Marva begins to reply to Drift, “Yes, Oriolle and I get on well. She’s doing well with the business, and it allows her to be generous. On my side, I’ve been at loose ends, so a trip north to the, as you say, ‘arse end of nowhere’ seemed as good as anything else.”
By now, Drift has opened the book. When he shows it to Marva, she says, “Oh! You don’t understand it either? I confess that I peeked inside--maybe not the most professional, but I was curious--and I assumed you would be able to read it.”
(DM, does Marva recognize the language, even if she can’t read it?)
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Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
At this point, the bundled-up elf that has been making the rounds pops her head into the gathering. "Oh, I can read the book. You see, I am a scholar of nature, and it is in Druidic." She pushes the glasses on her face up and tucks a piece of hair behind a slightly pointed ear then grabs the book. "See, here it says that is about the plants and animals of the north, but you probably could read that. Hmm, I wonder..." She looks closer then flips the pages to a particular section and says, "Ha, I knew it! It has a section on chwingas." She beams triumphantly at the group before continuing.
"Oh yes, my manners. I am Dannika Graysteel. I am an acolyte who is looking for adventurers to help me research the most important thing in the world, that is to say whether chwingas can end this winter or at least make it more tolerable." She sees the baffled faces of the adventurers and plows on since it is a look she is used to receiving when discussing her research.
"Let me read to you what this book says about them." She clears her throat, "Chwingas are small elemental spirits. They are painfully shy and prefer to move about unseen. They find the trappings of civilization fascinating and have been known to bestow a small magical gift before departing a humanoid. See, that is what I am saying, they are not dangerous and have magic that can help us!" She runs her finger under a few more lines of text before adding, "Well, a few more citations would have been helpful but this all tracks with what I have learned. See, here's a picture of the cuties."
She looks up from the book and returns it to Drift, "So will you help me? I want to assist Ten-Towns but am more of a library scholar than a field researcher. Can you observe them in the wilds and tell me about them? Or even better, could you bring one back happy and unharmed? I do not have much of a stipend for research but can give you some gold on your return and a Lantern of Tracking (Elementals) to assist you in your quest."
“Please, be my guest” says Drift gruffly, as she finishes speaking. “No need to ask between friends.”
Still, he scratches his beard, his irritation passing quickly. He was an archaeologist, an academic, once. The prospect, attached to some gold as it is, isn’t unappealing.
“What’s your provenance: where did you learn your discipline, and how will you use these subjects? For the right price, I might be of service.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Ah, Druidic, I can kind of see it now. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Graysteel. I am--was--a library scholar as well, but it appears my path has taken me out into the wilds. I’m not sure how helpful I could be, but I’m willing to give it a try. Although, I guess I’m wondering if you are asking us to kidnap one of these elementals. They sound intelligent enough that they should expect freedom. Do they speak Common? Is there something we could use to entice them to join us by choice?”
Before the elf can answer, she also turns to Olif and asks, “Mr. Stupendious, do you know anything about these creatures?”
To Drift, she says, “Maybe that goliath could help us as well. He said he was available as a guide.” She adds hurriedly, “Not to suggest that you wouldn’t have the necessary skills. You look like you're used to making your own way in this region.”
Meanwhile, a part of her thoughts try to recall whether she knows anything about this creature from past reading. (Arcana: 22)
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Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
Drift sniffs, turns and looks at the Goliath at the table just a little way away. He rubs his nose. “I suppose an understudy would be sensible, if I’m taking you two with me.”
(Similarly, Drift would be thinking about past expeditions, and whether he’s seen these Chwingas before or signs of them? Not sure what, if anything, you’d want me to roll for retrospective clues?)
Olif says "I've been to a library. Well... If you'd like I can join in helping to find out more about those Chiggers.. Chihuahuas, no no. Oh I remember, Chwingas. Cute creatures." He stands and stares at the book.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Meanwhile the young white-haired woman that had followed the goliath to the now fairly crowded table had started tuning in on the chwinga conversation and tried to recall what she had read about them.
