Aubreens joints creak nearly as loud as the rafters as he gingerly works towards the wall, then dropping to the floor below. Breath still coming in short gasps as he gets a hold of himself. With a grin, "Well that all went as planned".
Eyeing the sagging roof, Aubreen steps towards the remains, gesturing at the skull "We should take that back to our benefactor, it may have significance, at the very least it is proof of what happened here". Using a dagger he gently opens the clothing, tight poised and ready, expecting Sephek to suddenly reanimate, poking at the jacket, searching for any other clues or just simply possesions.
"Do you think Torrgs had anything to do with this! Even if they didnt will she feel the need to come after us! Its late and we all need rest, do we stay here or trek back to Termalaine. At least let us not stay in here overlong, that roof may collapse at any time." Aubreen chatters as he finishes checking the bones and clothes. Then steps outside looking at his companions with questions in his eyes.
"A warlock of Auril? Hellfires!" The townspeople make instinctive gestures to ward off evil upon the explanation from Sirius. One of them hurries off to get medical supplies. The others remain, looking concernedly at the state of the Ramshackle. "It was gonna come down one of these days", one of them, a dwarf with a short beard muses. "Just didn't expect any 'o this."
"Nimsy will at least want to know the reason of the destruction, but ain't nobody gonna start an investigation or some such. Like you say, it's dealt with now, that's good enough. We keep simple here." the man indicates with a head motion that he's talking about Lonelywood. Hefting the lantern, he provides additional light as Aubreen searches the clothes and as you get out of the delapidated house. "You should pay her a visit if you need rest, she doesn't charge for the room."
Aubreen finds Sepheks money pouch, containing 24 gp and 12 silver. There is also a token of some sort, made of twigs, string and owlfeathers, looking like a claw. Not magical.
As Sirius picks up the skull, a small crystal falls out of the eye cavity. By the lantern light, you see tiny snowflakes trapped inside. Unmistakably some sort of magical trinket. The skull itself is crisscrossed with fractures, all mended back together with ice, but otherwise seems like any other of its kind.
Sirius tucks the skull into his backpack for evidence. He then tries to learn more about the crystal by trying to tune into its magic and see what he feels (arcana check nat 20 (21)). Sirius talks to the party. "I think we should go to Nimsy for a room so we can get some rest. We could also get ahead of any kind of trouble by explaining what happened. I don't think we'd be much safer in Termalaine since Torrgs could very easily follow us there."
Aubreen splits the pouch evenly (6 gp, 3 sp), asking "Anybody make anything out of this!" showing the twig and feather claw. He ponders inwardly upon its design, different yet so similar to one he carries. Cant remember just where ho got it from, he's been carrying it for so long. "Nimsy;s sounds great, I could use some rest"
Sirius is able to glean that the crystal absorbed a part of Sepheks essence, or perhaps was the reason for some of his abilities. As such, it probably gains its powers from the Frostmaiden herself. Examining it during a short rest should be enough to uncover its secrets.
As the others inspect Sephek’s remains and talk to the townsfolk, Perrin lights another small fire in his hand, and then taking a deep breath, brings the fire near to his wound. Bahumat’s loincloth, that hurt! The brief moment of heat cauterized his wound, stopping the blood, it it stung like no other.
Now that his wound was taken care of the best that he was able to do, he begins taking a look around the dilapidated house. Maybe Sephek came here often and had perhaps left behind some clues or valuables, or maybe it was just a random house. Who knew? Maybe he would find something interesting.
Zenos would talk further with the townspeople as the rest of the party further investigates the structure before we head off in search of acomodations. Telling the tale about how the brave adventurers slayed the abomination saving the town and the townspeople from danger, really laying it on thick if anyone shows any hint of interest.
