"Great spirits," Kadosh exclaims as the raven speaks Common.
"We have our Following," he replies, "and then we won't bother you again. I swear we shall be more respectful of your pass than the Flaming Tusks."
The creature seems to take Kadosh at his word and relaxes somewhat.
Despite her confrontational introduction, she introduces herself as Yraka and is happy to share information with the scouts. She relates "Several other humanoids recently came this way, and I overheard their plan to start an avalanche to close the pass. I'm not opposed to the concepts of avalanches, generally, but the destructive bent of these fire-bearing strangers unsettled me. There are about six of them,". She overheard them calling their leader “Pakano.”
Rimecrag Pass presents the last leg before reaching Lost Mammoth Valley, a route skirting a mountain perpetually shrouded in snow. Although not commonly prone to avalanches, when one does strike, the aftermath can block the path for extended periods, hindering all passage.
All three, the Goblin, The White Rabbit, The Goat (not Tom Brady) look up at the totally not foreshadowing and grin.
Nice day for skiing.
Turning to look at the talking Raven (evermore), the Beastmaster waves!
Greetings, Yraka! Mees bees Strongjaw! This bees The White Rabbit. He bees Tanngrisnir! They all bees wit us. How you doing!
As the Raven (knock knock knocking on the chamber door) begins relating vital logistical information concerning them stupid Burning Mammoths asshats, Strongjaw smiles.
What to have some fun? Mees gots un idea. Yous ever read that Tolkien book with them eagles?
"Pakano here, with only five others?" Hakata looks around at his companions. "Perhaps it is time to deal with him directly."
It is a shame it has come to this, but Pakano has never been a quick learner.
"Is there a way we can approach the group without being seen?" He asks the bird.
"Find him a reflective surface and Pakano at least will be too distracted to watch for us," Veshka rasps.
Yraka shakes her head. "There is only one way through the pass that I'm aware of." she says, her voice carrying the finality of the landscape itself. "Though I only recently saw those five come through, there could have been others that arrived before I did. There is a cave ahead you should check, my friend is there and may be able to provide additional information. I think that-"
booms Shaggy Shemven in the distance. As he catches sight of Yraka, he runs towards Yraka and the party as fast as his feet will take him.
His face alight with adoration, he bounds toward the group, unable to contain his excitement. "My love!" he exclaims, his breath coming in gasps.
He presents Yraka with a stunning hawk’s-eye gemstone, a treasure he's kept hidden within the wild tangle of his hair. "I have saved this for you! Here! It is a sign of my love for you! Take this, and I will be yours forevermore!"
Yraka, taken aback by such passion and sincerity, finds herself accepting the korred’s gift. Shaggy suggests she join the Broken Tusk following, specifically as his partner. Yraka laughs then embraces the korred, sharing a special moment.
Hakata blushes at the public display of affection, but is happy for Shemven. "Ah, you have finally found her!"
Strongjaw just stares at the rude interruption of his diabolical plan! The White Rabbit shrugs. Tanngrisnir eats a beautiful tuft of foliage.
So my being flied up and over to be dropped on them asshats plan is not happening?
"...What."
Kadosh is about ready to intervene to save Yraka from the unwanted attention ... but stops short when he realizes it doesn't seem to be unwanted. "Oh!" he says with a blush.
He turns his attention back to the problem at hand. "Maybe we should go to this cave. Yraka, can you tell us more about your friend and how to get there? Yraka? Yraka? ... Maybe we can go in the morning?"
Before being pulled away by Shaggy, Yraka calls directions back to you. She says to go down behind frozen waterfall. There lies a deep recess that’s cold but dry. It’s a little tricky to find; but keep looking. Her friend will be there, she's sure of it. She hasn't seen her leave yet.
With that information in hand, you take a trip to the waterfall. Searching the area, you confirm Yraka's observation and initially overlook the entrance. Knowing it must be nearby, you keep searching until you locate it. The cave inside bears evidence of past fires and a few stored goods, like a flensing board and some good knives.
Inside on the floor is the body of a dead Kellid woman in cold weather gear with a raven band on her left arm. Tucked into the band is a slim vial of barkskin potion. It looks like the woman died of some infected wound not too long ago.
"May Fandarra welcome you back home, traveler," Hakata says quietly as he examines the woman. "Killed by an infected wound, though no telling if it is a natural accident or those Burning Mammoths."
Hakata respectfully retrieves the useful items and covers the woman with one of the blankets from the supply store.
