier. He doesn't wear armor, but experienced adventurers might note the protective runes worked into the stitching of his clothing despite the lack of any physical protection.
"Pinebrush of Glisten Grove (which is just a little village, you probably don't know it), adventurers' guide and recently of the Pathfinder Society. A little."
Slick was lounging around bored in his bedroom. He was wondering whether it was time for another snack when he hears the commotion in the Great Hall. He perks up and jumps to his feet hoping it's something interesting. You never know, he might get lucky and a fight'll break out. He does a quick fist reload to loosen himself up. "Don't know where Jeeves put my stuff, but no worries; I could use a challenge right about now."
He moves into the Great Hall and looks around. Nothing strikes him as an immediate danger. A noise near the ground catches his attention and he looks down. His shoulders slump a little in disappointment. "What is that? A sprite? Not much of a challenge really"
When Pinebrush introduces himself, Slick frowns. "You're not from Harrowheart like the rest of these people?" He waves his hand airily to indicate the nearby help. "Just how exactly did you get in? I thought things were buttoned-down pretty tight in this place. We can't just have strangers wandering in willy-nilly whenever they feel like." He looks around for someone, without luck. "I'll have to have a word with Captain Cirillo about this unacceptable breach of security."
Billy is standing in the doorway, quite amused with all the shenanigans. He mock-admonishes his companion. "Slick my friend, we have an honored guest. Someone who's even smaller than me! Where are your manners?"
Billy turns to the sprite. In Sylvan, he warmly says, "Greetings, and welcome to Harrowheart!" Switching back to Common, he continues, "I'm Billy. Billy Bardy. I'm quite well-known throughout the Grand Bazaar. Perhaps you've had the pleasure of attending one of my sought-after performances?" Upon receiving a blank stare, Billy continues brightly, "So you'll soon get to experience it for the first time. You're a lucky man. But enough about me. Let's introduce you to the gang...."
Indicating Dramiil, "You've already met Dramiil, our resident psychic." Then, turning to Slick, "And the grumpy one here is Slick. Give him a chance. He grows on you. You'll be happy he's on our side when things get nasty." Garion looks around, "Nubnonk, our goblin thaumaturge, hasn't been feeling well. Not sure where he's gone to. Poor guy." Considering the sudden appearance of the newcomer, Billy muses aloud, "Perhaps that's why the fates sent you?" Billy shrugs and is excited to give Pinebrush the grand tour.
Before you set out Billy visits the Carnival at the edge of the now small town which sits at the base of the castle. The town seems to be growing quickly. A blacksmith has opened along with a small tavern and general store. The inhabitants also seem a bit friendlier with the local coffin maker coming out to shake Billy vigorously by the hand.
As Billy enters the Carnival the sun is setting, despite the fact that it was a little after noon when he left the castle. The place is busy with locals and performers mingling freely. Billy is drawn to the Big Top at the centre. Inside a pair of bearded strongwomen are tossing an enormously fat man between them to cries and shouts of Again, again!.
As Billy watches both of them turn to him in mid throw and shout, None of your tricks Billy Bardy, we see you there! Ducking out before the crowd turn on him Billy quickly makes his way back to the castle. On his return Billy settles down in his room and draws his Harrow Cards. Picking up the Carnival he stares deeply into the sinister image. As ever it draws him into it. Inside Billy meets a red headed female knight riding imperiously through the crowds, who scatter in her wake. The women doesn't even acknowledge Billy's presence and he cannot get any sense of whether she means good or ill.
Later, the group gathers before one of the remaining two active portals. Beyond the portal you see an ancient stone road, choked with weeds, wending its way through low hills. Stepping through you find yourselves in the midst of an empty landscape. The wind cuts through you all, it is very cold and your clothing seems to do little to help. The sky is full and it looks likely to start to snow heavily soon. The landscape is empty, no-one seems to live here and there is little sign of wildlife. In the distance you can see the dark line of a thick forest.
