The speaker draws the symbol of the grey hands on a sheet of paper (above albeit on a badge not a banner) and hands over the image to Claire. Hopefully that will help. I believe they make it out of iron or possibly steel. I cannot say for sure as I've never actually touched one. But theres very little out in the tundra. If your sensing forged metal, you're probably close. On that same not theres really not much a map will help with im afraid. Heading anywhere but south and away from Ten-towns you'll find nothing but tundra. If you head North from here you'll find Maersk Dalton, the closest lake. The towns of Termalainer and Lonelywood rest along its east side. Further north is just tundra until you run into the sea of moving ice. Heading west you'll run into the towns of Target and Bremen before hitting the tundra. Again, there is nothing out there until you hit the coast. Head east, you can find the towns of Easthaven, Caer Donegal, and Caer-Konig all around another lake, Lac Dinneshere. From there you will once again only find tundra for leagues. I've no idea where the giants camp is but It seems they've been spotted to the north east. If I may give a word of warning, it can be easy to get lost in the tundra with few landmarks to guide you. The lone mountain to the North East of here, Kelvins Cairn, is a dwarven stronghold. Always keep it insight and know if you head towards it you'll find civilization. Keep the large mountain range to your right or behind you, that's the spine of the world, and you do not want to get lost wandering there. Watch for Yetis, and Reghed Barbarians, and avoid an open flame at night. You'll lure everything in the tundra your way if you don't.

The Sheriff clears his throat. If there is nothing else, I can guide you to the Southeast gate. Deputy Brighthelm is the dwarf you saw me with last. Shes used to going out into the tundra so should be able to keep you all alive if you follow her lead. 

"I believe that is?" Narz replied somewhat uncertainly while side-eying Zack and Claire for a bit. "Many thanks again for the intel and advice. Fortunately, I am possessed of talents that aughta make the need for open flames less necessary should are journey be a lengthy one, but even such tricks aren't without their limitations." He freely admits, and almost cracks a rueful smile. He then looks more fully to the rest of the party. "Well then? Shall we head out? What with time being a bit of the essence now, innit?" In spite of urging things along a bit, Narz chooses to fall in line after the others. 

The sheriff leads you out of the manor and towards the southeast gate where one of his deputies greets him. Summon Deputy Brighthelm for me please. The guard nods and runs off. A few moments later the same dwarf you saw back at the Sheriffs office runs up but slows when she sees your group. Yes Sheriff? Is everything alright? 

Yes Deputy, no need to fret, I just got back from reporting your findings to the Speaker. We're going to need your help again.

The sheriff explains the details of the mission as well as introduces your group. 

I see, well met travelers. If its a guide you need then I suppose I'm your lass. Good thing you got here when you did, all my gear is still packed. I can keep you safe in the tundra so long as you have everything you need. 

I think I'll leave the rest to you then Deputy. Good luck. 

The sheriff heads back into town and Augrek Brighthelm looks over your group once more. So, don't suppose any of you have much experience in this sorta thing? Any of you magic types? If so it'd be best that you tell me what you can do, so I know what to expect once we are out there. Other than that, I think other than grabbing some rations I'm ready to help you.find your giant friend.

As she looked over the group, she would see that Zack atleast looked under prepared, considering his arms bare to the shoulder, and though his clothes covered everything else, they looked anything but warm, yet he stood there like it was a spring day, smiling like a fool. Though he seemed to have a confident expression as he looked her over. Yep! Aside from some food, I think I'm about as ready as can be, we did some prep before we came. But if I'm being honest, I'm glad its a dwarf, of all the raced that'll be leading us around out there. Maybe it's just a stereotype but you look strong, and like you can handle yourself and this weather. So I feel confident you won't fail us. there isnt' a hint of sarcasm in his tone, and his compliments at-least seem well intended, whether they're taken that way or not.

With that if the sherrif missed anything, he would fill in the missing details with his last suggestion being: Though we should probably grab some portable food from the inn, like a loaf of bread and maybe a meat haunch. Somehtign to eat on the way, and keep our strength up, so we dont have to stop till tonight, for anything but a rest or a fight.

