Marva is ready to go! She cast Prestidigitation on her baked potatoes, but as soon as she notices that it doesn't work, she is going to start looking for some nice palm-sized stones to use instead. She's happy with the same marching order they have used, following along behind Dvu. If no one else mentions it, she will remind them all to use the rope to hold onto to not get separated in the morning gloom.
The young white-haired woman listens quite attentively as the half-elven scolar mentions the mysterious Chardalyn. While there certainly was reason for caution, the warnings would not discourage her from trying to at least learn more about these dark-coloured crystals. The road to true greatness would always be paved with danger and difficult decisions.
Ellora too would ready herself to set out, although she would await the half-elven scholar's response to Drift's pertinent question about the Chwinga. She felt a tinge of worry now for the little frizzle-haired one, and if any harm had come to it she would find someone to be held accountable.
When they do set out, Drift will produce the little arm sized tangle of knots gears and blades and unfold it to shows the shape of a little ornithopter, with clear Calimshan influences. He will spend a minute winding the Flying Wonder then let it fly into the sky, hovering 15 feet above him.
"Three hundred and thirty? Three hundred and thirty gold for a slab of wood and a pack of hounds?! ... Do these dogs also belly-dance and recite quatrains in ancient Alzhedo? Pfft... erudite sage, these merchants seek to take advantage of us, I think." Zuleikha exclaims, shaking her head disapprovingly as she learns of the the risible levels of inflation affecting Icewind Dale. When the conversation turns to 'axe-beaks', Zuleikha's eyes widen even further, baffled by the notion of flightless bird as a draft animal. "So... some kind of bellicose peacock cross-bred with a donkey? What wonders abound... It will take Zuleikha el-Tarrashi some time to adjust to these peculiar lands."
By the time that Zuleikha is marring the finery of her robes by putting on her snowshoes, the foreigner is well and truly mystified. She takes the potatoes with a deep bow, as if the recipient of an important gift. "My deepest gratitude, Marva. May your generosity be sung of from Bryn Shander to Kara-Tur." She looks uncertainly at the silver dragonborn, yet kisses the spuds with solemn reverence and stuffs them into the long sleeves of her fur-lined dress.
To Ophelia, the Calishite nods approvingly when she pulls out pen and paper. "If you view yourself only as a conduit for prophecy, then know that no river flows unchanged by its banks. Even if you are blessed by something greater, the world yet deserves to know your name."
To Dvu, the paladin nods and turns out her collar, exposing the wolf furs heaped beneath her fabulous zardozi ornamented apparel. "The caravan that I voyaged with told me of the darkness and ice that has befallen these lands, and I have purchased what I can. Snowshoes, crampons, a tent, oil, rations... Need I anything more? I will trust in your wisdom, my assiduous pathfinder."
When Dannika reveals what she knows of the substance called chardalyn, Zuleikha furrows her brow in silent thought, glancing around at her peers to gauge their reactions.
The moment they depart the Northlook Inn, the desert woman finds her teeth chattering almost at once. "Why do people live in such a place, when the world is so vast?" She murmurs as she casts her eyes up at the heavens. Her mood brightens when she sees the ornithopter-like gizmo that Drift casts into the air. "Haha! Now this contraption, this reminds me of home! In Calimport, there are many such sky-engines - the work of the gnomes of Lantan, they say, though I have little aptitude for such things."
You depart the Northlook Inn and head towards the East Gate. It is still dark with the promise of another cold and windy day. Unfortunately, your future lies outside of the wall and houses, which will make the cold and wind that much worse. You only go a few blocks in town before you are hailed by a strong-voiced woman.
Hey there, big, strong and handsome. I knew ye would find me, ye sly dog ye. It is Gila, the Targos fishmonger (post #90), who ignores the rest of the group. I made it here with some trouble and was able to sell me trout but could use the company to keep me warm and entertained. Her voice has turned to a deep purr as she looks Dvu up and down. Her arm has even found its way around Dvu's waist. Some goliath must have worked its way into her family tree generations ago since Gila is not a small person, so the pairing is not as odd as it could be. She looks disappointed to learn of your impending departure but remains upbeat. Well, go ye along and remember that I be waiting for ye when you return, she concludes with a smile.
