Jherak thanks the woman that showed he and his companions for her hospitality, in Elven. He notices the stranger that’s joined them. He can feel some tension around the newcomer and some in the group. He recalls being the outsider in the group.
”Welcome, traveler, I’m Jherak. Couldn’t help but notice you outside before we came in here. What brings you to the area? Do you know anyone else here, or are you traveling alone?”
He stops short of inviting the stranger to join them, leaving it up to someone else in the group.
He casually observes the dwarf and large warrior, both dining alone. He makes eye contact with a few of the others and nods in the direction of the dwarf and warrior, as if to say, “anyone interested in talking to them,” without actually saying it.
(A few of you could make some perception rolls, but they would be better if targeted at something specific). The group is served warm food that is quite good, including a good soup. Any that are vegetarian are also provided with good options. The wine/ beer, and other drinks are also good. Its likely the best meal you have had since the one that brought most of you together in Port Rentarn, before this whole adventure began and your search for Natalie Storm.
(Lira)
The newcomer has damage to his face caused by magical cold damage.
Jharek
Jharek notes that the huge warrior has shackles on his wrists, but they don't seem attached to anything right now. He may have been a prisoner/ or slave, perhaps he escaped? Not certain.
After nodding his thanks to the half elf woman, Vydar flops down in his chair and orders whatever sounds good. He raises an eyebrow when the frostbitten man sits with them, it seems like a huge coincidence that someone in such attire and baring such wounds would end up being seated with them. With that in mind Vydar's not sure if he should be wary of this man or not. Noting his attempts to interact with Lev, Vydar doesn't feel like the man is an immediate threat, but he still doesn't trust him immediately either... nor does he feel like they should be sharing specific information around the stranger.
Vydar is a young dark elf with what seems like a perpetual scowl and a rouge-ish look about him. He has dark charcoal skin with shaggy white hair that falls just below his jawline and fades to black at it's tips, and partially obscures his deep red eyes. A tattered grey scarf hangs about his neck. The scarf is only slightly more tattered than the rest of his dark clothing. He carries a large satchel as well as a well made rapier at his side.
With Jharek now addressing the stranger seated with them, Vydar turns his gaze to the other people of note within the tavern. The cloaked woman in the corner immediately gains his attention as her demeanor is that of someone lying in wait. While she's very likely keeping watch on someone else, there's always a chance she could be spying on them as well... He hates thinking about it but just the fact that she's a woman makes the chance that she works for the witch even higher.
He tries not to make it obvious that he's watching her. He begins pretending to be listening to Jharek's conversation while he observes her from the corner of his eye.
Lev's eyes scan the room, taking note of the cloaked woman positioned to watch everyone.
Perception: 13
He stiffens slightly when the stranger comments on his glaive, eyes darting back to their table as his hand instinctively tightens on the weapon--covering most of the engraved word on its haft. His brow farrows slightly, clearly having thought to take the comment as a threat at first but now re-assessing that reaction. He loosens his grip on the weapon, deciding not to jump to conclusions. However, instead of responding to the comment about his glaive he says, "You look like you've had a rough time." He turns his face slightly as if to gesture to the man's frostbite. His tone isn't confrontational, just a bit blunt.
Halbert looks around and decides that the elf with ink on his hand might be a mage or an intellectual, he might know something about Nicodemus...
He places his hands around the soup bowl to warm them up, while answering
yes, indeed I had hard time...even before entering here, I bet I was about being robbed or worst
and then to Jharek
NIce to meet you, Jharek, my name is Halbert. I travel alone, unfortunately, to search for a wizard called NIcodemus, I heard he stopped a threat at the port today and then disappeared. Do you happen to know about him? And what about you: what brings you here?
Amdaeng notes that the three sisters are indeed identical. They work in unison, almost like a dance, creating drinks, bringing out food, interacting with customers. They seem quite good at their jobs and seem to take great pride in their establishment. Customers seem happy and more safe than other places they have visited in Blacksand.
Lev takes a quick look at the woman in the corner. She certainly seems to be the type that watches all that enter and leave this place. Strangely, there is a second wine cup on her table, empty and face down. When Lev quietly points this out to the group, Lira indicates that this is a sign that she is in the thieves guild.
(LIRA)
Using your perception, you may find other signs or meanings in Thieves Cant, after Lev pointed out the upside down cup at the ladies table.