Stepping into the cave, the trio just stare at the dead woman. Strongjaw licks his lips.
Nice Raven bracelet.
"The poor woman," Kadosh says, bowing his head. "I hope Yraka won't be too upset."
As the scouts navigate through the gully, they stumble upon an unoccupied site littered with furs, crates, and supplies. Food and water are in abundance, indicating a temporary campsite left behind by the Burning Mammoths. It's a welcome sight to see no guards or warriors, just the remnants of their presence, so the group quickly moves on, deeper into the pass.
They soon encounter an enormous overhang of ice and snow, a precarious shelf fifty feet above, being assaulted by the heat of three roaring bonfires. The sounds of the snowpack's groan mingle with the howls of the wind, a reminder of the pass's fragile state. In the distance, giant silhouettes stand stark against the sky, ominous figures on a separate peak, their purpose unknown.
A half-dozen Burning Mammoth's work ahead, attempting to engineer an avalanche you assume. One of them turns towards you, grinning, opening his arms wide. It doesn't take too long to find that the welcoming arms of the all-too-familiar figure of Pakano.
His appearance is marked by the Burning Mammoth's brandings, a physical manifestation of his newfound stature within Ivarsa's warband. The standoffish air he carries belies the simmering rage beneath, a familiar hatred now channeled through a veneer of control.
Pakano stands before the scouts, flickering firelight casting deep shadows across his face, adorned with the Burning Mammoth's brandings. His calm and collected voice carries the weight of his authority and malice. He calls out to the working Burning Mammoths who turn and fall in line beside him as he addresses you.
"Greetings, travelers," Pakano begins, his tone unnervingly serene. "I see fate has once again drawn us together on this destined path. You look... weary. Understandable, given the tireless pursuit you've endured."
He takes a measured step forward, his gaze sweeping over the party with a hint of contempt hidden beneath his stoic facade.
"I stand before you not as the hunter you once knew, but as a herald of the Burning Mammoths' ascension. Under Ivarsa's banner, I have found my true calling, my purpose. And it is within her glorious war horde that my destiny unfolds."
Pakano pauses, allowing his words to sink in, his eyes locking onto each of the scouts in turn.
"But let us not dwell on past grievances. I offer you a choice, a chance to end this chase with dignity. Surrender now, and the terms shall be thus: the adults among you will face a swift end, while your children shall be honored with conscription into our ranks. The elders... well, they will serve as slaves, a fitting tribute to their resilience."
He smiles coldly, a chilling grin that belies the cruelty of his proposal.
"Your beasts, the majestic tusks that have carried you thus far, will be slaughtered for their meat. A necessary sacrifice for the greater good."
Pakano's eyes then fixate on the scouts, his expression darkening.
"And you, my old foes, will become my personal servants. But fear not, for I shall mark you as my own, branding your flesh to signify your new place in this world. It is, after all, the least I can do for those who have proven such... worthy adversaries."
His offer hangs in the air, a venomous promise of subjugation and despair, as Pakano awaits the party's response, fully aware of the loathing his presence invokes.
"The only thing we are tired off is your relentless cawing, Little Hawk." Hakano calmly uses an old nickname from Pakano's childhood. "The last time we tangled, you were face down in the mud, if I remember correctly. Leave our following in peace and scurry back to your new friends."
The normally subdued hunter is out of patience with Pakano's shenanigans.
Strongjaw, the White Rabbit and Tanngrisnir all fart..
Loudly!
"Pakano, your presence here is a greater offer than anything that could worm its way around your forked tongue."
Kadosh just shakes his head. "It is sad to see you turn your back on the Broken Tusks, Pakano. Just as they have welcomed many of us, they welcomed you, but look at you now. The spirits weep. But don't worry. We have welcomed some of your tribe into ours. People you discarded because they weren't 'loyal' enough. Even though you have forced us on this journey, it makes us stronger. We have new members, new animals. We aren't afraid of you."
He pauses for a moment.
"Don't you remember the moose? You charged in and suffered for it. The same thing is happening to you here. But I fear you won't just be knocked out this time."
As Pakano's patience wears thin, the inevitable clash commences. With a fierce determination, he zeroes in on Valda, driven by a deep-seated vendetta and a deluded sense of righteousness. He snarls and raises his spear at Valda, calling her out and says "You. You're not special. You never were. Everyone just lies to you so they don't hurt your feelings. I'm going to show you what you should be. Now I'm going to finish you. Just like I should’ve done in the river that day!"
