(As a group, here is what you have heard of the Toa-Suo people. Any who have been in Silverton or further north may have encountered a settlement.)

(Bump: Not sure where the party would like to head. You have the crater where Paevira was taken, the tunnel where Lira supposedly met Shareella, the green path to cache 3, the blue path to cache 3, Notes from Natalie Storm regarding Cache 3, Shareella, etc.)

Zarbyn agrees with Iolinder about getting a move on toward cache 3.

(ooc: I think we were planning on going to cache 3 to try and catch up or beat other factions to that cache. Our exploration of cache 2 and subsequent rescue of Lira was an unexpected detour from that plan. If anyone has different ideas or a new plan now is the time to discuss and share, after all we have more info now and a new member.)

"We're still trying to beat the others to cache 3 right?"

(You believe that the Coven got the cache 1 first, and took the artifact there). You have recovered the artifact Ebony from cache 2. There are two or more groups headed to the other caches, but remember, you have a good map marked with 5 caches, the bad guys took an unmarked map with 9 caches.You have also learned from Lira that Shareelle may only need "several" artifacts to cast her ritual. As far as you know, the cult needs 5 artifacts to go forward with summoning a black dragon.)

ooc: Yes, Lira also agrees with heading to cache 3 next.

Lira leans forward to study the map more closely while the others discuss, specifically looking for any rivers where they might be able to catch salmon on the way to cache 3. She's always heard tales of the Toa-Suo but never seen any herself. Based on the stories of their strength as warriors, it seems like a good idea to have a proper offering prepared for when they pass through their territory.

Survival: 12

Having unburdened herself and discovered lots of new info Amdaeng is happy to head off.

(Yes, there was some smoked salmon in the supply and rations from Natalie Storm. Also, there is one river you will cross if you take the fast hard route, or you will follow a river along the mountain range if you take the slower route.)

As the talk about the snake demon continues, Vydar shifts uncomfortably. Just hearing about it brings back flashes of that horrid vision. When Lira's gaze shifts to him, there's a brief awkward moment of eye contact between the two of them before the dark elf quickly shifts his glare back to the dirt at his feet. Why does he feel like everyone is watching him for some reason? His eyes briefly flick towards Iolinder, who also keeps glancing his way likely making sure he doesn't do anything stupid with the dagger. He huffs.

Vydar nods when the group comes to the conclusion that the ice witch is will likely try to use Paevera as a puppet like she had with Lira. His mouth tightens at the thought of it. He will save her, he has to and heading to the third cache seems the most logical idea. While he's prefer to take the fast route, he lets the others talk it out before deciding if he wants to even bother voicing his opinion.

Looking through he boxs on cart, you see rations, some fresh vegetables and herbs, and smoked salmon all prepared by Natalie Storm, to feed about 7 people for a week. There are also warm jackets with gloves and hats, and crampons for boots to climb in ice, ropes, and other climbing gear and harnesses.

You head back down the north side of the mountain, and again see the tracks heading in between the mountain ranges. The tracks are now 12 hours old.

(Perception roll or survival on the tracks)

As you move forward, you again notice the beauty of these mountains. During this time of year, they are quite spectacular. There is some snow on the steep mountainous ridges at this elevation, that likely does not entirely melt year round, and today the weather is cool and crisp but sunny. From re-reading the Storm's journal, you believe it will be difficult to actually find the hidden cache 3 without the help of the Toa-Suo. Indeed friendly people who live in the area could also provide some valuable information, and you might want to warn them of the impending hoard of cultists and coven members headed their way.

As you continue, you get to the point where you have three choices. (See Post 784 for map of caches.)

1) In the hopes of shortening your travel by one day, begin traversing a steep but doable ridge (a bit hard with Charlie and the cart), and trying to find the Toa-Suo, (Green trail)

2) (3-hour detour) Climb back up to the crater's base on the south side and explore the tunnel the goblins escaped from and that Lira encountered Shareella. This could also allow you to pick up the goblin's fresher tracks, and determine their heading.

3) Continue on the blue trail around the difficult mountains, following the tracks for a safer, easier trip but still behind those you track. 

