"Whoever made these collars is using some twisted combination of pain and magic to control the wolves. It robs them of their free will."
Zarbyn takes a deep breath and tries unsuccessfully to stifle a shudder that wracks his body, almost like a human version of a dog shaking off excess water.
"I sense an evil design behind whoever is implementing these horrid collars."
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.”
With the wolves down, Vydar also examines the collars. He nods when Zarbyn confirms his theory on these things being controlled by magic. Though he grimaced at the sight of the spikes. That’s just cruel…and probably unnecessary.
He notes that the collars on the dead wolves seem to have lost whatever magic they held. So he walks over the the canine that Amdeang knocked out. Kneeling down he reaches out a hand to touch the collar. Then he freezes. He almost just did something stupid… What if the collar launches him into another Nightmarish vision? Scowling at himself, he moves his hand to touch the wolf’s neck instead.
He casts identify on the wolf, (should determine what spells are being used on it)
Lev huffs as the last wolf falls, lowering his glaive before raising it again to set its end down on the ground. "No wonder their behavior was strange."
He walks back over to where he'd previously been sleeping and sets his glaive down, then looks to the others when conversation about what to do next starts up. "If whoever is responsible for this sends more wolves, they'll just track us by scent if we leave. Better to stay here and prepare. Perhaps pack up what isn't necessary in preparation for a quick escape if needed." He flops down on his bedroll, then looks down at it with a slightly irritated expression before standing up again and rolling it up. Comfort isn't necessary, so back into the pack goes the bedroll.
"Might want to check and see what is in that crate."
By touching the wolf, you understand that it is under the effects of a some sort of command spell, but maybe more powerful. The collar is a Collar of Obedience. If the wearer of the collar fails a wisdom save, they must follow the command. You know that the command must be followed without hesitation, and if the wisdom save is made, the command can be ignored. Without touching the collar, you do not learn all of its properties, but you assume that the controller of the collar can also inflict pain on the wearer. In addition, you detect no demonic influence as you did with the dagger.
It would take a powerful spell, perhaps such as a remove curse or dispel magic to unlock the collar. You would likely need a more powerful spell caster to examine a collar. But, you can also assume the creator of such a device is quite powerful. The wearer of the collar cannot remove the collar, but it loses its properties if the wearer dies. The fact that all 5 wolves have them is very concerning.
Doing a similar spell such as identify on the active collar of the live wolf could result in additional information.
(OOC: What do you do with the live unconscious wolf? It is possible whatever spell was on it has worn off, or not? Can try an animal handling or medicine when it wakes up?)
You are not bothered the remainder of the night, and finally are able to get a bit of rest. The night air is cool but pleasant, and no rain falls. (LONG REST)
The next morning you re-examine the tracks. There is a large group of tracks (30) heading up the ridge, (toward cache 1 and 2) and a second group of tracks, 10-20 headed east on the main road. The tracks are about 12 hours old. You see the fresher tracks of the merchant that traveled through and the tread of his wagon from last night. And, you find some wolf tracks coming from the main road of Silverton toward Rentarn. ( East to west), ending at the campsite. Likely the wolves came from the east.
You certainly aren't sure if the wolves encountered the merchant, but it is likely.
Paevira would suggest dispatching the wolf if the collar could not be removed or cancelled out. Better for it to be put out of its misery and out of the control of the bad person would did it. If not, it could be used to attack others or us again in the future. She will let the others make the final decision
Amdaeng doesn't know jack about magic but she turns to Paevira and Vydar, " This is evil...."
After seeing the collars come off the dead wolves, she turns to the other two, " Can we fool the collar? What if we brought the wolf right to the edge of death? Would that be enough to make the collar come off?"
" If I hadn't.......if things had been different......I could have ended up like this....."
Vydar takes his hand away from the wolf, "As suspected, these wolves are under the influence of these Collars of Obedience. They have no choice but to follow whatever order's they are given, and if they don't...."He gestures to the spikes, then stands up. "We have no way to remove it."He won't bring himself to say that he's not skilled enough to do so. Even if he did, it wouldn't make a difference anyways. It's not like they could just magic a mage that powerful here just to help a wild animal, and trying to drag it with them would be a fool's errand.