You extract yourself from Gila and exit the town gates and grab the rope in your preferred walking order, with Dvu in the lead, followed by Marva, Ellora, and Drift with the Flying Wonder above him, and Ophelia bringing up the rear. After wandering front to back, Zuleihka finds her place in line (OOC: Which is where? Also, does Oculus the Owl return? Anyone holding a lantern or torch?)
Your breath freezes in your lungs and is visible in the air, where it immediately is dispersed by the howling wind. Sometimes, you believe the howls are more than the wind but originate from wolves or other monsters, but you do not see anything threatening. The road is roughly two wagons wide, although it is completely covered with snow and ice so it is hard to tell. Every now and then, it appears to narrow to one wagon-width; you presume this is where there is a small bridge over a frozen creek. After four hours of slow snowshoeing, you make it to the crossroads. North takes you to Cair Dineval, east to Eastgate, and south to Good Mead. You have seen no one on the road and nothing off of it other than white. (OOC, Do you stop for lunch or a short break?)
NycrolB and Twombly, each please roll a d20, no bonuses. Dvu, please do a Survival check.
Drift has the flying wonder holding his covered lantern. With its own blindsight, it is able to track the party well and if someone were to leave the rope line, as Drift did before, it would dash after them and lead them back. Though its construction is rudimentary, and its form not nearly hardy enough, Drift has made it in hope of avoiding the turbulence and turn-around-ableness of the blizzards they fight through.
At lunchtime, Drift eats his jacket potato, avoiding Marva’s eyes if he can.
To Ophelia, the Calishite nods approvingly when she pulls out pen and paper. "If you view yourself only as a conduit for prophecy, then know that no river flows unchanged by its banks. Even if you are blessed by something greater, the world yet deserves to know your name."
"Bl-blessed?" Ophelia stammers, her face pale, looking as if she is on the verge of saying more, but then subsiding. Her lavender eyes softly un-focus.
She does smile curiously at Drift's flying device and gladly accepts the warm potato. When Gila propositions Dvu on the way out of Bryn Shander, Ophelia gently nudges the goliath in the fisherwoman's direction, which has about as much effect as an ant nudging a boulder, mumurring,
"Lover, lover let's pretend, We are born as innocents, Cast into the cold with apple eyes..."
Once out the gate, Ophelia holds the far end of the rope and retakes her position at the back, without light but watching the party's rear with her darkvision.
It is at the crossroads that she speaks a word in Elvish and a gentle lavender sheen surrounds her body protectively, mirroring her eyes (Mage Armor).
Marva is enchanted by Drift’s Flying Wonder, watching it with a smile for a while as they start down the road. She is relying on her darkvision rather than any light source. After an hour in the icy wind, she loses some of her enthusiasm and focuses more on putting one snowshoe in front of the other. She’s given up on finding any stones in all this snow and ice and realizes that any heat would quickly dissipate anyway.
She’s thinking of the strange dark crystals that Dannika described, hoping they don’t run across any unstable nomads. Although she wonders if the scholar might be misjudging the Reghed out of ignorance of their ways. The people of Targos were certainly quick to judge outsiders. She tries to remember if she has read anything in the past about the Reghed or chardalyn. (History: 11)
When one particularly fierce blast howls through, she remembers that there are dangers about, regardless of nomads or strange crystals, and she tries to do a better job of keeping a look out for trouble. (Perception: 10)
At the crossroads, she says, “Part of me would love to take a break for lunch, but sitting in the freezing wind doesn’t seem much better than walking in it. I’d rather keep moving if every step brings us closer to some kind of shelter. Maybe we could eat our potatoes as we walk. They’ve certainly lost all use as handwarmers.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
Dvu smiles at Zuleikha, saying “No I think that will do just fine. Agree with ya on the prices, but maybe we can have a couple of good dog teams one day.” As they head out the east gate, Dvu sees Gila and smiles, “here we go…”. “Oh, you are too kind dear. Keep those home fires burning, we have more traveling to do. Catch you on the flip side..”. He gives her a smile and they head off. “Everyone, hold onto the rope, keep together now, like before.”
At the crossroads, Dvu nods in the wind toward Marva, saying “I think we oughta press on to Cair Dineval, if that’s okay with everyone.”