(In the pic below, the green trail is directly ahead in the snow of the jagged mountains, the blue trail will be around the low ridge and to the right, following the mountains in a valley, and the crater/cave is directly to your right.)

Lira nodded to herself as she looked over their supplies, pleased by the sight of the smoked salmon and fresh provisions. She turned to the others after donning a jacket from the pile. "Looks like we’re stocked up on smoked salmon—thanks to Natalie, we’ve got enough to make a good impression on the Toa-Suo. We might even catch more along the way, and I’ll keep an eye out for anything edible we can forage too. No sense in letting our stores run low if we can help it."

When they reached the tracks, she crouched down, her sharp green eyes scanning the impressions in the earth. The fresh mountain air carried the scent of pine, and she found herself momentarily captivated by the scenery. Even with everything that had happened, the mountains were undeniably beautiful.

“These tracks are about twelve hours old,” she murmured, brushing her fingers over the faint imprints left in the dirt and snow.

Perception: 18

ooc: She will vote to take the Green Trail unless the tracks indicate another one will be better.

The old tracks are those of a large group of Kobolds. (maybe 10-20) In addition, you see tracks of several giant weasels (8-10 feet in length), but they appear to be deeper than expected, indicating the creatures may have been mounted or carrying something). It continues along the (blue trail).

Lira examined the tracks more closely, noting the depth and distinct patterns. She rose, brushing the dirt from her hands as she turned to the others.

"These tracks…they’re from a large group of kobolds. It looks like some of them were riding Shareella's giant snow weasels. Those tracks are deeper, like they're carrying something heavy...I can't be sure, but maybe Paevira," she explained, her eyes narrowing in thought. She gestured down the path. "They’re headed down the easier trail. It could mean they know an alternate route to Cache 3…or maybe they’re going toward another cache entirely." She glanced down the mountain, her gaze thoughtful, before sighing and laying a hand on her amulet.

"I just...immediately knew the mission in my head when I was charmed. We all did. I wonder if I could use this somehow...to connect again for just a moment and find out what they're up to."

Vydar recalls in the crater seeing white large creatures take Paevira, this type of creature may have fit Lira's description.

Lira

Zarbyn looks up the way of the green route.

"If we take this way we can maybe get ahead of them as it could save us nearly a day but there is more danger than just climbing... there are yeti and polar bears and who knows what else."

After a brief pause to let this warning sink in, "Considering what's at stake I still think it's worth it though."

Iólinder checked the map. 'Time is of the essence.' He said. 'We cut through the mountain tops here.'

He pointed at the shorter route indicated on the map. It would prove more perilous. One wrong move or running into unexpected trouble could be the end of them. But if there was anything Iólinder had picked up over the past few days it was that, as unlikely a group they were, the group could handle trouble.

He rolled up the map and put it away. He hoisted his backpack a bit higher onto his person and tightened the straps. 'Are the cart and donkey able to make the journey?'

Iólinder did not outright say it but the message was clear: should cart and animal slow them down or prove to be a liability, they would be left behind.
The mountains are no place for a donkey, even one so brave as Charlie.

Perception check for tracks and whatnot: 10. So no new information I take it.

(You believe Charlie can easily make the climb, but the cart would prove VERY dangerous not only for him tied to it, but potentially for any around it should is slip or turn over. Charlie can carry the food box, and if each person takes their climbing gear and warm clothing, you can leave the cart behind here.)

"I...agree. The kobolds may be taking the other route to get around the Toa-Suo, which bodes well for our chances of making friends with them." Lira seems to notice Iólinder studying the cart and comes to the same conclusion after a moment, gathering her share of the climbing gear to carry.

(Unless you choose another option, you may divvy up the climbing gear, remove Charlie from the cart, and begin traversing/ climbing the steep mountain. You know that going in a back-and-forth motion (switchbacks), you will be able to climb without getting exhausted. Ning can travel in Amdaeng's pack, with her head sticking out, or is small enough to be carried.

(I need your marching order including Charlie, and if you take any safety precautions)

Ooc: Lira will go in the middle. I suggest the strongest people go at the front and back to grab anyone that starts to fall.