(OOC: We have a few folks traveling and vacationing during the holidays, so will take things slow. Anyone who has not posted a description of their character for our new player, please try to do so. I'll keep things going slowly over the break but plan on resuming Jan 2nd. Happy Holidays!!)
Having spent his early years as a soldier, Jherak is usually quiet and reserved. His thin build may disguise his fighting style, that of a well rounded and calculated killer. His scraggly black hair hides his green eyes, and his unkept beard and shabby appearance give away someone who is well overdue for a bath.
Zarbyn sits at the table between two of his allies and takes the first minute to take in the room and general ambiance before noticing that they have seated all those who just entered as a group and a large warrior type has been seated with them.
"Hail friend, my name is Zarbyn," and he extends his hand in greeting, "did you just arrive here in Blacksand recently? If you would like to share what news you have from distant lands and the roads taken to reach them then we would be willing to share what we know of Nicodemus."
After the greeting when Zarbyn has gotten comfortable in his seat again, "A fair exchange of information is all I'm proposing."
Zarbyn is a 6 foot 3 inch tall, lightly tanned human man wearing mariner's studded leather armor, the armor is stylized with depictions of sharks and any spikes or studs on the armor are stylized fins. Other than a couple of daggers and a sickle he doesn't look that well armed but acts as if he has the best weapon for the job at hand.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
I arrived in Blacksand just one hour ago. News from my lands are dire, indeed
Halbert Hermanson was born to the proud Northwind Clan, daughter of Herman, one of the Heroes of Challice, a group that defeated the powerful Zagor on Firetop mountain.
Life in the far north was harsh, but his people were strong, and Halbert was respected even at a young age.
One night, beneath a sky of swirling auroras, a wave of killing frost swept through the village. A group of women, most of Kobold origin dressed in robes with eyes cold as ice descended upon the clan. Huge wolves who breathed clouds of ice attacked as the women shot rays of ice through their fingers. Warriors froze mid-charge. Children became statues of ice. Even her legendary father shattered beneath the Winter Witch’s magic.
When the storm passed, Halbert stood alone—the only survivor of his people.
Driven by grief and fury, he wandered south until she found the Frostwind Tribe, a reclusive group who had knowledge of this unnatural cold and its meaning. A powerful women of myth, known as Shareella, the snow witch and her Coven of Eternal Winter had returned. They took him in as an equal, teaching him the truth of what he faced and the ancient lore behind the Snow witch.
One elder, told him:
“If you seek to stop the Snow Witch, find the fire-wizard—Nicodemus of Port Blacksand.”
With nothing left but him father’s weapon and a vow of vengeance, Ornella set out for the infamous City of Thieves, Port Blacksand.
(OOC: Anyone who wants to interact with people in the tavern can). The group is able to secure lodging for the night, at larger than normal expense but the place seems safe enough.
OOC: (All Read Spoiler in 3413). Halbert shares that his tribe was attacked by the Coven of Eternal Winter. He has damage to his face from a frost attack by one of the Kobold spell casters. HIs entire tribe was killed. He also has a curious sword, that seems frozen in place. He has not been able to remove it from the scabbard.
One elder, told him:
“If you seek to stop the Snow Witch, find the fire-wizard—Nicodemus of Port Blacksand.”
After Halbert shares with the group Zarbyn offers his tale of how he came to know the group, shortly after they met and set out they came upon a bridge and a tragic scene, that is where Zarbyn ran up faster than a horse and introduced himself as a crew member of the 'Twice Shy.'
(ooc: this is probably the modern day equivalent of someone saying they're a crewman of the 'Flying Dutchman.')
(the spoiler contains Zarbyn's backstory which he shares most of with Halbert and the group.)
Prologue
A little over 9 months ago, you took a job with a traveling group composed of an acting troupe and a merchant who enjoyed trading with the northman. You traveled through the rich town of Silverton (North Allansia) and continued North. On your way, you would occasionally help with scouting. The merchant, Big Jim, would pay extra for extra work and on actors wages (tips from performances), anything helped. Winters in northern Allansia were always cold and bitter, with thick snow and icy winds, chilling everyone to the bone.