He looks at Paevira, then his gaze shifts to Amdaeng. "Yeah, evil." He shakes his head and looks back at the animal, "No we can't remove it. The best thing we can do for it now...is put it down. At least then it can be with it's pack."His tone is softer than usual as he speaks these words.
His eyes shift back to Amdaeng when she stutters her last sentence. Why would she say something like that?
"You're probably right Lev, if there are more wolves they'll just track us... or whatever's in that crate."
Zarbyn listens to Paevira's suggestion and then Vydar's assessment of the collars, "Whoever made those collars and/or used them on the wolves wanted to make sure they followed orders... or died trying."
Hearing Amdaeng's odd statement Zarbyn will casually approach her and ask, "You might of ended up like... this," Zarbyn waves a hand around dismissively, gesturing towards the sleeping wolf and the other dead ones, "Do you know where these collars come from or who is behind this?" Zarbyn will wait until Amdaeng is finished examining the sleeping wolf and then if nothing can be done add, "It would be a small mercy to spare this wolf any more suffering."
"Any volunteers?"
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.”
As Amdaeng looks over the wolf, she notes that it seems to be sleeping peacefully. Its face is calm and untroubled. In addition, lifting an eyelid, the color of the wolf's eye are a vibrant blue with black pupils. When it was attacking, its eyes had a reddish hue.
(You can decide what to do with the wolf and begin your morning arrangements)
In the morning:
The copper pot can make hot water for coffee or breakfast quickly. The chill of the air is crisp as the morning sun crests the mountain ridges. (Orange star is camp site. Wolf tracks come from the east trail toward camp. One large group went up the mountain (North), a second east on the main mountain pass.
Iólinder looked upon the wolf with pity. From what the others said, it was the collar around the wolves' neck that compelled them to attack beyond their free will. Wolves were pack hunters but even they would not engage a group of humans of equal number. Whoever forced them must be cruel indeed. His eyes hardened when it was mentioned the collars could not be removed except upon dead. So not just cruel but callous as well.
The wolf was suffering. There was only one thing to do, however unpleasant. Iólinder pulled out a knife and walked over to the wolf. He uttered a quick prayer with the hope and intent of making this quick. (1)
'You do not deserve to suffer.' He said in a soothing voice to the beast. He reached out with a hand and softly stroked its fur. (2) 'Now sleep. Sleep and dream of moonlit nights.'(3)
When the beast was still, Iólinder slipped the knife across the wolf's jugular. No death was every truly painless but at least it would be quick with minimal suffering. Blood began to drain into the soft soil. Iólinder's face was grim as he wiped the knife on a patch of gras. He took no joy in killing. 'It is done.' He merely said before retreating to his spot near the fire. The wolf attack had happened during his watch. He gazed into the fire. He knew he could not prepare for everything but attack wolves with mind-controlling magic collars was not something he signed up for. What else would befall them on their travels.
Iólinder kept gazing into the flames as the others went to rest. Soon his watch was over and he could hear light footsteps coming over to relieve him of his post. It was Vydar the dark elf's turn to while away the nightly hours but first Iólinder wanted to have a talk.
'Vydar,' He said without looking up from the campfire. 'A word if you'd please. About the dagger.'
Iólinder took a moment to ponder what to say next but the fatigue of the previous day, the wolves' attack and the mercy killing made him less inclined to fancy phrasings. 'What did you see?' He asked his dark elf companion rather curt.
(1) Casting Guidance on self (2) Animal Handling check to calm the wolf: 16 + 1 = 17 (3) Casting Command with the command word "Sleep"
As you fall back asleep, you dream of wolves. You see five wolf pups playing in a mountain field, the sky is bright blue. The pups don't have a care in the world. (Wolf heaven) When you awake, you feel...at peace. (You have gained a feat, Boon of Almor)
Once Zarbyn asked about 'volunteers' Lev stood up and grabbed his glaive, prepared to do the dirty work if no one else wanted to. Turns out this was unnecessary, as Iolinder who was closer to the animal took initiative first. Lev pulls up short, once more resting the butt of his glaive upon the ground and standing in silence as the wolf bleeds out. He gives a small, barely noticeable nod. Iolinder has gained a new measure of respect from the black elf.
Letting out a long breath, Lev lowers his head for a moment before moving back to his resting place. He almost remarks on how everyone should probably pack up what they don't need for the night, but perhaps that is overkill. If they need to run, then they likely won't get the chance to grab their packs anyways. That of course doesn't mean he's going to unpack the bedroll he already rolled up.