Billy enjoys his stroll through the small town on his way to the always vibrant carnival. When the coffin-maker introduces himself, Billy looks at him curiously, "Greetings, good Sir. While I'm sure you do fine work, I sincerely hope I won't be in need of your services anytime soon." He continues to marvel at the growing town.
At the carnival, Billy turns to his companions, "Bearded strongwomen playing catch with a large gentleman. You don't see that every day." After a short pause, "They didn't seem to like me. I find that very odd indeed."
After his reading that evening, Billy informs the group, "I had a vision of a red-headed knight mounted on horseback. Not sure if she's friend or foe." As he packs up his cards, he shrugs and smiles, "Ahhh, who doesn't love the magic of a carnival?"
Before stepping through, Billy retrieves The Vision harrow card and studies the terrain to recall what he knows.
Upon stepping through the portal, Billy studies the barren area and frowns, "Well this doesn't look anything like the grassy rolling hills we just saw!" Spotting the path, "If this represents the ancient stone road, maybe we should follow it to that oh-so-inviting forest?" The halfling looks around for consensus.
Billy recognises the region as being Iobaria, a rather desolate area north of Brevoy. The region is known for dragons, diseases, centaurs and goblins.
Slick looks over the bleak landscape. "Wow! That was a serious case of false advertising. Where are all the rolling green hills we were promised? I'm beginning to think the barren wasteland full of aberrations might have been the better choice."
When Billy reckons that they're in the frozen north somewhere, Slick nods. "Iobaria? Is that what you said, Billy? Well that would certainly explain the cold..."
"... Good thing I brought along this nice fur-lining for my cloak."
When Billy suggests heading to the forest, Slick shrugs. "Good a way as any."
"What's a Harrowheart? I was in the Grand Bazaar, I had to find this game store. But the place didn't look fun at all--something bad happened there! Then I had to find... I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but I had to find it. I don't know, it was kind of a vision? But I'm good at finding things, so I found this place. I'm... not sure how."
Pine smirks and puffs up a little at the mention of breached security. "Oh, nobody's ever been able to keep me out. But I don't mean harm, I just like to keep an eye on things. In case anybody needs help. I've stepped in for a lot of adventurers who were just getting started and got in over their heads."
He looks over Slick and Dramiil. "It might have been a long time ago, so you'd probably look different, but... maybe?"
He looks Billy over as well. "No, never heard of you. Are you sure it was in the Grand Bazaar?"
Pine is eager to tour the place, guided or not. "But where exactly are we? This isn't Absalom..."
--------------------------
Shivering in the cold, Pine motions towards the snow-covered landscape. "I think the green hills are under that."
He draws his rapier. "I've usually used a bow in the past, but somebody I rescued just gave this to me, so I have to try it out. It's called 'Spicy Toothpick,' for some reason."
With a nod towards the forest, he says, "I'm much more comfortable in the woods. I'm a good guide!"
When Pinebrush wonders about where he is, Slick stops looking around for the captain and looks back down at the sprite. Waving his arms to indicate the building they're in, he says, "This is Harrowheart, the castle in the center of the Harrow Court, a demiplane apparently created by, or for, the Deck of Destiny." He looks closer at Pinebrush. "Hmmm. No. You're not one of the locals; you're a little too, um... real for that. Also, your story about how you got here matches ours. So it seems that like us, you've been summoned here by the Deck to help, uh..." He pauses in thought, then gives up and shrugs. "...To help do whatever it is we're supposed to do. Right now, that seems to be gathering all the cards. You've arrived just in time to help us with our next collection run."
When Pinebrush explains he hasn't heard of Billy, the bard excitedly says, "How wonderful! Soon you'll get to hear me perform for the first time. I'm often at The Gutless Griffin in the Ivy District of Absalom. The first time is always special. What a treat for you!"
After Slick discusses Harrowheart, Billy nods and says, "I'm very happy to have you join us." He looks pointedly at the fighter continuing, "And so is Slick."
