"If by process you mean how the sacrifices are chosen, it seems to me the process is to find new arrivals that the townsfolk don't really care about." The young white-haired woman says with a wry smile. "But I suppose this Alvin could have somehow avoided being sacrificed, which would certainly garner him no sympathy from his neigbours. Perhaps we could find out more."She adds with a nod.
"I will have a chat with the guard, try to at least find out some more." She says to the others after nodding in agreement with their thoughts, checking if the Chwinga wanted to tag along before going down the corridor. "Apologies for disturbing, I promise I'm not here to cause any trouble but can I ask if you by any chance have the resposnibility of guarding the deep gnome?" Ellora says to the guard in the corridor with a friendly and innocent smile. "Do you know him? Is he a local?"
Marva pays for everyone's room and gets an ale and a slightly edible meal for the outrageous price of 1gp. Pushing down the outrage of such highway robbery, you attempt to make small talk with the gloomy Owenn but make no progress. You sit down and learn how fast rumors move in Targos since table is soon visited by three large human males. The bravest is in the front and the other two are one step back on either side of him in obvious defensive posture, one with a sword and another with a large axe. The brave one says, You'se one of them murderers, aint ye. I'sa heard one of yoo'se outsiders killed an ole lady this afternoon. Why yoo'se here drinking our drink and etting our food? Times be too tough to share wit' the likes of yoo'se. He then deliberately knocks your mug of ale halfway across the room. The noise of the room drops as everyone turns to watch this developing situation.
Ellora accompanied by the chwinga in her hood walks down the hall to speak to the guard. The man has a baby face that has likely been lightly brushed by a razor only once to keep it clean. His arms and shoulders are wide and his chain shirt strains against a growing belly. He smiles broadly and says with obvious pride, Why, yes, ma'am, I am guarding the gnome. My name is Zan'Dar. Say, I couldn't help but overhear that you will search for Garret. He rescued me once when me cow got lost long ago back when I was young and we had real weather, you see, and he is a good person, so please succeed. You are mighty brave since it is dangerous out there. He was going to Kelvin's Cairn, which is a one or two day trip at the very least and not at all safe. But I am glad you will help him and the town. Gesturing to the gnome, No, he is not local, or at least no one I have talked to has seen him before. He hasn't woken up yet so no one has talked to him.
Upon saying those words, you both see the gnome's eyes flutter open and you both rush in. The gnome gestures for you two to stay as it starts to talk. She walks, the Frost Maiden walks. She will continue to do so until her and her true believers like me cover the world in ice and snow." He pauses to catch his raspy breath before continuing. "Auril herself told me in a dream to eliminate your group, although I do not know why she would care about such minor beings such as you. I may have failed her in this task but there are many others who will take my place. Ahh, she comes to take me now," he concludes with a smile. Before your eyes, ice grows from the tips of his toes and fingers towards his heart. After just a few seconds, the gnome is frozen solid and quite dead.
The rest of the group is currently in the room. Who has the lantern?
The young white-haired woman watches with a mix of dread and fascination as the deep gnome freezes to ice before her eyes. "You are a witness the deep gnome's confession now Zan'Dar. We will indeed set out to save your friend Garret tomorrow but it would be helpful to us if you explained to the Speaker that the gnome confessed to trying to kill us." Ellora says to the baby-faced guard with a pleading look. "I can understand that you might fear the frost maiden for what she has done to your dale, but we will find a way to end this long winter, I promise you Zan'Dar. You believe me don't you?" She says with another pleading look.
Marva glances around quickly to see if any of the rest of her party is nearby. Then she stands to her full six feet, puts her hands on the table, and snorts out some frigid air, a hint of her ancestral breath weapon. She responds firmly, “Your town has a quite admirable trait of defending your own. I am impressed. It serves you best when you have all the facts. I am glad you came to speak with me about it. The truth is that a deep gnome servant of Auril pretended to be an old lady and then attacked one of our party. She handily defended herself, rendering the gnome unconscious. I believe he is resting in a room down the hall. Regarding my food and drink, I paid your barkeep a considerable sum, money that adds to the prosperity of your fine town in these tough times. I am grateful for the food as it will sustain me as we go seek out your missing guide Garrett tomorrow. Have you any further questions?” (Persuasion: 11)
As she speaks, a shimmering field begins to form around her without any clear intention. She looks surprised at this development, but tries to keep her focus on the local bullies. (She instinctively casts Shield of Faith.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
...you both see the gnome's eyes flutter open and you both rush in. The gnome gestures for you two to stay as it starts to talk. She walks, the Frost Maiden walks. She will continue to do so until her and her true believers like me cover the world in ice and snow." He pauses to catch his raspy breath before continuing. "Auril herself told me in a dream to eliminate your group, although I do not know why she would care about such minor beings such as you. I may have failed her in this task but there are many others who will take my place. Ahh, she comes to take me now," he concludes with a smile. Before your eyes, ice grows from the tips of his toes and fingers towards his heart. After just a few seconds, the gnome is frozen solid and quite dead.
