The land of Icewind Dale has been cursed and is seemingly forever trapped in an unending winter. Blizzards unlike any other bombard the passes located on the Spine of the World making it impossibly hard to travel. The sun hasn’t shown itself in over two years, leaving the land and its denizens to suffer from the harsh cold. Inhabitants of the Dale blame the goddess of winter’s wrath, known as Auril the Frostmaiden, for the relentless winter. An aurora shimmers and glows in the night sky. It is believed to have been woven by the Frostmaiden herself and is what prevents the sun from offering any trace of warmth.
The Dalefolk live within the settlements of Ten-Towns. Ever since the onset of the unending winter, the number of caravans arriving from the south have gone down considerably. Combined with travel dying down in between the settlements of Ten-Towns, most of the Dalefolk have been left feeling isolated. They have also resorted to offering various sacrifices to appease the Frostmaiden in hopes that she will free the land from her wrath. However, despite these sacrifices, the sun does not rise. Regardless of your personal goals, Ten-Towns will test your caliber, and should you prove worthy, perhaps you will leave a lasting mark on the frigid lands of Icewind Dale.**
You find yourself in Bremen, a smaller settlement that makes up a part of Ten-Towns. Shops are few and far between here and you will be lucky to find good food. However, the outlook of the people of Bremen is surprisingly bright despite the harrowing cold of the Dale, and you will find that its inhabitants are quite friendly. You have been approached by an elderly dwarf warrior,** Hlin Trollbane**, a few moments after your arrival. She has asked you to meet with her at the **Buried Treasures** inn to talk about investigating a string of murders that have been plaguing Ten-Towns. The mystery has piqued your attention and you've agreed to talk more with her at the inn later in the day. With the hour of your meeting arrived, you find yourself standing outside Buried Treasures alongside three peculiar individuals, perhaps they're here for the same reason.
A young elven woman, sat on her knees in front of a small shrine she had made in honor of her father. Behind her was a small village that lay to the North-East of Bremen. She wore simple adventurers clothes and was wrapped in her fur-lined coat and boots to keep warm. Her hair was blonde and blowing lightly in the chilly wind, and her eyes were emerald green. Her skin was fair, the result of the sun hiding in this cursed land.
"Hi daddy. I'm sorry I haven't been out to visit you as much as I have. Lots has changed since the last time I visited you. I know that's not an excuse, but. I left the Misfits. The whole thing with..you dying, and..mother, and.."she trailed off."I needed space. I thought I understood them, and, I thought they understood me. Well, in the end, I was wrong. I was wrong about them, and maybe, even, about myself. So, I didn't return. I didn't even look back. Mother gave me a hard time, trying to get me to conform to her divine plan, and I hid from her for a bit."
"I stayed in Waterdeep for a while and made new friends! They treated me very kindly. They liked who I was, accepted me, and made me feel valuable, and special. I felt like I belonged. They didn't care I had quirks, or silly notions and feelings, they understood me. We found a whole bunch of money! Arora even tried to give me a bath! Can you believe it? I burned the bathtub, she got so mad at me."she giggled."I miss them very much. Mother appeared again and we fought - I had to run away again because I was afraid she would kill my new friends. That made me so very sad. I don't want to fight with mother, daddy, even though she doesn't love us, but she won't leave me alone. I'm afraid she's going to kill me and everyone I love. I just can't do this by myself."
"I'm in Icewind Dale now... hiding from mother. I've met a few new friends, but I need work. It's really cold here, like the land is cursed or something, I've heard a few rumors. I'm going to head to Bremen, that's a nearby town, I'm hoping to find some work there, or maybe hear more about why this place is so blasted cold. I love you daddy."
The young woman rises to her feet and starts her long trek through the snow towards Bremen.
As Fahana enters the quaint town of Bremen, she is met by an elderly dwarf warrior by the name of Hlin Trolbane. The dwarf speaks briefly of a string of murders that need to be investigated and mentions to meet her in one hour at the Buried Treasures Inn to discuss it further. Seeing as though this may add some coin to her pocket, Fahana agrees. She meanders through the town a bit to waste some time and then heads over to the inn where she sees several others waiting outside. She pulls her fur-lined coat up closer around her as she approaches the others. "Did an elderly dwarf ask you to come here as well?"
Brin trudges into the village of Bremen. He is a stocky dwarf, with black hair and gray eyes. He wears a thick cloak over a wollen tunic and britches, his boots lined and warm. He carries little in the way of weapons, but has a component pouch at his hip, marking him as some sort of spellcaster.
, He is here to speak to an elderly dwarf warrior by the name of Hlin Trolbane. Their first discussion was short, where he was told to meet her in one hour at the Buried Treasures Inn to discuss things further.