Never in a hurry to take the lead, Billy is happy to follow the lead of their new sprite companion. "After you..."
Seeing no other options the group heads along the overgrown road towards the forest. The sky grows cloudy and it begins to snow. The wind picks up and you find yourselves facing into the freezing cold. Its tough going. After about an hour you see, off to the north, a cloud of swirling dust. It seems a herd of horses is galloping across the hills. As they grow nearer you realise they are not horses at all but centaurs.
The lead centaur is a red haired female, armed for battle. All of them carry powerful looking lances. They are headed directly towards you although they dont appear to be preparing to charge you.
Slick stops when he sees the centaurs approaching. "They do not appear to be preparing an attack. Maybe they just want to be friends."
He then takes a couple of steps forwards and raises his empty hands to show he holds no weapon. He smiles broadly and calls out as they approach. "Hello there! We are peaceful travelers in your realm. We mean no harm."
If they do not appear to know Common he switches to Elven and tries again. If they do not appear to understand either language, he looks over his shoulder at Billy. "That's all the languages I know. Your turn to give it a try."
"Yeah, that's probably the best thing to do," says Pine with an approving nod. He then disappears into the shadows and undergrowth of the forest to quietly keep an eye on things. "Probably" isn't a sure thing!
When Billy sees the centaurs approach from a distance, he exclaims, "Look, the red-rider from my vision. She's a centaur!" He muses aloud, "I do so love visions..."
Following Pinebrush, Billy steps to the edge of the path to avoid getting trampled and cradles his Jug of Fond Remembrance in one arm.
Then joining Slick in greeting, he calls out, "Mighty warriors. I'm Billy. Perhaps you've heard ..." He interrupts himself, "...no matter. We're adventurers. You seem to be on important business. Can we help?" Billy holds out his lute and offers, "Perhaps a rousing battle hymn to inspire your impressive team!"
The centaurs sweep down onto the group, the red headed leaded pulls up short in front of you while the rest encircle the group. As Slick calls out it is apparent they do not understand common but when he switches to elven they visibly relax.
I am Rohrry Grey Eyes of Clan Taliesin. What brings peaceful travellers, or is it adventurers, into the Stone Teeth?
Slick pauses for a moment deciding whether to hide their reasons for being in Iobaria, but sees no reason to do so. Since they seem to understand Elven, he continues in that tongue, translating any responses for the rest of the group. "Greetings Rohrry Grey Eyes. I am known as Slick. This here is Dramill; the little one over there is Pinebrush; and you've already met Billy. We are in your lands on a little excursion in search of..." He pulls out one of his Harrow cards and holds it up. "...one of these. It is a Harrow card and we believe the one called The Silent Hag is to be found nearby. Do you have any knowledge of such things or where we might find such an object? And what is this Stone Teeth of which you speak?"
As the centaurs approach, Billy recalls what he knows of them.
Billy doesn't understand elven, and nods understandingly as Slick translates. Billy tries greeting them in Sylvan, "Well met, Rohrry Grey Eyes. As Slick said, I'm Billy. It's a pleasure. For both of us, no doubt!" He considers and asks, "Not all of us are fluent in your natural tongues. With your permission, I'd like to use magic to help. Do you prefer Elven or Sylvan?"
The bard stows his jug, strums his lute, and sings,
♫"Some new friends we are meeting
In a land so cold and bleak.
Deserve a proper greeting.
This spell will help us speak."♫
Billy casts Comprehend Language to allow the group to speak the centaurs' preferred tongue.
Rohrry looks over the card. have never heard of this Harrow or of the Silent Hag. There is said to be a great hag face carved into the hills to the east. The road you are on leads past the hill but first it goes through the Maw of Karth. The Maw is a tunnel through the hills that lies within the maw of a great cyclops head. If you are going that way then take care, the region often attracts giants and trolls. I myself have rarely travelled that far to the east.