Arcana: 18 Nature: 19 History: 14
"Apologies, I don't want to intrude on your conversation but I couldn't help but overhear you were a scholar in need of help." She says with a friendly smile as she steps closer to the bespectacled elf, placing her soup and tea on the table, then placing a sturdy backpack by her side on the floor and taking a seat before continuing. "I'm Ellora and while I'm certainly not a guide to the tundra as Dvu here I consider myself fairly learned and might just be of use in this endeavour. For one thing I can read that book if need be." She explains before starting to eat with great appetite.
Ophelia remains seated where she is, lavender eyes staring vaguely upwards, as Ellora joins the conversation about chwingas taking place between the bespectacled elven acolyte, Dannika, and the twodragonborn and weather-worn human poring over the book at that table.
Only when Dannika mentions the Lantern of Tracking does Ophelia speak aloud, still to no one in particular, repeating her seeming ramblings from earlier in a quavering voice. "... All shall come to revelation, and to revel in the grace and mercy of knowing..."
Yet when she gets up, Ophelia does not approach the other table. Actually remembering to smile shyly as a way to excuse herself to the goliath guide still seated at her table with his soup, she arises to amble over to Ol' Bitey, whose face looks over them all, gazing up at it as a child might.
Her voice is earnest, as if addressing a person. "Hold you any secrets to share, of what lies hidden in the lands, waters and skies of this frozen fastness?"
Dvu is plowing into his soup, taking big ladles-full as he listens to the conversation and the discussion of chwingas. He looks up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to recall on his travels if he has ever seen or heard of such creatures. It sounded interesting though. Something must be done about this eternal and worsening winter, so if they would have special knowledge, couldn’t hurt. And if gold is involved, even better. Whenever the word “guide” is said, Dvu puffs out his large chest and straightens up, meeting whoever said it in the eye and nodding. But he doesn’t let it keep him from his soup. When Ophelia juts in with her odd speach, he looks at her sideways and shrugs his shoulders, keeping his thoughts to himself. The more the merrier indeed.
“Aye, I can help. Members of my clan have been traveling the Dale for as long as it is known. I won’t say that I know all of the ways, but you could do a lot worse. I can help, and if there are more of us, our odds of survival are higher. I see you’ve all got some cold weather gear. Good. You’ll need it.(He elevates his voice slightly so he can be heard across the table) I, for one, would be interested in your proposal, Ms. Graysteel. In your studies, do you have any leads of where to start looking for these… chwingas? And any more about the nature of such things? Do they speak the common language, will they understand us?” The ladle rests in the bottom of the bowl, Dvu gives a sad look down as the ladle is empty.
History : 14
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
For more information on the chwingas, the characters familiar with the north (Dvu, Drift) can roll an Arcana or History check 10 to see the below spoiler
You have heard very little of these critters and never seen one. The goliaths and dwarfs of Icewind believe there are elements out there but that the elements hide for their own reasons. If the rumors are true, the elementals or chwingas are small and not dangerous but can take actions that harm humanoids.
or those characters relatively new to the north (Olfin, Ellora, Marva, Ophelia) can roll an Insight or Perception check 15 to see the below spoiler.
You have overheard the drunkards in the taverns talking about a small, person with frizzy hair riding an arctic fox during a blizzard.
(OOC - I will not assume that characters will share information that they receive in a DM or in a spoiler. Just an extra level of rp. ;)
Ophelia's conversation with Ol'Bitey is one-sided but does cause Scramsax to stop cleaning the counter with his dirty towel long enough to twirl his hand by his head in a circular pattern.
Dannika exclaims, "I will take that as a yes! Thank you so much for contributing to science! I will go get the Lantern now and come right back. When you return with information about them, I will pay each of you 25gp. "She looks at the group, waiting for anyone to object before continuing with a beaming smile. "Yes, I know there is not much to go on, but I am sure you brave adventurers will have success. There are none here in Bryn Shander, that much I know. I just am uncomfortable going outside of the walls here. I hope you have the gear need! I heard it usually takes about two hours to get to Targos and another hour to get to Breman. Termalaine and Good Mead are each about six hours away with the other twons even further afield. Well, I will let you talk and plan while I go get that lantern," she repeats as she gets up and skips out.
