Naraeldshrugs his shoulders at Sabetha'ssuggestion, though there is an eagerness in his eyes at the prospect of being able to travel unimpeded as fast as the dogs can manage. "I have traversed these lands on foot for years, and had but recently returned from the very woods that separate us from Bryn Shander before our first meeting."His words turn wistful as he remembers the conversation with Elk Running, wary of each other, uncertain of their intentions. How things can change. His voice returns, solid and steadfast in his own intentions now "If you are determined to venture to Dougan's Hole then I shall head straight back to Bryn Shander with Elk Running. For us to split apart again seems folly and I had hoped we would all travel as one, yet the need for speed is indeed pressing and I shall make no effort to dissuade you should that be your wish. The sleds may come in handy if they can be easily taken, and where our journey will lead us is still uncertain. The path form Bryn Shander to Lonelywood is only surpassed by that to Caer-Konig, to the north east. From his impatience I assume that Aubin at the least would like to travel with me." He looks at any others gathered by the sleds, seeing where their preferred route lies.
Naraeld intends to make for Bryn Shander at a push, now he has been offered effectively sole use of the sled. He will ready himself and leave as soon as he is capable of doing so. To any that wish to travel after him he makes it clear that once the way is clear, he will give the dogs theirs head and let them run in order to shorten the time travelling.
Shander, after hearing from Greth'g'karee about the goods found on the floor, calls a few of his men over to go through the materials. "Was there anything found with the thieves that might provide a clue as to who sent them?" he asks Greth'g'karee.
Grethshrugs at Shander, "Since your allegiances are in question, why would I tell you that? You have still not declared yourself friend or foe to my band. Do so if you wish anything further from me. Consider my words. If you are truly aligned with a greater clan - these Zent-rims, I do not care and my band's elders have not made me aware of a desire to war with any others. So, they are not my enemy. But, if it is your wish that my band be your enemy, then declare it as a warrior should. You are chieftain to your peoples now. Speak forthright and openly, as a leader does. Are we your enemy?"
Before the splitting of the party, Greth'g'kareewould ask with whom he should travel. He is deferential in this decision. "If Naraeld's journey must be completed at haste, I would be very useful to ensure the safe arrival of the Injured One. If their journey is expected to be safe and steady, and yours not so, then I will go where the fighting is expected. Lend me your wisdom. Where am I needed most?"
As Blackberrydraws near, the glove, taking a moment to look around, starts to write in a scorch mark on the floor. It rubs away the patina of ash, spelling out "Put me on. I can help."
Shandershrugs at Greth'g'karee'sstrange ways. He says, "You brought back our children. Of course, I wish to be your friend. I may not like some of those you travel with, but that should not prevent our friendship."
(With full gear, it would be hard for more than Elk Running and Naraeldto be on the small dog sled.)
Sabetha shakes her head impatiently. If and when out of earshot of Shander, she explains quietly:
"No, no, sorry. This is not a full-sized sled Shander is giving us. It is smaller, with only two dogs. If we lay Elk Running in it, then Naraeld can stand and direct the dogs, but there will not be carrying capacity for anyone else. Not for Aubin and certainly not for a goliath."
She pauses. "So either we all walk together to Bryn Shander at a slow pace, using the sled to bear Elk Running, or we let Naraeld take her there at a faster pace while we all head for Dougan's Hole. I vote for the latter. I propose we all leave town northward as if we are accompanying Naraeld. So Torrga or Shander don't get any ideas that he is alone and easy pickings. Rest of us loop back south around Good Mead once out of sight."
Mallifeva have already gone. Tired of hesitating, they made for Dougan's Hole along the north shore of Redwaters.
Once they realize that no one is following them, they find a suitable hiding place along the trail to Dougan's Hole, take shelter, and wait for the others. They will give their companions 15 minutes max, as there is no time to lose. [Dexterity (Stealth) check: 21]
Sabetha tries to get Greth'g'karee, Naraeld and Blackberry moving out of Mead Hall (not realizing what the harengon has found).
