In the snowy lands of Irrisen, the witch queen Baba Yaga likes to keep her eyes on all her children, and she does so through her chicken-legged huts and their resident guardian dolls. Made in the image of her famous Dancing Hut, these strange huts watch the borders of this frozen land, keeping foreigners out while keeping the Irriseni in. According to the legends, If a hut dances around and refuses to let you in through its tiny door, you must stand in front of it and loudly call out, “Hut, O hut, turn your back to the woods and your front to me.”
Welcome to Pathfinder's Reign of Winter, adapted for 5e!
It has been a century since the immortal witch Baba Yaga last visited the world, and the hour draws nigh for her return. But when she fails to appear in the frozen realm of Irrisen to usher in its newest ruler, pockets of winter begin to grow throughout the Inner Sea. After 1,400 years of perpetual winter, the icy curse of Irrisen is spreading! What links do these strange blizzards and swaths of wintry landscapes have with Irrisen, and is there any truth to the growing rumors that the Witch Queen Elvanna has taken full control of the realm? Can her plans for the Inner Sea be thwarted, or will the Reign of Winter engulf the world?
The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town’s soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead. As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman’s escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
Task One:
To gather more information about these events in the Border Wood, roll a Persuasion check to gather information from the villagers. There is no set DC for this check, but the higher you roll, the more information you will gather.
Task Two:
As you go around the village asking about the events in the Border Wood and the unnatural cold, you very quickly notice that you aren't the only one searching for knowledge and that a few other eccentric individuals are also going through the same level of inquiry. Introduce yourself to these weirdos your fellow party members.
You may now post.
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"There is ice in your blood, 'Phina. Ice that must be hidden, should we survive. Never forget that you cannot show your power to anyone, especially the jadwiga." The ten year old nodded soberly. "Yes, Mama." Althea stroked her daughter's hair, white as snow. "And we will have to cover this up too. From now on, you will wear a hat in summer too, mmm?" "Yes, Mama," Sera repeated, pulling the offered hat over her short hair. "What about the bodies?" "Don't worry about the bodies, Sera," Althea said softly. "Go inside now." Once the little girl had gone inside, her mother turned her attention to the two bodies lying in the alley behind the shop. One killed by a rock that collided with the back of his head, the other...killed by the dead man. After he fell.
A teenager ran through the cold of Irrisen's mountains. Her heart thudded in her chest as she scrambled over the snow, not even daring to look back for fear her pursuer would get close enough to use her terrible magic. "And just WHERE do you think YOU'RE going, little girl? NOBODY HIDES FROM THE JADWIGA!"
A pack of wolves in the Kodar Mountains backed away from the bloody figure. But she had another idea. The white-haired woman laid her glaive down, the hot blood hissing in the snow. "I, too, am a child of winter," she said softly. "You can smell it, can't you? In my blood. I defended myself, but now that nobody's attacking anyone, maybe we can come to an accord?" Over the next few weeks, the few scouts and hunters in the Kodar saw a strange sight. Once or twice, in the distance, they saw a pack of white wolves...and among them, a woman with hair the color of snow.
Blood dripped from the woman's glaive as the man fled, nursing a wound from his comrade's final punch. Sera watched him flee grimly, then looked down at the body of the drunkard at her feet. "You just had to follow me out..."
I carry the ice in my blood. Now, as I trek across these warm southern countries, I feel that more than ever. I left my homeland, for...so many reasons. But its icy cold will always be within me. I may not understand the power in my blood, but one thing is clear. In all my time alive, since the first time I pulled the strings of a fallen man, one truth has always been evident to me. Blood is power. Power to choose. Power to defend. Power to gain respect. My power. And I'll be damned if I don't plan to use it better than my ancestors did.
Sera looks around the sleepy village with a sigh. She's been to a hundred like it, and they never get any less boring...although these rumors at least have some promise of bringing interest. The young woman is a peculiar sight, with snow-white hair cropped short and strange, golden eyes. She wears silvery scale mail, and across her back is a large glaive that has an unusual quantity of frost on it, even for the cold day. Seraphina looks right at home in the unseasonable cold, ignoring the freezing wind and biting snow.
Picture:
Persuasion (here's to the first nat 1 of the campaign!): 16
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
PROPHECY OF DARKNESS
And thus, it was written, a new Black Empress was created that day to serve one of the Elder Gods from beyond the boundaries of space. A new Herald, an undying champion, in which to spread the word of Umbra and it's Shadow Empire. The Elder Gods: parasitic, eldritch horrors who do not die, and do not live. They are outside the cycle. Immense mountains of flesh, they are physical manifestations of the Darkness - they grow like cancers within the worlds they infect in our cosmos known as the Great Beyond. They are beyond space, time, and impossibly powerful. Who created them is a mystery to all, but their knowledge and intentions are beyond the scope of our understanding.
THE TOMB OF THE HARBINGER
The creation of a new Herald was the specific event that caught my interest in the Elder Gods. It was that moment my fascination with them started and eventually led to my expulsion within the arcane academic departments for my..unhealthy levels of research on such a forbidden subject. Years later, a defining moment in my life was when I discovered a long forgotten tomb which contained an obelisk of T'Vauz - another of the Elder Gods. Through study I learned that these obelisks themselves are what anchor the Elder Gods into this cosmos, and as I explored the tombs forgotten depths, dark cold smooth black stone showed me writings and images I could not read, nor understand. It was only until I heard a deep eldritch voice in my head and was shown a vision of the glory of the Shadow Empire - and how, eventually, all truths would be known. Something terribly evil and ancient had a presence in the tomb, something that had been slumbering since when the galaxy was young. In my fear, it was that day I made a pact with a cosmic Elder God, an ancient being from beyond that threatened to rip my sanity apart as it taught me powers and abilities that I could not have possibly done before. I became a warlock that day. All the knowledge of the universe was at my fingertips.