"But...um..." Is all that the young white-haired woman manages to say before the bespectacled elf skips out. She wasn't an adventurer, or was she? She admittedly had no plans on returning to Luskan any time soon, and she knew that there was only so much that could be learned from her books and that there was no substitute fot experience, so perhaps she should join this motley group and field test her magical spells while earning some well-needed gold. She wasn't quite sure who was even part of this new team of chwinga-seekers now but that would probably become apparent soon enough.
"So, I suppose we might as well start our search for the elusive chwingas right here in Bryn Shander." Ellora says as she starts sipping on her tea. "Considering their fascination for trappings of civilization we might well find one skulking around town with the help of that magical lantern right?" She suggests to the others at the table.
Drift looks around at the motley crew, his eyes perhaps lingering a moment longer on Ophelia than on the others.
((History: 8))
"Never heard of these Chwingas before, etymology doesn't sound very Icewind derived, and she wouldn't be the first crazy to wander through this tavern, but then again I suppose you can read this too..." he mutters in Ellora's direction. "Yeah, and maybe we'd be served by staying in the warm, but there are ruins of greater and grander civilations out there in the tundra and plains than here in humble Bryn Shander, depends how hoity toity and particular these imaginary elementals are about their peccadillos, I suppose. It won't hurt to look around here first."
"As long as she doesn't wonder why she's paying us to walk streets she can herself." He pulls a face.
"Still, gold is gold, and I suppose we're to be companions then. Any of yous ever been on a wild goose chase before in weather so cold you'll wish your fingers and toes could fall off so that you mightn't feel them any more (and you might find your wish answered, too)? What are you bringing to the table?"
And Drift starts to dig into his soup, as he glances at his new unexpected company, one ear still open for the swells and shallows of the anger of the arguing dwarves.
(edit for Ellora's comments as we were must have been typing at the same time)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Perception: 17)
Marva looks around at the assembled group. Drift and Dvu seem to know the area well. Ellora seems well-educated. Olfin seems willing to join in for no particular reason at all. I wonder what his story is… And that rather odd elf is interested in mysteries, even if she seems lost in them. Is she going to join the search? And what do I have to bring?
“I may have spent many hours of my life in a library, but I was also trained in weaponry and some light magic.” She uses Prestidigitation to create the illusion of a few silver snowflakes spinning above her hand. “And I know how to make observations. That is primarily what Ms. Graysteel asks of us, right? Observe one in the wild, share what we learn, bring one back if we can. I don’t mind the cold so very much, but if it is a bother to most folks, it would be good to help muzzle its bite.”
“Maybe we should ask around to see if anyone has seen these elementals. Then we can search around Bryn Shander first, and head toward Targos if necessary. But should we leave tonight or wait until morning? If it is only a couple of hours to Targos, it seems we could do that this evening. Drift and Dvu, what do you think of heading out into the dark? Would we be risking unnecessary danger?”
Dvu smiles when he sees the image of the snow appear in Marva’s hands. “It is good, having some magic. Some to keep you warm….” Dvu creates a ball of flame in his hands, he wiggles his fingers around it, gathering the warmth into his hands before snuffing it out with a smile and a laugh. He looks up at Marva’s question and gives his opinion to all of them, not overbearing, not forceful, just offering his 2 copper pieces worth.
“I would not go out at night. All manner of beasts are out and hunting. And crazy things can come out at night. It is best to stay warm, with your friends, in a shelter and wait for the morning light, such as it is. We could see about a team of dogs and a sled for traversing a distance if we can’t find evidence of them around Bryn Shander. I’m curious to see this lantern she mentions. Sounds very helpful. Also there are crampons, spikes, snow shoes. I would say that we should get everything we need prior to leaving.”