"Mn. Rather not waste more time then needed to. But, if Ms. Brighthelm here is of a need to grab more rations as she'd said, then so be it. Always better to be twice over prepared, then deaded thrice over otherwise." Narz said with a bit of an amused sounding huff. "But to answer your other inquiries in part as we carry on to pick up said supplies, you would be correct regarding experience. Though this whole recents has had me and most of my compatriots here doing a fair bit of traveling, that much has largely been in the othern lands and warmer climes. So any further wisdom you be bestow on our travels of these lands beyond just the bare basics would be... appreciated." Narz says, if though with a notable tinge of hesitance towards the end while looking to Augrek.

He appeared even a tidbit guarded for a second, before relaxing should Augrek not take any of the expected offense in having a goblinoid show appreciation to a dwarf. "Now to answer ya second question, I know a few spells. Most of which being oriented for combat, but a few can serve as protection or to aid in scouting. The details of which I can explain more in transit."

"Most of my magic is nature based.  I can grow or wilt plants and control some of them for combat purposes.  Other than that I can cast some support magic, healing included, and I've got some tricks in my sleeve to slow down enemies, whether we're in pursuit of them or vice-versa.  I'm also good at riding in a saddle, but we left our mounts in the last town before coming here; mine at least wasn't suited to this weather."  Claire pulls her scarf tighter around her neck and chin.  "Any chance you've got some suitable mounts we can bring into the tundra, provided we have room to carry feed for them and whatnot?"

Natasha pulls her furs closer to her as well before saying I'm a ranger. I've some skill with a bow as well as surving in the wild. I also know a of minor druidic magic. 

Druid eh? Can ye change your skin like the stories? 

No, I hadn't gotten that far in my training. 

Shame, mighta been useful. No matter, I've got an idea what you all can do now. Afraid to say ain't no mounts to be taking out in the tundra, so we'll have to go on foot. You all got layers covered it seems, but I'll tell ye now if the cold don't get ya the beasties might, so keep your weapons at the ready and watch the horizon. Anyone starts to lag behind, tell me and we'll rest. Now just one moment here. The deputy wanders into a room near the gate and returns carrying her pack of equipment along with several sets of goggles with tinted glass. She tosses each of you a set. Keep these handy. Special goggles to keep the sun from reflecting off the snow and blinding ya. Might be a tight fit for some of ye but better than being blind eh? Now let's go. First stretch will take us to Kelvins Cairn where we can rest proper like. After that it gets tough. 

She leads you through the town and out the Northern gate, leaving  the safety of Bryn Shander behind you. You mostly follow the trails already in place until the trails slowly begin to fade away. The terrain gradually shifts, ascending into rugged, snow-covered hills as you approach the solitary mountain of Kelvins Cairn. Augrek's boots crunch through the pristine snow as she forges a path for the group, her keen eyes scanneingthe surroundings, ever watchful for any signs of danger or unstable terrain. 

Finally, after hours of arduous trekking, she leads you towards a small shack nestled against the side of the mountain, partially concealed by snowdrifts.

Alright, we'll rest here for the night. Build this shack meself ya know. Always stop here first when heading out and last on the way back. Well maybe not last. Entrance to Kelvins Cairn isn't too far, so I like to stop in to me kin and pick up some gutbuster now and again. But this will be cozy enough for our needs.

The interior of the shack is cold but Augrek quickly works on getting a fire started in the hearth to bring warmth to the room. Can't have fires in the tundra without risking being seen so we should enjoy this while we can.

Once the fire is started she digs through her pack for a flask which she quickly opens by pulling the cork her teeth. After a big she offers the flask out for any who wish to join her. So, now that the suns setting and we've a fire, we should get to know eachother a bit more. Tomorrows journey north won't be so easy as today's, and nothing builds trust faster than a drink and a story eh? You lot look like you've got plenty of 'em too if you'd be inclined to share one.

Although no stranger to roughing it, even Narz felt the burn as lesser used muscles worked furiously to adjust to maneuvering over the ever shifting terrain. However, not once had the hobgoblin complained about the difficulty of the journey, but rather began to relish it over time, as a oft times tight grin made its way to his face during moments of respite.

But at the sight and news of their staying at a shack, even Narz couldn't keep some measure of relief from entering his visage briefly, before then being swallowed up by vain attempts at effecting a more austure air. "Hmph. A fine construction, deputy, I do dare say." He yet still found himself complimenting on the way inside the shack.