Turning to Slick she says, The Stone Teeth, why, that is the name of the hills you are passing through.
At Billy's request to use magic, I have no objection. What is your interest in these Harrow cards?
With communication no longer a barrier, Billy turns to Slick, and says in Sylvan, "Congratulations, you now can speak the language of the fey. If you want to switch from elven, you won't need to translate for us."
Billy returns his attention to Rohrry and responds in Sylvan, "We have somehow been tasked to collect Harrow cards and keep them safe from evil-doers. Glorious songs will be sung (by me) of our heroic deeds."
Considering Rohhry's intel, Billy nods, "The carved hag on the hillside sounds like our next destination. Thank you." He continues, "And many thanks for the warning about cyclopes, giants, and trolls." He adds, "I'll practice my Jotun along the way."
After giving others a chance to chime in, Billy asks, "Since we're traveling through your homeland, is there anything we can help you with?" The affable bard looks forward to her response.
"I speak Jotun," says Pine, sheathing his sword and sliding nonchalantly from behind a tree as though he hadn't been purposely hiding from sight. "I'm not afraid of giants. I'm used to facing people much bigger than me."
He looks curiously at Rohrry. "Why would anybody carve a giant hag face into the hills? Carving faces into hills is a funny thing to do, anyway."
Rohrry inclines her head to Billy. I thank you for your offer but no, I and my troop are one of my clan's patrols. Our way heads to the east for a bit. I could escort you into sight of the Maw but that is beyond our usual patrol area and I am afraid I could not do so without some form of compensation beyond the pleasure of your company. She grins at that and then startles a little at the sudden appearance of Pinebrush.
I did not see you there small one. I have no idea why anyone would carve a hags face into a hill nor why someone chose to carve a massive cyclops head between two hills to create the Maw. Our legends tell us that these lands were once ruled over by a mighty cyclops empire but that seems unlikely given the sorry state of such creatures nowadays.
"Things change, but legends aren't always reliable. So who can say?" Pine bows to the centaur leader. "But that's a very helpful lead either way, thank you!"
Slick gives Rohrry a smile. "It was nice meeting you Rohrry and thanks for the information on what's ahead. Sounds to me like the place with the great hag face carved into the hills is our destination. Given our recent adventures, I'd be very surprised if we didn't cross paths with some of those giants and trolls you mentioned, probably in that Maw of Karth."
Once the group say their goodbyes to the centaurs and they depart, Slick looks east. "I guess we better get going and take care of those bad guys up ahead." He checks his equipment and then starts walking along the road in the direction of the Maw.
Billy bows respectfully to Rohrry and confirms. "Compensation beyond the pleasure of my company? A steep price indeed. You're a shrewd negotiator, Rohrry. I predict you'll go far." He smiles and suddenly realizes that Slick has started walking toward the Maw. He waves and bids the centaurs farewell in Sylvan.
As the group continues, Billy reminds them, "Friends, recall my carnival vision: two bearded strongwomen tossing a large fat man between them, who seemed to be enjoying himself." He pauses and adds, "They didn't seem to like me. Imagine that ..." Looking at the group, "Just in case, anyone else know Jotun besides me and Pinebrush?"
The group trudge on along the ancient roadway. The wind cuts across the low hills, freezing you to the bone. Clouds thicken and it begins to threaten snow.
Slowly, in the distance, you see the hills begin to rise and the road wends its way into their rocky heights. Ahead of you is what is clearly the Maw. A massive cyclops head, carved between two steep hills. The road passes into its mouth. A worn inscription circles the single great eye.
“I am the Maw of Karth. I speak to his strength and wisdom. I am a place sacred and terrible, of magic and of power. Here begins your journey.”
With little other choice you make your way inside the long, winding tunnel, appearing to be swallowed by the Maw. It is dark inside and dank, the place smells of old death. As you begin to near the far end you can hear ahead of you the sound of loud, sonorous chanting. At least two voices, both very loud, are raised in the midst of some sort of ritual singing. The tunnel bends ahead of you blocking your view of who they might be but they are clearly outside as you can see daylight falling into the tunnel.