While Zenos regales the crowd, which has grown larger as the word has spread, Perrin has a good look around the place. From all appearances, this is just an old tavern that hasn't seen any busy days in years. Apart from where you were fighting, snow lies here undisturbed and you stumble upon an owl's nest in one of the more intact kitchen cupboards. If Sephek came here regularly, he didn't leave anything behind. However, Perrin does recognize a mark on the back wall of the building. It would look like an ordinary scratch to anyone but him; in druidic it says: "Frost druid circle, in deep forest, meet by tomb"
The villager departing for healing supplies returns, treating the worst of the injuries of those of you who accept it (regain 1d4 hit points). A healer's kit is offered to you as well as a gift.
Whether at Nismy's or elsewhere, Aubreen has a restless night...
Playing the encounter over and over in his head it haunts him. He knew what he was doing, impatient, stupid, it could only have ended one way. He nearly died, the satyr saved him then nearly died himself. Brash, impetuous, and without forethought or consequence, the captain said he would get others killed. Nearly happened this time. That dead creature was more than he expected, he under estimated its abilities. He asked Sirius to take the lead, then just barged right in, impatient, anger taking control.
In his nightmares, the ice dagger pierces the bird, blood spurts outward, the Satyr falls as well. Only this time they rise as the dead, Aubreen can only watch as abominations of Auril begin to spread, an infection from town to town. Aubreen runs, as a horde gathers, cold water splashing up to his calfs, his thighs, his chest. Suddenly a child, tossed to the cruel icy waves, he flails helplessly as he sinks beneath the frigid waters.
Waking in a cold sweat, he ponders; an undead servant of Auril, ensuring sacrifice to appease an endless winter, there is somethin more here. It is the key to ending the sacrifice of innocents. But what, how.
Perrin grows excited when he finds the strange marks. When he looks at it for a bit, he realizes that even though it looked just like some scratches, there was meaning to it. Then, it clicked in his mind, and he was able to read the words: "Frost druid circle, in deep forest, meet by tomb.'' What language was that, and how on earth did he know how to read it? Must be a kenku thing.
He excitedly jumps up and down, pointing at the scratches to draw the other's attention, and he winces at the movement, instantly regretting his decision as the vigorous movement tugged at his cauterized wound. When the others approach, he excitedly points at the scratches again, and then he pulls out his chalkboard and begins scribbling away upon it. After he finishes, he flips it around to show the others what he wrote.
It says, "Frost druid circle, in deep forest, meet by tomb." Any of you know what that could mean? I have a feeling it might be connected to Sephek somehow!
Sirius goes over to the marks. "It certainly could be related to Sephek, why else would he have been in this building. But the location seems a bit too vague, the forest is pretty big, we should ask around about where a tomb is. Though Sephek is dead, innocent people are still being sacrificed and the eternal winter continues."
Sirius offers to stand watch for the first 2 hours of the night since he come out of the fight unscathed. If the Torrgs come, that'll surely happen early in the night. Sirius inspects the crystal while pondering his uselessness in battle. It seemed like the maneuvers he had learned in school hadn't translated too well into real combat. I couldn't even protect any of them. Aubreen and Zenos fell unconscious and Perrin got such a deep wound while I just cowered behind my shield missing every strike.
You are accompanied by a few townspeople over to the speakers house. Nimsy Huddle, an elderly halfling, welcomes you into her home. The house smells like freshly baked cookies and old wood. She shows you up some creaky stairs into a fairly spacious attic that is susprisingly well heated. There you find bundles of fur that you can spread out to create comfortable bedding.
"Just holler if there is anything you need. And rest well.", Nimsy says amiably, before taking her leave down the stairs.
During the night, you have a chance to heal from the recent ordeal and to ponder over what comes next. It seems like Icewind Dale has much still that is wrong with it, most of all the icy grip of Auril. But going up against a god... perhaps there are smaller things that can be righted first.
Torrgs does not make an appearance during the night. Perrin and Aubreen, during the watch, spy a white form moving through the trees some distance away from Lonelywood. A large animal? You see mighty antlers and sunken eyes. There are smears of red upon the fur. A white moose watches the sleeping town. It is gone by the first hints of light upon the Dale.
Defeating Sephek, you have reached the first milestone. You can all level up!