Your destination after Silverton, was ahead of you, near a frozen lake. In the distance, you could see the snow-capped peaks of the icefinger mountains jutting out. At the base of a mountain, you were expecting to meet a group of Northmen for some trade and food. The group hears the shrill call of a hunting horn. “Sounds like trouble”, says Big Jim. He asks you and a few others to investigate. You arrive two hours later to a scene of ugly carnage. The snow is red with blood and all the wooden huts are smashed and torn down. Six men lie dead, their bodies slashed, their axes at their sides in the snow. Judging by the size of the footprints, the creature that attacked the outpost must have been enormous. You and the group head back to relate the terrible events of the befallen outpost. Big Jim orders the carts to be placed in a defensive position for the night. In a low voice, he asks if you and other volunteers will hunt the terrible creature, otherwise, his business could be ruined forever. At first, you are a hard no, but he offers 50 gold pieces per man. You decide its worth it, as the other men seem capable and that money is well worth the risk. You and the men follow the huge tracks for three days. On the third day you hear a cry of a human voice followed by a ferocious roar. Not far ahead your group sees a fur trapper fighting for his life against a gigantic bear-like beast with long white fur and sharp teeth protruding from its jaws. It is the killer beast you have een hunting, a Yeti. As your group runs to help, you see the Yeti viciously attack the man. It is a terrible battle, and in the end, only you are the lone survivor of your group.
You approach the fur trapper lying on the ground and turn him over slowly. His eyes are barely open and blood trickles down from his mouth. The Yeti has gouged deep wounds in his chest and you realize that there is no hope of saving him. He reaches up and grabs you, pulling you down so he can shipser his story. He has lived in the mountains for most of his life, hunting animals and trading their furs, but for the last five years, he has been searching for the legendary crystal caves. The caves have been cut out of a glacier by the followers of the snow witch, a beautiful yet evil sorceress, who is trying to use her dark powers to bring on an ice age so that she can rule supreme over the whole world. He has learned that the entrance to the crystal caves is high up in the mountains, in the open, but hidden by an illusion. The trapper found it by accident yesterday, when he saw one of the snow witch's warriors seemingly walk straight through an ice wall and disappear. The trapper left a piece of fur hanging over the entrance so he could find it again. Sadly the Yeti has put an end to his hopes. He asks you to enter the caves to slay the vile snow witch. There are legends of great treasures frozen in the walls. Then the fur trapper died. You cover him with snow, along with the rest of your group, thinking about your options. This was surely not the job of an actor.
You decide the prudent thing to do would be to go back to Big Jim, providing evidence of the Yeti's death and telling him your story. He pays you 200 gold, as you take the share from the other men who perished. A month later when you return to the warmth and modern comforts of Silverton. In a wonderful tavern, The Old Toad, you decide to tell your tale. Sitting at the bar is a rather unique dwarven woman with a gray beard and a rather distinctive brimmed hat with colorful feathers. She takes an interest in your tale and tells you she will pay you 10 gold if you take the time to tell it to her in full. She calls herself professor, professor Natalie Storm. She takes very detailed notes, listening intently to your tale, a monocle in her eye to help her see. In the end, she buys you a few pints, a meal, and pays you 10 gold for your story of the trapper and the Snow Witch.
Chapter 1
For the last 4 months, you have worked as crew on a ship called “The Twice Shy,” doing various jobs including exploring the southern islands. Captain Reaves takes you in to help in his exploration of the western islands. The pay is good and you have always wanted to explore and see the world. You meet an extraordinary woman, the captain's daughter, named Angelica and over time you fall in love. One night, while taking some well deserved rest on a quiet island, you discover Angelica involved in some sort of strange ritual. At first she thinks you will be scared of her or hate her but your parents always taught you to be open minded and your love was strong. She told you about what she was doing, practicing magic and witchcraft and eventually you became more interested. She teaches you some of her magic rituals and you find you are quite skilled at it. A hidden talent you did not know you possessed. You eventually make a pact with Logaan, enriched with his power and begin your path as a Warlock.
Your ship has been heading from the south to north, heading toward the west of the dragon reaches, only accessible in the summer months when the ice in the water melts. Tomorrow, you will arrive at Port Rentarn.
The night before arrival as you settle down for the night with your crew mates, a strange mist forms around you. Suddenly, you see a Jester, complete with face paint.
