"Oh yes Klin, look at the colours, obviously this equipment has been audited and then certified by the Cloud Peaks Royal Mountaineering and Trekking Society, and if any of us should fall to their death we will make all this a legal process over faulty equipment." Ludolf says calmly, laying a comforting hand on Klin's shoulder before turning away and shaking his head slowly. "So, do we have a deal then?" He then says a bit impatiently, looking for confirmation before going by the market for a look around.

Daventry nods to Thavol, grabbing whichever pack and clothing looks like the best fit for her frame. "We'll see you just after first light, then. Should be nice! You can point out your favorite views on the path up."

Once the business with Thavol is wrapped up, she stands outside the shop, enjoying the less dank air. She looks to Ludolf. "Not that there's much I need at the market, but I'll browse with ya." She raps the leather breastplate of her armor with her knuckles. "Gotta save up some coin to replace this with something more protective, given how many fights we've found ourselves in with this new path..."

"Yes, I really don't have much coin to spend myself, just want to have a look around Daventry." Ludolf answers, ready to visit the market before taking the day off, saving his strength for the arduous journey ahead of them.

Triäsa picks out her gear, making sure to get purple ropes and something that fits well.  She eagerly agrees to check out the market with Ludolf and Daventry. "Who knows, maybe we'll find something interesting."  She isn't really looking for anything in particular in the market.  She seems to keep close to Ludolf most the time.  

Back at the Bored Weasel, she would hopefully grab a light dinner with the rest of the group then head off early to get her rest. (Presuming we are going back to and staying at the Bored Weasel.) 

Daventry probably spends a bit too much time having a few chilled meads after dinner. She seems more contemplative this night, but when pressed says she's just got her mind on the "'Morrow and the nights to come after."

As the others talk, Pardot is happy to agree to pay for the guide, and he may try to bargain to keep the cold weather clothing once they return. He also agrees that at least one night in town would be nice to relax before heading up to the peaks. As the others prepare to explore the market though he says, “You all go shop. I’d like to check out Thavol’s maps and see what’s in store for us in the morning. I’ll be back at the Inn soon enough.”

Thavol seems content with the offer. He says to meet just before dawn at the road leading east to start the journey to Vermeillon. You all spend the remainder of the day wandering the market. It's very quaint and busy. There are stalls for all manners of foods, jewelry and art. As the sun starts to set the merchants pack their goods into wagons and head home. Nothing of particular note happens while you are there though if you were to ask any of the vendors about your destinations they would all tell you the same. Vermeillon is somewhere in the mountains 2-3 days travel, none of have heard of Chalet Brantiflax they would all direct you to your new friend Thavol. 

You would then retire to the inn for dinner, drink and sleep, you have no idea when you will see civilization again.

The next morning you awaken just before the sun rises. You gather your necessities into you rented packs. Thavol gave you each, 100 feet of colored (your choice) rope, 5 pitons, heavy leather gloves and spiked toe boots. In addition you rented cold weather furs that include hoods. You have fire starting supplies, rations for 5 days each. You seem well prepared as the group heads down the eerily quiet road. Just as you leave the limits of the village you quickly spot Thavol by both smell and his brightly colored, swirling leather gear. His pack is similarly colored and again you notice the strange multicolored rope curled carefully at his side. "Ready to move my dudes?!" He says with a smile and slightly glazed over look. "Rule one is be cool on the trip. Just follow my lead and we shall have a most excellent adventure." He pulls his pipe out of his cloak and lights it. "If you decide you want to take the chill approach to enlightenment instead of chasin' down cursed, haunted city ruins just let me know! I brought enough smoke for everyone."

With that he starts walking down the road to the east. The first half of the day is rather bland but just as the sun peaks in the sky the road forks slightly to the north and into the mountains. At this point you seen a broken and worn sign post, in just the dimmest of lettering Pardot is able to make out the words Vermeillon as the sign indicates the road north. Thavol looks to each of you, "This is it my friends. Here we enter the mountains. Just follow me and all will be well." You continue on into the mountains on the road however after about an hour the road is so poorly maintained it basically does not exist. The going is slow and difficult as you navigate the debris littering the way. With each step the air gets colder and thinner. 