"Let us go, friends. I know I at least have overstayed my welcome here." Seeing Mallifyr (Eva) and Aubin already gone and no one having any vocalized response whatsoever to her suggestion about discouraging any hostile pursuit of Naraeld by appearing to all leave town north with him, she drops the idea.
(Out of earshot of Shander): "Naraeld takes Elk Running on the sled to Bryn Shander alone as no one else will fit. Rest of us catch up to Aubin and Eva and go after the raiders and sleds near Good Mead. Naraeld, we will look for you at the House of the Morning Lord or the Northlook in Bryn Shander."
She attempts to coax everyone out the door and get them on the road to Dougan's Hole (other than Naraeld and Elk Running).
Blackberry is amazed, but not frightened by the apparently intelligent glove. He picks it up and puts it on, without hesitation.
As Sabetha reminds him that it is time to get moving, he follows along complacently while gazing at the glove trying to get it to communicate with him again.
Naraeld, with some help from the others, loads Elk Running into the sled. He then drives the sled off to the north, hoping to return to Bryn Shander as soon as possible. The dogs seem excited about the run, as if they haven't had the chance for a real test in a long time. Stopping every hour to rest the dogs and give them a little food, Naraeldmakes good progress. Off to the north, he can see a family of mammoths walking across the tundra, a herd of one male, four females, and two calves. Life continues onward, even in the frozen expanses.
After about 3 1/2 hours of travel, he returns to the eastern gate of Bryn Shander. As he is waved through, he keeps the dogs running, hoping to get to Mishannas quickly as possible. When he arrives at the House of the Morning Lord, he picks up Elk Running and rushes inside. Mishanncomes to see what the commotion is and, recognizing Elk Running and seeing her son's distress, she waves him into the back of the humble chapel, where Elk Running is laid on a cot. Mishannexamines her, praying over her at times. After another hour or so, she turns to Naraeldand walks with him into another room.
"Whatever is wrong with her, it isn't physical. Can you tell me what happened?"
Blackberry:
When you put on the glove, a flood of images flash through your mind: A blacksmith, her family, raiders, capture, imprisonment, death, then discovery, new senses, new abilities, confinement, what am I?, a wizard, a high tower in a flying city, a sudden collapses, the city falling, magic failing, this odd new life fading, drifting down...down...down. More discovery, many more lives, passing from one to another, centuries, some were good, some were not. Helping when requested; obeying when demanded. Must be useful. Must help master. Last wielder was woman, helped make hives, hives built to work indoors, in a cold winter. Woman was kind, liked helping her. Must find new master. Hopefully someone kind.
You cannot feel the glove on your skin. Or rather, the glove feels like your skin. It seems happy with its choice.
Suddenly you realize, since you've put on the glove, the volume on the strange beeping sound in your head has gone down. Considerably. It is more bearable now.
Everyone but Naraeld:
You gather your things and you make your way through town and to the south. Following Mallifeva, you start to make your way to the bandit's encampment, hoping that it is still there. With Greth'g'kareeas a member of the party, you go faster than you anticipated. He always seems to know where the snow is firmest and he finds paths through areas you would have considered impassible. Instead of taking 4 hours, you arrive at the camp a little before 3 hours have passed. It is now quite dark. The camp is in a cleared depression in the terrain, which allows it to be a bit out of the wind. No fires are burning when you arrive and there are several tents which look abandoned.
"She is plagued by Auril mother. I feel that the story began before we first met, so can only attest that she fell into this stupor quite suddenly and has been unconscious since." Naraeld recounts the details of the she-elf falling down in the Verbeeg cave, and the party's continued efforts to care for her, he recounts Tond's ministrations and is as accurate as he can be with the timeline, relaying Tond's concerns and the urgency that he impressed upon Naraeld. Omitted from his recounting are his own injuries and brushes with death, along with the motivations that Tarsellis has pushed upon Naraeld. Unsure how Mishann would react to her ward's acceptance of another deity's patronage he was confident this was not the time to have that particular conversation. "Her wellbeing is important to us, and I must ensure she is safe from the Frostmaiden's grasp."
