Allyn seems lost in thought for a moment before replying to Quip.
“My mentor was a Blade named Valentine, one of the lead performers in a traveling troupe of minstrels and acrobats. He pulled me off the streets of Neverwinter and gave me a home and a purpose. I never knew my parents, so you could say he was the closest thing to a father I had. He introduced me to the worship of Oghma, taught me to weave music into song, how to entertain with a sword, as well as some subjects that are definitely not approved by your college." Allyn laughs "But he was against me seeking a life of an adventurer and wanted me to stay with the troupe. I felt I needed to make my own stories to go along with the others I know” he shrugged “so here we are”
The trek is harder than the group believed it would be. Despite the dogs and the sleds you only manage to travel to the base of the mountains blocking the way into Icewind dale.
The dwarves call for a halt as the sun starts to fade.
At the edge of the trail leading into the mountains, - it's a small trail cutting into the rocks, it twists and turns but is clearly shorter than the one leading over the Spine f the World - is a small building made of large rocks.
"Let's get inside. " One of the dwarves screams over the wind, he is barely recognizable with the snow picking up. " We don't want to cross at night and this place will shelter us from the worst of the weather."
As you all take the dogs inside and bring most of the gear you can see that this rather rustic house is dwarven made for sure. The single room is large but a path at the east end leads into the rock.
Chess moves to feed the dwarves and Darn goes to light a fire. They move with the practiced ease years of travels bring. Mantle makes sure that everyone is in. Freya seems at a loss for a few seconds and then goes to help.
"We will need to take rounds to guard the place. Some monsters are not deterred by this weather. Darn and Chess can take the first or last hours, as you decide. " Mantles tells you as you set up. "Don't go too far into the path. This is an ancient place and the runes are there for a reason."
For Kane:
Sarana's voice comes as soon as you enter the room. She seems anxious and intrigued. "There is great danger further there and opportunity. We are not ready. The Dark Queen will not relinquish her treasure easily. "
For all:
The path to the east leads into a series of rooms clearly made to slow enemies going in. Runes are marked over the entrances warning of danger.
History check DC 16
This is an ancient dwarven fortress called Icewatch. It was part of the Delzoun kingdom before it disappeared. Now it is used to protect travelers from the worst of the weather.
Investigation DC 14
The Runes are made to deter anyone from continuing into the large dwarven fortress. They were carved over other runes not so long ago.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As she gets inside Tylaerys stomps off the snow from her boots and looks for something resembling a bed, and smiles at her own naivety. She then finds a place by the fire to place her pack and her staff. "Horrendous weather Mantle, but I guess I should get used to this. Just tell me if I can help out with anything." She says to Mantle as she looks over the others. "I suggest we take five shifts with Darn and Chess taking the last one. I can take the middle one."
Tylaerys then turns to the runes warning of danger. "Can you tell us what is beyond these runes Mantle? Should we expect something to emerge from mountain?" She asks, hoping that is not the case. History:19 Investigation:9 After studying the runes briefly she adds. "Has something sinister taken over the fortress recently? Is that what the runes warn us about?"
Kane gets off the sled and helps Tylaerys' off as well. He looks around at the dwarven structure, trying to recall his knowledge of dwarven lore. History: 21
Investigation: 12
"We must be in Icewatch." Kane says as he rubs the stone wall. Such a magnificent piece of architecture, reduced to a stopping point for travelers. He hears Sarana speak to him. "(Not ready? what do you mean? Are you talking about Shar? And what treasure? You seem to know more about this than you are letting on. But do you trust me? I trust you. It's going to be fine.)" Kane automatically tries to set his stuff next to Tylaerys', but then realizes, "(What if she wants a little privacy? I shouldn't do this.)" He picks up his stuff and scoots a little ways from her spot, but still close enough to where they could talk to each other. "I'll take the second watch, I need to stretch my legs." He takes one of his furs and lays it on top of Tylaerys' pallet to make it softer.