A DARK FATE
A bell tolls in the abyss of shadows beyond the confines of this cosmos. It echoes across cold and unforgiving worlds, mourning the fate of life among our stars. Indescribable terrors and foul eldritch entities have been watching and poisoning us from the shadows. There is much evil here. Alien monstrosities drift in tomb like vessels in space and on our worlds. Watching. Waiting. Ravenous. From the depths of the void to the blood soaked earth, diabolic horrors stalk the endless night to prey upon unworthy souls.
I was one of those souls. My name is Jasun Halifax, an elf from the feywild, and I have a new master now. I remember stories about one of Umbra's Heralds, and how, in her search for complete knowledge, she became a terrible corrupted source of evil and cosmic destruction. So I resist. What T'Vauz doesn't know is that I will use my new powers against the the Elder Gods. I will resist - I will not submit. But, in the meantime, a cold, wintry place I am sent to for some unknown, unfathomable purpose.
"FIND THE TRUTH BEHIND THE VEIL."
For now, I will listen.
TASK ONE: Persuasion: 16"Greetings. Yes, would you mind helping me a moment? Might you be able to tell me anything about what's been going on in the Woods? And..perhaps..where the nearest tavern is?"
TASK TWO:Cosmic GODS, it's COLD here. What the Hells! And, this wind is messing up my hair. I think one of my testicles froze. Let's see. Yup. That's not good. What I would do for a hot meal and a brew right now. (Looks around, sees Sera). Hello, what have we here..? She looks like she's searching for..something? The meal can wait a moment - let's see what's going on here. He walks up to Sera, making it obvious not to startle her.
"Pardon me, my dear."Jasun says to Sera. "I couldn't help but notice how acclimated you are to this..weather."he says the last word as nicely as he can, but is very charming nonetheless."Most impressive, I might say. Not only that, you appear to be searching for something. Am I correct? Perhaps our interests align? I too, search for something."he smiled casually as he could, nearly shivering."Jasun."he introduces himself, holding out his hand like a gentleman and bowing slightly."Jasun Halifax. And, you are?"
Jasun is a very handsome elven man with cut close black hair, sharp sophisticated physical features, and light blue eyes. He's wearing a black greatcoat with a tidy cloth suit underneath, like his profession is an academic of some sort. He is tall, slender, and in very decent shape. In a holster on his belt is a wicked dagger.
He seems very uncomfortable in the cold, and is doing his best to try and to contain his focus. It's clear he's not used to this weather.
The sky was black tranquility married to a poetry of stars. It was the softness that called body and brain to rest and let the heart go to its steady rhythm. Night came as a reward of sorts, a restfulness above to calm the soul. Yet as one individual stared up into a wonder far older than any being they knew upon the world, the peace felt muted by a nervousness deep within themselves.
"You know you've been working at that little scroll in your hand for quite some time, uhm, Mr. Birdman? No, Zaf wasn't it?" Zaf double blinked, shook his head, but would eventually turn his way from the heavens to look across a crackling campfire. Seated on a log there is a middle aged man, blonde of hair, but unimpressive in physique, stirring the cook pot one last time. The two exchange a look, and after a few moments, Zaf starts, before finally looks down to the 'scroll'; really more a rolled piece of living wood.
"Ah yes. Thank you. Sometimes when I lose myself in thought, the hands have a mind of their own." Zaf spoke softly but clearly, and seemed to almost smile at the man with his eyes. The far older gentleman nods slowly while falling back into his seat. Zaf, for his part, unrolled part of the scroll for absent-minding studying for the next minute in companionable silence. He didn't even mind the man -- Dorigan Greystone -- staring at him for most of that time. The looks were something Zaf had... or at least he had grown used to for most of his life. Not many people got a chance to see his people up close, and even then, fewer still see them at all without incident or coincidence bringing them near the mountains of his people.
Or so Zaf presumed as much on the stories he heard. But as far as he could remember, of which many things remained yet cloudy to him since awakening in Ustalav a year and several months prior, he never met any. However, he knew himself though to be a unique specimen in bearing more a snowy owl features than the typical falcon or other birds of prey most Aarakocra tended to be. One whose otherwise stark white plumage had various runes painted in greens and oranges mysteriously on them, untouchable by elements and restored with healing. An idle thought drifting in their direction made him link to the long, thick, and vibrantly purple scarf wrapped about his neck.
"Varasian?" Dorigan piped up once more. Zaf answers without looking up this time. "Honorary, or so I was loosely considered as, thanks to Mother. Said it makes it easier for Lady Desna to reach her followers. Which I am most grateful for." The man "Hms" on the point, and even without looking, Zaf could sense him nod as well. "I ain't be know'n too much 'bout that sorta thing. But, she help ya figure out yet why you need to go Heldren?" Zaf knew Dorigan was a good and tolerant man, who judged more by action than appearance. He was also, as Zaf came to learn during their trip, well traveled, but also bit taciturn too. But when he spoke, it always because of genuine care and curiosity, and not the idle chit chatter of some less kind soul setting up for one's fall. Which is why when the calm was interrupted my an alerting misstep of some creature in the dark, Zaf would rise in the man's defense without a word or thought of past deals.