Unsure why they could not just have had the discussion right away, as that would have been the orderly thing to do, Brin moved to the inn to wait on Hlin to complete the discussion. He orders some ale, and drinks it slowly as he waits for her to arrive.
Fahana, one of the individuals you addressed seems to disregard your question and moves on inside. He seems in a hurry.
Brin, as you go inside the shanty inn, you see no one inside save for a raven-haired woman, and the familiar stature of Hlin who is sitting by the bar counter, back faced towards you. Strapped on her back is a battleaxe and on the right side of her waist is a hatchet. The raven-haired woman notices you coming inside and runs over enthusiastically “Hello there! Welcome to Buried Treasures! Please have a seat anywhere you like.” The woman says.
Waylin wades through the snow lining the streets of Bremen, passing through alley ways and back streets as he makes headway to the Buried Treasure. He shivers slightly and blows into his hands. He glances up as a shop sign creaks and groans, the wind gusting violently. He tucks his hands into his threadbare coat, pressing onwards, slowly arriving at the inn. He glances around, "Huh...This must be the place. Hlin must be inside." He placed one hand upon the weathered door and the other upon the rusted knob. He pressed slightly and turned the handle as the door released a great groan.
Waylin stepped inside, wiping loose snow off of his boots upon the door mat. He glanced around the inn, looking for the dwarf. His hand dropped down to his thin purse, feeling the handful of coin left inside. He needed a job and soon, before he became any more destitute.
Hlin Trollbane's message that he was the last to arrive confused Gonly. Until that point, the North had been a very quiet and lonely place. It was far different even from Blackford Crossing, which he considered to be the pinnacle, and edge, of the known world until just days ago. In that time, who he had encountered on the road here swiftly hid from him, and nearing the journeys end he had learned to do the same mostly out of habit. Perhaps one simply did not speak to others outside of town.
An hour later, as he walked up to the Buried Treasures Inn, his floor length brown robe dragged slightly. He opened it enough to show homemade tan leather armor, and no ill will. An older man in his forties, his hair grey and receding, he stood tall. He held a wooden staff that curved around at the top and had a chunk of amber wedged in the curve's tip. It clacked loudly on the hard wood in a way that it hadn't on the snow covered floor, and he made a note to lift it up slightly when inside.
He nodded at the young woman's question, "Yes, one did. I was told there would be others as well. My name is Gonly Gandain, I'm a druid from warmer parts." He paused long enough to watch the others run passed him.
"I guess people here just don't speak much. Understandable, considering all of this"His free hand motioned to the sky and general dreariness about.
Brin nods to the raven-haired woman and then moves his way over to his fellow dwarf at the bar. “Ye ready to be telling me waht this all be about yet, or are we waiting fer something more?” He asks as he takes a seat at the bar next to her. He is not grumpy, just direct as he speaks.
He nodded at the young woman's question, "Yes, one did. I was told there would be others as well. My name is Gonly Gandain, I'm a druid from warmer parts." He paused long enough to watch the others run passed him.
"I guess people here just don't speak much. Understandable, considering all of this"His free hand motioned to the sky and general dreariness about.
Fahana breathes into her hands and rubs them together as looks at the gentleman with a slight smile "The others might be inside... it is dreadfully cold out here" she motions towards the door "shall we?" She move towards the door and turns the rusted knob with a creak and pushes the door open. Upon seeing Hlin she raises a hand to give a slight wave to her "The two of us are here as you asked."
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Brin, Hlin acknowledges you and points to the door, "Yes. Them. Let em' come over real quick so I only have to explain the details once." She doesn't seem to be disturbed by your directness as she moves to casually smoke her pipe.
Waylin, as you walk into the inn you see only a few people, two dwarves by the bar counter and a pale faced raven-haired woman. Before you could do anything further you feel the door nudge your back as two more individuals that you saw previously outside walk in.
Fahana and Gonly, the two of you struggle for space in the doorway as another individual stands there who was nudged by the door that Fahana opened. You both see the familiar face of Hlin and a less familiar dwarf standing by her. You also notice a raven-haired woman who is now eagerly walking towards your trio.
"Hello there! Welcome to the Buried Treasures inn, please have a seat anywhere!" The raven-haired woman exclaims happily at the trio by the entranceway. Hlin looks over the dwarf next to her and takes out her pipe from her mouth. "Over here!" She yells from all the way at the counter.
Waylin curtly nods to the people behind him, "My apologies." He walks over to the two dwarves, "My apologies for my delayed arrival, the streets aren't the easiest to navigate at times." Waylin drops his hood to his shoulders, revealing a pair of curved ram's horns. He studies Hlin and his associates. Waylin runs his hand through his shaggy beard before it drops to his coin purse. He turns his attention briefly to see if there is a bartender nearby.