He also realized that he hadn't volunteered for a watch. Oh well, he'll take the first one... or whichever one isn't wanted, tomorrow night.
Lev is likely the first to wake up. If this is the case, then he gets the hot water ready so the coffee will be done and hot when everyone else wakes up. They'll have to rely on their own rations for food.
In regards to the wolf tracks... well he isn't sure what to do. He'd rather just stick to their current route, if that means running into more wolves then they will take care of it. These ones weren't difficult to kill, but perhaps more might be a challenge. Either way, he doesn't see much benefit in following a trail that leads them off their current path. Especially when their enemy already has a head start. Sure, he'd like to know who captured and set those animals on them, but they need to keep their priorities straight.
The dark elf had been about to say, 'Alright, it's my shift,' but Iolinder addresses him first. He'd figured the guy would ask him about that now, and though he was hoping to postpone that a while longer....if not indefinitely, he does think now is the best time to talk on the matter. The less people who listen in on this conversation the better in his opinion. Sighing, he walks to the other side of the fire and plops down with his back to it. He doesn't need the light messing with his darkvision after all.
"I was forced to witness some kind of demonic ritual. At least that's what I'm assuming it was. There was a woman chained to an altar. I think she was some sort of priestess. Then a bunch of people wearing black hoods came in chanting a strange language and another priest gets up on a stage. That priest...stabbed the other priest in the chest with a black dagger...just like the one we found. The dagger...it..." He shivers, remembering the grotesque scene, but clenches his fists refusing to let the memory haunt him at this moment. "It made the woman rot away, it dissolved her heart...it was awful." Despite his resolve, he slumps down a little bit and puts a hand to his face. "After she finally died, there was a deep voice...laughing. Then a giant snake creature...demon...with four arms and clawed hands came and ate the woman's corpse. After eating her it...it looked strait at me. As if I was physically there, witnessing the whole thing."
He falls silent for a long moment, then tilts his head to look back at Iolinder. "I do remember it was missing a claw, and I'm certain that claw is what that dagger was made out of." He turns away, and crosses his arms, "Happy? That's everything I saw. As you remember I do want that thing back. It's what killed Natalie. I don't intend to let any of it's secrets go uncovered. Also, you said you'd tell me what the notes you deciphered said."
He sits there, with his back to Iolinder and the fire expecting the half-elf to complete his part of the deal. The dark elf had intended to make him tell him some things before spilling his whole story, but once he'd started talking, well the words just wouldn't stop coming.
(After a long rest, you discover the properties of two magic items: Pot of heating, Storms Hat,: they are on your character sheet or you can look them up under inventory, manage inventory
It takes six hours to get to the top of the mountain. There are no real trails here, but the large group you have been following pushed down grasses and followed a primitive goat/dear trail up. The path goes in switchbacks, cutting right and left across the face of the mountain, instead of going straight up. The terrain is beautiful. Pine trees, slate stone. Some small creatures (pika and Marmot), hide or chirp at you in warning when they see you coming. Hawks and crows are seen from time to time. Mountain flowers and foliage that can only grow at this elevation is captivating. Cresting the mountain, you are rewarded with long stretching views of the mountains and valleys before you. You can likely see more than 50 miles. The peaks further north have snow on them as do parts of your peak. The valleys appear lush and green. Rivers run from the snow melt above. Looming in the distance is tallest peak of them all, you assume, the tall snow covered Stormy Peak.
Moving through the middle of two peaks (the saddle) you see two trails. One set of tracks heads down the other side, presumably to cache 1. A second set of tracks heads over the top of the mountain toward the second cache. (Red trails heading north you are at Yellow Star)
"We're going after the first cache right, it looks like the closest."
Zarbyn uses the compass whenever the maps are consulted to aid in keeping us on track.
"Was there anything in her journals or notes about what each artifact would be or what it might look like? It could help to know what we're after."
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.”
— A basic prayer.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Seeing the wicked, spikes on the collar makes Paevira angry
"Whoever made these collars is using some twisted combination of pain and magic to control the wolves. It robs them of their free will."
Zarbyn takes a deep breath and tries unsuccessfully to stifle a shudder that wracks his body, almost like a human version of a dog shaking off excess water.