He brings out a carving knife (for a Goliath) and a piece of wood vaguely shaped like an owl, he begins to carve as he stares into the candle flame on the table. “I know what it is like to lead a crew in the wilderness. To lead prospectors, fur traders.. to face tough decisions. Being prepared.. is always best.” He stares into the light a few more minutes then focuses on his carving, every now and again listening to what is said and interjects a laugh, a comment, a snort. And he waits for the excitable elven researcher to return.
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ophelia remains gazing up at Ol' Bitey with a faraway look, as if deep in thought despite the lack of response and Scramsax's dismissive derision. Slowly, she turns and meanders by the table where the others seem to be forming a shared plan. A rare pragmatic thought intrudes into her mind.
I need... I need to go with them if they venture out into the killing cold... lest I end up a frozen corpse having set out alone, slain by the very land that drew me. As if a moth charred to a crisp by a beckoning frigid flame. And yet, why... why would they have me? A lost spirit, perhaps best forgotten?
Almost frantically, she mumbles a word in Elvish and gestures once more. A tiny, spectral lavender snow globe forms in her cupped palm. Ophelia casts Druidcraft, creating a harmless sensory effect which predicts the weather at her location for the next 24 hours. She holds it forth like an offering.
Her voice still quavers gently, yet her eyes gain a measure of focus for once. "I'd like to come... I can... I can... help foresee when a blizzard comes?"
Dannika returns and rejoins the group. So here's the Lantern of Tracking (Elementals). She then explains how to use it - it is not difficult, so anyone can use it.
This hooded lantern burns for 6 hours on 1 pint of oil, shedding bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. While the lantern is within 300 feet of any creature of the Elemental type, its flame turns bright green. The lantern doesn’t pinpoint the creature’s exact location, however.
Now, as you know, it is only twilight from 1000 to 1400 and the rest of the time is nighttime dark, so you could make it to Targos during that time, assuming nothing strange happens on the path. Or you can start on one of the longer paths, so you get there in the dark with torches or lanterns or whatever. You are the brave ones who are venturing beyond Bryn Shander! She gives a thoughtful glance and two glances at Ophelia before slowly continuing.
Some of you look new around here. To get around Ten-Towns, will you use dogsled, axe beak, snowshoes, or just your regular footwear? While on the roads, dogsleds and axe beak cut the time in half while wearing snowshoes takes the same amount of time but you are less likely to get less tired. If you need gear, the Blackiron Blades shop sells a dogsled for 20 gp and even will sell the right type of dog costs 50 gp. The dogs do get exhausted and can only pull so much weight but they are dogs so they are great companions. Of course, an axe beak has a nasty disposition and won't pull a sled, but they are also an option at 50gp. They sell other stuff, as well, such as weapons and gear.
Meanwhile, the three dwarfs who have been arguing in the corner have worked themselves into such a lather that they turn over the table and start reaching for weapons. While all the patrons turn to watch this form of entertainment, the solitary female dwarf quickly walks over and knocks two of their heads together before giving the third a meaningful look. The now-chastised dwarfs calm down and set the table back up. They pick up their spilled mugs and go to the bar to replace their drinks. After emitting a loud "Ahem," the dwarfs sheepishly bring an ale to the female dwarf who set them straight and return to their corner to quietly pout over whatever has put them in a foul mood. The solitary female dwarf resumes her scanning of the room.
(OOC - Some mechanics. Everyone has cold weather clothing, which means you automatically succeed on exhaustion save from extreme cold weather. My plan is to give you advance warning of other mechanics challenges (e.g., blizzard, frigid water) when they are more likely to be an issue. Random encounters are always a possibility. :) If you spent 10gp on the cold weather clothing, please credit it back to yourself.)
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Olif says to Marva, "Here let me take a look and see if I can make something out from the book."
Looking at the book, "hmm... hmmmmm. Nope, got nothing. Sorry."
D&D since 1984
Marva begins to reply to Drift, “Yes, Oriolle and I get on well. She’s doing well with the business, and it allows her to be generous. On my side, I’ve been at loose ends, so a trip north to the, as you say, ‘arse end of nowhere’ seemed as good as anything else.”
By now, Drift has opened the book. When he shows it to Marva, she says, “Oh! You don’t understand it either? I confess that I peeked inside--maybe not the most professional, but I was curious--and I assumed you would be able to read it.”