Fahana opens the door and steps inside right into Waylin "I am so sorry sir, I didn't see you there." Seeing that they all seem to be there for the same reason, she simply smiles and moves toward the bar where the rest are gathered. Looking at the others, she introduces herself "I'm Fahana, and who might you all be?"
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Waylin, Hlin simply nods not showing any disappointment or frustration. “It’s fine. I was more worried that some of you wouldn’t show up than anyone being late. When the other two walk over here I’ll fill you all in on the details.”
The cheery woman that greeted all of you in asks, “Can I get anyone any drinks? We’ve got some dark ale, hot tea and well... some ice cold water!” She exclaims loud enough for every single one of you in the shanty inn to hear.
"A beer please." He sets and few silver pieces on the weathered counter and slides them over to her. He glances back at the elf, "The name's Waylin. At your service, Miss Fahana." He studies her for a brief moment before turning to face them, leaning against the bar. He runs his fingers through the thick mess of hair, brushing it back behind his ear. He then turns to look at the human druid and other dwarf as well, giving both a curt nod. He rests his arm against the bar as he lets out a slight sigh.
The raven-haired woman lifts up a small note pad and a piece of charcoal that has a pointy end. She starts nodding and writing down the orders as they come and then looks expectantly at Fahana to see if she also wants anything. You see that her smile is still holding up, and while it doesn’t seem forced, it is quite surprising how someone in a cursed land could maintain such enthusiasm.
Hlin turns to face all of you, puffing one last smoke before speaking. “Right. Glad you all made it.” The hazy smoke emanating from her pipe starts to fill the air around the four of you with the smell of tobacco. “I apologize for being vague earlier. However, it would’ve been a waste of my time to explain the situation in detail one by one. Hope ya all understand.” She shoots Brin a look, her wrinkly face scrunching up just a bit before continuing on. “Moving past that, I’ll get right to the point. I’ve got one main suspect, a man named Sephek Kaltro. I want you to track him down and investigate him. If you find anything that can solidify his guilt of the murders then you can take care of him any way you want. With one exception, no handing him to the authorities. If you can do this, I’ll pay you.” She leans back then takes another puff of her smoke, being courteous enough to not blow it directly in any of your faces. “Now, for questions, I’m sure you got em’ so go ahead and loose em’.”
As she speaks, her facial features start to register in your minds. Orange multi-braided hair, a face wrinkled with age, and a rather wide scar on the right side of her neck that runs down all the way to the sternal facet of her right clavicle.
Waylin curtly nods to the people behind him, "My apologies." He walks over to the two dwarves, "My apologies for my delayed arrival, the streets aren't the easiest to navigate at times." Waylin drops his hood to his shoulders, revealing a pair of curved ram's horns. He studies Hlin and his associates. Waylin runs his hand through his shaggy beard before it drops to his coin purse. He turns his attention briefly to see if there is a bartender nearby.
...
The dwarf near Hlin nods to Waylin. "I be noticing the streets here need some reworking, a bit more streamlined and straight, with less turns and twisting. Maybe a machine to run along, on a rail maybe, to clean the snow, and any frozen bodies, from the streets..." He looks thoughtful as he speaks, tugging gently on his thick black beard, gray eyes going intraspective for a moment. "Maybe not a rail though, that might get frozen or plugged, something that glides along a cable hung above the streets maybe..."
...
Looking at the others, she introduces herself "I'm Fahana, and who might you all be?"
...
"I be Brin Irongear." The slender dwarf says with a nod to Fahana. "Hlin here be asking me to come and speak with her, guessing she be asking the lot of you as well."
...
The cheery woman that greeted all of you in asks, “Can I get anyone any drinks? We’ve got some dark ale, hot tea and well... some ice cold water!” She exclaims loud enough for every single one of you in the shanty inn to hear.
...
"I be taking an ale if ye be having it." Brin requests. He pulls some coins from a pouch, placing them on the counter, stacking them quite orderly, before pushing them towards her.
...
Hlin turns to face all of you, puffing one last smoke before speaking. “Right. Glad you all made it.” The hazy smoke emanating from her pipe starts to fill the air around the four of you with the smell of tobacco. “I apologize for being vague earlier. However, it would’ve been a waste of my time to explain the situation in detail one by one. Hope ya all understand.” She shoots Brin a look, her wrinkly face scrunching up just a bit before continuing on. “Moving past that, I’ll get right to the point. I’ve got one main suspect, a man named Sephek Kaltro. I want you to track him down and investigate him. If you find anything that can solidify his guilt of the murders then you can take care of him any way you want. With one exception, no handing him to the authorities. If you can do this, I’ll pay you.” She leans back then takes another puff of her smoke, being courteous enough to not blow it directly in any of your faces. “Now, for questions, I’m sure you got em’ so go ahead and loose em’.”