The rest of the group is currently in the room.
Ophelia is behind the others, walking the hall to the gnome's room as if in a dream. She stands at the threshold as her former assailant departs to meet his goddess. His dying words ripple through her palpably as her eyes un-focus and gaze tilts slightly upward. Her rambling whisper is barely audible.
"Where glows the northern light that came from Winter's Heart to bring forth the seeds of the dead to share with the worms of ice who gather in the darkness and surround the world with the zeal of their frost-bound lives while from the dim lit halls of other places, forms that never were nor could be, writhe for the impatience of the few who never saw what could have been through the black ice and the aurora shining at midnight coldly illuminates and above the glacial ruin shall reveal the fatal softness in the earth..."
Dvu is walking up behind Marva, having decided to accompany her to the main room. He stands directly behind her, raising up to his full height and crosses his arms, flexing his biceps as he does so. “Now, now, now. You fellows should know better than that. We weren’t even at the scene with this ACT OF SELF DEFENSE occurred. Do any of you know that deep gnome? Bloody well friends of the Svirfneblin are you? There was no old lady. There was a deep gnome assassin disguised as an ole lady, get yer facts straight. You ever heard of the Thuunlakalaga clan? We travel far and wide in these cold climes. But we have ways to keep warm..” Dvu casts produce flame and a glowing ball of flame appears in his palm. “C’mon now. Have a seat and a drink. Leave us alone, we aren’t bothering anyone here. Right Marva?” Dvu smiles at the men, motioning them to seats at the bar, patting Marva on the shoulder, letting her know that he has her back.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
His belly overcoming him, Drift has drifted downstairs behind Dvu while the others prevaricate on the group’s next steps, unaware of what is happening just beyond with Ellora and the gnome.
He comes to stand beside Dvu, and pushes a chair back so that it screeches along the floor.
“Boys. May I suggest, if you think you’ve come across a bunch of cold-blooded, vengeful murderers, you don’t antagonise them. Maybe you do your best to avoid them noticing you at all. But that ship has sailed.”
Drift places a little horn, something that looks like a musical horn, on the table. If possible, he’s stood that the three chaps are in as much of a straight line from his perspective as possible. Perpendicular to them. (And so that Marva and Dvu are not in that straight line). One hand rests softly on the horn, its end corroded and rusted, a slightly acrid, vinegary smell lingering close to it.
Ellora and Ophelia, Zan'Dar indeed gives a true and complete account to Speaker Naerth and the captain of the militia, Skaeth, however, they are not at all pleased by this unexpected turn of events and jump to some unfortunate conclusions. Skaeth half draws his sword while Naerth paces and talks to you two, So the gnome confessed to attacking your friend and then one of you two killed him off. He scowls in disappointment at Zan'Dar, presumably for him allowing this to happen on his watch. I do not know what backwater you are from but random people in Targos do not take justice into their own hands. It would have been better for all of us if you had let him live. As it is, we will need to hold the monthly lottery for the sacrifice to Auril on the new moon. I am most put out. His pacing halts and his head dips in concentration. But you killed him with some powerful magic that I am not familiar with, which means you and your co-conspirators are marked for something more than the lottery. So, your voluntary quest now becomes an assignment, a test of innocence, some would say. If you successfully rescue Garret, I will have learned that Auril considers you to be blameless in the death of her follower and will allow you freedom and acceptance in Targos to the extent my power as Speaker allows me. If you fail, well, then her judgement and execution will have taken place.