(DM, does Marva recognize the language, even if she can’t read it?)
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Month: Hammer, Day: VI, Time: 1730
At this point, the bundled-up elf that has been making the rounds pops her head into the gathering. "Oh, I can read the book. You see, I am a scholar of nature, and it is in Druidic." She pushes the glasses on her face up and tucks a piece of hair behind a slightly pointed ear then grabs the book. "See, here it says that is about the plants and animals of the north, but you probably could read that. Hmm, I wonder..." She looks closer then flips the pages to a particular section and says, "Ha, I knew it! It has a section on chwingas." She beams triumphantly at the group before continuing.
"Oh yes, my manners. I am Dannika Graysteel. I am an acolyte who is looking for adventurers to help me research the most important thing in the world, that is to say whether chwingas can end this winter or at least make it more tolerable." She sees the baffled faces of the adventurers and plows on since it is a look she is used to receiving when discussing her research.
"Let me read to you what this book says about them." She clears her throat, "Chwingas are small elemental spirits. They are painfully shy and prefer to move about unseen. They find the trappings of civilization fascinating and have been known to bestow a small magical gift before departing a humanoid. See, that is what I am saying, they are not dangerous and have magic that can help us!" She runs her finger under a few more lines of text before adding, "Well, a few more citations would have been helpful but this all tracks with what I have learned. See, here's a picture of the cuties."
She looks up from the book and returns it to Drift, "So will you help me? I want to assist Ten-Towns but am more of a library scholar than a field researcher. Can you observe them in the wilds and tell me about them? Or even better, could you bring one back happy and unharmed? I do not have much of a stipend for research but can give you some gold on your return and a Lantern of Tracking (Elementals) to assist you in your quest."
“Please, be my guest” says Drift gruffly, as she finishes speaking. “No need to ask between friends.”
Still, he scratches his beard, his irritation passing quickly. He was an archaeologist, an academic, once. The prospect, attached to some gold as it is, isn’t unappealing.
“What’s your provenance: where did you learn your discipline, and how will you use these subjects? For the right price, I might be of service.”
“Ah, Druidic, I can kind of see it now. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Graysteel. I am--was--a library scholar as well, but it appears my path has taken me out into the wilds. I’m not sure how helpful I could be, but I’m willing to give it a try. Although, I guess I’m wondering if you are asking us to kidnap one of these elementals. They sound intelligent enough that they should expect freedom. Do they speak Common? Is there something we could use to entice them to join us by choice?”
Before the elf can answer, she also turns to Olif and asks, “Mr. Stupendious, do you know anything about these creatures?”
To Drift, she says, “Maybe that goliath could help us as well. He said he was available as a guide.” She adds hurriedly, “Not to suggest that you wouldn’t have the necessary skills. You look like you're used to making your own way in this region.”
Meanwhile, a part of her thoughts try to recall whether she knows anything about this creature from past reading. (Arcana: 22)
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Drift sniffs, turns and looks at the Goliath at the table just a little way away. He rubs his nose. “I suppose an understudy would be sensible, if I’m taking you two with me.”
(Similarly, Drift would be thinking about past expeditions, and whether he’s seen these Chwingas before or signs of them? Not sure what, if anything, you’d want me to roll for retrospective clues?)
Olif says "I've been to a library. Well... If you'd like I can join in helping to find out more about those Chiggers.. Chihuahuas, no no. Oh I remember, Chwingas. Cute creatures." He stands and stares at the book.
D&D since 1984
Meanwhile the young white-haired woman that had followed the goliath to the now fairly crowded table had started tuning in on the chwinga conversation and tried to recall what she had read about them.
Arcana: 18
Nature: 19
History: 14
"Apologies, I don't want to intrude on your conversation but I couldn't help but overhear you were a scholar in need of help." She says with a friendly smile as she steps closer to the bespectacled elf, placing her soup and tea on the table, then placing a sturdy backpack by her side on the floor and taking a seat before continuing. "I'm Ellora and while I'm certainly not a guide to the tundra as Dvu here I consider myself fairly learned and might just be of use in this endeavour. For one thing I can read that book if need be." She explains before starting to eat with great appetite.
