Icewind Dale has become trapped in a perpetual winter. Ferocious blizzards make the mountain pass through the Spine of the World exceedingly treacherous, and this land has not felt the warmth of the sun in over sixteen months. In fact, the sun no longer appears above the mountains, not even in what should be the height of summer. In this frozen tundra, darkness and bitter cold reign as king and queen. Most dale residents blame Auril the Frostmaiden, the god of winter’s wrath. The shimmering aurora that weaves across the sky each night is said to be her doing—a potent spell that keeps the sun at bay.
Dalefolk live in a scattering of settlements known as Ten-Towns. The drop-off in caravans coming from the south and travel between settlements in this never-ending winter has left everyone feeling isolated. Although each town has resolved to appease the Frostmaiden with sacrifices of one kind or another, no respite from winter’s fury seems forthcoming. For adventurers such as yourselves, Ten-Towns is a place to test one’s mettle and, in the spirit of heroes who have come before, leave one’s mark on this frigid, blighted land.
The Spring Equinox came and went and Auril is keeping her freezing grip on a region that won‘t survive a second year without summer.
It is a cold morning in Termalaine, but any morning is cold now. Luckily the cold wind from the Reghed Glacier that howls regularly through this village is quite at the moment, making the minus 30 degrees almost bearable.
A boy wrapped in heavy winter clothes shouts the news of the day as people pass by. When you approach, the boy cries, “The gemstone mine is closed because of monsters! Speaker Masthew is offering fifty gold to anyone who clears it out! Speaker Mashthew awaits eager adventures in the Blue Clam Tavern.“
From a previous visit in the village, you remember the Blue Clam. It is warm comfortable tavern near the docks. Outside the tavern, you see two bundled-up humanoids talking to one another. When they see you, one waves to you in a friendly manner, then says, “You seem entirely too prepared for trouble. Are you here about the mine?”
James enters town on a dog sled, pulled by 4 dogs.
James slows the sled down, but keeps it moving along until he hears the boy declaring the news.
Deciding for a moment, James changes direction and heads to the north side of town to go to The Blue Clam.
-----------
When he arrives outside the tavern, James pulls up the sled and quiets down the dogs.
"Yes, I am here about the mine."
"Things seem to have gotten worse in the tenday I've been gone."
"Is the Speaker inside?"
James organises the dogs, checking in with the tavern keeper to house them in the attached barn.
Going inside, James takes off his gloves and pulls his fur hood and face mask down.
James is a fair skinned, 6ft tall human male, with blonde hair and grey-blue eye's.
He has a beard, but what can be seen of his face suggests he is still in his 20's, but his eye's suggest he may be more experienced then his age would indicate.
It is hard to get a good indicator of James physique, with all the layers of cold weather clothes, but he definitely isn't scrawny.
James scans the room, taking in everyone present and looking for the Speaker in particular.
DM, let me know if there is any cost for housing the dogs, while James is inside the tavern.
Hifu walks into town with snowshoes on, thick fur coat/cold weather gear wrapped around his shoulders, shaking off the cold. He walks to the center of town and then heads to the Blue Clam after hearing the announcement. He is a 6'4" Dragonborn, slightly bluish coloration, weighing 275 lb. He uses the snow shoes so that he doesn't sink into the snow. He is carrying a war hammer and looks outfitted for adventure.
He walks up as James is talking to the two men. "Hoy there fellow fisherman! Can I join you?" He takes off the snowshoes and straps them to his backpack. He walks into the tavern as well. "Where is this Speaker fellow they are talking about? Care for a mug of mead?"
Gilgin is a stocky, red haired dwarf clad in chainmail. His beard is littered with frost, dirt and pieces of fish and cheese, his face weathered with deep laugh lines.
As he enters the Blue Clam, the two boys face his ire “Nae, I’m ‘ere fer a drink ya wee scamps, now mind ya own business.” His pungent breath wafts into the boys face.
Stomping in, he laughs to himself as he sits down at the bar“I’ll ’ave a flaggon of yer strongest ale laddy”
As he waits for his ale, he starts to sweat and tries to pull out some of the thick winter clothing from under his chainmail armour. As he does, his amulet drops to the floor. He leans off of his stool and picks it up looking at the image of mountains with a green gemstone. “My lord....” He mutters to himself
A large wagon stands in the road near a warehouse. A large Goliath is unloading the last of the crates setting them at the side of the road for the workers of the warehouse to pick up.