Straight D20 : 7
Dvu Survival check : (Nat 1) : 8
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ellora isn't too keen on being tied up but will comply and take her usual marching position. She would carry the lit magical lantern that would guide her through the freezing darkness and warn her of elemental threats. Before setting out she would call upon and send up her tiny snow owl familiar Oculus to scout ahead and warn her of approaching threats. She would also cast a protective spell, and for what it was worth in the freezing cold, use her magic to warm herself somewhat at least. She would leave it to Drift and Dvu to decide whicjh way to go and when and where to stop for breaks, simply nodding to the goliath's suggestion about pressing on.
(Cast Mage Armour and Prestidigitation)
History regarding Chardalyn: 21 Oculus perception: 21
Given her willingness to fight on the frontlines, Zuleikha falls in behind Dvu if Marva permits the intrusion in front of her. The Calishite mirrors Ellora, lighting a beautiful hooded lamp with a multifoil arch through which burning oil casts honeyed light. She ties the lantern to her hip and seems in good spirits when they set out, enjoying the rhythmic crunch-crunch of snowshoes and the easy chatter of good company.
The bitter cold soon begins to gnaw at her nose and lips, along with her ebullient demeanour. Nevertheless, she wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and chuckles when Gila and Dvu enjoy a moment of flirtation. "Even the famed howling winds of Icewind Dale cannot quench the fires of lovers, it would seem." She remarks to Ophelia and Drift, titillated by the passion even in this icy climate.
As they leave civilisation behind for the road, the paladin periodically summons into being a swarm of blades forged of air and frost that orbit around her as protection against unexpected attack from crag cats or worse. "Under kinder circumstances, the sages consider it best to stop and savour the blessings of one's daily provision, but since my nose is intent on becoming an icicle and my potatoes are turning to mush, I think it is wiser to turn hand-warmers into belly-warmers and keep moving onward." Still acclimating to the new environment and the mission they pursue, Zuleikha is content to follow the lead of others when it comes to actually selecting a destination.
"Has this demonic substance, this chardalyn, always been a problem in these parts? Or is it connected to the foul weather of late?" She wonders aloud, as her eyes scour the lit way ahead for danger.
Glimpsing Zuleikha summon her protective blades, Ophelia grins beatifically, delighted to have found more common ground with the outlander. She too gestures, though in her case, the spoken word is in Elvish and the protective layer appears as a faint lavender aura around her.
(Also continually casting and concentrating on the Blade Ward cantrip on herself every minute to supplement her Mage Armor.)
Otherwise, she remains subdued and watchful of the party's rear.
You take the left path to go to Caer Dineval and notice the road is less trod upon then the road to the main town, Bryn Shander. It is still relatively easy to follow, just not as wide and deep as the road you just left.
Dvu, you remember a conversation you had with Zan'Dar, the Targos guard, last night. He said he approves of your method of having everyone hold onto a rope while walking in the dark. He said the guards use torches and lanterns when walking in a small group to keep people from getting lost, "After all, light is good for being seen as well as to see." You are pleased to see the two lanterns bobbing along behind you, although you may also be concerned that non-party members could see the lights.
Marva, you review in your head what you know about the Reghed, namely that they are the human nomad tribes of Icewind Dale, proud and strong, bound to ancient traditions that have kept them alive through countless harsh winters. There are four tribes - the Elk, the Tiger, the Wolf, the Bear - and each has their own leader and tolerance for outsiders. The Reghed wear heavy furs as well as gloves, boots, and masks made of animal hide, to protect themselves from the bitter cold. The Reghed follow the herds and generally avoid Ten-Towns.
Ellora and Zuleikha compare notes on chardalyn. You have heard of chardalyn, which is sometimes called Crystal Shards, that is simply a particular type of rock that is easily workable into various forms and capable of storing magic. Ancient civilizations have used the mineral without obvious problems. But you have also heard of the chardalyn that Dannika described, the variety that is connected to demonic magic and causes significant problems.
After one hour of heading north, what passes for daylight in Icewind Dale disappears faster than normal. The only lights are the lanterns Ellora and Zuleikha are carrying and the stars above. Before long, the stars are blocked by thick clouds, the wind from the north picks up and the snow starts falling - a blizzard! (OOC - this means half-speed for as long as the blizzard rages.)