"Icewatch? Tell me more about this place Kane. I know we should heed the warnings of these runes, but I can´t help but feel that it is no coincidence that the path of our quest took us by this place." Tylaerys says obviously intrigued by the place beyond the runes. "Oh, yes, second watch, fine." She says looking a little confused at Kane but then smiling gratefully as he offers one of his furs.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“I will take the first watch” Allyn volunteers “I have sat too long upon that sled and need to move around a bit”
Allyn moves around the room, taking a closer look at the passageways and the runes guarding them. “Icewatch, now where have I heard that name before?” He thinks back through his songs and tales for the reference.
Investigation 19
History 18
Perception 15
(for the first watch)
Perhaps distracted a bit by the cold, Allyn can't recall anything about Icewatch or the runes.
"Good Allyn, then there´s just the fourth watch, and of course if someone wants to double up on a watch." Tylaerys says smiling mysteriously at Kane for a short moment. "But one pair of eyes should be enough I guess."
Sarana laughs her voice chiming " There are so many things I know that you don't my friend, and though I do trust you I can't pour my considerable power into your yet fragile body. It will come with time and understanding, fret not." Then her voice becomes serious. "The Dark Queen in those parts is not Shar, though you could say she has a hand in all dark magic. No, my sweet I m talking about Loth and her design for Underdark. Still, there is something here that is not of Loth. It smells different somehow"
If you want to extrapolate on Icewatch you can go ahead. It was part of a large dwarven empire that stretched for miles under the North. It was one of the many cities build to help merchants and clans move through the Underdark. These fortresses were refuges and safe havens for the weary. But only to the ones allied with the dwarves. You can create clans and names with no problem.
Mantle will wait for everyone to settle down and take place around the fire.
You can all hear Chess and Darn arguing about whose turn it is to prepare food. All the while both preparing it. Freya is farther in the back, casting a spell from one of her scrolls.
Arcana DC 14
She is casting protection against evil at the end of the cave. But her ritual is taking a long time and you can see that she is working on a glyph. (Glyph of Warding)
"Don't mind her and don't disturb her, please," Mantle says as some of you turn toward Freya." She is doing her duty to the ancient. It is the burden of her family. "
" As for this place," he begins, " It was always a place for travelers but when the dwarven empire dwindled and broke into smaller parts it was left empty and it lost its purpose. Something else moved in and deep in the bowels of this ancient city lurks a power we dare not stir." He gives a sigh, " We have lost a few dwarven parties over the years trying to find out what was there. Not a one returned, so now we do this."He points at Freya.
He moves to the two arguing dwarves and stops.
" Watch both ways when you take your guard shifts." He turns. "Now let's eat."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tylaerys sits down on Kanes fur and gratefully accepts the food prepared by Chess and Darn, possibly discreetly adding some flavor to it (prestidigitation). She curiously studies the ritual performed by Freya. Arcana: 7 When Freya has finished Tylaerys tries to pick up their discussion from earlier. "I can see you are the real protector of this caravan Freya. I am fairly new to the use of magic myself but my limited powers have been gifted me by Mystra herself. Which god or goddess do you serve Freya?"
Kane listens to Sarana's tone change from sweet and caring to almost condescending and serious. He responds (I know that you know things that I don't. You don't have to laugh about it. I thought we were a team. Loth? Like..the Spider Queen of the Drow? And...something else? Sarana, whatever it is, we handle it, together. I won't let my guard down. And I want to hear more about this treasure.) As Kane is having this conversation, he is sitting on his pallet, staring intensely at the ground, his arms over his knees. He hears Tylaerys' voice chime in. "Huh? Oh, Tylaerys, it's you. I'm sorry, I was talking to Sarana. She's acting...different. More serious and less...I don't know. Maybe we should all start to get serious. Sarana warms me of a dark power underneath here, but she cannot identify it. Oh, you want to know about Icewatch? Forgive me, my dwarven history is a little rusty. I know for a fact it was constructed by the Delzoun kingdom, you can tell by the style of the doorways. I believe this fortress was built during the reign of King Dargor the Shield, famous for his defensive techniques. He was more of a warrior than a king, which may factor into why the kingdom collapsed without explanation. No one knows for certain why it fell, although everyone has their theories. Kane continues to tell all he can remember to Tylaerys, stopping a few minutes later. When she mentions a double watch and eyes Kane, he catches it and tries to not act excited. He says in a playfully serious tone, "Are you inviting me to lookout with you? If so, I accept. But I will need my strength," he says as he digs into the meal that as prepared.