He thinks for a bit more then announces a decision. But I cannot set you free or keep you here after these repeated displays of violence. The towns folks would rightfully judge me mad. Skaeth, you are to take these two and their companions outside the town gate immediately. They have demonstrated beyond a doubt they are a threat here and must start their test as soon as possible. I am loath to risk anyone else in this town to their behavior or the Ice Maiden's wrath, even for one night. Skaeth sheathes his sword and salutes, saying, It shall be done. Skaeth gives a series of hand signals to Zan'Dar, who leaves at a run. Naerth says to Ellora and Ophelia, I sincerely encourage you and your companions to not resist or oppose this decision and instead to pursue it to its conclusion as swiftly as possible. The sooner it is done, the sooner we all will all put this unfortunate day behind us and rest in peace, he concludes enigmatically. It appears that Skaeth instructed Zan'Dar to bring 10 guards to the Speaker's room immediately, since that is how many show up to remove you. The ten escort you under Skaeth's penetrating gaze first to your room to gather Olfin and everyone's gear and then downstairs.
Marva, although your speech is passionate and accurate, it is no match for a tavern full of grumpy towns folks who prefer their version of the story. Although your snort and shimmer cause the original three bullies to take a step back, an additional handful standup and join the three already at your table; one of the newcomers casually flicks a dagger into the wooden mannequin in the corner. However, they all do a double take when Dvu and Drift make their presence felt. The odds are significantly worse when then when they were bullying one person. Besides, no one feels up for directly confronting the goliath who appears to be effortlessly holding a flame in his hand or learning what would happen if the human set off the horn placed deliberately and menacingly on the table.
As the three of you deal with the tavern crowd, 10 guards burst into the Luskan Arms and run up the stairs while another 10 guards enter the common room. The 10 guards muscle their way to your table and form a barrier between you and the fuming locals. Only when Ellora, Ophelia, and Olfin descend the stairs in the midst of the other ten guards with all of your gear do you get more information about what is happening. Skaeth yells at the guards in the common room to bring you all to the gate so you can be expelled from the town. The towns folk give a cheer at the news of your immediate banishment and betting hastily starts on how far you will make it before freezing. Consensus appears to be forming around one mile, although the more sober admit that the goliath should make it farther. Speaker Naerth appears at the foot of the stairs to report that he has ordered these measures to protect the good citizens of Targos, earning him more cheers. As any good politician should do, he has turned this spectacle into something that strengthens his power. All of the party hastily dons its winter clothes, packs, and weapons while they are hustled out. As you are being led out of the town, Zan'Dar surreptitiously slips a piece of paper to Ellora and whispers, Please find him. Although you are clearly being railroaded, you are being given at least some shot at success.
Skaeth escorts you to just outside the gate before saying, You have a long walk ahead whichever way you go. The left fork will take you to Termalaine while the right fork will take you to Bryn Shander and beyond. Nowhere is there warmth during the night. Return, if you can, once your task is complete. He then leaves you, with the slamming door and bolt marking the end of your time in Targos, at least for now.
Ellora and the group now have the opportunity to catch each other up on the afternoon's events and to learn that the paper you received is a map of Icewind Dale (See post 80 for a nice version of the map). You see that Kelvin's Cairn is at the northern exit of the Dwarven Valley. You can get there by following the road almost all of the way to Termalaine and then heading east northeast. This is about 12 miles, which would likely take around 24 hours in snowshoes. Or you can follow the road through Bryn Shander to Caer-Dineval to Caer Konig and then heading west northwest. This route is about twice as long and will take you around two days, not counting any distractions in those towns. But my does the wind blow as the temperatures fall in what promises to be a frigid and long night.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Realizing the Speaker had already made his mind up about things, Ellora does not waste any effort on trying to convince him of otherwise, seeing the only way forward being earning the trust of Targos by finding this popular Garret the guide for them. She is mildly annoyed though over not at least being allowed to spend the night in town before going Kelvin's Cairn. "Well, at least that guard was decent enough. He told me Garret and the group he was guiding went to something called Kelvin's Cairn." She says as she shows the others the map she was given after again lighting the lantern for some well needed light, then pointing at their destination on the map. "You local boys should take charge and decide how we go about this now. Should we make camp close to town or should we press on a bit?"She says, looking at Dvu and Drift. "I suppose we could return to Bryn Shander to deliver our new companion but this rescue missions seems more urgent to me."
Drift is oddly composed following this most recent interaction, but perhaps it is just that they are leaving Targos behind.