"I sense an evil design behind whoever is implementing these horrid collars."
With the wolves down, Vydar also examines the collars. He nods when Zarbyn confirms his theory on these things being controlled by magic. Though he grimaced at the sight of the spikes. That’s just cruel…and probably unnecessary.
He notes that the collars on the dead wolves seem to have lost whatever magic they held. So he walks over the the canine that Amdeang knocked out. Kneeling down he reaches out a hand to touch the collar. Then he freezes. He almost just did something stupid… What if the collar launches him into another Nightmarish vision? Scowling at himself, he moves his hand to touch the wolf’s neck instead.
He casts identify on the wolf, (should determine what spells are being used on it)
Lev huffs as the last wolf falls, lowering his glaive before raising it again to set its end down on the ground. "No wonder their behavior was strange."
He walks back over to where he'd previously been sleeping and sets his glaive down, then looks to the others when conversation about what to do next starts up. "If whoever is responsible for this sends more wolves, they'll just track us by scent if we leave. Better to stay here and prepare. Perhaps pack up what isn't necessary in preparation for a quick escape if needed." He flops down on his bedroll, then looks down at it with a slightly irritated expression before standing up again and rolling it up. Comfort isn't necessary, so back into the pack goes the bedroll.
"Might want to check and see what is in that crate."
Vydar:
By touching the wolf, you understand that it is under the effects of a some sort of command spell, but maybe more powerful. The collar is a Collar of Obedience. If the wearer of the collar fails a wisdom save, they must follow the command. You know that the command must be followed without hesitation, and if the wisdom save is made, the command can be ignored. Without touching the collar, you do not learn all of its properties, but you assume that the controller of the collar can also inflict pain on the wearer. In addition, you detect no demonic influence as you did with the dagger.
It would take a powerful spell, perhaps such as a remove curse or dispel magic to unlock the collar. You would likely need a more powerful spell caster to examine a collar. But, you can also assume the creator of such a device is quite powerful. The wearer of the collar cannot remove the collar, but it loses its properties if the wearer dies. The fact that all 5 wolves have them is very concerning.
Doing a similar spell such as identify on the active collar of the live wolf could result in additional information.
(OOC: What do you do with the live unconscious wolf? It is possible whatever spell was on it has worn off, or not? Can try an animal handling or medicine when it wakes up?)
You are not bothered the remainder of the night, and finally are able to get a bit of rest. The night air is cool but pleasant, and no rain falls. (LONG REST)
The next morning you re-examine the tracks. There is a large group of tracks (30) heading up the ridge, (toward cache 1 and 2) and a second group of tracks, 10-20 headed east on the main road. The tracks are about 12 hours old. You see the fresher tracks of the merchant that traveled through and the tread of his wagon from last night.
And, you find some wolf tracks coming from the main road of Silverton toward Rentarn. ( East to west), ending at the campsite. Likely the wolves came from the east.
You certainly aren't sure if the wolves encountered the merchant, but it is likely.
Paevira would suggest dispatching the wolf if the collar could not be removed or cancelled out. Better for it to be put out of its misery and out of the control of the bad person would did it. If not, it could be used to attack others or us again in the future. She will let the others make the final decision
Amdaeng doesn't know jack about magic but she turns to Paevira and Vydar, " This is evil...."
After seeing the collars come off the dead wolves, she turns to the other two, " Can we fool the collar? What if we brought the wolf right to the edge of death? Would that be enough to make the collar come off?"
" If I hadn't.......if things had been different......I could have ended up like this....."
Medicine- 11
Animal handling- 7
Arcana- 17
Vydar takes his hand away from the wolf, "As suspected, these wolves are under the influence of these Collars of Obedience. They have no choice but to follow whatever order's they are given, and if they don't...." He gestures to the spikes, then stands up. "We have no way to remove it." He won't bring himself to say that he's not skilled enough to do so. Even if he did, it wouldn't make a difference anyways. It's not like they could just magic a mage that powerful here just to help a wild animal, and trying to drag it with them would be a fool's errand.
He looks at Paevira, then his gaze shifts to Amdaeng. "Yeah, evil." He shakes his head and looks back at the animal, "No we can't remove it. The best thing we can do for it now...is put it down. At least then it can be with it's pack." His tone is softer than usual as he speaks these words.