You know him, he is one of Logaan servants. He tells you that you are to seek Natalie Storm. Funny, you recall that strange woman that wanted your story, now so long ago in that cold town of Silverton. She will be outside of the town, near a covered bridge, at 9 am tomorrow. He gives you a peculiar metal box,(roughly 8 inches long by 3 wide and almost without weight, and asks that you give it to Dr. Storm. She will know what to do with it. Inside is information to help her with her expedition. He tells you that Storm is a secret priest of Logaan, although she has not revealed this to many outsiders. You can show her the six pointed star, one of the symbols of your god and he hands you a necklace.
Natalie Storm has discovered a series of artifacts that could be used by the Snow Witch to unleash another ice age. You are to aid her in restoring balance and destroy these artifacts. Then he disappears, the mist clears, and you are back in the cabin with your crew mates. Indeed, you have a necklace with the star symbol and a small metal box.
Due to the rains and fog, your ship arrives late to the dock. You will miss the meeting with Storm. You tell your love of the encounter and she emphasizes that your task must be very important. Angelica casts a spell on you that allows you to run at the speed of a horse for 1 hour. With a kiss, she bids you good luck on your journey. An unfortunate abrupt farewell. Before you leave, she hands you a purple silk scarf that smells like her perfume. It is her favor and she asks you to carry it and always think of her. The Twice Sky will be back in Port Blacksand in 3 months. Your plan to hopefully meet back up then, at the House of Balance on Temple Street.
"I have more than enough hatred for the Snow Witch and would love to see her suffer a defeat!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
(Lira is on break so I'll bot this unless she wants to change it.)
Lira recalls that she actually met a man named Big Jim. The same one that apparently Zarbyn had worked for. On her way from Port Rentarn, she went past the mountain pass to Silverton. There he offered her a fur cloak to keep her warm. It was there that she also encountered the dead wolves, some with spiked collars on the ground near them (collars of pain). Big Jim is a trader, going between Silverton and Port Rentarn with his goods.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Amdaeng regards the other tables with interest but keeps herself to herself knowing they have work to do.
" So......early night then? Our appointments not till afternoon......but we do tend to accumulate delays so we should probably leave early-ish."
" I can cover the rooms and food for tonight."
Lira nods in agreement, her thoughts preoccupied with the vision she saw earlier.
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
Jherak thanks the woman that showed he and his companions for her hospitality, in Elven.
He notices the stranger that’s joined them. He can feel some tension around the newcomer and some in the group. He recalls being the outsider in the group.
”Welcome, traveler, I’m Jherak. Couldn’t help but notice you outside before we came in here. What brings you to the area? Do you know anyone else here, or are you traveling alone?”
He stops short of inviting the stranger to join them, leaving it up to someone else in the group.
He casually observes the dwarf and large warrior, both dining alone. He makes eye contact with a few of the others and nods in the direction of the dwarf and warrior, as if to say, “anyone interested in talking to them,” without actually saying it.
(A few of you could make some perception rolls, but they would be better if targeted at something specific).
The group is served warm food that is quite good, including a good soup. Any that are vegetarian are also provided with good options. The wine/ beer, and other drinks are also good. Its likely the best meal you have had since the one that brought most of you together in Port Rentarn, before this whole adventure began and your search for Natalie Storm.
(Lira)
The newcomer has damage to his face caused by magical cold damage.
Jharek
Jharek notes that the huge warrior has shackles on his wrists, but they don't seem attached to anything right now. He may have been a prisoner/ or slave, perhaps he escaped? Not certain.
After nodding his thanks to the half elf woman, Vydar flops down in his chair and orders whatever sounds good. He raises an eyebrow when the frostbitten man sits with them, it seems like a huge coincidence that someone in such attire and baring such wounds would end up being seated with them. With that in mind Vydar's not sure if he should be wary of this man or not. Noting his attempts to interact with Lev, Vydar doesn't feel like the man is an immediate threat, but he still doesn't trust him immediately either... nor does he feel like they should be sharing specific information around the stranger.
Vydar is a young dark elf with what seems like a perpetual scowl and a rouge-ish look about him. He has dark charcoal skin with shaggy white hair that falls just below his jawline and fades to black at it's tips, and partially obscures his deep red eyes. A tattered grey scarf hangs about his neck. The scarf is only slightly more tattered than the rest of his dark clothing. He carries a large satchel as well as a well made rapier at his side.