The wagon shows signs of damage and snow on the side, as high up as Kravek'swaist. A gnome finishes his business with the warehouse manager and sees his wagon has been cleared fully. Glad you came round when ya did the gnome says. This weather is the worst ive seen a while. Gues ill be stuck here for now.Here are some coins as thanks, ill be seeing you round then. He waves up at the goliath with his last remark and walks to climb back on his wagon to drive it further into the town.
Kravek looks around to see the some people wander the streets. Standing still as he gazes down the road only the hairs on his fur coat move around in the wind. Hearing the calls for a possible job he picks up his shield that he set at the side of the road and attaches it onto his back. The broad shield just about covers it from shoulder to shoulder. Once attached he starts walking towards the tavern.
As he walks he holds one arm on his hood for the moment to keep it from blowing off in the wind in the drafty spots between the buildings. On the side of his hip a warhammer dangles in beltloop next to several other bags attached to his belt. His pants and boots are a thick leather strapped with pieces of fur to keep out the cold.
Entering the tavern he takes of his hood to display a bald head with a few tribal markings on his head instead of hair. The young goliath looks around and hears a familiar voice. He walks over and places a hand on Gilgin's shoulder. I see our paths cross once more. Im glad to see all this snow has not yet buried you.He chuckles
Gilgin cackles as he strains his neck looking up at Kravek. “Haha, Kravek ye big ol’ mucker! How’ve ye bin? I’m still alive, thanks to yer fishin’ otherwise I’d be an icicle by now! Have a seat before ye run out of air up there!”
Giglin takes a long gulp of his ale, before slamming down the glass. He turns to Kravek, his beard soggy with beer ”You know... I was just here fer a drink, but with you bein’ here, and it being a chance to save a mine..... I think the gods are givin’ me a sign.” Giglin looks a bit embarrassed as he notices his unintentional rhyme.
Hifu's ears perk up at this topic heard on his right and left. He says (after a few gulps of mead, a little loudly) "Mine? Yes, I was looking into that myself. I am interested in the gold and it sounds right down my alley. That would be great to have your company James, I enjoyed fishing with you. I did not find the bandits that I was looking for, so the hunt continues." Hifu turns to Giglin and Kravek and says, "Pardon me, I overheard you. Are you fellows headed to look into this mine as well? Where are you from? It would be good to have a stout Dwarf at our side, my Master and also my parents who adopted me were Dwarves from these parts, I'm from outside of Lonelywood." Hifu raises his mug of mead to them and takes a deep drought.
“Who ye callin’ stout Scalyboy? I’m pretty tall for a dwarf, callin’ me stout.... hey barman get me a stout will ye’ the one aged in the whisky barrels.” Gilgin turns to Hifu and his scowl suddenly turns into a grin “I’m Giglin, nice t’ meet ye! ‘fraid I don’t know any dwarves around these parts, I’m from down south - Mirabar, the greatest mining town In all of Faerûn! Lookin’ forward to seeing the shoddy workmanship of the mines up here haha!”
Hifu says "Nice to meet you!. In Dwarvish he says "Not every stone is a gem, not every rock holds value, but even the lowest rock can hide a geode." He switches back to common and asks, "Who's you big friend here, my good stout drinker?" and points at Kravek.
(Hifu finishes his mug of mead and starts to work on another. You are alarmed that the Dragonborn may be outpacing your drinking.)
Before you can order a second round the barman looks you up and down: "I know the Speaker is hosting this meeting and he's paying for the warmth, but he ain't paying the drinks. So before i'll bring you anything else, let's see some coin please."
Hifu gives the barman 1 silver piece for the cup of mead. "Is that right? Prices keep going up here with the lack of supplies and this endless winter." He puts the rest of his meager coin away in his pocket, not able to spend any more. He mumbles "Very little left after selling those trout... need some coin soon. This mine job may be the ticket."
Kravek nods in response to Gilgin. Perhaps our gods have struck a bargain then.he says as he sits down to not strain the dwarf.
Listening to Hifu he makes sure he turns to him first. I am Kravek. I come from a place very far from here, Elturgard.
He looks down for a moment. My journey has been long and left me short of coin. So yes, my friend and i were just talking of the mine.Seems like we could all use some coin.Perhaps we should travel together. There is safety in numbers, specially with the dire conditions up here in the north.