His eyes shift back to Amdaeng when she stutters her last sentence. Why would she say something like that?
"You're probably right Lev, if there are more wolves they'll just track us... or whatever's in that crate."
Zarbyn listens to Paevira's suggestion and then Vydar's assessment of the collars, "Whoever made those collars and/or used them on the wolves wanted to make sure they followed orders... or died trying."
Hearing Amdaeng's odd statement Zarbyn will casually approach her and ask, "You might of ended up like... this," Zarbyn waves a hand around dismissively, gesturing towards the sleeping wolf and the other dead ones, "Do you know where these collars come from or who is behind this?" Zarbyn will wait until Amdaeng is finished examining the sleeping wolf and then if nothing can be done add, "It would be a small mercy to spare this wolf any more suffering."
"Any volunteers?"
As Amdaeng looks over the wolf, she notes that it seems to be sleeping peacefully. Its face is calm and untroubled. In addition, lifting an eyelid, the color of the wolf's eye are a vibrant blue with black pupils. When it was attacking, its eyes had a reddish hue.
(You can decide what to do with the wolf and begin your morning arrangements)
In the morning:
The copper pot can make hot water for coffee or breakfast quickly. The chill of the air is crisp as the morning sun crests the mountain ridges. (Orange star is camp site. Wolf tracks come from the east trail toward camp. One large group went up the mountain (North), a second east on the main mountain pass.
Iólinder looked upon the wolf with pity. From what the others said, it was the collar around the wolves' neck that compelled them to attack beyond their free will. Wolves were pack hunters but even they would not engage a group of humans of equal number. Whoever forced them must be cruel indeed. His eyes hardened when it was mentioned the collars could not be removed except upon dead. So not just cruel but callous as well.
The wolf was suffering. There was only one thing to do, however unpleasant. Iólinder pulled out a knife and walked over to the wolf. He uttered a quick prayer with the hope and intent of making this quick. (1)
'You do not deserve to suffer.' He said in a soothing voice to the beast. He reached out with a hand and softly stroked its fur. (2)
'Now sleep. Sleep and dream of moonlit nights.' (3)
When the beast was still, Iólinder slipped the knife across the wolf's jugular. No death was every truly painless but at least it would be quick with minimal suffering. Blood began to drain into the soft soil. Iólinder's face was grim as he wiped the knife on a patch of gras. He took no joy in killing. 'It is done.' He merely said before retreating to his spot near the fire. The wolf attack had happened during his watch. He gazed into the fire. He knew he could not prepare for everything but attack wolves with mind-controlling magic collars was not something he signed up for. What else would befall them on their travels.
Iólinder kept gazing into the flames as the others went to rest. Soon his watch was over and he could hear light footsteps coming over to relieve him of his post. It was Vydar the dark elf's turn to while away the nightly hours but first Iólinder wanted to have a talk.
'Vydar,' He said without looking up from the campfire. 'A word if you'd please. About the dagger.'
Iólinder took a moment to ponder what to say next but the fatigue of the previous day, the wolves' attack and the mercy killing made him less inclined to fancy phrasings. 'What did you see?' He asked his dark elf companion rather curt.
(1) Casting Guidance on self
(2) Animal Handling check to calm the wolf: 16 + 1 = 17
(3) Casting Command with the command word "Sleep"
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
(When go back to sleep) Iólinder and Amdaeng
As you fall back asleep, you dream of wolves. You see five wolf pups playing in a mountain field, the sky is bright blue. The pups don't have a care in the world. (Wolf heaven) When you awake, you feel...at peace. (You have gained a feat, Boon of Almor)
Once Zarbyn asked about 'volunteers' Lev stood up and grabbed his glaive, prepared to do the dirty work if no one else wanted to. Turns out this was unnecessary, as Iolinder who was closer to the animal took initiative first. Lev pulls up short, once more resting the butt of his glaive upon the ground and standing in silence as the wolf bleeds out. He gives a small, barely noticeable nod. Iolinder has gained a new measure of respect from the black elf.
Letting out a long breath, Lev lowers his head for a moment before moving back to his resting place. He almost remarks on how everyone should probably pack up what they don't need for the night, but perhaps that is overkill. If they need to run, then they likely won't get the chance to grab their packs anyways. That of course doesn't mean he's going to unpack the bedroll he already rolled up.