“There’s dangers being in the dark out here, and even with those guards at our back, doubt they’ll be a lick of a help if we’re troubled in the night. I suggest we go either to Bryn Shandar or Termalaine tonight, then setting onward from the former and backward from the latter, if we’re not expelled when we get there.”
Marva’s shimmer fades as they are unceremoniously dumped out of town. She complains, “First, he says we can’t leave and I shell out a gold piece for our room and food which I can’t enjoy because I am beset by local numbskulls.” She turns to Dvu and Drift, saying, “By the way, thanks for having my back!” She continues her rant, “Then he kicks us out now that it’s full dark. Why should we do anything the fine folks of Targos want?” She stomps around a bit in her snowshoes in frustration.
After a moment, she asks, “How much do these Ten Towns listen to each other? If we have a bad name here, will it affect us in other places? I’m still willing to go after Garret and the adventurers, but only to help them, not win any points with Targos. My only question is do we want to introduce our little friend to Ms. Graysteel first? Bryn Shander is a shorter journey, the folks there were much more welcoming, and we could collect our gold. I know that would delay any potential rescue, but after a night’s rest, we could head back toward Termalaine. That still seems like the shorter route. What do you all think?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
Ophelia follows her companions unquestioningly as if in a dream until they are past the Targos town gates, at which point she dutifully resumes her role as rear guard, using her darkvision to peer through the dim light for ambushes or pursuit from the behind. Out of habit, seemingly.
She offers no opinion on the choice of whether to return the Chwinga to Dannika in Bryn Shander immediately, or to bear the elemental spirit along on the rescue mission past Termalaine to Kelvin's Cairn. Occasionally, her soft singsong murmur is audible above the howling wind and snow.
"Ten Towns like ten fingers, each frozen alone Each living in fear of the Frostmaiden's wrath Yet sealing their fate by not striving together Not seeking in concert a clear common path To free them from Winter's implacable tether Til blizzard and ice strip their flesh from the bone"
You stand at a figurative crossroad. About 1/4 mile behind you and completely obscured by the blowing snow is Targos, the town that so rudely kicked you out into the cold night. About 3/4 miles ahead of you is the fork that will force you to chose Termalaine or Bryn Shander. As you stand still in the cold, Olfin makes his own decision. Announcing to the group, "I'm just going outside and may be some time," he leaves you and returns to Targos to throw himself on their mercy. You soon lose him in the swirling snow. (OOC - GM_Mustang bowed out due IRL.)
Ellora, you know a little about Kelvin's Cairn, basically that it is a small mountain that contains at least one cave system in it. You have heard rumors of any number of things that live in or near it, ranging from harmless Arctic hares to deadly yeti. Adventurers are periodically drawn to it for the adventure aspect of it, not for any particular treasure.
Marva, you know that the Ten-Towns cooperate but also compete with each other. Each town is known for different things. For example, Targos is a fishing town with a rough edge while Termalaine is known as being the most picturesque town with excellent gem art. You suspect there is little way for news from Targos to quickly get to Bryn Shander or Termalaine before you, so you are likely not to face any particular problems in either town. You know Bryn Shander has a wall and gate to control entry into the town but do not know how challenging it is to enter the town at night. Judging from the guards at Targos, you suspect that any gate guard will prioritize their personal warmth over customer service. You know that Termalaine does not have a wall or gate. You do not know how easy it is to find lodging at night in either town. It took you roughly two hours to walk from Bryn Shander to Targos although that took place during what passes for "daylight" these days and have heard it will take roughly four hours to go from Targos to Termalaine.
Ellora would share what little she knows about Kelvin's Cairn. "So, apart from braving the weather we should expect caves and monsters." She explains to the others, looking around at them to assess if they were up to that. She would have no opinion on where to go next, leaving that to the others, the local boys in particular. She is about to stop the stupendous dragonborn from returning to Targos but then simply shrugs, perhaps he was right, perhaps their chances would be better there than out here in the merciless cold.
If no one objects, Marva is ready to start heading toward Bryn Shander, hoping for a warm bed at the end of the two-hour slog through icy darkness. After all, they accepted this job from Ms. Graysteel first.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
So, the ladies take charge and direct the group towards Brynn Shander. Please clarify your marching order. Who has light source (torch, lantern, magic, etc.)?
Everyone, please roll a Survival check. Drift, please also roll a d100, just because....