Pakano nods to his companions to execute some predetermined set of maneuvers while he moves to engage Valda. The whole situation feels very rehearsed as if they intended to confront you here all along.
First, a Longshield moves behind Valda and slams their shield into her, shoving her forward. Just as she finishes sliding and getting her footing, a second Longshield does the same thing. Each shove pushes her away from her front line of allies and closer to Pakano.
The two Burnbearers shout as they rush forward to surround Valda, further cutting her off. They each try to burn her with their torches, but the exemplar stays vigilant of their positioning and dodges all of their attacks.
While she's distracted by all of that, however, Pakano has no shame about burying his spear into her torso. With a satisfied chuckle, he pushes the spear in further and says "You're nothing."
HP 28/28
AC 18
Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +6
Hero points: 2
Effects:
"Radiant Valda!" Kadosh calls out as he moves to support her. Focusing on Pakano, he lifts his bell, even as he chops his ax into the Burning Mammoth between him and his fellow Broken Tusk.
Strongjaw begins Singing! He is loud and singing at the two Shieldbearers!
The Songsinger then points at Valda!
Life Boost Hex
Hakata mutters and a wreath of runes flows over his bow. He takes a shot at one of then shield bearers.
for
"On, Catamoch, drench yourself!"
Catamoch steps forward, lashing out with tusk and hoof at the foes surrounding Valda!
Valda grits her teeth as Pakano's spear impales her. But as he draws the weapon away, she places a glowing hand to her side, healing some of the pain. "Nothing? Nothing, you say?!?" she cries incredulously. "I am more than you will ever be, Pakano!" She slashes the traitor with her gleaming blade, the glow traveling down to her body mark.
The moment Pakano singles out Valda, the scouts spring into action.
Stronjaw assists Valda while simultaneously annoying the Burnbearers with his song. Hakata fires an arrow that finds its mark with unerring accuracy, killing a Longshield with a single arrow. Kadosh's weapon arcs through the air and lands with a devastating blow, cutting the enemy down in a single, decisive strike. Catamoch, with the unbridled fury of the wild, charges forward and slams into a Longshield, the impact resounding like a thunderclap. Valda, despite being isolated and targeted, finds the strength to retaliate. She strikes at Pakano, her blade biting into him.
The battlefield, already chaotic with the clashing of weapons and the cries of combat, suddenly grows tenser. A ripple of heat cuts through the icy air, an anomaly so stark that it momentarily draws the attention of friend and foe alike. About seventy feet away a figure steps through the heated distortion, Ivarsa, the Burning Mammoths’ warlord, her presence alone amplifying the sense of doom that had been lingering just beneath the surface.
Ivarsa’s gaze sweeps over the battlefield with a cold, calculating detachment. Without hesitation, she raises her voice, commanding the distant frost giants with a power that resonates through the pass. Her orders are clear: "Ensure not a single Tusk survives the snow's embrace. Kill them all."
A sense of dread runs up your spine. Ivarsa's plan is clear. She intends to bring the entire mountain down and close the pass, trapping the Broken Tusks in a dead-end and preventing them from moving on to their destination.
From behind you, you can see that the following is quickly approaching. Shaggy and Yraka lead the way with the herd and others falling in behind them. They look onward with uncertainty in their faces. Shaggy calls out "WHAT SHOULD WE DO?!"
Pakano's disdain for his own warriors becomes palpable, his focus singularly fixed on Valda. With a snarl, he barks out "Forget the rest! Focus on that whelp!" he bellows, pointing his spear towards Valda.
A burnbearer, eager to prove his worth, sidesteps to gain a better position against Valda, attempting to engulf her in flames. Despite his efforts, his attacks fizzle out harmlessly, unable to touch Valda as she dodges him twice more. He groans and says "She's too fast!
"I'll show you how to beat her!" Pakano growls, now visibly irritated by the incompetence displayed by his followers. With a cruel sneer, he thrusts his spear towards Valda, aiming to inflict maximum damage. However, Kadosh, was ready for this. Ever watchful, his bell rings out just as Pakano's spear lands. The unsettling sound waves penetrate Pakano's mind, causing a momentary lapse in his focus. He growls in frustration, raising his shield defensively, preparing for the counterattack.
12, Enfeebled 1
6
"Shaggy, try to shore up the slopes with some stone!" Hakata shouts as the spirits of battle take him over.
for
for
Why do they have f@!~ing Frost Giants and we got some oversized walrus?