Drift and Ellora, do you recall your flying friends? Does anyone take any other actions?
Drift recalls his flying wonder and his lantern as the wind picks up and pulls his hood tight to his face, and his goggles down over his eyes. The flying wonder retracts its wings but its antennae twitch and its faceted eyes spin, its 60feet blindsight remaining active.
As the snow begins to drive down heavily, Marva holds tight to the rope. She yells back to Ellora, “Are the others still back there? Drift and Ophelia? We don’t want to lose anyone!”
As they fight their way through the blinding snow, she keeps thinking she sees shapes in the storm, almost like a large figure beckoning. The next moment there’s nothing. After a while, she hollers up to Dvu, “Dvu! Can you still see the path? Should we stop and make or find a shelter before we’ve used up all our energy?” (Survival: natural 1*)
(OOC: I was hoping to make things better, but I sure did not!)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
As if in answer to Marva's worried query about whether she is still back there, Ophelia, still holding the rope, is alert enough to check on Drift just ahead of her, and her sing song voice calls out from the back of the procession, briefly cutting through the blizzard.
"The snow bewitches, drifts and leaps, Yet we still have our word to keep, Through mountain fast and glacier deep, And miles to go before we sleep, And miles to go before we sleep."
The white-haired young woman would indeed let her trusty snow owl familiar return to it's comfortable demi-plane nest to rest and recover. She would let others decide if they should keep pressing on or find shelter during the blizzard to not get lost, or worse, but she tries to make sure the rope is intact behind her and that no one strays. "Yes, all okay back here, and Ophelia is still with us too as you can hear for yourself." She calls back through the blizzard to the scholarly dragonborn in front of her.
Dvu casts produce flame and holds it in front as a guide, his other hand holding tightly to the knotted rope trying to keep them all together. He starts to look for any area that would make for a shelter, an overturned tree, a hill where there is a break from the snow on one side, any temporary spot for creation of a shelter in case matters get worse. He looks off to either side of the road as they are walking for such an opportunity to take shelter. He calls back to Marva, saying “I can see the path, but I’m looking for a spot to take shelter. If this snow keeps going, we’ll need to take a break and wait it out.”
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Zuleikha's smile widens when she recognises the alternate form of the cantrip that Ophelia conjures into existence. The woman was clearly touched by something greater, but that made her no less endearing. Back in Birun Bir, where genies and genasis were plenteous, she had come across her fair share of soothsayers and star-readers, whose mode of experiencing the world was different to her own, yet no less valid for it. She placed faith in her scimitar and sword, in the oath she had sworn before the noble genie Farnesslee. Yet the winds blew from many quarters - and who was she to decree which current held the breath of truth in a place such as this?
As the weather worsens and becomes a full blizzard, Zuleikha draws the veils that lie over her bosom across her face, in imitation of Bedine desert custom. Her cinnamon hued complexion pales beneath the onslaught, the relentless snowfall leaving her lashes weighted by the frost. "Zuleikha el-Tarrashi, daughter of the sands, what are you doing in a place such as this? This was not meant for you." She breathes heavily, mist forming in the light of her ornamented lantern.
"The demon goddess, Auril, is fulsome in her anger this day. If this may be called day at all? Ay... I miss the sun." She laments, trying to aid in the effort to find some shelter, scanning the environment for a rock face to curl up behind, or even a rare copse in the tundra.
Dvu, You succeed in finding a good location to shelter in place after just a few minutes - a copse of trees just off the road to the east has created at least some more of a snowbank and wind break than elsewhere. With no sign of the blizzard abating, you head for it.
Marva eyes and Drift's Flying Wonder are the first of your group to see the odd shapes in the trees. They appear to be imps throwing ice at each other and laughing when one gets hit. However, as you get close enough, 40' away, you recognize them and they stop playing their game long enough to see you - there are 6 ice mephits. Marva and Drift inform the others of this threat since the goliath and the humans in the front of the party cannot see that far in the dark and blowing snow. Even those of you new to the region know that mephits are mean-spirited tricksters that are generally up to no good on this plane of existence.
Roll for initiative.