Marva is up near the front, using her darkvision to look out for trouble. She would certainly let Dvu lead ahead of her if he is willing. (Survival: 10)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
"If by process you mean how the sacrifices are chosen, it seems to me the process is to find new arrivals that the townsfolk don't really care about." The young white-haired woman says with a wry smile. "But I suppose this Alvin could have somehow avoided being sacrificed, which would certainly garner him no sympathy from his neigbours. Perhaps we could find out more." She adds with a nod.
"I will have a chat with the guard, try to at least find out some more." She says to the others after nodding in agreement with their thoughts, checking if the Chwinga wanted to tag along before going down the corridor. "Apologies for disturbing, I promise I'm not here to cause any trouble but can I ask if you by any chance have the resposnibility of guarding the deep gnome?" Ellora says to the guard in the corridor with a friendly and innocent smile. "Do you know him? Is he a local?"
Persuasion: 8
Month: Hammer, Day: VII, Time: 1630
Marva pays for everyone's room and gets an ale and a slightly edible meal for the outrageous price of 1gp. Pushing down the outrage of such highway robbery, you attempt to make small talk with the gloomy Owenn but make no progress. You sit down and learn how fast rumors move in Targos since table is soon visited by three large human males. The bravest is in the front and the other two are one step back on either side of him in obvious defensive posture, one with a sword and another with a large axe. The brave one says, You'se one of them murderers, aint ye. I'sa heard one of yoo'se outsiders killed an ole lady this afternoon. Why yoo'se here drinking our drink and etting our food? Times be too tough to share wit' the likes of yoo'se. He then deliberately knocks your mug of ale halfway across the room. The noise of the room drops as everyone turns to watch this developing situation.
Ellora accompanied by the chwinga in her hood walks down the hall to speak to the guard. The man has a baby face that has likely been lightly brushed by a razor only once to keep it clean. His arms and shoulders are wide and his chain shirt strains against a growing belly. He smiles broadly and says with obvious pride, Why, yes, ma'am, I am guarding the gnome. My name is Zan'Dar. Say, I couldn't help but overhear that you will search for Garret. He rescued me once when me cow got lost long ago back when I was young and we had real weather, you see, and he is a good person, so please succeed. You are mighty brave since it is dangerous out there. He was going to Kelvin's Cairn, which is a one or two day trip at the very least and not at all safe. But I am glad you will help him and the town. Gesturing to the gnome, No, he is not local, or at least no one I have talked to has seen him before. He hasn't woken up yet so no one has talked to him.
Upon saying those words, you both see the gnome's eyes flutter open and you both rush in. The gnome gestures for you two to stay as it starts to talk. She walks, the Frost Maiden walks. She will continue to do so until her and her true believers like me cover the world in ice and snow." He pauses to catch his raspy breath before continuing. "Auril herself told me in a dream to eliminate your group, although I do not know why she would care about such minor beings such as you. I may have failed her in this task but there are many others who will take my place. Ahh, she comes to take me now," he concludes with a smile. Before your eyes, ice grows from the tips of his toes and fingers towards his heart. After just a few seconds, the gnome is frozen solid and quite dead.
The rest of the group is currently in the room. Who has the lantern?
The young white-haired woman watches with a mix of dread and fascination as the deep gnome freezes to ice before her eyes.
"You are a witness the deep gnome's confession now Zan'Dar. We will indeed set out to save your friend Garret tomorrow but it would be helpful to us if you explained to the Speaker that the gnome confessed to trying to kill us." Ellora says to the baby-faced guard with a pleading look. "I can understand that you might fear the frost maiden for what she has done to your dale, but we will find a way to end this long winter, I promise you Zan'Dar. You believe me don't you?" She says with another pleading look.
Marva glances around quickly to see if any of the rest of her party is nearby. Then she stands to her full six feet, puts her hands on the table, and snorts out some frigid air, a hint of her ancestral breath weapon. She responds firmly, “Your town has a quite admirable trait of defending your own. I am impressed. It serves you best when you have all the facts. I am glad you came to speak with me about it. The truth is that a deep gnome servant of Auril pretended to be an old lady and then attacked one of our party. She handily defended herself, rendering the gnome unconscious. I believe he is resting in a room down the hall. Regarding my food and drink, I paid your barkeep a considerable sum, money that adds to the prosperity of your fine town in these tough times. I am grateful for the food as it will sustain me as we go seek out your missing guide Garrett tomorrow. Have you any further questions?” (Persuasion: 11)
As she speaks, a shimmering field begins to form around her without any clear intention. She looks surprised at this development, but tries to keep her focus on the local bullies. (She instinctively casts Shield of Faith.)