"Thank you for the historical lecture my dear Kane, your dwarven history seems immaculate, but dark power you say, like Shar dark power?" Tylaerys asks eager to know more about what threats the fortress might bring upon them.
"Oh, I wouldn´t mind some company on my watch Kane, you know how I tend to lose concentration unless I´m in an interesting conversation. Also it would be prudent with two guard shifts considering we have to watch in two directions. Be sure to get enough rest however you decide though my dear Kane."
"Well, yes and no. Sarana said that Shar has a hand in all dark magic, but this particular situation, the Underdark, Sarana feels that Loth the Spider Queen is involved. And she mentioned something about treasure, which makes me curious to explore, but I don't want to end up like those dwarven parties sent below. Then Kane turns to a cheeky grin, "Anyway, I would love to to have guard duty with you. A companion would makes thins easier, especially if trouble is spotted." He smiles at her a toothy grin, revealing his fangs. He quickly closes his mouth when he realizes this.
"Lolth. That would mean spiders and the vile drow. We will give them a warm welcome if they decide to visit the surface this night." Tylaerys says defiantly, clearly having no love for the Queen of spiders, or her servants. "I think Freyas glyph of warding will give us some protection at least."
"Your fangs, are they as sharp as they look." Tylaerys smiles at Kane as he closes his mouth. "You shouldn´t hide them Kane, you should be proud of the things that sets you apart from the norm."
When any discussions with Freya has come to an end Tylaerys makes it as comfortable as possible with the furs she has and prepares to rest until her shift. "Looking forward to our midnight vigil then." She says smiling at Kane and then lies down to sleep, her staff within close reach.
Quip looks sternly in Tylaerys's direction, having been eavesdropping "Drow aren't vile, Drow society is simply different and their leadership tends toward maliciousness. But many of the Drow try to break the stereotypes and have integrated well into surface society. I'm not judging you for saying what you did, but please, if we meet any peoples of intelligence minding their own business, I strongly implore you not to attack on sight."
As she speaks she raises her voice to a level the whole party can hear. "I don't want you to hesitate to defend yourselves, but also understand that, as Tylaerys just said, we should try to understand and embrace the things that make us different." As she finishes her voice gets a little hoarse and smoky she excuses herself and gets a drink before settling down to rest
Aster clears their voice as they stumble alongside the sleds, their turn to walk having come up sooner than they expected. Their breath comes out of their mouth in white clouds, but they don't seem to be particularly out of it so far
"I don't even know my heritage. I don't think if I were a drow I'd be any different"
Their voice doesnt come out of their mouth. Instead, it rings in your thoughts, still soft and strained but clearly heard.
As the others speak Tylaerys looks down, clearly ashamed of her words. "You are right, all of you." she looks over Quip, Kalec and Aster. "My words regarding the drow stem from seeing the cruelty of their raiding parties in the Silver marches, but that is no excuse, I realize that. I fully agree on not judging anyone on their appearance or heritage." Glancing at Kane and Aster. "I apologize, you were right to correct me, it will not happen again."
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Allyn seems lost in thought for a moment before replying to Quip.