Flight was always an option. But Zaf was not one to pay the kindness of a shared traveler in cowardice. They would overcome whatever sprung from the dark together. And maybe yet some other night, he would have an answer for the traveling Merchant. But first they needed to survive this one...
Zaf wandered about the village, looking around like a child experiencing a true wonder for the first time. He never got tired of seeing new places... even if the styles were similar shades of the same rustic lifestyle. To the young owl Aarakocra, none of it mattered! It was new, the people were different, and if he did well in finding the Lady Argentea, mayhaps the people would open up more to the black-eyed, snowy feathered bird man with strange runes patterned in their plumage! Always worth a shot, or so his mother would say.
In the process of inquiring into the Border Wood, the Lady, and perhaps local legends about spirits and mosnters in the area to watch out for, seeing the others interested... Something about Sera in particular led to his following around at a distance, cocking his head to the side every now and then in fascination. He wore only the lightest of leather armor, and at his hip was a fairly unremarkable scimitar. A shield rested at his back, and whereas one taloned hand held prayer beads, the other held a staff whose wooden grains unnatural shaped themselves into runes. Beyond this, he wore only enough to compensate for where plumage already well suited for the cold climes did not. The only thing more striking than his being, is that of the bright orange, and lengthy scar wrapped about his neck.
Sera shakes Jasun's hand. "Seraphina, but you can just call me Sera," she introduces herself. "Yeah, I'm trying to figure out what's going on with the snow and such - I mean, I don't mind it, but it's clear a lot of people do." She glances over the shivering warlock before her eyes drift to the strange bird-like figure following her. "Hey you, want to come over and introduce yourself?" she calls to Zaf.
Seraphina: You try to ask the villagers what's going on, but your unusual appearance weirds them out and you aren't able to make them feel more comfortable around you. You still manage to learn one tidbit of information: Everyone says the weather is unseasonably cold for midsummer—it even snowed in the Border Wood! Most suspect magic is involved, and some fear Qadiran agents played a role in it.
Zaf and Jasun: You two have a far easier time getting the villagers to talk. In addition to what Seraphina was able to learn, you gather the following bits of information:
1. Old Man Dansby claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off.
2.A farmer’s son took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest—and heard it talking—then tried to follow it.
3.A group of rangers in the Border Wood called the High Sentinels usually keep bandit activity curbed. They’re doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Jasun turned his head to see where Sera was looking at and noticed the owl man. "Oh!"he said, mildly surprised. "Hello, bird person, come. Join us."He extended his hand as well. "I am Jasun Halifax, he who enjoys much..warmer weather."he joked. "I couldn't help notice you were, as well as I, talking to the locals. Are you, as well, searching for something in these reaches?"he asked.
Maybe their intentions align with my own? Icy frost among the crops, what's left over from them. A sick boy who saw a talking stag, and rangers failing to protect this..Lady Argentea. Hm. Strange tidings indeed, T'vauz. Is this why you went me here? To solve a mystery? Certainly you have more important things for me to do.
Zaf actually turns his head a full 180 around, as if to make sure there weren't other 'bird people' around. Seeing that there wasn't, he rights himself, and with few hops to start, makes his way quickly over to the side of the duo. "Hello!"He said chipperly, yet softly. "This one is Zaf. I do apologize for before. Something-..." And he cocks his head to the side for a moment, before righting it a second later. "Something about you reminded me of a dream I once had. You as well-..."He says to Jasun. "Though... well... Ahem... Anyways, I could help but notice that you two seem to be on a similar track as I as well? Might you too be of a mind to help the Lady Argentea? If so, perhaps we could combine our efforts?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Must of been a good dream, then."Jasun said, confidently. "Zaf."he observed the bird person for a moment. He even acts like an owl, how interesting. He's like a..human owl. "Yes, I believe we were just discussing what seems to be unusal instances of cold and violence in the area. Though, I don't know this..Lady Argentea - I do believe our paths correlate, my new bird person friend."
Sera shrugs. "Honestly, I don't really care about the Lady, I'm interested in finding out who's causing the weird weather. But it seems like following her path is what will lead me to that, so I suppose so, yes." She gives Zaf a nod and a slight smile. "I'm Seraphina, but most people stick with Sera."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
It's snowing again...
Rose's gaze is drawn up to the sky, open hands out, letting some of snowflakes gently fall into her bandaged palms before melting away, ultimately soaking her hands. While she genuinely enjoyed the winter months, she finding comfort in the season, it was certainly concerning that it was snowing like this during the mid of summer. Her eyes go back to the entrance of the village Heldren, brows furrowing behind her bangs. Children should be out playing... Not hiding inside from the cold... Poor things... A frown thins on her lips as she presses forward, her mind going back to focus on the mission at hand.
I need to find out more about what happened. Maybe if I, um, talk to someone... She stops once again. 'Talking to someone', who am I kidding? I-I have no social skills! She bites her bottom lip in nervousness as her heartbeat picks up pace. I-I can't do this!She turns back, then stops after a few steps forward. B-but I have to! She turns back to the village once more, her hands going to grasp tightly at her amulet of Ioun underneath her white coat. I-I need to! Ioun, give me strength!
Dump stat: 17
She really tried! If standing there awkwardly, hovering over someone until they gave her mind counted at all as 'trying'. Ioun clearly wasn't listening out for prayers today! Disheartened at her failures, she pulls out a folded letter and begins to read it over again through her fringe as she walks forward, hoping that maybe she didn't really need to speak with this lady. Chewing at her lip again, she hyper focuses on reading, so much so she doesn't realize she's about to bump into someone.