With Jharek now addressing the stranger seated with them, Vydar turns his gaze to the other people of note within the tavern. The cloaked woman in the corner immediately gains his attention as her demeanor is that of someone lying in wait. While she's very likely keeping watch on someone else, there's always a chance she could be spying on them as well... He hates thinking about it but just the fact that she's a woman makes the chance that she works for the witch even higher.
He tries not to make it obvious that he's watching her. He begins pretending to be listening to Jharek's conversation while he observes her from the corner of his eye.
Perception: 23
Amdaeng relaxes by watching the three owners as they go about their work....
Perception- 20
Lev's eyes scan the room, taking note of the cloaked woman positioned to watch everyone.
Perception: 13
He stiffens slightly when the stranger comments on his glaive, eyes darting back to their table as his hand instinctively tightens on the weapon--covering most of the engraved word on its haft. His brow farrows slightly, clearly having thought to take the comment as a threat at first but now re-assessing that reaction. He loosens his grip on the weapon, deciding not to jump to conclusions. However, instead of responding to the comment about his glaive he says, "You look like you've had a rough time." He turns his face slightly as if to gesture to the man's frostbite. His tone isn't confrontational, just a bit blunt.
Halbert looks around and decides that the elf with ink on his hand might be a mage or an intellectual, he might know something about Nicodemus...
He places his hands around the soup bowl to warm them up, while answering
yes, indeed I had hard time...even before entering here, I bet I was about being robbed or worst
and then to Jharek
NIce to meet you, Jharek, my name is Halbert. I travel alone, unfortunately, to search for a wizard called NIcodemus, I heard he stopped a threat at the port today and then disappeared. Do you happen to know about him? And what about you: what brings you here?
Amdaeng notes that the three sisters are indeed identical. They work in unison, almost like a dance, creating drinks, bringing out food, interacting with customers. They seem quite good at their jobs and seem to take great pride in their establishment. Customers seem happy and more safe than other places they have visited in Blacksand.
Lev takes a quick look at the woman in the corner. She certainly seems to be the type that watches all that enter and leave this place. Strangely, there is a second wine cup on her table, empty and face down. When Lev quietly points this out to the group, Lira indicates that this is a sign that she is in the thieves guild.
(LIRA)
Using your perception, you may find other signs or meanings in Thieves Cant, after Lev pointed out the upside down cup at the ladies table.
(OOC: We have a few folks traveling and vacationing during the holidays, so will take things slow. Anyone who has not posted a description of their character for our new player, please try to do so. I'll keep things going slowly over the break but plan on resuming Jan 2nd. Happy Holidays!!)
Having spent his early years as a soldier, Jherak is usually quiet and reserved. His thin build may disguise his fighting style, that of a well rounded and calculated killer. His scraggly black hair hides his green eyes, and his unkept beard and shabby appearance give away someone who is well overdue for a bath.
Zarbyn sits at the table between two of his allies and takes the first minute to take in the room and general ambiance before noticing that they have seated all those who just entered as a group and a large warrior type has been seated with them.
"Hail friend, my name is Zarbyn," and he extends his hand in greeting, "did you just arrive here in Blacksand recently? If you would like to share what news you have from distant lands and the roads taken to reach them then we would be willing to share what we know of Nicodemus."
After the greeting when Zarbyn has gotten comfortable in his seat again, "A fair exchange of information is all I'm proposing."
Zarbyn is a 6 foot 3 inch tall, lightly tanned human man wearing mariner's studded leather armor, the armor is stylized with depictions of sharks and any spikes or studs on the armor are stylized fins. Other than a couple of daggers and a sickle he doesn't look that well armed but acts as if he has the best weapon for the job at hand.
Halbert shaskes Zarbyn's hand
I arrived in Blacksand just one hour ago. News from my lands are dire, indeed
Halbert Hermanson was born to the proud Northwind Clan, daughter of Herman, one of the Heroes of Challice, a group that defeated the powerful Zagor on Firetop mountain.
Life in the far north was harsh, but his people were strong, and Halbert was respected even at a young age.
One night, beneath a sky of swirling auroras, a wave of killing frost swept through the village. A group of women, most of Kobold origin dressed in robes with eyes cold as ice descended upon the clan. Huge wolves who breathed clouds of ice attacked as the women shot rays of ice through their fingers. Warriors froze mid-charge. Children became statues of ice. Even her legendary father shattered beneath the Winter Witch’s magic.