You all feel tired and worn the sun is starting to set as Thavol again looks to you, "Doing excellent team. We should stop and camp soon, though we could possibly push a bit further today. Your call my dudes." The area around you is not much more than a rocky rough terrain. It is unnaturally cold and a light rain is falling. It seems likely it will soon turn to snow despite the summer month. The air is thin and there is nothing here that would provide shelter from the elements if you camp here.

Daventry kept close to Thavol, at the head of the procession. As the rain starts to fall, she puts her hood up, wrapping it tight with her scarf.

"Seems like the weather's turnin' for the worse. You know of any shelter worth pressin' on for? A cave, overhang, anything to provide a bit o' cover?"

Triäsa nods, saying to Thavol, "I would vote for continuing on if it will get us to a bit more cover.  But I suppose we are better off to find a place to camp sooner than later."  She too keeps her hood up and coat closed tightly against the rain and cold.  

Ludolf still seems to be in a particularly good mood the next day, seemingly not deterred by the mountaineering ahead of him. He will follow along enjoying the sights of the real world. He will occasionally stop and admire the view, and sometimes also what can be seen in the valley below. "Don't think I don't know how much Triäsa has spoiled you with those peanuts." He says to Edgar who for once is perching on his shoulder. "Time to earn up to that now." He adds and sends the raven up and away to scan the mountainside for threats and a suitable place to camp. "Perhaps Edgar can find something for us." He says to the others as they continue upwards.

Edgar perception if needed: 15

Thavol nods as the party decides to push on and look for better shelter. Ludolf sends Edgar ahead as a scout and after about 15 minutes the bird returns with news of a cave another hour ahead of you. The wind continues to whip around you the cold biting into your skin like a dagger. The rain has turned to snow which has begun to litter the ground. The sun is mostly obscured behind the dark grey cloud which have settled into the valley but you would imagine it is very close to the horizon with dusk as settling. In an hour it will be dark but you could make it to the cave just as the sun sets. Alternatively you could use that hour to set up camp here though you would be exposed to the elements for the night. 

Thavol looks around and yells over the wind, "Poor luck my dudes. Seems the weather is very bad, very unusual for this altitude and time and year... No going back after this choice we either hunker down here or push on toward your little buddies cave. Hope your friend isn't wrong."

"Let's go for that cave. I think I prefer facing anything in it rather than face this weather out in the open like this." Ludolf says looking for the others opinion. If they decide to go for the cave Ludolf sends Edgar stormcrow to fly into the cave to check for sleeping cave bears or other inhabitants.

Triäsa nods in agreement with trying for the cave.  She doesn't try to shout over the howling wind.  As they travel she now keeps an eye out for the cave.

You continue to travel along the broken road. Each step gets more difficult and arduous. Thirty minutes later Edgar returns and communicates that there are two large bears in the cave, sleeping soundly for now. Otherwise the cave is rather shallow though well protected from the elements. He also says you be at the cave in thirty minutes.  

"Pardot, perhaps you can talk to them, see if we can share their cave for the night in exchange for some of our food." Ludolf suggests over the wind.

As the daylight slips away to cloud-covered dusk, Daventry pulls out her necklace from under her tunic, on which is threaded a gold dragon coin and a small key. With a bit of focus, she brings forth starlight, like a small sticky orb of plasma. She touches the coin, which shines a bright blue-white, so the mountain path around her is still easily seen.

"Well, either we make some animal friends, trade some rations... Or we can make some fur coats on the way back."

Pardot, huddled in his furs, nods, and, not wanting to take the time, uses a spell slot to cast speak with animals. He then says, “Send Edgar with me to keep watch.” and begins to head towards the cave after taking a couple extra rations with dried meats in them. Once at the cave he stands outside and begins calling out in Druidic, hoping to wake them peacefully, and offer them some food, explaining that there are more friends who only need a place to rest for the evening.