Kravek reaches down into one of his bags, then turns again, this time towards the barman. Id like a mug of ale and some owlbear jerky if you have it.He places some coins on the bar once the barman confirms his order.
A tiny face peeks out the revolving kitchen door, then pulls back. Then a few moments later the door is slammed open from the other side and a tiny person marches up to the table seemingly full of fury.
"YOU!" they point to Gilgin, "and YOU!" they point to Kravek. "You are going through those mugs so fast I can hardly keep up with cleaning them!"
The figure suddenly smiles and says with a very different intonation, "It's so good to see you again! I was afraid you would freeze to death out there trying to find some more work."
Nodding the head towards the others at the table, "Who are they? What's going on? I've been working here a while, but they keep me in the kitchen where I'm most useful. I'm Nyx."
As Nyx comes in, Gilgin jumps off of his stool and smothers the gnome in a big bear hug. “Haha, how‘ve ye been littleun’? Get out of that kitchen and have a drink with yer old pal Gilgin. I got plenty to go round!”He looks around at the group “Everyone have some ale, might put some hairs on yer chest Scalyboy, not like that sweet stuff you been drinkin’.He slaps Nyx on the chest playfully “This is my pal Nyx, she saved Kravek and I from a nasty cold - She’s got all sorts of tricks up her sleeve. Hey, You should come help us with the mine!”
"I would like some hair on my chest, thank you. I am envious of your furry aspect Gilgin, you are on your way to your own fur coat. Is it magic that gives you this ability?" Hifu turns to Nyx, "Well met Nyx, we would be glad to have you aboard. Do you have any tricks up your sleeve to help me grow hair on my chest?" He turns and looks with an honestly curious glance.
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Icewind Dale has become trapped in a perpetual winter. Ferocious blizzards make the mountain pass through the Spine of the World exceedingly treacherous, and this land has not felt the warmth of the sun in over sixteen months. In fact, the sun no longer appears above the mountains, not even in what should be the height of summer. In this frozen tundra, darkness and bitter cold reign as king and queen. Most dale residents blame Auril the Frostmaiden, the god of winter’s wrath. The shimmering aurora that weaves across the sky each night is said to be her doing—a potent spell that keeps the sun at bay.
Dalefolk live in a scattering of settlements known as Ten-Towns. The drop-off in caravans coming from the south and travel between settlements in this never-ending winter has left everyone feeling isolated. Although each town has resolved to appease the Frostmaiden with sacrifices of one kind or another, no respite from winter’s fury seems forthcoming. For adventurers such as yourselves, Ten-Towns is a place to test one’s mettle and, in the spirit of heroes who have come before, leave one’s mark on this frigid, blighted land.
The Spring Equinox came and went and Auril is keeping her freezing grip on a region that won‘t survive a second year without summer.
It is a cold morning in Termalaine, but any morning is cold now. Luckily the cold wind from the Reghed Glacier that howls regularly through this village is quite at the moment, making the minus 30 degrees almost bearable.
A boy wrapped in heavy winter clothes shouts the news of the day as people pass by. When you approach, the boy cries, “The gemstone mine is closed because of monsters! Speaker Masthew is offering fifty gold to anyone who clears it out! Speaker Mashthew awaits eager adventures in the Blue Clam Tavern.“
From a previous visit in the village, you remember the Blue Clam. It is warm comfortable tavern near the docks. Outside the tavern, you see two bundled-up humanoids talking to one another. When they see you, one waves to you in a friendly manner, then says, “You seem entirely too prepared for trouble. Are you here about the mine?”
James enters town on a dog sled, pulled by 4 dogs.
James slows the sled down, but keeps it moving along until he hears the boy declaring the news.
Deciding for a moment, James changes direction and heads to the north side of town to go to The Blue Clam.
-----------
When he arrives outside the tavern, James pulls up the sled and quiets down the dogs.
"Yes, I am here about the mine."
"Things seem to have gotten worse in the tenday I've been gone."
"Is the Speaker inside?"
James organises the dogs, checking in with the tavern keeper to house them in the attached barn.
Going inside, James takes off his gloves and pulls his fur hood and face mask down.
James is a fair skinned, 6ft tall human male, with blonde hair and grey-blue eye's.
He has a beard, but what can be seen of his face suggests he is still in his 20's, but his eye's suggest he may be more experienced then his age would indicate.