Strongjaw shakes his blue head. The Witch watches the Flurry of damage Valda takes with a thumbs up!
Barely a scratch! Walk that last one off!
The Winter Witch waves his arms sporadically!
Protector Tree
A winter fur springs up next to Vald and smiles at her.
Strongjaw then Hexes Pakano!
Veshka's lightning crackles between her and the subjects of her wrath as Catamoch moves closer...
With no interest in dueling Pakano or anything foolish like that, the boar god waits until he's distracted to bury his tusks in the hunter's entrails.
Valda sneers as she heals herself again. "Is that all you've got?" she asks as she swings her sword again.
HP 28/28
AC 18
Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +6
Hero points: 2
Effects:
Desperate to finish this quickly so they can deal with the giants -- how are they going to deal with giants?! -- Kadosh slashes at the nearest burnbearer, then rushes to help Radiant Valda against Pakano. Maybe if they can kill him, the others would retreat.
Shaggy, upon hearing Hakata's call, nods determinedly. Harnessing his connection with the earth, he begins to dance, a wild and intricate pattern that stirs the ground beneath. As he moves, stones and earth rise to his command, attempting to reinforce the slopes.
Meanwhile, Ivarsa's contempt for the situation is evident in her taunting words to Pakano. "Oh, Pakano, must I do everything myself?" Her smirk is a clear signal of their shared understanding. With a dramatic flourish, she conjures a massive fireball, hurling it towards the snowpack at her feet. The explosion is immense as flames engulf her figure. Miraculously, she steps from the inferno unharmed, a smirk still playing on her lips. The impact on Rimecrag Peak is immediate; the once-steady snowpack is now dangerously unstable, teetering on the brink of disaster. The whole pass holds its breath, awaiting the inevitable avalanche that will seal its fate.
Shaggy shouts behind him "I can hold it for maybe a minute! Everyone needs to get through, quickly!"
Turning towards the scouts, he shouts , "Get those Burning Mammoths out of our way and clear a path for the following, NOW!"
It's apparent Pakano’s allies weren’t informed of this part of the plan; they’re understandably surprised at the sight of their leader. Furthermore, they begin to outright panic as they watch her incinerate the snowpack above and nearly bring an avalanche crashing down on their heads. Although they might have started the fight willing to die for their leader, her obvious display of disregard for their lives has them second-guessing their allegiance. Neither the Burnbearers nor the Longshield actively engages Valda any longer, standing awestruck, looking at the impending devastation that will soon engulf the pass.
Taking advantage of their distraction, the party takes out another Burnbearer, leaving only Pakano and a Longshield. The party lands a few good shots on Pakano, but he still manages to stay on his feet.
Pakano does everything he can to hold the party’s attention, attacking wildly, seemingly without regard for his or his allies’ safety. "Keep on her! Don't let her take another breath! Bring her to her knees!" he shouts in a ragged burst of breath. Once more, he lands a single attack on Valda before raising his shield.
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HP 28/28
AC 18
Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +6
Hero points: 2
Effects:
"Run!" Kadosh cries, hoping to send the last longshield into motion. Then he drives his axe into Pakano, unfusing it with a little mammoth hair from the following he abandoned to enhance its power against him.
Veshka snarls at the remaining Longshield, "Go die somewhere else!" Turning her gaze to Pakano though she adds, "You don't get to run."
Catamoch thrashes wildly at Pakano's shield, harassing the hunter with his bulk if nothing else.
"Broken Tusks, MOVE!" Most in the following have never heard the soft-spoken scout raise his voice.
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"You will be the one kneeling before me, Pakano!" Valda shouts defiantly. Her blade gleams again as she slices Pakano up!
Strongjaw does what any Goblin in the potential path of an avalanche would do....
The Snow Goblin begins to roar with laughter! He points at the stupid haughty lady (Ivarsa).
Tanngrisnir Strides 70' in her direction!
The witch then casts Glitterdust ReflexDC19
Now youses looks better. Wants ta finds you under da snow.
The goblin's spells aren't particularly effective this round, but otherwise the group collapses around Pakano and begins to pummel him with attacks. He starts to go down, nearly falling to a knee, but finds the resolve to stay on his feet. He looks over at his Longshield, but the Burning Mammoth has already started running away from the impending avalanche, wanting nothing more to do with this pointless battle.
"You.All.Are.Dead." he gasps out in ragged breaths, blood pouring out of his numerous wounds.
With the ice shelf nearly ready to fall, Ivarsa's work here is done. She teleports out and away as quickly as she arrived.