...
"As ye no be saying others going to meet us, I be understanding yer wish to wait to go over it more." Brin says with a nod to Hlin. He goes silent then, his head slightly cocked as he thinks over things. "Ye no be wanting local law enforcement involved." It was a statement not a question though. His gray eyes were intent on Hlin as he continued, "Do you know where this fellow can be found, or are we going to be searching all of the Dale for him?"
Gonly's eyebrows rose and his jaw lowered a bit, "Good question" he muttered low enough not to interfere with conversation but clear enough to commend what he thought was a solid start.
Nodding his head queitly in approval, the lack of authorities didn't seem like a concern to him either.
Gonlyn then maneuvered his way around Fahana, commenting, "What a lovely name." before finally setting his attention on Hlin across the room.
"Well, thank you sir" she replies with a slight blush to her cheeks.
Waylin glances back at the elf, "The name's Waylin. At your service, Miss Fahana."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Waylin."
"I be Brin Irongear." The slender dwarf says with a nod to Fahana.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well master Brin"
The raven-haired woman lifts up a small note pad and a piece of charcoal that has a pointy end. She starts nodding and writing down the orders as they come and then looks expectantly at Fahana to see if she also wants anything.
"Oh, yes.... um, that hot tea sounds absolutely divine" she replies and looks over at Waylin "actually, anything warm sounds divine in these parts" she lets out a short laugh. Fahana leans her staff up against her chair then removes her gloves and holds her hands to her mouth, cupping them and blowing a bit of warmth back into them. She takes her crossbow from her back and sets it neatly at the side of her chair followed by the fur-lined winter coat which she places on the back of her chair. She quickly runs a few fingers through her long blonde hair in an attempt to straighten it a bit. You can clearly see that she has a couple of daggers at her side. She grabs her staff again and has a seat at the table. She listens closely as Hlin speaks and tells of Sephek Kaltro.
"As ye no be saying others going to meet us, I be understanding yer wish to wait to go over it more." Brin says with a nod to Hlin. He goes silent then, his head slightly cocked as he thinks over things. "Ye no be wanting local law enforcement involved." It was a statement not a question though. His gray eyes were intent on Hlin as he continued, "Do you know where this fellow can be found, or are we going to be searching all of the Dale for him?"
This one is a bit hard to understand, but good question she think to herself and visibly nodding in approval.
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Waylin turns to Hlin, "We are tracking a murderer, no? What leads you to suspect this Sephek Kaltro?" A hint of unease fills him, his face morphing into a slight grimace at the thought. His tail flicked slightly, brushing lightly against the grain of the bar. He gave his fellow investigators a quick glance before his attention returned to Hlin. Waylin could feel the shakes beginning to set in, and tucked his hand within the pocket of his pants.
The Raven-Haired woman comes back with everyone’s drinks, taking care to set them down as to not spill the contents. “That’ll be two copper from everyone please. Oh, and please, my name is Cora, just say my name and I’ll bring you more if you’d like.” She says with her same cheery attitude.
Gonly and Fahana, both of your teas emanate a slight steam, a sight to see after trekking through the frigid wastelands.
Brin and Waylin. Your mugs arrive and inside you see some foam starting to settle and eventually turn into a dark-brown liquid.
Hlin looks at Fahana and Gonly, “Quiet pair, huh?” She then turns to Brin. “Right, no authorities. Kaltro works for a dwarf, Torrga Icevein. Shady individual she is. Anyway, she owns a moving merchant company called Torg’s. I don’t know where Torg’s is right now but it only goes around Ten-Towns. If you go by the docks or the taverns I’m sure you’ll find someone that can tell you where they’ve seen it last. Find Torg’s and you find Kaltro.” After addressing Brin’s question she looks over to Waylin and gets a breath in before answering his question, “This Kaltro... He’s a regular human yet he prances around with no gloves, no coat, nothing a person needs to keep warm.” She shakes her head. “I think this man’s been blessed by Auril herself.” She stops to make eye contact with everyone. “Since you’re all new here, I take it you’ve no clue about the offerings?” She asks the four of you.
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The land of Icewind Dale has been cursed and is seemingly forever trapped in an unending winter. Blizzards unlike any other bombard the passes located on the Spine of the World making it impossibly hard to travel. The sun hasn’t shown itself in over two years, leaving the land and its denizens to suffer from the harsh cold. Inhabitants of the Dale blame the goddess of winter’s wrath, known as Auril the Frostmaiden, for the relentless winter. An aurora shimmers and glows in the night sky. It is believed to have been woven by the Frostmaiden herself and is what prevents the sun from offering any trace of warmth.