Perrin passes out almost as soon as lies down on the furs. The past few days had been quite eventful. Not only had he died and then reincarnated by a wandering druid, he had joined a crew that ended up narrowly killing an evil winter spirit. Quite eventful indeed!
Perrin groggily relieves Sirius from his watch duty and sets himself up near one of the windows. He really hoped that Torggs and her crew didn't come looking for them that night; he felt so tired and weak that all they'd have to do is give him a slight push and he would pass out. Despite his weariness, he spots a flicker of movement out in the woods. Squinting, he brings his face closer to the window, his breath fogging the panes of glass. Was that a... Yes, that was a white moose. And was that blood on its fur? Poor thing looked like it was starving as well. It probably got in a scuffle with some wolves or something.
He leans from the window, his thoughts sleepily drifting off to other subjects. He sure did miss his family. How nice would it be to go back to the way things were before Auril decided to curse the Dale! If Auril had just kept to herself like she usually did, then none of this would have happened. The Dale would still be thriving, he wouldn't have been sacrificed to please the blizzards, and there wouldn't be psychotic murder spirits going around shanking people with icicles. Hopefully one day, someone would put a stop to Auril and return the world to the way it was. Hopefully...
In the morning, Perrin is quick to pack his things up, though he still feels sleepy. Did morning have to come so early? After getting ready, he makes his way down the stairs and waits for the others. If Nimsy is down there, he goes up to her and asks in Sirius's voice with his head cocked to one side, "Where a tomb is. In- forest."
Zenos waking up early feeling rested and with renewed vigor. He would find himself downstairs writing the tale of how the evil Sephek was tracked down, interrogated, and then came out swinging and attacked the party. Only through working together were the brave adventurers able to subdue him. Making every embellishment he can think of to shine the light brighter on the heroes of the story.
If Nimsy happens to be up and moving about he would ask "Thank you for giving us shelter last night it was much appreciated. Do you happen to know anything about a Frost druid circle that may be located in deep forest, or a tomb of some sort? We have heard some rumors about it and want to look into it further as it sounds exciting."
Aubreen steps back into the warmth of the cottage, his shift to watch took him to the door step and the cool winds trying to banish the dreams from his mind. With dark bags beneath his eyes he rouses a little when he hears movement begin from within. A quick prayer to Torm, somehow he feels closer to his God, a feeling of connection sitting like an ember of warmth within his breast.
Heading to the pantry Aubreen pokes around for a few minutes finding little in the way of selection. Pulling forth a jar of dried fruit, and stale smelling oats he makes a pot of porridge, a few salted trout loins and pickled eggs to round out the meager feast he busies himself preparing a small meal. Leaving a pair of gold coins for their hostess.
When Nimsy joins he offers a hot drink of steeped herbs and begins to chatter, asking about her role as speaker, the troubles in Lonely wood. Slowly working towards questions more to his personal needs and wonders. Commenting upon the sight of a great white moose, it seemed to be watching, its eyes revealing an intelligence that perhaps he was only imagining. As the Bird joins, he admonishes himself. His name was Perrin, he must get used to that. Filling in the details to help Perrin with his inquiry he asks Nimsy about Frost druids and any old ruins or tombs within the woods.
Listening he tries to direct the conversation towards an old acquaintance, a female goliath named Oyaminartok and if she had ever heard the name or met such a woman?
Shortly after clearing and cleaning the dish's, Aubreen inquires of the group what their thoughts and plans may be. "We could track down further information about a possible tomb, or if any of you have the skill we could track down the white moose, its behavior seems at odds to the natural order, do you think it is following us? Also on our way back through Termalaine we could remove the kobolds from the mine. The people of the dale suffer enough without a crucial source of income. I think Torgunn could wait a few more days, she has probably already heard of our success as it is."
"Oh that's very kind of you dear", Nimsy says as she enters the dining room and finds breakfast already peprared. "I hope sleep has treated you well. Not much of that to be gotten these days."