By now, the rest of the Broken Tusks have nearly caught up to the scouts; the Mammoth Lords round the corner past the frozen waterfall and begin to lead their following through the pass before it collapses. Shaggy struggles to do what he can to hold the shelf, but it's clear that this is a lost cause, and he only hopes he can buy some precious seconds for the following.
Despite the obvious danger, Pakano stands his ground and continues to fight the characters. "Go ahead. Cowards." He spits a mouthful of blood, thick chunks of ice falling all around him. "Run while. You can. Prove me right. Prove to yourselves. And all. The Broken Tusks. That I alone. AM WORTHHY. OF BEING CALLED. A MAMMOTH LORD!!"
Pakano uses all of his strength to throw his hands in the air during his monologue and forgets to attack this round, lowering his defenses.
Valda swings haphazardly at Pakano, his armor turning her blade aside.
In his haste to take down Pakano, Hakata's attacks fly wide!
for
for
HP 28/28
AC 18
Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +6
Hero points: 2
Effects:
Normally mild mannered Kadosh just shakes his head sadly as he swings his ax. A final punishing blow and Pakano's sad rantings come to a sudden end!
"We need to go!" Kadosh pants. Stowing his ax and bell, he grabs Pakano's body. He was a traitor, but maybe the elders will find some reason to put him to rest.
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As Kadosh delivers the final blow to Pakano, the mountain above groans ominously, signaling imminent danger—the debris from above starts to fall in larger, more dangerous chunks. With Pakano defeated, there's no time for celebration; the avalanche is upon you. The scouts turn and flee, pushing their bodies to the limit as they race to escape the pass's deadly grasp.
Barely a moment later, the avalanche unleashes its full fury. A roaring tide of snow and ice cascades, consuming everything in its path. The earth trembles under the avalanche's weight, and a blizzard of icy particles blinds you. Despite the chaos, you don't stop; survival is your only thought.
Then, as suddenly as it began, the onslaught seems to recede. The oppressive white lightens, and slivers of sunlight pierce the snowstorm's veil. You emerge from the avalanche's shadow, gasping for breath and grateful to be alive. The Rimecrag Pass behind you is now a silent tomb, its threats buried beneath layers of snow and ice.
With a snort, the final mammoth emerges from the narrow end of the pass and shakes the snow from her hind leg. A moment of utter silence ensues as though Rimecrag was holding its breath. Then, a small whooshing noise becomes the thunder of a hundred stampeding mammoths as cascades of snow pack the pass, sealing it behind the Broken Tusks.
Strongjaw just drools watching all that beautiful ice and snow come Tumbling, come Tumbling down.....
Emerging from the whiteout of the avalanche, the Broken Tusk scouts press on, their breath forming clouds in the cold air as they navigate through the frostbitten wilderness. The harrowing escape from the avalanche and the end of Pakano and his contingent have left their mark among the group. With the safety of the following weighing heavily on their shoulders, the scouts focus on the next critical phase of their journey—finding a safe passage through Calamity Caves to Lost Mammoth Valley.
As they approach the limestone cavern that serves as the entrance to the caves, the scouts are greeted by the contrast of the cavern's mouth against the surrounding snow-blanketed landscape. The dim light filtering through the entrance offers a faint promise of shelter from the relentless cold outside. Despite the cave's chill, it represents a crucial gateway to their destination and a temporary reprieve from the elements.
With a cautious optimism, the scouts step into the cavern, their eyes adjusting to the dimness as they take in their surroundings. The chill within the cave bites at their skin, and they move carefully to avoid disturbing the bats overhead. Each scout takes a moment to assess the multiple tunnels branching off from the main cavern, knowing that their choice will determine the safety and fate of their following. The task at hand is clear—explore these tunnels and ensure a safe path for the Broken Tusks to Lost Mammoth Valley.
Kadosh sits down and sighs, taking a moment of respite from the elements.
"How are we supposed to choose?" he asks. "They could go anywhere. Spirits, guide us!"
Almost lost a top the now mature goat, both the Goblin and White Rabbit are seen passing colorful balls to each other. The White Rabbit seemingly Independently able to manipulate the colorful balls as easily as the Witch.
Tanngrisnir seems to be a bit more Independent also, as the largest goat tracks each tuft of foliage despite any rumblings from Strongjaw.
Stepping into the warming cavern entrance, all three seem ready to prepare a camp and securing the area prior to any actual exploration....