The Dalefolk live within the settlements of Ten-Towns. Ever since the onset of the unending winter, the number of caravans arriving from the south have gone down considerably. Combined with travel dying down in between the settlements of Ten-Towns, most of the Dalefolk have been left feeling isolated. They have also resorted to offering various sacrifices to appease the Frostmaiden in hopes that she will free the land from her wrath. However, despite these sacrifices, the sun does not rise. Regardless of your personal goals, Ten-Towns will test your caliber, and should you prove worthy, perhaps you will leave a lasting mark on the frigid lands of Icewind Dale.**
You find yourself in Bremen, a smaller settlement that makes up a part of Ten-Towns. Shops are few and far between here and you will be lucky to find good food. However, the outlook of the people of Bremen is surprisingly bright despite the harrowing cold of the Dale, and you will find that its inhabitants are quite friendly. You have been approached by an elderly dwarf warrior,** Hlin Trollbane**, a few moments after your arrival. She has asked you to meet with her at the **Buried Treasures** inn to talk about investigating a string of murders that have been plaguing Ten-Towns. The mystery has piqued your attention and you've agreed to talk more with her at the inn later in the day. With the hour of your meeting arrived, you find yourself standing outside Buried Treasures alongside three peculiar individuals, perhaps they're here for the same reason.
A young elven woman, sat on her knees in front of a small shrine she had made in honor of her father. Behind her was a small village that lay to the North-East of Bremen. She wore simple adventurers clothes and was wrapped in her fur-lined coat and boots to keep warm. Her hair was blonde and blowing lightly in the chilly wind, and her eyes were emerald green. Her skin was fair, the result of the sun hiding in this cursed land.
"Hi daddy. I'm sorry I haven't been out to visit you as much as I have. Lots has changed since the last time I visited you. I know that's not an excuse, but. I left the Misfits. The whole thing with..you dying, and..mother, and.." she trailed off. "I needed space. I thought I understood them, and, I thought they understood me. Well, in the end, I was wrong. I was wrong about them, and maybe, even, about myself. So, I didn't return. I didn't even look back. Mother gave me a hard time, trying to get me to conform to her divine plan, and I hid from her for a bit."
"I stayed in Waterdeep for a while and made new friends! They treated me very kindly. They liked who I was, accepted me, and made me feel valuable, and special. I felt like I belonged. They didn't care I had quirks, or silly notions and feelings, they understood me. We found a whole bunch of money! Arora even tried to give me a bath! Can you believe it? I burned the bathtub, she got so mad at me." she giggled. "I miss them very much. Mother appeared again and we fought - I had to run away again because I was afraid she would kill my new friends. That made me so very sad. I don't want to fight with mother, daddy, even though she doesn't love us, but she won't leave me alone. I'm afraid she's going to kill me and everyone I love. I just can't do this by myself."
"I'm in Icewind Dale now... hiding from mother. I've met a few new friends, but I need work. It's really cold here, like the land is cursed or something, I've heard a few rumors. I'm going to head to Bremen, that's a nearby town, I'm hoping to find some work there, or maybe hear more about why this place is so blasted cold. I love you daddy."
The young woman rises to her feet and starts her long trek through the snow towards Bremen.
As Fahana enters the quaint town of Bremen, she is met by an elderly dwarf warrior by the name of Hlin Trolbane. The dwarf speaks briefly of a string of murders that need to be investigated and mentions to meet her in one hour at the Buried Treasures Inn to discuss it further. Seeing as though this may add some coin to her pocket, Fahana agrees. She meanders through the town a bit to waste some time and then heads over to the inn where she sees several others waiting outside. She pulls her fur-lined coat up closer around her as she approaches the others. "Did an elderly dwarf ask you to come here as well?"
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Brin trudges into the village of Bremen. He is a stocky dwarf, with black hair and gray eyes. He wears a thick cloak over a wollen tunic and britches, his boots lined and warm. He carries little in the way of weapons, but has a component pouch at his hip, marking him as some sort of spellcaster.
, He is here to speak to an elderly dwarf warrior by the name of Hlin Trolbane. Their first discussion was short, where he was told to meet her in one hour at the Buried Treasures Inn to discuss things further.
Unsure why they could not just have had the discussion right away, as that would have been the orderly thing to do, Brin moved to the inn to wait on Hlin to complete the discussion. He orders some ale, and drinks it slowly as he waits for her to arrive.
Fahana, one of the individuals you addressed seems to disregard your question and moves on inside. He seems in a hurry.