When the storm passed, Halbert stood alone—the only survivor of his people.
Driven by grief and fury, he wandered south until she found the Frostwind Tribe, a reclusive group who had knowledge of this unnatural cold and its meaning. A powerful women of myth, known as Shareella, the snow witch and her Coven of Eternal Winter had returned. They took him in as an equal, teaching him the truth of what he faced and the ancient lore behind the Snow witch.
One elder, told him:
“If you seek to stop the Snow Witch, find the fire-wizard—Nicodemus of Port Blacksand.”
With nothing left but him father’s weapon and a vow of vengeance, Ornella set out for the infamous City of Thieves, Port Blacksand.
(OOC: Anyone who wants to interact with people in the tavern can).
The group is able to secure lodging for the night, at larger than normal expense but the place seems safe enough.
OOC: (All Read Spoiler in 3413). Halbert shares that his tribe was attacked by the Coven of Eternal Winter. He has damage to his face from a frost attack by one of the Kobold spell casters. HIs entire tribe was killed. He also has a curious sword, that seems frozen in place. He has not been able to remove it from the scabbard.
One elder, told him:
“If you seek to stop the Snow Witch, find the fire-wizard—Nicodemus of Port Blacksand.”
After Halbert shares with the group Zarbyn offers his tale of how he came to know the group, shortly after they met and set out they came upon a bridge and a tragic scene, that is where Zarbyn ran up faster than a horse and introduced himself as a crew member of the 'Twice Shy.'
(ooc: this is probably the modern day equivalent of someone saying they're a crewman of the 'Flying Dutchman.')
(the spoiler contains Zarbyn's backstory which he shares most of with Halbert and the group.)
Prologue
A little over 9 months ago, you took a job with a traveling group composed of an acting troupe and a merchant who enjoyed trading with the northman. You traveled through the rich town of Silverton (North Allansia) and continued North. On your way, you would occasionally help with scouting. The merchant, Big Jim, would pay extra for extra work and on actors wages (tips from performances), anything helped. Winters in northern Allansia were always cold and bitter, with thick snow and icy winds, chilling everyone to the bone.
Your destination after Silverton, was ahead of you, near a frozen lake. In the distance, you could see the snow-capped peaks of the icefinger mountains jutting out. At the base of a mountain, you were expecting to meet a group of Northmen for some trade and food. The group hears the shrill call of a hunting horn. “Sounds like trouble”, says Big Jim. He asks you and a few others to investigate. You arrive two hours later to a scene of ugly carnage. The snow is red with blood and all the wooden huts are smashed and torn down. Six men lie dead, their bodies slashed, their axes at their sides in the snow. Judging by the size of the footprints, the creature that attacked the outpost must have been enormous. You and the group head back to relate the terrible events of the befallen outpost. Big Jim orders the carts to be placed in a defensive position for the night. In a low voice, he asks if you and other volunteers will hunt the terrible creature, otherwise, his business could be ruined forever. At first, you are a hard no, but he offers 50 gold pieces per man. You decide its worth it, as the other men seem capable and that money is well worth the risk.
You and the men follow the huge tracks for three days. On the third day you hear a cry of a human voice followed by a ferocious roar. Not far ahead your group sees a fur trapper fighting for his life against a gigantic bear-like beast with long white fur and sharp teeth protruding from its jaws. It is the killer beast you have een hunting, a Yeti. As your group runs to help, you see the Yeti viciously attack the man. It is a terrible battle, and in the end, only you are the lone survivor of your group.
You approach the fur trapper lying on the ground and turn him over slowly. His eyes are barely open and blood trickles down from his mouth. The Yeti has gouged deep wounds in his chest and you realize that there is no hope of saving him. He reaches up and grabs you, pulling you down so he can shipser his story. He has lived in the mountains for most of his life, hunting animals and trading their furs, but for the last five years, he has been searching for the legendary crystal caves. The caves have been cut out of a glacier by the followers of the snow witch, a beautiful yet evil sorceress, who is trying to use her dark powers to bring on an ice age so that she can rule supreme over the whole world. He has learned that the entrance to the crystal caves is high up in the mountains, in the open, but hidden by an illusion. The trapper found it by accident yesterday, when he saw one of the snow witch's warriors seemingly walk straight through an ice wall and disappear. The trapper left a piece of fur hanging over the entrance so he could find it again. Sadly the Yeti has put an end to his hopes. He asks you to enter the caves to slay the vile snow witch. There are legends of great treasures frozen in the walls. Then the fur trapper died. You cover him with snow, along with the rest of your group, thinking about your options. This was surely not the job of an actor.