“My mentor was a Blade named Valentine, one of the lead performers in a traveling troupe of minstrels and acrobats. He pulled me off the streets of Neverwinter and gave me a home and a purpose. I never knew my parents, so you could say he was the closest thing to a father I had. He introduced me to the worship of Oghma, taught me to weave music into song, how to entertain with a sword, as well as some subjects that are definitely not approved by your college." Allyn laughs "But he was against me seeking a life of an adventurer and wanted me to stay with the troupe. I felt I needed to make my own stories to go along with the others I know” he shrugged “so here we are”
Quip lets the story sink in for a moment before responding with a reassuring
"Bold"
She smiles at him in a way that conveys a deep respect for the decision, but also acknowledges the danger they are all heading into.
The trek is harder than the group believed it would be. Despite the dogs and the sleds you only manage to travel to the base of the mountains blocking the way into Icewind dale.
The dwarves call for a halt as the sun starts to fade.
At the edge of the trail leading into the mountains, - it's a small trail cutting into the rocks, it twists and turns but is clearly shorter than the one leading over the Spine f the World - is a small building made of large rocks.
"Let's get inside. " One of the dwarves screams over the wind, he is barely recognizable with the snow picking up. " We don't want to cross at night and this place will shelter us from the worst of the weather."
As you all take the dogs inside and bring most of the gear you can see that this rather rustic house is dwarven made for sure. The single room is large but a path at the east end leads into the rock.
Chess moves to feed the dwarves and Darn goes to light a fire. They move with the practiced ease years of travels bring. Mantle makes sure that everyone is in. Freya seems at a loss for a few seconds and then goes to help.
"We will need to take rounds to guard the place. Some monsters are not deterred by this weather. Darn and Chess can take the first or last hours, as you decide. " Mantles tells you as you set up. "Don't go too far into the path. This is an ancient place and the runes are there for a reason."
For Kane:
Sarana's voice comes as soon as you enter the room. She seems anxious and intrigued. "There is great danger further there and opportunity. We are not ready. The Dark Queen will not relinquish her treasure easily. "
For all:
The path to the east leads into a series of rooms clearly made to slow enemies going in. Runes are marked over the entrances warning of danger.
History check DC 16
This is an ancient dwarven fortress called Icewatch. It was part of the Delzoun kingdom before it disappeared. Now it is used to protect travelers from the worst of the weather.
Investigation DC 14
The Runes are made to deter anyone from continuing into the large dwarven fortress. They were carved over other runes not so long ago.
Kalec will make a History check
7
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
As she gets inside Tylaerys stomps off the snow from her boots and looks for something resembling a bed, and smiles at her own naivety. She then finds a place by the fire to place her pack and her staff. "Horrendous weather Mantle, but I guess I should get used to this. Just tell me if I can help out with anything." She says to Mantle as she looks over the others. "I suggest we take five shifts with Darn and Chess taking the last one. I can take the middle one."
Tylaerys then turns to the runes warning of danger. "Can you tell us what is beyond these runes Mantle? Should we expect something to emerge from mountain?" She asks, hoping that is not the case. History:19 Investigation:9
After studying the runes briefly she adds. "Has something sinister taken over the fortress recently? Is that what the runes warn us about?"
Kane gets off the sled and helps Tylaerys' off as well. He looks around at the dwarven structure, trying to recall his knowledge of dwarven lore. History: 21
Investigation: 12
"We must be in Icewatch." Kane says as he rubs the stone wall. Such a magnificent piece of architecture, reduced to a stopping point for travelers. He hears Sarana speak to him. "(Not ready? what do you mean? Are you talking about Shar? And what treasure? You seem to know more about this than you are letting on. But do you trust me? I trust you. It's going to be fine.)" Kane automatically tries to set his stuff next to Tylaerys', but then realizes, "(What if she wants a little privacy? I shouldn't do this.)" He picks up his stuff and scoots a little ways from her spot, but still close enough to where they could talk to each other. "I'll take the second watch, I need to stretch my legs." He takes one of his furs and lays it on top of Tylaerys' pallet to make it softer.