Ice Queen - 1, Jasun Derulo - 2, Bird Man - 3 ; 3
The bump was just enough to startle her out of her focus, the hand that held onto the paper loosening its grip, and with a sudden winter chill, the letter is blown away. Her brown-green eyes grow wide in terror down at the man she bumps into, stuttering out a, "S-sorry--!! I-I should have--" She cuts herself off with a gasp when she notices her letter is flitting away behind them. "Ahh!! No!"The pink haired firbolg makes a mad dash for the parchment, clearly distraught and panicked at losing it.
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Rose: You try really hard, but your social awkwardness makes it difficult to interact with the villagers and you're unable to gain any information.
Jasun: As you wait for Sera to respond to your invite, a Firbolg girl bumps into you, apologizing for her lack of observation. The paper in her hand falls out and begins to flit away, causing her a small amount of distress.
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Zaf looks up at the sky, confused for a few moments. "Warm.. Sounds good. Should do.."He replied absentmindedly. Startled a moment later, if only from just hearing a new voice, the owlakocra tries to study the firbolg. Tried, but seeing her distress, all curiosity gets shunted to the side as he took off after her without a word; hopping into a full blown jog. Bird legs, however, were not meant for running. Yet, that doesn't stop the would be owl for trying his best, even if that meant being left in the dust! "Careful, Miss. You don't want to fall." Zaf calls after the firbolg.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Sera stifles the amused smile that threatens to tug at her lips at Jasun's clear desire to get out of the cold. "Sure, we can-" Her response is cut off as the pink-haired firbolg runs into Jasun and yelps as her paper goes flying. "Oh, great. I'm starting to sense a theme with this group," she mutters as she sets off after Zaf, going at...rather less than an enthusiastic run.
"UnF!"Jasun exclaims as he's bumped into. He dusts off the place he was hit, and stands there watching the scene unfold - papers everywhere and everything. He watches Sera and Bird Person start after the young woman with pink hair and sighs, adjusting his greatcoat as if keeping it prim and proper was a thing for him. Might as well lend a hand. And by lend a hand, I mean manage this situation. "All you all right, young lady? Your papers are all over the floor - you seem to be a bit distracted. Are you ok?" he inquires.
"She's so small." Snickering and childish laughter. "She's so pale, you'll lose her in the snow."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"Just leave her behind."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"The wild can decide the fate of this child."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"A good axe is all she needs."
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place.
Vicious growling and snarling.
-----------------------
Honey brown eyes open wide, alert and scanning. They dart side to side before panning around slowly. Jirel sighs. "Gods be damned." She'll grumble under her breath as she realized she dreamt of her past again. As she comes to, back to the present, she'll look around the dingy stable she was shacked in for the night. "I chopped enough wood for these old farmers. Better not overstay my welcome." With a grunt, she'll pick herself up off the ground. She'll grab her axe from the woodpile and sling it over her shoulder. The undersized goliath will take her leave without a word, moving on to the next job.
Jirel wasn't anyone special. She never was and never believed to be. What she did know, was that goliath blood coursed through her veins, but she could never convince her own kin she was strong enough to be one of them. Casted out and abandoned, she simply, survived. She thrived, alone in the wilderness, for there was nowhere she belonged.
Trudging through the snow unphased by the cold temperature, a tall blonde woman will notice a loose sheet of paper whisk its way towards her from the wind. As it'd tumble its way to her direction, she'd reach down to snatch it before it got away. "Civillian's and their littering." She'd tsk, shaking her head, "And they wonder why this hell's freezing over." A few grumbles would leave her throat as she noticed that it wasn't a blank sheet, and that it was something that actually was addressed to someone. A mischievous smirk would grow across her lips, "Someone I can hold responsible!" She'll adjust her grip on her axe as she eagerly scans the letter for a name.
Rose, Jasun, Zaf, Seraphina: As you chase the paper, you see that it tumbles over to a tall woman who picks it up and it appears that she is reading it. Before you can request that she give back the letter and mercifully before she gets too much of a chance to read the letter, a middle-aged woman approaches the five of you.
"Excuse me, my name is Ionnia Teppen, I'm the leader of the village council. I've heard that a group of your adventurers fitting your description have been going throughout town asking about the recent events. I hate to bother you, but we're barely large enough to gather a militia to defend the town in times of trouble, so I don't have much of a choice but to ask you for assistance, since you look like a few adventurous out-of-towners. The rumors you've heard are true, Lady Argentea was abducted in the Border Wood and that area is indeed colder than it should be this time of year. One of her bodyguards is recovering at the apothecary, he can provide you with more information. I cannot provide you with any reward should you rescue the lady, but she comes from a noble family and I'm sure that they would greatly reward you if their daughter was returned to them safe and sound."
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Zaf turns to Ionnia, stopping his oogling of the goliath; who, even if a runt of her kind, still was positively stunning in size and physique compared to the bird boi. "Help, yes. This we can do. This what we were doing, yes." He replied with a curt nod at the end. "Reward not a concern for this one, but the thought is appreciated. That, and the knowing of where this apothecary is." The owlakocra asks, smiling with his eyes. Once they had a direction, a hand goes over the chest in a small formal bow. "This one is Zaf, by the way. A pleasure to meet you, Ionnia Teppen."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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In the snowy lands of Irrisen, the witch queen Baba Yaga likes to keep her eyes on all her children, and she does so through her chicken-legged huts and their resident guardian dolls. Made in the image of her famous Dancing Hut, these strange huts watch the borders of this frozen land, keeping foreigners out while keeping the Irriseni in. According to the legends, If a hut dances around and refuses to let you in through its tiny door, you must stand in front of it and loudly call out, “Hut, O hut, turn your back to the woods and your front to me.”