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Ophelia is behind the others, walking the hall to the gnome's room as if in a dream. She stands at the threshold as her former assailant departs to meet his goddess. His dying words ripple through her palpably as her eyes un-focus and gaze tilts slightly upward. Her rambling whisper is barely audible.
"Where glows the northern light that came from Winter's Heart to bring forth the seeds of the dead to share with the worms of ice who gather in the darkness and surround the world with the zeal of their frost-bound lives while from the dim lit halls of other places, forms that never were nor could be, writhe for the impatience of the few who never saw what could have been through the black ice and the aurora shining at midnight coldly illuminates and above the glacial ruin shall reveal the fatal softness in the earth..."
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven
Dvu is walking up behind Marva, having decided to accompany her to the main room. He stands directly behind her, raising up to his full height and crosses his arms, flexing his biceps as he does so. “Now, now, now. You fellows should know better than that. We weren’t even at the scene with this ACT OF SELF DEFENSE occurred. Do any of you know that deep gnome? Bloody well friends of the Svirfneblin are you? There was no old lady. There was a deep gnome assassin disguised as an ole lady, get yer facts straight. You ever heard of the Thuunlakalaga clan? We travel far and wide in these cold climes. But we have ways to keep warm..” Dvu casts produce flame and a glowing ball of flame appears in his palm. “C’mon now. Have a seat and a drink. Leave us alone, we aren’t bothering anyone here. Right Marva?” Dvu smiles at the men, motioning them to seats at the bar, patting Marva on the shoulder, letting her know that he has her back.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
His belly overcoming him, Drift has drifted downstairs behind Dvu while the others prevaricate on the group’s next steps, unaware of what is happening just beyond with Ellora and the gnome.
He comes to stand beside Dvu, and pushes a chair back so that it screeches along the floor.
“Boys. May I suggest, if you think you’ve come across a bunch of cold-blooded, vengeful murderers, you don’t antagonise them. Maybe you do your best to avoid them noticing you at all. But that ship has sailed.”
Drift places a little horn, something that looks like a musical horn, on the table. If possible, he’s stood that the three chaps are in as much of a straight line from his perspective as possible. Perpendicular to them. (And so that Marva and Dvu are not in that straight line). One hand rests softly on the horn, its end corroded and rusted, a slightly acrid, vinegary smell lingering close to it.
Ellora and Ophelia, Zan'Dar indeed gives a true and complete account to Speaker Naerth and the captain of the militia, Skaeth, however, they are not at all pleased by this unexpected turn of events and jump to some unfortunate conclusions. Skaeth half draws his sword while Naerth paces and talks to you two, So the gnome confessed to attacking your friend and then one of you two killed him off. He scowls in disappointment at Zan'Dar, presumably for him allowing this to happen on his watch. I do not know what backwater you are from but random people in Targos do not take justice into their own hands. It would have been better for all of us if you had let him live. As it is, we will need to hold the monthly lottery for the sacrifice to Auril on the new moon. I am most put out. His pacing halts and his head dips in concentration. But you killed him with some powerful magic that I am not familiar with, which means you and your co-conspirators are marked for something more than the lottery. So, your voluntary quest now becomes an assignment, a test of innocence, some would say. If you successfully rescue Garret, I will have learned that Auril considers you to be blameless in the death of her follower and will allow you freedom and acceptance in Targos to the extent my power as Speaker allows me. If you fail, well, then her judgement and execution will have taken place.
He thinks for a bit more then announces a decision. But I cannot set you free or keep you here after these repeated displays of violence. The towns folks would rightfully judge me mad. Skaeth, you are to take these two and their companions outside the town gate immediately. They have demonstrated beyond a doubt they are a threat here and must start their test as soon as possible. I am loath to risk anyone else in this town to their behavior or the Ice Maiden's wrath, even for one night. Skaeth sheathes his sword and salutes, saying, It shall be done. Skaeth gives a series of hand signals to Zan'Dar, who leaves at a run. Naerth says to Ellora and Ophelia, I sincerely encourage you and your companions to not resist or oppose this decision and instead to pursue it to its conclusion as swiftly as possible. The sooner it is done, the sooner we all will all put this unfortunate day behind us and rest in peace, he concludes enigmatically. It appears that Skaeth instructed Zan'Dar to bring 10 guards to the Speaker's room immediately, since that is how many show up to remove you. The ten escort you under Skaeth's penetrating gaze first to your room to gather Olfin and everyone's gear and then downstairs.