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Marva is ready to go! She cast Prestidigitation on her baked potatoes, but as soon as she notices that it doesn't work, she is going to start looking for some nice palm-sized stones to use instead. She's happy with the same marching order they have used, following along behind Dvu. If no one else mentions it, she will remind them all to use the rope to hold onto to not get separated in the morning gloom.
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
The young white-haired woman listens quite attentively as the half-elven scolar mentions the mysterious Chardalyn. While there certainly was reason for caution, the warnings would not discourage her from trying to at least learn more about these dark-coloured crystals. The road to true greatness would always be paved with danger and difficult decisions.
Ellora too would ready herself to set out, although she would await the half-elven scholar's response to Drift's pertinent question about the Chwinga. She felt a tinge of worry now for the little frizzle-haired one, and if any harm had come to it she would find someone to be held accountable.
When they do set out, Drift will produce the little arm sized tangle of knots gears and blades and unfold it to shows the shape of a little ornithopter, with clear Calimshan influences. He will spend a minute winding the Flying Wonder then let it fly into the sky, hovering 15 feet above him.
"Three hundred and thirty? Three hundred and thirty gold for a slab of wood and a pack of hounds?! ... Do these dogs also belly-dance and recite quatrains in ancient Alzhedo? Pfft... erudite sage, these merchants seek to take advantage of us, I think." Zuleikha exclaims, shaking her head disapprovingly as she learns of the the risible levels of inflation affecting Icewind Dale. When the conversation turns to 'axe-beaks', Zuleikha's eyes widen even further, baffled by the notion of flightless bird as a draft animal. "So... some kind of bellicose peacock cross-bred with a donkey? What wonders abound... It will take Zuleikha el-Tarrashi some time to adjust to these peculiar lands."
By the time that Zuleikha is marring the finery of her robes by putting on her snowshoes, the foreigner is well and truly mystified. She takes the potatoes with a deep bow, as if the recipient of an important gift. "My deepest gratitude, Marva. May your generosity be sung of from Bryn Shander to Kara-Tur." She looks uncertainly at the silver dragonborn, yet kisses the spuds with solemn reverence and stuffs them into the long sleeves of her fur-lined dress.
To Ophelia, the Calishite nods approvingly when she pulls out pen and paper. "If you view yourself only as a conduit for prophecy, then know that no river flows unchanged by its banks. Even if you are blessed by something greater, the world yet deserves to know your name."
To Dvu, the paladin nods and turns out her collar, exposing the wolf furs heaped beneath her fabulous zardozi ornamented apparel. "The caravan that I voyaged with told me of the darkness and ice that has befallen these lands, and I have purchased what I can. Snowshoes, crampons, a tent, oil, rations... Need I anything more? I will trust in your wisdom, my assiduous pathfinder."
When Dannika reveals what she knows of the substance called chardalyn, Zuleikha furrows her brow in silent thought, glancing around at her peers to gauge their reactions.
The moment they depart the Northlook Inn, the desert woman finds her teeth chattering almost at once. "Why do people live in such a place, when the world is so vast?" She murmurs as she casts her eyes up at the heavens. Her mood brightens when she sees the ornithopter-like gizmo that Drift casts into the air. "Haha! Now this contraption, this reminds me of home! In Calimport, there are many such sky-engines - the work of the gnomes of Lantan, they say, though I have little aptitude for such things."
Month: Hammer, Day: VIII, Time: 0900
You depart the Northlook Inn and head towards the East Gate. It is still dark with the promise of another cold and windy day. Unfortunately, your future lies outside of the wall and houses, which will make the cold and wind that much worse. You only go a few blocks in town before you are hailed by a strong-voiced woman.
Hey there, big, strong and handsome. I knew ye would find me, ye sly dog ye. It is Gila, the Targos fishmonger (post #90), who ignores the rest of the group. I made it here with some trouble and was able to sell me trout but could use the company to keep me warm and entertained. Her voice has turned to a deep purr as she looks Dvu up and down. Her arm has even found its way around Dvu's waist. Some goliath must have worked its way into her family tree generations ago since Gila is not a small person, so the pairing is not as odd as it could be. She looks disappointed to learn of your impending departure but remains upbeat. Well, go ye along and remember that I be waiting for ye when you return, she concludes with a smile.