Welcome to Pathfinder's Reign of Winter, adapted for 5e!
It has been a century since the immortal witch Baba Yaga last visited the world, and the hour draws nigh for her return. But when she fails to appear in the frozen realm of Irrisen to usher in its newest ruler, pockets of winter begin to grow throughout the Inner Sea. After 1,400 years of perpetual winter, the icy curse of Irrisen is spreading! What links do these strange blizzards and swaths of wintry landscapes have with Irrisen, and is there any truth to the growing rumors that the Witch Queen Elvanna has taken full control of the realm? Can her plans for the Inner Sea be thwarted, or will the Reign of Winter engulf the world?
Do not post yet.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town’s soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead. As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman’s escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
Task One:
To gather more information about these events in the Border Wood, roll a Persuasion check to gather information from the villagers. There is no set DC for this check, but the higher you roll, the more information you will gather.
Task Two:
As you go around the village asking about the events in the Border Wood and the unnatural cold, you very quickly notice that you aren't the only one searching for knowledge and that a few other eccentric individuals are also going through the same level of inquiry. Introduce yourself to
these weirdosyour fellow party members.You may now post.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"There is ice in your blood, 'Phina. Ice that must be hidden, should we survive. Never forget that you cannot show your power to anyone, especially the jadwiga."
The ten year old nodded soberly. "Yes, Mama."
Althea stroked her daughter's hair, white as snow. "And we will have to cover this up too. From now on, you will wear a hat in summer too, mmm?"
"Yes, Mama," Sera repeated, pulling the offered hat over her short hair. "What about the bodies?"
"Don't worry about the bodies, Sera," Althea said softly. "Go inside now."
Once the little girl had gone inside, her mother turned her attention to the two bodies lying in the alley behind the shop. One killed by a rock that collided with the back of his head, the other...killed by the dead man. After he fell.
A teenager ran through the cold of Irrisen's mountains. Her heart thudded in her chest as she scrambled over the snow, not even daring to look back for fear her pursuer would get close enough to use her terrible magic.
"And just WHERE do you think YOU'RE going, little girl? NOBODY HIDES FROM THE JADWIGA!"
A pack of wolves in the Kodar Mountains backed away from the bloody figure. But she had another idea. The white-haired woman laid her glaive down, the hot blood hissing in the snow. "I, too, am a child of winter," she said softly. "You can smell it, can't you? In my blood. I defended myself, but now that nobody's attacking anyone, maybe we can come to an accord?"
Over the next few weeks, the few scouts and hunters in the Kodar saw a strange sight. Once or twice, in the distance, they saw a pack of white wolves...and among them, a woman with hair the color of snow.
Blood dripped from the woman's glaive as the man fled, nursing a wound from his comrade's final punch. Sera watched him flee grimly, then looked down at the body of the drunkard at her feet. "You just had to follow me out..."
I carry the ice in my blood. Now, as I trek across these warm southern countries, I feel that more than ever.
I left my homeland, for...so many reasons. But its icy cold will always be within me.
I may not understand the power in my blood, but one thing is clear.
In all my time alive, since the first time I pulled the strings of a fallen man, one truth has always been evident to me.
Blood is power.
Power to choose.
Power to defend.
Power to gain respect.
My power.
And I'll be damned if I don't plan to use it better than my ancestors did.
Sera looks around the sleepy village with a sigh. She's been to a hundred like it, and they never get any less boring...although these rumors at least have some promise of bringing interest. The young woman is a peculiar sight, with snow-white hair cropped short and strange, golden eyes. She wears silvery scale mail, and across her back is a large glaive that has an unusual quantity of frost on it, even for the cold day. Seraphina looks right at home in the unseasonable cold, ignoring the freezing wind and biting snow.
Picture:
Persuasion (here's to the first nat 1 of the campaign!): 16
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
PROPHECY OF DARKNESS
And thus, it was written, a new Black Empress was created that day to serve one of the Elder Gods from beyond the boundaries of space. A new Herald, an undying champion, in which to spread the word of Umbra and it's Shadow Empire. The Elder Gods: parasitic, eldritch horrors who do not die, and do not live. They are outside the cycle. Immense mountains of flesh, they are physical manifestations of the Darkness - they grow like cancers within the worlds they infect in our cosmos known as the Great Beyond. They are beyond space, time, and impossibly powerful. Who created them is a mystery to all, but their knowledge and intentions are beyond the scope of our understanding.
THE TOMB OF THE HARBINGER
The creation of a new Herald was the specific event that caught my interest in the Elder Gods. It was that moment my fascination with them started and eventually led to my expulsion within the arcane academic departments for my..unhealthy levels of research on such a forbidden subject. Years later, a defining moment in my life was when I discovered a long forgotten tomb which contained an obelisk of T'Vauz - another of the Elder Gods. Through study I learned that these obelisks themselves are what anchor the Elder Gods into this cosmos, and as I explored the tombs forgotten depths, dark cold smooth black stone showed me writings and images I could not read, nor understand. It was only until I heard a deep eldritch voice in my head and was shown a vision of the glory of the Shadow Empire - and how, eventually, all truths would be known. Something terribly evil and ancient had a presence in the tomb, something that had been slumbering since when the galaxy was young. In my fear, it was that day I made a pact with a cosmic Elder God, an ancient being from beyond that threatened to rip my sanity apart as it taught me powers and abilities that I could not have possibly done before. I became a warlock that day. All the knowledge of the universe was at my fingertips.