He also realized that he hadn't volunteered for a watch. Oh well, he'll take the first one... or whichever one isn't wanted, tomorrow night.
Lev is likely the first to wake up. If this is the case, then he gets the hot water ready so the coffee will be done and hot when everyone else wakes up. They'll have to rely on their own rations for food.
In regards to the wolf tracks... well he isn't sure what to do. He'd rather just stick to their current route, if that means running into more wolves then they will take care of it. These ones weren't difficult to kill, but perhaps more might be a challenge. Either way, he doesn't see much benefit in following a trail that leads them off their current path. Especially when their enemy already has a head start. Sure, he'd like to know who captured and set those animals on them, but they need to keep their priorities straight.
The dark elf had been about to say, 'Alright, it's my shift,' but Iolinder addresses him first. He'd figured the guy would ask him about that now, and though he was hoping to postpone that a while longer....if not indefinitely, he does think now is the best time to talk on the matter. The less people who listen in on this conversation the better in his opinion. Sighing, he walks to the other side of the fire and plops down with his back to it. He doesn't need the light messing with his darkvision after all.
"I was forced to witness some kind of demonic ritual. At least that's what I'm assuming it was. There was a woman chained to an altar. I think she was some sort of priestess. Then a bunch of people wearing black hoods came in chanting a strange language and another priest gets up on a stage. That priest...stabbed the other priest in the chest with a black dagger...just like the one we found. The dagger...it..." He shivers, remembering the grotesque scene, but clenches his fists refusing to let the memory haunt him at this moment. "It made the woman rot away, it dissolved her heart...it was awful." Despite his resolve, he slumps down a little bit and puts a hand to his face. "After she finally died, there was a deep voice...laughing. Then a giant snake creature...demon...with four arms and clawed hands came and ate the woman's corpse. After eating her it...it looked strait at me. As if I was physically there, witnessing the whole thing."
He falls silent for a long moment, then tilts his head to look back at Iolinder. "I do remember it was missing a claw, and I'm certain that claw is what that dagger was made out of." He turns away, and crosses his arms, "Happy? That's everything I saw. As you remember I do want that thing back. It's what killed Natalie. I don't intend to let any of it's secrets go uncovered. Also, you said you'd tell me what the notes you deciphered said."
He sits there, with his back to Iolinder and the fire expecting the half-elf to complete his part of the deal. The dark elf had intended to make him tell him some things before spilling his whole story, but once he'd started talking, well the words just wouldn't stop coming.
Amdaeng did not answer those who queried her and she only watched in silence as Vydar did what she did not have the heart to do.
In the morning she picked up the wolfs collar, " Magic can be used to find who this belongs to, right?"
She looked around at the others.
" I will have words with them."
" North?"
(Occ the translated document is Natalie storms journal, with the info on each cache.)
(After a long rest, you discover the properties of two magic items: Pot of heating, Storms Hat,: they are on your character sheet or you can look them up under inventory, manage inventory
(OOC: assuming you head north)
It takes six hours to get to the top of the mountain. There are no real trails here, but the large group you have been following pushed down grasses and followed a primitive goat/dear trail up. The path goes in switchbacks, cutting right and left across the face of the mountain, instead of going straight up. The terrain is beautiful. Pine trees, slate stone. Some small creatures (pika and Marmot), hide or chirp at you in warning when they see you coming. Hawks and crows are seen from time to time. Mountain flowers and foliage that can only grow at this elevation is captivating. Cresting the mountain, you are rewarded with long stretching views of the mountains and valleys before you. You can likely see more than 50 miles. The peaks further north have snow on them as do parts of your peak. The valleys appear lush and green. Rivers run from the snow melt above. Looming in the distance is tallest peak of them all, you assume, the tall snow covered Stormy Peak.
Moving through the middle of two peaks (the saddle) you see two trails. One set of tracks heads down the other side, presumably to cache 1. A second set of tracks heads over the top of the mountain toward the second cache. (Red trails heading north you are at Yellow Star)
"We're going after the first cache right, it looks like the closest."
Zarbyn uses the compass whenever the maps are consulted to aid in keeping us on track.
"Was there anything in her journals or notes about what each artifact would be or what it might look like? It could help to know what we're after."