Being asked about Oyaminartok, she looks up, serious. "Oh. Yes I've heard of such a being. It's a legend among the goliath tribes in the far east of the Dale. They call it the Winter Walker around here. Talk is that it is cursed, sometimes a woman, sometimes a bear. Best avoided."
The old halfling restocks the fireplace and fusses about for a bit. She looks a bit surprised as the kenku walks up to her and speaks to her in a strange voice. "Oh! You must excuse me, but I haven't seen such a small aarakocra before. And that voice!" Taking out a pince-nez from a pocket, she inspects Perrin with interest before realizing that he asked a question.
"You wish to know about the tomb? Oh my. Better have a seat. I'll see what I can remember."
She takes the offered cup and stirs. "The frost druids aren't a light matter. They're solitary folk and most of them are followers of the Frostmaiden, Lathander preserve us. In addition, the woods aren't safe on account of the moose. It's been stalking our lumberjacks for weeks." She carefully puts the cup down. "I've heard what you did. The town finances would have good reason to be diverted in your direction, if you could do something about the monster."
Nimsy gets a distant look as she seems to remember better days. "As for the tomb. I have seen it, a long time ago. It's a good few miles into the forest. Elven make, I think. If the frost druids are gathering there, nothing good will come of it."
Sirius joins the others downstairs and starts polishing his spear with a navy blue, silk cloth. "I think our best bet is to search for the tomb and the frost druids there. They may be dangerous, but so was Sephek and I'm sure he won't be the last. As for the white moose, we might very well run into it while we search for the tomb and could try to dispose of it. That creature doesn't seem like something that's easy to deliberately seek for, at least not with my skillset." Sirius moves on to polish the bloody ice pick his motions becoming more vigorous. "I don't think there's any rush to get back to Torgunn indeed, we certainly have time to clear out the mine on our way back." The blood stains stubbornly refuse to fade. Sirius was well aware of the property, but furiously rubbing it seemed to have a therapeutic effect on him. It seemed to be a good alternative to releasing his frustration into training dummies with his spear.
Sirius sinks into his thoughts. Though defeating Sephek, a psychotic murderer, certainly is a worthy achievement, on its own it's not enough. Not to the lord at least. I would have to end this endless winter to appease him. Sirius chuckles to himself quietly at the thought of the prospect. As if he could actually do something great. There's no going home now, at least this place seems friendly enough. Sirius does his usual prayer of endurance from Ilmater, good judgment from Tyr and Strength from Torm. At least The Triad offered him some sense of comfort when he couldn't have been farther from home.
"Well it seems our destination is set, we head towards the tomb" Aubreen address the group. "We should get moving, the day light is feeble enough and not long for the realm". Hefting his pack to his shoulders he looks to their hostess. "Nismy do you perhaps have better directions, a track or trail perhaps or guidance towards our destination? The Lonelywood is not so large yet large enough to wander for days lost, cold and alone, any additional details could only be of use" Suddenly feeling a sense of dread that he once again is leading his companions towards danger he reaches inside for the warmth and comfort only Torm provides. "You also stated the white beast has been stalking the Lumberjacks, do they congregate in a particular area within the woods? or simply take lumber as and where they find it?"
Hands out stretched towards the fire, Aubreen seems less than eager to once again step out into the cold and dark, seeking a last remnant of warmth he shakes and rouses himself from thought, stomping in heavy boots towards the door, "Days a wasting, shall we be onward!"
Nimsy tries to give you the direction as best as she can. Even with the years gone by, she remembers that it wasn't that far from the town, at least when there was no snow to bar ones way. She estimates one mile travel and her directions will make it easier to find the tomb.¹
Going overland is burdensome here and one best thinks to bring all manner of equipment in advance, before it's too late.²
¹In mechanical terms, you'll get advantage on survival checks to not get lost on the way.
²Table for reference on travel speed. Currently it would take you 4 hours to cover 1 mile in the deep snow.