A DARK FATE
A bell tolls in the abyss of shadows beyond the confines of this cosmos. It echoes across cold and unforgiving worlds, mourning the fate of life among our stars. Indescribable terrors and foul eldritch entities have been watching and poisoning us from the shadows. There is much evil here. Alien monstrosities drift in tomb like vessels in space and on our worlds. Watching. Waiting. Ravenous. From the depths of the void to the blood soaked earth, diabolic horrors stalk the endless night to prey upon unworthy souls.
I was one of those souls. My name is Jasun Halifax, an elf from the feywild, and I have a new master now. I remember stories about one of Umbra's Heralds, and how, in her search for complete knowledge, she became a terrible corrupted source of evil and cosmic destruction. So I resist. What T'Vauz doesn't know is that I will use my new powers against the the Elder Gods. I will resist - I will not submit. But, in the meantime, a cold, wintry place I am sent to for some unknown, unfathomable purpose.
"FIND THE TRUTH BEHIND THE VEIL."
For now, I will listen.
TASK ONE: Persuasion: 16 "Greetings. Yes, would you mind helping me a moment? Might you be able to tell me anything about what's been going on in the Woods? And..perhaps..where the nearest tavern is?"
TASK TWO: Cosmic GODS, it's COLD here. What the Hells! And, this wind is messing up my hair. I think one of my testicles froze. Let's see. Yup. That's not good. What I would do for a hot meal and a brew right now. (Looks around, sees Sera). Hello, what have we here..? She looks like she's searching for..something? The meal can wait a moment - let's see what's going on here. He walks up to Sera, making it obvious not to startle her.
"Pardon me, my dear." Jasun says to Sera. "I couldn't help but notice how acclimated you are to this..weather." he says the last word as nicely as he can, but is very charming nonetheless. "Most impressive, I might say. Not only that, you appear to be searching for something. Am I correct? Perhaps our interests align? I too, search for something." he smiled casually as he could, nearly shivering. "Jasun." he introduces himself, holding out his hand like a gentleman and bowing slightly. "Jasun Halifax. And, you are?"
Jasun is a very handsome elven man with cut close black hair, sharp sophisticated physical features, and light blue eyes. He's wearing a black greatcoat with a tidy cloth suit underneath, like his profession is an academic of some sort. He is tall, slender, and in very decent shape. In a holster on his belt is a wicked dagger.
He seems very uncomfortable in the cold, and is doing his best to try and to contain his focus. It's clear he's not used to this weather.
Prologue:
The sky was black tranquility married to a poetry of stars. It was the softness that called body and brain to rest and let the heart go to its steady rhythm. Night came as a reward of sorts, a restfulness above to calm the soul. Yet as one individual stared up into a wonder far older than any being they knew upon the world, the peace felt muted by a nervousness deep within themselves.
"You know you've been working at that little scroll in your hand for quite some time, uhm, Mr. Birdman? No, Zaf wasn't it?" Zaf double blinked, shook his head, but would eventually turn his way from the heavens to look across a crackling campfire. Seated on a log there is a middle aged man, blonde of hair, but unimpressive in physique, stirring the cook pot one last time. The two exchange a look, and after a few moments, Zaf starts, before finally looks down to the 'scroll'; really more a rolled piece of living wood.
"Ah yes. Thank you. Sometimes when I lose myself in thought, the hands have a mind of their own." Zaf spoke softly but clearly, and seemed to almost smile at the man with his eyes. The far older gentleman nods slowly while falling back into his seat. Zaf, for his part, unrolled part of the scroll for absent-minding studying for the next minute in companionable silence. He didn't even mind the man -- Dorigan Greystone -- staring at him for most of that time. The looks were something Zaf had... or at least he had grown used to for most of his life. Not many people got a chance to see his people up close, and even then, fewer still see them at all without incident or coincidence bringing them near the mountains of his people.
Or so Zaf presumed as much on the stories he heard. But as far as he could remember, of which many things remained yet cloudy to him since awakening in Ustalav a year and several months prior, he never met any. However, he knew himself though to be a unique specimen in bearing more a snowy owl features than the typical falcon or other birds of prey most Aarakocra tended to be. One whose otherwise stark white plumage had various runes painted in greens and oranges mysteriously on them, untouchable by elements and restored with healing. An idle thought drifting in their direction made him link to the long, thick, and vibrantly purple scarf wrapped about his neck.
"Varasian?" Dorigan piped up once more. Zaf answers without looking up this time. "Honorary, or so I was loosely considered as, thanks to Mother. Said it makes it easier for Lady Desna to reach her followers. Which I am most grateful for." The man "Hms" on the point, and even without looking, Zaf could sense him nod as well. "I ain't be know'n too much 'bout that sorta thing. But, she help ya figure out yet why you need to go Heldren?" Zaf knew Dorigan was a good and tolerant man, who judged more by action than appearance. He was also, as Zaf came to learn during their trip, well traveled, but also bit taciturn too. But when he spoke, it always because of genuine care and curiosity, and not the idle chit chatter of some less kind soul setting up for one's fall. Which is why when the calm was interrupted my an alerting misstep of some creature in the dark, Zaf would rise in the man's defense without a word or thought of past deals.