The wear of the last few days is showing on Naraeld, his features are wan and the near-fatal wounds he received still itch under his skin. The restorative effects of healing potions are always focussed on the immediate dangers to the body, and his experience has been that only time fully heals the aches and scars. He stretches and yawns, the rush of the sled ride here and his anxious worry over his charge has dispersed now she is with the best care that he can imagine. He waits to answer any more of Mishann's questions, then considers his options. As favourable as the thought of a soft bed might be, he knows that the others should be arriving shortly if all went well in Dougan's Hole and on their journey back. His obligations to the Sheriff still precede those to his comrades, and he wearily rises, ready to to head out and report to Sheriff Markham
As they travel to the camp Aubin says "I can bolster our vitality if you would open your ears to this poem"
Aubin uses Inspiring Leader feat to give everyone 5 temp hp
He recites Invictus the poem
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Mallifyr remains focused on the camp below, watching for any signs of movement. However, the darkness inhibits her vision.
Meanwhile, the rhythm of Aubin's inspiring yet melancholy words filter through to Eva's consciousness, imbuing her—and, by extension, Mallifyr—with resolve.
We may need to move closer...
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Blackberry's curiosity is piqued, and he moves closer and stoops down to examine the glove.
Mallifeva, uncharacteristically unanimous, nod their head in agreement.
Naraeld shrugs his shoulders at Sabetha's suggestion, though there is an eagerness in his eyes at the prospect of being able to travel unimpeded as fast as the dogs can manage. "I have traversed these lands on foot for years, and had but recently returned from the very woods that separate us from Bryn Shander before our first meeting." His words turn wistful as he remembers the conversation with Elk Running, wary of each other, uncertain of their intentions. How things can change. His voice returns, solid and steadfast in his own intentions now "If you are determined to venture to Dougan's Hole then I shall head straight back to Bryn Shander with Elk Running. For us to split apart again seems folly and I had hoped we would all travel as one, yet the need for speed is indeed pressing and I shall make no effort to dissuade you should that be your wish. The sleds may come in handy if they can be easily taken, and where our journey will lead us is still uncertain. The path form Bryn Shander to Lonelywood is only surpassed by that to Caer-Konig, to the north east. From his impatience I assume that Aubin at the least would like to travel with me." He looks at any others gathered by the sleds, seeing where their preferred route lies.
Naraeld intends to make for Bryn Shander at a push, now he has been offered effectively sole use of the sled. He will ready himself and leave as soon as he is capable of doing so. To any that wish to travel after him he makes it clear that once the way is clear, he will give the dogs theirs head and let them run in order to shorten the time travelling.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Mallifyr points to the southwest. "This way to Dougan's Hole," she says, whereupon Mallifeva depart from Good Mead along the icy shore of Redwaters.
Greth shrugs at Shander, "Since your allegiances are in question, why would I tell you that? You have still not declared yourself friend or foe to my band. Do so if you wish anything further from me. Consider my words. If you are truly aligned with a greater clan - these Zent-rims, I do not care and my band's elders have not made me aware of a desire to war with any others. So, they are not my enemy. But, if it is your wish that my band be your enemy, then declare it as a warrior should. You are chieftain to your peoples now. Speak forthright and openly, as a leader does. Are we your enemy?"
Before the splitting of the party, Greth'g'karee would ask with whom he should travel. He is deferential in this decision. "If Naraeld's journey must be completed at haste, I would be very useful to ensure the safe arrival of the Injured One. If their journey is expected to be safe and steady, and yours not so, then I will go where the fighting is expected. Lend me your wisdom. Where am I needed most?"