"Sure." He slides another chair over for Ellora, "More the merrier."
D&D since 1984
Ophelia remains seated where she is, lavender eyes staring vaguely upwards, as Ellora joins the conversation about chwingas taking place between the bespectacled elven acolyte, Dannika, and the two dragonborn and weather-worn human poring over the book at that table.
Only when Dannika mentions the Lantern of Tracking does Ophelia speak aloud, still to no one in particular, repeating her seeming ramblings from earlier in a quavering voice. "... All shall come to revelation, and to revel in the grace and mercy of knowing..."
Yet when she gets up, Ophelia does not approach the other table. Actually remembering to smile shyly as a way to excuse herself to the goliath guide still seated at her table with his soup, she arises to amble over to Ol' Bitey, whose face looks over them all, gazing up at it as a child might.
Her voice is earnest, as if addressing a person. "Hold you any secrets to share, of what lies hidden in the lands, waters and skies of this frozen fastness?"
Tanis(Ranger1):Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1):Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4):VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Joren(Fighter6):NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3):Bedlymn's Murder Court | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic system):ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord)
Xarian (Fighter3):Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia (Sorcerer2):BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1):Culuril's Strixhaven
Dvu is plowing into his soup, taking big ladles-full as he listens to the conversation and the discussion of chwingas. He looks up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to recall on his travels if he has ever seen or heard of such creatures. It sounded interesting though. Something must be done about this eternal and worsening winter, so if they would have special knowledge, couldn’t hurt. And if gold is involved, even better. Whenever the word “guide” is said, Dvu puffs out his large chest and straightens up, meeting whoever said it in the eye and nodding. But he doesn’t let it keep him from his soup. When Ophelia juts in with her odd speach, he looks at her sideways and shrugs his shoulders, keeping his thoughts to himself. The more the merrier indeed.
“Aye, I can help. Members of my clan have been traveling the Dale for as long as it is known. I won’t say that I know all of the ways, but you could do a lot worse. I can help, and if there are more of us, our odds of survival are higher. I see you’ve all got some cold weather gear. Good. You’ll need it. (He elevates his voice slightly so he can be heard across the table) I, for one, would be interested in your proposal, Ms. Graysteel. In your studies, do you have any leads of where to start looking for these… chwingas? And any more about the nature of such things? Do they speak the common language, will they understand us?” The ladle rests in the bottom of the bowl, Dvu gives a sad look down as the ladle is empty.
History : 14
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
For more information on the chwingas, the characters familiar with the north (Dvu, Drift) can roll an Arcana or History check 10 to see the below spoiler
You have heard very little of these critters and never seen one. The goliaths and dwarfs of Icewind believe there are elements out there but that the elements hide for their own reasons. If the rumors are true, the elementals or chwingas are small and not dangerous but can take actions that harm humanoids.
or those characters relatively new to the north (Olfin, Ellora, Marva, Ophelia) can roll an Insight or Perception check 15 to see the below spoiler.
You have overheard the drunkards in the taverns talking about a small, person with frizzy hair riding an arctic fox during a blizzard.
(OOC - I will not assume that characters will share information that they receive in a DM or in a spoiler. Just an extra level of rp. ;)
Ophelia's conversation with Ol'Bitey is one-sided but does cause Scramsax to stop cleaning the counter with his dirty towel long enough to twirl his hand by his head in a circular pattern.
Dannika exclaims, "I will take that as a yes! Thank you so much for contributing to science! I will go get the Lantern now and come right back. When you return with information about them, I will pay each of you 25gp. "She looks at the group, waiting for anyone to object before continuing with a beaming smile. "Yes, I know there is not much to go on, but I am sure you brave adventurers will have success. There are none here in Bryn Shander, that much I know. I just am uncomfortable going outside of the walls here. I hope you have the gear need! I heard it usually takes about two hours to get to Targos and another hour to get to Breman. Termalaine and Good Mead are each about six hours away with the other twons even further afield. Well, I will let you talk and plan while I go get that lantern," she repeats as she gets up and skips out.