Aubreens joints creak nearly as loud as the rafters as he gingerly works towards the wall, then dropping to the floor below. Breath still coming in short gasps as he gets a hold of himself. With a grin, "Well that all went as planned".
Eyeing the sagging roof, Aubreen steps towards the remains, gesturing at the skull "We should take that back to our benefactor, it may have significance, at the very least it is proof of what happened here". Using a dagger he gently opens the clothing, tight poised and ready, expecting Sephek to suddenly reanimate, poking at the jacket, searching for any other clues or just simply possesions.
"Do you think Torrgs had anything to do with this! Even if they didnt will she feel the need to come after us! Its late and we all need rest, do we stay here or trek back to Termalaine. At least let us not stay in here overlong, that roof may collapse at any time." Aubreen chatters as he finishes checking the bones and clothes. Then steps outside looking at his companions with questions in his eyes.
"A warlock of Auril? Hellfires!" The townspeople make instinctive gestures to ward off evil upon the explanation from Sirius. One of them hurries off to get medical supplies. The others remain, looking concernedly at the state of the Ramshackle. "It was gonna come down one of these days", one of them, a dwarf with a short beard muses. "Just didn't expect any 'o this."
"Nimsy will at least want to know the reason of the destruction, but ain't nobody gonna start an investigation or some such. Like you say, it's dealt with now, that's good enough. We keep simple here." the man indicates with a head motion that he's talking about Lonelywood. Hefting the lantern, he provides additional light as Aubreen searches the clothes and as you get out of the delapidated house. "You should pay her a visit if you need rest, she doesn't charge for the room."
Aubreen finds Sepheks money pouch, containing 24 gp and 12 silver. There is also a token of some sort, made of twigs, string and owlfeathers, looking like a claw. Not magical.
As Sirius picks up the skull, a small crystal falls out of the eye cavity. By the lantern light, you see tiny snowflakes trapped inside. Unmistakably some sort of magical trinket. The skull itself is crisscrossed with fractures, all mended back together with ice, but otherwise seems like any other of its kind.
Sirius tucks the skull into his backpack for evidence. He then tries to learn more about the crystal by trying to tune into its magic and see what he feels (arcana check nat 20 (21)). Sirius talks to the party. "I think we should go to Nimsy for a room so we can get some rest. We could also get ahead of any kind of trouble by explaining what happened. I don't think we'd be much safer in Termalaine since Torrgs could very easily follow us there."
Aubreen splits the pouch evenly (6 gp, 3 sp), asking "Anybody make anything out of this!" showing the twig and feather claw. He ponders inwardly upon its design, different yet so similar to one he carries. Cant remember just where ho got it from, he's been carrying it for so long. "Nimsy;s sounds great, I could use some rest"
Sirius is able to glean that the crystal absorbed a part of Sepheks essence, or perhaps was the reason for some of his abilities. As such, it probably gains its powers from the Frostmaiden herself. Examining it during a short rest should be enough to uncover its secrets.
As the others inspect Sephek’s remains and talk to the townsfolk, Perrin lights another small fire in his hand, and then taking a deep breath, brings the fire near to his wound. Bahumat’s loincloth, that hurt! The brief moment of heat cauterized his wound, stopping the blood, it it stung like no other.
Now that his wound was taken care of the best that he was able to do, he begins taking a look around the dilapidated house. Maybe Sephek came here often and had perhaps left behind some clues or valuables, or maybe it was just a random house. Who knew? Maybe he would find something interesting.
Zenos would talk further with the townspeople as the rest of the party further investigates the structure before we head off in search of acomodations. Telling the tale about how the brave adventurers slayed the abomination saving the town and the townspeople from danger, really laying it on thick if anyone shows any hint of interest.