It is hard to get a good indicator of James physique, with all the layers of cold weather clothes, but he definitely isn't scrawny.
James scans the room, taking in everyone present and looking for the Speaker in particular.
DM, let me know if there is any cost for housing the dogs, while James is inside the tavern.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Hifu walks into town with snowshoes on, thick fur coat/cold weather gear wrapped around his shoulders, shaking off the cold. He walks to the center of town and then heads to the Blue Clam after hearing the announcement. He is a 6'4" Dragonborn, slightly bluish coloration, weighing 275 lb. He uses the snow shoes so that he doesn't sink into the snow. He is carrying a war hammer and looks outfitted for adventure.
He walks up as James is talking to the two men. "Hoy there fellow fisherman! Can I join you?" He takes off the snowshoes and straps them to his backpack. He walks into the tavern as well. "Where is this Speaker fellow they are talking about? Care for a mug of mead?"
Gilgin is a stocky, red haired dwarf clad in chainmail. His beard is littered with frost, dirt and pieces of fish and cheese, his face weathered with deep laugh lines.
As he enters the Blue Clam, the two boys face his ire “Nae, I’m ‘ere fer a drink ya wee scamps, now mind ya own business.” His pungent breath wafts into the boys face.
Stomping in, he laughs to himself as he sits down at the bar “I’ll ’ave a flaggon of yer strongest ale laddy”
As he waits for his ale, he starts to sweat and tries to pull out some of the thick winter clothing from under his chainmail armour. As he does, his amulet drops to the floor. He leans off of his stool and picks it up looking at the image of mountains with a green gemstone. “My lord....” He mutters to himself
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
A large wagon stands in the road near a warehouse. A large Goliath is unloading the last of the crates setting them at the side of the road for the workers of the warehouse to pick up.
The wagon shows signs of damage and snow on the side, as high up as Kravek's waist. A gnome finishes his business with the warehouse manager and sees his wagon has been cleared fully. Glad you came round when ya did the gnome says. This weather is the worst ive seen a while. Gues ill be stuck here for now. Here are some coins as thanks, ill be seeing you round then. He waves up at the goliath with his last remark and walks to climb back on his wagon to drive it further into the town.
Kravek looks around to see the some people wander the streets. Standing still as he gazes down the road only the hairs on his fur coat move around in the wind. Hearing the calls for a possible job he picks up his shield that he set at the side of the road and attaches it onto his back. The broad shield just about covers it from shoulder to shoulder. Once attached he starts walking towards the tavern.
As he walks he holds one arm on his hood for the moment to keep it from blowing off in the wind in the drafty spots between the buildings. On the side of his hip a warhammer dangles in beltloop next to several other bags attached to his belt. His pants and boots are a thick leather strapped with pieces of fur to keep out the cold.
Entering the tavern he takes of his hood to display a bald head with a few tribal markings on his head instead of hair. The young goliath looks around and hears a familiar voice. He walks over and places a hand on Gilgin's shoulder. I see our paths cross once more. Im glad to see all this snow has not yet buried you. He chuckles
Are you here for the job at the mine?
"Hifu, right? We did that fishing trip to keep ourselves afloat?"
"How are you, did you manage to find those bandits you where hunting?"
As Hifu suggests some mead, James nodes and heads over to the bar where a redheaded dwarf and a large goliath are talking.
"A mug of mead when you are able, please."
James turns to Hifu.
"So, you where thinking of taking the job for the trouble with the mine?"
"I was thinking of taking the job myself, would be good to work with someone I've met before."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Gilgin cackles as he strains his neck looking up at Kravek. “Haha, Kravek ye big ol’ mucker! How’ve ye bin? I’m still alive, thanks to yer fishin’ otherwise I’d be an icicle by now! Have a seat before ye run out of air up there!”
Giglin takes a long gulp of his ale, before slamming down the glass. He turns to Kravek, his beard soggy with beer ”You know... I was just here fer a drink, but with you bein’ here, and it being a chance to save a mine..... I think the gods are givin’ me a sign.” Giglin looks a bit embarrassed as he notices his unintentional rhyme.
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Hifu's ears perk up at this topic heard on his right and left. He says (after a few gulps of mead, a little loudly) "Mine? Yes, I was looking into that myself. I am interested in the gold and it sounds right down my alley. That would be great to have your company James, I enjoyed fishing with you. I did not find the bandits that I was looking for, so the hunt continues." Hifu turns to Giglin and Kravek and says, "Pardon me, I overheard you. Are you fellows headed to look into this mine as well? Where are you from? It would be good to have a stout Dwarf at our side, my Master and also my parents who adopted me were Dwarves from these parts, I'm from outside of Lonelywood." Hifu raises his mug of mead to them and takes a deep drought.