"But...um..." Is all that the young white-haired woman manages to say before the bespectacled elf skips out. She wasn't an adventurer, or was she? She admittedly had no plans on returning to Luskan any time soon, and she knew that there was only so much that could be learned from her books and that there was no substitute fot experience, so perhaps she should join this motley group and field test her magical spells while earning some well-needed gold. She wasn't quite sure who was even part of this new team of chwinga-seekers now but that would probably become apparent soon enough.
"So, I suppose we might as well start our search for the elusive chwingas right here in Bryn Shander." Ellora says as she starts sipping on her tea. "Considering their fascination for trappings of civilization we might well find one skulking around town with the help of that magical lantern right?" She suggests to the others at the table.
(Perception:19)
Drift looks around at the motley crew, his eyes perhaps lingering a moment longer on Ophelia than on the others.
((History: 8))
"Never heard of these Chwingas before, etymology doesn't sound very Icewind derived, and she wouldn't be the first crazy to wander through this tavern, but then again I suppose you can read this too..." he mutters in Ellora's direction. "Yeah, and maybe we'd be served by staying in the warm, but there are ruins of greater and grander civilations out there in the tundra and plains than here in humble Bryn Shander, depends how hoity toity and particular these imaginary elementals are about their peccadillos, I suppose. It won't hurt to look around here first."
"As long as she doesn't wonder why she's paying us to walk streets she can herself." He pulls a face.
"Still, gold is gold, and I suppose we're to be companions then. Any of yous ever been on a wild goose chase before in weather so cold you'll wish your fingers and toes could fall off so that you mightn't feel them any more (and you might find your wish answered, too)? What are you bringing to the table?"
And Drift starts to dig into his soup, as he glances at his new unexpected company, one ear still open for the swells and shallows of the anger of the arguing dwarves.
(edit for Ellora's comments as we were must have been typing at the same time)
Olfin downs the rest of his ale. “Alrighty than. We are a party. For those I haven’t met yet, my names Olfin. “
D&D since 1984
(Perception: 17)
Marva looks around at the assembled group. Drift and Dvu seem to know the area well. Ellora seems well-educated. Olfin seems willing to join in for no particular reason at all. I wonder what his story is… And that rather odd elf is interested in mysteries, even if she seems lost in them. Is she going to join the search? And what do I have to bring?
“I may have spent many hours of my life in a library, but I was also trained in weaponry and some light magic.” She uses Prestidigitation to create the illusion of a few silver snowflakes spinning above her hand. “And I know how to make observations. That is primarily what Ms. Graysteel asks of us, right? Observe one in the wild, share what we learn, bring one back if we can. I don’t mind the cold so very much, but if it is a bother to most folks, it would be good to help muzzle its bite.”
“Maybe we should ask around to see if anyone has seen these elementals. Then we can search around Bryn Shander first, and head toward Targos if necessary. But should we leave tonight or wait until morning? If it is only a couple of hours to Targos, it seems we could do that this evening. Drift and Dvu, what do you think of heading out into the dark? Would we be risking unnecessary danger?”
Marva Stormavendrien - Level 1 Cleric - Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Librarian/Gamer/Knitter)
Dvu smiles when he sees the image of the snow appear in Marva’s hands. “It is good, having some magic. Some to keep you warm….” Dvu creates a ball of flame in his hands, he wiggles his fingers around it, gathering the warmth into his hands before snuffing it out with a smile and a laugh. He looks up at Marva’s question and gives his opinion to all of them, not overbearing, not forceful, just offering his 2 copper pieces worth.
“I would not go out at night. All manner of beasts are out and hunting. And crazy things can come out at night. It is best to stay warm, with your friends, in a shelter and wait for the morning light, such as it is. We could see about a team of dogs and a sled for traversing a distance if we can’t find evidence of them around Bryn Shander. I’m curious to see this lantern she mentions. Sounds very helpful. Also there are crampons, spikes, snow shoes. I would say that we should get everything we need prior to leaving.”