Flight was always an option. But Zaf was not one to pay the kindness of a shared traveler in cowardice. They would overcome whatever sprung from the dark together. And maybe yet some other night, he would have an answer for the traveling Merchant. But first they needed to survive this one...
Zaf wandered about the village, looking around like a child experiencing a true wonder for the first time. He never got tired of seeing new places... even if the styles were similar shades of the same rustic lifestyle. To the young owl Aarakocra, none of it mattered! It was new, the people were different, and if he did well in finding the Lady Argentea, mayhaps the people would open up more to the black-eyed, snowy feathered bird man with strange runes patterned in their plumage! Always worth a shot, or so his mother would say.
In the process of inquiring into the Border Wood, the Lady, and perhaps local legends about spirits and mosnters in the area to watch out for, seeing the others interested... Something about Sera in particular led to his following around at a distance, cocking his head to the side every now and then in fascination. He wore only the lightest of leather armor, and at his hip was a fairly unremarkable scimitar. A shield rested at his back, and whereas one taloned hand held prayer beads, the other held a staff whose wooden grains unnatural shaped themselves into runes. Beyond this, he wore only enough to compensate for where plumage already well suited for the cold climes did not. The only thing more striking than his being, is that of the bright orange, and lengthy scar wrapped about his neck.
Persuasion: 13+2.(d4 from guidance)
Picture:
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Sera shakes Jasun's hand. "Seraphina, but you can just call me Sera," she introduces herself. "Yeah, I'm trying to figure out what's going on with the snow and such - I mean, I don't mind it, but it's clear a lot of people do." She glances over the shivering warlock before her eyes drift to the strange bird-like figure following her. "Hey you, want to come over and introduce yourself?" she calls to Zaf.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Seraphina: You try to ask the villagers what's going on, but your unusual appearance weirds them out and you aren't able to make them feel more comfortable around you. You still manage to learn one tidbit of information: Everyone says the weather is unseasonably cold for midsummer—it even snowed in the Border Wood! Most suspect magic is involved, and some fear Qadiran agents played a role in it.
Zaf and Jasun: You two have a far easier time getting the villagers to talk. In addition to what Seraphina was able to learn, you gather the following bits of information:
1. Old Man Dansby claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off.
2.A farmer’s son took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest—and heard it talking—then tried to follow it.
3.A group of rangers in the Border Wood called the High Sentinels usually keep bandit activity curbed. They’re doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Jasun turned his head to see where Sera was looking at and noticed the owl man. "Oh!" he said, mildly surprised. "Hello, bird person, come. Join us." He extended his hand as well. "I am Jasun Halifax, he who enjoys much..warmer weather." he joked. "I couldn't help notice you were, as well as I, talking to the locals. Are you, as well, searching for something in these reaches?" he asked.
Maybe their intentions align with my own? Icy frost among the crops, what's left over from them. A sick boy who saw a talking stag, and rangers failing to protect this..Lady Argentea. Hm. Strange tidings indeed, T'vauz. Is this why you went me here? To solve a mystery? Certainly you have more important things for me to do.
Zaf actually turns his head a full 180 around, as if to make sure there weren't other 'bird people' around. Seeing that there wasn't, he rights himself, and with few hops to start, makes his way quickly over to the side of the duo. "Hello!" He said chipperly, yet softly. "This one is Zaf. I do apologize for before. Something-..." And he cocks his head to the side for a moment, before righting it a second later. "Something about you reminded me of a dream I once had. You as well-..." He says to Jasun. "Though... well... Ahem... Anyways, I could help but notice that you two seem to be on a similar track as I as well? Might you too be of a mind to help the Lady Argentea? If so, perhaps we could combine our efforts?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Must of been a good dream, then." Jasun said, confidently. "Zaf." he observed the bird person for a moment. He even acts like an owl, how interesting. He's like a..human owl. "Yes, I believe we were just discussing what seems to be unusal instances of cold and violence in the area. Though, I don't know this..Lady Argentea - I do believe our paths correlate, my new bird person friend."
Sera shrugs. "Honestly, I don't really care about the Lady, I'm interested in finding out who's causing the weird weather. But it seems like following her path is what will lead me to that, so I suppose so, yes." She gives Zaf a nod and a slight smile. "I'm Seraphina, but most people stick with Sera."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Perhaps we could discuss the situation more over warm food and drinks?" Jasun suggested lightly. "You know, someplace..warmer."
It's snowing again...
Rose's gaze is drawn up to the sky, open hands out, letting some of snowflakes gently fall into her bandaged palms before melting away, ultimately soaking her hands. While she genuinely enjoyed the winter months, she finding comfort in the season, it was certainly concerning that it was snowing like this during the mid of summer. Her eyes go back to the entrance of the village Heldren, brows furrowing behind her bangs. Children should be out playing... Not hiding inside from the cold... Poor things... A frown thins on her lips as she presses forward, her mind going back to focus on the mission at hand.
I need to find out more about what happened. Maybe if I, um, talk to someone... She stops once again. 'Talking to someone', who am I kidding? I-I have no social skills! She bites her bottom lip in nervousness as her heartbeat picks up pace. I-I can't do this! She turns back, then stops after a few steps forward. B-but I have to! She turns back to the village once more, her hands going to grasp tightly at her amulet of Ioun underneath her white coat. I-I need to! Ioun, give me strength!
Dump stat: 17
She really tried! If standing there awkwardly, hovering over someone until they gave her mind counted at all as 'trying'. Ioun clearly wasn't listening out for prayers today! Disheartened at her failures, she pulls out a folded letter and begins to read it over again through her fringe as she walks forward, hoping that maybe she didn't really need to speak with this lady. Chewing at her lip again, she hyper focuses on reading, so much so she doesn't realize she's about to bump into someone.