You extract yourself from Gila and exit the town gates and grab the rope in your preferred walking order, with Dvu in the lead, followed by Marva, Ellora, and Drift with the Flying Wonder above him, and Ophelia bringing up the rear. After wandering front to back, Zuleihka finds her place in line (OOC: Which is where? Also, does Oculus the Owl return? Anyone holding a lantern or torch?)
Your breath freezes in your lungs and is visible in the air, where it immediately is dispersed by the howling wind. Sometimes, you believe the howls are more than the wind but originate from wolves or other monsters, but you do not see anything threatening. The road is roughly two wagons wide, although it is completely covered with snow and ice so it is hard to tell. Every now and then, it appears to narrow to one wagon-width; you presume this is where there is a small bridge over a frozen creek. After four hours of slow snowshoeing, you make it to the crossroads. North takes you to Cair Dineval, east to Eastgate, and south to Good Mead. You have seen no one on the road and nothing off of it other than white. (OOC, Do you stop for lunch or a short break?)
NycrolB and Twombly, each please roll a d20, no bonuses. Dvu, please do a Survival check.
Drift: 9
Drift has the flying wonder holding his covered lantern. With its own blindsight, it is able to track the party well and if someone were to leave the rope line, as Drift did before, it would dash after them and lead them back. Though its construction is rudimentary, and its form not nearly hardy enough, Drift has made it in hope of avoiding the turbulence and turn-around-ableness of the blizzards they fight through.
At lunchtime, Drift eats his jacket potato, avoiding Marva’s eyes if he can.
"Bl-blessed?" Ophelia stammers, her face pale, looking as if she is on the verge of saying more, but then subsiding. Her lavender eyes softly un-focus.
She does smile curiously at Drift's flying device and gladly accepts the warm potato. When Gila propositions Dvu on the way out of Bryn Shander, Ophelia gently nudges the goliath in the fisherwoman's direction, which has about as much effect as an ant nudging a boulder, mumurring,
"Lover, lover let's pretend,
We are born as innocents,
Cast into the cold with apple eyes..."
Once out the gate, Ophelia holds the far end of the rope and retakes her position at the back, without light but watching the party's rear with her darkvision.
It is at the crossroads that she speaks a word in Elvish and a gentle lavender sheen surrounds her body protectively, mirroring her eyes (Mage Armor).
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
Marva is enchanted by Drift’s Flying Wonder, watching it with a smile for a while as they start down the road. She is relying on her darkvision rather than any light source. After an hour in the icy wind, she loses some of her enthusiasm and focuses more on putting one snowshoe in front of the other. She’s given up on finding any stones in all this snow and ice and realizes that any heat would quickly dissipate anyway.
She’s thinking of the strange dark crystals that Dannika described, hoping they don’t run across any unstable nomads. Although she wonders if the scholar might be misjudging the Reghed out of ignorance of their ways. The people of Targos were certainly quick to judge outsiders. She tries to remember if she has read anything in the past about the Reghed or chardalyn. (History: 11)
When one particularly fierce blast howls through, she remembers that there are dangers about, regardless of nomads or strange crystals, and she tries to do a better job of keeping a look out for trouble. (Perception: 10)
At the crossroads, she says, “Part of me would love to take a break for lunch, but sitting in the freezing wind doesn’t seem much better than walking in it. I’d rather keep moving if every step brings us closer to some kind of shelter. Maybe we could eat our potatoes as we walk. They’ve certainly lost all use as handwarmers.”
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Dvu smiles at Zuleikha, saying “No I think that will do just fine. Agree with ya on the prices, but maybe we can have a couple of good dog teams one day.” As they head out the east gate, Dvu sees Gila and smiles, “here we go…”. “Oh, you are too kind dear. Keep those home fires burning, we have more traveling to do. Catch you on the flip side..”. He gives her a smile and they head off. “Everyone, hold onto the rope, keep together now, like before.”
At the crossroads, Dvu nods in the wind toward Marva, saying “I think we oughta press on to Cair Dineval, if that’s okay with everyone.”