Once everyone is settled in and a drink is offered, Narz hesitates for a second, before with a grunt buried hobgoblin instincts and took a swig before offering it back. "Mn. That's good... The drink, that is. But, I don't be entirely disagree'n with the sentiment. 'specially if'n we're gonna be out 'n about fer a bit. Though don't any of ya be getting yer hopes up too high now, as I don't be much one for weaving a tale." Narz is frank about admitting. "But mayhaps I... Hmmmmm.... well, off the record, mayhaps I be tell'n ya of the time me and the first regiment I was apart of found ourselves lost in the feywild of all things. The native firbolgs called it the Glooming Woods or some other such nonsense -- but let me tell ya now that it certainly earned its reputation." From there, unless told to stop at any point, Narz launches into the cliff notes version of the venture, citing having seen spiders the sizes of houses ambushing prey by pretending to be trees, living shadows that played out dramatic versions of the end of some travelers, friendly will-o-wisps that often worked alongside the firbolgs, and of how he met Jolly, a brief compatriot of Zack and Nadia, rescued squad from something they called a Murr-lurker and kept the group safe until the way back to the material plane opened once more. 

His delivery of the story is a little on the dry side at first; but over time, the hobgoblin relaxed enough to let his feelings on some events bleed into his words.  Most of which being of either wonderment, disgust, or curiosity as the odd tangent led him to pondering aloud the merit and true nature of some aspect of the wilds before focusing again on the story. In the end, whether consciously or not, he also conveyed the hints of a predospition in the past as someone less regimented than his fellow hobgoblins. Whether this was an effect of the feywild or merely the quirk of his youth before being broken down and remolded by more militant influences is anyone's guess.

After speaking his spiel, the more interested others appear in the tale, the harder he tried to return to a more stoic veneer, as well as motioning for others to speak up in his place.

(I shall reply shortly but might as well ask now for everyone to provide a survival check for the next day of travel

Augrek for listens to the tale with rapt attention, seeming keen on hearing your story. Hobgoblins, firbolgs, the feywild mostly all foreign concepts for her, make for an interesting tale. By the end of it she lifts her flask amd says Truly a fine tale! I can see you've led an interesting life. I've not met many hobs in person, least none that weren't trying to kill me. Its certainly interesting to talk to one such as yourself. Ah but now I'll share a tale of me own. A tale about I conqured the dangers of the very mountain whose shadow we rest under. 

Augrek begins telling you about the time she climbed to the peak of Kelvins Cairn. She tells of the biting cold, scaling vertical cliffs hundres of feet up, navigating ice covered cliff edges in a several day long journey. The story quite literally reaches its peak when she tells about finally reaching the top and witnessing the surrounding landscape for miles on end.

Ah, she says recalling the memory. Few dwarves make the climb and fewer get to feel so tall. But following in the steps of those who came before and honoring their memory, well its worth a drink at the very least.

She takes another swig before putting the flask to the side. Well, that killed several hours. I think we best get some sleep. We will head out first thing in the morning. survival checks please. Group.advantage for Augreks help.

Zack had declined the drink, but once Narz had finished, since Claire seemed catatonic, he told her of everything up to that point, even as far back as what had happened to him, Angeal, and the like, all the way through to becoming the master at arms, marrying Nadia, and walking here with her sister, who was also silent. He left out only the parts of his willing involvement with Zhents at any point.

Surv: 21

Narz' Survival: 2.
(If allowed to get [help] from his familiar, here's the advantage roll: 9.)
(He'd also use Fortune of the Many to add +3 if the roll above is considered a failure and the +3 would help.)

 The next couple days consist of slow and deliberate movements through the tundra, attempting to avoid Yetis wolves and the local barbarians. One day after several hours of hiking Augrek stops you all with a raised hand. Pointing ahead over a snow drift you see a group of large wolves wandering the tundra in search of prey. 

Crouching down to make herself less visible Augrek turns to you all and says We'll have to make our way around. Luckily we are down wind for now. But I'd rather not get caught in a fi- 

Her eyes go wide as she stares at something behind you and up. Suddenly the bright sun seems to go dark as a shadow engulfs you. Down! She says before getting herself as close to the ground as she can. A Few seconds later a huge creature, a dragon with snow white scales, flies overhead and lands by the pack of wolves, unleasing its deadly breath into the group. A brief fight ensues as those wolves who don't immediately flee are slaughtered by the dragon.

Augrek, still as death and nearly as pale as the dragon says Bleeding dragon! Of all the rotten luck. Has it seen us? Moradins beard, let it not have seen us.