He brings out a carving knife (for a Goliath) and a piece of wood vaguely shaped like an owl, he begins to carve as he stares into the candle flame on the table. “I know what it is like to lead a crew in the wilderness. To lead prospectors, fur traders.. to face tough decisions. Being prepared.. is always best.” He stares into the light a few more minutes then focuses on his carving, every now and again listening to what is said and interjects a laugh, a comment, a snort. And he waits for the excitable elven researcher to return.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ophelia remains gazing up at Ol' Bitey with a faraway look, as if deep in thought despite the lack of response and Scramsax's dismissive derision. Slowly, she turns and meanders by the table where the others seem to be forming a shared plan. A rare pragmatic thought intrudes into her mind.
I need... I need to go with them if they venture out into the killing cold... lest I end up a frozen corpse having set out alone, slain by the very land that drew me. As if a moth charred to a crisp by a beckoning frigid flame. And yet, why... why would they have me? A lost spirit, perhaps best forgotten?
Almost frantically, she mumbles a word in Elvish and gestures once more. A tiny, spectral lavender snow globe forms in her cupped palm. Ophelia casts Druidcraft, creating a harmless sensory effect which predicts the weather at her location for the next 24 hours. She holds it forth like an offering.
Her voice still quavers gently, yet her eyes gain a measure of focus for once. "I'd like to come... I can... I can... help foresee when a blizzard comes?"
Tanis(Ranger1):Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1):Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4):VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Joren(Fighter6):NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3):Bedlymn's Murder Court | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic system):ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord)
Xarian (Fighter3):Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia (Sorcerer2):BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1):Culuril's Strixhaven
Month: Hammer, Day: VI, Time: 1800
Dannika returns and rejoins the group. So here's the Lantern of Tracking (Elementals). She then explains how to use it - it is not difficult, so anyone can use it.
This hooded lantern burns for 6 hours on 1 pint of oil, shedding bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. While the lantern is within 300 feet of any creature of the Elemental type, its flame turns bright green. The lantern doesn’t pinpoint the creature’s exact location, however.
Now, as you know, it is only twilight from 1000 to 1400 and the rest of the time is nighttime dark, so you could make it to Targos during that time, assuming nothing strange happens on the path. Or you can start on one of the longer paths, so you get there in the dark with torches or lanterns or whatever. You are the brave ones who are venturing beyond Bryn Shander! She gives a thoughtful glance and two glances at Ophelia before slowly continuing.
Some of you look new around here. To get around Ten-Towns, will you use dogsled, axe beak, snowshoes, or just your regular footwear? While on the roads, dogsleds and axe beak cut the time in half while wearing snowshoes takes the same amount of time but you are less likely to get less tired. If you need gear, the Blackiron Blades shop sells a dogsled for 20 gp and even will sell the right type of dog costs 50 gp. The dogs do get exhausted and can only pull so much weight but they are dogs so they are great companions. Of course, an axe beak has a nasty disposition and won't pull a sled, but they are also an option at 50gp. They sell other stuff, as well, such as weapons and gear.
Meanwhile, the three dwarfs who have been arguing in the corner have worked themselves into such a lather that they turn over the table and start reaching for weapons. While all the patrons turn to watch this form of entertainment, the solitary female dwarf quickly walks over and knocks two of their heads together before giving the third a meaningful look. The now-chastised dwarfs calm down and set the table back up. They pick up their spilled mugs and go to the bar to replace their drinks. After emitting a loud "Ahem," the dwarfs sheepishly bring an ale to the female dwarf who set them straight and return to their corner to quietly pout over whatever has put them in a foul mood. The solitary female dwarf resumes her scanning of the room.
(OOC - Some mechanics. Everyone has cold weather clothing, which means you automatically succeed on exhaustion save from extreme cold weather. My plan is to give you advance warning of other mechanics challenges (e.g., blizzard, frigid water) when they are more likely to be an issue. Random encounters are always a possibility. :) If you spent 10gp on the cold weather clothing, please credit it back to yourself.)