Slick approaches the mouth and glances at the inscription. It means nothing to him. "Hey Billy, can you read this? It's gibberish to me."
As they head into the tunnel and hear the chanting ahead, Slick holds up a hand to stop the group. He looks over at Pinebrush. "Want to show us what you can do and sneak up there to see who's making that noise?"
Billy, practicing his Jotun with Pinebrush as they get closer to the Maw, frowns when he sees the single eye with the inscription he can't read. He explains to Slick, "Jotun has similarities to Cyclops, but it's too different to read." Listening to the chanting, he continues, "They're singing in Jotun -- sounds like a purification ritual."
When Slick suggests that Pinebrush sneak ahead, Billy turns to the sprite, "I can cast a spell to scout ahead, but if you wanna go ..." He quickly adds, "Once we know what types of creatures we face, I'll cast another communication spell for all of us." Billy looks to Pinebrush.
Billy steps back outside the cave and sings,
♫"This cave's a mausoleum.
Those giants are a screamin'.
An Eye to help us see 'em.
My Harrow fa-mi-ly."♫
He casts Prying Eye to create an invisible floating eye. He sustains it to scout inside the tunnel and around the bend.
Once we determine what types of creatures we're facing, Billy will chant,
♫"Some giants in a cave.
The danger never ends.
To speak, we must be brave.
Let's hope they want new friends!"♫
He casts Comprehend Language so the entire group can read/speak/understand Cyclops (or Jotun, if they're not Cyclopes).
"Sure, I can take a look."
Pine stows his weapon. He isn't expecting to be noticed, so he won't need it. And if he is, well, he'd rather not look like he's threatening anybody. Not if it might not be necessary.
Staying tight to the wall, he moves to take a peek.
Pinebrush sneaks around the corner of the tunnel, keeping to the shadows of the various nooks and crannies. Peering around the corner he sees two enormous female giants sat around a massive camp fire. They have huge spears lying across their knees and are totally absorbed in a continual chant. The wear rather rough looking heavy hides. Various camp items lay strewn about them and the carcass of a deer is roasting over the fire.
They don't seem... unfriendly. Maybe.
"Hey Billy, looks like we found your two bearded strongwomen, though no sign of any gentleman being tossed about. Maybe you could give them a look over to see if you have any more luck than Pinebrush here at figuring out what type of giant they are."
Slick then gives a short laugh. "<Har, har> Maybe you can say hello to them. They might be friendlier than your vision would suggest."
When Pinebrush returns to report on the giants, Billy nods and turns to Slick. "Yes, perhaps I shall look as well."
With the group now able to understand/speak Jotun, Billy re-enters the cave, sending his invisible eye ahead to scout. When he sees what they're cooking, he suggests quietly, "Maybe the fat man in my vision is really a large deer carcass roasting over the fire?" With a clear view of the giants, he shares what he knows.
"I'm not sure how helpful that vision actually seems," says Pine thoughtfully, "if you only recognize the things after you've seen them. The knight and the strongwomen relating to things we encountered later is very impressive, but not very useful. Or did you also see some clues about what to do about it?"
Billy explains to Pine, "Ahhh...true enough. But the visions will often include a sense of friendliness or foreboding ..." He quickly adds, "...but not this time..." And continues, "... so they can, admittedly, vary in usefulness." Even though Pinebrush makes some all-too-true observations, Billy, the happy-go-lucky halfling, still loves looking forward to his Carnival of visions!
Billy sends his sneaky eyeball around the corner of the tunnel. He sees the two huge women in the midst of their ritual preparations. Billy recognises them as Taiga giants.
These giants are not generally evil but can be rather unpredictable and violent when provoked. They possess a strong connection to the primal forces of the world and engage in ancestor worship. This is likely a preparation ritual to cleanse themselves before trying to contact one of their ancestors.