Straight D20 : 7
Dvu Survival check : (Nat 1) : 8
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ellora isn't too keen on being tied up but will comply and take her usual marching position. She would carry the lit magical lantern that would guide her through the freezing darkness and warn her of elemental threats. Before setting out she would call upon and send up her tiny snow owl familiar Oculus to scout ahead and warn her of approaching threats. She would also cast a protective spell, and for what it was worth in the freezing cold, use her magic to warm herself somewhat at least. She would leave it to Drift and Dvu to decide whicjh way to go and when and where to stop for breaks, simply nodding to the goliath's suggestion about pressing on.
(Cast Mage Armour and Prestidigitation)
History regarding Chardalyn: 21
Oculus perception: 21
Given her willingness to fight on the frontlines, Zuleikha falls in behind Dvu if Marva permits the intrusion in front of her. The Calishite mirrors Ellora, lighting a beautiful hooded lamp with a multifoil arch through which burning oil casts honeyed light. She ties the lantern to her hip and seems in good spirits when they set out, enjoying the rhythmic crunch-crunch of snowshoes and the easy chatter of good company.
The bitter cold soon begins to gnaw at her nose and lips, along with her ebullient demeanour. Nevertheless, she wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and chuckles when Gila and Dvu enjoy a moment of flirtation. "Even the famed howling winds of Icewind Dale cannot quench the fires of lovers, it would seem." She remarks to Ophelia and Drift, titillated by the passion even in this icy climate.
As they leave civilisation behind for the road, the paladin periodically summons into being a swarm of blades forged of air and frost that orbit around her as protection against unexpected attack from crag cats or worse. "Under kinder circumstances, the sages consider it best to stop and savour the blessings of one's daily provision, but since my nose is intent on becoming an icicle and my potatoes are turning to mush, I think it is wiser to turn hand-warmers into belly-warmers and keep moving onward." Still acclimating to the new environment and the mission they pursue, Zuleikha is content to follow the lead of others when it comes to actually selecting a destination.
"Has this demonic substance, this chardalyn, always been a problem in these parts? Or is it connected to the foul weather of late?" She wonders aloud, as her eyes scour the lit way ahead for danger.
Perception: 7
Glimpsing Zuleikha summon her protective blades, Ophelia grins beatifically, delighted to have found more common ground with the outlander. She too gestures, though in her case, the spoken word is in Elvish and the protective layer appears as a faint lavender aura around her.
(Also continually casting and concentrating on the Blade Ward cantrip on herself every minute to supplement her Mage Armor.)
Otherwise, she remains subdued and watchful of the party's rear.
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
Month: Hammer, Day: VIII, Time: 1500
You take the left path to go to Caer Dineval and notice the road is less trod upon then the road to the main town, Bryn Shander. It is still relatively easy to follow, just not as wide and deep as the road you just left.
Dvu, you remember a conversation you had with Zan'Dar, the Targos guard, last night. He said he approves of your method of having everyone hold onto a rope while walking in the dark. He said the guards use torches and lanterns when walking in a small group to keep people from getting lost, "After all, light is good for being seen as well as to see." You are pleased to see the two lanterns bobbing along behind you, although you may also be concerned that non-party members could see the lights.
Marva, you review in your head what you know about the Reghed, namely that they are the human nomad tribes of Icewind Dale, proud and strong, bound to ancient traditions that have kept them alive through countless harsh winters. There are four tribes - the Elk, the Tiger, the Wolf, the Bear - and each has their own leader and tolerance for outsiders. The Reghed wear heavy furs as well as gloves, boots, and masks made of animal hide, to protect themselves from the bitter cold. The Reghed follow the herds and generally avoid Ten-Towns.
Ellora and Zuleikha compare notes on chardalyn. You have heard of chardalyn, which is sometimes called Crystal Shards, that is simply a particular type of rock that is easily workable into various forms and capable of storing magic. Ancient civilizations have used the mineral without obvious problems. But you have also heard of the chardalyn that Dannika described, the variety that is connected to demonic magic and causes significant problems.
After one hour of heading north, what passes for daylight in Icewind Dale disappears faster than normal. The only lights are the lanterns Ellora and Zuleikha are carrying and the stars above. Before long, the stars are blocked by thick clouds, the wind from the north picks up and the snow starts falling - a blizzard! (OOC - this means half-speed for as long as the blizzard rages.)