“Who ye callin’ stout Scalyboy? I’m pretty tall for a dwarf, callin’ me stout.... hey barman get me a stout will ye’ the one aged in the whisky barrels.” Gilgin turns to Hifu and his scowl suddenly turns into a grin “I’m Giglin, nice t’ meet ye! ‘fraid I don’t know any dwarves around these parts, I’m from down south - Mirabar, the greatest mining town In all of Faerûn! Lookin’ forward to seeing the shoddy workmanship of the mines up here haha!”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Hifu says "Nice to meet you!. In Dwarvish he says "Not every stone is a gem, not every rock holds value, but even the lowest rock can hide a geode." He switches back to common and asks, "Who's you big friend here, my good stout drinker?" and points at Kravek.
(Hifu finishes his mug of mead and starts to work on another. You are alarmed that the Dragonborn may be outpacing your drinking.)
Before you can order a second round the barman looks you up and down: "I know the Speaker is hosting this meeting and he's paying for the warmth, but he ain't paying the drinks. So before i'll bring you anything else, let's see some coin please."
Hifu gives the barman 1 silver piece for the cup of mead. "Is that right? Prices keep going up here with the lack of supplies and this endless winter." He puts the rest of his meager coin away in his pocket, not able to spend any more. He mumbles "Very little left after selling those trout... need some coin soon. This mine job may be the ticket."
Kravek nods in response to Gilgin. Perhaps our gods have struck a bargain then. he says as he sits down to not strain the dwarf.
Listening to Hifu he makes sure he turns to him first. I am Kravek. I come from a place very far from here, Elturgard.
He looks down for a moment. My journey has been long and left me short of coin. So yes, my friend and i were just talking of the mine. Seems like we could all use some coin. Perhaps we should travel together. There is safety in numbers, specially with the dire conditions up here in the north.
Kravek reaches down into one of his bags, then turns again, this time towards the barman. Id like a mug of ale and some owlbear jerky if you have it. He places some coins on the bar once the barman confirms his order.
A tiny face peeks out the revolving kitchen door, then pulls back. Then a few moments later the door is slammed open from the other side and a tiny person marches up to the table seemingly full of fury.
"YOU!" they point to Gilgin, "and YOU!" they point to Kravek. "You are going through those mugs so fast I can hardly keep up with cleaning them!"
The figure suddenly smiles and says with a very different intonation, "It's so good to see you again! I was afraid you would freeze to death out there trying to find some more work."
Nodding the head towards the others at the table, "Who are they? What's going on? I've been working here a while, but they keep me in the kitchen where I'm most useful. I'm Nyx."
James pays 2sp for his mug of mead and give another 1sp to cover the remaining cost of Hifu's drink.
"The prices are getting worse and if the extended winter doesn't let up, it could get much worse."
To the others James says,
"My names James Dekker, nice to make your acquaintances."
James nods to Kravek,
"I agree, if we can get the job together we are much more likely to come back with our skin intact."
At Nyx appearance and question, James replies,
"There is trouble with the gemstone mine and they are looking for help to clear it. We are all looking at taking the job, did you want to join us?"
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Giglin hands over the money and awaits his stout.
As Nyx comes in, Gilgin jumps off of his stool and smothers the gnome in a big bear hug. “Haha, how‘ve ye been littleun’? Get out of that kitchen and have a drink with yer old pal Gilgin. I got plenty to go round!” He looks around at the group “Everyone have some ale, might put some hairs on yer chest Scalyboy, not like that sweet stuff you been drinkin’. He slaps Nyx on the chest playfully “This is my pal Nyx, she saved Kravek and I from a nasty cold - She’s got all sorts of tricks up her sleeve. Hey, You should come help us with the mine!”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
"I would like some hair on my chest, thank you. I am envious of your furry aspect Gilgin, you are on your way to your own fur coat. Is it magic that gives you this ability?" Hifu turns to Nyx, "Well met Nyx, we would be glad to have you aboard. Do you have any tricks up your sleeve to help me grow hair on my chest?" He turns and looks with an honestly curious glance.