When Billy reports back, Slick considers their options. "How about we let them finish their cleansing ritual before we show ourselves. Billy could then try to sweet-talk them into not attacking us. No need to kill these large ladies unnecessarily, eh?"
As Billy watches through his all-seeing-eye, he quietly describes the Taiga giants. He nods to Slick when he suggests introducing ourselves after the ritual. "Sounds reasonable." He adds, "Well, as long as this particular ritual doesn't last hours ... or days."
After a few minutes, Billy comes to the conclusion that the ritual won't be ending anytime soon. "No one enjoys a good performance like me, but this is rather long." Billy continues, "They don't seem too dangerous. Who wants to meet them?" Without waiting for an answer, the halfling boldly leads the group into the clearing.
Cradling his lute in one hand, and holding his Jug of Fond Rememberance in the other, Billy strides non-threateningly into the clearing.
He clears his throat to announce his presence, in Jotun, "Greetings, friends. I'm Billy, a beloved entertainer in Absalom. May my friends and I join you? We can provide refreshments and entertainment." Holding out his lute and jug, he continues, "I've never met Taiga giants before." Looking up at them, way up at them, the little halfling admits, "You're more impressive in person." He studies the campfire. "Ooh, are you involved with a ritual to contact your ancestors? I've read about that. Very honorable." Billy bows respectfully and offers drinks all around.
"Maybe the lack of hint is a hint, then--that it could go either way?"
Watching Billy introduce himself, Pine considers whether it's better to reveal himself or stay hidden and observe.
Billy makes his way into the clearing beyond the tunnel. At first the giants dont seem to notice him until he begins his spiel. At that both open their eyes and look around, initially overlooking him.
As they look down one bellows, Thats not a mouse the other mocks, its some sort of stunted human I think.
She leans over to peer at Billy, Your are INTERRUPTING our most important preparations little mouse. And you say you have friends as well, more INTERRUPTIONS! The other waves her longspear generally in Billys direction, We cold just knock him out sister, that would not disrupt the preparations.
The other scowls, No, he's polite enough and he is offering beer although that tiny container contains barely a sip. Bit measly if you ask me. All right mouse, get your friends out here and tell us what you want. But be quick about it, this ritual wont cast itself.
Slick watches as Billy's golden words seem to put the giants in a less murderous mood. He glances at the others and shrugs. "Doesn't look like they're about to throw Billy around, so I guess it's okay for us to join the party."
He sheathes his sword and marches out to join Billy. "Greetings new friends. Sorry for interrupting your preparations but we didn't want to startle you by appearing unexpectedly. Our business shouldn't take long."
Slick then pulls out one of his harrow cards and holds it up for the giants to see. "We are looking for a card that looks like this one, except that instead of a fiery dwarf, it will show an old hag. We ran into some centaurs a while back and they said that we might find a place beyond the Maw with a great hag face carved into the hills. Do you know of such a place? Can you direct us to it?"
One of the giants leans forward and peers intently at the card. Ive never seen nuffink like this bit o card says one but then the other cuts in, A great hags head you say. Yes, there's one carved into the side of a hill. About a days travel along the old road towards the forest. Not been there in a long time but the thing was plenty ugly.
The first glares at Billy, The mouse mentioned refreshments...
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The first glares at Billy, The mouse mentioned refreshments...
Billy excitedly responds, "...and entertainment! But first things first ..." The bard pours drinks from his Jug of Fond Remembrance.
As he's pouring, Billy explains, "Everyone loves my honey mead. It's a big hit. From the finest brewery in Absalom!" As he's drinking, Billy casually points out, "I can't help but notice the mouse references." Billy continues smoothly, "It happens all too often! But I'm actually a halfling. We're often far better company than mice. Besides, mice don't play a lute like this."
Setting down his jug, Billy strums his lute and sings,
♫"It's Absalom, not New Kortos Isle.