Brin, as you go inside the shanty inn, you see no one inside save for a raven-haired woman, and the familiar stature of Hlin who is sitting by the bar counter, back faced towards you. Strapped on her back is a battleaxe and on the right side of her waist is a hatchet. The raven-haired woman notices you coming inside and runs over enthusiastically “Hello there! Welcome to Buried Treasures! Please have a seat anywhere you like.” The woman says.
Waylin wades through the snow lining the streets of Bremen, passing through alley ways and back streets as he makes headway to the Buried Treasure. He shivers slightly and blows into his hands. He glances up as a shop sign creaks and groans, the wind gusting violently. He tucks his hands into his threadbare coat, pressing onwards, slowly arriving at the inn. He glances around, "Huh...This must be the place. Hlin must be inside." He placed one hand upon the weathered door and the other upon the rusted knob. He pressed slightly and turned the handle as the door released a great groan.
Waylin stepped inside, wiping loose snow off of his boots upon the door mat. He glanced around the inn, looking for the dwarf. His hand dropped down to his thin purse, feeling the handful of coin left inside. He needed a job and soon, before he became any more destitute.
Hlin Trollbane's message that he was the last to arrive confused Gonly. Until that point, the North had been a very quiet and lonely place. It was far different even from Blackford Crossing, which he considered to be the pinnacle, and edge, of the known world until just days ago. In that time, who he had encountered on the road here swiftly hid from him, and nearing the journeys end he had learned to do the same mostly out of habit. Perhaps one simply did not speak to others outside of town.
An hour later, as he walked up to the Buried Treasures Inn, his floor length brown robe dragged slightly. He opened it enough to show homemade tan leather armor, and no ill will. An older man in his forties, his hair grey and receding, he stood tall. He held a wooden staff that curved around at the top and had a chunk of amber wedged in the curve's tip. It clacked loudly on the hard wood in a way that it hadn't on the snow covered floor, and he made a note to lift it up slightly when inside.
He nodded at the young woman's question, "Yes, one did. I was told there would be others as well. My name is Gonly Gandain, I'm a druid from warmer parts." He paused long enough to watch the others run passed him.
"I guess people here just don't speak much. Understandable, considering all of this" His free hand motioned to the sky and general dreariness about.
Brin nods to the raven-haired woman and then moves his way over to his fellow dwarf at the bar. “Ye ready to be telling me waht this all be about yet, or are we waiting fer something more?” He asks as he takes a seat at the bar next to her. He is not grumpy, just direct as he speaks.
He nodded at the young woman's question, "Yes, one did. I was told there would be others as well. My name is Gonly Gandain, I'm a druid from warmer parts." He paused long enough to watch the others run passed him.
"I guess people here just don't speak much. Understandable, considering all of this" His free hand motioned to the sky and general dreariness about.
Fahana breathes into her hands and rubs them together as looks at the gentleman with a slight smile "The others might be inside... it is dreadfully cold out here" she motions towards the door "shall we?" She move towards the door and turns the rusted knob with a creak and pushes the door open. Upon seeing Hlin she raises a hand to give a slight wave to her "The two of us are here as you asked."
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Brin, Hlin acknowledges you and points to the door, "Yes. Them. Let em' come over real quick so I only have to explain the details once." She doesn't seem to be disturbed by your directness as she moves to casually smoke her pipe.
Waylin, as you walk into the inn you see only a few people, two dwarves by the bar counter and a pale faced raven-haired woman. Before you could do anything further you feel the door nudge your back as two more individuals that you saw previously outside walk in.
Fahana and Gonly, the two of you struggle for space in the doorway as another individual stands there who was nudged by the door that Fahana opened. You both see the familiar face of Hlin and a less familiar dwarf standing by her. You also notice a raven-haired woman who is now eagerly walking towards your trio.
"Hello there! Welcome to the Buried Treasures inn, please have a seat anywhere!" The raven-haired woman exclaims happily at the trio by the entranceway. Hlin looks over the dwarf next to her and takes out her pipe from her mouth. "Over here!" She yells from all the way at the counter.
Waylin curtly nods to the people behind him, "My apologies." He walks over to the two dwarves, "My apologies for my delayed arrival, the streets aren't the easiest to navigate at times." Waylin drops his hood to his shoulders, revealing a pair of curved ram's horns. He studies Hlin and his associates. Waylin runs his hand through his shaggy beard before it drops to his coin purse. He turns his attention briefly to see if there is a bartender nearby.
Fahana opens the door and steps inside right into Waylin "I am so sorry sir, I didn't see you there." Seeing that they all seem to be there for the same reason, she simply smiles and moves toward the bar where the rest are gathered. Looking at the others, she introduces herself "I'm Fahana, and who might you all be?"