"Icewatch? Tell me more about this place Kane. I know we should heed the warnings of these runes, but I can´t help but feel that it is no coincidence that the path of our quest took us by this place." Tylaerys says obviously intrigued by the place beyond the runes. "Oh, yes, second watch, fine." She says looking a little confused at Kane but then smiling gratefully as he offers one of his furs.
“I will take the first watch” Allyn volunteers “I have sat too long upon that sled and need to move around a bit”
Allyn moves around the room, taking a closer look at the passageways and the runes guarding them. “Icewatch, now where have I heard that name before?” He thinks back through his songs and tales for the reference.
Investigation 19
History 18
Perception 15
(for the first watch)
Perhaps distracted a bit by the cold, Allyn can't recall anything about Icewatch or the runes.
"Good Allyn, then there´s just the fourth watch, and of course if someone wants to double up on a watch." Tylaerys says smiling mysteriously at Kane for a short moment. "But one pair of eyes should be enough I guess."
For Kane
Sarana laughs her voice chiming " There are so many things I know that you don't my friend, and though I do trust you I can't pour my considerable power into your yet fragile body. It will come with time and understanding, fret not." Then her voice becomes serious. "The Dark Queen in those parts is not Shar, though you could say she has a hand in all dark magic. No, my sweet I m talking about Loth and her design for Underdark. Still, there is something here that is not of Loth. It smells different somehow"
If you want to extrapolate on Icewatch you can go ahead. It was part of a large dwarven empire that stretched for miles under the North. It was one of the many cities build to help merchants and clans move through the Underdark. These fortresses were refuges and safe havens for the weary. But only to the ones allied with the dwarves. You can create clans and names with no problem.
Mantle will wait for everyone to settle down and take place around the fire.
You can all hear Chess and Darn arguing about whose turn it is to prepare food. All the while both preparing it. Freya is farther in the back, casting a spell from one of her scrolls.
Arcana DC 14
She is casting protection against evil at the end of the cave. But her ritual is taking a long time and you can see that she is working on a glyph. (Glyph of Warding)
"Don't mind her and don't disturb her, please," Mantle says as some of you turn toward Freya." She is doing her duty to the ancient. It is the burden of her family. "
" As for this place, " he begins, " It was always a place for travelers but when the dwarven empire dwindled and broke into smaller parts it was left empty and it lost its purpose. Something else moved in and deep in the bowels of this ancient city lurks a power we dare not stir." He gives a sigh, " We have lost a few dwarven parties over the years trying to find out what was there. Not a one returned, so now we do this." He points at Freya.
He moves to the two arguing dwarves and stops.
" Watch both ways when you take your guard shifts." He turns. "Now let's eat."
Tylaerys sits down on Kanes fur and gratefully accepts the food prepared by Chess and Darn, possibly discreetly adding some flavor to it (prestidigitation).
She curiously studies the ritual performed by Freya. Arcana: 7
When Freya has finished Tylaerys tries to pick up their discussion from earlier. "I can see you are the real protector of this caravan Freya. I am fairly new to the use of magic myself but my limited powers have been gifted me by Mystra herself. Which god or goddess do you serve Freya?"
Kane listens to Sarana's tone change from sweet and caring to almost condescending and serious. He responds (I know that you know things that I don't. You don't have to laugh about it. I thought we were a team. Loth? Like..the Spider Queen of the Drow? And...something else? Sarana, whatever it is, we handle it, together. I won't let my guard down. And I want to hear more about this treasure.) As Kane is having this conversation, he is sitting on his pallet, staring intensely at the ground, his arms over his knees. He hears Tylaerys' voice chime in. "Huh? Oh, Tylaerys, it's you. I'm sorry, I was talking to Sarana. She's acting...different. More serious and less...I don't know. Maybe we should all start to get serious. Sarana warms me of a dark power underneath here, but she cannot identify it. Oh, you want to know about Icewatch? Forgive me, my dwarven history is a little rusty. I know for a fact it was constructed by the Delzoun kingdom, you can tell by the style of the doorways. I believe this fortress was built during the reign of King Dargor the Shield, famous for his defensive techniques. He was more of a warrior than a king, which may factor into why the kingdom collapsed without explanation. No one knows for certain why it fell, although everyone has their theories. Kane continues to tell all he can remember to Tylaerys, stopping a few minutes later. When she mentions a double watch and eyes Kane, he catches it and tries to not act excited. He says in a playfully serious tone, "Are you inviting me to lookout with you? If so, I accept. But I will need my strength," he says as he digs into the meal that as prepared.