Drift and Ellora, do you recall your flying friends? Does anyone take any other actions?
Drift recalls his flying wonder and his lantern as the wind picks up and pulls his hood tight to his face, and his goggles down over his eyes. The flying wonder retracts its wings but its antennae twitch and its faceted eyes spin, its 60feet blindsight remaining active.
As the snow begins to drive down heavily, Marva holds tight to the rope. She yells back to Ellora, “Are the others still back there? Drift and Ophelia? We don’t want to lose anyone!”
As they fight their way through the blinding snow, she keeps thinking she sees shapes in the storm, almost like a large figure beckoning. The next moment there’s nothing. After a while, she hollers up to Dvu, “Dvu! Can you still see the path? Should we stop and make or find a shelter before we’ve used up all our energy?” (Survival: natural 1*)
(OOC: I was hoping to make things better, but I sure did not!)
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
As if in answer to Marva's worried query about whether she is still back there, Ophelia, still holding the rope, is alert enough to check on Drift just ahead of her, and her sing song voice calls out from the back of the procession, briefly cutting through the blizzard.
"The snow bewitches, drifts and leaps,
Yet we still have our word to keep,
Through mountain fast and glacier deep,
And miles to go before we sleep,
And miles to go before we sleep."
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
The white-haired young woman would indeed let her trusty snow owl familiar return to it's comfortable demi-plane nest to rest and recover. She would let others decide if they should keep pressing on or find shelter during the blizzard to not get lost, or worse, but she tries to make sure the rope is intact behind her and that no one strays. "Yes, all okay back here, and Ophelia is still with us too as you can hear for yourself." She calls back through the blizzard to the scholarly dragonborn in front of her.
Dvu casts produce flame and holds it in front as a guide, his other hand holding tightly to the knotted rope trying to keep them all together. He starts to look for any area that would make for a shelter, an overturned tree, a hill where there is a break from the snow on one side, any temporary spot for creation of a shelter in case matters get worse. He looks off to either side of the road as they are walking for such an opportunity to take shelter. He calls back to Marva, saying “I can see the path, but I’m looking for a spot to take shelter. If this snow keeps going, we’ll need to take a break and wait it out.”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Zuleikha's smile widens when she recognises the alternate form of the cantrip that Ophelia conjures into existence. The woman was clearly touched by something greater, but that made her no less endearing. Back in Birun Bir, where genies and genasis were plenteous, she had come across her fair share of soothsayers and star-readers, whose mode of experiencing the world was different to her own, yet no less valid for it. She placed faith in her scimitar and sword, in the oath she had sworn before the noble genie Farnesslee. Yet the winds blew from many quarters - and who was she to decree which current held the breath of truth in a place such as this?
As the weather worsens and becomes a full blizzard, Zuleikha draws the veils that lie over her bosom across her face, in imitation of Bedine desert custom. Her cinnamon hued complexion pales beneath the onslaught, the relentless snowfall leaving her lashes weighted by the frost. "Zuleikha el-Tarrashi, daughter of the sands, what are you doing in a place such as this? This was not meant for you." She breathes heavily, mist forming in the light of her ornamented lantern.
"The demon goddess, Auril, is fulsome in her anger this day. If this may be called day at all? Ay... I miss the sun." She laments, trying to aid in the effort to find some shelter, scanning the environment for a rock face to curl up behind, or even a rare copse in the tundra.
Survival: 11
Month: Hammer, Day: VIII, Time: 1515
Dvu, You succeed in finding a good location to shelter in place after just a few minutes - a copse of trees just off the road to the east has created at least some more of a snowbank and wind break than elsewhere. With no sign of the blizzard abating, you head for it.
Marva eyes and Drift's Flying Wonder are the first of your group to see the odd shapes in the trees. They appear to be imps throwing ice at each other and laughing when one gets hit. However, as you get close enough, 40' away, you recognize them and they stop playing their game long enough to see you - there are 6 ice mephits. Marva and Drift inform the others of this threat since the goliath and the humans in the front of the party cannot see that far in the dark and blowing snow. Even those of you new to the region know that mephits are mean-spirited tricksters that are generally up to no good on this plane of existence.
Roll for initiative.