D&D 5E BEYOND: Ada - Sorceress / Isa - Sorceress / Naris - Oathbreaker Paladin
CYBERPUNK RED DISCORD: Isa - Solo 5 / Angel - Solo 5 / Faun - Tech 5 / Raja - Nomad 5
PATHFINDER 2e DISCORD: Crystal - Sorceress
Waylin, Hlin simply nods not showing any disappointment or frustration. “It’s fine. I was more worried that some of you wouldn’t show up than anyone being late. When the other two walk over here I’ll fill you all in on the details.”
The cheery woman that greeted all of you in asks, “Can I get anyone any drinks? We’ve got some dark ale, hot tea and well... some ice cold water!” She exclaims loud enough for every single one of you in the shanty inn to hear.
Gonly conjures an apology then asks for some hot tea, "Yes, I'd love a cup, please."
He then maneuvered his way around Fahana, commenting, "What a lovely name." before finally setting his attention on Hlin across the room.
"Ah, so we are all here then, good. That's good." He said with a smile.
"A beer please." He sets and few silver pieces on the weathered counter and slides them over to her. He glances back at the elf, "The name's Waylin. At your service, Miss Fahana." He studies her for a brief moment before turning to face them, leaning against the bar. He runs his fingers through the thick mess of hair, brushing it back behind his ear. He then turns to look at the human druid and other dwarf as well, giving both a curt nod. He rests his arm against the bar as he lets out a slight sigh.
The raven-haired woman lifts up a small note pad and a piece of charcoal that has a pointy end. She starts nodding and writing down the orders as they come and then looks expectantly at Fahana to see if she also wants anything. You see that her smile is still holding up, and while it doesn’t seem forced, it is quite surprising how someone in a cursed land could maintain such enthusiasm.
Hlin turns to face all of you, puffing one last smoke before speaking. “Right. Glad you all made it.” The hazy smoke emanating from her pipe starts to fill the air around the four of you with the smell of tobacco. “I apologize for being vague earlier. However, it would’ve been a waste of my time to explain the situation in detail one by one. Hope ya all understand.” She shoots Brin a look, her wrinkly face scrunching up just a bit before continuing on. “Moving past that, I’ll get right to the point. I’ve got one main suspect, a man named Sephek Kaltro. I want you to track him down and investigate him. If you find anything that can solidify his guilt of the murders then you can take care of him any way you want. With one exception, no handing him to the authorities. If you can do this, I’ll pay you.” She leans back then takes another puff of her smoke, being courteous enough to not blow it directly in any of your faces. “Now, for questions, I’m sure you got em’ so go ahead and loose em’.”
As she speaks, her facial features start to register in your minds. Orange multi-braided hair, a face wrinkled with age, and a rather wide scar on the right side of her neck that runs down all the way to the sternal facet of her right clavicle.
Waylin curtly nods to the people behind him, "My apologies." He walks over to the two dwarves, "My apologies for my delayed arrival, the streets aren't the easiest to navigate at times." Waylin drops his hood to his shoulders, revealing a pair of curved ram's horns. He studies Hlin and his associates. Waylin runs his hand through his shaggy beard before it drops to his coin purse. He turns his attention briefly to see if there is a bartender nearby.
...
The dwarf near Hlin nods to Waylin. "I be noticing the streets here need some reworking, a bit more streamlined and straight, with less turns and twisting. Maybe a machine to run along, on a rail maybe, to clean the snow, and any frozen bodies, from the streets..." He looks thoughtful as he speaks, tugging gently on his thick black beard, gray eyes going intraspective for a moment. "Maybe not a rail though, that might get frozen or plugged, something that glides along a cable hung above the streets maybe..."
...
Looking at the others, she introduces herself "I'm Fahana, and who might you all be?"
...
"I be Brin Irongear." The slender dwarf says with a nod to Fahana. "Hlin here be asking me to come and speak with her, guessing she be asking the lot of you as well."
...
The cheery woman that greeted all of you in asks, “Can I get anyone any drinks? We’ve got some dark ale, hot tea and well... some ice cold water!” She exclaims loud enough for every single one of you in the shanty inn to hear.
...
"I be taking an ale if ye be having it." Brin requests. He pulls some coins from a pouch, placing them on the counter, stacking them quite orderly, before pushing them towards her.
...
Hlin turns to face all of you, puffing one last smoke before speaking. “Right. Glad you all made it.” The hazy smoke emanating from her pipe starts to fill the air around the four of you with the smell of tobacco. “I apologize for being vague earlier. However, it would’ve been a waste of my time to explain the situation in detail one by one. Hope ya all understand.” She shoots Brin a look, her wrinkly face scrunching up just a bit before continuing on. “Moving past that, I’ll get right to the point. I’ve got one main suspect, a man named Sephek Kaltro. I want you to track him down and investigate him. If you find anything that can solidify his guilt of the murders then you can take care of him any way you want. With one exception, no handing him to the authorities. If you can do this, I’ll pay you.” She leans back then takes another puff of her smoke, being courteous enough to not blow it directly in any of your faces. “Now, for questions, I’m sure you got em’ so go ahead and loose em’.”