While Zenos regales the crowd, which has grown larger as the word has spread, Perrin has a good look around the place. From all appearances, this is just an old tavern that hasn't seen any busy days in years. Apart from where you were fighting, snow lies here undisturbed and you stumble upon an owl's nest in one of the more intact kitchen cupboards. If Sephek came here regularly, he didn't leave anything behind. However, Perrin does recognize a mark on the back wall of the building. It would look like an ordinary scratch to anyone but him; in druidic it says: "Frost druid circle, in deep forest, meet by tomb"
The villager departing for healing supplies returns, treating the worst of the injuries of those of you who accept it (regain 1d4 hit points). A healer's kit is offered to you as well as a gift.
Zenos gratefully accepts any healing and bandages offered. Thanking the townsfolk for all of their assistance to the party of heros.
Whether at Nismy's or elsewhere, Aubreen has a restless night...
Playing the encounter over and over in his head it haunts him. He knew what he was doing, impatient, stupid, it could only have ended one way. He nearly died, the satyr saved him then nearly died himself. Brash, impetuous, and without forethought or consequence, the captain said he would get others killed. Nearly happened this time. That dead creature was more than he expected, he under estimated its abilities. He asked Sirius to take the lead, then just barged right in, impatient, anger taking control.
In his nightmares, the ice dagger pierces the bird, blood spurts outward, the Satyr falls as well. Only this time they rise as the dead, Aubreen can only watch as abominations of Auril begin to spread, an infection from town to town. Aubreen runs, as a horde gathers, cold water splashing up to his calfs, his thighs, his chest. Suddenly a child, tossed to the cruel icy waves, he flails helplessly as he sinks beneath the frigid waters.
Waking in a cold sweat, he ponders; an undead servant of Auril, ensuring sacrifice to appease an endless winter, there is somethin more here. It is the key to ending the sacrifice of innocents. But what, how.
Perrin grows excited when he finds the strange marks. When he looks at it for a bit, he realizes that even though it looked just like some scratches, there was meaning to it. Then, it clicked in his mind, and he was able to read the words: "Frost druid circle, in deep forest, meet by tomb.'' What language was that, and how on earth did he know how to read it? Must be a kenku thing.
He excitedly jumps up and down, pointing at the scratches to draw the other's attention, and he winces at the movement, instantly regretting his decision as the vigorous movement tugged at his cauterized wound. When the others approach, he excitedly points at the scratches again, and then he pulls out his chalkboard and begins scribbling away upon it. After he finishes, he flips it around to show the others what he wrote.
It says, "Frost druid circle, in deep forest, meet by tomb." Any of you know what that could mean? I have a feeling it might be connected to Sephek somehow!
Sirius goes over to the marks. "It certainly could be related to Sephek, why else would he have been in this building. But the location seems a bit too vague, the forest is pretty big, we should ask around about where a tomb is. Though Sephek is dead, innocent people are still being sacrificed and the eternal winter continues."
Sirius offers to stand watch for the first 2 hours of the night since he come out of the fight unscathed. If the Torrgs come, that'll surely happen early in the night. Sirius inspects the crystal while pondering his uselessness in battle. It seemed like the maneuvers he had learned in school hadn't translated too well into real combat. I couldn't even protect any of them. Aubreen and Zenos fell unconscious and Perrin got such a deep wound while I just cowered behind my shield missing every strike.
You are accompanied by a few townspeople over to the speakers house. Nimsy Huddle, an elderly halfling, welcomes you into her home. The house smells like freshly baked cookies and old wood. She shows you up some creaky stairs into a fairly spacious attic that is susprisingly well heated. There you find bundles of fur that you can spread out to create comfortable bedding.
"Just holler if there is anything you need. And rest well.", Nimsy says amiably, before taking her leave down the stairs.
During the night, you have a chance to heal from the recent ordeal and to ponder over what comes next. It seems like Icewind Dale has much still that is wrong with it, most of all the icy grip of Auril. But going up against a god... perhaps there are smaller things that can be righted first.
Torrgs does not make an appearance during the night. Perrin and Aubreen, during the watch, spy a white form moving through the trees some distance away from Lonelywood. A large animal? You see mighty antlers and sunken eyes. There are smears of red upon the fur. A white moose watches the sleeping town. It is gone by the first hints of light upon the Dale.