Blackberry:
As Blackberry draws near, the glove, taking a moment to look around, starts to write in a scorch mark on the floor. It rubs away the patina of ash, spelling out "Put me on. I can help."
Shander shrugs at Greth'g'karee's strange ways. He says, "You brought back our children. Of course, I wish to be your friend. I may not like some of those you travel with, but that should not prevent our friendship."
(With full gear, it would be hard for more than Elk Running and Naraeld to be on the small dog sled.)
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Sabetha shakes her head impatiently. If and when out of earshot of Shander, she explains quietly:
"No, no, sorry. This is not a full-sized sled Shander is giving us. It is smaller, with only two dogs. If we lay Elk Running in it, then Naraeld can stand and direct the dogs, but there will not be carrying capacity for anyone else. Not for Aubin and certainly not for a goliath."
She pauses. "So either we all walk together to Bryn Shander at a slow pace, using the sled to bear Elk Running, or we let Naraeld take her there at a faster pace while we all head for Dougan's Hole. I vote for the latter. I propose we all leave town northward as if we are accompanying Naraeld. So Torrga or Shander don't get any ideas that he is alone and easy pickings. Rest of us loop back south around Good Mead once out of sight."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Mallifeva have already gone. Tired of hesitating, they made for Dougan's Hole along the north shore of Redwaters.
Once they realize that no one is following them, they find a suitable hiding place along the trail to Dougan's Hole, take shelter, and wait for the others. They will give their companions 15 minutes max, as there is no time to lose. [Dexterity (Stealth) check: 21]
Seeing Mallifeva leave Aubin follows tired of the indecision and hoping to put this town far behind him.
Sabetha tries to get Greth'g'karee, Naraeld and Blackberry moving out of Mead Hall (not realizing what the harengon has found).
"Let us go, friends. I know I at least have overstayed my welcome here." Seeing Mallifyr (Eva) and Aubin already gone and no one having any vocalized response whatsoever to her suggestion about discouraging any hostile pursuit of Naraeld by appearing to all leave town north with him, she drops the idea.
(Out of earshot of Shander): "Naraeld takes Elk Running on the sled to Bryn Shander alone as no one else will fit. Rest of us catch up to Aubin and Eva and go after the raiders and sleds near Good Mead. Naraeld, we will look for you at the House of the Morning Lord or the Northlook in Bryn Shander."
She attempts to coax everyone out the door and get them on the road to Dougan's Hole (other than Naraeld and Elk Running).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Blackberry is amazed, but not frightened by the apparently intelligent glove. He picks it up and puts it on, without hesitation.
As Sabetha reminds him that it is time to get moving, he follows along complacently while gazing at the glove trying to get it to communicate with him again.
Naraeld:
Naraeld, with some help from the others, loads Elk Running into the sled. He then drives the sled off to the north, hoping to return to Bryn Shander as soon as possible. The dogs seem excited about the run, as if they haven't had the chance for a real test in a long time. Stopping every hour to rest the dogs and give them a little food, Naraeld makes good progress. Off to the north, he can see a family of mammoths walking across the tundra, a herd of one male, four females, and two calves. Life continues onward, even in the frozen expanses.
After about 3 1/2 hours of travel, he returns to the eastern gate of Bryn Shander. As he is waved through, he keeps the dogs running, hoping to get to Mishann as quickly as possible. When he arrives at the House of the Morning Lord, he picks up Elk Running and rushes inside. Mishann comes to see what the commotion is and, recognizing Elk Running and seeing her son's distress, she waves him into the back of the humble chapel, where Elk Running is laid on a cot. Mishann examines her, praying over her at times. After another hour or so, she turns to Naraeld and walks with him into another room.
"Whatever is wrong with her, it isn't physical. Can you tell me what happened?"