Marva, although your speech is passionate and accurate, it is no match for a tavern full of grumpy towns folks who prefer their version of the story. Although your snort and shimmer cause the original three bullies to take a step back, an additional handful standup and join the three already at your table; one of the newcomers casually flicks a dagger into the wooden mannequin in the corner. However, they all do a double take when Dvu and Drift make their presence felt. The odds are significantly worse when then when they were bullying one person. Besides, no one feels up for directly confronting the goliath who appears to be effortlessly holding a flame in his hand or learning what would happen if the human set off the horn placed deliberately and menacingly on the table.
As the three of you deal with the tavern crowd, 10 guards burst into the Luskan Arms and run up the stairs while another 10 guards enter the common room. The 10 guards muscle their way to your table and form a barrier between you and the fuming locals. Only when Ellora, Ophelia, and Olfin descend the stairs in the midst of the other ten guards with all of your gear do you get more information about what is happening. Skaeth yells at the guards in the common room to bring you all to the gate so you can be expelled from the town. The towns folk give a cheer at the news of your immediate banishment and betting hastily starts on how far you will make it before freezing. Consensus appears to be forming around one mile, although the more sober admit that the goliath should make it farther. Speaker Naerth appears at the foot of the stairs to report that he has ordered these measures to protect the good citizens of Targos, earning him more cheers. As any good politician should do, he has turned this spectacle into something that strengthens his power. All of the party hastily dons its winter clothes, packs, and weapons while they are hustled out. As you are being led out of the town, Zan'Dar surreptitiously slips a piece of paper to Ellora and whispers, Please find him. Although you are clearly being railroaded, you are being given at least some shot at success.
Skaeth escorts you to just outside the gate before saying, You have a long walk ahead whichever way you go. The left fork will take you to Termalaine while the right fork will take you to Bryn Shander and beyond. Nowhere is there warmth during the night. Return, if you can, once your task is complete. He then leaves you, with the slamming door and bolt marking the end of your time in Targos, at least for now.
Ellora and the group now have the opportunity to catch each other up on the afternoon's events and to learn that the paper you received is a map of Icewind Dale (See post 80 for a nice version of the map). You see that Kelvin's Cairn is at the northern exit of the Dwarven Valley. You can get there by following the road almost all of the way to Termalaine and then heading east northeast. This is about 12 miles, which would likely take around 24 hours in snowshoes. Or you can follow the road through Bryn Shander to Caer-Dineval to Caer Konig and then heading west northwest. This route is about twice as long and will take you around two days, not counting any distractions in those towns. But my does the wind blow as the temperatures fall in what promises to be a frigid and long night.
Month: Hammer, Day: VII, Time: 1700
Realizing the Speaker had already made his mind up about things, Ellora does not waste any effort on trying to convince him of otherwise, seeing the only way forward being earning the trust of Targos by finding this popular Garret the guide for them. She is mildly annoyed though over not at least being allowed to spend the night in town before going Kelvin's Cairn.
"Well, at least that guard was decent enough. He told me Garret and the group he was guiding went to something called Kelvin's Cairn." She says as she shows the others the map she was given after again lighting the lantern for some well needed light, then pointing at their destination on the map. "You local boys should take charge and decide how we go about this now. Should we make camp close to town or should we press on a bit?" She says, looking at Dvu and Drift. "I suppose we could return to Bryn Shander to deliver our new companion but this rescue missions seems more urgent to me."
(History regarding Klevin's Cairn: 11 )
Drift is oddly composed following this most recent interaction, but perhaps it is just that they are leaving Targos behind.
“There’s dangers being in the dark out here, and even with those guards at our back, doubt they’ll be a lick of a help if we’re troubled in the night. I suggest we go either to Bryn Shandar or Termalaine tonight, then setting onward from the former and backward from the latter, if we’re not expelled when we get there.”