Defeating Sephek, you have reached the first milestone. You can all level up!
Perrin passes out almost as soon as lies down on the furs. The past few days had been quite eventful. Not only had he died and then reincarnated by a wandering druid, he had joined a crew that ended up narrowly killing an evil winter spirit. Quite eventful indeed!
Perrin groggily relieves Sirius from his watch duty and sets himself up near one of the windows. He really hoped that Torggs and her crew didn't come looking for them that night; he felt so tired and weak that all they'd have to do is give him a slight push and he would pass out. Despite his weariness, he spots a flicker of movement out in the woods. Squinting, he brings his face closer to the window, his breath fogging the panes of glass. Was that a... Yes, that was a white moose. And was that blood on its fur? Poor thing looked like it was starving as well. It probably got in a scuffle with some wolves or something.
He leans from the window, his thoughts sleepily drifting off to other subjects. He sure did miss his family. How nice would it be to go back to the way things were before Auril decided to curse the Dale! If Auril had just kept to herself like she usually did, then none of this would have happened. The Dale would still be thriving, he wouldn't have been sacrificed to please the blizzards, and there wouldn't be psychotic murder spirits going around shanking people with icicles. Hopefully one day, someone would put a stop to Auril and return the world to the way it was. Hopefully...
In the morning, Perrin is quick to pack his things up, though he still feels sleepy. Did morning have to come so early? After getting ready, he makes his way down the stairs and waits for the others. If Nimsy is down there, he goes up to her and asks in Sirius's voice with his head cocked to one side, "Where a tomb is. In- forest."
Zenos waking up early feeling rested and with renewed vigor. He would find himself downstairs writing the tale of how the evil Sephek was tracked down, interrogated, and then came out swinging and attacked the party. Only through working together were the brave adventurers able to subdue him. Making every embellishment he can think of to shine the light brighter on the heroes of the story.
If Nimsy happens to be up and moving about he would ask "Thank you for giving us shelter last night it was much appreciated. Do you happen to know anything about a Frost druid circle that may be located in deep forest, or a tomb of some sort? We have heard some rumors about it and want to look into it further as it sounds exciting."
Aubreen steps back into the warmth of the cottage, his shift to watch took him to the door step and the cool winds trying to banish the dreams from his mind. With dark bags beneath his eyes he rouses a little when he hears movement begin from within. A quick prayer to Torm, somehow he feels closer to his God, a feeling of connection sitting like an ember of warmth within his breast.
Heading to the pantry Aubreen pokes around for a few minutes finding little in the way of selection. Pulling forth a jar of dried fruit, and stale smelling oats he makes a pot of porridge, a few salted trout loins and pickled eggs to round out the meager feast he busies himself preparing a small meal. Leaving a pair of gold coins for their hostess.
When Nimsy joins he offers a hot drink of steeped herbs and begins to chatter, asking about her role as speaker, the troubles in Lonely wood. Slowly working towards questions more to his personal needs and wonders. Commenting upon the sight of a great white moose, it seemed to be watching, its eyes revealing an intelligence that perhaps he was only imagining. As the Bird joins, he admonishes himself. His name was Perrin, he must get used to that. Filling in the details to help Perrin with his inquiry he asks Nimsy about Frost druids and any old ruins or tombs within the woods.
Listening he tries to direct the conversation towards an old acquaintance, a female goliath named Oyaminartok and if she had ever heard the name or met such a woman?
Shortly after clearing and cleaning the dish's, Aubreen inquires of the group what their thoughts and plans may be. "We could track down further information about a possible tomb, or if any of you have the skill we could track down the white moose, its behavior seems at odds to the natural order, do you think it is following us? Also on our way back through Termalaine we could remove the kobolds from the mine. The people of the dale suffer enough without a crucial source of income. I think Torgunn could wait a few more days, she has probably already heard of our success as it is."
"Oh that's very kind of you dear", Nimsy says as she enters the dining room and finds breakfast already peprared. "I hope sleep has treated you well. Not much of that to be gotten these days."