You decide the prudent thing to do would be to go back to Big Jim, providing evidence of the Yeti's death and telling him your story. He pays you 200 gold, as you take the share from the other men who perished. A month later when you return to the warmth and modern comforts of Silverton. In a wonderful tavern, The Old Toad, you decide to tell your tale. Sitting at the bar is a rather unique dwarven woman with a gray beard and a rather distinctive brimmed hat with colorful feathers. She takes an interest in your tale and tells you she will pay you 10 gold if you take the time to tell it to her in full. She calls herself professor, professor Natalie Storm. She takes very detailed notes, listening intently to your tale, a monocle in her eye to help her see. In the end, she buys you a few pints, a meal, and pays you 10 gold for your story of the trapper and the Snow Witch.
Chapter 1
For the last 4 months, you have worked as crew on a ship called “The Twice Shy,” doing various jobs including exploring the southern islands. Captain Reaves takes you in to help in his exploration of the western islands. The pay is good and you have always wanted to explore and see the world. You meet an extraordinary woman, the captain's daughter, named Angelica and over time you fall in love. One night, while taking some well deserved rest on a quiet island, you discover Angelica involved in some sort of strange ritual. At first she thinks you will be scared of her or hate her but your parents always taught you to be open minded and your love was strong. She told you about what she was doing, practicing magic and witchcraft and eventually you became more interested. She teaches you some of her magic rituals and you find you are quite skilled at it. A hidden talent you did not know you possessed. You eventually make a pact with Logaan, enriched with his power and begin your path as a Warlock.
Your ship has been heading from the south to north, heading toward the west of the dragon reaches, only accessible in the summer months when the ice in the water melts. Tomorrow, you will arrive at Port Rentarn.
The night before arrival as you settle down for the night with your crew mates, a strange mist forms around you. Suddenly, you see a Jester, complete with face paint.
You know him, he is one of Logaan servants. He tells you that you are to seek Natalie Storm. Funny, you recall that strange woman that wanted your story, now so long ago in that cold town of Silverton. She will be outside of the town, near a covered bridge, at 9 am tomorrow. He gives you a peculiar metal box,(roughly 8 inches long by 3 wide and almost without weight, and asks that you give it to Dr. Storm. She will know what to do with it. Inside is information to help her with her expedition. He tells you that Storm is a secret priest of Logaan, although she has not revealed this to many outsiders. You can show her the six pointed star, one of the symbols of your god and he hands you a necklace.
Natalie Storm has discovered a series of artifacts that could be used by the Snow Witch to unleash another ice age. You are to aid her in restoring balance and destroy these artifacts. Then he disappears, the mist clears, and you are back in the cabin with your crew mates. Indeed, you have a necklace with the star symbol and a small metal box.
Due to the rains and fog, your ship arrives late to the dock. You will miss the meeting with Storm. You tell your love of the encounter and she emphasizes that your task must be very important. Angelica casts a spell on you that allows you to run at the speed of a horse for 1 hour. With a kiss, she bids you good luck on your journey. An unfortunate abrupt farewell. Before you leave, she hands you a purple silk scarf that smells like her perfume. It is her favor and she asks you to carry it and always think of her. The Twice Sky will be back in Port Blacksand in 3 months. Your plan to hopefully meet back up then, at the House of Balance on Temple Street.
"I have more than enough hatred for the Snow Witch and would love to see her suffer a defeat!"
(Lira is on break so I'll bot this unless she wants to change it.)
Lira recalls that she actually met a man named Big Jim. The same one that apparently Zarbyn had worked for. On her way from Port Rentarn, she went past the mountain pass to Silverton. There he offered her a fur cloak to keep her warm. It was there that she also encountered the dead wolves, some with spiked collars on the ground near them (collars of pain). Big Jim is a trader, going between Silverton and Port Rentarn with his goods.)