Marva’s shimmer fades as they are unceremoniously dumped out of town. She complains, “First, he says we can’t leave and I shell out a gold piece for our room and food which I can’t enjoy because I am beset by local numbskulls.” She turns to Dvu and Drift, saying, “By the way, thanks for having my back!” She continues her rant, “Then he kicks us out now that it’s full dark. Why should we do anything the fine folks of Targos want?” She stomps around a bit in her snowshoes in frustration.
After a moment, she asks, “How much do these Ten Towns listen to each other? If we have a bad name here, will it affect us in other places? I’m still willing to go after Garret and the adventurers, but only to help them, not win any points with Targos. My only question is do we want to introduce our little friend to Ms. Graysteel first? Bryn Shander is a shorter journey, the folks there were much more welcoming, and we could collect our gold. I know that would delay any potential rescue, but after a night’s rest, we could head back toward Termalaine. That still seems like the shorter route. What do you all think?”
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Ophelia follows her companions unquestioningly as if in a dream until they are past the Targos town gates, at which point she dutifully resumes her role as rear guard, using her darkvision to peer through the dim light for ambushes or pursuit from the behind. Out of habit, seemingly.
She offers no opinion on the choice of whether to return the Chwinga to Dannika in Bryn Shander immediately, or to bear the elemental spirit along on the rescue mission past Termalaine to Kelvin's Cairn. Occasionally, her soft singsong murmur is audible above the howling wind and snow.
"Ten Towns like ten fingers, each frozen alone
Each living in fear of the Frostmaiden's wrath
Yet sealing their fate by not striving together
Not seeking in concert a clear common path
To free them from Winter's implacable tether
Til blizzard and ice strip their flesh from the bone"
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven
You stand at a figurative crossroad. About 1/4 mile behind you and completely obscured by the blowing snow is Targos, the town that so rudely kicked you out into the cold night. About 3/4 miles ahead of you is the fork that will force you to chose Termalaine or Bryn Shander. As you stand still in the cold, Olfin makes his own decision. Announcing to the group, "I'm just going outside and may be some time," he leaves you and returns to Targos to throw himself on their mercy. You soon lose him in the swirling snow. (OOC - GM_Mustang bowed out due IRL.)
Ellora, you know a little about Kelvin's Cairn, basically that it is a small mountain that contains at least one cave system in it. You have heard rumors of any number of things that live in or near it, ranging from harmless Arctic hares to deadly yeti. Adventurers are periodically drawn to it for the adventure aspect of it, not for any particular treasure.
Marva, you know that the Ten-Towns cooperate but also compete with each other. Each town is known for different things. For example, Targos is a fishing town with a rough edge while Termalaine is known as being the most picturesque town with excellent gem art. You suspect there is little way for news from Targos to quickly get to Bryn Shander or Termalaine before you, so you are likely not to face any particular problems in either town. You know Bryn Shander has a wall and gate to control entry into the town but do not know how challenging it is to enter the town at night. Judging from the guards at Targos, you suspect that any gate guard will prioritize their personal warmth over customer service. You know that Termalaine does not have a wall or gate. You do not know how easy it is to find lodging at night in either town. It took you roughly two hours to walk from Bryn Shander to Targos although that took place during what passes for "daylight" these days and have heard it will take roughly four hours to go from Targos to Termalaine.
Ellora would share what little she knows about Kelvin's Cairn. "So, apart from braving the weather we should expect caves and monsters." She explains to the others, looking around at them to assess if they were up to that. She would have no opinion on where to go next, leaving that to the others, the local boys in particular. She is about to stop the stupendous dragonborn from returning to Targos but then simply shrugs, perhaps he was right, perhaps their chances would be better there than out here in the merciless cold.
If no one objects, Marva is ready to start heading toward Bryn Shander, hoping for a warm bed at the end of the two-hour slog through icy darkness. After all, they accepted this job from Ms. Graysteel first.
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
So, the ladies take charge and direct the group towards Brynn Shander. Please clarify your marching order. Who has light source (torch, lantern, magic, etc.)?
Everyone, please roll a Survival check.
Drift, please also roll a d100, just because....
Marva is up near the front, using her darkvision to look out for trouble. She would certainly let Dvu lead ahead of her if he is willing. (Survival: 10)
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Survival: 5
Drift d100: 58
(Sorry, Drift would want to be second or third.)
Ellora would prudently stay in the middle of the group, but fairly close to Dvu, holding the lit magical lantern.
Survival: 12