Being asked about Oyaminartok, she looks up, serious. "Oh. Yes I've heard of such a being. It's a legend among the goliath tribes in the far east of the Dale. They call it the Winter Walker around here. Talk is that it is cursed, sometimes a woman, sometimes a bear. Best avoided."
The old halfling restocks the fireplace and fusses about for a bit. She looks a bit surprised as the kenku walks up to her and speaks to her in a strange voice. "Oh! You must excuse me, but I haven't seen such a small aarakocra before. And that voice!" Taking out a pince-nez from a pocket, she inspects Perrin with interest before realizing that he asked a question.
"You wish to know about the tomb? Oh my. Better have a seat. I'll see what I can remember."
She takes the offered cup and stirs. "The frost druids aren't a light matter. They're solitary folk and most of them are followers of the Frostmaiden, Lathander preserve us. In addition, the woods aren't safe on account of the moose. It's been stalking our lumberjacks for weeks." She carefully puts the cup down. "I've heard what you did. The town finances would have good reason to be diverted in your direction, if you could do something about the monster."
Nimsy gets a distant look as she seems to remember better days. "As for the tomb. I have seen it, a long time ago. It's a good few miles into the forest. Elven make, I think. If the frost druids are gathering there, nothing good will come of it."
Sirius joins the others downstairs and starts polishing his spear with a navy blue, silk cloth. "I think our best bet is to search for the tomb and the frost druids there. They may be dangerous, but so was Sephek and I'm sure he won't be the last. As for the white moose, we might very well run into it while we search for the tomb and could try to dispose of it. That creature doesn't seem like something that's easy to deliberately seek for, at least not with my skillset." Sirius moves on to polish the bloody ice pick his motions becoming more vigorous. "I don't think there's any rush to get back to Torgunn indeed, we certainly have time to clear out the mine on our way back." The blood stains stubbornly refuse to fade. Sirius was well aware of the property, but furiously rubbing it seemed to have a therapeutic effect on him. It seemed to be a good alternative to releasing his frustration into training dummies with his spear.
Sirius sinks into his thoughts. Though defeating Sephek, a psychotic murderer, certainly is a worthy achievement, on its own it's not enough. Not to the lord at least. I would have to end this endless winter to appease him. Sirius chuckles to himself quietly at the thought of the prospect. As if he could actually do something great. There's no going home now, at least this place seems friendly enough. Sirius does his usual prayer of endurance from Ilmater, good judgment from Tyr and Strength from Torm. At least The Triad offered him some sense of comfort when he couldn't have been farther from home.
"Well it seems our destination is set, we head towards the tomb" Aubreen address the group. "We should get moving, the day light is feeble enough and not long for the realm". Hefting his pack to his shoulders he looks to their hostess. "Nismy do you perhaps have better directions, a track or trail perhaps or guidance towards our destination? The Lonelywood is not so large yet large enough to wander for days lost, cold and alone, any additional details could only be of use" Suddenly feeling a sense of dread that he once again is leading his companions towards danger he reaches inside for the warmth and comfort only Torm provides. "You also stated the white beast has been stalking the Lumberjacks, do they congregate in a particular area within the woods? or simply take lumber as and where they find it?"
Hands out stretched towards the fire, Aubreen seems less than eager to once again step out into the cold and dark, seeking a last remnant of warmth he shakes and rouses himself from thought, stomping in heavy boots towards the door, "Days a wasting, shall we be onward!"
Nimsy tries to give you the direction as best as she can. Even with the years gone by, she remembers that it wasn't that far from the town, at least when there was no snow to bar ones way. She estimates one mile travel and her directions will make it easier to find the tomb.¹
Going overland is burdensome here and one best thinks to bring all manner of equipment in advance, before it's too late.²
¹In mechanical terms, you'll get advantage on survival checks to not get lost on the way.
²Table for reference on travel speed. Currently it would take you 4 hours to cover 1 mile in the deep snow.