"Thank you for the historical lecture my dear Kane, your dwarven history seems immaculate, but dark power you say, like Shar dark power?" Tylaerys asks eager to know more about what threats the fortress might bring upon them.
"Oh, I wouldn´t mind some company on my watch Kane, you know how I tend to lose concentration unless I´m in an interesting conversation. Also it would be prudent with two guard shifts considering we have to watch in two directions. Be sure to get enough rest however you decide though my dear Kane."
Watches idly, afraid to play music on the mouth of an unknown cave, she is curious about the runes though, and pulls out a book to begin sketching
Investigation: 8
She looks a little closer and says "Fresh runes" And then consults a notebook "Magical wards"
(sorry I thought I started the first sentence with Quip)
"Well, yes and no. Sarana said that Shar has a hand in all dark magic, but this particular situation, the Underdark, Sarana feels that Loth the Spider Queen is involved. And she mentioned something about treasure, which makes me curious to explore, but I don't want to end up like those dwarven parties sent below. Then Kane turns to a cheeky grin, "Anyway, I would love to to have guard duty with you. A companion would makes thins easier, especially if trouble is spotted." He smiles at her a toothy grin, revealing his fangs. He quickly closes his mouth when he realizes this.
"Lolth. That would mean spiders and the vile drow. We will give them a warm welcome if they decide to visit the surface this night." Tylaerys says defiantly, clearly having no love for the Queen of spiders, or her servants. "I think Freyas glyph of warding will give us some protection at least."
"Your fangs, are they as sharp as they look." Tylaerys smiles at Kane as he closes his mouth. "You shouldn´t hide them Kane, you should be proud of the things that sets you apart from the norm."
When any discussions with Freya has come to an end Tylaerys makes it as comfortable as possible with the furs she has and prepares to rest until her shift. "Looking forward to our midnight vigil then." She says smiling at Kane and then lies down to sleep, her staff within close reach.
Quip looks sternly in Tylaerys's direction, having been eavesdropping "Drow aren't vile, Drow society is simply different and their leadership tends toward maliciousness. But many of the Drow try to break the stereotypes and have integrated well into surface society. I'm not judging you for saying what you did, but please, if we meet any peoples of intelligence minding their own business, I strongly implore you not to attack on sight."
As she speaks she raises her voice to a level the whole party can hear. "I don't want you to hesitate to defend yourselves, but also understand that, as Tylaerys just said, we should try to understand and embrace the things that make us different." As she finishes her voice gets a little hoarse and smoky she excuses herself and gets a drink before settling down to rest
Kalec nods at Quip's words. "I agree. I've met many in my travels. You shouldn't judge a person based on their ancestry."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"You really shouldn't."
Aster clears their voice as they stumble alongside the sleds, their turn to walk having come up sooner than they expected. Their breath comes out of their mouth in white clouds, but they don't seem to be particularly out of it so far
"I don't even know my heritage. I don't think if I were a drow I'd be any different"
Their voice doesnt come out of their mouth. Instead, it rings in your thoughts, still soft and strained but clearly heard.
I'm very gay, I'd like a few dollars
As the others speak Tylaerys looks down, clearly ashamed of her words. "You are right, all of you." she looks over Quip, Kalec and Aster. "My words regarding the drow stem from seeing the cruelty of their raiding parties in the Silver marches, but that is no excuse, I realize that. I fully agree on not judging anyone on their appearance or heritage." Glancing at Kane and Aster. "I apologize, you were right to correct me, it will not happen again."