It's Absalom, been called that a while.
Why they changed it, I cannot say.
People just like it better that way.
Absalom, drink the best brew there.
Absalom, so much to do there.
Grand Ba-zaar: can try everything.
Folks go there to hear Billy sing!"♫
Regardless of the lack of applause, Billy bows with a flourish. "Thank you. Thank you. You're very kind." After the giants tell of the carved hag's head, Billy asks, "During our travels, is there anything we can do to help with your ritual?"
The giants eagerly accept Billy's honey mead. Well well sister, seems this one has plenty of booze to go round. Who would have thought it of one so small. You, you're no mouse little one, you have a voice that can roar! A halfling you say, not heard of them before, don't think there's any living up north in the high mountains where we are from. But, you put on a good show. I like you.
The other sister seems a little more reticent. You always were a bit soft in the head for a decent voice and plenty of booze sister. But he does play well and none of them have tried to poke us with a pointy bit of metal yet so I suppose that's something. Your offer to help with our ritual is appreciated but entirely misplaced. This is a personal family thing, we must deal with it ourselves. However, if you ever find yourselves in the far northern mountains from here and run into trouble just drop our names. Yeska and Erska. Most people up north either know us or know of us and no-one bothers our friends. Now, if you want to make the Hag before nightfall you had best get going. Looks like it going to start snowing and we have preparations to finish.
With that the two giants bid the group farewell.
, Expert
, Master
, Master, +1 visual
, Master
Heading down the road Pinebrush spots an abandoned camp on a low hill a little way off the road. Checking out the camp it has clearly been abandoned a long time. It looks like it was made by a group of humans, or at least humanoids. An old firepit sits at the centre and old and spoiled food lies scattered about. Several packs lie about the camp, most have been torn open but one seems to have survived. Examining it you recognise that it is in fact magical. Billy recognises it as a Greater Knapsack of Halflingkind. How it came to be here is a mystery you are unlikely to ever unravel.
Leaving the hill you continue down the old road. The weather closes in and snow begins to drift down, slowly at first and then in a continual flurry limiting your vision and making travel difficult. You push on and the snows slowly fade as the sky darkens and the sun sets. Just as it starts to get dark you see ahead of you, carved into a hill at the side of the road, the great Hag face.
Its eyes are two dark pits, probably small caves. Its mouth gapes open and is full of stone teeth. It seems like their might be a cave beyond but the mouth is filled with a round stone boulder blocking access. The whole face is a good fifty foot high. Who carved it and why are a mystery.
Slick picks up the knapsack and looks it over. "How strange. How did this end up here?" He then hands it to Billy. "Looks to me like this one is made for someone your size."
When they arrive at the hag's face, Slick looks up at the ugly countenance 50 feet above him. "Looks like there's something in the hag's mouth stopping us from getting in. Someone better get up there for a closer look."
Closing his eyes for a moment, Slick silently commands his new baldric and he is soon flying up to the hag's face for a closer look into the three openings and to try and determine how to get past the boulder blocking the mouth entrance.
Billy bows to Yeska and Erska and says in Jotun, "It was a pleasure meeting you both. Thanks for listening ..." He adds, "... and for not eating me." He smiles, stows his jug, and follows the group out.
When Slick hands over the knapsack, the halfling exclaims, "Wow! These are rare." After checking one of the compartments, "Yes! There are healing tarts in here. They're berry and supposedly delicious!" Billy wears the pack for the time being.
Upon reaching the hag face, Billy sees Slick about to activate his new belt of flight. The bard holds a hand up. "Before you expend a charge, how about a set of stairs to get us all up there?"
Billy looks up the cliff face and sings,
♫"There's a party who knows
As the cold weather blows.
That we're spy-ing
A stairway ... to heaven."♫
A spiral staircase materializes out of the ground and spirals upward 50' to the mouth of the cave. If Slick isn't already flying, Billy turns to the fighter, "After you...."