Ice Queen - 1, Jasun Derulo - 2, Bird Man - 3 ; 3
The bump was just enough to startle her out of her focus, the hand that held onto the paper loosening its grip, and with a sudden winter chill, the letter is blown away. Her brown-green eyes grow wide in terror down at the man she bumps into, stuttering out a, "S-sorry--!! I-I should have--" She cuts herself off with a gasp when she notices her letter is flitting away behind them. "Ahh!! No!" The pink haired firbolg makes a mad dash for the parchment, clearly distraught and panicked at losing it.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Rose: You try really hard, but your social awkwardness makes it difficult to interact with the villagers and you're unable to gain any information.
Jasun: As you wait for Sera to respond to your invite, a Firbolg girl bumps into you, apologizing for her lack of observation. The paper in her hand falls out and begins to flit away, causing her a small amount of distress.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Zaf looks up at the sky, confused for a few moments. "Warm.. Sounds good. Should do.." He replied absentmindedly. Startled a moment later, if only from just hearing a new voice, the owlakocra tries to study the firbolg. Tried, but seeing her distress, all curiosity gets shunted to the side as he took off after her without a word; hopping into a full blown jog. Bird legs, however, were not meant for running. Yet, that doesn't stop the would be owl for trying his best, even if that meant being left in the dust! "Careful, Miss. You don't want to fall." Zaf calls after the firbolg.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Sera stifles the amused smile that threatens to tug at her lips at Jasun's clear desire to get out of the cold. "Sure, we can-" Her response is cut off as the pink-haired firbolg runs into Jasun and yelps as her paper goes flying. "Oh, great. I'm starting to sense a theme with this group," she mutters as she sets off after Zaf, going at...rather less than an enthusiastic run.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"UnF!" Jasun exclaims as he's bumped into. He dusts off the place he was hit, and stands there watching the scene unfold - papers everywhere and everything. He watches Sera and Bird Person start after the young woman with pink hair and sighs, adjusting his greatcoat as if keeping it prim and proper was a thing for him. Might as well lend a hand. And by lend a hand, I mean manage this situation. "All you all right, young lady? Your papers are all over the floor - you seem to be a bit distracted. Are you ok?" he inquires.
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"Jirel! Come eat!"
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"Jirel! Hurry up!"
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"She's so small." Snickering and childish laughter. "She's so pale, you'll lose her in the snow."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"Just leave her behind."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"The wild can decide the fate of this child."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"A good axe is all she needs."
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place.
Vicious growling and snarling.
-----------------------
Honey brown eyes open wide, alert and scanning. They dart side to side before panning around slowly. Jirel sighs. "Gods be damned." She'll grumble under her breath as she realized she dreamt of her past again. As she comes to, back to the present, she'll look around the dingy stable she was shacked in for the night. "I chopped enough wood for these old farmers. Better not overstay my welcome." With a grunt, she'll pick herself up off the ground. She'll grab her axe from the woodpile and sling it over her shoulder. The undersized goliath will take her leave without a word, moving on to the next job.
Jirel wasn't anyone special. She never was and never believed to be. What she did know, was that goliath blood coursed through her veins, but she could never convince her own kin she was strong enough to be one of them. Casted out and abandoned, she simply, survived. She thrived, alone in the wilderness, for there was nowhere she belonged.
Trudging through the snow unphased by the cold temperature, a tall blonde woman will notice a loose sheet of paper whisk its way towards her from the wind. As it'd tumble its way to her direction, she'd reach down to snatch it before it got away. "Civillian's and their littering." She'd tsk, shaking her head, "And they wonder why this hell's freezing over." A few grumbles would leave her throat as she noticed that it wasn't a blank sheet, and that it was something that actually was addressed to someone. A mischievous smirk would grow across her lips, "Someone I can hold responsible!" She'll adjust her grip on her axe as she eagerly scans the letter for a name.
just an unstable unicorn.
Rose, Jasun, Zaf, Seraphina: As you chase the paper, you see that it tumbles over to a tall woman who picks it up and it appears that she is reading it. Before you can request that she give back the letter and mercifully before she gets too much of a chance to read the letter, a middle-aged woman approaches the five of you.
"Excuse me, my name is Ionnia Teppen, I'm the leader of the village council. I've heard that a group of your adventurers fitting your description have been going throughout town asking about the recent events. I hate to bother you, but we're barely large enough to gather a militia to defend the town in times of trouble, so I don't have much of a choice but to ask you for assistance, since you look like a few adventurous out-of-towners. The rumors you've heard are true, Lady Argentea was abducted in the Border Wood and that area is indeed colder than it should be this time of year. One of her bodyguards is recovering at the apothecary, he can provide you with more information. I cannot provide you with any reward should you rescue the lady, but she comes from a noble family and I'm sure that they would greatly reward you if their daughter was returned to them safe and sound."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Zaf turns to Ionnia, stopping his oogling of the goliath; who, even if a runt of her kind, still was positively stunning in size and physique compared to the bird boi. "Help, yes. This we can do. This what we were doing, yes." He replied with a curt nod at the end. "Reward not a concern for this one, but the thought is appreciated. That, and the knowing of where this apothecary is." The owlakocra asks, smiling with his eyes. Once they had a direction, a hand goes over the chest in a small formal bow. "This one is Zaf, by the way. A pleasure to meet you, Ionnia Teppen."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.