Blackberry:
When you put on the glove, a flood of images flash through your mind: A blacksmith, her family, raiders, capture, imprisonment, death, then discovery, new senses, new abilities, confinement, what am I?, a wizard, a high tower in a flying city, a sudden collapses, the city falling, magic failing, this odd new life fading, drifting down...down...down. More discovery, many more lives, passing from one to another, centuries, some were good, some were not. Helping when requested; obeying when demanded. Must be useful. Must help master. Last wielder was woman, helped make hives, hives built to work indoors, in a cold winter. Woman was kind, liked helping her. Must find new master. Hopefully someone kind.
You cannot feel the glove on your skin. Or rather, the glove feels like your skin. It seems happy with its choice.
Suddenly you realize, since you've put on the glove, the volume on the strange beeping sound in your head has gone down. Considerably. It is more bearable now.
Everyone but Naraeld:
You gather your things and you make your way through town and to the south. Following Mallifeva, you start to make your way to the bandit's encampment, hoping that it is still there. With Greth'g'karee as a member of the party, you go faster than you anticipated. He always seems to know where the snow is firmest and he finds paths through areas you would have considered impassible. Instead of taking 4 hours, you arrive at the camp a little before 3 hours have passed. It is now quite dark. The camp is in a cleared depression in the terrain, which allows it to be a bit out of the wind. No fires are burning when you arrive and there are several tents which look abandoned.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
@DM:
"She is plagued by Auril mother. I feel that the story began before we first met, so can only attest that she fell into this stupor quite suddenly and has been unconscious since." Naraeld recounts the details of the she-elf falling down in the Verbeeg cave, and the party's continued efforts to care for her, he recounts Tond's ministrations and is as accurate as he can be with the timeline, relaying Tond's concerns and the urgency that he impressed upon Naraeld. Omitted from his recounting are his own injuries and brushes with death, along with the motivations that Tarsellis has pushed upon Naraeld. Unsure how Mishann would react to her ward's acceptance of another deity's patronage he was confident this was not the time to have that particular conversation. "Her wellbeing is important to us, and I must ensure she is safe from the Frostmaiden's grasp."
The wear of the last few days is showing on Naraeld, his features are wan and the near-fatal wounds he received still itch under his skin. The restorative effects of healing potions are always focussed on the immediate dangers to the body, and his experience has been that only time fully heals the aches and scars. He stretches and yawns, the rush of the sled ride here and his anxious worry over his charge has dispersed now she is with the best care that he can imagine. He waits to answer any more of Mishann's questions, then considers his options. As favourable as the thought of a soft bed might be, he knows that the others should be arriving shortly if all went well in Dougan's Hole and on their journey back. His obligations to the Sheriff still precede those to his comrades, and he wearily rises, ready to to head out and report to Sheriff Markham
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Mallifyr reasserts herself; Eva yields.
The ranger drops into a crouch behind the lip of the depression, her heavy crossbow trained on the camp.
[Dexterity (Stealth check: 26]
With the camp appearing abandoned, Sabetha, signals to the party that she is going to do reconnaissance around the outer perimeter.
Trying to remain hidden at all times, attempts to scout the area, looking for any threats, hazards or signs of life (including sled dogs).
Perception: 21
Stealth: 20 (dirty)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As they travel to the camp Aubin says "I can bolster our vitality if you would open your ears to this poem"
Aubin uses Inspiring Leader feat to give everyone 5 temp hp
He recites Invictus the poem
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
At the camp Aubin keeps his eyes peeled for anything dangerous or out of place. He stays put as Sabetha scouts the area
Perception
17
Greth'g'karee also takes a stealthy posture, looking out for any dangers.
Stealth 15
Perception 14
Mallifyr remains focused on the camp below, watching for any signs of movement. However, the darkness inhibits her vision.
Meanwhile, the rhythm of Aubin's inspiring yet melancholy words filter through to Eva's consciousness, imbuing her—and, by extension, Mallifyr—with resolve.
We may need to move closer...