(I will post saturday, wont have time till then)

Narz hadn't needed to be told twice, and would practically dive to the ground with his hands placed squarely behind the back of his neck in a two pronged defense of some kind. When after a few seconds he instead felt rush of wind of some great creature flying overhead, he looks up with an incantation already on the tip of his tongue. But the words die on his tongue seeing the battle -- no, massacre playing out a ways before the group.

Yet in spite of Augrek's grim words, Narz furrowed his brow and clenched his fist, torn between actions. Eventually he gets out the words in kind of terse whispering, "I take it dragons up here aren't of a mind to parlay then? If not, do you think we can circle around and flee this place? Or might we be best staying put for now, Augrek?" He asks, and his did so, slipped out his focusing rod and held it low but at the ready in anticipation all the same of a fight.

Zack quickly squatted (something he was quite good at!) curling down into a ball, not too dissimilar to to a blue hedgehog... going low within a moment of being told, knowing not ducking could mean an arrow in the neck or worse. The feel of fresh powder circulating by like a snow globe as the dragon  whisked past, a chill air he barely felt going by. he had never seen a dragon before, not in person.

Narz asking some pertinent questions but forgetting some as well.. Know anything about that one? Maybe it's just feeding... I've heard that dragons sometimes feed on farmers live stock... Think he or she'd be up for talking or... not worth the risk? I'm pretty good at talkign to people... and i've charmed a few ladies in my life.. so if it's a female dragon... maybe but otherwise...But if dragons can see like hawks, staying or running is irrelevant... it'll spot us either way so.. its mostly a matter of just picking somehting... and doing it.

Augrek looks at you both incredulously. Talk? With a dragon? Are you insane? She looks around as if looking for a way out of here. 

But, well dammit. Zacks right. We can't stay here without being seen and we can't move either being seen either. I'm not familiar with this dragon beyond knowing to avoid it, but maybe, maybe if it's got a full stomach it'll be more inclined to not kill us on sight. 

Narz frowns at Augrek initially, but after looking again at the terrorizing dragon, he'd grimace soon replaced the frown. Just as he's about to open his mouth, the hobgoblin's eyes go wide mere moments before looking sharply to Zack as if he grew another head! But try as he might -- and he'd try several times to even formulate words -- all Narz can do is sputter a bit, before ultimately exhaling through his nose and shaking his head while turning his attention back to the dragon. "Well...it ain't like it'a be the first time someone managed such a method, if'n ya believe some bards, regardless of gender." 

He squints at the dragon. "Though usually, most of'em stories involve the metallics or the odd ones like a Song Dragon... Whatever heck that is." He snorts. "But, let's save that as a last resort. For now, I say we stay hunker down 'till it's finished their meal. With any luck, they aughta move on to find at least larger prey. And if it doesn't, and it's not in the mood for talk, then Augrek and our young elven friend should be ready to fight or flee from afar while the rest of us try our damnest to at least ward it off." He suggests while also scanning the environment for anything that could be useful alongside Sparz. Be it a possible avenue of escape or with the right application of magic, something to shatter and distract the dragon's attention while the party repositioned to some place safer.

Narz's Perception: 5.(14)

Spaz' Perception: 25.(20)

Claire takes perhaps an extra second to get down than the others, frozen in awe for a brief moment, but her months on the road and in combat now haven't been for nothing.  Without care for grace, she eats a face-full of snow before considering a course of action with the others.  "I know very little about dragons, but if the ones here tend not to be interested in talking... we have the drop on it right now.  I don't know any magic that could help conceal us, other than maybe using wind wall to kick up a bunch of snow as a cover, but that would be short lived."  Then she looks to Augrek.  "Do these dragons hunt solo or are there usually more than one of them?"

Having finished its slaughter the dragon begins collecting the bodies of the wolves up for easier consumption. During this process the dragon turns its back on you.

Augrek looks over the snow drift and shrugs at Claires question Don't see 'em often. But when we do its usually alone. Never seen more than one dragon in the same place. 

Spaz spots a rocky outcropping out to your right but there's quite a bit of space between you and it.  Natasha sees it too and says Either we wait here and hope it leaves or we make a run for it. I have a spell that will help conceal us. Narz, do you have anything that might help as well? Some illusion or quickness? Even if its just one of us to act as a distraction.