...
"As ye no be saying others going to meet us, I be understanding yer wish to wait to go over it more." Brin says with a nod to Hlin. He goes silent then, his head slightly cocked as he thinks over things. "Ye no be wanting local law enforcement involved." It was a statement not a question though. His gray eyes were intent on Hlin as he continued, "Do you know where this fellow can be found, or are we going to be searching all of the Dale for him?"
Gonly's eyebrows rose and his jaw lowered a bit, "Good question" he muttered low enough not to interfere with conversation but clear enough to commend what he thought was a solid start.
Nodding his head queitly in approval, the lack of authorities didn't seem like a concern to him either.
Gonlyn then maneuvered his way around Fahana, commenting, "What a lovely name." before finally setting his attention on Hlin across the room.
"Well, thank you sir" she replies with a slight blush to her cheeks.
Waylin glances back at the elf, "The name's Waylin. At your service, Miss Fahana."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Waylin."
"I be Brin Irongear." The slender dwarf says with a nod to Fahana.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well master Brin"
The raven-haired woman lifts up a small note pad and a piece of charcoal that has a pointy end. She starts nodding and writing down the orders as they come and then looks expectantly at Fahana to see if she also wants anything.
"Oh, yes.... um, that hot tea sounds absolutely divine" she replies and looks over at Waylin "actually, anything warm sounds divine in these parts" she lets out a short laugh. Fahana leans her staff up against her chair then removes her gloves and holds her hands to her mouth, cupping them and blowing a bit of warmth back into them. She takes her crossbow from her back and sets it neatly at the side of her chair followed by the fur-lined winter coat which she places on the back of her chair. She quickly runs a few fingers through her long blonde hair in an attempt to straighten it a bit. You can clearly see that she has a couple of daggers at her side. She grabs her staff again and has a seat at the table. She listens closely as Hlin speaks and tells of Sephek Kaltro.
"As ye no be saying others going to meet us, I be understanding yer wish to wait to go over it more." Brin says with a nod to Hlin. He goes silent then, his head slightly cocked as he thinks over things. "Ye no be wanting local law enforcement involved." It was a statement not a question though. His gray eyes were intent on Hlin as he continued, "Do you know where this fellow can be found, or are we going to be searching all of the Dale for him?"
This one is a bit hard to understand, but good question she think to herself and visibly nodding in approval.
D&D 5E BEYOND: Ada - Sorceress / Isa - Sorceress / Naris - Oathbreaker Paladin
CYBERPUNK RED DISCORD: Isa - Solo 5 / Angel - Solo 5 / Faun - Tech 5 / Raja - Nomad 5
PATHFINDER 2e DISCORD: Crystal - Sorceress
Waylin turns to Hlin, "We are tracking a murderer, no? What leads you to suspect this Sephek Kaltro?" A hint of unease fills him, his face morphing into a slight grimace at the thought. His tail flicked slightly, brushing lightly against the grain of the bar. He gave his fellow investigators a quick glance before his attention returned to Hlin. Waylin could feel the shakes beginning to set in, and tucked his hand within the pocket of his pants.
The Raven-Haired woman comes back with everyone’s drinks, taking care to set them down as to not spill the contents. “That’ll be two copper from everyone please. Oh, and please, my name is Cora, just say my name and I’ll bring you more if you’d like.” She says with her same cheery attitude.
Gonly and Fahana, both of your teas emanate a slight steam, a sight to see after trekking through the frigid wastelands.
Brin and Waylin. Your mugs arrive and inside you see some foam starting to settle and eventually turn into a dark-brown liquid.
Hlin looks at Fahana and Gonly, “Quiet pair, huh?” She then turns to Brin. “Right, no authorities. Kaltro works for a dwarf, Torrga Icevein. Shady individual she is. Anyway, she owns a moving merchant company called Torg’s. I don’t know where Torg’s is right now but it only goes around Ten-Towns. If you go by the docks or the taverns I’m sure you’ll find someone that can tell you where they’ve seen it last. Find Torg’s and you find Kaltro.” After addressing Brin’s question she looks over to Waylin and gets a breath in before answering his question, “This Kaltro... He’s a regular human yet he prances around with no gloves, no coat, nothing a person needs to keep warm.” She shakes her head. “I think this man’s been blessed by Auril herself.” She stops to make eye contact with everyone. “Since you’re all new here, I take it you’ve no clue about the offerings?” She asks the four of you.